WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.260 We are looking at a series of psalms. 00:00:03.879 --> 00:00:08.500 Matt started last Sunday by looking at Psalm 121, 00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:11.300 and today we're going to look at Psalm 103. 00:00:12.140 --> 00:00:20.420 The purpose of these psalms is to help us understand God's help for us at our time of need. 00:00:21.120 --> 00:00:23.780 So all of these psalms address needs, 00:00:24.879 --> 00:00:27.640 and so today we're going to look at Psalm 103. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.380 I want you to notice a couple things first about Psalm 103. 00:00:35.100 --> 00:00:37.480 It has 22 verses. 00:00:37.820 --> 00:00:43.219 The 22 verses correspond to the 22 letters in the alphabet. 00:00:44.120 --> 00:00:48.780 It's not an alphabetical psalm, but it does have the number 22. 00:00:49.980 --> 00:00:54.560 And furthermore, the first line in Psalm 103 is, 00:00:54.560 --> 00:00:59.100 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me. 00:00:59.620 --> 00:01:00.880 Praise his holy name. 00:01:02.020 --> 00:01:07.700 And then look at the very last line in verse 22. 00:01:08.500 --> 00:01:10.520 Praise the Lord, O my soul. 00:01:10.939 --> 00:01:14.099 So it begins with praise the Lord, O my soul, 00:01:14.099 --> 00:01:17.879 and it ends with praise the Lord, O my soul. 00:01:18.919 --> 00:01:21.859 The expression, praise the Lord, O my soul, 00:01:22.079 --> 00:01:24.759 is like bookends on a shelf. 00:01:25.479 --> 00:01:29.000 It holds one end and it holds the other end, 00:01:29.299 --> 00:01:32.139 and everything in between is steady. 00:01:32.140 --> 00:01:38.640 So this is a psalm that is clearly inviting us to praise the Lord. 00:01:39.400 --> 00:01:42.480 So eventually, when we get to the application, 00:01:43.219 --> 00:01:44.840 you shouldn't be completely shocked 00:01:44.840 --> 00:01:49.019 if one of the application is praise the Lord. 00:01:49.579 --> 00:01:51.200 But we'll get there eventually. 00:01:54.079 --> 00:01:56.420 The psalm does begin with praise the Lord. 00:01:56.819 --> 00:01:58.560 It does end with praise the Lord. 00:01:58.560 --> 00:02:01.920 It is the bookends of the psalm. 00:02:02.599 --> 00:02:05.060 I have a friend whom I asked the other day, 00:02:05.400 --> 00:02:06.939 Do you love your work? 00:02:07.900 --> 00:02:08.819 And he says, Love? 00:02:09.180 --> 00:02:10.780 No, I like my work. 00:02:11.680 --> 00:02:12.599 And I said, Why? 00:02:13.219 --> 00:02:15.020 He says, Well, I know what I'm doing. 00:02:15.620 --> 00:02:16.659 The people are nice. 00:02:16.879 --> 00:02:17.939 The hours are okay. 00:02:19.539 --> 00:02:22.219 The demands are real. 00:02:22.780 --> 00:02:23.680 They're not too heavy. 00:02:25.300 --> 00:02:28.420 And, you know, it's a good job. 00:02:28.419 --> 00:02:32.539 And then I said, Why don't you find a better job 00:02:32.539 --> 00:02:35.799 that you would love rather than just like? 00:02:36.579 --> 00:02:37.560 And he says, Oh, no. 00:02:38.119 --> 00:02:40.560 The benefits here are fantastic. 00:02:41.560 --> 00:02:44.159 I couldn't get better benefits anywhere 00:02:44.159 --> 00:02:46.019 than with this company. 00:02:46.020 --> 00:02:49.960 So what keeps me here is not the salary and the hours. 00:02:50.320 --> 00:02:52.760 What keeps me here are the benefits. 00:02:54.280 --> 00:02:57.400 This psalm is about benefits. 00:02:57.980 --> 00:03:01.340 To be a believer, a follower of Jesus, a disciple, 00:03:02.120 --> 00:03:03.340 involves benefits. 00:03:04.219 --> 00:03:05.939 And so let's turn to Psalm 103, 00:03:05.939 --> 00:03:10.579 and let's take a look at the first verse. 00:03:11.900 --> 00:03:12.979 Verse 1 and 2. 00:03:13.520 --> 00:03:14.319 Verses 1 and 2. 00:03:15.120 --> 00:03:16.620 Praise the Lord, O my soul, 00:03:17.280 --> 00:03:19.479 and all that is within me. 00:03:19.960 --> 00:03:22.240 Bless his, praise his holy name. 00:03:23.139 --> 00:03:24.560 Praise the Lord, O my soul, 00:03:25.039 --> 00:03:28.099 and don't forget all his benefits. 00:03:29.520 --> 00:03:31.479 So what are the benefits 00:03:31.479 --> 00:03:34.479 that we are supposed to praise the Lord for? 00:03:34.479 --> 00:03:39.479 The benefits is the way he takes care of our basic needs. 00:03:40.519 --> 00:03:45.280 And these needs are then listed for us in verse 3. 00:03:45.979 --> 00:03:48.539 By the way, if you take a look at the back, 00:03:49.379 --> 00:03:55.039 you will find out an outline of the psalm that I gave you. 00:03:55.500 --> 00:04:00.599 This way you can follow through and take notes if you want to. 00:04:01.179 --> 00:04:03.399 You can think about it and discuss it 00:04:03.400 --> 00:04:04.819 later on in the week, 00:04:04.900 --> 00:04:07.240 so you'll have it at least in writing. 00:04:08.280 --> 00:04:09.900 So what are these benefits? 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:14.780 And he says in verse 3 and 4 and 5, 00:04:15.400 --> 00:04:18.199 who forgives all your sins, 00:04:18.959 --> 00:04:21.240 who heals all of your diseases, 00:04:22.399 --> 00:04:27.180 who redeems your life from the pit or the grave, 00:04:27.180 --> 00:04:31.340 who crowns you with love and compassion, 00:04:32.060 --> 00:04:35.100 who satisfies your desires with good things, 00:04:35.340 --> 00:04:38.400 so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. 00:04:38.399 --> 00:04:40.739 I've been sick before. 00:04:40.739 --> 00:04:42.699 I've had cold. 00:04:43.779 --> 00:04:47.299 And didn't think I should go to school, 00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:49.159 so I called sick. 00:04:49.799 --> 00:04:51.159 But I want to tell you, 00:04:51.799 --> 00:04:54.279 God, not only does he forgive our sins, 00:04:54.859 --> 00:04:57.599 but he heals our diseases, 00:04:58.279 --> 00:04:59.819 and even beyond that, 00:05:00.399 --> 00:05:04.779 he redeems our life from the pit or the grave. 00:05:04.779 --> 00:05:07.959 The last year and a half, 00:05:08.699 --> 00:05:10.839 the Lord didn't just heal me. 00:05:11.679 --> 00:05:14.459 He redeemed my life from the grave. 00:05:15.159 --> 00:05:16.659 If it were not for the Lord, 00:05:16.979 --> 00:05:19.519 I would not be alive this time. 00:05:20.159 --> 00:05:21.959 I would have died about half a year ago. 00:05:22.759 --> 00:05:25.179 But God delivers our life from the grave, 00:05:25.799 --> 00:05:28.739 and for which I am absolutely most thankful, 00:05:28.740 --> 00:05:31.939 and give him all the praise and the honor and the glory 00:05:31.939 --> 00:05:35.960 for his extended kindness to me this way, 00:05:36.639 --> 00:05:38.139 and in many other ways as well, 00:05:38.680 --> 00:05:39.720 but especially this way. 00:05:40.460 --> 00:05:43.460 So, he forgives all of our sins, 00:05:43.879 --> 00:05:46.160 who heals all of our diseases, 00:05:46.819 --> 00:05:49.120 he redeems our lives from the pit, 00:05:49.639 --> 00:05:52.180 who crowns you with love and compassion. 00:05:52.180 --> 00:05:57.780 Again, love and compassion will be quoted five times in this psalm. 00:05:58.420 --> 00:06:01.759 That is the main benefit that he's going to focus on 00:06:01.759 --> 00:06:04.379 without ignoring the other ones. 00:06:05.160 --> 00:06:08.960 But love and compassion will show up five times. 00:06:09.620 --> 00:06:11.079 As we read through the psalms, 00:06:11.160 --> 00:06:12.780 you notice them and put a mark, 00:06:13.360 --> 00:06:16.420 and you find out that you put five marks five times. 00:06:16.420 --> 00:06:19.720 And then, he continues, 00:06:20.500 --> 00:06:24.400 who satisfies your desires with good things, 00:06:24.800 --> 00:06:27.879 so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. 00:06:28.840 --> 00:06:32.000 Your youth is renewed like the eagle. 00:06:33.340 --> 00:06:34.980 Some of you may say to yourself, 00:06:35.420 --> 00:06:37.439 that sounds familiar. 00:06:38.400 --> 00:06:40.040 Where have I read that before? 00:06:40.759 --> 00:06:42.280 Why do I recognize it? 00:06:42.840 --> 00:06:44.139 Where did it come from? 00:06:44.139 --> 00:06:50.719 Well, it comes from Isaiah chapter 40, verse 31. 00:06:51.860 --> 00:06:53.899 Those who wait upon the Lord 00:06:53.899 --> 00:06:56.779 will renew their strength. 00:06:57.699 --> 00:07:00.319 They will mount up with wings like eagles. 00:07:02.719 --> 00:07:04.939 They will run and not be weary. 00:07:05.939 --> 00:07:08.279 They will walk and not be tired. 00:07:09.219 --> 00:07:11.879 He renews their strength like eagles. 00:07:11.879 --> 00:07:14.920 And so, eagles can soar. 00:07:15.480 --> 00:07:17.240 This is an interesting metaphor. 00:07:17.959 --> 00:07:19.639 Notice what he does not say. 00:07:20.420 --> 00:07:20.800 He says, 00:07:21.300 --> 00:07:24.459 he renews their strength like a turkey. 00:07:25.639 --> 00:07:27.240 Or like a duck. 00:07:29.180 --> 00:07:31.040 Turkeys don't soar. 00:07:32.719 --> 00:07:34.540 Ducks don't soar. 00:07:34.540 --> 00:07:38.120 Even in my miserable shape today, 00:07:38.580 --> 00:07:39.939 I can outrun a duck. 00:07:40.560 --> 00:07:41.819 I really can. 00:07:44.439 --> 00:07:50.520 But God does not want us to be energized like a duck, 00:07:51.200 --> 00:07:52.100 or like an ing, 00:07:52.980 --> 00:07:54.620 like a turkey, 00:07:55.280 --> 00:07:56.379 but like an eagle. 00:07:56.379 --> 00:08:00.719 I was in Los Angeles visiting one of my best friends, 00:08:01.719 --> 00:08:02.939 family member, 00:08:03.439 --> 00:08:05.379 and his house is at the top of mountain. 00:08:07.480 --> 00:08:08.519 If you look down, 00:08:09.240 --> 00:08:11.839 you see all of Los Angeles below you. 00:08:12.540 --> 00:08:14.459 You can really see all Los Angeles. 00:08:14.620 --> 00:08:16.439 It's a fantastic place, 00:08:16.439 --> 00:08:21.800 and you can identify some of the buildings in Los Angeles. 00:08:22.459 --> 00:08:25.180 We were sitting there looking and trying to identify, 00:08:25.800 --> 00:08:27.279 oh, there's Hollywood Boulevard. 00:08:27.480 --> 00:08:29.300 Yes, there is Mulholland Drive. 00:08:29.459 --> 00:08:29.720 Yes. 00:08:30.800 --> 00:08:33.000 And then an eagle flew by us. 00:08:33.759 --> 00:08:36.500 It wasn't even moving its wings. 00:08:36.600 --> 00:08:37.899 It just spread them. 00:08:37.899 --> 00:08:42.480 And it was floating on air. 00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:45.500 And with little effort, 00:08:47.139 --> 00:08:51.179 all of Los Angeles was underneath its wings. 00:08:52.500 --> 00:08:56.939 God doesn't want us to catch our breath. 00:08:58.439 --> 00:09:02.100 God wants us to soar like eagles. 00:09:03.419 --> 00:09:06.399 One of the fun things I used to do when I taught at Trinity 00:09:06.399 --> 00:09:09.399 was to watch the soccer games all the time. 00:09:10.079 --> 00:09:13.439 I think I attended every home soccer game there was. 00:09:14.579 --> 00:09:16.299 And I would start in August 00:09:16.299 --> 00:09:18.459 when the new recruits would come. 00:09:19.620 --> 00:09:21.019 And the coach, 00:09:21.799 --> 00:09:22.799 AJ may remember, 00:09:23.539 --> 00:09:26.019 the coach used to say, 00:09:26.139 --> 00:09:28.059 well, let's begin by, 00:09:28.879 --> 00:09:30.960 at a normal slow pace, 00:09:31.480 --> 00:09:32.840 let's jog three miles. 00:09:32.840 --> 00:09:36.519 These were new recruits. 00:09:37.899 --> 00:09:41.840 And I would stay and watch them jogging for three miles. 00:09:43.899 --> 00:09:44.800 Some of them, 00:09:45.259 --> 00:09:46.960 who had stayed in shape, 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:49.259 who were athletic, 00:09:50.240 --> 00:09:51.519 who had practiced, 00:09:51.660 --> 00:09:55.800 who did not just goof off during the summer, 00:09:56.620 --> 00:09:57.700 would do the three miles, 00:09:57.700 --> 00:09:58.980 and it was like a picnic, 00:09:59.300 --> 00:10:00.759 as if it's nothing. 00:10:01.920 --> 00:10:03.720 And then some of them would arrive, 00:10:04.379 --> 00:10:05.920 huffing and puffing, 00:10:06.660 --> 00:10:10.640 and needed an ambulance to make the last hundred yards. 00:10:11.740 --> 00:10:13.080 They were not in shape. 00:10:14.800 --> 00:10:17.440 God wants to renew our strength, 00:10:18.240 --> 00:10:19.040 like eagles, 00:10:19.039 --> 00:10:21.559 so we can soar, 00:10:22.419 --> 00:10:23.939 rather than just crawl, 00:10:24.759 --> 00:10:25.699 to the finish line. 00:10:27.659 --> 00:10:27.879 So, 00:10:29.139 --> 00:10:32.079 he satisfies your desires with good things, 00:10:32.679 --> 00:10:34.939 so that your youth is renewed, 00:10:35.620 --> 00:10:36.579 like the eagles. 00:10:38.259 --> 00:10:40.319 He's been addressing himself, 00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:41.579 bless the Lord, 00:10:41.679 --> 00:10:42.259 O my soul. 00:10:42.879 --> 00:10:43.879 In verse 6, 00:10:44.679 --> 00:10:46.539 he stops talking to himself, 00:10:46.539 --> 00:10:49.339 and starts thinking about other issues. 00:10:50.879 --> 00:10:54.159 The Lord works righteousness and justice, 00:10:54.419 --> 00:10:56.079 for all the oppressed. 00:10:57.519 --> 00:10:59.699 He made known his ways to Moses, 00:11:00.539 --> 00:11:02.779 his deeds to the people of Israel. 00:11:03.699 --> 00:11:05.899 When you talk about justice and righteousness, 00:11:06.480 --> 00:11:07.259 and the oppressed, 00:11:07.500 --> 00:11:09.120 the first thing that should come to your mind, 00:11:09.919 --> 00:11:11.740 is Israel in Egypt, 00:11:11.740 --> 00:11:13.659 oppressed by Pharaoh. 00:11:13.659 --> 00:11:15.339 And so, 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:16.139 what God did, 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:18.059 was to send them Moses. 00:11:19.100 --> 00:11:22.179 And the beginning of this whole adventure, 00:11:22.899 --> 00:11:26.219 was for God to appear at the burning push, 00:11:26.799 --> 00:11:27.620 and to announce, 00:11:28.199 --> 00:11:29.299 I am Yahweh. 00:11:30.659 --> 00:11:32.059 I appeared to Abraham, 00:11:32.240 --> 00:11:32.480 Isaac, 00:11:32.579 --> 00:11:33.759 and Jacob as El Shaddai, 00:11:34.299 --> 00:11:35.879 but by my name, 00:11:35.959 --> 00:11:36.299 Yahweh, 00:11:36.699 --> 00:11:38.579 I did not reveal myself to them. 00:11:39.199 --> 00:11:39.480 So, 00:11:39.579 --> 00:11:41.120 God is telling Moses, 00:11:41.659 --> 00:11:43.000 I am Yahweh. 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:45.779 Names are very important, 00:11:45.779 --> 00:11:46.879 in scripture. 00:11:47.779 --> 00:11:49.100 Names matter a lot. 00:11:51.200 --> 00:11:51.340 So, 00:11:52.299 --> 00:11:55.460 the name Abraham, 00:11:55.980 --> 00:11:57.279 isn't just any name, 00:11:57.639 --> 00:11:58.700 so you can distinguish it, 00:11:59.220 --> 00:11:59.960 from Isaac. 00:12:00.600 --> 00:12:01.919 The name Abraham, 00:12:02.159 --> 00:12:03.000 means something. 00:12:03.919 --> 00:12:05.100 Father of multitudes. 00:12:07.100 --> 00:12:07.679 Isaiah, 00:12:08.320 --> 00:12:08.899 Josiah, 00:12:09.940 --> 00:12:10.620 Josiah, 00:12:10.620 --> 00:12:12.100 Joshua, 00:12:12.100 --> 00:12:14.120 all of them are related to the verb, 00:12:14.600 --> 00:12:15.299 to save. 00:12:16.679 --> 00:12:17.200 Ezekiel, 00:12:18.159 --> 00:12:18.720 Chazak, 00:12:19.360 --> 00:12:21.139 are all related to strength, 00:12:21.320 --> 00:12:21.899 and might. 00:12:26.700 --> 00:12:27.379 Naomi, 00:12:28.539 --> 00:12:30.639 is related to pleasantness. 00:12:30.639 --> 00:12:33.399 So, 00:12:33.919 --> 00:12:36.519 I happen to be an Arab, 00:12:37.240 --> 00:12:38.319 and my first name, 00:12:38.620 --> 00:12:39.319 is Samir. 00:12:40.120 --> 00:12:41.419 I'm not going to tell you, 00:12:41.539 --> 00:12:42.240 what the Arabic, 00:12:42.779 --> 00:12:43.919 name means, 00:12:44.539 --> 00:12:45.340 but I will tell you, 00:12:45.460 --> 00:12:46.259 what my name is, 00:12:46.319 --> 00:12:47.340 if I were Jewish. 00:12:48.059 --> 00:12:49.259 If I were Jewish, 00:12:49.860 --> 00:12:50.539 Shamir, 00:12:50.960 --> 00:12:52.080 means jailer. 00:12:52.080 --> 00:12:55.040 So, 00:12:55.040 --> 00:12:56.100 now you can decide, 00:12:56.259 --> 00:12:56.860 whether it fits, 00:12:56.980 --> 00:12:57.840 my personality, 00:12:58.200 --> 00:12:59.220 or not. 00:13:01.020 --> 00:13:02.280 I hope it doesn't. 00:13:02.960 --> 00:13:03.780 But it would be fun, 00:13:03.840 --> 00:13:04.560 to be Darth Vader, 00:13:04.759 --> 00:13:05.180 who knows. 00:13:08.759 --> 00:13:09.240 So, 00:13:09.840 --> 00:13:10.300 God, 00:13:10.400 --> 00:13:11.240 is announcing, 00:13:11.460 --> 00:13:11.900 to Moses, 00:13:12.480 --> 00:13:13.379 I am Yahweh. 00:13:14.400 --> 00:13:14.800 And then, 00:13:14.980 --> 00:13:16.000 in Exodus 34, 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:17.680 he wants Moses, 00:13:17.800 --> 00:13:18.379 to understand, 00:13:18.560 --> 00:13:19.560 and the children of Israel, 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:20.560 to understand, 00:13:20.559 --> 00:13:21.599 when we call, 00:13:21.779 --> 00:13:22.099 our God, 00:13:22.179 --> 00:13:22.559 Yahweh, 00:13:23.339 --> 00:13:24.919 what are we saying, 00:13:25.059 --> 00:13:25.539 about him? 00:13:26.899 --> 00:13:27.679 And we have, 00:13:27.839 --> 00:13:28.799 this great passage, 00:13:29.319 --> 00:13:30.319 in Exodus 34, 00:13:30.759 --> 00:13:31.819 one of the greatest, 00:13:31.819 --> 00:13:32.259 verses, 00:13:32.579 --> 00:13:33.099 that tells us, 00:13:33.179 --> 00:13:34.259 about the nature of God. 00:13:35.119 --> 00:13:35.699 The Lord, 00:13:36.179 --> 00:13:37.019 the Lord God, 00:13:37.619 --> 00:13:38.299 compassionate, 00:13:38.939 --> 00:13:39.619 and gracious, 00:13:40.519 --> 00:13:41.459 slow to anger, 00:13:42.079 --> 00:13:42.579 and abounding, 00:13:42.779 --> 00:13:43.539 and loving kindness, 00:13:43.679 --> 00:13:44.259 and truth. 00:13:46.059 --> 00:13:47.139 Four of those, 00:13:47.259 --> 00:13:48.319 are quoted here, 00:13:49.039 --> 00:13:49.939 in this song. 00:13:50.559 --> 00:13:52.159 We saw it already, 00:13:52.339 --> 00:13:53.059 in verse four. 00:13:54.279 --> 00:13:54.719 Love, 00:13:54.939 --> 00:13:56.019 and compassion. 00:13:57.379 --> 00:13:58.019 We're now, 00:13:58.099 --> 00:13:59.519 seeing it for the second time, 00:13:59.859 --> 00:14:00.919 in verse eight. 00:14:02.159 --> 00:14:02.659 The Lord, 00:14:02.779 --> 00:14:03.639 is compassionate, 00:14:04.339 --> 00:14:05.139 and gracious, 00:14:06.179 --> 00:14:07.199 slow to anger. 00:14:07.979 --> 00:14:08.599 Slow to anger, 00:14:08.699 --> 00:14:09.579 means very patient. 00:14:10.599 --> 00:14:11.439 Slow to anger, 00:14:12.059 --> 00:14:12.619 abounding, 00:14:12.839 --> 00:14:13.479 in love. 00:14:13.480 --> 00:14:16.200 In Hebrew, 00:14:17.080 --> 00:14:17.460 they are, 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:18.259 rachum, 00:14:18.940 --> 00:14:19.659 which means, 00:14:19.800 --> 00:14:20.460 compassionate, 00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:22.420 but also merciful. 00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:24.480 Chanun, 00:14:25.440 --> 00:14:25.820 gracious, 00:14:26.620 --> 00:14:27.080 the word, 00:14:27.539 --> 00:14:27.879 Hannah, 00:14:28.740 --> 00:14:29.639 and Anne, 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:30.920 and John, 00:14:31.460 --> 00:14:33.039 all come from this root, 00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:34.259 chanun, 00:14:34.399 --> 00:14:35.159 H and N. 00:14:35.159 --> 00:14:39.419 The word for anger, 00:14:39.620 --> 00:14:40.000 is af, 00:14:40.240 --> 00:14:40.419 but, 00:14:40.740 --> 00:14:41.379 but this is, 00:14:41.600 --> 00:14:42.539 slow to anger, 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:44.199 not quick to anger, 00:14:44.419 --> 00:14:45.199 but slow to anger. 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:46.139 Patient, 00:14:46.839 --> 00:14:47.699 not explosive, 00:14:47.839 --> 00:14:48.539 like a volcano. 00:14:49.699 --> 00:14:50.519 And chesed, 00:14:50.980 --> 00:14:52.699 chesed is that fabulous word, 00:14:53.120 --> 00:14:54.980 that means so many wonderful things. 00:14:55.899 --> 00:14:56.419 Mercy, 00:14:57.480 --> 00:14:57.839 love, 00:14:58.799 --> 00:14:59.839 steadfast love, 00:15:00.679 --> 00:15:01.539 loving kindness, 00:15:01.539 --> 00:15:04.480 loyalty. 00:15:05.939 --> 00:15:07.399 And God is saying, 00:15:07.919 --> 00:15:08.500 I am, 00:15:09.379 --> 00:15:10.120 compassionate, 00:15:10.899 --> 00:15:11.620 and gracious, 00:15:12.659 --> 00:15:13.719 slow to anger, 00:15:14.480 --> 00:15:14.939 abounding, 00:15:15.099 --> 00:15:15.959 and loving kindness, 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:17.559 and truth. 00:15:20.299 --> 00:15:21.319 And here, 00:15:21.980 --> 00:15:23.240 the psalmist is saying, 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.399 in verse 7, 00:15:24.839 --> 00:15:26.980 he made known his ways to Moses, 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:29.860 his deeds to the people of Israel. 00:15:29.860 --> 00:15:31.560 And then he tells us, 00:15:31.720 --> 00:15:31.919 what he, 00:15:32.120 --> 00:15:33.800 what God made himself known as. 00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:36.100 The Lord is compassionate, 00:15:36.600 --> 00:15:37.320 and gracious, 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:39.259 slow to anger, 00:15:40.100 --> 00:15:41.080 abounding in love. 00:15:43.080 --> 00:15:44.980 He now wants to illustrate, 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:45.820 to us, 00:15:45.899 --> 00:15:46.659 what it means. 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:48.100 So in verses, 00:15:49.539 --> 00:15:51.039 in verse, 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:52.919 10, 00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:55.080 he does not treat us, 00:15:55.159 --> 00:15:56.860 as our sins deserve. 00:15:56.860 --> 00:15:59.960 He does not repay us, 00:16:00.560 --> 00:16:02.159 according to our iniquities. 00:16:02.919 --> 00:16:03.940 He doesn't treat us, 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:05.519 as our sins deserve, 00:16:07.120 --> 00:16:07.759 nor pay us, 00:16:08.200 --> 00:16:09.360 according to our iniquities. 00:16:10.180 --> 00:16:11.500 We do not, 00:16:11.500 --> 00:16:13.259 get what we deserve. 00:16:13.840 --> 00:16:15.440 We deserve to be punished, 00:16:15.700 --> 00:16:16.840 but we are not. 00:16:17.639 --> 00:16:20.139 We deserve to be alienated from God, 00:16:20.680 --> 00:16:21.659 but we are not. 00:16:21.659 --> 00:16:26.539 We deserve to face his wrath, 00:16:27.179 --> 00:16:28.039 but we don't. 00:16:29.039 --> 00:16:31.299 He has not treated us, 00:16:31.299 --> 00:16:33.139 according to the way we deserve. 00:16:34.500 --> 00:16:37.719 That is the biblical definition of mercy. 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:39.959 Mercy means, 00:16:40.579 --> 00:16:43.419 not to get what you deserve. 00:16:43.419 --> 00:16:47.000 The other side of the coin, 00:16:47.459 --> 00:16:48.240 is grace. 00:16:49.219 --> 00:16:50.500 Grace is to get, 00:16:50.799 --> 00:16:52.500 what you don't deserve. 00:16:53.459 --> 00:16:55.079 We don't deserve his love, 00:16:55.219 --> 00:16:56.219 but he gives us his love. 00:16:56.919 --> 00:16:57.719 We don't deserve, 00:16:57.860 --> 00:16:59.360 we don't deserve his mercy, 00:16:59.799 --> 00:17:01.159 but he gives us his mercy. 00:17:01.959 --> 00:17:02.879 So grace, 00:17:03.419 --> 00:17:04.139 and mercy, 00:17:04.639 --> 00:17:05.859 go hand in hand. 00:17:07.379 --> 00:17:08.920 And here he is saying, 00:17:09.519 --> 00:17:10.399 the Lord, 00:17:10.400 --> 00:17:15.759 he will not always accuse, 00:17:16.280 --> 00:17:18.600 nor will he harbor his anger forever. 00:17:19.320 --> 00:17:20.840 He does not treat us, 00:17:21.300 --> 00:17:22.900 as our sins deserve, 00:17:24.120 --> 00:17:25.440 or repay us, 00:17:26.060 --> 00:17:27.540 according to our iniquities. 00:17:30.300 --> 00:17:31.800 So how much is that? 00:17:32.640 --> 00:17:35.180 That is verses 11 and 12. 00:17:36.220 --> 00:17:38.120 As high as the heavens, 00:17:38.620 --> 00:17:40.180 are above the earth, 00:17:40.400 --> 00:17:42.360 so great is his love, 00:17:42.840 --> 00:17:44.140 for those who fear him. 00:17:44.800 --> 00:17:46.540 As far as the east, 00:17:46.620 --> 00:17:47.480 is from the west, 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:49.740 so far has he removed, 00:17:50.180 --> 00:17:51.259 our transgressions, 00:17:51.440 --> 00:17:52.880 from before us. 00:17:53.400 --> 00:17:54.980 As high as the heavens, 00:17:55.160 --> 00:17:56.120 are above the earth. 00:17:56.780 --> 00:17:57.840 Heaven's earth. 00:17:58.580 --> 00:18:00.320 That is thinking in space, 00:18:01.019 --> 00:18:01.280 what? 00:18:04.900 --> 00:18:06.360 Vertically or horizontally? 00:18:07.540 --> 00:18:08.759 Up and down. 00:18:08.759 --> 00:18:12.480 As far as the east is from the west. 00:18:13.119 --> 00:18:13.579 East, 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:14.379 west. 00:18:17.700 --> 00:18:19.480 So whether we think of space 00:18:19.480 --> 00:18:21.940 vertically or horizontally, 00:18:22.500 --> 00:18:23.559 it doesn't matter, 00:18:24.099 --> 00:18:25.799 because in either case, 00:18:27.140 --> 00:18:29.099 he does not remember us. 00:18:29.099 --> 00:18:29.959 Well, 00:18:30.059 --> 00:18:32.000 we are celebrating the 50th landing, 00:18:32.519 --> 00:18:33.419 50th anniversary, 00:18:33.419 --> 00:18:35.259 of the landing on the moon. 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:37.119 It's been a lot in the news. 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:38.899 So here's a simple question. 00:18:39.579 --> 00:18:41.919 How far is the heavens from the earth? 00:18:41.920 --> 00:18:47.080 How far is the moon? 00:18:47.080 --> 00:18:48.259 From the earth. 00:18:49.080 --> 00:18:50.320 What about Saturn? 00:18:51.320 --> 00:18:52.380 Or Mars? 00:18:53.820 --> 00:18:55.580 How far is the sun? 00:18:56.920 --> 00:18:59.720 How far is the end of the Milky Way? 00:18:59.720 --> 00:19:02.920 How far is that? 00:19:04.440 --> 00:19:04.720 Well, 00:19:05.220 --> 00:19:07.180 as far as the east is from the west. 00:19:08.660 --> 00:19:10.100 Let's think east. 00:19:11.120 --> 00:19:14.039 How far is Kenosha from New York? 00:19:14.039 --> 00:19:17.500 How far is New York from Kenosha? 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.680 How about London? 00:19:20.899 --> 00:19:23.859 How far is London from Kenosha? 00:19:26.500 --> 00:19:28.019 My own country, Lebanon. 00:19:28.839 --> 00:19:32.539 How far is Lebanon from Kenosha? 00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:35.759 Hong Kong. 00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:38.559 Beijing. 00:19:39.639 --> 00:19:40.359 North Korea. 00:19:42.200 --> 00:19:43.599 And the answer is, 00:19:44.180 --> 00:19:45.139 it doesn't matter. 00:19:46.159 --> 00:19:48.420 The point is the vastness. 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:50.339 The vastness. 00:19:50.440 --> 00:19:51.599 You can't even see it. 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:53.500 You can't even touch it. 00:19:53.579 --> 00:19:54.420 It's not near you. 00:19:55.019 --> 00:19:58.339 It's not something you put in the drawer, 00:19:59.139 --> 00:20:00.299 in your desk. 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:02.740 And every time you're angry, 00:20:02.859 --> 00:20:03.579 you take it out. 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:06.940 And feel more angry about the other person. 00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:08.559 It's not like that. 00:20:09.180 --> 00:20:11.859 As far as the east is from the west. 00:20:12.899 --> 00:20:16.339 As far as the heavens are from above the earth. 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:20.299 That is how much he deals with us. 00:20:24.759 --> 00:20:26.339 Some of you may want to pray, 00:20:26.819 --> 00:20:28.579 Lord, make my boss that way. 00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:31.299 Well, I hope he does. 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:37.000 But then there comes the question. 00:20:37.899 --> 00:20:39.519 Why does he treat us like this? 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:43.319 Why does he treat us with mercy and grace? 00:20:43.919 --> 00:20:46.720 Why does he remove as far as the east is from the west? 00:20:47.559 --> 00:20:49.859 Or the heavens from the sky? 00:20:50.319 --> 00:20:52.579 The answer comes in verse 13. 00:20:52.579 --> 00:20:58.079 As a father has compassion on his children, 00:20:59.199 --> 00:21:02.720 so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. 00:21:03.399 --> 00:21:06.539 For he knows how we are formed. 00:21:07.220 --> 00:21:09.460 He remembers that we are dust. 00:21:10.720 --> 00:21:17.259 He treats us this way because he considers himself our heavenly father. 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:22.579 The Lord's prayer does not begin with our heavenly boss, 00:21:23.220 --> 00:21:25.740 or CEO, or employer. 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:28.920 It begins with our father. 00:21:28.920 --> 00:21:32.580 God is our father, if nothing else. 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:35.320 Of course, he's lots of other things, 00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:37.400 but he is clearly our father. 00:21:39.400 --> 00:21:43.060 And so as a father, he treats us as a father. 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:46.240 I remember when my first daughter was born, 00:21:47.259 --> 00:21:47.519 Leila. 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:52.039 I really didn't want to have any children. 00:21:53.099 --> 00:21:53.980 It was a mistake. 00:21:54.700 --> 00:21:55.960 And here it was. 00:21:56.019 --> 00:21:56.579 She was born. 00:21:57.680 --> 00:22:00.639 And the strangest thing happened to me. 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:02.559 In one day, 00:22:03.599 --> 00:22:04.720 in one day, 00:22:06.059 --> 00:22:07.500 we didn't date three months, 00:22:07.839 --> 00:22:09.019 or six months. 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:12.359 We didn't go out, you know, to places. 00:22:12.359 --> 00:22:14.299 In one day, 00:22:14.919 --> 00:22:19.899 she had become the person I love the most in this world. 00:22:21.399 --> 00:22:23.479 She was the dearest thing, 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:25.500 the most precious thing, 00:22:25.859 --> 00:22:27.439 the most wonderful thing, 00:22:27.819 --> 00:22:29.199 my great pride and joy. 00:22:31.439 --> 00:22:33.859 And she did it with one look. 00:22:34.819 --> 00:22:36.079 And I asked myself, 00:22:36.679 --> 00:22:39.439 where did all this bonding come from? 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:43.360 I'm not unique. 00:22:43.900 --> 00:22:45.100 If you have children, 00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:46.880 I'm sure you remember those days 00:22:46.880 --> 00:22:49.420 when there were children, 00:22:50.460 --> 00:22:51.799 and they steal your heart. 00:22:52.960 --> 00:22:54.880 I remember I used to go to faculty meetings, 00:22:55.680 --> 00:22:56.039 humming, 00:22:56.519 --> 00:22:58.600 Robert Ducky, you're the one. 00:23:00.120 --> 00:23:01.360 And the faculty would say, 00:23:01.420 --> 00:23:02.740 ah, new parent. 00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:04.380 And I said, yes, 00:23:04.820 --> 00:23:05.940 I'm a new parent. 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:08.799 I'd get to work 00:23:08.799 --> 00:23:10.039 and decide to get back in the car 00:23:10.039 --> 00:23:10.799 and go back home 00:23:10.799 --> 00:23:12.480 to play with my daughter. 00:23:13.559 --> 00:23:15.160 All that love came from 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:16.759 the Lord. 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:20.160 It was incredible bonding. 00:23:21.200 --> 00:23:22.140 Still, still today. 00:23:24.660 --> 00:23:25.660 In your teenage years, 00:23:25.740 --> 00:23:27.279 you come very close to losing it. 00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:29.080 In their teenage years. 00:23:29.079 --> 00:23:32.059 But, 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:34.299 it's a powerful bonding. 00:23:35.099 --> 00:23:35.980 I want you to see 00:23:35.980 --> 00:23:36.919 a wonderful verse 00:23:36.919 --> 00:23:38.139 about God our Father. 00:23:39.059 --> 00:23:39.579 It is 00:23:39.579 --> 00:23:42.559 in the Gospel of 00:23:42.559 --> 00:23:44.220 Matthew. 00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:46.439 Matthew chapter 7. 00:23:46.439 --> 00:23:46.500 Matthew chapter 7. 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:48.500 Matthew chapter 7. 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:50.500 Matthew chapter 7. 00:23:50.500 --> 00:23:52.500 Matthew chapter 7. 00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:54.500 Matthew chapter 7. 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:56.500 Matthew chapter 7. 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:58.500 Matthew chapter 7. 00:23:58.500 --> 00:24:01.779 Matthew chapter 7. 00:24:01.779 --> 00:24:03.960 Matthew chapter 7. 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:05.839 Matthew chapter 7. 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:06.779 Matthew chapter 7. 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:07.880 Matthew chapter 7. 00:24:07.880 --> 00:24:07.960 Matthew chapter 7. 00:24:07.960 --> 00:24:07.980 7. 00:24:07.980 --> 00:24:08.019 7. 00:24:08.019 --> 00:24:08.380 7. 00:24:08.380 --> 00:24:08.779 11. 00:24:09.359 --> 00:24:09.819 In Matthew. 00:24:11.059 --> 00:24:12.319 If you then, 00:24:12.859 --> 00:24:14.079 though you are evil, 00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:16.119 know how to give good gifts 00:24:16.119 --> 00:24:17.000 to your children, 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:18.859 how much more 00:24:18.859 --> 00:24:20.259 will your Father in Heaven 00:24:20.259 --> 00:24:21.940 give good gifts 00:24:21.940 --> 00:24:23.519 to those who ask Him? 00:24:24.539 --> 00:24:25.720 And the point is, 00:24:25.900 --> 00:24:27.940 I can love my daughter 00:24:27.940 --> 00:24:31.940 to no end and would do anything for my daughter 00:24:31.940 --> 00:24:33.500 and I'm a lousy sinner. 00:24:35.460 --> 00:24:37.960 I do not love God with all of my heart. 00:24:38.680 --> 00:24:40.799 I am not as holy as he is holy. 00:24:41.740 --> 00:24:45.120 I'm not compassionate as gracious as he is. 00:24:45.779 --> 00:24:46.840 I know my sins. 00:24:46.960 --> 00:24:50.080 I don't need somebody from the outside to tell me I'm a sinner. 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:52.080 I keep good records. 00:24:55.799 --> 00:24:57.140 I know I'm a sinner. 00:24:57.940 --> 00:25:01.740 But the remarkable thing is as a lousy sinner, 00:25:02.600 --> 00:25:05.539 I can love my daughter that much. 00:25:06.660 --> 00:25:09.680 How much more so our heavenly father? 00:25:10.380 --> 00:25:11.620 You sit and think about it. 00:25:12.400 --> 00:25:16.080 How much more so does our heavenly father love us? 00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:18.299 And he's not a sinner. 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:21.779 And he's not tainted by evil. 00:25:22.980 --> 00:25:25.240 And he doesn't live under the fault. 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:33.160 If you being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, 00:25:33.640 --> 00:25:40.839 how much more does your heavenly father know how to give good gifts to us? 00:25:40.839 --> 00:25:44.980 So why does God treat us like this? 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:47.259 Because he's our heavenly father. 00:25:48.059 --> 00:25:49.679 Because he's our heavenly father. 00:25:49.799 --> 00:25:50.299 That's why. 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:55.419 That's why he treats us with compassionate and graciousness, 00:25:55.859 --> 00:25:58.740 slow to anger, abounding in loving kindness and truth. 00:25:58.740 --> 00:26:05.599 That's why he moves the east as far as possible from the west. 00:26:05.599 --> 00:26:08.699 And as high as the heavens are above the earth. 00:26:09.139 --> 00:26:10.779 Because he is a good father. 00:26:11.639 --> 00:26:15.619 If you had growing up difficulties with your parents, 00:26:16.399 --> 00:26:19.659 if your father was not the ideal parent, 00:26:19.660 --> 00:26:23.480 I would advise you, first of all, 00:26:24.320 --> 00:26:26.480 to forgive him if you can. 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:28.000 Ask God. 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:30.240 If you need to forgive him, forgive him. 00:26:30.580 --> 00:26:32.759 If you can't, ask the Lord to help him, 00:26:33.540 --> 00:26:34.620 to help you forgive him. 00:26:35.740 --> 00:26:36.160 And then, 00:26:36.920 --> 00:26:40.560 don't make God like your earthly father. 00:26:41.300 --> 00:26:43.340 Our God is not like our earthly fathers. 00:26:44.380 --> 00:26:45.220 Infantly better. 00:26:46.140 --> 00:26:46.960 Infantly greater. 00:26:47.779 --> 00:26:48.540 Infantly nicer. 00:26:48.539 --> 00:26:50.779 Powerful. 00:26:51.119 --> 00:26:51.519 Wise. 00:26:53.319 --> 00:26:53.980 Good. 00:26:56.859 --> 00:27:01.779 Well, moving on to the next section. 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:07.539 That is in Psalm 103, verses 15 and following. 00:27:07.539 --> 00:27:19.720 As for man, his days are like grass. 00:27:20.420 --> 00:27:23.980 He flourishes like a flower of the field. 00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:27.700 The wind blows over it, and it is gone. 00:27:28.319 --> 00:27:30.599 And its place is remembered no more. 00:27:30.599 --> 00:27:33.819 But from everlasting to everlasting, 00:27:34.819 --> 00:27:39.480 the Lord's love is with those who fear him. 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:41.339 That's another quotation. 00:27:42.279 --> 00:27:44.740 Compassionate and loving kindness. 00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:48.900 But from everlasting, verse 17, 00:27:49.019 --> 00:27:50.819 but from everlasting to everlasting, 00:27:51.720 --> 00:27:54.620 the Lord's love is with those who fear him. 00:27:54.619 --> 00:28:03.719 We may be in great times or in bad times. 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:05.119 Let's say, 00:28:05.899 --> 00:28:07.279 if you are in great time, 00:28:07.359 --> 00:28:08.579 the question always is, 00:28:09.239 --> 00:28:10.119 will they last? 00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:12.679 Will they last? 00:28:12.680 --> 00:28:18.460 We were in a deep depression, 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:23.060 and FDR was voted president. 00:28:24.060 --> 00:28:26.680 And then we were in World War II, 00:28:26.680 --> 00:28:30.160 and FDR continued to be the president. 00:28:31.100 --> 00:28:33.620 He's the only president who served four terms. 00:28:35.720 --> 00:28:38.120 But four terms is not everlasting. 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:41.720 Even FDR died. 00:28:42.440 --> 00:28:44.279 Manasseh died. 00:28:45.160 --> 00:28:47.060 Josiah died. 00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:49.440 Hezekiah died. 00:28:50.100 --> 00:28:51.380 There is no guarantee 00:28:51.380 --> 00:28:54.519 that good times will last forever. 00:28:54.519 --> 00:29:01.180 What about the goodness of God as our father? 00:29:01.960 --> 00:29:03.839 Is it just that we're age nine? 00:29:04.680 --> 00:29:05.980 Or 13? 00:29:06.619 --> 00:29:07.700 Or 16? 00:29:08.579 --> 00:29:09.920 How long will he be, 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:11.879 this wonderful father? 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:14.180 Look at this verse again. 00:29:15.660 --> 00:29:16.900 Verse 17. 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:21.519 But from everlasting to everlasting, 00:29:22.379 --> 00:29:23.799 the Lord's love 00:29:23.799 --> 00:29:26.240 is with those who fear him. 00:29:27.119 --> 00:29:29.259 From everlasting to everlasting, 00:29:31.259 --> 00:29:33.619 he doesn't change policy. 00:29:35.619 --> 00:29:38.299 From everlasting to everlasting. 00:29:39.819 --> 00:29:42.000 But there is always one danger. 00:29:43.019 --> 00:29:43.879 The danger is, 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:46.220 what if the Lord faces opposition? 00:29:47.539 --> 00:29:48.559 What if God says, 00:29:49.200 --> 00:29:50.180 let my people go? 00:29:50.180 --> 00:29:53.019 And Pharaoh says, 00:29:53.580 --> 00:29:53.820 no. 00:29:55.820 --> 00:29:58.279 What if Jesus is to be born? 00:29:59.060 --> 00:29:59.799 But Herod says, 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:00.880 everybody under two, 00:30:01.039 --> 00:30:01.680 two and under, 00:30:02.440 --> 00:30:02.960 kill them, 00:30:03.600 --> 00:30:03.940 babies. 00:30:05.340 --> 00:30:07.480 What if there is opposition to God's will? 00:30:11.860 --> 00:30:12.420 Antichrists. 00:30:15.960 --> 00:30:17.400 People of evil. 00:30:17.400 --> 00:30:18.400 Stalin. 00:30:18.400 --> 00:30:19.400 Stalin. 00:30:21.960 --> 00:30:22.480 Hitler. 00:30:26.860 --> 00:30:27.900 The Khmer Rouge 00:30:27.900 --> 00:30:29.840 in Southeast Asia. 00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:32.080 The Ottomans 00:30:32.080 --> 00:30:34.180 at the end of World War I, 00:30:34.720 --> 00:30:36.259 the way they treated the Armenians. 00:30:36.860 --> 00:30:37.960 What if there is opposition? 00:30:37.960 --> 00:30:40.259 God says, 00:30:40.360 --> 00:30:41.240 don't be afraid 00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:42.700 of the opposition. 00:30:43.920 --> 00:30:45.400 Look at verse 19. 00:30:46.840 --> 00:30:48.220 The Lord has established 00:30:48.220 --> 00:30:49.140 his throne 00:30:49.140 --> 00:30:50.400 in heaven. 00:30:51.140 --> 00:30:51.799 His kingdom 00:30:51.799 --> 00:30:53.759 rules over all. 00:30:55.840 --> 00:30:57.620 God's love is everlasting 00:30:57.619 --> 00:30:59.579 and God's love 00:30:59.579 --> 00:31:01.059 is sovereign. 00:31:03.939 --> 00:31:04.459 Rules 00:31:04.459 --> 00:31:05.859 over all. 00:31:06.539 --> 00:31:06.899 Nobody 00:31:06.899 --> 00:31:08.359 is going to stop God 00:31:08.359 --> 00:31:09.639 from being God. 00:31:10.279 --> 00:31:10.619 Nobody. 00:31:11.239 --> 00:31:11.559 Nobody. 00:31:12.319 --> 00:31:12.899 Such a being 00:31:12.899 --> 00:31:13.639 doesn't exist. 00:31:15.519 --> 00:31:16.059 And God 00:31:16.059 --> 00:31:16.979 is going to be sovereign. 00:31:17.679 --> 00:31:18.979 He will be as kind to us 00:31:18.979 --> 00:31:19.739 as he wants to 00:31:19.739 --> 00:31:22.359 as he wants to be kind to us. 00:31:23.959 --> 00:31:25.000 Because his kingdom 00:31:25.000 --> 00:31:25.839 is everlasting. 00:31:25.839 --> 00:31:28.500 And we are members 00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:29.220 of his kingdom. 00:31:29.919 --> 00:31:30.720 We are his children. 00:31:34.079 --> 00:31:35.179 So this brings us 00:31:35.179 --> 00:31:35.980 to the application. 00:31:37.339 --> 00:31:38.379 What should we do 00:31:38.379 --> 00:31:38.959 in the light 00:31:38.959 --> 00:31:40.000 of this exhortation? 00:31:40.799 --> 00:31:42.199 The most obvious thing 00:31:42.199 --> 00:31:42.539 is 00:31:42.539 --> 00:31:43.919 verses 1 00:31:43.919 --> 00:31:44.799 and verse 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:45.980 1 and 2 00:31:45.980 --> 00:31:47.579 and 20 through 22. 00:31:48.220 --> 00:31:49.039 Praise the Lord. 00:31:50.259 --> 00:31:51.099 Praise the Lord. 00:31:51.099 --> 00:31:54.859 If it helps 00:31:54.859 --> 00:31:55.980 to turn on the radio 00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:57.419 well 00:31:57.419 --> 00:31:58.539 that's good. 00:31:58.959 --> 00:31:59.719 If it helps 00:31:59.719 --> 00:32:00.179 to play 00:32:00.179 --> 00:32:00.719 a 00:32:00.719 --> 00:32:02.519 CD 00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:03.359 at home 00:32:03.359 --> 00:32:04.980 praise the Lord. 00:32:05.179 --> 00:32:06.279 If it helps 00:32:06.279 --> 00:32:06.539 to 00:32:06.539 --> 00:32:07.619 go to your 00:32:07.619 --> 00:32:08.519 iPhone 00:32:08.519 --> 00:32:09.459 or iPad 00:32:09.459 --> 00:32:10.919 whatever works 00:32:10.919 --> 00:32:11.399 for you 00:32:11.399 --> 00:32:12.779 praise the Lord. 00:32:13.899 --> 00:32:14.719 But praise him 00:32:14.719 --> 00:32:15.339 on Sundays 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:15.719 too 00:32:15.719 --> 00:32:17.419 collectively 00:32:17.419 --> 00:32:18.439 as a community 00:32:18.439 --> 00:32:19.639 as a group 00:32:19.640 --> 00:32:20.360 of Christians. 00:32:21.200 --> 00:32:22.280 Let's praise the Lord. 00:32:22.980 --> 00:32:24.000 What's the second thing? 00:32:24.800 --> 00:32:26.080 The second application 00:32:26.080 --> 00:32:26.660 is this. 00:32:27.240 --> 00:32:27.960 Be thankful 00:32:27.960 --> 00:32:29.460 that God 00:32:29.460 --> 00:32:30.259 is this kind 00:32:30.259 --> 00:32:30.720 of God 00:32:30.720 --> 00:32:31.740 and not some 00:32:31.740 --> 00:32:32.580 other kind 00:32:32.580 --> 00:32:32.980 of God. 00:32:33.460 --> 00:32:34.200 If you study 00:32:34.200 --> 00:32:34.660 the gods 00:32:34.660 --> 00:32:35.620 in the ancient 00:32:35.620 --> 00:32:36.300 New East 00:32:36.300 --> 00:32:37.680 Anat 00:32:37.680 --> 00:32:39.180 Moloch 00:32:39.180 --> 00:32:41.539 Dumuzi 00:32:41.539 --> 00:32:43.759 God 00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:44.440 famous 00:32:44.440 --> 00:32:44.980 for their 00:32:44.980 --> 00:32:45.500 cruelty 00:32:45.500 --> 00:32:47.940 we thank 00:32:47.940 --> 00:32:48.340 God 00:32:48.340 --> 00:32:49.720 we have 00:32:49.720 --> 00:32:50.180 a God 00:32:50.180 --> 00:32:50.480 who is 00:32:50.480 --> 00:32:51.100 compassionate 00:32:51.100 --> 00:32:51.840 and gracious 00:32:51.840 --> 00:32:53.680 not cruel 00:32:53.680 --> 00:32:54.500 and mean 00:32:54.500 --> 00:32:55.840 sadistic 00:32:55.840 --> 00:32:56.680 and horrible 00:32:56.680 --> 00:32:58.519 we do not 00:32:58.519 --> 00:32:59.820 serve 00:32:59.820 --> 00:33:00.460 a sadistic 00:33:00.460 --> 00:33:00.860 God 00:33:00.860 --> 00:33:02.500 we serve 00:33:02.500 --> 00:33:03.560 a compassionate 00:33:03.560 --> 00:33:04.519 and gracious 00:33:04.519 --> 00:33:05.000 God 00:33:05.000 --> 00:33:07.039 you know 00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:08.920 you apply 00:33:08.920 --> 00:33:09.519 for a job 00:33:09.519 --> 00:33:10.000 and you think 00:33:10.000 --> 00:33:11.099 it's going 00:33:11.099 --> 00:33:11.720 to be the best 00:33:11.720 --> 00:33:12.039 boss 00:33:12.039 --> 00:33:12.519 and he turns 00:33:12.519 --> 00:33:12.880 out to be 00:33:12.880 --> 00:33:13.319 the worst 00:33:13.319 --> 00:33:13.720 boss 00:33:13.720 --> 00:33:14.940 we're not 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:15.420 stuck 00:33:15.420 --> 00:33:15.900 in that 00:33:15.900 --> 00:33:16.500 situation 00:33:16.500 --> 00:33:19.000 we didn't 00:33:19.000 --> 00:33:19.480 apply 00:33:19.480 --> 00:33:20.039 at the wrong 00:33:20.039 --> 00:33:20.519 deity 00:33:20.519 --> 00:33:22.500 only to find 00:33:22.500 --> 00:33:23.140 out how mean 00:33:23.140 --> 00:33:23.680 and bad 00:33:23.680 --> 00:33:24.079 he is 00:33:24.079 --> 00:33:26.240 we applied 00:33:26.240 --> 00:33:26.980 at Yahweh 00:33:26.980 --> 00:33:29.059 he accepted 00:33:29.059 --> 00:33:29.799 our application 00:33:29.799 --> 00:33:30.420 he gave us 00:33:30.420 --> 00:33:30.980 the application 00:33:30.980 --> 00:33:31.519 to begin with 00:33:31.519 --> 00:33:32.180 and then accepted 00:33:32.180 --> 00:33:33.000 it 00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:36.440 what's the 00:33:36.440 --> 00:33:37.019 third thing 00:33:37.019 --> 00:33:38.259 third application 00:33:38.259 --> 00:33:39.559 is 00:33:39.559 --> 00:33:40.460 he begins 00:33:40.460 --> 00:33:41.519 by giving 00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:43.200 several benefits 00:33:43.200 --> 00:33:45.359 we looked at 00:33:45.359 --> 00:33:47.240 one of them 00:33:47.240 --> 00:33:48.339 primarily 00:33:48.339 --> 00:33:50.240 but let's go 00:33:50.240 --> 00:33:50.740 back to 00:33:50.740 --> 00:33:51.140 verses 00:33:51.140 --> 00:33:55.420 1 2 00:33:55.420 --> 00:33:55.920 and 3 00:33:55.920 --> 00:33:58.519 praise the 00:33:58.519 --> 00:33:58.740 Lord 00:33:58.740 --> 00:33:59.460 oh my soul 00:33:59.460 --> 00:34:01.119 and all 00:34:01.119 --> 00:34:01.500 that is 00:34:01.500 --> 00:34:02.039 within me 00:34:02.039 --> 00:34:03.599 praise his 00:34:03.599 --> 00:34:04.159 holy name 00:34:04.159 --> 00:34:05.299 praise the 00:34:05.299 --> 00:34:05.480 Lord 00:34:05.480 --> 00:34:06.119 oh my soul 00:34:06.119 --> 00:34:07.200 and forget 00:34:07.200 --> 00:34:08.739 not 00:34:08.739 --> 00:34:09.800 all his 00:34:09.800 --> 00:34:10.360 benefits 00:34:10.360 --> 00:34:12.559 who forgives 00:34:12.559 --> 00:34:13.880 all of 00:34:13.880 --> 00:34:14.519 your sins 00:34:14.519 --> 00:34:16.199 who heals 00:34:16.199 --> 00:34:17.340 all of your 00:34:17.340 --> 00:34:17.800 diseases 00:34:17.800 --> 00:34:19.380 who delivers 00:34:19.380 --> 00:34:19.659 you 00:34:19.659 --> 00:34:20.739 from the 00:34:20.739 --> 00:34:21.099 grave 00:34:21.099 --> 00:34:22.659 who crowns 00:34:22.659 --> 00:34:22.880 you 00:34:22.880 --> 00:34:24.159 with love 00:34:24.159 --> 00:34:25.019 and compassion 00:34:25.019 --> 00:34:26.719 who satisfies 00:34:26.719 --> 00:34:27.739 your desires 00:34:27.739 --> 00:34:29.380 with good 00:34:29.380 --> 00:34:29.880 things 00:34:29.880 --> 00:34:31.300 so that 00:34:31.300 --> 00:34:31.900 your youth 00:34:31.900 --> 00:34:33.320 is renewed 00:34:33.320 --> 00:34:34.260 like the 00:34:34.260 --> 00:34:34.579 eagle 00:34:34.579 --> 00:34:38.200 the Lord 00:34:38.200 --> 00:34:39.000 also works 00:34:39.000 --> 00:34:40.059 righteousness 00:34:40.059 --> 00:34:40.980 and justice 00:34:40.980 --> 00:34:41.539 for all 00:34:41.539 --> 00:34:42.160 the oppressed 00:34:42.160 --> 00:34:43.380 these are 00:34:43.380 --> 00:34:43.840 all his 00:34:43.840 --> 00:34:44.380 benefits 00:34:44.380 --> 00:34:46.660 look at 00:34:46.660 --> 00:34:47.039 your own 00:34:47.039 --> 00:34:47.420 life 00:34:47.420 --> 00:34:48.840 and say 00:34:48.840 --> 00:34:49.800 Lord 00:34:49.800 --> 00:34:50.960 I really 00:34:50.960 --> 00:34:51.380 need you 00:34:51.380 --> 00:34:51.760 in this 00:34:51.760 --> 00:34:52.119 area 00:34:52.119 --> 00:34:55.320 I remember 00:34:55.320 --> 00:34:55.800 when I was 00:34:55.800 --> 00:34:56.200 praying for 00:34:56.200 --> 00:34:56.720 my cancer 00:34:56.719 --> 00:35:01.339 I had a 00:35:01.339 --> 00:35:01.639 colleague 00:35:01.639 --> 00:35:02.079 who died 00:35:02.079 --> 00:35:02.639 of cancer 00:35:02.639 --> 00:35:03.799 two weeks 00:35:03.799 --> 00:35:04.059 ago 00:35:04.059 --> 00:35:07.439 God in 00:35:07.439 --> 00:35:07.919 his wisdom 00:35:07.919 --> 00:35:08.599 decided to 00:35:08.599 --> 00:35:08.939 keep me 00:35:08.939 --> 00:35:09.299 alive 00:35:09.299 --> 00:35:11.419 for which I'm 00:35:11.419 --> 00:35:11.939 absolutely 00:35:11.939 --> 00:35:12.480 gracious 00:35:12.480 --> 00:35:13.919 and thankful 00:35:13.919 --> 00:35:15.099 and filled 00:35:15.099 --> 00:35:15.719 with gratitude 00:35:15.719 --> 00:35:20.359 if you have 00:35:20.359 --> 00:35:21.059 other needs 00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:21.959 well 00:35:21.959 --> 00:35:23.179 this is only 00:35:23.179 --> 00:35:23.939 one psalm 00:35:23.939 --> 00:35:24.879 there are 00:35:24.879 --> 00:35:26.179 149 other 00:35:26.179 --> 00:35:26.539 ones 00:35:26.539 --> 00:35:28.219 that you can 00:35:28.219 --> 00:35:28.559 read 00:35:28.559 --> 00:35:30.399 and nail it 00:35:30.399 --> 00:35:30.959 on the head 00:35:30.959 --> 00:35:35.480 so who is 00:35:35.480 --> 00:35:36.039 our God 00:35:36.039 --> 00:35:38.779 compassionate 00:35:38.779 --> 00:35:40.099 and gracious 00:35:40.099 --> 00:35:41.659 slow to 00:35:41.659 --> 00:35:42.059 anger 00:35:42.059 --> 00:35:43.480 and abounding 00:35:43.480 --> 00:35:44.079 in loving 00:35:44.079 --> 00:35:44.639 kindness 00:35:44.639 --> 00:35:45.960 and truth 00:35:45.960 --> 00:35:47.559 and faithfulness 00:35:47.559 --> 00:35:49.859 let's have 00:35:49.859 --> 00:35:50.259 a word of 00:35:50.259 --> 00:35:50.539 prayer 00:35:50.539 --> 00:35:56.039 Lord 00:35:56.039 --> 00:35:56.359 Father 00:35:56.359 --> 00:35:56.920 we thank 00:35:56.920 --> 00:35:57.460 you first 00:35:57.460 --> 00:35:58.099 and foremost 00:35:58.099 --> 00:35:59.759 for being 00:35:59.759 --> 00:36:00.279 this kind 00:36:00.279 --> 00:36:00.739 of a God 00:36:00.739 --> 00:36:02.400 we are so 00:36:02.400 --> 00:36:03.480 blessed 00:36:03.480 --> 00:36:04.699 that you 00:36:04.699 --> 00:36:04.879 are 00:36:04.879 --> 00:36:06.779 like this 00:36:06.779 --> 00:36:07.219 and not 00:36:07.219 --> 00:36:07.719 some other 00:36:07.719 --> 00:36:09.519 horrible 00:36:09.519 --> 00:36:11.179 ancient 00:36:11.179 --> 00:36:11.739 new eastern 00:36:11.739 --> 00:36:12.159 deity 00:36:12.159 --> 00:36:12.900 like Anat 00:36:12.900 --> 00:36:15.300 we thank 00:36:15.300 --> 00:36:15.700 you because 00:36:15.700 --> 00:36:16.200 you extend 00:36:16.200 --> 00:36:16.559 to us 00:36:16.559 --> 00:36:16.840 our 00:36:16.840 --> 00:36:18.000 compassion 00:36:18.000 --> 00:36:18.559 and grace 00:36:18.559 --> 00:36:19.720 your compassion 00:36:19.720 --> 00:36:20.420 and your grace 00:36:20.420 --> 00:36:22.039 help us 00:36:22.039 --> 00:36:22.780 to be grateful 00:36:22.780 --> 00:36:24.820 help us 00:36:24.820 --> 00:36:25.400 to be brave 00:36:25.400 --> 00:36:25.900 enough to 00:36:25.900 --> 00:36:26.480 receive it 00:36:26.480 --> 00:36:26.900 from your 00:36:26.900 --> 00:36:27.300 hand 00:36:27.300 --> 00:36:29.240 help us 00:36:29.240 --> 00:36:29.619 to walk 00:36:29.619 --> 00:36:29.920 in your 00:36:29.920 --> 00:36:30.380 paths 00:36:30.380 --> 00:36:32.059 and thank 00:36:32.059 --> 00:36:32.500 you and 00:36:32.500 --> 00:36:33.019 praise you 00:36:33.019 --> 00:36:33.480 for who 00:36:33.480 --> 00:36:34.000 you are 00:36:34.000 --> 00:36:35.700 help us 00:36:35.700 --> 00:36:36.160 to rely 00:36:36.160 --> 00:36:36.639 on you 00:36:36.639 --> 00:36:37.099 and to 00:36:37.099 --> 00:36:37.639 trust in 00:36:37.639 --> 00:36:37.940 you 00:36:37.940 --> 00:36:38.940 first and 00:36:38.940 --> 00:36:39.420 foremost 00:36:39.420 --> 00:36:40.559 to take 00:36:40.559 --> 00:36:40.920 care of 00:36:40.920 --> 00:36:41.159 us 00:36:41.159 --> 00:36:41.940 whatever 00:36:41.940 --> 00:36:42.380 the need 00:36:42.380 --> 00:36:42.659 is 00:36:42.659 --> 00:36:43.900 we ask 00:36:43.900 --> 00:36:44.200 it in 00:36:44.200 --> 00:36:44.900 Jesus name 00:36:44.900 --> 00:36:46.260 amen 00:36:46.260 --> 00:36:46.560 amen 00:36:46.560 --> 00:36:47.800 amen 00:36:48.100 --> 00:36:48.680 goodbye 00:36:48.680 --> 00:36:48.740 amen 00:36:48.740 --> 00:36:49.600 amen 00:36:49.740 --> 00:36:50.400 amen 00:36:50.400 --> 00:36:50.860 amen 00:36:50.860 --> 00:36:51.720 amen 00:36:51.720 --> 00:36:52.700 amen 00:36:52.700 --> 00:36:53.080 amen 00:36:53.080 --> 00:36:55.320 amen 00:36:55.320 --> 00:36:57.120 yani