WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.799 I find it helpful, both in my personal life and in our family's life, as well as in my 00:00:05.799 --> 00:00:11.400 role as a pastor of this church, to step back and to take stock of where we've been in 00:00:11.400 --> 00:00:14.620 the past and where we're going in the future. 00:00:15.500 --> 00:00:18.320 And for me, the new year is often a time when I do that. 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:23.240 Over the last two weeks, I've had some time to reflect, and I wanted to begin this morning 00:00:23.240 --> 00:00:27.660 by sharing some reflections on where I think we are as a church. 00:00:28.660 --> 00:00:33.899 Just in the last six months, the Lord has done some wonderful and exciting things in 00:00:33.899 --> 00:00:34.439 this church. 00:00:35.079 --> 00:00:36.820 Let me just highlight three areas. 00:00:37.439 --> 00:00:44.060 First of all, the church plant in New London that we are praying and working towards. 00:00:44.280 --> 00:00:49.159 It's been a particular encouragement for me, working with this group of believers from New 00:00:49.159 --> 00:00:49.480 London. 00:00:50.480 --> 00:00:56.700 Every time I go out there, there are new people who I haven't met before who are joining their 00:00:56.700 --> 00:01:02.720 Bible studies and coming to our church plant prayer meetings and discussion meetings. 00:01:02.840 --> 00:01:08.540 Friends and co-workers that people have been praying for for months or years have come to 00:01:08.540 --> 00:01:10.980 faith in Jesus and are beginning to walk with Him. 00:01:11.879 --> 00:01:16.060 In December, they had 40 people come to their monthly co-ed Bible study. 00:01:17.000 --> 00:01:22.500 God is doing some wonderful things, and it's exciting for us to be a part of helping a new 00:01:22.500 --> 00:01:29.060 movement and laying the foundation for what we pray will ultimately be a new church. 00:01:30.120 --> 00:01:32.019 Second, our church's mission to New Haven. 00:01:32.980 --> 00:01:37.239 I believe that God is shaping us into a church that is increasingly international. 00:01:38.140 --> 00:01:44.439 If you just look around the room on almost any Sunday morning, even today, you can see people 00:01:44.439 --> 00:01:47.060 from all over the world, literally. 00:01:48.280 --> 00:01:51.500 And this is who we are as a church. 00:01:52.019 --> 00:01:57.739 And God has been putting it on people's hearts to be welcoming people from all over the world 00:01:57.739 --> 00:02:04.459 and finding ways to introduce them to Jesus, whom we love, whom we love so dearly. 00:02:04.459 --> 00:02:10.579 At the same time, I believe that God is also shaping us into a church with a heart for our city, 00:02:11.400 --> 00:02:15.659 including the many in our city who are broken and hurting and needy. 00:02:16.620 --> 00:02:22.359 And we, too, recognize our own brokenness and our hurt and our neediness as well. 00:02:24.079 --> 00:02:30.359 But some of us have been thinking and praying about starting a Christian addiction recovery group. 00:02:30.360 --> 00:02:34.640 And that's something that we've been praying and discussing about. 00:02:35.120 --> 00:02:40.640 There's a small group of people who have started meeting and praying about starting a Christian 00:02:40.640 --> 00:02:45.360 health clinic to provide holistic Christian-based care to people who need it. 00:02:46.140 --> 00:02:48.020 God is bringing people to this church. 00:02:48.260 --> 00:02:53.280 Some of you here aren't just people from all other parts of the world who have come to New Haven, 00:02:53.380 --> 00:02:55.200 but people who have been born and raised here. 00:02:55.860 --> 00:03:00.220 Or maybe even more miraculously, people who have come here from other places and don't have 00:03:00.219 --> 00:03:01.219 any plans to leave. 00:03:01.960 --> 00:03:07.560 And we praise God that God is giving us a heart for the city that he's put us in. 00:03:09.180 --> 00:03:14.939 Third, within our church family, we have had an explosion of new life. 00:03:15.060 --> 00:03:18.539 We have had 11 new babies in the last six months. 00:03:19.599 --> 00:03:21.219 Six in December alone. 00:03:22.020 --> 00:03:23.099 Now, that's a record. 00:03:25.180 --> 00:03:29.319 And so for that reason and others, we're considering our building space needs. 00:03:29.319 --> 00:03:32.859 How we can best use and adapt the space that we do have. 00:03:33.340 --> 00:03:38.239 Whether we need to build more space somehow for children's ministry and for multi-purpose 00:03:38.239 --> 00:03:39.900 meeting spaces and things like that. 00:03:40.299 --> 00:03:43.340 We've also celebrated several baptisms during the past year. 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:48.500 Testimonies to the work of God's Spirit and bringing people to new life in Jesus. 00:03:49.359 --> 00:03:51.840 And those are always awesome opportunities. 00:03:52.060 --> 00:03:55.740 And there are other people who are interested in baptism and we're talking with them and 00:03:55.740 --> 00:03:58.260 preparing them so we can look forward to more. 00:03:59.020 --> 00:04:02.020 So it is an exciting time to be part of this church. 00:04:02.800 --> 00:04:09.000 At the same time, the last six months, for me at least, have been one of the most difficult 00:04:09.000 --> 00:04:11.040 and stressful times in our church. 00:04:11.980 --> 00:04:17.120 Many of you have been facing and are facing personal trials. 00:04:17.120 --> 00:04:23.519 Whether it's grieving the death of a loved one who's passed away or caring for a child who's 00:04:23.519 --> 00:04:31.060 not doing well or struggling in a difficult marriage or trying to survive financially or 00:04:31.060 --> 00:04:37.579 simply being wearied by the constant fast pace and the onslaught of life. 00:04:38.180 --> 00:04:43.220 Every week at our staff meeting, we pray for a list of people who are sick or recovering 00:04:43.220 --> 00:04:43.879 from illness. 00:04:43.879 --> 00:04:45.980 And as the list continues to grow, the list continues to grow. 00:04:47.339 --> 00:04:50.879 But you know, we're not just a list of individuals who are facing our own struggles. 00:04:51.019 --> 00:04:54.360 We're a body of believers knit together in Jesus Christ. 00:04:54.459 --> 00:05:01.620 And so when we're a body, when one person is sorrowful, when one part is hurting, we all 00:05:01.620 --> 00:05:04.040 share in that hurt and that sorrow. 00:05:05.399 --> 00:05:09.879 For many of us, our hearts have been particularly burdened for Pastor Matt and Brandy. 00:05:09.879 --> 00:05:17.159 As Brandy's cancer continues to spread throughout her body and recently causing her much pain. 00:05:18.019 --> 00:05:19.139 We weep with them. 00:05:19.879 --> 00:05:26.060 We pray that God would do a miracle even as we face the reality that we are not in control 00:05:26.060 --> 00:05:29.180 of our life or our death. 00:05:29.180 --> 00:05:37.019 We face not only trials, physical and emotional, but also spiritual temptation. 00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:45.160 And the devil in our trial seeks to exaggerate our sinful tendencies, to drive us to anger 00:05:45.160 --> 00:05:53.460 and anxiety and despair, or to sow discord among brothers and sisters in Christ, or to distract 00:05:53.460 --> 00:05:56.000 and confuse us in a bunch of different ways. 00:05:56.000 --> 00:06:01.759 And over the last six months, I've been more acutely aware of the reality that every day 00:06:01.759 --> 00:06:08.899 we are in a spiritual battle, that we do have an enemy who wants to steal and kill and destroy, 00:06:09.980 --> 00:06:13.279 who wants to divide, frustrate and discourage us. 00:06:14.279 --> 00:06:17.560 And as I look ahead into this new year, I don't see an easy solution. 00:06:17.560 --> 00:06:23.100 I don't see a quick fix to our trials and temptations. 00:06:24.360 --> 00:06:25.620 There's a long road ahead. 00:06:26.199 --> 00:06:28.100 None of us can see exactly where it will lead. 00:06:29.280 --> 00:06:34.120 And so at the same time, I believe this is a very exciting time to be part of this church 00:06:34.120 --> 00:06:36.360 that God's brought us together for this purpose. 00:06:37.399 --> 00:06:41.000 And yet, it's a hard and difficult time at the same time. 00:06:41.000 --> 00:06:45.480 And I don't know how you're feeling individually and in your own families. 00:06:46.000 --> 00:06:48.660 You may be feeling one or both of those as well. 00:06:49.560 --> 00:06:54.220 But what I want to look at this morning is what we need to know in order to face whatever 00:06:54.220 --> 00:06:55.899 may come in this new year. 00:06:57.180 --> 00:06:59.519 For our text this morning, I've chosen Psalm 23. 00:07:00.579 --> 00:07:01.899 You can turn there in the Bible. 00:07:02.639 --> 00:07:06.480 It's page 458 in the Pew Bibles if you're looking at one of those. 00:07:06.480 --> 00:07:10.580 It's probably one of the most famous passages in the Bible. 00:07:15.980 --> 00:07:17.360 But it's a wonderful passage. 00:07:18.360 --> 00:07:20.439 It's well known for good reason. 00:07:21.700 --> 00:07:25.860 Now, since it's a psalm, psalms are designed for corporate worship and prayer. 00:07:26.259 --> 00:07:27.740 I'd like us to read it responsibly. 00:07:28.040 --> 00:07:31.400 We don't usually do this, but I'm going to read verse 1. 00:07:31.900 --> 00:07:33.600 Then you can respond with verse 2. 00:07:34.100 --> 00:07:35.580 Then I'll read verse 3 and so on. 00:07:36.480 --> 00:07:39.759 So Psalm 23. 00:07:42.620 --> 00:07:43.819 Let's read together. 00:07:44.980 --> 00:07:46.759 The Lord is my shepherd. 00:07:47.400 --> 00:07:48.680 I shall not want. 00:07:49.680 --> 00:07:52.500 He makes me lie down in green pastures. 00:07:53.040 --> 00:07:55.259 He leads me beside still waters. 00:07:55.960 --> 00:07:57.560 He restores my soul. 00:07:58.460 --> 00:08:02.360 He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 00:08:02.360 --> 00:08:09.020 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. 00:08:09.639 --> 00:08:10.939 For you are with me. 00:08:11.560 --> 00:08:14.139 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 00:08:14.780 --> 00:08:18.720 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 00:08:19.500 --> 00:08:21.259 You anoint my head with oil. 00:08:21.259 --> 00:08:23.319 My cup overflows. 00:08:23.319 --> 00:08:29.500 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. 00:08:29.500 --> 00:08:33.379 And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 00:08:34.440 --> 00:08:34.840 Amen. 00:08:34.840 --> 00:08:36.799 Now this is a very rich psalm. 00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:39.080 We could approach it from several angles. 00:08:39.279 --> 00:08:45.440 We could do a biographical study of the life of David and how God called him to be a shepherd of Israel. 00:08:45.440 --> 00:08:52.740 We could do a cultural background study of shepherds in the ancient Near East and what light that sheds on this passage. 00:08:52.880 --> 00:08:58.240 We could do a literary study of the grammar and the rhythm and the parallelism of the psalm. 00:08:58.600 --> 00:09:02.060 And all of those approaches could be fruitful in their own way. 00:09:02.900 --> 00:09:04.960 But today I want to focus on one thing. 00:09:05.720 --> 00:09:09.000 I want to focus on how Jesus lived out this psalm. 00:09:09.000 --> 00:09:15.840 And what it looks like for us to know and follow Jesus as our good shepherd today. 00:09:16.440 --> 00:09:23.080 And in particular I want to look at three pictures of how Jesus is this kind of shepherd. 00:09:23.220 --> 00:09:25.740 This shepherd that is described in this psalm. 00:09:26.279 --> 00:09:30.840 From three parts, three incidents in Jesus' life on earth. 00:09:31.340 --> 00:09:35.559 So the first thing I want to look at is how Jesus feeds us through his word. 00:09:35.559 --> 00:09:39.879 And we see this particularly in the New Testament in the feeding of the 5,000. 00:09:40.039 --> 00:09:42.539 But verses 1 and 2, it says, 00:09:42.639 --> 00:09:45.279 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 00:09:45.919 --> 00:09:48.659 He makes me lie down in green pastures. 00:09:49.759 --> 00:09:55.879 Now in the New Testament, there's this story of Jesus feeding this group of 5,000 people. 00:09:56.079 --> 00:09:56.899 Actually it's more than that. 00:09:56.939 --> 00:09:59.179 5,000 men plus women and children in the wilderness. 00:09:59.179 --> 00:10:06.259 And in that passage, before he feeds them with bread and fish, it says that Jesus saw, 00:10:06.879 --> 00:10:08.439 Mark 6, 34 says, 00:10:08.519 --> 00:10:11.979 Jesus saw that the people were like sheep without a shepherd. 00:10:13.019 --> 00:10:16.859 And so he began teaching them many things. 00:10:17.839 --> 00:10:21.459 In other words, Jesus recognized that their greatest need was a spiritual need 00:10:21.459 --> 00:10:25.120 that could be met by his word, by his teaching. 00:10:25.120 --> 00:10:28.279 They were people who were confused. 00:10:28.919 --> 00:10:29.639 They were insecure. 00:10:29.980 --> 00:10:35.039 They were prone to latch on to anyone who would come their way promising a better life. 00:10:36.940 --> 00:10:42.139 And so Jesus taught them with his word all day until the evening. 00:10:43.220 --> 00:10:45.100 Now, of course, by the evening time, they were hungry. 00:10:45.240 --> 00:10:47.779 And so that's where the food comes in. 00:10:47.899 --> 00:10:52.460 Jesus not only feeds them with his word, he also feeds them dinner. 00:10:52.460 --> 00:10:55.860 It says he made them sit down on the green grass. 00:10:56.560 --> 00:11:01.360 There's actually not many places in the New Testament where the grass is described as green 00:11:01.360 --> 00:11:04.379 or where colors are used in the Gospels. 00:11:04.420 --> 00:11:06.340 But it's one of the few places that points it out. 00:11:07.480 --> 00:11:13.480 You see, Jesus is living out this good shepherd who makes his sheep lie down in green pastures. 00:11:15.259 --> 00:11:18.740 And then at the end it says he fed them until they ate and were satisfied. 00:11:20.300 --> 00:11:22.320 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 00:11:23.240 --> 00:11:25.320 In other words, I'm satisfied. 00:11:25.680 --> 00:11:26.660 I have everything I need. 00:11:27.759 --> 00:11:34.620 You know, I'm told that usually sheep don't lie down if they're hungry or if they're afraid. 00:11:35.680 --> 00:11:38.940 They lie down only when they're satisfied and secure. 00:11:39.780 --> 00:11:42.080 And that's what Jesus does for us. 00:11:42.160 --> 00:11:44.400 He makes us satisfied and secure. 00:11:44.400 --> 00:11:48.560 He feeds and provides for us through his word. 00:11:48.559 --> 00:11:54.579 Now we think of that story in terms of the food that he fed them, but he spent all day teaching them. 00:11:55.399 --> 00:11:56.859 He fed them with his word. 00:11:57.679 --> 00:11:59.699 And Jesus feeds us today in the same way. 00:12:01.019 --> 00:12:01.799 He sees us. 00:12:01.799 --> 00:12:06.779 And like the crowds back then, he sees that we too, apart from him, are like sheep without a shepherd. 00:12:08.039 --> 00:12:10.240 And so he comes to teach us many things. 00:12:11.179 --> 00:12:18.120 To generously give us his wisdom so that we can feed on him and lay down and rest. 00:12:18.120 --> 00:12:22.940 So as we seek to move forward in planting a church in New London, 00:12:24.139 --> 00:12:27.139 in coming alongside those who are needy in our city, 00:12:27.240 --> 00:12:29.620 in sharing the gospel with people from all over the world, 00:12:30.360 --> 00:12:35.480 Jesus' word will sustain us, equip us, and direct us. 00:12:35.480 --> 00:12:40.639 As we raise children and seek to live as godly families, 00:12:41.440 --> 00:12:47.500 Jesus' word is what we need to be fed and sustained and satisfied. 00:12:48.600 --> 00:12:51.320 And it's the same as we face trials and temptations. 00:12:51.879 --> 00:12:54.740 As we face uncertainties and spiritual battles, 00:12:55.259 --> 00:12:59.659 Jesus' word will comfort us, uphold us, 00:12:59.659 --> 00:13:03.320 and keep our eyes fixed on our captain in the fight. 00:13:03.320 --> 00:13:05.720 As we walk through the wilderness, 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:10.460 his word is a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path. 00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:16.160 So brothers and sisters, may we sit at Jesus' feet this year and listen to him. 00:13:17.379 --> 00:13:19.040 May we come together every Sunday 00:13:19.040 --> 00:13:24.320 and every time we gather for small groups or Sunday school classes, 00:13:24.740 --> 00:13:26.700 hungry for his word, 00:13:28.040 --> 00:13:32.640 anticipating that God will meet with us and speak to us through his word. 00:13:33.320 --> 00:13:40.520 May we fight to carve out the time to listen to Jesus' word personally and in our families. 00:13:40.640 --> 00:13:41.860 Now, I know it's not easy. 00:13:43.660 --> 00:13:50.379 I find it's a constant battle for me to carve out time alone with God 00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:53.140 in reading the word and prayer. 00:13:54.120 --> 00:13:58.680 It's a battle that I feel like I've never been able to say I've won it. 00:13:58.679 --> 00:14:01.199 But it's always something that I'm in the middle of. 00:14:02.659 --> 00:14:06.120 Because there are a thousand things in this world that call for our attention. 00:14:07.079 --> 00:14:08.759 Think of all the things that call for your attention. 00:14:08.919 --> 00:14:09.919 Text message alerts. 00:14:10.959 --> 00:14:11.859 Crying toddlers. 00:14:12.799 --> 00:14:13.639 Demanding bosses. 00:14:14.979 --> 00:14:15.819 Unanswered emails. 00:14:17.219 --> 00:14:18.599 Dirty dishes in the sink. 00:14:19.699 --> 00:14:21.239 People asking you for help. 00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:24.039 All kinds of things. 00:14:25.060 --> 00:14:25.779 Good things. 00:14:26.379 --> 00:14:27.799 Bad things and different things. 00:14:28.840 --> 00:14:33.379 But hard as it may be, we must fight to carve out time to listen to God's word. 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:37.000 So that we can respond to all these other voices 00:14:37.000 --> 00:14:40.560 and all these other requests and all these other invitations. 00:14:40.559 --> 00:14:46.019 Not just frantically flying from one thing to another 00:14:46.019 --> 00:14:48.859 and lurching in all different directions and getting nowhere, 00:14:49.679 --> 00:14:51.859 but keeping our eyes on our shepherd 00:14:51.859 --> 00:14:56.899 and following him as we respond to everything else that comes into our life. 00:14:58.379 --> 00:14:59.459 And what does this look like? 00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:03.500 Well, the challenge may look different for each one of you. 00:15:03.539 --> 00:15:05.759 A year or two ago, I was talking to a medical resident. 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:10.379 And at that time, he was working literally 90 hours a week in the hospital. 00:15:11.100 --> 00:15:13.299 Now, I know there's a law that says 80 hours a week, 00:15:13.379 --> 00:15:15.899 but all the medical residents know that that law is not really followed. 00:15:16.460 --> 00:15:19.059 And he was in a program that was actually exempt from that law. 00:15:19.279 --> 00:15:22.460 So they could require him to work more than 80 hours a week. 00:15:23.000 --> 00:15:27.039 He said, the only time I have during my day consistently to sit and think 00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:28.179 is when I go to the bathroom. 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:30.779 And so he says, I make it a habit. 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:33.360 I have the Bible on my phone. 00:15:33.360 --> 00:15:38.779 And I make it a habit to read the Bible on my phone in the hospital bathroom. 00:15:39.840 --> 00:15:42.060 And so that while I'm in the middle of my work, 00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:45.779 I can be filling my mind with God's word 00:15:45.779 --> 00:15:49.560 and seeking to display the fruits of the spirit in my workplace 00:15:49.560 --> 00:15:54.779 instead of falling into some of the negative patterns in my workplace. 00:15:55.940 --> 00:15:57.460 Or historical example. 00:15:57.620 --> 00:15:59.060 This is a little extreme as well. 00:15:59.059 --> 00:16:03.659 But Susanna Wesley gave birth to 19 children in 19 years. 00:16:05.579 --> 00:16:07.139 Nine of them died as infants. 00:16:09.179 --> 00:16:11.879 But she had to raise 10 of them to adulthood. 00:16:12.939 --> 00:16:15.879 She had a rocking chair where she would sit down 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:18.019 and pull her apron over her face 00:16:18.019 --> 00:16:21.479 and she would tell her children not to bother her for a few minutes. 00:16:21.480 --> 00:16:25.060 And she did this consistently so her children knew. 00:16:25.700 --> 00:16:26.440 They knew the drill. 00:16:27.320 --> 00:16:29.740 Mommy sits in her chair and puts her apron over her face. 00:16:29.899 --> 00:16:31.039 It means she's praying. 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:33.759 And you don't bother her for a few minutes. 00:16:34.700 --> 00:16:39.560 So even in the middle of being constantly pregnant 00:16:39.560 --> 00:16:43.600 and raising that many children, 00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:46.820 she fought to carve out time 00:16:46.820 --> 00:16:50.600 to listen to the Lord and to be with Him. 00:16:50.940 --> 00:16:52.379 Now, I don't know what it looks like for you. 00:16:52.460 --> 00:16:55.259 Most of our life circumstances are not quite that extreme. 00:16:55.379 --> 00:16:57.240 Most of us are not working 90 hours a week. 00:16:57.580 --> 00:16:59.360 Most of us are not raising 10 children 00:16:59.360 --> 00:17:03.940 or being caught pregnant for most of 19 years. 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:07.400 But it's worth the effort 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:10.099 to fight to carve out the time 00:17:10.099 --> 00:17:12.299 to read and meditate on God's word, 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:14.059 whether that means getting up early in the morning, 00:17:14.779 --> 00:17:15.899 spending time at night, 00:17:16.019 --> 00:17:18.399 or setting a routine with your spouse 00:17:18.399 --> 00:17:20.720 so that one of you can watch the kids 00:17:20.720 --> 00:17:23.599 and the other one can have some time alone with the Lord. 00:17:25.500 --> 00:17:26.659 If you need some structure, 00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:29.539 there's Bible reading plans on the back table. 00:17:29.779 --> 00:17:31.200 It's called More Precious Than Gold. 00:17:31.519 --> 00:17:32.200 They're free. 00:17:32.299 --> 00:17:33.240 You can pick up one of those 00:17:33.240 --> 00:17:35.180 if that would help you to have some structure 00:17:35.180 --> 00:17:38.379 in how you read through the Bible this year. 00:17:38.500 --> 00:17:40.359 It gives some different tracks that you can follow. 00:17:40.359 --> 00:17:43.259 If you've never had the habit of reading the Bible, 00:17:44.599 --> 00:17:51.139 ask somebody else who you think might have 00:17:51.139 --> 00:17:52.579 and say, how do you do it? 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:56.059 Could I join you maybe once a week 00:17:56.059 --> 00:17:59.479 for your time reading the Bible and praying 00:17:59.479 --> 00:18:01.179 just to do it with you? 00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:03.240 That's how you learn these things 00:18:03.240 --> 00:18:05.259 is by seeing other people doing them 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:07.619 and by trial and error yourself as well. 00:18:07.619 --> 00:18:10.779 But, brothers and sisters, 00:18:10.879 --> 00:18:13.179 let's spend time in the Word of God, 00:18:13.959 --> 00:18:15.500 both individually and corporately. 00:18:16.059 --> 00:18:18.099 Jesus feeds us and He meets us 00:18:18.099 --> 00:18:21.319 and He satisfies us with the wisdom in His Word. 00:18:22.299 --> 00:18:24.819 So that's the first way that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. 00:18:24.919 --> 00:18:26.239 He feeds us through His Word. 00:18:27.179 --> 00:18:30.379 But the second way that Jesus is our Good Shepherd 00:18:30.379 --> 00:18:34.000 is that Jesus comes near to us with His presence 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:36.700 when we're overwhelmed and distressed. 00:18:37.640 --> 00:18:39.900 And in the New Testament where we see this, 00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:41.299 one place where we see this, 00:18:41.700 --> 00:18:43.480 is in the story that comes right after 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:45.240 the feeding of the 5,000 00:18:45.240 --> 00:18:47.420 in Matthew, Mark, and John. 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:48.460 Luke doesn't include it. 00:18:48.779 --> 00:18:51.099 But in three of the four Gospels, 00:18:52.380 --> 00:18:54.960 they finish this long day 00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:56.740 where Jesus had been teaching them all day 00:18:56.740 --> 00:18:59.359 and then He makes the disciples feed dinner 00:18:59.359 --> 00:19:00.779 to all these guys, 00:19:01.140 --> 00:19:02.700 5,000 guys. 00:19:03.059 --> 00:19:05.019 Goodness, that's a big catering job. 00:19:05.620 --> 00:19:08.500 And then He sends the disciples in a boat 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:09.319 across the lake 00:19:09.319 --> 00:19:10.940 and He goes up the mountain to pray. 00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:14.700 And so they were already tired before this. 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:17.000 They had a long day out in the hot desert sun. 00:19:17.079 --> 00:19:17.680 Then they were feeding, 00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:18.900 then they were the catering crew 00:19:18.900 --> 00:19:20.299 for a 5,000 person dinner. 00:19:20.519 --> 00:19:22.039 And now they're rowing across the lake 00:19:22.039 --> 00:19:25.180 and they have a stiff headwind coming the wrong way. 00:19:25.180 --> 00:19:26.880 And so they're rowing 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:29.360 for almost the whole night. 00:19:30.360 --> 00:19:33.240 And then around 4 or 5 a.m., 00:19:33.240 --> 00:19:35.640 Jesus comes out to them 00:19:35.640 --> 00:19:36.820 walking on the lake. 00:19:37.299 --> 00:19:39.779 And they did exactly what you and I would do 00:19:39.779 --> 00:19:41.560 if we were in that situation. 00:19:41.680 --> 00:19:42.940 They totally freaked out. 00:19:43.620 --> 00:19:45.080 And they think He's a ghost. 00:19:45.860 --> 00:19:46.580 And He says, 00:19:46.680 --> 00:19:47.259 Take heart. 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:48.580 It's me. 00:19:49.259 --> 00:19:50.160 I am. 00:19:50.840 --> 00:19:52.200 Don't be afraid. 00:19:53.100 --> 00:19:54.279 And He gets into the boat 00:19:54.279 --> 00:19:56.660 and immediately the wind dies down 00:19:56.660 --> 00:19:59.960 and the waters become still. 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:02.819 Now, if you notice, 00:20:03.399 --> 00:20:04.579 the 23rd Psalm 00:20:04.579 --> 00:20:08.019 begins by talking about the Lord feeding us 00:20:08.019 --> 00:20:10.039 and making us lie down in green pastures. 00:20:10.099 --> 00:20:11.139 And the next verse says, 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:15.059 He leads me beside still waters. 00:20:15.619 --> 00:20:16.399 In other words, 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:17.279 He brings peace 00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:19.700 in the midst of chaos 00:20:19.700 --> 00:20:20.940 and confusion 00:20:20.940 --> 00:20:23.059 and overwhelming circumstances. 00:20:26.080 --> 00:20:27.160 And verse 4 says, 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:28.519 Even though I walk through the valley 00:20:28.519 --> 00:20:29.620 of the shadow of death 00:20:29.620 --> 00:20:32.519 or row through the middle of the night 00:20:32.519 --> 00:20:33.500 on a dark lake 00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:35.220 with the wind coming against me, 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:38.880 even there you are with me 00:20:38.880 --> 00:20:40.759 and I will fear no evil. 00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:44.599 So in this account, 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:45.460 and you can find it 00:20:45.460 --> 00:20:46.680 at the end of Mark chapter 6 00:20:46.680 --> 00:20:47.940 if you want to read it, 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:49.559 Jesus sends His disciples 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:50.359 across the lake 00:20:50.359 --> 00:20:51.720 into the storm. 00:20:53.140 --> 00:20:54.140 And we have to say 00:20:54.140 --> 00:20:55.099 that Jesus knew 00:20:55.099 --> 00:20:57.220 what they were facing. 00:20:58.579 --> 00:21:00.200 Jesus wasn't surprised 00:21:00.200 --> 00:21:01.779 by the storm 00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:02.640 that they encountered. 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:05.339 He saw how it affected them 00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:05.940 on the lake 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:07.680 as He was praying for them 00:21:07.680 --> 00:21:08.480 on the hillside. 00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:10.099 And you know, 00:21:10.180 --> 00:21:11.900 sometimes Jesus calls us 00:21:11.900 --> 00:21:14.099 to do hard things 00:21:14.099 --> 00:21:16.099 and make sacrifices 00:21:16.099 --> 00:21:18.700 for the sake of His mission 00:21:18.700 --> 00:21:20.759 to seek and save 00:21:20.759 --> 00:21:22.599 more lost sheep. 00:21:23.860 --> 00:21:25.019 The disciples had spent 00:21:25.019 --> 00:21:25.700 the whole day 00:21:25.700 --> 00:21:26.759 in the hot sun. 00:21:28.059 --> 00:21:29.779 And then Jesus had asked them 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:30.539 to feed dinner 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:31.900 to 5,000 men. 00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:33.779 And then He had sent them 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:34.960 rowing all night in a boat 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:36.299 on a stormy lake. 00:21:37.259 --> 00:21:38.380 They were exhausted. 00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:42.019 Now we have some exciting 00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:43.160 opportunities before us 00:21:43.160 --> 00:21:43.720 as a church. 00:21:44.660 --> 00:21:46.099 The opportunity to support 00:21:46.099 --> 00:21:47.240 a new church plant. 00:21:47.319 --> 00:21:48.440 The opportunity to introduce 00:21:48.440 --> 00:21:49.299 people to Jesus 00:21:49.299 --> 00:21:50.539 from all over the world. 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:52.460 To reach people in our city 00:21:52.460 --> 00:21:53.819 who are broken and hurting. 00:21:54.319 --> 00:21:55.400 To raise children. 00:21:56.360 --> 00:21:58.480 To be godly men and women 00:21:58.480 --> 00:22:00.720 in the family of the church. 00:22:01.160 --> 00:22:02.519 But none of these things 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:03.460 are easy. 00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:06.500 They all have a cost. 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:06.539 They all have a cost. 00:22:06.539 --> 00:22:10.480 Of time and energy and money. 00:22:11.480 --> 00:22:14.819 They call for humility and patience. 00:22:15.579 --> 00:22:17.660 The word patience can be translated 00:22:17.660 --> 00:22:18.960 long suffering. 00:22:20.700 --> 00:22:23.100 Now sacrifice and humility 00:22:23.100 --> 00:22:25.340 and patient endurance 00:22:25.340 --> 00:22:27.559 may sound like noble 00:22:27.559 --> 00:22:28.660 and lofty virtues. 00:22:28.660 --> 00:22:32.200 But they don't always feel good. 00:22:34.200 --> 00:22:35.259 When you're in the middle 00:22:35.259 --> 00:22:36.380 of a stormy night 00:22:36.380 --> 00:22:37.880 trying to row across a lake. 00:22:39.140 --> 00:22:40.300 When you've been awakened 00:22:40.300 --> 00:22:41.300 for the fourth time 00:22:41.300 --> 00:22:42.279 in the night 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:44.100 with a sick child. 00:22:45.200 --> 00:22:47.140 When you're trying to reach out 00:22:47.140 --> 00:22:48.480 to a friend 00:22:48.480 --> 00:22:50.320 who is in some trouble. 00:22:50.319 --> 00:22:54.200 But the promise of Jesus 00:22:54.200 --> 00:22:54.819 is this. 00:22:55.399 --> 00:22:56.799 That when we walk with him. 00:22:57.439 --> 00:22:58.200 That when we walk 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:59.119 in obedience to him 00:22:59.119 --> 00:22:59.819 that he is never 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:01.659 far away from us. 00:23:02.339 --> 00:23:03.460 He is always 00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:04.720 interceding for us. 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:05.960 As Jesus was on the hillside 00:23:05.960 --> 00:23:06.439 all night 00:23:06.439 --> 00:23:07.179 while the disciples 00:23:07.179 --> 00:23:08.439 were facing the storm 00:23:08.439 --> 00:23:09.179 he was praying. 00:23:10.359 --> 00:23:11.700 And he was praying for them. 00:23:13.679 --> 00:23:14.659 You see even when 00:23:14.659 --> 00:23:16.779 God seems most far away. 00:23:17.779 --> 00:23:18.799 Even when we feel 00:23:18.799 --> 00:23:19.439 exhausted. 00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:21.240 overwhelmed by life 00:23:21.240 --> 00:23:22.420 and far away from God. 00:23:22.559 --> 00:23:24.019 When we've made sacrifices 00:23:24.019 --> 00:23:24.820 to follow Jesus 00:23:24.820 --> 00:23:25.539 and we don't 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:27.740 and we feel burned out. 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:30.400 Jesus comes near 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:31.860 to meet us. 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:34.000 And strengthen us. 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:35.100 And encourage us. 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:35.960 And give rest 00:23:35.960 --> 00:23:38.279 to our weary souls 00:23:38.279 --> 00:23:39.740 and bodies. 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:41.440 And to let us know 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:42.779 as he said to his disciples 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:44.100 it's me. 00:23:45.100 --> 00:23:45.900 I'm here. 00:23:47.259 --> 00:23:48.299 You're not alone. 00:23:49.440 --> 00:23:52.279 This is how Jesus 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:53.340 is our good shepherd. 00:23:53.460 --> 00:23:54.900 He comes near to us 00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:55.960 with his presence. 00:23:57.700 --> 00:23:57.960 And you know 00:23:57.960 --> 00:23:58.740 sometimes Jesus 00:23:58.740 --> 00:23:59.539 mercy 00:23:59.539 --> 00:24:01.820 to weary disciples 00:24:01.820 --> 00:24:04.059 comes in very concrete 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:04.960 tangible 00:24:04.960 --> 00:24:06.519 material packages. 00:24:07.559 --> 00:24:09.059 Like a good night's sleep. 00:24:10.320 --> 00:24:12.000 Or a satisfying meal 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:13.480 cooked and delivered 00:24:13.480 --> 00:24:14.480 by a friend. 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:17.019 or a solitary walk 00:24:17.019 --> 00:24:18.200 through snow 00:24:18.200 --> 00:24:18.980 covered woods. 00:24:19.660 --> 00:24:21.200 Or an unexpected gift 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:22.640 when finances 00:24:22.640 --> 00:24:23.160 are shorn. 00:24:24.660 --> 00:24:25.500 Jesus feeds us 00:24:25.500 --> 00:24:26.200 with his word. 00:24:27.559 --> 00:24:28.700 We need to see that. 00:24:30.160 --> 00:24:31.079 And in some way 00:24:31.079 --> 00:24:32.759 that's a primary 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:33.380 and important 00:24:33.380 --> 00:24:33.960 and essential. 00:24:34.920 --> 00:24:35.880 But Jesus also 00:24:35.880 --> 00:24:36.940 knows and cares 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:38.160 for our very 00:24:38.160 --> 00:24:39.440 concrete 00:24:39.440 --> 00:24:40.200 bodily 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:40.900 weaknesses. 00:24:40.900 --> 00:24:42.519 when we're just 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:43.460 exhausted 00:24:43.460 --> 00:24:44.440 and can't 00:24:44.440 --> 00:24:45.000 and feel like 00:24:45.000 --> 00:24:45.980 we can't 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:47.019 make it any longer. 00:24:47.880 --> 00:24:49.220 He reassures us 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:50.820 sometimes in very 00:24:50.820 --> 00:24:51.740 concrete ways 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:52.480 of his love 00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:53.640 and his shepherding care. 00:24:55.240 --> 00:24:55.980 There's a story 00:24:55.980 --> 00:24:56.580 in the Old Testament 00:24:56.580 --> 00:24:57.560 of the prophet Elijah. 00:24:58.720 --> 00:25:00.019 And the prophet Elijah 00:25:00.019 --> 00:25:01.519 had endured 00:25:01.519 --> 00:25:02.740 an intense conflict 00:25:02.740 --> 00:25:04.120 with the wicked 00:25:04.120 --> 00:25:05.060 king Ahab 00:25:05.060 --> 00:25:05.840 of Israel 00:25:05.840 --> 00:25:07.100 and all his 00:25:07.100 --> 00:25:07.600 prophets 00:25:07.599 --> 00:25:08.699 of the false 00:25:08.699 --> 00:25:09.339 god Baal. 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.719 And Queen Jezebel 00:25:11.719 --> 00:25:12.259 hated him. 00:25:12.819 --> 00:25:13.299 So she 00:25:13.299 --> 00:25:14.519 vowed to kill him 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:15.219 and so Elijah 00:25:15.219 --> 00:25:15.879 ran away 00:25:15.879 --> 00:25:17.259 into the desert 00:25:17.259 --> 00:25:18.919 and he just 00:25:18.919 --> 00:25:19.619 crashed. 00:25:21.099 --> 00:25:21.839 He had been 00:25:21.839 --> 00:25:22.759 standing for God 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:24.179 and proclaiming 00:25:24.179 --> 00:25:24.619 his word 00:25:24.619 --> 00:25:25.619 amidst 00:25:25.619 --> 00:25:26.579 intense opposition 00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:28.519 and he finally 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:30.299 it just 00:25:30.299 --> 00:25:31.259 got too much 00:25:31.259 --> 00:25:31.599 for him. 00:25:32.679 --> 00:25:33.639 He was exhausted. 00:25:33.919 --> 00:25:34.619 He was burned out. 00:25:34.699 --> 00:25:35.339 He was depressed. 00:25:36.059 --> 00:25:36.299 He said, 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:36.619 Lord, 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:37.740 I don't want 00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:38.299 to be a prophet 00:25:38.299 --> 00:25:38.799 anymore. 00:25:40.419 --> 00:25:41.059 I don't even 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:41.779 want to be alive 00:25:41.779 --> 00:25:42.220 anymore. 00:25:43.740 --> 00:25:44.500 It's enough. 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:45.139 Just 00:25:45.139 --> 00:25:46.599 take my life. 00:25:48.339 --> 00:25:48.839 And you know 00:25:48.839 --> 00:25:49.319 what God said 00:25:49.319 --> 00:25:49.579 to him? 00:25:51.059 --> 00:25:51.579 God said, 00:25:51.659 --> 00:25:52.299 you need some sleep. 00:25:53.079 --> 00:25:53.799 Go to sleep. 00:25:55.720 --> 00:25:56.379 So he slept 00:25:56.379 --> 00:25:57.019 for a long time. 00:25:57.079 --> 00:25:57.419 And then you know 00:25:57.419 --> 00:25:57.759 what he did 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:58.379 when he was sleeping? 00:25:58.960 --> 00:25:59.819 God sent an angel. 00:26:01.879 --> 00:26:02.539 But the angel 00:26:02.539 --> 00:26:03.200 didn't come with 00:26:03.200 --> 00:26:03.839 a message. 00:26:04.339 --> 00:26:05.059 The angel came 00:26:05.059 --> 00:26:05.619 to cook him dinner. 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:08.839 And he said, 00:26:08.879 --> 00:26:09.099 Elijah, 00:26:09.200 --> 00:26:09.619 wake up. 00:26:09.940 --> 00:26:10.559 Your dinner's ready. 00:26:11.319 --> 00:26:11.899 Here you go. 00:26:12.399 --> 00:26:13.200 Hot off the fire 00:26:13.200 --> 00:26:14.720 with a glass 00:26:14.720 --> 00:26:15.419 of cool water. 00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:17.359 Then go to sleep 00:26:17.359 --> 00:26:17.619 again. 00:26:19.799 --> 00:26:20.460 Then the angel 00:26:20.460 --> 00:26:20.980 came back 00:26:20.980 --> 00:26:21.680 and cooked him 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:22.139 breakfast. 00:26:24.879 --> 00:26:25.639 And then Elijah 00:26:25.639 --> 00:26:26.599 took a long walk 00:26:26.599 --> 00:26:28.779 for 40 days 00:26:28.779 --> 00:26:29.399 and 40 nights 00:26:29.399 --> 00:26:29.919 through the desert. 00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:32.079 And after that 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:32.700 long walk, 00:26:33.419 --> 00:26:34.240 he was finally 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:35.480 ready to hear 00:26:35.480 --> 00:26:36.019 God's word. 00:26:38.019 --> 00:26:38.480 Do you know 00:26:38.480 --> 00:26:38.900 that sometimes 00:26:38.900 --> 00:26:39.819 that's how broken 00:26:39.819 --> 00:26:41.599 down we can get? 00:26:42.640 --> 00:26:43.279 I don't know 00:26:43.279 --> 00:26:43.839 if you've been there. 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:46.259 But sometimes 00:26:46.259 --> 00:26:46.920 that's how broken 00:26:46.920 --> 00:26:47.620 down we can get. 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:49.140 We're so exhausted. 00:26:49.599 --> 00:26:50.680 We're so burned out 00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:51.500 that we can hardly 00:26:51.500 --> 00:26:53.039 hear the word of God 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:53.980 and find comfort 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:54.440 in it. 00:26:55.200 --> 00:26:55.660 And Jesus 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:56.960 is very merciful. 00:26:57.960 --> 00:26:58.539 He sends 00:26:58.539 --> 00:26:59.480 his messengers 00:26:59.480 --> 00:27:01.920 to cook us meals 00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:03.740 and let us sleep. 00:27:04.800 --> 00:27:05.279 You know, 00:27:05.340 --> 00:27:06.440 sometimes the best way 00:27:06.440 --> 00:27:07.940 to come alongside 00:27:07.940 --> 00:27:08.800 someone who is 00:27:08.800 --> 00:27:10.220 really suffering, 00:27:10.920 --> 00:27:12.220 who's totally 00:27:12.220 --> 00:27:12.820 overwhelmed, 00:27:13.560 --> 00:27:14.200 who's fighting 00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:15.019 a hard battle, 00:27:15.460 --> 00:27:17.400 is not to go to them 00:27:17.400 --> 00:27:18.100 and preach a sermon 00:27:18.100 --> 00:27:20.620 or quote a long list 00:27:20.620 --> 00:27:21.340 of Bible verses 00:27:21.340 --> 00:27:22.860 or give them 00:27:22.860 --> 00:27:23.640 lots of advice, 00:27:24.140 --> 00:27:24.960 but to bring them 00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:25.380 a meal 00:27:25.380 --> 00:27:26.960 or bring them 00:27:26.960 --> 00:27:27.820 a plate of cookies 00:27:27.819 --> 00:27:29.919 or shovel their walk 00:27:29.919 --> 00:27:31.799 without asking 00:27:31.799 --> 00:27:34.019 or offer to babysit 00:27:34.019 --> 00:27:34.480 their kids 00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:35.119 for two hours 00:27:35.119 --> 00:27:36.240 just so they can sleep 00:27:36.240 --> 00:27:38.619 or so they can go 00:27:38.619 --> 00:27:39.079 for a walk 00:27:39.079 --> 00:27:39.619 in the woods 00:27:39.619 --> 00:27:42.240 on a beautiful 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:42.859 snowy day. 00:27:43.899 --> 00:27:45.059 If somebody offers 00:27:45.059 --> 00:27:46.039 you a gift like that, 00:27:46.819 --> 00:27:47.939 don't refuse it 00:27:47.939 --> 00:27:48.939 out of pride. 00:27:50.159 --> 00:27:50.439 You know, 00:27:50.480 --> 00:27:51.359 sometimes we refuse 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:52.339 help from others 00:27:52.339 --> 00:27:54.000 because we're proud 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:55.019 of being self-sufficient 00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:56.460 and never needing 00:27:56.460 --> 00:27:57.799 anything from anyone. 00:27:57.799 --> 00:28:00.019 But you know, 00:28:00.079 --> 00:28:00.639 as Christians, 00:28:01.039 --> 00:28:02.159 in Jesus Christ, 00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:04.059 we've all received 00:28:04.059 --> 00:28:05.240 salvation, 00:28:05.579 --> 00:28:06.859 which is a gift 00:28:06.859 --> 00:28:08.019 that we can never deserve 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:10.599 and that we can never repay. 00:28:11.899 --> 00:28:13.299 So don't be ashamed 00:28:13.299 --> 00:28:14.919 to receive 00:28:14.919 --> 00:28:16.619 much smaller gifts 00:28:16.619 --> 00:28:19.039 from another person. 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:21.639 It's all part of Jesus, 00:28:22.180 --> 00:28:23.139 your Good Shepherd's, 00:28:23.139 --> 00:28:24.059 provision for you. 00:28:25.359 --> 00:28:26.079 He's sending 00:28:26.079 --> 00:28:27.379 someone your way 00:28:27.380 --> 00:28:28.740 to let you know 00:28:28.740 --> 00:28:29.900 that he sees you 00:28:29.900 --> 00:28:31.680 and that he loves you 00:28:31.680 --> 00:28:33.320 and that he's with you 00:28:33.320 --> 00:28:35.360 and he hasn't abandoned you. 00:28:39.020 --> 00:28:40.300 If you really don't need 00:28:40.300 --> 00:28:41.480 what somebody else gives you, 00:28:41.580 --> 00:28:42.160 pay it forward. 00:28:43.580 --> 00:28:43.740 Right? 00:28:43.880 --> 00:28:44.660 Find a way to give it 00:28:44.660 --> 00:28:45.400 to somebody else. 00:28:46.400 --> 00:28:47.100 Offer the same thing 00:28:47.100 --> 00:28:47.460 to them. 00:28:49.540 --> 00:28:50.320 Pass on the blessing. 00:28:50.319 --> 00:28:54.559 Jesus feeds us with his word. 00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:56.579 He comes to meet us 00:28:56.579 --> 00:28:57.619 with his presence 00:28:57.619 --> 00:28:58.519 in very tangible 00:28:58.519 --> 00:28:59.679 and concrete ways. 00:29:01.419 --> 00:29:02.119 And he says, 00:29:02.200 --> 00:29:02.700 take heart. 00:29:03.159 --> 00:29:03.879 I'm here. 00:29:04.599 --> 00:29:05.319 Don't be afraid. 00:29:07.240 --> 00:29:07.679 Finally, 00:29:07.879 --> 00:29:09.200 the last thing we see 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:10.539 is that Jesus 00:29:10.539 --> 00:29:11.579 pursues us 00:29:11.579 --> 00:29:13.619 to shield us from danger 00:29:13.619 --> 00:29:15.240 and bring us safely home. 00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:18.220 Verse 3 says, 00:29:18.319 --> 00:29:20.480 he restores my soul. 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:22.559 That word restores 00:29:22.559 --> 00:29:23.539 means repairs 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:24.819 or it could mean 00:29:24.819 --> 00:29:25.940 brings back. 00:29:28.599 --> 00:29:29.279 In other words, 00:29:29.339 --> 00:29:30.700 Jesus comes to bring us back 00:29:30.700 --> 00:29:32.079 when we've wandered away, 00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:33.359 to renew us 00:29:33.359 --> 00:29:34.460 when we've, 00:29:35.740 --> 00:29:36.120 when we're, 00:29:37.519 --> 00:29:38.880 the flame is flickering low. 00:29:38.880 --> 00:29:41.720 He leads us 00:29:41.720 --> 00:29:42.660 in passive righteousness. 00:29:42.860 --> 00:29:44.340 He prepares a table for us 00:29:44.340 --> 00:29:45.640 in the midst of our enemies. 00:29:45.780 --> 00:29:46.520 And verse 6 says, 00:29:46.820 --> 00:29:47.460 surely goodness 00:29:47.460 --> 00:29:48.960 and steadfast love 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:50.360 will follow me. 00:29:52.320 --> 00:29:53.160 In other words, 00:29:53.220 --> 00:29:53.700 that means 00:29:53.700 --> 00:29:55.060 God's goodness 00:29:55.060 --> 00:29:56.600 and steadfast love 00:29:56.600 --> 00:29:57.800 in Jesus Christ 00:29:57.800 --> 00:29:58.940 will chase us down 00:29:58.940 --> 00:30:00.000 for the rest of our lives. 00:30:01.620 --> 00:30:02.240 You see, 00:30:02.340 --> 00:30:03.660 God doesn't merely respond 00:30:03.660 --> 00:30:04.820 to our requests. 00:30:06.620 --> 00:30:08.380 But he initiates with us 00:30:08.380 --> 00:30:09.500 and he follows through 00:30:09.500 --> 00:30:10.740 all the way to the end. 00:30:12.160 --> 00:30:13.780 We see this in Jesus' life 00:30:13.780 --> 00:30:14.960 most particularly 00:30:14.960 --> 00:30:17.260 at the end of his life 00:30:17.260 --> 00:30:19.200 and the events leading up 00:30:19.200 --> 00:30:20.220 to his death on the cross. 00:30:21.580 --> 00:30:22.720 Mark chapter 14, 00:30:22.780 --> 00:30:23.880 verse 27 and 28, 00:30:24.000 --> 00:30:25.020 Jesus said to his disciples, 00:30:25.480 --> 00:30:25.740 he said, 00:30:25.800 --> 00:30:26.880 you will all fall away 00:30:26.880 --> 00:30:28.480 for it is written, 00:30:28.660 --> 00:30:29.800 I will strike the shepherd 00:30:29.800 --> 00:30:31.720 and the sheep 00:30:31.720 --> 00:30:32.980 will be scattered. 00:30:34.100 --> 00:30:36.020 But after I am raised up, 00:30:36.320 --> 00:30:37.860 I will go before you 00:30:37.859 --> 00:30:39.019 to Galilee. 00:30:39.919 --> 00:30:40.699 In other words, 00:30:40.779 --> 00:30:42.319 Jesus goes before us 00:30:42.319 --> 00:30:44.799 in his death on the cross. 00:30:45.439 --> 00:30:47.459 And he also goes before us 00:30:47.459 --> 00:30:48.839 in his resurrection 00:30:48.839 --> 00:30:49.579 from the dead. 00:30:50.779 --> 00:30:52.019 In his death on the cross, 00:30:52.139 --> 00:30:53.339 Jesus is the good shepherd 00:30:53.339 --> 00:30:55.299 laying down his life 00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:55.919 for the sheep. 00:30:56.979 --> 00:30:58.279 And he goes before us 00:30:58.279 --> 00:30:58.959 in his resurrection 00:30:58.959 --> 00:30:59.779 when he takes up 00:30:59.779 --> 00:31:00.500 his life again 00:31:00.500 --> 00:31:03.519 as the triumphant victor 00:31:03.519 --> 00:31:04.859 over death 00:31:04.859 --> 00:31:06.039 and the grave. 00:31:07.160 --> 00:31:08.420 Jesus has overcome 00:31:08.420 --> 00:31:10.339 our greatest enemies 00:31:10.339 --> 00:31:11.279 in his death 00:31:11.279 --> 00:31:11.839 and resurrection. 00:31:12.019 --> 00:31:12.460 He has overcome 00:31:12.460 --> 00:31:13.619 the world 00:31:13.619 --> 00:31:15.839 that seeks to allure us 00:31:15.839 --> 00:31:16.799 with false hopes 00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:18.279 and false promises. 00:31:19.480 --> 00:31:21.259 He has rendered powerless 00:31:21.259 --> 00:31:21.819 the devil, 00:31:22.599 --> 00:31:23.319 the accuser 00:31:23.319 --> 00:31:25.000 who seeks to condemn us. 00:31:26.079 --> 00:31:28.099 He has defeated death 00:31:28.099 --> 00:31:29.819 like no one else 00:31:29.819 --> 00:31:30.599 ever has. 00:31:32.759 --> 00:31:34.079 But Jesus has not only 00:31:34.079 --> 00:31:35.819 defeated the world 00:31:35.819 --> 00:31:36.819 and the devil 00:31:36.819 --> 00:31:37.719 and death, 00:31:38.639 --> 00:31:39.319 the enemies 00:31:39.319 --> 00:31:40.439 outside of us, 00:31:40.939 --> 00:31:41.859 he's also 00:31:41.859 --> 00:31:44.259 conquered our sin. 00:31:45.819 --> 00:31:46.619 Because you see, 00:31:46.699 --> 00:31:47.539 sometimes we 00:31:47.539 --> 00:31:49.159 are our own 00:31:49.159 --> 00:31:49.779 worst enemy. 00:31:52.319 --> 00:31:53.399 Sometimes our own worst, 00:31:53.500 --> 00:31:55.039 sometimes our circumstances 00:31:55.039 --> 00:31:57.440 are not our greatest enemy. 00:31:58.579 --> 00:31:59.319 Other people 00:31:59.319 --> 00:32:01.119 are not our greatest enemy. 00:32:02.259 --> 00:32:03.099 Even Satan 00:32:03.099 --> 00:32:03.659 may not be 00:32:03.659 --> 00:32:04.319 our greatest enemy. 00:32:05.079 --> 00:32:05.779 Sometimes it's 00:32:05.779 --> 00:32:07.299 our own sinful nature. 00:32:08.379 --> 00:32:10.039 Our self-destructive habits 00:32:10.039 --> 00:32:11.159 that we get into. 00:32:11.619 --> 00:32:12.539 Our pride 00:32:12.539 --> 00:32:14.359 that we refuse 00:32:14.359 --> 00:32:15.159 to let go of. 00:32:16.359 --> 00:32:17.000 But you know what? 00:32:17.299 --> 00:32:18.099 On the cross, 00:32:18.519 --> 00:32:19.440 Jesus has conquered 00:32:19.440 --> 00:32:20.859 even that. 00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:23.259 He died 00:32:23.259 --> 00:32:25.059 to free us 00:32:25.059 --> 00:32:26.079 from the penalty 00:32:26.079 --> 00:32:26.980 that we deserve 00:32:26.980 --> 00:32:27.640 for our sin. 00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:29.619 And he has placed 00:32:29.619 --> 00:32:30.420 his Holy Spirit 00:32:30.420 --> 00:32:31.480 within all 00:32:31.480 --> 00:32:32.759 who believe in him 00:32:32.759 --> 00:32:34.440 so that we can be free 00:32:34.440 --> 00:32:35.579 from the power, 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:37.000 the enslaving power 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:37.460 of sin. 00:32:38.420 --> 00:32:39.640 And he perseveres 00:32:39.640 --> 00:32:40.640 with us to the end 00:32:40.640 --> 00:32:42.680 until a day 00:32:42.680 --> 00:32:43.759 when we will one day 00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:44.299 be free 00:32:44.299 --> 00:32:46.619 from any sin at all. 00:32:48.279 --> 00:32:49.119 When we see him 00:32:49.119 --> 00:32:49.799 face to face. 00:32:50.660 --> 00:32:50.859 You see, 00:32:50.920 --> 00:32:51.779 Jesus is our good shepherd 00:32:51.779 --> 00:32:52.859 from beginning to end. 00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:54.440 Who protects us 00:32:54.440 --> 00:32:55.339 from our enemies 00:32:55.339 --> 00:32:56.339 outside us 00:32:56.339 --> 00:32:57.220 and our enemies 00:32:57.220 --> 00:32:58.240 within us. 00:32:59.140 --> 00:32:59.879 From our own 00:32:59.879 --> 00:33:00.559 worst tendencies. 00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:01.759 It says, 00:33:01.859 --> 00:33:03.140 your rod and your staff, 00:33:03.480 --> 00:33:04.160 they comfort me. 00:33:05.339 --> 00:33:05.599 You know, 00:33:05.640 --> 00:33:06.119 as a shepherd, 00:33:06.240 --> 00:33:06.960 part of the purpose 00:33:06.960 --> 00:33:07.559 of a rod 00:33:07.559 --> 00:33:09.099 is to beat off 00:33:09.099 --> 00:33:09.759 predators, 00:33:10.599 --> 00:33:10.960 bears, 00:33:11.420 --> 00:33:12.099 and wolves 00:33:12.099 --> 00:33:13.200 that want to come 00:33:13.200 --> 00:33:13.900 and eat the sheep. 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:16.319 But part of the purpose 00:33:16.319 --> 00:33:17.599 of a rod and the staff 00:33:17.599 --> 00:33:20.160 is to keep the sheep 00:33:20.160 --> 00:33:20.619 in line. 00:33:20.619 --> 00:33:22.459 to discipline 00:33:22.459 --> 00:33:23.239 the sheep. 00:33:24.219 --> 00:33:26.199 To bring them out 00:33:26.199 --> 00:33:27.599 of thorny bushes 00:33:27.599 --> 00:33:28.239 that they've got 00:33:28.239 --> 00:33:28.899 themselves in 00:33:28.899 --> 00:33:30.079 and pull them out. 00:33:32.419 --> 00:33:32.939 Apparently, 00:33:33.059 --> 00:33:34.459 I've heard 00:33:34.459 --> 00:33:35.239 that sometimes 00:33:35.239 --> 00:33:36.159 a shepherd 00:33:36.159 --> 00:33:36.719 will even 00:33:36.719 --> 00:33:38.619 injure a sheep 00:33:38.619 --> 00:33:40.079 temporarily 00:33:40.079 --> 00:33:41.299 if that sheep 00:33:41.299 --> 00:33:41.639 is prone 00:33:41.639 --> 00:33:42.599 to wander away 00:33:42.599 --> 00:33:44.059 into fatal danger 00:33:44.059 --> 00:33:45.940 so that the injured 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:46.639 sheep would stay 00:33:46.639 --> 00:33:47.399 with the flock 00:33:47.399 --> 00:33:49.379 and stay with the shepherd 00:33:49.379 --> 00:33:49.799 and therefore 00:33:49.799 --> 00:33:50.460 be protected 00:33:50.460 --> 00:33:52.179 even though 00:33:52.179 --> 00:33:53.159 the sheep 00:33:53.159 --> 00:33:53.639 is limping. 00:33:55.599 --> 00:33:55.899 You see, 00:33:55.960 --> 00:33:56.740 Jesus knows 00:33:56.740 --> 00:33:58.480 the tendencies 00:33:58.480 --> 00:33:59.220 that we have 00:33:59.220 --> 00:34:00.700 to sabotage 00:34:00.700 --> 00:34:01.299 ourselves 00:34:01.299 --> 00:34:03.059 to... 00:34:05.139 --> 00:34:05.839 Jesus knows 00:34:05.839 --> 00:34:06.259 our own 00:34:06.259 --> 00:34:06.940 worst tendencies 00:34:06.940 --> 00:34:09.480 and he will 00:34:09.480 --> 00:34:10.400 even shield us 00:34:10.400 --> 00:34:11.380 by his grace 00:34:11.380 --> 00:34:12.460 from those 00:34:12.460 --> 00:34:13.960 as our good shepherd. 00:34:14.740 --> 00:34:15.159 He has come 00:34:15.159 --> 00:34:15.700 to shield us 00:34:15.700 --> 00:34:16.200 from danger 00:34:16.200 --> 00:34:17.079 and bring us 00:34:17.079 --> 00:34:17.720 safely home. 00:34:18.720 --> 00:34:19.240 So whether we're 00:34:19.240 --> 00:34:19.980 going forth 00:34:19.980 --> 00:34:20.740 boldly 00:34:20.740 --> 00:34:21.820 in mission 00:34:21.820 --> 00:34:23.099 for Jesus' sake 00:34:23.099 --> 00:34:24.240 or whether we're 00:34:24.240 --> 00:34:24.900 struggling through 00:34:24.900 --> 00:34:26.079 trials and temptations 00:34:26.079 --> 00:34:27.079 for Jesus' sake, 00:34:27.119 --> 00:34:27.920 we can be confident 00:34:27.920 --> 00:34:28.780 that Jesus, 00:34:29.240 --> 00:34:29.980 our good shepherd, 00:34:30.119 --> 00:34:30.720 has gone 00:34:30.720 --> 00:34:31.760 before us 00:34:31.760 --> 00:34:34.780 and that he 00:34:34.780 --> 00:34:35.619 pursues us. 00:34:35.619 --> 00:34:38.639 to shield us 00:34:38.639 --> 00:34:39.139 from danger 00:34:39.139 --> 00:34:40.219 and bring us 00:34:40.219 --> 00:34:40.839 safely home. 00:34:42.500 --> 00:34:43.599 And that is good news 00:34:43.599 --> 00:34:44.480 that we can count on. 00:34:45.779 --> 00:34:46.839 We can count on that 00:34:46.839 --> 00:34:47.319 in life 00:34:47.319 --> 00:34:48.380 and we can count on 00:34:48.380 --> 00:34:48.960 that in death 00:34:48.960 --> 00:34:50.259 that Jesus has gone 00:34:50.259 --> 00:34:51.079 before us. 00:34:51.880 --> 00:34:52.719 I want to close 00:34:52.719 --> 00:34:54.139 with a verse 00:34:54.139 --> 00:34:55.019 from the Apostle Paul. 00:34:56.079 --> 00:34:56.839 The Apostle Paul 00:34:56.839 --> 00:34:59.719 went forth boldly 00:34:59.719 --> 00:35:01.559 proclaiming Jesus 00:35:01.559 --> 00:35:03.579 throughout the world 00:35:03.579 --> 00:35:05.960 and the Apostle Paul 00:35:05.960 --> 00:35:06.840 faced more trials 00:35:06.840 --> 00:35:07.599 and temptations 00:35:07.599 --> 00:35:09.000 than probably 00:35:09.000 --> 00:35:10.380 almost any of us 00:35:10.380 --> 00:35:10.739 will face 00:35:10.739 --> 00:35:11.440 in our lifetime. 00:35:12.900 --> 00:35:13.699 Fightings within, 00:35:13.819 --> 00:35:14.400 fears without, 00:35:15.460 --> 00:35:15.980 he says. 00:35:16.480 --> 00:35:17.079 And when he was 00:35:17.079 --> 00:35:18.559 sitting in a cold 00:35:18.559 --> 00:35:19.679 Roman prison 00:35:19.679 --> 00:35:22.360 facing the prospect 00:35:22.360 --> 00:35:23.500 of almost certain death, 00:35:23.559 --> 00:35:24.079 he wrote the book 00:35:24.079 --> 00:35:24.759 of 2 Timothy, 00:35:25.259 --> 00:35:26.099 which is probably 00:35:26.099 --> 00:35:26.779 the last letter 00:35:26.779 --> 00:35:27.319 that he wrote. 00:35:28.079 --> 00:35:28.860 And in the book 00:35:28.860 --> 00:35:29.519 of 2 Timothy, 00:35:29.519 --> 00:35:30.619 he speaks confidently 00:35:30.619 --> 00:35:32.239 about the promise 00:35:32.239 --> 00:35:32.819 of life 00:35:32.819 --> 00:35:34.099 in Christ Jesus, 00:35:34.219 --> 00:35:34.819 the grace 00:35:34.819 --> 00:35:35.839 given us 00:35:35.839 --> 00:35:36.559 in Jesus 00:35:36.559 --> 00:35:37.440 before the beginning 00:35:37.440 --> 00:35:38.019 of time 00:35:38.019 --> 00:35:39.440 and revealed 00:35:39.440 --> 00:35:40.119 through the appearing 00:35:40.119 --> 00:35:40.579 of Jesus 00:35:40.579 --> 00:35:41.699 who destroyed death 00:35:41.699 --> 00:35:42.619 and brought life 00:35:42.619 --> 00:35:43.359 and immortality 00:35:43.359 --> 00:35:43.900 to light. 00:35:44.259 --> 00:35:44.599 And he says, 00:35:44.659 --> 00:35:45.319 God has given us 00:35:45.319 --> 00:35:45.779 a spirit 00:35:45.779 --> 00:35:46.699 not of fear 00:35:46.699 --> 00:35:48.079 but of power, 00:35:48.559 --> 00:35:49.079 of love, 00:35:49.380 --> 00:35:50.279 and of self-control. 00:35:50.719 --> 00:35:51.699 So don't be ashamed 00:35:51.699 --> 00:35:52.679 of the good news 00:35:52.679 --> 00:35:53.119 of Jesus. 00:35:53.819 --> 00:35:54.339 Go forth 00:35:54.339 --> 00:35:55.159 and proclaim it 00:35:55.159 --> 00:35:56.519 in season 00:35:56.519 --> 00:35:57.559 and out of season 00:35:57.559 --> 00:35:58.619 with great patience 00:35:58.619 --> 00:36:00.099 and careful instruction. 00:36:01.480 --> 00:36:03.000 He speaks confidently 00:36:03.000 --> 00:36:04.500 but he also speaks 00:36:04.500 --> 00:36:05.319 honestly 00:36:05.319 --> 00:36:07.119 about the hardships 00:36:07.119 --> 00:36:08.079 of living 00:36:08.079 --> 00:36:08.920 as a follower 00:36:08.920 --> 00:36:09.400 of Jesus. 00:36:10.579 --> 00:36:11.219 He says, 00:36:11.279 --> 00:36:11.559 Timothy, 00:36:11.699 --> 00:36:12.539 the Christian life 00:36:12.539 --> 00:36:13.779 is like being 00:36:13.779 --> 00:36:15.219 a loyal soldier. 00:36:16.159 --> 00:36:16.940 It's like being 00:36:16.940 --> 00:36:18.319 a disciplined athlete. 00:36:19.319 --> 00:36:19.900 It's like being 00:36:19.900 --> 00:36:21.699 a hard-working farmer. 00:36:22.159 --> 00:36:23.960 Not easy jobs. 00:36:24.599 --> 00:36:26.779 Not stress-free life. 00:36:27.920 --> 00:36:28.279 He says, 00:36:28.280 --> 00:36:29.019 God has called us 00:36:29.019 --> 00:36:30.380 to share in suffering 00:36:30.380 --> 00:36:31.480 for the gospel 00:36:31.480 --> 00:36:31.980 of Jesus. 00:36:33.800 --> 00:36:34.420 He says, 00:36:34.460 --> 00:36:34.880 some people 00:36:34.880 --> 00:36:35.480 have abandoned 00:36:35.480 --> 00:36:36.340 the faith. 00:36:37.100 --> 00:36:37.980 They've swerved 00:36:37.980 --> 00:36:38.940 from the truth. 00:36:39.780 --> 00:36:40.600 They get caught 00:36:40.600 --> 00:36:41.340 in quarrels 00:36:41.340 --> 00:36:42.460 about words. 00:36:42.960 --> 00:36:43.260 He says, 00:36:43.300 --> 00:36:43.680 there will be 00:36:43.680 --> 00:36:44.560 terrible times 00:36:44.560 --> 00:36:46.000 in the latter days. 00:36:46.800 --> 00:36:47.480 But he ends 00:36:47.480 --> 00:36:47.920 this letter 00:36:47.920 --> 00:36:49.060 with these words. 00:36:49.440 --> 00:36:50.680 2 Timothy 4.18 00:36:50.679 --> 00:36:52.500 The Lord 00:36:52.500 --> 00:36:54.059 will rescue me 00:36:54.059 --> 00:36:56.399 from every evil deed 00:36:56.399 --> 00:36:58.199 and bring me safely 00:36:58.199 --> 00:37:00.059 into his heavenly kingdom. 00:37:00.059 --> 00:37:02.099 To him be the glory 00:37:02.099 --> 00:37:03.579 forever and ever. 00:37:05.059 --> 00:37:06.659 That was Paul's, 00:37:06.779 --> 00:37:08.059 one of Paul's last words. 00:37:08.059 --> 00:37:08.679 words. 00:37:09.799 --> 00:37:10.400 Jesus, 00:37:10.920 --> 00:37:12.539 my faithful shepherd, 00:37:13.340 --> 00:37:15.279 will rescue me 00:37:15.279 --> 00:37:17.900 from every evil attack, 00:37:18.279 --> 00:37:19.880 every evil deed, 00:37:20.279 --> 00:37:21.579 and he will bring me 00:37:21.579 --> 00:37:23.119 safely home. 00:37:23.799 --> 00:37:25.400 That's what we need to know 00:37:25.400 --> 00:37:27.279 in this new year. 00:37:28.139 --> 00:37:29.420 Let us pray. 00:37:29.420 --> 00:37:37.139 A prayer for the new year. 00:37:39.420 --> 00:37:41.420 O love beyond compare, 00:37:42.480 --> 00:37:43.320 you are good 00:37:43.320 --> 00:37:44.500 when you give 00:37:44.500 --> 00:37:46.579 and when you take away. 00:37:47.840 --> 00:37:50.000 When the sun shines upon me, 00:37:50.720 --> 00:37:51.619 when the night 00:37:51.619 --> 00:37:52.900 gathers over me. 00:37:53.920 --> 00:37:55.180 You have loved me 00:37:55.180 --> 00:37:56.920 before the foundation 00:37:56.920 --> 00:37:57.619 of the world 00:37:57.619 --> 00:37:59.300 and in love 00:37:59.300 --> 00:38:01.000 you redeemed my soul. 00:38:02.260 --> 00:38:03.320 You love me still 00:38:03.320 --> 00:38:05.920 in spite of my hard heart, 00:38:06.860 --> 00:38:07.880 my ingratitude, 00:38:08.660 --> 00:38:09.519 my distrust. 00:38:10.580 --> 00:38:11.080 Your goodness 00:38:11.080 --> 00:38:12.660 has been with me 00:38:12.660 --> 00:38:13.860 through another year, 00:38:15.160 --> 00:38:16.039 leading me through 00:38:16.039 --> 00:38:17.620 a twisting wilderness 00:38:17.620 --> 00:38:19.080 in retreat, 00:38:19.500 --> 00:38:20.720 helping me to advance 00:38:20.720 --> 00:38:22.539 when beaten back, 00:38:23.180 --> 00:38:24.260 making sure headway. 00:38:25.280 --> 00:38:26.220 Your goodness 00:38:26.220 --> 00:38:27.460 will be with me 00:38:27.460 --> 00:38:28.620 in the year ahead. 00:38:29.300 --> 00:38:31.019 I hoist, 00:38:31.280 --> 00:38:31.600 sail, 00:38:32.000 --> 00:38:33.140 and draw up anchor 00:38:33.140 --> 00:38:33.900 with you 00:38:33.900 --> 00:38:35.100 as the blessed pilot 00:38:35.100 --> 00:38:36.660 of my future 00:38:36.660 --> 00:38:38.460 as of my past. 00:38:39.260 --> 00:38:40.340 I bless you 00:38:40.340 --> 00:38:41.160 that you have veiled 00:38:41.160 --> 00:38:41.940 my eyes 00:38:41.940 --> 00:38:43.260 to the waters ahead. 00:38:44.060 --> 00:38:45.120 If you have appointed 00:38:45.120 --> 00:38:46.680 storms of tribulation, 00:38:47.100 --> 00:38:48.240 you will be with me 00:38:48.240 --> 00:38:48.780 in them. 00:38:49.840 --> 00:38:51.120 If I have to pass 00:38:51.120 --> 00:38:51.780 through tempests 00:38:51.780 --> 00:38:52.539 of persecution 00:38:52.539 --> 00:38:53.360 and temptation, 00:38:53.580 --> 00:38:54.720 I shall not drown. 00:38:54.719 --> 00:38:57.359 If I am to die, 00:38:57.359 --> 00:38:59.299 I will see your face 00:38:59.299 --> 00:39:00.019 the sooner. 00:39:01.019 --> 00:39:02.339 If a painful end 00:39:02.339 --> 00:39:03.539 is to be my lot, 00:39:04.319 --> 00:39:05.159 grant me grace 00:39:05.159 --> 00:39:07.359 that my faith fail not. 00:39:08.199 --> 00:39:10.059 If I am to be cast aside 00:39:10.059 --> 00:39:11.759 from the service I love, 00:39:12.139 --> 00:39:14.119 I can make no stipulation. 00:39:14.959 --> 00:39:16.439 Only glorify yourself 00:39:16.439 --> 00:39:17.399 in me. 00:39:18.179 --> 00:39:19.259 Whether in comfort 00:39:19.260 --> 00:39:20.440 or trial 00:39:20.440 --> 00:39:22.280 as a chosen vessel 00:39:22.280 --> 00:39:23.680 always fit 00:39:23.680 --> 00:39:25.000 for your use. 00:39:26.320 --> 00:39:26.720 Amen. 00:39:26.719 --> 00:39:31.899 Well, this morning 00:39:31.899 --> 00:39:34.019 we come to the Lord's table. 00:39:34.899 --> 00:39:35.699 To the table 00:39:35.699 --> 00:39:36.279 of the shepherd 00:39:36.279 --> 00:39:37.459 who laid down 00:39:37.459 --> 00:39:37.959 his life 00:39:37.959 --> 00:39:39.279 for us. 00:39:39.939 --> 00:39:41.119 And in the Lord's supper, 00:39:42.059 --> 00:39:44.019 Jesus has fed us 00:39:44.019 --> 00:39:44.699 with his word 00:39:44.699 --> 00:39:46.639 and he comes near to us 00:39:46.639 --> 00:39:48.199 in a very concrete, 00:39:48.759 --> 00:39:49.139 tangible, 00:39:49.579 --> 00:39:50.459 physical way 00:39:50.459 --> 00:39:52.699 through broken bread 00:39:52.699 --> 00:39:54.980 and poured out juice. 00:39:54.980 --> 00:39:56.740 Paul says, 00:39:56.820 --> 00:39:57.519 the cup of blessing 00:39:57.519 --> 00:39:58.240 that we bless, 00:39:58.860 --> 00:39:59.900 is it not a participation 00:39:59.900 --> 00:40:01.219 in the blood of Christ? 00:40:01.480 --> 00:40:02.760 The bread that we break, 00:40:03.219 --> 00:40:04.199 is it not a participation 00:40:04.199 --> 00:40:05.599 in the body of Christ? 00:40:06.059 --> 00:40:06.599 In other words, 00:40:06.679 --> 00:40:08.179 Jesus is present here 00:40:08.179 --> 00:40:09.219 at this table, 00:40:09.820 --> 00:40:10.699 in this fellowship, 00:40:11.440 --> 00:40:12.579 by his Holy Spirit, 00:40:13.260 --> 00:40:14.240 so that when we receive 00:40:14.240 --> 00:40:14.760 the bread 00:40:14.760 --> 00:40:15.659 and the cup, 00:40:16.179 --> 00:40:17.280 we are assured 00:40:17.280 --> 00:40:19.119 that Jesus' love for us 00:40:19.119 --> 00:40:21.619 and Jesus' promise to us 00:40:21.619 --> 00:40:23.019 in his death 00:40:23.019 --> 00:40:24.099 and his resurrection 00:40:24.099 --> 00:40:26.139 is just as real, 00:40:26.239 --> 00:40:27.400 even more real, 00:40:27.900 --> 00:40:29.039 than this piece of bread 00:40:29.039 --> 00:40:31.019 and this cup of grape juice. 00:40:32.519 --> 00:40:33.679 Jesus has prepared 00:40:33.679 --> 00:40:36.059 his table for us. 00:40:36.839 --> 00:40:37.839 So if you're here, 00:40:37.900 --> 00:40:38.519 if you're a believer 00:40:38.519 --> 00:40:39.480 in Jesus Christ, 00:40:40.219 --> 00:40:41.380 if he is 00:40:41.380 --> 00:40:42.799 your good shepherd 00:40:42.799 --> 00:40:44.559 who laid down his life 00:40:44.559 --> 00:40:45.519 for you on the cross 00:40:45.519 --> 00:40:46.779 and rose again 00:40:46.779 --> 00:40:47.940 three days later, 00:40:48.559 --> 00:40:49.619 and if you are part 00:40:49.619 --> 00:40:50.339 of his flock, 00:40:51.039 --> 00:40:52.319 part of his church, 00:40:52.320 --> 00:40:54.400 whether it's this church 00:40:54.400 --> 00:40:55.740 or another local church, 00:40:56.240 --> 00:40:57.480 take, eat, and drink 00:40:57.480 --> 00:40:58.820 and be assured 00:40:58.820 --> 00:41:00.039 of his love 00:41:00.039 --> 00:41:01.480 for you today. 00:41:02.480 --> 00:41:03.600 If you don't believe 00:41:03.600 --> 00:41:04.080 in Jesus, 00:41:04.600 --> 00:41:06.280 if you're still exploring 00:41:06.280 --> 00:41:07.720 and working through things, 00:41:07.780 --> 00:41:08.840 we're glad you're here today. 00:41:10.420 --> 00:41:11.920 I hope that you'll see this 00:41:11.920 --> 00:41:12.940 as an invitation 00:41:12.940 --> 00:41:14.059 to consider 00:41:14.059 --> 00:41:15.380 who Jesus is. 00:41:16.400 --> 00:41:17.320 If you don't believe 00:41:17.320 --> 00:41:17.640 in Jesus, 00:41:17.780 --> 00:41:18.500 don't take the bread 00:41:18.500 --> 00:41:18.920 and the cup, 00:41:18.980 --> 00:41:19.800 just pass them by, 00:41:19.800 --> 00:41:20.680 it's fine, 00:41:20.840 --> 00:41:22.200 but just take this time 00:41:22.200 --> 00:41:23.480 to consider 00:41:23.480 --> 00:41:24.200 what it would mean 00:41:24.200 --> 00:41:24.640 for you 00:41:24.640 --> 00:41:25.860 to take Jesus 00:41:25.860 --> 00:41:27.640 as your good shepherd. 00:41:28.900 --> 00:41:30.000 You can even pray. 00:41:30.600 --> 00:41:30.720 Say, 00:41:30.780 --> 00:41:31.519 Jesus, take me. 00:41:32.340 --> 00:41:33.039 I don't want to live 00:41:33.039 --> 00:41:33.580 my life 00:41:33.580 --> 00:41:34.800 for myself 00:41:34.800 --> 00:41:35.460 anymore. 00:41:36.360 --> 00:41:37.300 I want you 00:41:37.300 --> 00:41:38.840 to be my shepherd. 00:41:39.460 --> 00:41:40.440 I want to be yours 00:41:40.440 --> 00:41:41.200 forever. 00:41:42.240 --> 00:41:43.220 And he will hear 00:41:43.220 --> 00:41:44.400 and answer that prayer. 00:41:45.780 --> 00:41:46.539 For those who are 00:41:46.539 --> 00:41:47.140 serving communion, 00:41:47.740 --> 00:41:48.760 come to the front now. 00:41:49.800 --> 00:41:50.160 John, 00:41:50.200 --> 00:42:06.840 would you give thanks 00:42:06.840 --> 00:42:08.880 for the bread? 00:42:08.880 --> 00:42:08.940 Thank you. 00:42:08.940 --> 00:42:08.980 Thank you. 00:42:19.800 --> 00:42:20.180 Lord, 00:42:20.280 --> 00:42:23.380 how precious 00:42:23.380 --> 00:42:23.940 the words 00:42:23.940 --> 00:42:24.760 of this psalm. 00:42:24.760 --> 00:42:24.820 Thank you. 00:42:24.820 --> 00:42:25.420 Thank you. 00:42:25.420 --> 00:42:25.760 Thank you. 00:42:25.760 --> 00:42:26.620 Thank you.