WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.320 Good morning, everyone. Welcome to St Paul's. My name's Steve. I've not met you. I'm a senior pastor here. 00:00:06.360 --> 00:00:14.660 ! And we, this term, what we're doing is we're looking back on what has been called Follow 25. 00:00:15.580 --> 00:00:19.539 That is our five-year ministry plan as we draw that to a close. 00:00:19.539 --> 00:00:28.820 And we are, at the same time, looking forward into what God is leading us into as a church and planning our future together, 00:00:28.820 --> 00:00:44.420 particularly to see lives transformed by Jesus in our society, particularly in a society that nowadays doesn't see the Christian faith as true, as good, or even beautiful. 00:00:45.039 --> 00:00:52.179 And so the Old Testament book of Esther that we're working through is really just helping us see what it means to follow God, 00:00:52.179 --> 00:01:04.180 what does it mean to trust Him in times like this, a time when Christians are a minority, where Christianity has been sidelined. 00:01:04.280 --> 00:01:09.840 So what does it mean to be that people in our society nowadays? 00:01:09.840 --> 00:01:19.680 And what Esther is helping us to see, particularly today, that what we need is we need an element of boldness and courage 00:01:19.680 --> 00:01:29.640 and something that really, for us on the North Shore, is not something that we have in a great deal of amount. 00:01:29.640 --> 00:01:32.900 That is, the culture of the North Shore is settled. 00:01:33.519 --> 00:01:38.340 You might have taken risks to get here, but once you're here, you're not going to take risks to lose it. 00:01:39.099 --> 00:01:41.439 And so the North Shore is famous for that. 00:01:41.579 --> 00:01:43.280 It's famous for it's being settled. 00:01:43.420 --> 00:01:46.460 The risk, don't like change, doesn't like too much risk. 00:01:46.539 --> 00:01:53.000 Don't want to put at all, any threat, what we have attained for ourselves. 00:01:53.000 --> 00:01:58.959 And so how do we be bold and courageous in a culture right here that tells us not to? 00:01:59.780 --> 00:02:02.620 So if you've got the St. Paul's app, open it up. 00:02:02.700 --> 00:02:05.420 Keep the Bible passage there in front of you. 00:02:05.540 --> 00:02:07.500 These are our points for today. 00:02:07.939 --> 00:02:10.280 First of all, risking nothing and losing everything. 00:02:10.939 --> 00:02:18.639 So if you've just joined us, Esther is the story of a young Jewish woman living as an exile in the Persian Empire. 00:02:18.639 --> 00:02:28.279 And through a series of events that God is sovereignly and silently working in the background in all of this, all these events, 00:02:28.779 --> 00:02:39.799 she is picked out of obscurity and chosen by Xerxes I, the most powerful man in the universe at that point, to be his new queen. 00:02:39.800 --> 00:02:48.680 And the whole time that she has kept her Jewish identity, her culture and her God hidden. 00:02:49.240 --> 00:02:52.400 She's kept that hidden away, screwed away secretly. 00:02:52.939 --> 00:03:00.000 In chapter three, as we looked at last week, an edict goes out of the whole Persian Empire that on a particular set date, 00:03:00.360 --> 00:03:05.460 the Jewish people are to be exterminated within the Persian Empire. 00:03:05.460 --> 00:03:12.120 And so we pick up the story with the aftermath of that edict going out. 00:03:12.719 --> 00:03:18.100 And so chapter four begins with Esther's cousin Mordecai. 00:03:18.500 --> 00:03:24.780 He's in sackcloth and mourning in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate. 00:03:24.920 --> 00:03:26.280 See how it reads there. 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:27.439 Chapter four, verse one. 00:03:27.439 --> 00:03:54.159 He wasn't allowed to go inside the king's gate into the palace center because you're not allowed to have sackcloth and mourning in the palace. 00:03:54.159 --> 00:04:01.340 So what we, when it's king's gate, Mordecai is at the gate, the palace gate. 00:04:02.000 --> 00:04:07.159 Chapter one, verse two, names that palace as the citadel of Susa. 00:04:07.979 --> 00:04:16.420 The citadel of Susa was a strongly fortified, elevated palace in the center of Susa, 00:04:16.860 --> 00:04:20.879 the center of the Roman Empire, sorry, the Persian Empire. 00:04:20.879 --> 00:04:31.959 And it was designed, the whole palace was designed to elevate the importance of the king and to guard the king. 00:04:32.439 --> 00:04:42.899 It was to elevate the importance and to protect the king, his court and anyone who resided within the palace. 00:04:42.899 --> 00:04:52.899 And in other words, to be in the palace, to be in the citadel was to be at the center of power and influence. 00:04:54.399 --> 00:04:58.159 And Mordecai is at the gate of that complex. 00:04:59.500 --> 00:05:02.519 Esther is inside that complex. 00:05:02.519 --> 00:05:14.259 And he's trying to get her attention so that she might do something to save her people, God's people. 00:05:14.259 --> 00:05:22.800 Now what we see here as in the first section of chapter four, 00:05:23.699 --> 00:05:32.199 is that there is an enormous amount of danger of being settled in the palace, of living in the palace. 00:05:33.060 --> 00:05:35.399 We see it in Esther's response in verse four. 00:05:35.399 --> 00:05:41.659 When Esther's eunuchs and female attendants came and told her Mordecai, she was in great distress. 00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:49.239 She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. 00:05:50.239 --> 00:05:56.719 So Esther, her response to hearing about Mordecai is to send him clothes. 00:05:56.720 --> 00:06:05.140 She's in great distress because potentially he's making a spectacle of himself, embarrassing himself, 00:06:05.500 --> 00:06:09.220 maybe even embarrassing her by relationship. 00:06:10.560 --> 00:06:14.860 Mordecai is distraught with the fate of God's people, 00:06:15.860 --> 00:06:21.200 but it seems Esther is isolated entirely from the impending tragedy. 00:06:21.199 --> 00:06:29.199 Every Jew from Ethiopia to India was mourning because of this edict, 00:06:29.560 --> 00:06:31.759 and she did not have a clue. 00:06:34.560 --> 00:06:38.959 Well, she didn't care because she was in the palace. 00:06:41.159 --> 00:06:45.719 Perhaps she didn't have time between the manicures and pedicures and the facials. 00:06:45.720 --> 00:06:56.060 In any case, she has done a brilliant job, a brilliant job by Mordecai's instruction 00:06:56.060 --> 00:06:59.980 at concealing her identity. 00:07:01.560 --> 00:07:07.260 So why would anyone in the palace be concerned to inform her of the edict? 00:07:07.259 --> 00:07:18.079 It is so easy when we exist in our palaces of security and comfort 00:07:18.079 --> 00:07:21.599 to be isolated from the needs of the world around us 00:07:21.599 --> 00:07:27.099 and God's concern for his world and for people 00:07:27.099 --> 00:07:30.159 when we live the good life in the palace. 00:07:30.160 --> 00:07:36.220 So Mordecai begs and pleads for her to use her connections, 00:07:37.020 --> 00:07:41.460 to use her position, her favour with the king to do something, 00:07:41.780 --> 00:07:45.800 to work for God's justice and to save God's people. 00:07:47.379 --> 00:07:50.800 But notice Esther's first response in verse 11. 00:07:50.900 --> 00:07:54.300 All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know 00:07:54.300 --> 00:07:58.220 that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court 00:07:58.220 --> 00:08:01.680 without being summoned, the king has but one law, 00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:07.440 that they be put to death unless the king extends the royal scepter to them 00:08:07.440 --> 00:08:08.820 and spares their lives. 00:08:10.020 --> 00:08:13.720 But 30 days have passed since I was called to go to the king. 00:08:17.640 --> 00:08:20.140 What she's communicating to Mordecai here is, 00:08:20.580 --> 00:08:22.500 you don't understand what you're asking of me. 00:08:22.500 --> 00:08:26.480 For me to go to the king is very risky. 00:08:28.560 --> 00:08:30.839 And let's put this into context. 00:08:34.639 --> 00:08:40.179 Esther's in her position as queen because Vashti was just a bit too bold 00:08:40.179 --> 00:08:41.559 with Xerxes. 00:08:42.620 --> 00:08:44.539 It's very fresh on her mind. 00:08:45.120 --> 00:08:46.240 She was a little too courageous. 00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:49.899 And notice too that Esther says here, 00:08:50.159 --> 00:08:54.340 Xerxes hasn't asked me to come to him for 30 days. 00:08:56.639 --> 00:09:01.379 So if he hasn't called her for 30 days, 00:09:02.799 --> 00:09:06.580 then that's either a sign that he's had a month-long headache 00:09:06.580 --> 00:09:10.519 or that he's entirely out of favour, 00:09:11.360 --> 00:09:12.820 that she's entirely out of favour. 00:09:12.820 --> 00:09:16.480 Because Xerxes does not sleep alone. 00:09:19.140 --> 00:09:21.440 In other words, what Esther is saying here to Mordecai, 00:09:21.540 --> 00:09:24.720 you do not know what you are asking of me. 00:09:25.260 --> 00:09:27.140 I might lose everything. 00:09:32.120 --> 00:09:36.160 And at this point, Mordecai sends back a message 00:09:36.160 --> 00:09:40.740 that is, in fact, the high point of the book of Esther. 00:09:40.740 --> 00:09:44.120 This is the turning point of Esther. 00:09:45.120 --> 00:09:46.000 Verse 13. 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:50.639 Do not think that because you are in the king's house, 00:09:51.259 --> 00:09:53.600 you alone of all the Jews will escape. 00:09:54.399 --> 00:09:56.820 For if you remain silent at this time, 00:09:57.279 --> 00:10:00.840 relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place. 00:10:00.840 --> 00:10:04.720 But you and your father's family will perish. 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:06.960 And who knows, 00:10:07.600 --> 00:10:09.780 but that you have come to your royal position 00:10:09.780 --> 00:10:12.080 for such a time as this. 00:10:12.080 --> 00:10:19.240 So, to paraphrase Mordecai, 00:10:20.460 --> 00:10:24.000 if Esther doesn't risk losing the palace, 00:10:24.660 --> 00:10:26.780 she will lose everything. 00:10:26.779 --> 00:10:33.179 If she does risk losing the palace, 00:10:33.740 --> 00:10:36.120 she might lose everything. 00:10:37.959 --> 00:10:40.299 That's the choice that's in front of her at the moment. 00:10:41.100 --> 00:10:44.139 If all the Jewish people are killed, 00:10:44.899 --> 00:10:46.939 she will be discovered as a Jew, 00:10:47.039 --> 00:10:48.500 and she too will be killed. 00:10:48.500 --> 00:10:51.580 If the Jews aren't killed, 00:10:52.419 --> 00:10:56.000 then she will be discovered to be a traitor. 00:11:00.120 --> 00:11:05.000 Now, there are two remarkable principles, 00:11:05.139 --> 00:11:08.580 I think, that flow out of here 00:11:08.580 --> 00:11:11.779 that really have powerful applications for us. 00:11:11.779 --> 00:11:17.559 The first principle is that 00:11:17.559 --> 00:11:22.299 unless we use the influence we've got, 00:11:22.799 --> 00:11:24.240 the credentials we've got, 00:11:24.459 --> 00:11:25.939 the resources we've got, 00:11:26.319 --> 00:11:27.679 the position we've got, 00:11:28.220 --> 00:11:29.519 the skills we've got, 00:11:29.659 --> 00:11:31.659 for the service of others, 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:35.199 as opposed to personal advancement, 00:11:35.600 --> 00:11:38.120 personal security, personal comfort, 00:11:38.120 --> 00:11:41.419 then those things 00:11:41.419 --> 00:11:45.100 don't result in security, in comfort. 00:11:46.100 --> 00:11:48.200 They actually result in slavery. 00:11:49.840 --> 00:11:52.799 I've talked about this many times in the past. 00:11:54.240 --> 00:11:56.679 Esther was queen to Xerxes I. 00:11:57.960 --> 00:12:00.379 She lived in the palace in Susa. 00:12:01.419 --> 00:12:03.519 But if she loved the palace 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:06.740 and she loved its comfort and its security 00:12:06.740 --> 00:12:09.500 and its power and its influence, 00:12:09.580 --> 00:12:13.720 so much so that she would not risk losing it, 00:12:14.720 --> 00:12:17.799 then the palace becomes nothing more 00:12:17.799 --> 00:12:18.820 than death row for her. 00:12:20.419 --> 00:12:21.639 Nothing more than that. 00:12:22.419 --> 00:12:24.039 She's as dead as anyone else. 00:12:27.980 --> 00:12:28.980 In other words, 00:12:29.080 --> 00:12:31.039 if we are unwilling to jeopardise 00:12:31.039 --> 00:12:32.860 our place in the palace, 00:12:32.940 --> 00:12:35.259 the palace that we might have built for ourselves, 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:37.600 our identity that we're built for ourselves, 00:12:38.299 --> 00:12:42.100 then the palace has in fact taken over us 00:12:42.100 --> 00:12:43.840 and it controls us. 00:12:44.500 --> 00:12:47.120 We live to keep that comfort and security 00:12:47.120 --> 00:12:49.539 and it's never enough. 00:12:50.039 --> 00:12:52.059 And we're always looking over our shoulder. 00:12:52.399 --> 00:12:54.539 We are consistently questioning 00:12:54.539 --> 00:12:55.519 whether it's enough. 00:12:55.519 --> 00:13:01.259 Mordecai seems to be saying here 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:05.519 that if you can't throw away the palace 00:13:05.519 --> 00:13:09.360 or at least risking throwing away the palace 00:13:09.360 --> 00:13:11.879 or risk your place in the palace 00:13:11.879 --> 00:13:13.579 to do good for other people, 00:13:13.779 --> 00:13:15.799 then you are owned by the palace. 00:13:16.159 --> 00:13:17.720 You actually don't have comfort. 00:13:17.939 --> 00:13:19.139 You don't have security. 00:13:19.299 --> 00:13:20.039 You are owned. 00:13:20.139 --> 00:13:20.720 You're enslaved. 00:13:20.720 --> 00:13:20.980 You're enslaved. 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:28.600 The second implication here 00:13:28.600 --> 00:13:31.700 is that the only way we would in fact 00:13:31.700 --> 00:13:33.960 be prepared to risk everything 00:13:33.960 --> 00:13:39.220 is if our identity has its foundation 00:13:39.220 --> 00:13:43.759 somewhere else apart from what we have built 00:13:43.759 --> 00:13:44.759 for ourselves. 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:49.740 So how do we do that? 00:13:49.779 --> 00:13:51.539 How do you get an identity 00:13:51.539 --> 00:13:54.620 that is not something 00:13:54.620 --> 00:13:56.620 that we have built for ourselves, 00:13:56.860 --> 00:13:57.960 something that we've achieved, 00:13:58.159 --> 00:14:00.360 but it's in fact something that we receive? 00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:02.980 And there is an answer to that 00:14:02.980 --> 00:14:05.539 and it's hinted at in verse 14. 00:14:06.379 --> 00:14:09.899 Who knows but that you have come 00:14:09.899 --> 00:14:11.179 to your royal position 00:14:11.179 --> 00:14:13.899 for such a time as this? 00:14:14.759 --> 00:14:18.860 Now, the word come there in that verse 00:14:18.860 --> 00:14:21.559 is in the passive form 00:14:21.559 --> 00:14:23.639 in the original Hebrew language. 00:14:24.659 --> 00:14:28.240 And so a better way to understand that 00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:30.620 or to paraphrase that verse 00:14:30.620 --> 00:14:35.379 is who knows but that you have been brought 00:14:35.939 --> 00:14:38.379 to the palace, 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:40.319 to your royal position 00:14:40.319 --> 00:14:42.399 for such a time as this? 00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:45.399 In other words, 00:14:45.840 --> 00:14:48.120 you did not make yourself queen. 00:14:49.480 --> 00:14:52.860 You've been brought there for this moment. 00:14:53.899 --> 00:14:54.840 This is your moment. 00:14:56.860 --> 00:14:59.139 Esther got to the palace by grace. 00:15:00.279 --> 00:15:04.399 Her beauty was something that was a gift to her. 00:15:05.600 --> 00:15:07.819 She didn't create that for herself. 00:15:08.620 --> 00:15:09.460 No one ever does. 00:15:09.460 --> 00:15:10.700 It's a gift. 00:15:11.480 --> 00:15:13.940 She didn't produce the door of opportunity 00:15:13.940 --> 00:15:17.420 that saw her rise to the position of queen. 00:15:18.379 --> 00:15:22.360 God has been silently and sovereignly working 00:15:22.360 --> 00:15:25.840 to bring her for such a time as this. 00:15:25.840 --> 00:15:28.759 This is her purpose. 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:31.639 This is her moment. 00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:37.720 And that is the turning point for Esther. 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:43.280 This is where we get Esther stepping up. 00:15:43.279 --> 00:15:45.539 And this is where she utters 00:15:45.539 --> 00:15:48.899 what are the most remarkable words 00:15:48.899 --> 00:15:50.679 in this entire book. 00:15:51.379 --> 00:15:52.220 Verse 16. 00:15:52.959 --> 00:15:55.699 Go gather together all the Jews 00:15:55.699 --> 00:15:58.839 who are in Susa and fast for me. 00:15:59.240 --> 00:16:01.539 Do not eat or drink for three days, 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:03.259 night or day. 00:16:03.620 --> 00:16:06.079 I and my attendants will fast as you do. 00:16:06.959 --> 00:16:08.159 And when this is done, 00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:10.339 I will go to the king 00:16:10.340 --> 00:16:12.759 even though it is against the law. 00:16:13.820 --> 00:16:16.259 And if I perish, I perish. 00:16:20.200 --> 00:16:24.160 That is the remarkable turning point 00:16:24.160 --> 00:16:25.759 of this book 00:16:25.759 --> 00:16:27.519 and the remarkable turning point 00:16:27.519 --> 00:16:29.040 in Esther's life. 00:16:30.040 --> 00:16:31.759 We go from Esther living 00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:33.420 the high life in the palace 00:16:33.419 --> 00:16:36.740 to Esther risking everything else 00:16:36.740 --> 00:16:38.379 in her life 00:16:38.379 --> 00:16:40.500 in order to save others. 00:16:41.459 --> 00:16:44.759 Which brings me to the second point, 00:16:44.899 --> 00:16:45.879 risking everything 00:16:45.879 --> 00:16:47.519 and losing nothing. 00:16:49.699 --> 00:16:51.659 Now there is a danger here, 00:16:51.740 --> 00:16:53.039 let me say first of all, 00:16:54.479 --> 00:16:56.519 in seeing Esther primarily 00:16:56.519 --> 00:16:59.179 as an inspiration to be copied. 00:16:59.179 --> 00:17:01.359 For instance, 00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:03.679 for the Christian, 00:17:03.799 --> 00:17:05.659 you might read this 00:17:05.659 --> 00:17:06.599 and inspired 00:17:06.599 --> 00:17:09.500 to taking risk 00:17:09.500 --> 00:17:10.899 and getting more interested 00:17:10.899 --> 00:17:12.980 in justice and mercy 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:14.179 in the world 00:17:14.179 --> 00:17:15.919 and to start speaking up 00:17:15.919 --> 00:17:17.879 about your belief in Jesus. 00:17:18.159 --> 00:17:18.759 All of a sudden, 00:17:18.859 --> 00:17:19.940 you've got this boldness 00:17:19.940 --> 00:17:21.039 and I'm going to, 00:17:21.779 --> 00:17:22.119 Esther, 00:17:22.759 --> 00:17:24.000 God came through 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:24.779 and saved Esther 00:17:24.779 --> 00:17:26.940 and it was a massive moment for her 00:17:26.940 --> 00:17:28.039 and look at her, 00:17:28.039 --> 00:17:29.180 we're talking about her 00:17:29.180 --> 00:17:30.899 thousands of years later 00:17:30.899 --> 00:17:32.559 and I'm going to be like Esther 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:34.059 and brah! 00:17:34.399 --> 00:17:35.879 out there into the world. 00:17:36.740 --> 00:17:38.119 There is always a danger 00:17:38.119 --> 00:17:40.059 in being inspired 00:17:40.059 --> 00:17:41.259 by another 00:17:41.259 --> 00:17:43.700 because it tends 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:45.159 not to last 00:17:45.159 --> 00:17:47.799 because the basic motivation 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:49.920 is one of 00:17:49.920 --> 00:17:51.480 self-centeredness 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:52.319 or guilt. 00:17:55.519 --> 00:17:57.000 Motivation by guilt 00:17:57.000 --> 00:17:58.140 wears off 00:17:58.140 --> 00:18:00.480 because guilt 00:18:00.480 --> 00:18:01.480 doesn't actually 00:18:01.480 --> 00:18:02.259 change you 00:18:02.259 --> 00:18:03.220 on the inside. 00:18:07.400 --> 00:18:08.319 When guilt 00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:09.380 is our motive, 00:18:10.579 --> 00:18:12.099 then we're still 00:18:12.099 --> 00:18:14.019 getting our identity 00:18:14.019 --> 00:18:15.200 from our performance. 00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:17.680 I want to be great 00:18:17.680 --> 00:18:18.339 like Esther 00:18:18.339 --> 00:18:20.680 and therefore 00:18:20.680 --> 00:18:21.779 I will do like Esther 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:23.420 so that I can be great. 00:18:23.420 --> 00:18:25.580 It's performance-driven. 00:18:26.600 --> 00:18:27.640 Self-righteousness 00:18:27.640 --> 00:18:28.700 is always 00:18:28.700 --> 00:18:30.060 the fruit 00:18:30.060 --> 00:18:31.200 of performance. 00:18:32.700 --> 00:18:33.680 I'm not going to be 00:18:33.680 --> 00:18:34.759 like those other 00:18:34.759 --> 00:18:35.800 half-hearted Christians 00:18:35.800 --> 00:18:37.039 who won't risk everything. 00:18:37.400 --> 00:18:38.100 I'm going to be 00:18:38.100 --> 00:18:38.620 principled 00:18:38.620 --> 00:18:39.480 and outspoken. 00:18:39.600 --> 00:18:39.980 In fact, 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:40.720 I booked my 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:42.300 airfare right now 00:18:42.300 --> 00:18:43.000 and I'm going to 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:45.640 fly to Susa, 00:18:45.720 --> 00:18:46.700 I'm going to go to Iran 00:18:46.700 --> 00:18:48.200 and I'm going to 00:18:48.200 --> 00:18:49.759 be in the public square 00:18:49.759 --> 00:18:50.920 and preach Jesus 00:18:50.920 --> 00:18:52.000 and distribute Bibles. 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:56.339 It's not going to be 00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:57.539 like the rest of these 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:58.859 North Shore Christians. 00:19:01.460 --> 00:19:02.259 But there's not 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:02.900 actually change 00:19:02.900 --> 00:19:03.319 in the heart 00:19:03.319 --> 00:19:03.960 at that point 00:19:03.960 --> 00:19:06.500 which is often 00:19:06.500 --> 00:19:07.039 revealed 00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:07.759 when we are 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:08.400 confronted 00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:09.299 by others 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:10.180 not having 00:19:10.180 --> 00:19:11.200 our same values. 00:19:11.380 --> 00:19:11.859 We become 00:19:11.859 --> 00:19:12.940 judgmental 00:19:12.940 --> 00:19:14.059 of their choices. 00:19:16.160 --> 00:19:16.759 Overreaction 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:17.900 is the danger. 00:19:19.160 --> 00:19:19.579 That's where 00:19:19.579 --> 00:19:20.859 we give to anything, 00:19:20.859 --> 00:19:22.559 where we will do 00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:23.619 anything without 00:19:23.619 --> 00:19:24.539 any thought 00:19:24.539 --> 00:19:25.619 of wise stewardship. 00:19:26.719 --> 00:19:28.019 It's a misunderstanding 00:19:28.019 --> 00:19:29.719 of how God 00:19:29.719 --> 00:19:30.359 has brought us 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:30.959 to the place 00:19:30.959 --> 00:19:31.679 where we are. 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:34.279 It's a misunderstanding 00:19:34.279 --> 00:19:35.199 of how God 00:19:35.199 --> 00:19:36.199 has made us 00:19:36.199 --> 00:19:38.699 and so by guilt 00:19:38.699 --> 00:19:40.819 and by self-righteousness 00:19:40.819 --> 00:19:42.000 we will do anything 00:19:42.000 --> 00:19:42.939 and absolutely 00:19:42.939 --> 00:19:43.759 everything 00:19:43.759 --> 00:19:46.440 and we don't 00:19:46.440 --> 00:19:47.099 understand 00:19:47.099 --> 00:19:48.440 who we are 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:49.279 in Christ 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:50.000 at that point. 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:52.059 Now there is 00:19:52.059 --> 00:19:53.079 a time 00:19:53.079 --> 00:19:54.460 to throw 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:54.960 abandon 00:19:54.960 --> 00:19:55.879 in the air 00:19:55.879 --> 00:19:57.460 and there is a time 00:19:57.460 --> 00:19:58.200 to pull back 00:19:58.200 --> 00:19:58.940 and regroup. 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:00.720 Notice 00:20:00.720 --> 00:20:02.640 that it takes 00:20:02.640 --> 00:20:03.180 Esther 00:20:03.180 --> 00:20:04.379 a little while 00:20:04.379 --> 00:20:05.599 before she 00:20:05.599 --> 00:20:06.339 approaches 00:20:06.339 --> 00:20:06.960 Xerxes 00:20:06.960 --> 00:20:08.620 and not 00:20:08.620 --> 00:20:09.319 without 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:10.559 calling together 00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:11.400 her people 00:20:11.400 --> 00:20:12.539 in three days 00:20:12.539 --> 00:20:13.140 of fasting 00:20:13.140 --> 00:20:13.740 for her 00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:15.420 which is 00:20:15.420 --> 00:20:17.840 three days 00:20:17.840 --> 00:20:19.279 of searching 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:20.420 God 00:20:20.420 --> 00:20:21.759 for her. 00:20:22.559 --> 00:20:23.140 Reliance 00:20:23.140 --> 00:20:23.700 upon God. 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.220 That's the idea 00:20:24.220 --> 00:20:24.740 of fasting. 00:20:24.920 --> 00:20:25.480 It's a reliance 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:26.759 upon God 00:20:26.759 --> 00:20:27.579 in this moment. 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:31.059 The danger 00:20:31.059 --> 00:20:32.160 of Esther 00:20:32.160 --> 00:20:34.279 chapter 5 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:34.759 tells us 00:20:34.759 --> 00:20:35.360 she was very 00:20:35.360 --> 00:20:35.900 careful, 00:20:36.420 --> 00:20:36.700 she was 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:37.200 considered 00:20:37.200 --> 00:20:37.700 and she 00:20:37.700 --> 00:20:38.500 was deliberate 00:20:38.500 --> 00:20:39.540 in how she 00:20:39.540 --> 00:20:40.060 went about 00:20:40.060 --> 00:20:40.720 approaching 00:20:40.720 --> 00:20:42.060 Xerxes. 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:43.200 Now the danger 00:20:43.200 --> 00:20:43.820 of Esther 00:20:43.820 --> 00:20:44.759 being an example 00:20:44.759 --> 00:20:45.920 of risk-taking 00:20:45.920 --> 00:20:47.060 will be a 00:20:47.060 --> 00:20:48.200 tenderness 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:48.960 towards 00:20:48.960 --> 00:20:50.800 fickleness, 00:20:51.800 --> 00:20:52.660 doesn't last, 00:20:54.540 --> 00:20:56.660 self-righteousness 00:20:56.660 --> 00:20:58.720 and 00:20:58.720 --> 00:20:59.960 potentially 00:20:59.960 --> 00:21:00.640 downright 00:21:00.640 --> 00:21:02.080 foolishness. 00:21:02.160 --> 00:21:04.800 but what 00:21:04.800 --> 00:21:05.120 if we 00:21:05.120 --> 00:21:05.540 saw 00:21:05.540 --> 00:21:06.080 Esther 00:21:06.080 --> 00:21:07.700 not so 00:21:07.700 --> 00:21:08.160 much 00:21:08.160 --> 00:21:09.000 as 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:09.779 an example 00:21:09.779 --> 00:21:11.040 to be 00:21:11.040 --> 00:21:11.640 admired 00:21:11.640 --> 00:21:13.240 but as 00:21:13.240 --> 00:21:14.060 a sign 00:21:14.060 --> 00:21:14.680 post 00:21:14.680 --> 00:21:15.900 guiding 00:21:15.900 --> 00:21:16.400 us. 00:21:17.360 --> 00:21:17.880 Notice 00:21:17.880 --> 00:21:18.340 here 00:21:18.340 --> 00:21:19.060 that 00:21:19.060 --> 00:21:19.700 Esther 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:21.140 in the 00:21:21.140 --> 00:21:21.420 end 00:21:21.420 --> 00:21:22.040 saved 00:21:22.040 --> 00:21:22.440 God's 00:21:22.440 --> 00:21:22.800 people 00:21:22.800 --> 00:21:23.259 here 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:24.100 by doing 00:21:24.100 --> 00:21:24.420 two 00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:25.080 things 00:21:25.080 --> 00:21:26.019 in 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:26.600 chapter 4 00:21:26.600 --> 00:21:26.980 and chapter 00:21:26.980 --> 00:21:27.600 5. 00:21:28.880 --> 00:21:29.259 She did 00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:30.060 two things. 00:21:31.120 --> 00:21:31.340 She 00:21:31.340 --> 00:21:31.900 identified 00:21:31.900 --> 00:21:32.580 with them 00:21:32.580 --> 00:21:34.700 and she 00:21:34.700 --> 00:21:35.480 mediated 00:21:35.480 --> 00:21:36.060 for them. 00:21:37.060 --> 00:21:37.660 Identified 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:38.440 and mediated. 00:21:41.440 --> 00:21:42.800 Her 00:21:42.800 --> 00:21:43.500 people were 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.080 condemned 00:21:44.080 --> 00:21:45.940 and she 00:21:45.940 --> 00:21:46.759 identified 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:47.660 with them 00:21:47.660 --> 00:21:48.259 in their 00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:49.280 condemnation 00:21:49.280 --> 00:21:51.780 and so 00:21:51.780 --> 00:21:52.500 came under 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:53.120 the same 00:21:53.120 --> 00:21:54.120 condemnation. 00:21:54.119 --> 00:21:55.919 they 00:21:55.919 --> 00:21:56.359 are 00:21:56.359 --> 00:21:56.899 condemned 00:21:56.899 --> 00:21:57.699 to death 00:21:57.699 --> 00:21:59.119 as 00:21:59.119 --> 00:21:59.500 Jewish 00:21:59.500 --> 00:22:00.059 people. 00:22:00.979 --> 00:22:01.699 She 00:22:01.699 --> 00:22:02.379 identifies 00:22:02.379 --> 00:22:03.179 as a 00:22:03.179 --> 00:22:03.459 Jewish 00:22:03.459 --> 00:22:04.139 person 00:22:04.139 --> 00:22:05.719 and she 00:22:05.719 --> 00:22:05.979 says 00:22:05.979 --> 00:22:06.279 if I 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:06.599 perish 00:22:06.599 --> 00:22:06.799 I 00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:07.259 perish. 00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:07.979 She 00:22:07.979 --> 00:22:08.359 identified 00:22:08.359 --> 00:22:08.839 with them 00:22:08.839 --> 00:22:10.299 but it's 00:22:10.299 --> 00:22:11.019 only because 00:22:11.019 --> 00:22:11.299 she 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:12.139 identified 00:22:12.139 --> 00:22:13.199 with her 00:22:13.199 --> 00:22:13.659 people 00:22:13.659 --> 00:22:14.480 that she 00:22:14.480 --> 00:22:15.000 was able 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:15.480 to 00:22:15.480 --> 00:22:16.419 mediate 00:22:16.419 --> 00:22:17.019 for her 00:22:17.019 --> 00:22:17.419 people. 00:22:18.639 --> 00:22:19.099 That is 00:22:19.099 --> 00:22:19.779 she could 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:20.259 go 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:21.679 before the 00:22:21.679 --> 00:22:22.119 throne 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:23.139 of power 00:22:23.139 --> 00:22:24.399 in a 00:22:24.399 --> 00:22:24.839 way 00:22:24.839 --> 00:22:25.859 that no 00:22:25.859 --> 00:22:26.359 one else 00:22:26.359 --> 00:22:26.799 could in 00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:27.419 that moment. 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:30.119 That no 00:22:30.119 --> 00:22:30.779 other Jew 00:22:30.779 --> 00:22:31.359 could in 00:22:31.359 --> 00:22:31.939 that moment. 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:35.539 The first 00:22:35.539 --> 00:22:37.059 time that 00:22:37.059 --> 00:22:37.600 Xerxes 00:22:37.600 --> 00:22:39.000 understands 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:40.259 the gravity 00:22:40.259 --> 00:22:41.539 and the 00:22:41.539 --> 00:22:42.539 implications 00:22:42.539 --> 00:22:44.019 of the 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:44.640 decisions 00:22:44.640 --> 00:22:45.299 that he 00:22:45.299 --> 00:22:46.160 has made 00:22:46.160 --> 00:22:47.240 in condemning 00:22:47.240 --> 00:22:47.759 the Jewish 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:48.420 people 00:22:48.420 --> 00:22:49.320 was when 00:22:49.320 --> 00:22:49.960 Esther 00:22:49.960 --> 00:22:52.340 the one 00:22:52.340 --> 00:22:52.820 to whom 00:22:52.820 --> 00:22:53.180 he has 00:22:53.180 --> 00:22:53.720 extended 00:22:53.720 --> 00:22:54.580 his scepter 00:22:54.580 --> 00:22:56.960 the one 00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:57.740 who he 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.059 had 00:22:58.059 --> 00:22:59.160 favoured 00:22:59.160 --> 00:23:00.900 stands 00:23:00.900 --> 00:23:02.060 before him 00:23:02.060 --> 00:23:03.940 as favoured 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:05.480 and says 00:23:05.480 --> 00:23:06.640 I'm 00:23:06.640 --> 00:23:06.920 Jew 00:23:06.920 --> 00:23:08.040 too. 00:23:14.380 --> 00:23:15.500 I am 00:23:15.500 --> 00:23:16.080 your favoured 00:23:16.080 --> 00:23:16.400 one 00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:18.519 and I 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:18.680 am 00:23:18.680 --> 00:23:19.100 condemned. 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:22.019 That was 00:23:22.019 --> 00:23:22.519 the first 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:23.519 time that 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.400 he saw 00:23:24.400 --> 00:23:25.360 the Jewish 00:23:25.360 --> 00:23:26.720 people in 00:23:26.720 --> 00:23:27.720 an entirely 00:23:27.720 --> 00:23:28.680 different 00:23:28.680 --> 00:23:29.160 way. 00:23:30.900 --> 00:23:32.100 Esther 00:23:32.100 --> 00:23:32.380 went 00:23:32.380 --> 00:23:32.920 before 00:23:32.920 --> 00:23:34.060 the 00:23:34.060 --> 00:23:34.640 throne 00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:35.280 of 00:23:35.280 --> 00:23:35.840 power 00:23:35.840 --> 00:23:37.400 and 00:23:37.400 --> 00:23:38.240 her 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:40.820 favour 00:23:40.820 --> 00:23:41.560 with 00:23:41.560 --> 00:23:42.180 Xerxes 00:23:42.180 --> 00:23:43.360 was 00:23:43.360 --> 00:23:44.060 attributed 00:23:44.060 --> 00:23:44.980 to the 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:45.300 Jewish 00:23:45.300 --> 00:23:45.780 people. 00:23:49.380 --> 00:23:50.560 She 00:23:50.560 --> 00:23:51.060 saved 00:23:51.060 --> 00:23:51.360 them 00:23:51.360 --> 00:23:51.640 through 00:23:51.640 --> 00:23:52.280 identification 00:23:52.280 --> 00:23:53.800 and 00:23:53.800 --> 00:23:54.440 mediation. 00:23:56.040 --> 00:23:56.240 Now 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:56.620 as I've 00:23:56.620 --> 00:23:56.940 said 00:23:56.940 --> 00:23:58.240 a couple 00:23:58.240 --> 00:23:58.539 of weeks 00:23:58.539 --> 00:23:58.900 ago 00:23:58.900 --> 00:24:00.259 and I'll 00:24:00.259 --> 00:24:00.559 say it 00:24:00.559 --> 00:24:00.940 again 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:01.539 Esther 00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:02.339 was a 00:24:02.339 --> 00:24:02.799 flawed 00:24:02.799 --> 00:24:03.519 saviour 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:05.380 but she 00:24:05.380 --> 00:24:05.680 does 00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:06.200 point us 00:24:06.200 --> 00:24:06.579 to a 00:24:06.579 --> 00:24:06.859 flawless 00:24:06.859 --> 00:24:07.400 saviour. 00:24:08.940 --> 00:24:09.660 She 00:24:09.660 --> 00:24:10.220 points us 00:24:10.220 --> 00:24:10.859 ultimately 00:24:10.859 --> 00:24:12.759 to the 00:24:12.759 --> 00:24:13.120 king of 00:24:13.120 --> 00:24:13.700 the Jews 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:16.599 the true 00:24:16.599 --> 00:24:17.279 Israelite. 00:24:18.559 --> 00:24:19.279 Jesus 00:24:19.279 --> 00:24:20.059 is the 00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:20.380 one 00:24:20.380 --> 00:24:22.220 who lived 00:24:22.220 --> 00:24:22.599 in the 00:24:22.599 --> 00:24:22.940 ultimate 00:24:22.940 --> 00:24:23.539 palace. 00:24:23.779 --> 00:24:24.180 He lived 00:24:24.180 --> 00:24:24.880 for all 00:24:24.880 --> 00:24:25.319 eternity 00:24:25.319 --> 00:24:25.599 in the 00:24:25.599 --> 00:24:26.220 very presence 00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:26.980 of the 00:24:26.980 --> 00:24:27.299 throne 00:24:27.299 --> 00:24:27.539 room 00:24:27.539 --> 00:24:27.819 of the 00:24:27.819 --> 00:24:28.400 universe 00:24:28.400 --> 00:24:29.740 in the 00:24:29.740 --> 00:24:30.039 presence 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:30.519 of God 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.480 in the 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:31.680 kingdom 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:32.180 of God 00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:32.960 as the 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:33.200 second 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:33.600 person 00:24:33.600 --> 00:24:33.900 of the 00:24:33.900 --> 00:24:34.200 Trinity 00:24:34.200 --> 00:24:34.480 the 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:34.660 Son 00:24:34.660 --> 00:24:35.059 of God. 00:24:36.120 --> 00:24:36.660 And as 00:24:36.660 --> 00:24:37.019 the second 00:24:37.019 --> 00:24:37.400 person 00:24:37.400 --> 00:24:37.600 of the 00:24:37.600 --> 00:24:37.740 Trinity 00:24:37.740 --> 00:24:37.960 the 00:24:37.960 --> 00:24:38.140 Son 00:24:38.140 --> 00:24:38.579 of God 00:24:38.579 --> 00:24:39.259 he had 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:39.720 ultimate 00:24:39.720 --> 00:24:40.180 beauty 00:24:40.180 --> 00:24:41.059 and glory 00:24:41.059 --> 00:24:41.960 and he 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:42.600 left it 00:24:42.600 --> 00:24:43.059 to one 00:24:43.059 --> 00:24:43.559 side. 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:45.180 No one 00:24:45.180 --> 00:24:45.519 had to 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.000 manipulate 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:46.519 him. 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:47.579 No one 00:24:47.579 --> 00:24:47.839 had to 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:48.460 put pressure 00:24:48.460 --> 00:24:49.000 on him. 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:49.880 No one 00:24:49.880 --> 00:24:50.360 backed him 00:24:50.360 --> 00:24:50.779 into a 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:51.400 corner in 00:24:51.400 --> 00:24:51.779 order to 00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:52.140 do it. 00:24:52.460 --> 00:24:52.920 Philippians 00:24:52.920 --> 00:24:53.559 2 in 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:53.819 the New 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.180 Testament 00:24:54.180 --> 00:24:55.200 says that 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:55.759 he had 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:56.519 equality 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:57.319 with the 00:24:57.319 --> 00:24:57.740 Father 00:24:57.740 --> 00:24:58.559 but he 00:24:58.559 --> 00:24:59.539 did not 00:24:59.539 --> 00:25:00.619 hold on 00:25:00.619 --> 00:25:01.140 to that 00:25:01.140 --> 00:25:01.859 equality 00:25:01.859 --> 00:25:02.859 in order 00:25:02.859 --> 00:25:03.200 for it 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:03.480 to be 00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:03.920 used 00:25:03.920 --> 00:25:04.259 for his 00:25:04.259 --> 00:25:04.480 own 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:04.940 sake 00:25:04.940 --> 00:25:05.500 to 00:25:05.500 --> 00:25:05.799 feather 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:06.339 his own 00:25:06.339 --> 00:25:06.799 nest 00:25:06.799 --> 00:25:07.839 to secure 00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:08.819 his own 00:25:08.819 --> 00:25:09.420 comfort 00:25:09.420 --> 00:25:10.599 for advance 00:25:10.599 --> 00:25:11.039 his own 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:11.579 purposes 00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:12.099 his own 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:12.579 identity 00:25:12.579 --> 00:25:13.400 or glory. 00:25:15.599 --> 00:25:16.619 It says 00:25:16.619 --> 00:25:17.420 he emptied 00:25:17.420 --> 00:25:17.980 himself 00:25:17.980 --> 00:25:19.220 and he 00:25:19.220 --> 00:25:20.059 came down 00:25:20.059 --> 00:25:21.180 and he 00:25:21.180 --> 00:25:21.900 came down 00:25:21.900 --> 00:25:22.839 to identify 00:25:22.839 --> 00:25:23.339 to take 00:25:23.339 --> 00:25:23.919 on human 00:25:23.919 --> 00:25:24.379 flesh 00:25:24.379 --> 00:25:25.500 and identify 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:27.019 with sinful 00:25:27.019 --> 00:25:28.059 humanity 00:25:28.059 --> 00:25:29.379 under the 00:25:29.379 --> 00:25:29.879 just 00:25:29.879 --> 00:25:30.699 condemnation 00:25:30.699 --> 00:25:31.339 of God 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:33.759 deserving 00:25:33.759 --> 00:25:35.599 of annihilation 00:25:35.599 --> 00:25:36.319 by God 00:25:36.319 --> 00:25:36.740 for their 00:25:36.740 --> 00:25:37.039 sins 00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:37.779 against God 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:41.519 and he 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:42.119 did not 00:25:42.119 --> 00:25:42.959 do that 00:25:42.959 --> 00:25:43.699 at the 00:25:43.699 --> 00:25:44.359 risk of 00:25:44.359 --> 00:25:44.980 his own 00:25:44.980 --> 00:25:45.459 life 00:25:45.459 --> 00:25:47.079 but at 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:47.599 the cost 00:25:47.599 --> 00:25:47.939 of his 00:25:47.939 --> 00:25:48.159 own 00:25:48.159 --> 00:25:48.559 life. 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:50.179 Jesus 00:25:50.179 --> 00:25:50.779 did not 00:25:50.779 --> 00:25:51.240 come 00:25:51.240 --> 00:25:51.720 saying 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:52.480 if I 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:52.879 perish 00:25:52.879 --> 00:25:53.139 I 00:25:53.139 --> 00:25:53.700 perish 00:25:53.700 --> 00:25:54.359 he 00:25:54.359 --> 00:25:54.819 come 00:25:54.819 --> 00:25:55.339 and right 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:55.599 from the 00:25:55.599 --> 00:25:55.919 beginning 00:25:55.919 --> 00:25:56.240 says 00:25:56.240 --> 00:25:56.940 when I 00:25:56.940 --> 00:25:57.480 perish 00:25:57.480 --> 00:25:57.980 I 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:58.179 will 00:25:58.179 --> 00:25:58.700 perish 00:25:58.700 --> 00:26:01.879 he 00:26:01.879 --> 00:26:02.139 went 00:26:02.139 --> 00:26:02.460 to the 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:02.859 cross 00:26:02.859 --> 00:26:03.299 and he 00:26:03.299 --> 00:26:03.759 died 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:04.319 as our 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:04.879 substitute 00:26:04.879 --> 00:26:07.279 the 00:26:07.279 --> 00:26:07.720 one 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:08.119 of 00:26:08.119 --> 00:26:09.059 infinite 00:26:09.059 --> 00:26:09.799 perfection 00:26:09.799 --> 00:26:11.079 and holiness 00:26:11.079 --> 00:26:12.119 and moral 00:26:12.119 --> 00:26:12.740 beauty 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:13.599 became 00:26:13.599 --> 00:26:14.559 cosmically 00:26:14.559 --> 00:26:15.200 ugly 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:15.639 as I 00:26:15.639 --> 00:26:15.899 said 00:26:15.899 --> 00:26:16.419 two weeks 00:26:16.419 --> 00:26:16.799 ago 00:26:16.799 --> 00:26:17.839 cosmically 00:26:17.839 --> 00:26:18.419 ugly 00:26:18.420 --> 00:26:19.840 to make 00:26:19.840 --> 00:26:20.400 us 00:26:20.400 --> 00:26:21.019 the 00:26:21.019 --> 00:26:21.720 condemned 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:22.779 imperfect 00:26:22.779 --> 00:26:23.420 ones 00:26:23.420 --> 00:26:24.500 beautiful 00:26:24.500 --> 00:26:25.380 acceptable 00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:27.460 in God's 00:26:27.460 --> 00:26:27.740 sight 00:26:27.740 --> 00:26:30.100 his 00:26:30.100 --> 00:26:30.940 atonement 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:31.480 for our 00:26:31.480 --> 00:26:31.920 sin 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:32.860 means 00:26:32.860 --> 00:26:33.160 that 00:26:33.160 --> 00:26:33.680 his 00:26:33.680 --> 00:26:36.560 that 00:26:36.560 --> 00:26:37.240 it means 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:37.720 that as 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:38.320 he 00:26:38.320 --> 00:26:40.920 stands 00:26:40.920 --> 00:26:42.060 before the 00:26:42.060 --> 00:26:42.720 throne of 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:43.400 the universe 00:26:43.400 --> 00:26:44.440 right now 00:26:44.440 --> 00:26:46.900 as our 00:26:46.900 --> 00:26:47.759 mediator 00:26:47.759 --> 00:26:49.440 favor 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:50.420 the favor 00:26:50.420 --> 00:26:51.640 that has 00:26:51.640 --> 00:26:52.799 eternally 00:26:52.799 --> 00:26:53.759 extended 00:26:53.759 --> 00:26:55.019 to him 00:26:55.019 --> 00:26:55.900 as the 00:26:55.900 --> 00:26:56.299 perfect 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:56.799 son of 00:26:56.799 --> 00:26:57.160 God 00:26:57.160 --> 00:26:57.900 is now 00:26:57.900 --> 00:26:58.519 attributed 00:26:58.519 --> 00:26:59.920 to us 00:26:59.920 --> 00:27:00.519 who are 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:01.180 in him 00:27:01.180 --> 00:27:03.579 that favor 00:27:03.579 --> 00:27:04.319 extends to 00:27:04.319 --> 00:27:04.740 us 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:06.579 the delight 00:27:06.579 --> 00:27:07.480 the love 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:08.559 the approval 00:27:08.559 --> 00:27:09.680 of the 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:10.440 praiseworthy 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:11.019 God 00:27:11.019 --> 00:27:11.900 the power 00:27:11.900 --> 00:27:12.319 the most 00:27:12.319 --> 00:27:13.259 powerful one 00:27:13.259 --> 00:27:13.539 of the 00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:13.980 universe 00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:16.519 everything 00:27:16.519 --> 00:27:17.200 that Jesus 00:27:17.200 --> 00:27:18.440 always had 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:20.279 and has 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:22.960 is ours 00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:24.420 in him 00:27:24.420 --> 00:27:29.680 so if 00:27:29.680 --> 00:27:30.620 we see 00:27:30.620 --> 00:27:31.220 Esther 00:27:31.220 --> 00:27:33.019 as an 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:33.900 example 00:27:33.900 --> 00:27:36.519 and say 00:27:36.519 --> 00:27:38.200 well 00:27:38.200 --> 00:27:39.480 you know 00:27:39.480 --> 00:27:40.039 I just 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:40.299 need to 00:27:40.299 --> 00:27:40.660 be like 00:27:40.660 --> 00:27:40.980 Esther 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:43.740 it will 00:27:43.740 --> 00:27:44.240 ultimately 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:45.059 crush us 00:27:45.059 --> 00:27:48.139 because we 00:27:48.139 --> 00:27:48.420 will never 00:27:48.420 --> 00:27:48.759 live up 00:27:48.759 --> 00:27:49.200 to it 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:51.519 but if 00:27:51.519 --> 00:27:51.940 we see 00:27:51.940 --> 00:27:52.519 Jesus 00:27:52.519 --> 00:27:53.819 Esther 00:27:53.819 --> 00:27:54.460 pointing us 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:55.019 to Jesus 00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:55.519 as our 00:27:55.519 --> 00:27:55.940 savior 00:27:55.940 --> 00:27:56.960 not as 00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:57.299 an hour 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:58.339 not even 00:27:58.339 --> 00:27:58.720 Jesus 00:27:58.720 --> 00:27:59.500 as our 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:00.000 example 00:28:00.000 --> 00:28:00.460 to go 00:28:00.460 --> 00:28:00.740 and do 00:28:00.740 --> 00:28:01.299 likewise 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:03.940 but as 00:28:03.940 --> 00:28:04.159 our 00:28:04.159 --> 00:28:04.759 savior 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:05.319 doing 00:28:05.319 --> 00:28:06.240 for us 00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:09.680 what we 00:28:09.680 --> 00:28:10.259 cannot do 00:28:10.259 --> 00:28:11.099 for ourselves 00:28:11.099 --> 00:28:13.119 that 00:28:13.119 --> 00:28:13.539 ultimately 00:28:13.539 --> 00:28:14.019 changes 00:28:14.019 --> 00:28:14.259 our 00:28:14.259 --> 00:28:14.720 identity 00:28:14.720 --> 00:28:16.879 from the 00:28:16.879 --> 00:28:17.279 inside 00:28:17.279 --> 00:28:17.599 out 00:28:17.599 --> 00:28:19.279 he becomes 00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:19.680 our 00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:20.079 ultimate 00:28:20.079 --> 00:28:20.740 security 00:28:20.740 --> 00:28:21.919 he becomes 00:28:21.919 --> 00:28:22.319 our 00:28:22.319 --> 00:28:22.919 value 00:28:22.919 --> 00:28:23.919 he becomes 00:28:23.919 --> 00:28:24.339 our 00:28:24.339 --> 00:28:25.000 real 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:25.539 worth 00:28:25.539 --> 00:28:27.480 he becomes 00:28:27.480 --> 00:28:27.700 our 00:28:27.700 --> 00:28:28.220 palace 00:28:28.220 --> 00:28:30.539 suddenly 00:28:30.539 --> 00:28:31.259 everything 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:31.759 else 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:32.639 in life 00:28:32.639 --> 00:28:33.980 becomes 00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:35.319 transitory 00:28:35.319 --> 00:28:36.000 stuff 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:39.420 and we 00:28:39.420 --> 00:28:39.920 are set 00:28:39.920 --> 00:28:40.339 free 00:28:40.339 --> 00:28:41.839 to risk 00:28:41.839 --> 00:28:42.480 everything 00:28:42.480 --> 00:28:43.619 for him 00:28:43.619 --> 00:28:46.579 because 00:28:46.579 --> 00:28:47.319 losing 00:28:47.319 --> 00:28:47.920 everything 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:48.779 for him 00:28:48.779 --> 00:28:49.599 means we 00:28:49.599 --> 00:28:50.240 lose nothing 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:54.240 because we've 00:28:54.240 --> 00:28:54.659 already got 00:28:54.659 --> 00:28:55.259 everything 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:59.079 we do 00:28:59.079 --> 00:28:59.480 not lose 00:28:59.480 --> 00:28:59.819 him 00:28:59.819 --> 00:29:00.700 we don't 00:29:00.700 --> 00:29:01.079 lose 00:29:01.079 --> 00:29:01.539 life 00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:01.980 we do 00:29:01.980 --> 00:29:02.299 not even 00:29:02.299 --> 00:29:02.619 lose 00:29:02.619 --> 00:29:03.119 ourselves 00:29:03.119 --> 00:29:04.379 and that's 00:29:04.379 --> 00:29:04.779 why Jesus 00:29:04.779 --> 00:29:05.240 says to 00:29:05.240 --> 00:29:05.779 his disciples 00:29:05.779 --> 00:29:06.980 in Luke 00:29:06.980 --> 00:29:07.639 21 verse 00:29:07.639 --> 00:29:08.599 16 as 00:29:08.599 --> 00:29:08.980 he sends 00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:09.240 them out 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:09.480 to bear 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:09.939 witness to 00:29:09.939 --> 00:29:10.139 him 00:29:10.139 --> 00:29:10.779 he says 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:11.559 they will 00:29:11.559 --> 00:29:11.960 put some 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:12.139 of you 00:29:12.139 --> 00:29:12.720 to death 00:29:12.720 --> 00:29:14.500 everyone 00:29:14.500 --> 00:29:15.339 will hate 00:29:15.339 --> 00:29:16.019 you because 00:29:16.019 --> 00:29:16.619 of me 00:29:16.619 --> 00:29:18.000 but 00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:20.059 not a 00:29:20.059 --> 00:29:20.480 hair 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:21.259 on your 00:29:21.259 --> 00:29:21.539 head 00:29:21.539 --> 00:29:21.720 will 00:29:21.720 --> 00:29:22.220 perish 00:29:22.220 --> 00:29:25.220 what 00:29:25.220 --> 00:29:27.539 what are 00:29:27.539 --> 00:29:27.779 you saying 00:29:27.779 --> 00:29:28.039 Jesus 00:29:28.039 --> 00:29:29.500 I may 00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:29.940 perish 00:29:29.940 --> 00:29:30.440 but not 00:29:30.440 --> 00:29:30.839 even a 00:29:30.839 --> 00:29:31.039 hair 00:29:31.039 --> 00:29:31.220 on my 00:29:31.220 --> 00:29:31.319 head 00:29:31.319 --> 00:29:31.440 will 00:29:31.440 --> 00:29:31.859 perish 00:29:31.859 --> 00:29:32.839 that's 00:29:32.839 --> 00:29:33.240 right 00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:37.019 stand 00:29:37.019 --> 00:29:37.500 firm 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:38.019 he says 00:29:38.019 --> 00:29:38.759 and you 00:29:38.759 --> 00:29:39.639 will win 00:29:39.639 --> 00:29:40.420 life 00:29:40.420 --> 00:29:41.740 what a 00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:42.339 paradox 00:29:42.339 --> 00:29:44.200 your reputation 00:29:44.200 --> 00:29:44.980 can be 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:45.539 damaged 00:29:45.539 --> 00:29:46.279 you can 00:29:46.279 --> 00:29:46.799 go even 00:29:46.799 --> 00:29:47.159 get as 00:29:47.159 --> 00:29:47.819 far as 00:29:47.819 --> 00:29:48.180 being 00:29:48.180 --> 00:29:49.019 killed 00:29:49.019 --> 00:29:49.700 but not 00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:50.200 a hair 00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:51.019 on your 00:29:51.019 --> 00:29:51.720 head 00:29:51.720 --> 00:29:52.139 will 00:29:52.139 --> 00:29:52.839 perish 00:29:52.839 --> 00:29:52.980 perish 00:29:52.980 --> 00:29:57.159 so 00:29:57.159 --> 00:29:58.119 that 00:29:58.119 --> 00:29:58.859 means 00:29:58.859 --> 00:29:59.299 there's a 00:29:59.299 --> 00:29:59.599 balance 00:29:59.599 --> 00:29:59.879 here 00:29:59.879 --> 00:30:00.279 right 00:30:00.279 --> 00:30:01.299 that 00:30:01.299 --> 00:30:01.519 means 00:30:01.519 --> 00:30:01.699 there's 00:30:01.699 --> 00:30:02.199 perspective 00:30:02.199 --> 00:30:03.579 it 00:30:03.579 --> 00:30:03.980 means 00:30:03.980 --> 00:30:04.240 that 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:04.519 not 00:30:04.519 --> 00:30:05.019 every 00:30:05.019 --> 00:30:05.500 venture 00:30:05.500 --> 00:30:05.799 for 00:30:05.799 --> 00:30:06.459 Christ 00:30:06.459 --> 00:30:07.500 that 00:30:07.500 --> 00:30:07.779 we 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:08.299 pursue 00:30:08.299 --> 00:30:08.659 will 00:30:08.659 --> 00:30:08.919 go 00:30:08.919 --> 00:30:09.459 well 00:30:09.459 --> 00:30:10.819 as 00:30:10.819 --> 00:30:11.019 we 00:30:11.019 --> 00:30:11.419 perceive 00:30:11.419 --> 00:30:11.559 it 00:30:11.559 --> 00:30:11.699 to 00:30:11.699 --> 00:30:11.879 go 00:30:11.879 --> 00:30:12.279 well 00:30:12.279 --> 00:30:14.920 but a 00:30:14.920 --> 00:30:15.519 promise 00:30:15.519 --> 00:30:16.220 here 00:30:16.220 --> 00:30:17.079 is that 00:30:17.079 --> 00:30:17.480 no 00:30:17.480 --> 00:30:17.980 venture 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:18.220 for 00:30:18.220 --> 00:30:18.500 his 00:30:18.500 --> 00:30:19.099 glory 00:30:19.099 --> 00:30:20.819 will 00:30:20.819 --> 00:30:21.180 ever 00:30:21.180 --> 00:30:21.700 destroy 00:30:21.700 --> 00:30:22.200 us 00:30:22.200 --> 00:30:23.680 it 00:30:23.680 --> 00:30:23.859 will 00:30:23.859 --> 00:30:24.379 simply 00:30:24.379 --> 00:30:25.160 increase 00:30:25.160 --> 00:30:25.720 life 00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:26.619 and it 00:30:26.619 --> 00:30:26.799 will 00:30:26.799 --> 00:30:27.579 always 00:30:27.579 --> 00:30:27.879 be 00:30:27.879 --> 00:30:28.500 successful 00:30:28.500 --> 00:30:31.480 God 00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:31.700 is 00:30:31.700 --> 00:30:32.379 sovereignly 00:30:32.379 --> 00:30:32.799 silently 00:30:32.799 --> 00:30:33.420 working 00:30:33.420 --> 00:30:35.579 so the 00:30:35.579 --> 00:30:35.839 apostle 00:30:35.839 --> 00:30:36.079 Paul 00:30:36.079 --> 00:30:36.420 puts it 00:30:36.420 --> 00:30:36.980 like this 00:30:36.980 --> 00:30:37.359 in 00:30:37.359 --> 00:30:38.299 Philippians 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:38.720 1 00:30:38.720 --> 00:30:40.160 to live 00:30:40.160 --> 00:30:40.920 is Christ 00:30:40.920 --> 00:30:41.500 and to 00:30:41.500 --> 00:30:41.839 die 00:30:41.839 --> 00:30:42.119 is 00:30:42.119 --> 00:30:42.500 gain 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:43.699 as 00:30:43.699 --> 00:30:44.079 American 00:30:44.079 --> 00:30:44.500 pastor 00:30:44.500 --> 00:30:44.939 John 00:30:44.939 --> 00:30:45.479 Piper 00:30:45.479 --> 00:30:45.979 famously 00:30:45.979 --> 00:30:46.559 put it 00:30:46.559 --> 00:30:48.019 it is 00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:48.299 better 00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:48.939 to lose 00:30:48.939 --> 00:30:49.459 your life 00:30:49.459 --> 00:30:49.779 than to 00:30:49.779 --> 00:30:50.099 waste 00:30:50.099 --> 00:30:50.739 it 00:30:50.739 --> 00:30:55.279 for 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:55.799 Esther 00:30:55.799 --> 00:30:56.879 to stay 00:30:56.879 --> 00:30:57.319 in the 00:30:57.319 --> 00:30:57.659 palace 00:30:57.659 --> 00:30:58.059 was a 00:30:58.059 --> 00:30:58.339 wasted 00:30:58.339 --> 00:30:58.839 life 00:30:58.839 --> 00:30:59.619 which 00:30:59.619 --> 00:30:59.779 would 00:30:59.779 --> 00:31:00.159 result 00:31:00.159 --> 00:31:00.599 in a 00:31:00.599 --> 00:31:01.000 lost 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:01.539 life 00:31:01.539 --> 00:31:02.239 for her 00:31:02.239 --> 00:31:02.679 to risk 00:31:02.679 --> 00:31:03.299 her life 00:31:03.299 --> 00:31:04.419 was to 00:31:04.419 --> 00:31:04.639 gain 00:31:04.639 --> 00:31:05.099 life 00:31:05.099 --> 00:31:08.179 so 00:31:08.179 --> 00:31:10.500 let's 00:31:10.500 --> 00:31:11.279 wrap 00:31:11.279 --> 00:31:11.739 this up 00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:12.079 bit 00:31:12.079 --> 00:31:12.079 00:31:12.079 --> 00:31:13.079 risking 00:31:13.079 --> 00:31:13.519 everything 00:31:13.519 --> 00:31:13.720 and 00:31:13.720 --> 00:31:13.980 gaining 00:31:13.980 --> 00:31:14.480 everything 00:31:14.480 --> 00:31:16.380 if we 00:31:16.380 --> 00:31:16.799 see what 00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:17.019 Jesus 00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:17.359 done 00:31:17.359 --> 00:31:17.740 for us 00:31:17.740 --> 00:31:18.299 in losing 00:31:18.299 --> 00:31:18.680 his 00:31:18.680 --> 00:31:19.079 ultimate 00:31:19.079 --> 00:31:19.460 palace 00:31:19.460 --> 00:31:20.120 for us 00:31:20.120 --> 00:31:21.059 so that 00:31:21.059 --> 00:31:21.500 we might 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:22.200 gain his 00:31:22.200 --> 00:31:22.559 ultimate 00:31:22.559 --> 00:31:23.120 palace 00:31:23.120 --> 00:31:24.059 for all 00:31:24.059 --> 00:31:24.180 of 00:31:24.180 --> 00:31:24.700 eternity 00:31:24.700 --> 00:31:26.240 then 00:31:26.240 --> 00:31:27.779 and only 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:28.319 then 00:31:28.319 --> 00:31:29.599 do we 00:31:29.599 --> 00:31:30.380 have the 00:31:30.380 --> 00:31:30.799 freedom 00:31:30.799 --> 00:31:31.759 to risk 00:31:31.759 --> 00:31:32.319 everything 00:31:32.319 --> 00:31:32.940 for God's 00:31:32.940 --> 00:31:33.259 glory 00:31:33.259 --> 00:31:33.559 and the 00:31:33.559 --> 00:31:33.779 sake 00:31:33.779 --> 00:31:34.319 of others 00:31:34.319 --> 00:31:34.940 it's 00:31:34.940 --> 00:31:35.240 only 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:35.519 then 00:31:35.519 --> 00:31:38.519 and there 00:31:38.519 --> 00:31:38.680 are at 00:31:38.680 --> 00:31:39.240 least four 00:31:39.240 --> 00:31:39.900 implications 00:31:39.900 --> 00:31:40.980 in that 00:31:40.980 --> 00:31:41.500 statement 00:31:41.500 --> 00:31:42.639 I think 00:31:42.639 --> 00:31:43.420 from 00:31:43.420 --> 00:31:43.920 Esther 00:31:43.920 --> 00:31:44.599 if I 00:31:44.599 --> 00:31:44.940 perish 00:31:44.940 --> 00:31:45.160 I 00:31:45.160 --> 00:31:45.599 perish 00:31:45.599 --> 00:31:46.460 firstly 00:31:46.460 --> 00:31:48.920 if I 00:31:48.920 --> 00:31:49.400 perish 00:31:49.400 --> 00:31:49.680 I 00:31:49.680 --> 00:31:50.139 perish 00:31:50.139 --> 00:31:50.639 it's the 00:31:50.639 --> 00:31:51.099 language 00:31:51.099 --> 00:31:52.480 of calling 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:53.000 God's 00:31:53.000 --> 00:31:53.420 people 00:31:53.420 --> 00:31:54.480 to 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:55.259 identify 00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:55.839 with the 00:31:55.839 --> 00:31:56.160 poor 00:31:56.160 --> 00:31:56.539 and the 00:31:56.539 --> 00:31:56.940 oppressed 00:31:56.940 --> 00:31:57.299 in the 00:31:57.299 --> 00:31:57.680 world 00:31:57.680 --> 00:31:59.900 that we 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:00.539 ought not 00:32:00.539 --> 00:32:00.900 to be 00:32:00.900 --> 00:32:01.480 existing 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:01.940 in our 00:32:01.940 --> 00:32:02.380 palaces 00:32:02.380 --> 00:32:03.340 of comfort 00:32:03.340 --> 00:32:04.340 like 00:32:04.340 --> 00:32:04.759 Esther 00:32:04.759 --> 00:32:05.039 did 00:32:05.039 --> 00:32:05.279 in the 00:32:05.279 --> 00:32:05.480 early 00:32:05.480 --> 00:32:05.759 part 00:32:05.759 --> 00:32:05.880 of 00:32:05.880 --> 00:32:06.120 chapter 00:32:06.120 --> 00:32:06.660 four 00:32:06.660 --> 00:32:07.880 oblivious 00:32:07.880 --> 00:32:08.820 to 00:32:08.820 --> 00:32:09.380 what's 00:32:09.380 --> 00:32:09.740 happening 00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:10.180 in the 00:32:10.180 --> 00:32:10.660 world 00:32:10.660 --> 00:32:12.360 with the 00:32:12.360 --> 00:32:12.620 poor 00:32:12.620 --> 00:32:12.960 and the 00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:13.480 oppressed 00:32:13.480 --> 00:32:15.320 this 00:32:15.320 --> 00:32:15.759 is a 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:16.140 call 00:32:16.140 --> 00:32:16.799 for all 00:32:16.799 --> 00:32:17.320 believers 00:32:17.320 --> 00:32:18.480 having 00:32:18.480 --> 00:32:19.140 seen 00:32:19.140 --> 00:32:19.500 what 00:32:19.500 --> 00:32:19.860 Jesus 00:32:19.860 --> 00:32:20.259 has 00:32:20.259 --> 00:32:20.560 done 00:32:20.560 --> 00:32:21.220 for us 00:32:21.220 --> 00:32:22.060 to 00:32:22.060 --> 00:32:22.920 identify 00:32:22.920 --> 00:32:23.980 with all 00:32:23.980 --> 00:32:24.440 people 00:32:24.440 --> 00:32:25.019 outside 00:32:25.019 --> 00:32:25.400 of the 00:32:25.400 --> 00:32:25.860 palace 00:32:25.859 --> 00:32:28.039 to 00:32:28.039 --> 00:32:28.419 not 00:32:28.419 --> 00:32:29.619 walk 00:32:29.619 --> 00:32:30.099 past 00:32:30.099 --> 00:32:30.439 them 00:32:30.439 --> 00:32:31.099 and 00:32:31.099 --> 00:32:31.479 ignore 00:32:31.479 --> 00:32:31.919 them 00:32:31.919 --> 00:32:33.119 but 00:32:33.119 --> 00:32:33.419 to 00:32:33.419 --> 00:32:33.939 work 00:32:33.939 --> 00:32:34.179 for 00:32:34.179 --> 00:32:34.379 their 00:32:34.379 --> 00:32:34.740 lifting 00:32:34.740 --> 00:32:35.299 for 00:32:35.299 --> 00:32:35.500 the 00:32:35.500 --> 00:32:35.759 work 00:32:35.759 --> 00:32:35.919 of 00:32:35.919 --> 00:32:36.079 their 00:32:36.079 --> 00:32:36.659 salvation 00:32:36.659 --> 00:32:39.419 in a 00:32:39.419 --> 00:32:39.839 holistic 00:32:39.839 --> 00:32:40.439 sense 00:32:40.439 --> 00:32:41.779 secondly 00:32:41.779 --> 00:32:42.939 if I 00:32:42.939 --> 00:32:43.339 perish 00:32:43.339 --> 00:32:43.579 I 00:32:43.579 --> 00:32:44.199 perish 00:32:44.199 --> 00:32:45.119 it's 00:32:45.119 --> 00:32:45.319 the 00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:45.679 language 00:32:45.679 --> 00:32:46.079 of 00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:46.639 exciting 00:32:46.639 --> 00:32:47.279 mission 00:32:47.279 --> 00:32:49.000 can I 00:32:49.000 --> 00:32:49.439 say 00:32:49.439 --> 00:32:50.459 God 00:32:50.459 --> 00:32:50.859 has 00:32:50.859 --> 00:32:51.179 been 00:32:51.179 --> 00:32:51.939 sovereignly 00:32:51.939 --> 00:32:52.240 and 00:32:52.240 --> 00:32:52.719 silently 00:32:52.719 --> 00:32:53.259 working 00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:53.639 throughout 00:32:53.639 --> 00:32:54.099 all of 00:32:54.099 --> 00:32:54.539 history 00:32:54.539 --> 00:32:55.199 including 00:32:55.200 --> 00:32:55.580 in 00:32:55.580 --> 00:32:55.960 recent 00:32:55.960 --> 00:32:56.539 history 00:32:56.539 --> 00:32:57.759 and 00:32:57.759 --> 00:32:57.960 that 00:32:57.960 --> 00:32:58.480 wherever 00:32:58.480 --> 00:32:58.920 you 00:32:58.920 --> 00:32:59.220 are 00:32:59.220 --> 00:32:59.600 right 00:32:59.600 --> 00:33:00.160 now 00:33:00.160 --> 00:33:01.100 right 00:33:01.100 --> 00:33:01.380 now 00:33:01.380 --> 00:33:01.640 in 00:33:01.640 --> 00:33:01.799 your 00:33:01.799 --> 00:33:02.140 life 00:33:02.140 --> 00:33:02.299 and 00:33:02.299 --> 00:33:02.400 I 00:33:02.400 --> 00:33:02.620 mean 00:33:02.620 --> 00:33:03.019 right 00:33:03.019 --> 00:33:03.340 now 00:33:03.340 --> 00:33:03.980 today 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:04.759 this 00:33:04.759 --> 00:33:05.200 week 00:33:05.200 --> 00:33:06.460 stage 00:33:06.460 --> 00:33:06.700 of 00:33:06.700 --> 00:33:06.960 life 00:33:06.960 --> 00:33:07.200 whatever 00:33:07.200 --> 00:33:07.400 it 00:33:07.400 --> 00:33:07.539 is 00:33:07.539 --> 00:33:07.720 for 00:33:07.720 --> 00:33:08.120 you 00:33:08.120 --> 00:33:09.200 you 00:33:09.200 --> 00:33:09.420 have 00:33:09.420 --> 00:33:09.660 got 00:33:09.660 --> 00:33:10.100 certain 00:33:10.100 --> 00:33:10.600 gifts 00:33:10.600 --> 00:33:11.700 certain 00:33:11.700 --> 00:33:12.960 abilities 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:14.039 certain 00:33:14.039 --> 00:33:15.000 experiences 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:15.660 of 00:33:15.660 --> 00:33:16.299 hardness 00:33:16.299 --> 00:33:16.799 and 00:33:16.799 --> 00:33:17.500 suffering 00:33:17.500 --> 00:33:18.460 and 00:33:18.460 --> 00:33:19.140 joys 00:33:19.140 --> 00:33:21.840 certain 00:33:21.840 --> 00:33:22.420 stage 00:33:22.420 --> 00:33:22.620 of 00:33:22.620 --> 00:33:23.059 life 00:33:23.059 --> 00:33:23.119 life 00:33:23.119 --> 00:33:24.659 that 00:33:24.659 --> 00:33:25.079 make 00:33:25.079 --> 00:33:25.500 you 00:33:25.500 --> 00:33:26.839 uniquely 00:33:26.839 --> 00:33:27.619 ready 00:33:27.619 --> 00:33:29.019 to 00:33:29.019 --> 00:33:29.639 help 00:33:29.639 --> 00:33:30.240 certain 00:33:30.240 --> 00:33:30.740 people 00:33:30.740 --> 00:33:31.279 in 00:33:31.279 --> 00:33:31.480 the 00:33:31.480 --> 00:33:31.940 world 00:33:31.940 --> 00:33:32.519 that 00:33:32.519 --> 00:33:32.980 no 00:33:32.980 --> 00:33:33.159 one 00:33:33.159 --> 00:33:33.379 else 00:33:33.379 --> 00:33:33.759 can 00:33:33.759 --> 00:33:34.960 God 00:33:34.960 --> 00:33:35.319 has 00:33:35.319 --> 00:33:35.700 brought 00:33:35.700 --> 00:33:35.960 you 00:33:35.960 --> 00:33:36.240 to 00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:36.659 where 00:33:36.659 --> 00:33:37.079 you 00:33:37.079 --> 00:33:37.720 are 00:33:37.720 --> 00:33:39.059 not 00:33:39.059 --> 00:33:39.339 for 00:33:39.339 --> 00:33:39.619 your 00:33:39.619 --> 00:33:40.319 security 00:33:40.319 --> 00:33:40.740 and 00:33:40.740 --> 00:33:41.339 comfort 00:33:41.339 --> 00:33:42.179 but 00:33:42.179 --> 00:33:42.500 for 00:33:42.500 --> 00:33:43.079 others 00:33:43.079 --> 00:33:44.000 and 00:33:44.000 --> 00:33:44.259 for 00:33:44.259 --> 00:33:44.539 his 00:33:44.539 --> 00:33:45.039 glory 00:33:45.039 --> 00:33:45.980 that's 00:33:45.980 --> 00:33:46.279 why 00:33:46.279 --> 00:33:46.559 you 00:33:46.559 --> 00:33:46.960 are 00:33:46.960 --> 00:33:47.220 where 00:33:47.220 --> 00:33:47.480 you 00:33:47.480 --> 00:33:47.879 are 00:33:47.879 --> 00:33:48.119 with 00:33:48.119 --> 00:33:48.419 all 00:33:48.419 --> 00:33:48.599 the 00:33:48.599 --> 00:33:49.059 hardships 00:33:49.059 --> 00:33:49.079 ! 00:33:49.079 --> 00:33:49.679 with 00:33:49.679 --> 00:33:50.000 all 00:33:50.000 --> 00:33:50.179 the 00:33:50.179 --> 00:33:50.819 sufferings 00:33:50.819 --> 00:33:51.279 with 00:33:51.279 --> 00:33:51.619 all 00:33:51.619 --> 00:33:51.759 of 00:33:51.759 --> 00:33:51.879 it 00:33:51.879 --> 00:33:52.179 it's 00:33:52.179 --> 00:33:52.460 where 00:33:52.460 --> 00:33:52.759 you 00:33:52.759 --> 00:33:53.279 are 00:33:53.279 --> 00:33:56.939 Esther 00:33:56.939 --> 00:33:57.279 chapter 00:33:57.279 --> 00:33:57.679 2 00:33:57.679 --> 00:33:57.939 sorry 00:33:57.939 --> 00:33:58.359 Esther 00:33:58.359 --> 00:33:59.319 Ephesians 00:33:59.319 --> 00:33:59.679 it's in 00:33:59.679 --> 00:33:59.779 the 00:33:59.779 --> 00:33:59.919 New 00:33:59.919 --> 00:34:00.259 Testament 00:34:00.259 --> 00:34:00.879 chapter 00:34:00.879 --> 00:34:01.220 2 00:34:01.220 --> 00:34:01.500 verse 00:34:01.500 --> 00:34:01.899 10 00:34:01.899 --> 00:34:03.359 talking 00:34:03.359 --> 00:34:03.679 about 00:34:03.679 --> 00:34:04.099 those 00:34:04.099 --> 00:34:04.279 who 00:34:04.279 --> 00:34:04.399 are 00:34:04.399 --> 00:34:04.579 being 00:34:04.579 --> 00:34:05.059 saved 00:34:05.059 --> 00:34:05.299 we 00:34:05.299 --> 00:34:05.579 are 00:34:05.579 --> 00:34:06.259 God's 00:34:06.259 --> 00:34:07.119 workmanship 00:34:07.119 --> 00:34:08.179 created 00:34:08.179 --> 00:34:08.860 for good 00:34:08.860 --> 00:34:09.199 works 00:34:09.199 --> 00:34:09.739 that God 00:34:09.739 --> 00:34:09.940 has 00:34:09.940 --> 00:34:10.460 prepared 00:34:10.460 --> 00:34:11.460 beforehand 00:34:11.460 --> 00:34:12.239 for us 00:34:12.239 --> 00:34:12.699 to do 00:34:12.699 --> 00:34:13.420 the 00:34:13.420 --> 00:34:13.960 word 00:34:13.960 --> 00:34:14.679 workmanship 00:34:14.679 --> 00:34:15.239 there 00:34:15.239 --> 00:34:16.000 carries 00:34:16.000 --> 00:34:16.559 the idea 00:34:16.559 --> 00:34:16.940 of being 00:34:16.940 --> 00:34:17.480 God's 00:34:17.480 --> 00:34:18.139 artwork 00:34:18.139 --> 00:34:18.719 every 00:34:18.719 --> 00:34:19.460 single 00:34:19.460 --> 00:34:20.219 one 00:34:20.219 --> 00:34:20.799 of his 00:34:20.799 --> 00:34:21.259 children 00:34:21.259 --> 00:34:21.839 saved 00:34:21.839 --> 00:34:22.239 in 00:34:22.239 --> 00:34:22.659 Jesus 00:34:22.659 --> 00:34:23.440 are 00:34:23.440 --> 00:34:23.799 his 00:34:23.799 --> 00:34:24.639 unique 00:34:24.639 --> 00:34:25.599 artwork 00:34:25.599 --> 00:34:27.679 you're 00:34:27.679 --> 00:34:28.059 not a 00:34:28.059 --> 00:34:28.779 stenciled 00:34:28.779 --> 00:34:29.559 photocopied 00:34:29.559 --> 00:34:30.299 version 00:34:30.299 --> 00:34:30.980 of everyone 00:34:30.980 --> 00:34:31.500 else 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:31.960 you are 00:34:31.960 --> 00:34:32.460 his 00:34:32.460 --> 00:34:33.079 unique 00:34:33.079 --> 00:34:33.699 artwork 00:34:33.699 --> 00:34:35.559 you 00:34:35.559 --> 00:34:35.759 have 00:34:35.759 --> 00:34:36.000 been 00:34:36.000 --> 00:34:36.719 uniquely 00:34:36.719 --> 00:34:37.500 crafted 00:34:37.500 --> 00:34:37.900 by 00:34:37.900 --> 00:34:38.420 God 00:34:38.420 --> 00:34:38.940 with 00:34:38.940 --> 00:34:39.299 gifts 00:34:39.299 --> 00:34:39.900 talents 00:34:39.900 --> 00:34:40.460 positions 00:34:40.460 --> 00:34:40.759 and 00:34:40.759 --> 00:34:41.199 strengths 00:34:41.199 --> 00:34:41.539 and 00:34:41.539 --> 00:34:41.980 weaknesses 00:34:41.980 --> 00:34:42.819 blessings 00:34:42.819 --> 00:34:43.239 and 00:34:43.239 --> 00:34:43.879 sufferings 00:34:43.879 --> 00:34:45.159 much 00:34:45.159 --> 00:34:45.819 resources 00:34:45.819 --> 00:34:46.279 no 00:34:46.279 --> 00:34:46.940 resources 00:34:46.940 --> 00:34:48.119 and 00:34:48.119 --> 00:34:48.820 uniquely 00:34:48.820 --> 00:34:49.460 placed 00:34:49.460 --> 00:34:49.800 by 00:34:49.800 --> 00:34:50.400 God 00:34:50.400 --> 00:34:51.220 to 00:34:51.220 --> 00:34:52.039 do 00:34:52.039 --> 00:34:52.960 unique 00:34:52.960 --> 00:34:53.920 works 00:34:53.920 --> 00:34:54.420 for 00:34:54.420 --> 00:34:54.920 others 00:34:54.920 --> 00:34:59.780 you 00:34:59.780 --> 00:35:00.039 have 00:35:00.039 --> 00:35:00.460 not 00:35:00.460 --> 00:35:00.840 been 00:35:00.840 --> 00:35:01.440 brought 00:35:01.440 --> 00:35:02.099 to 00:35:02.099 --> 00:35:02.380 this 00:35:02.380 --> 00:35:03.059 place 00:35:03.059 --> 00:35:04.740 for 00:35:04.740 --> 00:35:05.460 yourself 00:35:05.460 --> 00:35:10.679 and 00:35:10.679 --> 00:35:10.880 you've 00:35:10.880 --> 00:35:11.039 been 00:35:11.039 --> 00:35:11.260 brought 00:35:11.260 --> 00:35:11.440 to 00:35:11.440 --> 00:35:11.679 this 00:35:11.679 --> 00:35:12.139 place 00:35:12.139 --> 00:35:13.400 in 00:35:13.400 --> 00:35:13.619 this 00:35:13.619 --> 00:35:14.059 church 00:35:14.059 --> 00:35:15.380 in 00:35:15.380 --> 00:35:15.599 wherever 00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:15.799 you 00:35:15.799 --> 00:35:16.199 are 00:35:16.199 --> 00:35:17.400 for 00:35:17.400 --> 00:35:17.659 such 00:35:17.659 --> 00:35:17.779 a 00:35:17.779 --> 00:35:17.980 time 00:35:17.980 --> 00:35:18.139 as 00:35:18.139 --> 00:35:18.440 this 00:35:18.440 --> 00:35:21.039 and 00:35:21.039 --> 00:35:21.239 so 00:35:21.239 --> 00:35:21.460 can 00:35:21.460 --> 00:35:21.639 I 00:35:21.639 --> 00:35:22.039 say 00:35:22.039 --> 00:35:24.679 I 00:35:24.679 --> 00:35:24.860 want 00:35:24.860 --> 00:35:25.440 to 00:35:25.440 --> 00:35:29.039 implore 00:35:29.039 --> 00:35:29.480 you on 00:35:29.480 --> 00:35:29.880 this 00:35:29.880 --> 00:35:30.980 there 00:35:30.980 --> 00:35:31.480 is 00:35:31.480 --> 00:35:32.119 no 00:35:32.119 --> 00:35:32.719 sense 00:35:32.719 --> 00:35:33.639 at 00:35:33.639 --> 00:35:34.139 all 00:35:34.139 --> 00:35:35.039 anywhere 00:35:35.039 --> 00:35:35.400 in the 00:35:35.400 --> 00:35:35.779 Bible 00:35:35.779 --> 00:35:36.920 in the 00:35:36.920 --> 00:35:37.099 New 00:35:37.099 --> 00:35:37.599 Testament 00:35:37.599 --> 00:35:38.739 at 00:35:38.739 --> 00:35:39.219 all 00:35:39.219 --> 00:35:40.559 any 00:35:40.559 --> 00:35:40.980 justification 00:35:40.980 --> 00:35:41.659 for 00:35:41.659 --> 00:35:41.839 it 00:35:41.839 --> 00:35:42.500 at 00:35:42.500 --> 00:35:42.939 all 00:35:42.939 --> 00:35:43.419 for 00:35:43.419 --> 00:35:43.639 what 00:35:43.639 --> 00:35:43.819 you 00:35:43.819 --> 00:35:44.099 might 00:35:44.099 --> 00:35:44.679 call 00:35:44.679 --> 00:35:46.899 stable 00:35:46.899 --> 00:35:48.859 settled 00:35:48.859 --> 00:35:50.439 don't 00:35:50.439 --> 00:35:50.759 need to 00:35:50.759 --> 00:35:50.959 take 00:35:50.959 --> 00:35:51.219 further 00:35:51.219 --> 00:35:51.559 steps 00:35:51.559 --> 00:35:51.839 in the 00:35:51.839 --> 00:35:52.119 Christian 00:35:52.119 --> 00:35:52.559 faith 00:35:52.559 --> 00:35:55.039 not 00:35:55.039 --> 00:35:55.179 at 00:35:55.179 --> 00:35:55.459 all 00:35:55.459 --> 00:35:56.599 nowhere 00:35:56.599 --> 00:36:01.699 if 00:36:01.699 --> 00:36:01.719 if 00:36:01.719 --> 00:36:02.519 you 00:36:02.519 --> 00:36:02.739 have 00:36:02.739 --> 00:36:02.960 not 00:36:02.960 --> 00:36:03.539 taken 00:36:03.539 --> 00:36:04.500 deliberate 00:36:04.500 --> 00:36:05.199 intentional 00:36:05.199 --> 00:36:05.940 steps 00:36:05.940 --> 00:36:06.219 to 00:36:06.219 --> 00:36:06.599 move 00:36:06.599 --> 00:36:07.079 forward 00:36:07.079 --> 00:36:08.039 in 00:36:08.039 --> 00:36:08.579 trusting 00:36:08.579 --> 00:36:09.079 God 00:36:09.079 --> 00:36:10.519 in 00:36:10.519 --> 00:36:11.839 going 00:36:11.839 --> 00:36:12.299 further 00:36:12.299 --> 00:36:12.559 with 00:36:12.559 --> 00:36:12.900 him 00:36:12.900 --> 00:36:13.259 in 00:36:13.259 --> 00:36:13.739 rhythms 00:36:13.739 --> 00:36:13.980 of 00:36:13.980 --> 00:36:14.420 grace 00:36:14.420 --> 00:36:14.699 in 00:36:14.699 --> 00:36:14.980 any 00:36:14.980 --> 00:36:15.159 way 00:36:15.159 --> 00:36:15.699 if 00:36:15.699 --> 00:36:16.019 you're 00:36:16.019 --> 00:36:16.319 since 00:36:16.319 --> 00:36:16.699 we did 00:36:16.699 --> 00:36:16.940 this 00:36:16.940 --> 00:36:17.480 series 00:36:17.480 --> 00:36:18.380 at 00:36:18.380 --> 00:36:18.480 the 00:36:18.480 --> 00:36:18.719 beginning 00:36:18.719 --> 00:36:18.860 of 00:36:18.860 --> 00:36:19.039 this 00:36:19.039 --> 00:36:19.519 year 00:36:19.519 --> 00:36:21.539 if 00:36:21.539 --> 00:36:21.880 your 00:36:21.880 --> 00:36:22.839 church 00:36:22.839 --> 00:36:23.460 attendance 00:36:23.460 --> 00:36:23.839 patterns 00:36:23.839 --> 00:36:24.159 haven't 00:36:24.159 --> 00:36:24.460 shifted 00:36:24.460 --> 00:36:25.559 if 00:36:25.559 --> 00:36:25.739 you're 00:36:25.739 --> 00:36:26.099 serving 00:36:26.099 --> 00:36:26.299 if 00:36:26.299 --> 00:36:26.380 your 00:36:26.380 --> 00:36:26.740 devotional 00:36:26.740 --> 00:36:27.000 life 00:36:27.000 --> 00:36:27.280 hasn't 00:36:27.280 --> 00:36:27.740 shifted 00:36:27.740 --> 00:36:28.820 and 00:36:28.820 --> 00:36:29.119 nothing 00:36:29.119 --> 00:36:29.360 has 00:36:29.360 --> 00:36:29.860 shifted 00:36:29.860 --> 00:36:32.500 do 00:36:32.500 --> 00:36:32.860 not 00:36:32.860 --> 00:36:35.440 this 00:36:35.440 --> 00:36:35.760 is a 00:36:35.760 --> 00:36:36.059 warning 00:36:36.059 --> 00:36:36.559 sign 00:36:36.559 --> 00:36:40.119 God 00:36:40.119 --> 00:36:40.500 is not 00:36:40.500 --> 00:36:40.980 pleased 00:36:40.980 --> 00:36:41.200 with 00:36:41.200 --> 00:36:41.460 that 00:36:41.460 --> 00:36:43.420 you 00:36:43.420 --> 00:36:43.640 have 00:36:43.640 --> 00:36:43.840 been 00:36:43.840 --> 00:36:44.300 brought 00:36:44.300 --> 00:36:44.519 for 00:36:44.519 --> 00:36:44.760 such 00:36:44.760 --> 00:36:44.900 a 00:36:44.900 --> 00:36:45.119 time 00:36:45.119 --> 00:36:45.280 as 00:36:45.280 --> 00:36:45.599 this 00:36:45.599 --> 00:36:45.960 and 00:36:45.960 --> 00:36:46.119 so 00:36:46.119 --> 00:36:46.420 what 00:36:46.420 --> 00:36:46.680 is 00:36:46.680 --> 00:36:46.800 it 00:36:46.800 --> 00:36:46.900 for 00:36:46.900 --> 00:36:47.000 you 00:36:47.000 --> 00:36:47.119 to 00:36:47.119 --> 00:36:47.500 take 00:36:47.500 --> 00:36:48.140 this 00:36:48.140 --> 00:36:48.480 next 00:36:48.480 --> 00:36:48.940 step 00:36:48.940 --> 00:36:52.660 towards 00:36:52.660 --> 00:36:53.440 daily 00:36:53.440 --> 00:36:53.980 devotions 00:36:53.980 --> 00:36:54.480 corporate 00:36:54.480 --> 00:36:55.019 worship 00:36:55.019 --> 00:36:56.739 if 00:36:56.739 --> 00:36:56.920 no 00:36:56.920 --> 00:36:57.980 changes 00:36:57.980 --> 00:36:58.179 have 00:36:58.179 --> 00:36:58.400 happened 00:36:58.400 --> 00:36:58.739 no 00:36:58.739 --> 00:36:59.460 decisions 00:36:59.460 --> 00:36:59.639 have 00:36:59.639 --> 00:36:59.840 made 00:36:59.840 --> 00:37:00.000 if 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.119 you're 00:37:00.119 --> 00:37:00.300 not 00:37:00.300 --> 00:37:01.159 serving 00:37:01.159 --> 00:37:01.559 others 00:37:01.559 --> 00:37:01.739 if 00:37:01.739 --> 00:37:02.400 nothing's 00:37:02.400 --> 00:37:03.099 changed 00:37:03.099 --> 00:37:06.199 that's 00:37:06.199 --> 00:37:06.440 not 00:37:06.440 --> 00:37:06.900 healthy 00:37:06.900 --> 00:37:12.699 take 00:37:12.699 --> 00:37:12.840 your 00:37:12.840 --> 00:37:13.039 next 00:37:13.039 --> 00:37:13.340 step 00:37:13.340 --> 00:37:16.320 if 00:37:16.320 --> 00:37:16.759 you've 00:37:16.759 --> 00:37:17.079 sat 00:37:17.079 --> 00:37:17.519 there 00:37:17.519 --> 00:37:19.900 even 00:37:19.900 --> 00:37:20.239 not as 00:37:20.239 --> 00:37:20.380 a 00:37:20.380 --> 00:37:20.639 Christian 00:37:20.639 --> 00:37:20.860 but 00:37:20.860 --> 00:37:21.079 you've 00:37:21.079 --> 00:37:21.340 sat 00:37:21.340 --> 00:37:21.639 there 00:37:21.639 --> 00:37:22.139 and 00:37:22.139 --> 00:37:22.719 you've 00:37:22.719 --> 00:37:23.139 wrestled 00:37:23.139 --> 00:37:23.379 with 00:37:23.379 --> 00:37:23.539 the 00:37:23.539 --> 00:37:23.879 truth 00:37:23.879 --> 00:37:24.039 of 00:37:24.039 --> 00:37:24.159 the 00:37:24.159 --> 00:37:24.420 Christian 00:37:24.420 --> 00:37:24.879 faith 00:37:24.879 --> 00:37:26.219 and 00:37:26.219 --> 00:37:26.759 you've 00:37:26.759 --> 00:37:28.039 but 00:37:28.039 --> 00:37:28.199 you're 00:37:28.199 --> 00:37:28.339 just 00:37:28.339 --> 00:37:28.519 still 00:37:28.519 --> 00:37:28.819 sitting 00:37:28.819 --> 00:37:29.179 there 00:37:29.179 --> 00:37:31.339 you're 00:37:31.339 --> 00:37:31.480 still 00:37:31.480 --> 00:37:31.759 sitting 00:37:31.759 --> 00:37:32.079 there 00:37:32.079 --> 00:37:32.379 where 00:37:32.379 --> 00:37:33.440 you've 00:37:33.440 --> 00:37:33.779 heard it 00:37:33.779 --> 00:37:34.139 you heard 00:37:34.139 --> 00:37:34.259 it 00:37:34.259 --> 00:37:34.599 you heard 00:37:34.599 --> 00:37:34.719 it 00:37:34.719 --> 00:37:34.900 but 00:37:34.900 --> 00:37:35.119 you 00:37:35.119 --> 00:37:35.420 just 00:37:35.420 --> 00:37:35.779 won't 00:37:35.779 --> 00:37:36.039 take 00:37:36.039 --> 00:37:36.679 take 00:37:36.679 --> 00:37:36.900 that 00:37:36.900 --> 00:37:37.219 next 00:37:37.219 --> 00:37:37.579 step 00:37:37.579 --> 00:37:38.779 risk 00:37:38.779 --> 00:37:39.039 it 00:37:39.039 --> 00:37:39.779 and 00:37:39.779 --> 00:37:40.019 come 00:37:40.019 --> 00:37:40.179 to 00:37:40.179 --> 00:37:40.500 Christ 00:37:40.500 --> 00:37:40.980 today 00:37:40.980 --> 00:37:44.299 be 00:37:44.299 --> 00:37:44.719 bold 00:37:44.719 --> 00:37:44.900 and 00:37:44.900 --> 00:37:45.079 say 00:37:45.079 --> 00:37:45.400 right 00:37:45.400 --> 00:37:45.659 I'm 00:37:45.659 --> 00:37:46.059 just 00:37:46.059 --> 00:37:47.900 I've 00:37:47.900 --> 00:37:48.519 got 00:37:48.519 --> 00:37:48.839 what I 00:37:48.839 --> 00:37:49.079 need 00:37:49.079 --> 00:37:49.239 to 00:37:49.239 --> 00:37:49.480 know 00:37:49.480 --> 00:37:49.759 I'm 00:37:49.759 --> 00:37:49.980 just 00:37:49.980 --> 00:37:50.599 going 00:37:50.599 --> 00:37:50.719 to 00:37:50.719 --> 00:37:51.019 take 00:37:51.019 --> 00:37:51.260 that 00:37:51.260 --> 00:37:51.679 step 00:37:51.679 --> 00:37:52.219 and 00:37:52.219 --> 00:37:52.360 I'm 00:37:52.360 --> 00:37:52.380 going 00:37:52.380 --> 00:37:52.460 to 00:37:52.460 --> 00:37:52.639 come 00:37:52.639 --> 00:37:52.800 to 00:37:52.800 --> 00:37:53.059 Christ 00:37:53.059 --> 00:37:53.199 I'm 00:37:53.199 --> 00:37:53.240 going 00:37:53.240 --> 00:37:53.300 to 00:37:53.300 --> 00:37:53.659 surrender 00:37:53.659 --> 00:37:53.820 to 00:37:53.820 --> 00:37:53.940 him 00:37:53.940 --> 00:37:54.340 today 00:37:54.340 --> 00:37:58.960 thirdly 00:37:58.960 --> 00:37:59.219 and 00:37:59.219 --> 00:37:59.400 this 00:37:59.400 --> 00:37:59.539 is 00:37:59.539 --> 00:37:59.860 connected 00:37:59.860 --> 00:38:00.039 to 00:38:00.039 --> 00:38:00.179 the 00:38:00.179 --> 00:38:00.380 second 00:38:00.380 --> 00:38:00.740 point 00:38:00.740 --> 00:38:01.340 if 00:38:01.340 --> 00:38:01.539 I 00:38:01.539 --> 00:38:01.860 perish 00:38:01.860 --> 00:38:02.039 I 00:38:02.039 --> 00:38:02.400 perish 00:38:02.400 --> 00:38:02.740 is 00:38:02.740 --> 00:38:02.900 the 00:38:02.900 --> 00:38:03.280 language 00:38:03.280 --> 00:38:03.719 of 00:38:03.719 --> 00:38:04.440 unconditional 00:38:04.440 --> 00:38:05.199 obedience 00:38:05.199 --> 00:38:07.240 it 00:38:07.240 --> 00:38:07.800 means 00:38:07.800 --> 00:38:09.240 I'm 00:38:09.240 --> 00:38:09.360 going 00:38:09.360 --> 00:38:09.460 to 00:38:09.460 --> 00:38:09.659 do 00:38:09.659 --> 00:38:10.179 everything 00:38:10.179 --> 00:38:10.440 he 00:38:10.440 --> 00:38:10.780 tells 00:38:10.780 --> 00:38:10.960 me 00:38:10.960 --> 00:38:11.139 to 00:38:11.139 --> 00:38:11.400 do 00:38:11.400 --> 00:38:11.619 and 00:38:11.619 --> 00:38:11.800 I'm 00:38:11.800 --> 00:38:11.900 going 00:38:11.900 --> 00:38:12.000 to 00:38:12.000 --> 00:38:12.320 accept 00:38:12.320 --> 00:38:12.820 everything 00:38:12.820 --> 00:38:13.039 he 00:38:13.039 --> 00:38:13.300 sends 00:38:13.300 --> 00:38:13.420 in 00:38:13.420 --> 00:38:13.599 my 00:38:13.599 --> 00:38:13.960 life 00:38:13.960 --> 00:38:15.880 that's 00:38:15.880 --> 00:38:16.360 unconditional 00:38:16.360 --> 00:38:17.059 obedience 00:38:17.059 --> 00:38:18.619 it 00:38:18.619 --> 00:38:18.760 is 00:38:18.760 --> 00:38:19.039 putting 00:38:19.039 --> 00:38:19.340 our 00:38:19.340 --> 00:38:19.719 lives 00:38:19.719 --> 00:38:19.919 into 00:38:19.919 --> 00:38:20.119 the 00:38:20.119 --> 00:38:20.459 hands 00:38:20.459 --> 00:38:20.579 of 00:38:20.579 --> 00:38:20.719 the 00:38:20.719 --> 00:38:20.959 one 00:38:20.959 --> 00:38:21.139 who 00:38:21.139 --> 00:38:21.539 gave 00:38:21.539 --> 00:38:21.959 us 00:38:21.959 --> 00:38:22.519 life 00:38:22.519 --> 00:38:23.319 in 00:38:23.319 --> 00:38:23.419 the 00:38:23.419 --> 00:38:23.639 one 00:38:23.639 --> 00:38:23.819 who 00:38:23.819 --> 00:38:24.339 controls 00:38:24.339 --> 00:38:25.079 everything 00:38:25.079 --> 00:38:25.599 in 00:38:25.599 --> 00:38:25.719 a 00:38:25.719 --> 00:38:26.019 world 00:38:26.019 --> 00:38:26.199 where 00:38:26.199 --> 00:38:26.359 I've 00:38:26.359 --> 00:38:26.539 got 00:38:26.539 --> 00:38:26.919 virtually 00:38:26.919 --> 00:38:27.139 no 00:38:27.139 --> 00:38:27.579 control 00:38:27.579 --> 00:38:27.879 at 00:38:27.879 --> 00:38:28.079 all 00:38:28.079 --> 00:38:30.019 and 00:38:30.019 --> 00:38:30.239 that's 00:38:30.239 --> 00:38:30.359 the 00:38:30.359 --> 00:38:30.699 reality 00:38:30.699 --> 00:38:30.980 of 00:38:30.980 --> 00:38:31.319 life 00:38:31.319 --> 00:38:32.079 when we 00:38:32.079 --> 00:38:32.259 think 00:38:32.259 --> 00:38:32.559 about 00:38:32.559 --> 00:38:33.059 risk 00:38:33.059 --> 00:38:34.219 let's 00:38:34.219 --> 00:38:34.379 just 00:38:34.379 --> 00:38:34.559 be 00:38:34.559 --> 00:38:34.980 frank 00:38:34.980 --> 00:38:35.339 here 00:38:35.339 --> 00:38:36.159 we 00:38:36.159 --> 00:38:36.439 don't 00:38:36.439 --> 00:38:36.639 have 00:38:36.639 --> 00:38:37.199 control 00:38:37.199 --> 00:38:38.139 and 00:38:38.139 --> 00:38:38.379 I 00:38:38.379 --> 00:38:38.759 am 00:38:38.759 --> 00:38:39.299 absolutely 00:38:39.299 --> 00:38:39.859 convinced 00:38:39.859 --> 00:38:40.039 that 00:38:40.039 --> 00:38:40.279 God 00:38:40.279 --> 00:38:40.799 intends 00:38:40.799 --> 00:38:41.019 for 00:38:41.019 --> 00:38:41.359 us 00:38:41.359 --> 00:38:42.000 to 00:38:42.000 --> 00:38:42.599 live 00:38:42.599 --> 00:38:43.419 and 00:38:43.419 --> 00:38:43.659 to 00:38:43.659 --> 00:38:44.439 realize 00:38:44.439 --> 00:38:45.960 the 00:38:45.960 --> 00:38:46.579 uncertainty 00:38:46.579 --> 00:38:47.019 and the 00:38:47.019 --> 00:38:47.480 risk 00:38:47.480 --> 00:38:49.839 of 00:38:49.839 --> 00:38:50.339 life 00:38:50.339 --> 00:38:50.980 and 00:38:50.980 --> 00:38:51.159 that 00:38:51.159 --> 00:38:51.299 is 00:38:51.299 --> 00:38:51.460 one 00:38:51.460 --> 00:38:51.539 of 00:38:51.539 --> 00:38:51.659 the 00:38:51.659 --> 00:38:51.919 core 00:38:51.919 --> 00:38:52.319 reasons 00:38:52.319 --> 00:38:52.559 why 00:38:52.559 --> 00:38:52.719 we 00:38:52.719 --> 00:38:52.919 want 00:38:52.919 --> 00:38:53.039 to 00:38:53.039 --> 00:38:53.379 seek 00:38:53.379 --> 00:38:53.699 him 00:38:53.699 --> 00:38:54.019 in 00:38:54.019 --> 00:38:54.419 life 00:38:54.419 --> 00:38:55.199 because 00:38:55.199 --> 00:38:55.579 he 00:38:55.579 --> 00:38:55.899 is 00:38:55.899 --> 00:38:56.279 certain 00:38:56.279 --> 00:38:56.619 and 00:38:56.619 --> 00:38:57.159 powerful 00:38:57.159 --> 00:38:58.759 James 00:38:58.759 --> 00:38:59.059 chapter 00:38:59.059 --> 00:38:59.519 four 00:38:59.519 --> 00:39:00.019 in the 00:39:00.019 --> 00:39:00.179 new 00:39:00.179 --> 00:39:00.639 testament 00:39:00.639 --> 00:39:01.839 puts 00:39:01.839 --> 00:39:02.000 it 00:39:02.000 --> 00:39:02.219 like 00:39:02.219 --> 00:39:02.659 this 00:39:02.659 --> 00:39:03.619 now 00:39:03.619 --> 00:39:03.959 listen 00:39:03.959 --> 00:39:04.199 you 00:39:04.199 --> 00:39:04.379 who 00:39:04.379 --> 00:39:04.599 say 00:39:04.599 --> 00:39:04.899 today 00:39:04.899 --> 00:39:05.059 or 00:39:05.059 --> 00:39:05.480 tomorrow 00:39:05.480 --> 00:39:05.699 we 00:39:05.699 --> 00:39:05.819 will 00:39:05.819 --> 00:39:06.000 go 00:39:06.000 --> 00:39:06.139 into 00:39:06.139 --> 00:39:06.359 this 00:39:06.359 --> 00:39:06.579 city 00:39:06.579 --> 00:39:06.719 or 00:39:06.719 --> 00:39:06.899 that 00:39:06.899 --> 00:39:07.159 spend 00:39:07.159 --> 00:39:07.439 a year 00:39:07.439 --> 00:39:07.579 here 00:39:07.579 --> 00:39:07.799 and there 00:39:07.799 --> 00:39:08.059 and carry 00:39:08.059 --> 00:39:08.480 on business 00:39:08.480 --> 00:39:08.779 and make 00:39:08.779 --> 00:39:09.119 money 00:39:09.119 --> 00:39:11.679 like 00:39:11.679 --> 00:39:12.619 most of 00:39:12.619 --> 00:39:13.219 the strategic 00:39:13.219 --> 00:39:13.779 plans 00:39:13.779 --> 00:39:14.379 I'm 00:39:14.379 --> 00:39:14.739 assuming 00:39:14.739 --> 00:39:15.139 in 00:39:15.139 --> 00:39:15.559 North 00:39:15.559 --> 00:39:15.859 Shore 00:39:15.859 --> 00:39:18.500 why 00:39:18.500 --> 00:39:19.939 you don't 00:39:19.939 --> 00:39:20.279 even know 00:39:20.279 --> 00:39:20.519 what will 00:39:20.519 --> 00:39:20.699 happen 00:39:20.699 --> 00:39:21.019 tomorrow 00:39:21.019 --> 00:39:22.599 what is 00:39:22.599 --> 00:39:23.219 your life 00:39:23.219 --> 00:39:24.179 you're 00:39:24.179 --> 00:39:24.779 a mist 00:39:24.779 --> 00:39:26.000 that appears 00:39:26.000 --> 00:39:26.439 for a little 00:39:26.439 --> 00:39:26.980 while and 00:39:26.980 --> 00:39:27.619 then vanishes 00:39:27.619 --> 00:39:28.899 instead 00:39:28.899 --> 00:39:29.939 you ought 00:39:29.939 --> 00:39:30.399 to say 00:39:30.399 --> 00:39:30.939 if it 00:39:30.939 --> 00:39:31.099 is 00:39:31.099 --> 00:39:31.480 the 00:39:31.480 --> 00:39:31.819 Lord's 00:39:31.819 --> 00:39:32.099 will 00:39:32.099 --> 00:39:32.339 we 00:39:32.339 --> 00:39:32.500 will 00:39:32.500 --> 00:39:32.819 live 00:39:32.819 --> 00:39:33.079 and 00:39:33.079 --> 00:39:33.259 do 00:39:33.259 --> 00:39:33.599 this 00:39:33.599 --> 00:39:33.880 or 00:39:33.880 --> 00:39:34.219 that 00:39:34.219 --> 00:39:35.079 that 00:39:35.079 --> 00:39:35.259 is 00:39:35.259 --> 00:39:35.420 the 00:39:35.420 --> 00:39:35.659 point 00:39:35.659 --> 00:39:35.799 of 00:39:35.799 --> 00:39:35.960 that 00:39:35.960 --> 00:39:36.319 passage 00:39:36.319 --> 00:39:36.519 is 00:39:36.519 --> 00:39:36.719 we're 00:39:36.719 --> 00:39:36.860 not 00:39:36.860 --> 00:39:37.079 God 00:39:37.079 --> 00:39:37.360 we do 00:39:37.360 --> 00:39:37.519 not 00:39:37.519 --> 00:39:37.679 know 00:39:37.679 --> 00:39:37.860 what 00:39:37.860 --> 00:39:38.239 tomorrow 00:39:38.239 --> 00:39:39.199 is 00:39:39.199 --> 00:39:39.360 going 00:39:39.360 --> 00:39:39.420 to 00:39:39.420 --> 00:39:39.559 happen 00:39:39.559 --> 00:39:39.920 tomorrow 00:39:39.920 --> 00:39:40.400 risk 00:39:40.400 --> 00:39:40.599 is 00:39:40.599 --> 00:39:40.759 in the 00:39:40.759 --> 00:39:40.900 very 00:39:40.900 --> 00:39:41.460 fabric 00:39:41.460 --> 00:39:41.779 of 00:39:41.779 --> 00:39:41.980 our 00:39:41.980 --> 00:39:42.480 lives 00:39:42.480 --> 00:39:42.819 every 00:39:42.819 --> 00:39:43.139 single 00:39:43.139 --> 00:39:43.579 moment 00:39:43.579 --> 00:39:44.480 and 00:39:44.480 --> 00:39:44.679 we 00:39:44.679 --> 00:39:45.019 cannot 00:39:45.019 --> 00:39:45.400 avoid 00:39:45.400 --> 00:39:45.839 risk 00:39:45.839 --> 00:39:46.519 even 00:39:46.519 --> 00:39:46.900 if 00:39:46.900 --> 00:39:47.099 we 00:39:47.099 --> 00:39:47.420 wanted 00:39:47.420 --> 00:39:47.880 to 00:39:47.880 --> 00:39:50.639 all 00:39:50.639 --> 00:39:51.239 of 00:39:51.239 --> 00:39:51.400 our 00:39:51.400 --> 00:39:51.819 plans 00:39:51.819 --> 00:39:51.980 for 00:39:51.980 --> 00:39:52.440 tomorrow's 00:39:52.440 --> 00:39:52.940 activities 00:39:52.940 --> 00:39:53.179 are 00:39:53.179 --> 00:39:53.659 shattered 00:39:53.659 --> 00:39:54.719 in 00:39:54.719 --> 00:39:54.860 a 00:39:54.860 --> 00:39:55.199 moment 00:39:55.199 --> 00:39:56.259 with 00:39:56.259 --> 00:39:57.079 thousands 00:39:57.079 --> 00:39:57.339 of 00:39:57.339 --> 00:39:57.759 unknowns 00:39:57.759 --> 00:39:58.019 that 00:39:58.019 --> 00:39:58.159 we 00:39:58.159 --> 00:39:58.579 face 00:39:58.579 --> 00:39:58.860 day 00:39:58.860 --> 00:39:59.039 by 00:39:59.039 --> 00:39:59.360 day 00:39:59.360 --> 00:40:01.640 we 00:40:01.640 --> 00:40:02.220 need 00:40:02.220 --> 00:40:02.640 to 00:40:02.640 --> 00:40:03.420 explode 00:40:03.420 --> 00:40:03.820 the 00:40:03.820 --> 00:40:04.120 myth 00:40:04.120 --> 00:40:04.360 of 00:40:04.360 --> 00:40:04.880 safety 00:40:04.880 --> 00:40:05.380 and 00:40:05.380 --> 00:40:06.220 security 00:40:06.220 --> 00:40:07.019 and 00:40:07.019 --> 00:40:07.200 to 00:40:07.200 --> 00:40:07.720 somehow 00:40:07.720 --> 00:40:08.539 be 00:40:08.539 --> 00:40:09.380 delivered 00:40:09.380 --> 00:40:11.039 from 00:40:11.039 --> 00:40:11.240 the 00:40:11.240 --> 00:40:12.000 seduction 00:40:12.000 --> 00:40:12.480 of 00:40:12.480 --> 00:40:13.240 security 00:40:13.240 --> 00:40:13.920 and 00:40:13.920 --> 00:40:14.320 comfort 00:40:14.320 --> 00:40:14.559 in 00:40:14.559 --> 00:40:14.740 our 00:40:14.740 --> 00:40:15.120 world 00:40:15.120 --> 00:40:15.780 it 00:40:15.780 --> 00:40:16.240 is 00:40:16.240 --> 00:40:16.680 a 00:40:16.680 --> 00:40:17.599 mirage 00:40:17.599 --> 00:40:18.500 it 00:40:18.500 --> 00:40:18.800 does 00:40:18.800 --> 00:40:19.240 not 00:40:19.240 --> 00:40:20.180 exist 00:40:20.180 --> 00:40:20.740 in 00:40:20.740 --> 00:40:20.920 our 00:40:20.920 --> 00:40:21.300 world 00:40:21.300 --> 00:40:23.700 at 00:40:23.700 --> 00:40:23.960 all 00:40:23.960 --> 00:40:25.780 and 00:40:25.780 --> 00:40:25.940 the 00:40:25.940 --> 00:40:26.400 tragedy 00:40:26.400 --> 00:40:26.980 is 00:40:26.980 --> 00:40:27.199 that 00:40:27.199 --> 00:40:27.340 in 00:40:27.340 --> 00:40:27.519 the 00:40:27.519 --> 00:40:27.740 myth 00:40:27.740 --> 00:40:28.019 of 00:40:28.019 --> 00:40:28.659 security 00:40:28.659 --> 00:40:29.659 we 00:40:29.659 --> 00:40:30.019 are 00:40:30.019 --> 00:40:30.960 paralyzed 00:40:30.960 --> 00:40:33.260 and 00:40:33.260 --> 00:40:33.400 we 00:40:33.400 --> 00:40:33.579 are 00:40:33.579 --> 00:40:34.139 paralyzed 00:40:34.139 --> 00:40:34.720 on 00:40:34.720 --> 00:40:34.860 the 00:40:34.860 --> 00:40:35.119 north 00:40:35.119 --> 00:40:35.519 shore 00:40:35.519 --> 00:40:36.320 to 00:40:36.320 --> 00:40:36.639 take 00:40:36.639 --> 00:40:37.099 risks 00:40:37.099 --> 00:40:37.280 for 00:40:37.280 --> 00:40:37.420 the 00:40:37.420 --> 00:40:37.860 cause 00:40:37.860 --> 00:40:38.079 of 00:40:38.079 --> 00:40:38.500 God 00:40:38.500 --> 00:40:39.920 because 00:40:39.920 --> 00:40:40.380 we 00:40:40.380 --> 00:40:40.760 are 00:40:40.760 --> 00:40:41.380 deluded 00:40:41.380 --> 00:40:42.220 into 00:40:42.220 --> 00:40:42.840 thinking 00:40:42.840 --> 00:40:44.460 that 00:40:44.460 --> 00:40:44.579 it 00:40:44.579 --> 00:40:44.760 may 00:40:44.760 --> 00:40:45.400 jeopardize 00:40:45.400 --> 00:40:45.539 the 00:40:45.539 --> 00:40:46.019 security 00:40:46.019 --> 00:40:46.280 and the 00:40:46.280 --> 00:40:46.579 comfort 00:40:46.579 --> 00:40:46.820 that 00:40:46.820 --> 00:40:46.960 we 00:40:46.960 --> 00:40:47.079 in 00:40:47.079 --> 00:40:47.280 fact 00:40:47.280 --> 00:40:47.780 does 00:40:47.780 --> 00:40:48.000 not 00:40:48.000 --> 00:40:48.240 even 00:40:48.240 --> 00:40:48.679 exist 00:40:48.679 --> 00:40:52.000 so 00:40:52.000 --> 00:40:52.159 the 00:40:52.159 --> 00:40:52.480 point 00:40:52.480 --> 00:40:52.759 of 00:40:52.759 --> 00:40:53.000 that 00:40:53.000 --> 00:40:53.259 is 00:40:53.259 --> 00:40:53.480 put 00:40:53.480 --> 00:40:53.679 your 00:40:53.679 --> 00:40:54.159 hands 00:40:54.159 --> 00:40:54.819 in 00:40:54.819 --> 00:40:54.960 the 00:40:54.960 --> 00:40:55.219 hands 00:40:55.219 --> 00:40:55.399 of 00:40:55.399 --> 00:40:55.759 God 00:40:55.759 --> 00:40:57.379 and 00:40:57.379 --> 00:40:57.559 when 00:40:57.559 --> 00:40:57.739 we 00:40:57.739 --> 00:40:58.059 do 00:40:58.059 --> 00:40:58.519 fourth 00:40:58.519 --> 00:40:58.919 point 00:40:58.919 --> 00:40:59.460 if 00:40:59.460 --> 00:40:59.639 I 00:40:59.639 --> 00:40:59.980 perish 00:40:59.980 --> 00:41:00.179 I 00:41:00.179 --> 00:41:00.619 perish 00:41:00.619 --> 00:41:00.980 it's 00:41:00.980 --> 00:41:01.119 the 00:41:01.119 --> 00:41:01.399 language 00:41:01.399 --> 00:41:01.579 of 00:41:01.579 --> 00:41:02.039 greatness 00:41:02.039 --> 00:41:03.759 so 00:41:03.759 --> 00:41:04.059 many 00:41:04.059 --> 00:41:04.359 of 00:41:04.359 --> 00:41:04.500 us 00:41:04.500 --> 00:41:04.639 in 00:41:04.639 --> 00:41:04.879 our 00:41:04.879 --> 00:41:05.319 world 00:41:05.319 --> 00:41:05.559 do 00:41:05.559 --> 00:41:05.739 not 00:41:05.739 --> 00:41:06.039 take 00:41:06.039 --> 00:41:06.619 risks 00:41:06.619 --> 00:41:08.859 and 00:41:08.859 --> 00:41:09.000 we 00:41:09.000 --> 00:41:09.259 spend 00:41:09.259 --> 00:41:09.480 our 00:41:09.480 --> 00:41:09.739 life 00:41:09.739 --> 00:41:10.000 trying 00:41:10.000 --> 00:41:10.199 to 00:41:10.199 --> 00:41:10.619 build 00:41:10.619 --> 00:41:10.919 a 00:41:10.919 --> 00:41:11.599 reputation 00:41:11.599 --> 00:41:13.559 so 00:41:13.559 --> 00:41:13.799 that 00:41:13.799 --> 00:41:14.119 we 00:41:14.119 --> 00:41:14.679 are 00:41:14.679 --> 00:41:15.539 remembered 00:41:15.539 --> 00:41:16.299 we 00:41:16.299 --> 00:41:16.539 care 00:41:16.539 --> 00:41:16.739 about 00:41:16.739 --> 00:41:16.940 our 00:41:16.940 --> 00:41:17.359 legacy 00:41:17.359 --> 00:41:17.619 what 00:41:17.619 --> 00:41:17.759 we're 00:41:17.759 --> 00:41:18.079 passing 00:41:18.079 --> 00:41:18.299 on 00:41:18.299 --> 00:41:18.399 to 00:41:18.400 --> 00:41:18.900 others 00:41:18.900 --> 00:41:19.760 and 00:41:19.760 --> 00:41:20.000 yet 00:41:20.000 --> 00:41:20.380 it's 00:41:20.380 --> 00:41:20.700 those 00:41:20.700 --> 00:41:20.920 who 00:41:20.920 --> 00:41:21.240 take 00:41:21.240 --> 00:41:21.700 often 00:41:21.700 --> 00:41:21.960 the 00:41:21.960 --> 00:41:22.320 greatest 00:41:22.320 --> 00:41:22.660 risk 00:41:22.660 --> 00:41:22.860 are 00:41:22.860 --> 00:41:22.980 the 00:41:22.980 --> 00:41:23.220 ones 00:41:23.220 --> 00:41:23.360 who 00:41:23.360 --> 00:41:23.579 hand 00:41:23.579 --> 00:41:23.800 over 00:41:23.800 --> 00:41:23.960 the 00:41:23.960 --> 00:41:24.220 greatest 00:41:24.220 --> 00:41:24.740 legacy 00:41:24.740 --> 00:41:28.340 14 00:41:28.340 --> 00:41:29.139 times 00:41:29.139 --> 00:41:29.880 in 00:41:29.880 --> 00:41:29.980 the 00:41:29.980 --> 00:41:30.139 book 00:41:30.139 --> 00:41:30.280 of 00:41:30.280 --> 00:41:30.559 Esther 00:41:30.559 --> 00:41:31.860 14 00:41:31.860 --> 00:41:32.579 times 00:41:32.579 --> 00:41:34.099 Esther 00:41:34.099 --> 00:41:34.680 is 00:41:34.680 --> 00:41:35.119 referred 00:41:35.119 --> 00:41:35.539 to 00:41:35.539 --> 00:41:36.019 as 00:41:36.019 --> 00:41:36.900 Queen 00:41:36.900 --> 00:41:37.260 Esther 00:41:37.260 --> 00:41:41.360 the 00:41:41.360 --> 00:41:41.680 first 00:41:41.680 --> 00:41:41.980 time 00:41:41.980 --> 00:41:42.119 is 00:41:42.119 --> 00:41:42.300 when 00:41:42.300 --> 00:41:42.579 she's 00:41:42.579 --> 00:41:42.820 made 00:41:42.820 --> 00:41:43.240 Queen 00:41:43.240 --> 00:41:44.480 Queen 00:41:44.480 --> 00:41:44.820 Esther 00:41:44.820 --> 00:41:45.340 her 00:41:45.340 --> 00:41:45.700 title 00:41:45.700 --> 00:41:47.280 the 00:41:47.280 --> 00:41:47.519 other 00:41:47.519 --> 00:41:48.100 13 00:41:48.100 --> 00:41:48.900 times 00:41:48.900 --> 00:41:50.320 she's 00:41:50.320 --> 00:41:50.620 referred 00:41:50.620 --> 00:41:50.880 to 00:41:50.880 --> 00:41:51.200 as 00:41:51.200 --> 00:41:51.660 Queen 00:41:51.660 --> 00:41:52.220 Esther 00:41:52.220 --> 00:41:53.620 when 00:41:53.620 --> 00:41:53.860 she 00:41:53.860 --> 00:41:54.180 utters 00:41:54.180 --> 00:41:54.360 the 00:41:54.360 --> 00:41:54.660 words 00:41:54.660 --> 00:41:54.960 if I 00:41:54.960 --> 00:41:55.240 perish 00:41:55.240 --> 00:41:55.420 I 00:41:55.420 --> 00:41:55.840 perish 00:41:55.840 --> 00:41:55.840 00:41:55.840 --> 00:41:59.900 She's 00:41:59.900 --> 00:42:00.060 been 00:42:00.060 --> 00:42:00.460 queen 00:42:00.460 --> 00:42:00.860 for a 00:42:00.860 --> 00:42:01.200 while 00:42:01.200 --> 00:42:03.300 but 00:42:03.300 --> 00:42:03.960 13 00:42:03.960 --> 00:42:04.200 of the 00:42:04.200 --> 00:42:04.560 14 00:42:04.560 --> 00:42:05.200 occasions 00:42:05.200 --> 00:42:05.519 are 00:42:05.519 --> 00:42:05.780 after 00:42:05.780 --> 00:42:06.019 she 00:42:06.019 --> 00:42:06.400 utters 00:42:06.400 --> 00:42:06.940 those 00:42:06.940 --> 00:42:07.320 words 00:42:07.320 --> 00:42:07.860 she 00:42:07.860 --> 00:42:08.440 becomes 00:42:08.440 --> 00:42:08.780 a 00:42:08.780 --> 00:42:09.220 person 00:42:09.220 --> 00:42:09.540 of 00:42:09.540 --> 00:42:10.060 greatness 00:42:10.059 --> 00:42:11.679 by 00:42:11.679 --> 00:42:11.960 letting 00:42:11.960 --> 00:42:12.380 go 00:42:12.380 --> 00:42:12.639 of 00:42:12.639 --> 00:42:12.799 her 00:42:12.799 --> 00:42:13.219 life 00:42:13.219 --> 00:42:13.440 and 00:42:13.440 --> 00:42:13.840 placing 00:42:13.840 --> 00:42:14.000 it 00:42:14.000 --> 00:42:14.159 into 00:42:14.159 --> 00:42:14.579 God's 00:42:14.579 --> 00:42:15.000 hands 00:42:15.000 --> 00:42:15.559 for 00:42:15.559 --> 00:42:15.840 his 00:42:15.840 --> 00:42:16.239 glory 00:42:16.239 --> 00:42:16.559 and 00:42:16.559 --> 00:42:16.719 the 00:42:16.719 --> 00:42:17.759 good 00:42:17.759 --> 00:42:18.019 of 00:42:18.019 --> 00:42:18.559 others 00:42:18.559 --> 00:42:22.659 and 00:42:22.659 --> 00:42:22.840 as 00:42:22.840 --> 00:42:22.980 we 00:42:22.980 --> 00:42:23.139 look 00:42:23.139 --> 00:42:23.519 forward 00:42:23.519 --> 00:42:24.000 as a 00:42:24.000 --> 00:42:24.420 church 00:42:24.420 --> 00:42:24.820 here 00:42:24.820 --> 00:42:25.219 to 00:42:25.219 --> 00:42:26.639 the 00:42:26.639 --> 00:42:26.900 next 00:42:26.900 --> 00:42:27.400 stage 00:42:27.400 --> 00:42:27.639 of 00:42:27.639 --> 00:42:27.820 our 00:42:27.820 --> 00:42:28.139 life 00:42:28.139 --> 00:42:28.239 and 00:42:28.239 --> 00:42:28.400 our 00:42:28.400 --> 00:42:28.779 ministry 00:42:28.779 --> 00:42:29.320 together 00:42:29.320 --> 00:42:31.519 we're 00:42:31.519 --> 00:42:31.820 doing 00:42:31.820 --> 00:42:32.440 so 00:42:32.440 --> 00:42:34.159 in 00:42:34.159 --> 00:42:34.340 the 00:42:34.340 --> 00:42:34.619 most 00:42:34.619 --> 00:42:35.360 uncertain 00:42:35.360 --> 00:42:36.299 and 00:42:36.299 --> 00:42:37.380 unprecedented 00:42:37.380 --> 00:42:38.259 time 00:42:38.260 --> 00:42:39.060 in 00:42:39.060 --> 00:42:39.380 this 00:42:39.380 --> 00:42:39.980 church's 00:42:39.980 --> 00:42:41.020 124 00:42:41.020 --> 00:42:41.360 year 00:42:41.360 --> 00:42:41.900 history 00:42:41.900 --> 00:42:42.640 in 00:42:42.640 --> 00:42:43.160 Chatswood 00:42:43.160 --> 00:42:45.920 as I 00:42:45.920 --> 00:42:46.200 said 00:42:46.200 --> 00:42:46.680 Christianity 00:42:46.680 --> 00:42:48.200 is not 00:42:48.200 --> 00:42:48.640 accepted 00:42:48.640 --> 00:42:49.460 as true 00:42:49.460 --> 00:42:50.060 good or 00:42:50.060 --> 00:42:50.520 beautiful 00:42:50.520 --> 00:42:51.100 in our 00:42:51.100 --> 00:42:51.660 society 00:42:51.660 --> 00:42:54.120 and the 00:42:54.120 --> 00:42:54.520 early 00:42:54.520 --> 00:42:55.200 church 00:42:55.200 --> 00:42:57.240 the first 00:42:57.240 --> 00:42:57.500 three 00:42:57.500 --> 00:42:57.880 centuries 00:42:57.880 --> 00:42:58.240 of the 00:42:58.240 --> 00:42:58.480 early 00:42:58.480 --> 00:42:58.900 church 00:42:58.900 --> 00:42:59.120 of the 00:42:59.120 --> 00:42:59.400 Christian 00:42:59.400 --> 00:42:59.880 church 00:42:59.880 --> 00:43:01.460 faced 00:43:01.460 --> 00:43:03.020 similar 00:43:03.020 --> 00:43:03.880 circumstances 00:43:03.880 --> 00:43:04.460 to what 00:43:04.460 --> 00:43:04.800 we are 00:43:04.800 --> 00:43:05.180 facing 00:43:05.180 --> 00:43:05.620 now 00:43:05.619 --> 00:43:09.219 that 00:43:09.219 --> 00:43:09.539 is 00:43:09.539 --> 00:43:10.940 where 00:43:10.940 --> 00:43:11.339 Christianity 00:43:11.339 --> 00:43:11.880 was 00:43:11.880 --> 00:43:12.460 minority 00:43:12.460 --> 00:43:13.980 where it 00:43:13.980 --> 00:43:14.319 was not 00:43:14.319 --> 00:43:14.980 regarded as 00:43:14.980 --> 00:43:15.279 true 00:43:15.279 --> 00:43:15.679 good or 00:43:15.679 --> 00:43:16.079 beautiful 00:43:16.079 --> 00:43:18.659 and yet 00:43:18.659 --> 00:43:19.880 within the 00:43:19.880 --> 00:43:20.359 first three 00:43:20.359 --> 00:43:20.799 centuries 00:43:20.799 --> 00:43:21.019 the 00:43:21.019 --> 00:43:21.319 Christian 00:43:21.319 --> 00:43:21.880 church 00:43:21.880 --> 00:43:23.219 transformed 00:43:23.219 --> 00:43:23.699 the 00:43:23.699 --> 00:43:23.980 Roman 00:43:23.980 --> 00:43:24.599 empire 00:43:24.599 --> 00:43:25.519 for 00:43:25.519 --> 00:43:25.819 its 00:43:25.819 --> 00:43:26.179 good 00:43:26.179 --> 00:43:29.460 because 00:43:29.460 --> 00:43:29.679 they 00:43:29.679 --> 00:43:29.799 were 00:43:29.799 --> 00:43:30.460 captivated 00:43:30.460 --> 00:43:30.859 by the 00:43:30.859 --> 00:43:31.259 gospel 00:43:31.259 --> 00:43:32.539 of the 00:43:32.539 --> 00:43:32.960 glory 00:43:32.960 --> 00:43:33.480 of the 00:43:33.480 --> 00:43:33.679 Lord 00:43:33.679 --> 00:43:34.099 Jesus 00:43:34.099 --> 00:43:35.079 their 00:43:35.079 --> 00:43:35.599 identity 00:43:35.599 --> 00:43:36.000 was 00:43:36.000 --> 00:43:36.400 attached 00:43:36.400 --> 00:43:36.619 to 00:43:36.619 --> 00:43:37.039 him 00:43:37.039 --> 00:43:38.019 and 00:43:38.019 --> 00:43:38.239 they 00:43:38.239 --> 00:43:38.819 risked 00:43:38.819 --> 00:43:39.360 everything 00:43:39.360 --> 00:43:39.739 for 00:43:39.739 --> 00:43:39.960 that 00:43:39.960 --> 00:43:40.420 glory 00:43:40.420 --> 00:43:41.819 including 00:43:41.819 --> 00:43:42.119 their 00:43:42.119 --> 00:43:42.360 own 00:43:42.360 --> 00:43:42.860 lives 00:43:42.860 --> 00:43:43.619 and 00:43:43.619 --> 00:43:43.779 they 00:43:43.779 --> 00:43:44.000 did 00:43:44.000 --> 00:43:44.339 so 00:43:44.339 --> 00:43:45.059 joyfully 00:43:45.059 --> 00:43:47.079 like 00:43:47.079 --> 00:43:47.500 them 00:43:47.500 --> 00:43:48.579 eternal 00:43:48.579 --> 00:43:49.079 greatness 00:43:49.079 --> 00:43:49.599 awaits 00:43:49.599 --> 00:43:50.059 those 00:43:50.059 --> 00:43:50.279 who 00:43:50.279 --> 00:43:50.559 take 00:43:50.559 --> 00:43:50.880 those 00:43:50.880 --> 00:43:51.279 risks 00:43:51.280 --> 00:43:53.280 ! 00:43:53.280 --> 00:43:53.280