WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.000 Well, thank you so much, Neil. Folks, let me encourage you to have those chapters open in front of you as we try and take in the breadth of these four wonderful chapters of Scripture. 00:00:13.640 --> 00:00:19.640 These honest, these raw, but yet these glorious chapters of God's Word. 00:00:19.760 --> 00:00:28.080 And let me try and give us a picture that I hope we can kind of carry with us as we journey through these chapters today to help us see the kind of key thing I think that's going on. 00:00:28.079 --> 00:00:38.259 You know, something that we often do with the kids when we're on holiday by the seaside is we get up early in the morning when the tide is out and we go crabbing. 00:00:38.500 --> 00:00:43.140 Right. Ever been crabbing? Yeah. You go in the rock pools and you try and find some stuff. 00:00:43.359 --> 00:00:49.219 But if you're lucky, you'll see a crab. If you're fortunate enough, you might see some sea enemies. 00:00:49.359 --> 00:00:55.640 They're always pretty cool to see or some sea urchins. We don't see an awful lot, if I'm honest, where sometimes we go. 00:00:55.640 --> 00:01:03.760 It's more the expectation that you might find something. But I tell you, without fail, what we see hundreds and hundreds of every time we go down to the rocks. 00:01:04.400 --> 00:01:06.180 We see hundreds of limpets. 00:01:07.519 --> 00:01:12.500 You've had that experience of finding a limpet, probably hit your foot before you touched it. 00:01:12.980 --> 00:01:15.340 Hundreds and hundreds of limpets. You know these little guys. 00:01:16.159 --> 00:01:18.799 OK. Unimpressive. Unspectacular. 00:01:18.799 --> 00:01:26.939 And as far as I can see, I'm no mollusk expert, but as far as I can see, limpets are good at one thing and one thing only in life. 00:01:28.200 --> 00:01:29.340 OK. They're good at clinging. 00:01:30.399 --> 00:01:32.280 That's all they do, isn't it? They just cling. 00:01:33.500 --> 00:01:38.359 And come calm, come rain or come raging storm. 00:01:39.840 --> 00:01:41.060 These little guys cling. 00:01:42.039 --> 00:01:43.280 That's all they do. They cling. 00:01:43.280 --> 00:01:50.560 And what we're going to hear from Job today, I think, really simply, is what he is clinging to. 00:01:52.799 --> 00:01:54.540 Now, remember the story so far. 00:01:55.500 --> 00:01:58.460 God has allowed Satan in this book of Job, this believer. 00:01:59.680 --> 00:02:02.000 God has allowed Satan to take everything from him. 00:02:03.040 --> 00:02:07.260 Isn't he? His children, his possessions, his health. 00:02:07.260 --> 00:02:16.439 And all of it is in an attempt to get this limpet dislodged from his trust in God. 00:02:18.319 --> 00:02:23.000 So what this has been all about, we've been privy to that as the readers in the opening chapters. 00:02:23.240 --> 00:02:28.200 Remember that we are the, I think we have to see ourselves as the sinners in the stalls watching this happen. 00:02:28.900 --> 00:02:33.599 OK, this is what we've been privy to, that Satan wants to make Job curse God to his face. 00:02:33.700 --> 00:02:36.840 Expose Job as a kind of prosperity gospel guy. 00:02:36.840 --> 00:02:39.300 He doesn't really want you, God. He just wants your stuff. 00:02:39.379 --> 00:02:44.460 So if you take the stuff away from him, it will expose the fact that he didn't really love you. 00:02:46.180 --> 00:02:58.599 OK, and yet this man Job, in the height of the storm, as the waves have come painfully crashing one upon another through his pains and his questions that we've journeyed through, 00:02:58.659 --> 00:03:02.400 what we're going to see today is him tell us what he's clinging to. 00:03:02.400 --> 00:03:05.460 In other words, we're going to see him tell us where his hope is. 00:03:06.840 --> 00:03:08.280 Where his hope is. 00:03:08.280 --> 00:03:16.360 And I guess I want us to see straight off the bat that his hope isn't in the place that we might expect. 00:03:17.659 --> 00:03:22.780 OK, I remember last year, not long after we went into lockdown, watching the news. 00:03:23.920 --> 00:03:27.219 And there was a clip of a poster that someone had put up in town. 00:03:27.740 --> 00:03:30.780 And it simply said, believe that this will pass. 00:03:30.780 --> 00:03:33.780 OK, don't know if you saw that in the news. 00:03:33.939 --> 00:03:34.939 Believe that this will pass. 00:03:35.000 --> 00:03:36.140 That's what the poster said. 00:03:36.599 --> 00:03:38.080 In other words, keep going. 00:03:38.199 --> 00:03:41.460 Let's keep going, believing that this is going to get better. 00:03:43.199 --> 00:03:47.539 You know, and by God's common grace to us as a nation, it looks like things are getting better. 00:03:48.159 --> 00:03:51.860 Do well to remember that for many people around the world, countless millions, it's not. 00:03:52.539 --> 00:03:54.719 But in our nation, it seems to be getting better. 00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:56.900 I'm so glad to have my second vaccine the other day. 00:03:57.060 --> 00:03:58.400 God's common grace to us. 00:03:59.539 --> 00:04:04.680 But I remember at the time, reading that poster and thinking to myself, 00:04:05.520 --> 00:04:07.379 but what if it doesn't? 00:04:09.620 --> 00:04:10.620 What if it doesn't? 00:04:12.199 --> 00:04:16.120 You know, we know, don't we, that life isn't as simple as that. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:21.079 I mean, friends, what of our struggles with mental health? 00:04:21.079 --> 00:04:25.899 What if they remain a constant battle for us on and off, on and off for the rest of our days? 00:04:27.439 --> 00:04:32.939 What if the pain of seeing a loved one suffer, the emotional scars that it leaves in us, 00:04:33.860 --> 00:04:35.759 what if they never really fully heal? 00:04:37.339 --> 00:04:43.399 What if the difficulties of parenting and the emotional tiredness of it all 00:04:43.399 --> 00:04:47.860 and the relational tensions in our families remain a persistent challenge 00:04:47.860 --> 00:04:50.659 day after day after day, year after year? 00:04:50.660 --> 00:04:55.439 What if the job that you hoped would come to fruition, 00:04:55.860 --> 00:04:58.640 the job that you poured yourself into trying to get 00:04:58.640 --> 00:05:01.660 with all the hopes and the dreams and ambitions that were tied up with it, 00:05:01.720 --> 00:05:04.500 what if that never comes to pass? 00:05:06.740 --> 00:05:08.320 What if things don't get better? 00:05:10.000 --> 00:05:17.300 The thing for us to see today is that Job's hope is not in things getting better. 00:05:17.300 --> 00:05:21.740 Job's hope, we're going to see it today. 00:05:22.480 --> 00:05:26.340 And indeed, this is right at the heart of the good news of Christianity, 00:05:27.040 --> 00:05:30.000 is that there is a better hope for this life, 00:05:30.639 --> 00:05:34.740 that there is a more sure and a more steadfast hope for this life, 00:05:35.000 --> 00:05:38.519 that God himself has made a way to happen. 00:05:38.519 --> 00:05:44.099 And it's one that he invites us as people, particularly as believers, 00:05:44.299 --> 00:05:45.459 to come and embrace. 00:05:46.259 --> 00:05:52.779 I love it that God in the Psalms is described as a safe refuge in times of trouble. 00:05:53.799 --> 00:05:55.779 And Job is going to testify to that. 00:05:55.879 --> 00:05:59.359 So come with me to Job chapter 16 and let's take our seats again 00:05:59.359 --> 00:06:01.500 as the sinners in the stalls, 00:06:01.879 --> 00:06:05.359 as this man Job once again takes centre stage. 00:06:05.360 --> 00:06:09.920 Now, a good question to ask ourselves as we try and take in the breadth of these chapters 00:06:09.920 --> 00:06:11.480 and everything that they contain, 00:06:11.939 --> 00:06:15.340 is to ask ourselves, why are they here? 00:06:16.720 --> 00:06:17.980 Why are they here? 00:06:18.139 --> 00:06:20.480 Here's what I want us to do in the time that we have remaining. 00:06:21.020 --> 00:06:22.759 As a congregation this morning, 00:06:22.800 --> 00:06:26.060 I want us just to think about three reasons why they are here. 00:06:27.439 --> 00:06:28.360 Okay, ready for this? 00:06:28.420 --> 00:06:29.180 Here's number one. 00:06:29.180 --> 00:06:35.560 I take it that they are here firstly to expose the folly of Job's friend. 00:06:37.220 --> 00:06:38.819 Because Bildad, do you see him? 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:40.160 He's back on the scene. 00:06:40.900 --> 00:06:43.300 And we met him last week and here he is again, 00:06:43.500 --> 00:06:49.360 offering his opinion as to why Job is suffering. 00:06:50.519 --> 00:06:52.180 We're back in at chapter 18. 00:06:53.420 --> 00:06:55.079 You know, it was Rebecca McLaughlin who said, 00:06:55.160 --> 00:06:56.079 she's a Christian author, 00:06:56.079 --> 00:07:01.740 she said, sometimes we love people best by acknowledging that we don't understand. 00:07:03.300 --> 00:07:05.519 You feel the love in that, the warmth in that statement? 00:07:05.639 --> 00:07:08.919 Sometimes we love people best by acknowledging that we don't understand. 00:07:10.279 --> 00:07:12.899 Well, that's not the approach that Job's friends have taken, is it? 00:07:14.459 --> 00:07:18.019 See what Job calls them at verse 2 of chapter 16. 00:07:20.099 --> 00:07:21.939 He calls them miserable comforters. 00:07:22.039 --> 00:07:22.479 Do you see it? 00:07:23.379 --> 00:07:24.459 Miserable comforters. 00:07:24.459 --> 00:07:28.039 And you feel his pain in that phrase, don't you? 00:07:29.459 --> 00:07:30.680 Guys, you're not helping. 00:07:31.299 --> 00:07:32.379 You've not helped. 00:07:33.319 --> 00:07:39.339 Through my tear-filled, question-ridden, physically sore, sleepless nights, 00:07:40.339 --> 00:07:43.679 and restless days that he talks about there at verse 16. 00:07:45.339 --> 00:07:48.259 Job once again declares his innocence in the sight of God. 00:07:48.740 --> 00:07:49.519 Verse 17. 00:07:49.519 --> 00:07:51.719 And he's saying to his friends, 00:07:52.560 --> 00:07:54.639 I won't find a sensible one among you. 00:07:55.719 --> 00:07:58.459 Okay, that's why we're jumping around a little bit today, 00:07:58.539 --> 00:08:00.259 but it's the kind of breadth of it to help us see it. 00:08:00.339 --> 00:08:01.599 Verse 10 of chapter 17. 00:08:01.719 --> 00:08:03.719 I won't find a sensible one among you. 00:08:04.299 --> 00:08:05.099 You're not helped. 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:07.039 You're not helped. 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:09.839 And so Job has said this, 00:08:09.899 --> 00:08:11.919 you're miserable comforters, you've not helped. 00:08:11.920 --> 00:08:14.220 I'm innocent in God's sight. 00:08:14.420 --> 00:08:17.280 And yet Bildad, having heard what Job has just said, he doesn't agree. 00:08:18.140 --> 00:08:18.819 He doesn't agree. 00:08:18.920 --> 00:08:24.660 And you can hear his frustration come across as he launches into his response at chapter 18. 00:08:24.920 --> 00:08:28.300 He says, why are we counted as cattle in your sight? 00:08:28.439 --> 00:08:29.120 Verse 3. 00:08:29.120 --> 00:08:34.600 In other words, why do you treat us like we're stupid? 00:08:36.019 --> 00:08:38.100 You know, listening to what we have to say, 00:08:38.159 --> 00:08:41.840 because I think the thing we need to understand is that in Bildad's mind, 00:08:42.100 --> 00:08:44.139 the world works in straight lines. 00:08:45.600 --> 00:08:51.279 Okay, have you ever look at a map of the city centers of places like Glasgow and New York? 00:08:52.320 --> 00:08:54.720 Okay, it's why they're filming that film, aren't they, in Glasgow? 00:08:54.860 --> 00:08:56.340 Because it's a lot cheaper than doing it in New York, 00:08:56.379 --> 00:08:57.440 but you still get the same thing. 00:08:57.440 --> 00:08:58.039 What do you get? 00:08:58.100 --> 00:08:58.940 You get grids. 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:01.500 You get grids, don't you? 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:04.840 This street goes straight to that street. 00:09:05.860 --> 00:09:08.320 This lane intersects with that lane at that point. 00:09:08.440 --> 00:09:10.299 Everything is neat and in straight lines. 00:09:10.419 --> 00:09:11.759 That's why I love these kind of places. 00:09:11.919 --> 00:09:13.700 It appeals to my sense of neat and order. 00:09:14.779 --> 00:09:17.460 But in Bildad's mind, that's how he sees the world. 00:09:18.519 --> 00:09:19.279 Straight lines. 00:09:20.980 --> 00:09:26.419 And we have to say that it is largely true, of course, isn't it, of the world that God has made, 00:09:26.419 --> 00:09:28.080 that there is order. 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:30.800 He sovereignly governs all things. 00:09:30.799 --> 00:09:39.839 But, you see, in Bildad's mind, that order, that straight lines means that the law of cause and effect, 00:09:39.979 --> 00:09:43.139 action and consequence is directly in play. 00:09:43.139 --> 00:09:44.480 You behave good. 00:09:44.480 --> 00:09:46.319 You get reward. 00:09:46.319 --> 00:09:51.919 But if you go down sin street, at some point you are going to intersect with suffering street. 00:09:51.919 --> 00:09:52.919 It's his world for you. 00:09:52.919 --> 00:09:53.899 It's his world for you, isn't it? 00:09:54.539 --> 00:09:56.759 Sin leads to suffering. 00:09:56.899 --> 00:10:04.279 And so surely in this neat and ordered world that God has made, that that is what explains Job's predicament. 00:10:04.279 --> 00:10:08.579 And you see him express it in verse 3. 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:12.579 In the language he uses, the similes, the metaphors. 00:10:13.419 --> 00:10:16.799 He says, God deals with the wicked like a man putting out a light. 00:10:17.079 --> 00:10:19.059 Again, just see that snuffed out. 00:10:19.059 --> 00:10:24.579 Like one who set a trap for them. 00:10:25.379 --> 00:10:27.099 You see his conclusion at verse 21. 00:10:27.100 --> 00:10:31.240 What he effectively says, Job, what's happening to you? 00:10:31.300 --> 00:10:35.399 It just goes to show that really you don't know God. 00:10:36.720 --> 00:10:40.320 Which is such an insensitive thing to say, isn't it? 00:10:40.320 --> 00:10:46.640 Now let me give you two gaping gaps in Bildad's view of the world. 00:10:48.020 --> 00:10:50.980 And particularly his understanding of how God works. 00:10:51.140 --> 00:10:54.940 Firstly, friends, there is no room for grace in Bildad's view of the world. 00:10:56.160 --> 00:10:57.820 No room for grace. 00:10:57.920 --> 00:11:05.220 The thought that this God, because of who he is, out of his mercy, he wouldn't treat us as we deserve. 00:11:05.220 --> 00:11:11.399 In my experience of doing the Christianity Explored course, I've done several here in my time, 00:11:11.480 --> 00:11:15.399 that the most hotly debated evening is not the evening on sin and judgment. 00:11:16.399 --> 00:11:20.360 The most hotly contested evening is the evening when we look at grace. 00:11:21.160 --> 00:11:21.899 Every time. 00:11:22.899 --> 00:11:26.139 The notion that we don't need to do anything to be right with God, 00:11:26.180 --> 00:11:31.019 except to trust wholly in Jesus and on his work on the cross for us. 00:11:31.100 --> 00:11:33.639 People instinctively hear that and say, that cannot be right. 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:35.600 I cannot be right. 00:11:36.120 --> 00:11:38.539 Surely we must have to do something to be right with God. 00:11:39.620 --> 00:11:41.319 Surely he looks at the good deeds. 00:11:41.860 --> 00:11:43.480 Surely we're better than that person. 00:11:43.600 --> 00:11:44.819 That means we're more qualified. 00:11:46.740 --> 00:11:49.419 I always find that when people hear what I do for a job, 00:11:49.539 --> 00:11:51.299 they instinctively, more often than not, 00:11:51.360 --> 00:11:54.000 they start talking about the good things that they do in life. 00:11:54.679 --> 00:11:57.379 The church that they grew up in, the Sunday school that they attended, 00:11:57.620 --> 00:11:59.179 the fact that they loved the Boys Brigade, 00:11:59.460 --> 00:12:01.439 the fact that their community does a food bank, 00:12:01.440 --> 00:12:07.040 the fact that they're good and lawful citizens trying to do their bit. 00:12:08.400 --> 00:12:10.160 It's obviously deeply ingrained in us, friends. 00:12:10.280 --> 00:12:14.340 We're all people who like to think of the world in straight lines, 00:12:14.520 --> 00:12:16.400 that we can earn our salvation. 00:12:17.540 --> 00:12:19.540 We can be right in God's eyes to the things that we do. 00:12:19.860 --> 00:12:21.500 That's how Bildad sees the world. 00:12:22.560 --> 00:12:26.280 There's no room for grace in his understanding of who the Lord is. 00:12:26.279 --> 00:12:35.319 And secondly, he sees no reason and no sense for Job to be waiting and trusting as a believer. 00:12:36.620 --> 00:12:42.259 The thought that God might have bigger purposes here in this story for his glory. 00:12:42.419 --> 00:12:46.120 Of course, the ones that earlier on in the book we became privy to is the reader 00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:49.360 and that are working themselves out through Job's suffering. 00:12:49.360 --> 00:12:52.240 All of that, that waiting and trusting in the Lord. 00:12:54.080 --> 00:12:55.960 Bildad's thinking, Job, you're wasting your time. 00:12:57.139 --> 00:12:58.120 You're wasting your time. 00:13:00.279 --> 00:13:05.060 No room for grace and no room for waiting in the world, 00:13:05.680 --> 00:13:07.759 the way that Bildad sees the world. 00:13:09.659 --> 00:13:12.039 And of course, friends, grace and waiting on the Lord, 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:14.600 aren't they the two wonderful truths of the Christian life? 00:13:14.600 --> 00:13:20.860 The words of the old hymn by William Cowper, sung by believers down the generations. 00:13:22.200 --> 00:13:26.720 Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace. 00:13:27.940 --> 00:13:32.680 Behind a frowning providence, he hides a smiling face. 00:13:34.740 --> 00:13:38.420 I take it these chapters are here firstly to expose the folly of his friend. 00:13:38.419 --> 00:13:44.719 And I take it secondly there here to help us enter the depths of his pain. 00:13:46.559 --> 00:13:49.759 So as we enter chapter 19, what would appear to be true 00:13:49.759 --> 00:13:54.459 is that because of what Bildad has said and how he has said it, 00:13:55.479 --> 00:13:58.559 things have taken a turn for the worse for Job. 00:14:00.259 --> 00:14:01.379 He's made it worse. 00:14:01.379 --> 00:14:05.620 And I take it in our relationships with one another, friends, 00:14:05.679 --> 00:14:09.759 as a lesson there that we need to strive with great care, 00:14:09.840 --> 00:14:13.919 not just with our word choice, but our word tone as well, 00:14:13.960 --> 00:14:15.740 as we seek to help one another. 00:14:16.279 --> 00:14:19.720 Words that come from our mouths that build up and don't tear down. 00:14:19.899 --> 00:14:23.720 Words that come from our lips that encourage and don't dishearten. 00:14:23.939 --> 00:14:24.879 Words of truth. 00:14:24.980 --> 00:14:27.840 Because look at what Job says, verse 1, 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:31.740 How long will you torment me and break me in pieces with your words? 00:14:31.780 --> 00:14:34.620 There's the effect that Bildad's words have had on Job. 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:40.240 And Job tells us, doesn't he, how he's suffering. 00:14:41.519 --> 00:14:46.019 And again, we plunge ourselves into the pool of his pain 00:14:46.019 --> 00:14:47.560 to see how he's suffering. 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:49.940 He's suffering physically. 00:14:51.019 --> 00:14:51.639 Verse 20, 00:14:53.500 --> 00:14:55.660 My bones cling to my skin. 00:14:55.660 --> 00:14:56.740 Hear him describe it. 00:14:57.840 --> 00:15:02.120 Perhaps him describing just how deep and painful the sores in his body have gone. 00:15:03.300 --> 00:15:06.320 Or it might just be him telling us how malnourished he is. 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:08.259 He's thin. 00:15:08.560 --> 00:15:09.720 He's not eating right. 00:15:09.800 --> 00:15:10.379 He's not sleeping. 00:15:10.519 --> 00:15:11.980 It has an effect, doesn't it, on your body. 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:14.139 He's suffering physically. 00:15:14.460 --> 00:15:15.680 He's suffering mentally. 00:15:17.600 --> 00:15:18.180 Verse 7, 00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:18.960 Hear his cry. 00:15:19.379 --> 00:15:21.500 Even when I cry out, talking to God, 00:15:21.560 --> 00:15:22.600 there is no answer. 00:15:23.600 --> 00:15:24.700 There is no justice. 00:15:24.700 --> 00:15:27.860 I always remember my friend Wayne Sutton, 00:15:27.980 --> 00:15:30.759 who's a pastor down at Crubber's Christian Centre. 00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:32.440 He always talked about openly, 00:15:32.580 --> 00:15:35.220 and some of you might remember this from our weekend away a few years ago, 00:15:35.320 --> 00:15:36.460 talked about his mental, 00:15:37.020 --> 00:15:39.240 what he called a breakdown a number of years ago. 00:15:39.379 --> 00:15:42.379 And he talked about how all he could do for that time 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:45.080 was go into a room at the front of his house 00:15:45.080 --> 00:15:48.139 and just stare out the window at the Pentland Hills. 00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:50.400 That's all he could do. 00:15:51.220 --> 00:15:52.080 And just pray. 00:15:53.680 --> 00:15:55.000 As he mentally suffered. 00:15:56.440 --> 00:15:58.720 Something of that isn't there in what Job is going through. 00:16:00.200 --> 00:16:01.259 He's suffering physically. 00:16:01.360 --> 00:16:02.139 He's suffering mentally. 00:16:02.280 --> 00:16:03.300 He's suffering socially. 00:16:03.299 --> 00:16:05.000 And I want you to see this one. 00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:07.000 Particularly verse 13. 00:16:07.079 --> 00:16:07.639 What does he say? 00:16:07.719 --> 00:16:08.039 He says, 00:16:08.179 --> 00:16:09.979 My family are far from me. 00:16:10.479 --> 00:16:11.699 And hear what he's describing. 00:16:11.859 --> 00:16:12.759 Verse 14. 00:16:13.539 --> 00:16:15.699 My friends have failed me. 00:16:15.779 --> 00:16:16.859 And in verse 19. 00:16:17.839 --> 00:16:19.279 Even my closest friends, 00:16:19.379 --> 00:16:22.259 even my most intimate friends have turned away from me. 00:16:22.319 --> 00:16:23.759 And what he's doing is he's describing 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:27.819 the spiraling sense of isolation and loneliness that he's feeling. 00:16:29.959 --> 00:16:30.859 He's suffering. 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:34.320 And we have to enter the depths of his pain. 00:16:36.919 --> 00:16:38.200 And I take it, friends, 00:16:38.300 --> 00:16:41.360 that as he wants these words to be recorded, 00:16:41.480 --> 00:16:43.639 we see that later in chapter 19, 00:16:43.800 --> 00:16:45.519 I take it that as we read this, 00:16:46.639 --> 00:16:49.019 that we have to understand that there will be at times, 00:16:50.379 --> 00:16:51.879 there will be and there can be, 00:16:52.680 --> 00:16:55.920 these kind of things that are the experience of the Christian believer. 00:16:58.720 --> 00:17:00.000 Maybe that's you this morning. 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:02.019 Maybe you are struggling physically. 00:17:03.220 --> 00:17:05.160 Maybe it is you're struggling mentally. 00:17:05.339 --> 00:17:07.000 Maybe you are struggling emotionally. 00:17:08.119 --> 00:17:09.859 Maybe you are struggling socially. 00:17:10.380 --> 00:17:11.380 And I'd encourage you, 00:17:11.420 --> 00:17:12.140 if that is you today, 00:17:12.259 --> 00:17:13.339 please do reach out. 00:17:14.900 --> 00:17:15.980 Please do reach out. 00:17:17.440 --> 00:17:19.039 The wonderful thing that God has done 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:20.720 in giving us as a church community 00:17:20.720 --> 00:17:22.660 to walk through life together. 00:17:22.660 --> 00:17:25.960 And maybe off the back of that, 00:17:26.040 --> 00:17:28.759 you deeply resonate with what Job is saying here. 00:17:30.700 --> 00:17:34.320 And particularly you relate to what Job says at verse 21. 00:17:36.920 --> 00:17:39.040 What does Job so desperately want? 00:17:41.840 --> 00:17:43.860 For someone to have pity on him, 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:44.300 do you see? 00:17:44.299 --> 00:17:48.119 He doesn't need his friends' lectures. 00:17:50.119 --> 00:17:51.619 He needs his friends' love. 00:17:52.899 --> 00:17:54.259 He needs their presence. 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:56.539 He needs their prayers. 00:17:57.799 --> 00:17:58.980 He needs their sympathy. 00:18:00.139 --> 00:18:02.599 He needs their tears of affection. 00:18:03.460 --> 00:18:04.839 He doesn't need lectures. 00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:07.980 He needs the love of his friends. 00:18:09.439 --> 00:18:11.259 And I take it we're challenged at this point 00:18:11.259 --> 00:18:13.319 to think about the way that we can show 00:18:13.319 --> 00:18:15.799 love and compassion to one another 00:18:15.799 --> 00:18:16.919 as a church family. 00:18:17.439 --> 00:18:18.599 Friends, think about it right now. 00:18:18.699 --> 00:18:21.379 Who do you know that needs love and support right now? 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:23.939 Maybe you are privy to something. 00:18:23.940 --> 00:18:28.840 Who can we show love and support to right now? 00:18:28.900 --> 00:18:29.680 You know, I was reading a book 00:18:29.680 --> 00:18:30.960 about the human body the other day, 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:31.600 one of the kids. 00:18:32.900 --> 00:18:34.200 And I know there's doctors here today 00:18:34.200 --> 00:18:36.600 who I'm sure will know much about more than this than me. 00:18:36.640 --> 00:18:38.380 But this is my layman's understanding of it, right? 00:18:38.440 --> 00:18:39.160 We're reading this book 00:18:39.160 --> 00:18:40.500 and the author's talking about 00:18:40.500 --> 00:18:42.100 how sometimes you have a cut in your skin. 00:18:43.140 --> 00:18:44.440 You ever wondered how scab forms? 00:18:46.140 --> 00:18:46.320 Right? 00:18:46.360 --> 00:18:47.880 What happens is your body, 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:49.019 when the cut comes, 00:18:49.120 --> 00:18:50.539 your body works extra hard 00:18:50.539 --> 00:18:52.980 to pump blood to that part of your body 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:53.660 that's suffering. 00:18:53.660 --> 00:18:55.100 And that's why the scab develops 00:18:55.100 --> 00:18:57.779 to shield it and protect it from the outside. 00:18:59.259 --> 00:19:00.259 So what your body does 00:19:00.259 --> 00:19:01.060 when something's hurting, 00:19:01.180 --> 00:19:01.779 just vroomf, 00:19:02.340 --> 00:19:03.160 we're sending blood. 00:19:06.480 --> 00:19:07.759 You don't want to be that kind of 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:08.900 Christ-centered community. 00:19:10.279 --> 00:19:10.920 Something's hurting, 00:19:11.080 --> 00:19:12.120 somebody's hurting in the body, 00:19:12.380 --> 00:19:12.779 vroomf, 00:19:13.080 --> 00:19:13.840 we're sending people, 00:19:14.100 --> 00:19:14.519 we're there. 00:19:15.140 --> 00:19:15.660 We want to help, 00:19:15.740 --> 00:19:16.300 we want to love. 00:19:17.160 --> 00:19:17.860 We're present. 00:19:18.560 --> 00:19:19.120 We care. 00:19:21.120 --> 00:19:21.820 And let me just give you 00:19:21.820 --> 00:19:22.759 one holiday reflection. 00:19:23.660 --> 00:19:24.340 You know, 00:19:24.360 --> 00:19:25.380 from reading Luke's gospel. 00:19:26.220 --> 00:19:27.140 Try and do this on holiday 00:19:27.140 --> 00:19:28.019 every time I go away on holiday. 00:19:28.120 --> 00:19:29.040 Just take a book of the Bible 00:19:29.040 --> 00:19:30.060 and just immerse myself 00:19:30.060 --> 00:19:30.880 in it devotionally. 00:19:31.100 --> 00:19:31.200 Right? 00:19:31.300 --> 00:19:32.380 So going through Luke's gospel. 00:19:33.140 --> 00:19:33.360 And friends, 00:19:33.380 --> 00:19:34.660 I don't think I've ever noticed 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:36.940 just how many times 00:19:36.940 --> 00:19:38.220 Luke records Jesus 00:19:38.220 --> 00:19:40.040 having what on people? 00:19:41.279 --> 00:19:41.600 Pity. 00:19:43.540 --> 00:19:44.660 The word compassion. 00:19:45.540 --> 00:19:45.759 Right? 00:19:46.019 --> 00:19:46.980 Let's give me a few of these. 00:19:47.320 --> 00:19:48.500 The story of the widow 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:49.320 losing her son, 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:49.860 Luke 7. 00:19:49.980 --> 00:19:50.060 Right? 00:19:50.060 --> 00:19:51.060 None of these are easy. 00:19:51.059 --> 00:19:52.399 Enter into the people's pains 00:19:52.399 --> 00:19:53.039 as you read about them 00:19:53.039 --> 00:19:53.539 in the gospel. 00:19:53.960 --> 00:19:55.159 The widow loses her son. 00:19:55.279 --> 00:19:56.460 Jesus has what on her? 00:19:57.299 --> 00:19:58.119 His compassion. 00:19:59.519 --> 00:20:00.619 He tells a parable 00:20:00.619 --> 00:20:01.779 of the Good Samaritan, 00:20:01.899 --> 00:20:02.879 Luke chapter 10. 00:20:02.980 --> 00:20:03.799 Not just a story 00:20:03.799 --> 00:20:04.819 about how we can be 00:20:04.819 --> 00:20:05.460 better people. 00:20:05.579 --> 00:20:05.839 Of course, 00:20:05.899 --> 00:20:07.220 that is part of it. 00:20:07.399 --> 00:20:08.559 But it's also in the context 00:20:08.559 --> 00:20:09.200 him describing 00:20:09.200 --> 00:20:10.179 what he is going to do 00:20:10.179 --> 00:20:11.659 as the ultimate Good Samaritan. 00:20:11.799 --> 00:20:12.579 And what happens? 00:20:12.700 --> 00:20:13.099 There's a man 00:20:13.099 --> 00:20:14.019 at the side of the road. 00:20:14.240 --> 00:20:15.159 What does the Samaritan 00:20:15.159 --> 00:20:16.000 have on him? 00:20:17.399 --> 00:20:17.799 Pity. 00:20:18.180 --> 00:20:18.619 Compassion. 00:20:19.839 --> 00:20:20.839 Give you two more. 00:20:21.379 --> 00:20:22.599 Jesus meets the ten lepers 00:20:22.599 --> 00:20:23.480 in Luke 17. 00:20:25.159 --> 00:20:25.539 Jesus, 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:26.139 son of David, 00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:27.159 have what on us? 00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:28.059 Have pity. 00:20:28.159 --> 00:20:28.839 Have compassion. 00:20:29.480 --> 00:20:30.119 Same thing, 00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:31.079 Luke chapter 18 00:20:31.079 --> 00:20:31.919 with the blind man 00:20:31.919 --> 00:20:32.899 who's outside Jericho 00:20:32.899 --> 00:20:34.559 who presumably is Bartimaeus. 00:20:34.899 --> 00:20:35.559 He shouts out, 00:20:35.659 --> 00:20:35.940 Jesus, 00:20:36.159 --> 00:20:37.339 son of David, 00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:38.480 have mercy on me. 00:20:38.539 --> 00:20:39.940 The exact same cry. 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.379 And Jesus does. 00:20:43.720 --> 00:20:44.720 He does. 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:48.019 Oh, friends, 00:20:48.140 --> 00:20:49.779 what a Christ we have. 00:20:51.839 --> 00:20:52.620 Charles Spurgeon 00:20:52.620 --> 00:20:54.140 declared all those years ago, 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:55.900 I have a great need 00:20:55.900 --> 00:20:57.240 of Christ, 00:20:58.019 --> 00:21:00.920 but I have a great Christ 00:21:00.920 --> 00:21:02.279 for my need. 00:21:03.839 --> 00:21:04.319 Jesus, 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:05.559 the one who has pity 00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:07.019 and compassion on us, 00:21:07.079 --> 00:21:07.759 it's almost as if 00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:08.839 our infirmities, 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:10.079 our sorrows, 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:11.519 he is drawn to us 00:21:11.519 --> 00:21:12.240 in that moment. 00:21:12.240 --> 00:21:14.960 Then I went to get my jab 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:15.620 the other day, 00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:16.819 got the jab, 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:17.460 felt a bit 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:18.539 peely wally, 00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:19.700 there's a good Scottish term for you, 00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:20.759 had to go and sit. 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:22.059 Ambulance man comes, 00:21:22.160 --> 00:21:23.180 we're chatting away for ages. 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:23.519 He says, 00:21:23.599 --> 00:21:25.039 why did you get into this business 00:21:25.039 --> 00:21:25.880 of being a minister? 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:27.680 Answer, 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:29.380 Jesus. 00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:32.620 Never met anyone like this. 00:21:33.559 --> 00:21:35.359 Never read of anyone like him. 00:21:35.620 --> 00:21:36.359 All power, 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:37.279 all compassion, 00:21:37.460 --> 00:21:38.700 who is like him? 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:42.180 Who moves towards us 00:21:42.180 --> 00:21:42.960 in our sufferings. 00:21:43.039 --> 00:21:44.100 What we sing with the kids, 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:45.120 Jesus, 00:21:45.539 --> 00:21:46.960 strong and kind. 00:21:47.620 --> 00:21:47.840 Friends, 00:21:47.940 --> 00:21:49.279 can we find a friend 00:21:49.279 --> 00:21:50.160 so faithful 00:21:50.160 --> 00:21:52.000 who will all 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:53.319 our sorrows share? 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:55.620 Jesus knows 00:21:55.620 --> 00:21:57.180 our every weakness. 00:21:58.740 --> 00:21:59.920 Take it to the Lord 00:21:59.920 --> 00:22:00.400 in prayer. 00:22:00.500 --> 00:22:01.660 This is who he is. 00:22:03.580 --> 00:22:05.080 I take it these chapters 00:22:05.080 --> 00:22:05.700 are here 00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:06.500 to help us 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:07.240 enter 00:22:07.240 --> 00:22:08.640 the depths 00:22:08.640 --> 00:22:09.360 of his pain 00:22:09.360 --> 00:22:10.460 and thirdly 00:22:10.460 --> 00:22:11.019 and finally, 00:22:11.180 --> 00:22:11.660 I take it 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:12.660 that they are here 00:22:12.660 --> 00:22:14.259 to encourage us 00:22:14.259 --> 00:22:15.059 to embrace 00:22:15.059 --> 00:22:16.100 the source 00:22:16.100 --> 00:22:16.779 of his hope. 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:18.940 Come with me 00:22:18.940 --> 00:22:20.039 to chapter 19, 00:22:20.140 --> 00:22:21.240 verse 25 onwards. 00:22:21.420 --> 00:22:22.240 This is the time 00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:22.740 we have left. 00:22:22.799 --> 00:22:23.200 We'll just look 00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:23.960 at this section 00:22:23.960 --> 00:22:25.480 and to some 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:26.299 of the most famous 00:22:26.299 --> 00:22:27.420 and the most glorious 00:22:27.420 --> 00:22:29.200 words in the Bible. 00:22:29.340 --> 00:22:29.860 What is Job 00:22:29.860 --> 00:22:30.660 clinging to? 00:22:31.759 --> 00:22:32.680 He is clinging, 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:33.360 do you see it, 00:22:33.440 --> 00:22:34.299 to the phrase, 00:22:34.299 --> 00:22:36.559 his living Redeemer. 00:22:37.879 --> 00:22:38.259 Now, 00:22:38.339 --> 00:22:38.579 a Redeemer 00:22:38.579 --> 00:22:39.220 in a context, 00:22:39.319 --> 00:22:39.680 someone who 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:40.579 in your family line 00:22:40.579 --> 00:22:41.460 steps in 00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:43.039 when somebody dies, 00:22:43.599 --> 00:22:44.339 takes financial 00:22:44.339 --> 00:22:45.119 and practical 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:45.859 responsibility 00:22:45.859 --> 00:22:47.019 for you and your family 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:48.000 in your time of need. 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:48.960 That's what a Redeemer does. 00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:49.919 Someone from the outside 00:22:49.919 --> 00:22:50.940 in your family 00:22:50.940 --> 00:22:51.859 comes in 00:22:51.859 --> 00:22:52.819 and takes responsibility. 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:54.039 Now, 00:22:54.159 --> 00:22:55.200 Job might not know 00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:55.960 the precise 00:22:55.960 --> 00:22:56.680 how 00:22:56.680 --> 00:22:58.200 this is going to happen, 00:23:00.200 --> 00:23:01.079 but you see 00:23:01.079 --> 00:23:01.899 how his confidence 00:23:01.899 --> 00:23:02.919 is that at the end 00:23:02.919 --> 00:23:03.440 of the course 00:23:03.440 --> 00:23:04.080 of his life, 00:23:04.580 --> 00:23:05.440 God will 00:23:05.440 --> 00:23:06.779 vindicate him. 00:23:07.680 --> 00:23:08.660 That's what his confidence 00:23:08.660 --> 00:23:09.140 is in 00:23:09.140 --> 00:23:09.940 and he will do it 00:23:09.940 --> 00:23:10.779 through this living 00:23:10.779 --> 00:23:11.820 Redeemer. 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:13.460 And after death, 00:23:13.840 --> 00:23:14.960 he will stand 00:23:14.960 --> 00:23:17.120 and 00:23:17.120 --> 00:23:19.200 he will see God. 00:23:20.340 --> 00:23:21.519 That's the rock 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:22.880 that this limpet 00:23:22.880 --> 00:23:23.660 is clinging to. 00:23:23.779 --> 00:23:24.440 That is what 00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:25.680 Job's hope 00:23:25.680 --> 00:23:26.320 is in. 00:23:27.080 --> 00:23:28.080 And that's the confession 00:23:28.080 --> 00:23:29.140 as we turn to the pages 00:23:29.140 --> 00:23:30.180 of the New Testament. 00:23:30.180 --> 00:23:33.039 is very similar 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:33.620 to the one 00:23:33.620 --> 00:23:34.560 that Martha makes 00:23:34.560 --> 00:23:35.080 to Jesus 00:23:35.080 --> 00:23:36.380 in John chapter 11. 00:23:36.519 --> 00:23:37.140 If you wondered 00:23:37.140 --> 00:23:37.820 where we were going 00:23:37.820 --> 00:23:38.299 with that. 00:23:39.880 --> 00:23:40.360 Now, 00:23:40.400 --> 00:23:41.000 the context 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:42.500 of Martha's confession 00:23:42.500 --> 00:23:43.720 is not a philosophical 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:44.600 discussion. 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:46.580 Her brother 00:23:46.580 --> 00:23:47.480 has just died. 00:23:49.120 --> 00:23:49.220 Right? 00:23:49.640 --> 00:23:50.160 Just journeying 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:50.700 with people 00:23:50.700 --> 00:23:51.820 young and old, 00:23:51.920 --> 00:23:52.620 the pain of that 00:23:52.620 --> 00:23:54.160 never gets any easier. 00:23:54.759 --> 00:23:55.960 Enter into her pain. 00:23:56.960 --> 00:23:58.080 Brother has just died. 00:23:58.079 --> 00:23:59.399 Her world is turned 00:23:59.399 --> 00:24:00.339 upside down. 00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:02.339 And feel the pain 00:24:02.339 --> 00:24:03.439 in Martha's confession. 00:24:03.659 --> 00:24:03.839 Lord, 00:24:03.919 --> 00:24:05.240 if you had been here. 00:24:06.919 --> 00:24:07.359 Right? 00:24:07.439 --> 00:24:08.240 If you'd been here. 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:09.439 Where were you, Lord? 00:24:09.500 --> 00:24:09.779 Of course, 00:24:09.819 --> 00:24:10.419 in the context, 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:11.379 John has told us 00:24:11.379 --> 00:24:12.279 that Jesus delayed 00:24:12.279 --> 00:24:12.699 in going. 00:24:13.579 --> 00:24:14.539 But he's also told us 00:24:14.539 --> 00:24:15.919 that Jesus loved them. 00:24:16.679 --> 00:24:17.559 He loved them. 00:24:18.299 --> 00:24:18.740 And yet, 00:24:18.799 --> 00:24:19.619 this was all about 00:24:19.619 --> 00:24:20.500 them understanding 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:21.879 something much more 00:24:21.879 --> 00:24:22.740 profound about 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.539 who he is. 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:26.119 Where were you? 00:24:26.199 --> 00:24:26.980 Jesus says to her. 00:24:26.980 --> 00:24:28.039 Your brother will rise 00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:28.779 again to which 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:29.519 she responds, 00:24:29.639 --> 00:24:30.579 I know he will 00:24:30.579 --> 00:24:31.819 rise again 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:33.700 in the resurrection 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:34.700 at the last day. 00:24:36.299 --> 00:24:36.539 Again, 00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:36.839 do you see, 00:24:36.920 --> 00:24:37.700 it's so similar 00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:38.779 to Job's confession. 00:24:39.319 --> 00:24:39.899 And she probably 00:24:39.899 --> 00:24:40.759 doesn't understand 00:24:40.759 --> 00:24:41.159 the how. 00:24:41.920 --> 00:24:42.180 Right? 00:24:42.319 --> 00:24:43.079 She knows 00:24:43.079 --> 00:24:44.539 something of the what, 00:24:44.619 --> 00:24:45.079 but she doesn't 00:24:45.079 --> 00:24:46.059 understand the how. 00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:46.759 Do you see, 00:24:46.819 --> 00:24:47.960 Jesus answers her how, 00:24:48.299 --> 00:24:49.059 not with a how, 00:24:49.639 --> 00:24:50.519 but with a who. 00:24:51.899 --> 00:24:53.599 I am the resurrection 00:24:53.599 --> 00:24:54.379 and the life. 00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:56.220 The one who believes 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:57.119 in me will live 00:24:57.119 --> 00:24:58.239 even though they die. 00:24:59.039 --> 00:25:00.000 And whoever lives 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:01.599 by believing in me 00:25:01.599 --> 00:25:03.000 will never die. 00:25:03.279 --> 00:25:03.759 In other words, 00:25:03.899 --> 00:25:04.299 Martha, 00:25:04.939 --> 00:25:06.659 I am 00:25:06.659 --> 00:25:07.919 the living 00:25:07.919 --> 00:25:08.979 redeemer. 00:25:10.439 --> 00:25:11.599 Your world is turned 00:25:11.599 --> 00:25:12.399 upside down. 00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:13.639 Your pain is real. 00:25:14.439 --> 00:25:15.599 But I have your life. 00:25:17.179 --> 00:25:18.319 Just in case you thought 00:25:18.319 --> 00:25:19.500 that was a cold response 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:20.359 from Jesus, 00:25:20.859 --> 00:25:21.719 very next scene, 00:25:21.819 --> 00:25:22.879 he is at the tomb 00:25:22.880 --> 00:25:23.820 weeping 00:25:23.820 --> 00:25:25.760 because of the 00:25:25.760 --> 00:25:27.360 carnage that death, 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:28.600 because of sin 00:25:28.600 --> 00:25:29.340 has brought into 00:25:29.340 --> 00:25:29.960 the world. 00:25:30.160 --> 00:25:30.420 You know, 00:25:30.520 --> 00:25:32.500 we so often go to 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:33.580 celebration services 00:25:33.580 --> 00:25:34.080 of people, 00:25:34.180 --> 00:25:34.600 don't we? 00:25:34.800 --> 00:25:35.540 But I think there is 00:25:35.540 --> 00:25:36.840 a right and proper place 00:25:36.840 --> 00:25:38.140 to grieve 00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:39.040 as a Christian 00:25:39.040 --> 00:25:40.100 that death isn't real. 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:40.580 Sorry, 00:25:41.040 --> 00:25:41.980 death isn't the way 00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:42.980 it's supposed to be. 00:25:43.940 --> 00:25:45.200 And Jesus weeps, 00:25:45.740 --> 00:25:46.720 but he weeps. 00:25:46.860 --> 00:25:47.540 And in case you thought 00:25:47.540 --> 00:25:49.080 that was an unfounded response, 00:25:49.420 --> 00:25:50.260 know that he is the one 00:25:50.259 --> 00:25:51.140 who speaks 00:25:51.140 --> 00:25:53.420 and Lazarus rises. 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:55.960 Jesus who is 00:25:55.960 --> 00:25:57.079 all compassion, 00:25:57.279 --> 00:25:57.980 all pity, 00:25:58.359 --> 00:25:59.559 and he is 00:25:59.559 --> 00:26:00.700 all powerful. 00:26:03.200 --> 00:26:04.480 And Jesus who would 00:26:04.480 --> 00:26:06.400 himself suffer 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.519 physically, 00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:10.420 mocked, 00:26:10.559 --> 00:26:10.920 beaten, 00:26:12.680 --> 00:26:13.839 Jesus who himself 00:26:13.839 --> 00:26:15.019 would suffer mentally 00:26:15.019 --> 00:26:17.200 as he sweats 00:26:17.200 --> 00:26:18.059 drops of blood 00:26:18.059 --> 00:26:18.980 at the sheer terror 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:19.740 of the cross 00:26:19.740 --> 00:26:20.599 that is ahead of him 00:26:20.599 --> 00:26:21.240 in the garden 00:26:21.240 --> 00:26:22.200 the night before. 00:26:22.680 --> 00:26:23.559 And Jesus who would 00:26:23.559 --> 00:26:25.200 suffer socially, 00:26:26.360 --> 00:26:28.079 abandoned by his friends, 00:26:28.700 --> 00:26:29.819 betrayed by the, 00:26:30.079 --> 00:26:30.620 one of those 00:26:30.620 --> 00:26:32.000 who was closest to him. 00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:33.039 Jesus who would go 00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:33.799 to the cross 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:34.839 to pay the price 00:26:34.839 --> 00:26:35.920 of our sin 00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:37.860 on the cross 00:26:37.860 --> 00:26:38.860 with his blood 00:26:38.860 --> 00:26:39.759 as he, 00:26:39.900 --> 00:26:40.480 the truer 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:41.779 and greater Job, 00:26:42.200 --> 00:26:43.240 entrusts himself 00:26:43.240 --> 00:26:44.420 to his father 00:26:44.420 --> 00:26:45.880 who judges 00:26:45.880 --> 00:26:46.980 justly. 00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:48.680 and Jesus 00:26:48.680 --> 00:26:49.460 who on the third 00:26:49.460 --> 00:26:50.480 day rose 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:51.539 again 00:26:51.539 --> 00:26:52.400 as God 00:26:52.400 --> 00:26:53.400 vindicates him 00:26:53.400 --> 00:26:53.940 in the eyes 00:26:53.940 --> 00:26:54.660 of the watching 00:26:54.660 --> 00:26:55.380 world. 00:26:56.819 --> 00:26:57.019 Friends, 00:26:57.039 --> 00:26:57.559 a great question 00:26:57.559 --> 00:26:58.319 to ask as we come 00:26:58.319 --> 00:26:59.220 to the Old Testament 00:26:59.220 --> 00:27:00.799 is what difference 00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:01.420 does it make 00:27:01.420 --> 00:27:02.019 to this 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:02.640 that Jesus 00:27:02.640 --> 00:27:03.160 has come? 00:27:04.920 --> 00:27:05.759 What difference 00:27:05.759 --> 00:27:06.559 does it make? 00:27:07.599 --> 00:27:07.860 Well, 00:27:07.880 --> 00:27:08.220 it means 00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:09.140 how much 00:27:09.140 --> 00:27:09.940 more 00:27:09.940 --> 00:27:10.740 can we 00:27:10.740 --> 00:27:11.460 declare 00:27:11.460 --> 00:27:12.940 in him 00:27:12.940 --> 00:27:14.160 that Jesus 00:27:14.160 --> 00:27:14.720 our 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:15.559 living 00:27:15.559 --> 00:27:16.299 redeemer 00:27:16.299 --> 00:27:17.740 lives? 00:27:20.759 --> 00:27:21.539 I take it 00:27:21.539 --> 00:27:21.940 they are here 00:27:21.940 --> 00:27:22.359 thirdly 00:27:22.359 --> 00:27:22.940 to encourage 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:23.940 us to embrace 00:27:23.940 --> 00:27:25.220 the source 00:27:25.220 --> 00:27:26.639 of his hope. 00:27:28.799 --> 00:27:28.940 And now 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:29.639 just as we close 00:27:29.639 --> 00:27:30.159 let me tell you 00:27:30.159 --> 00:27:30.759 just a really 00:27:30.759 --> 00:27:31.679 short story 00:27:31.679 --> 00:27:32.220 about two 00:27:32.220 --> 00:27:32.940 friends of mine. 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:33.440 I won't tell you 00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:33.859 their names 00:27:33.859 --> 00:27:34.559 just to protect 00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:35.200 them a little bit 00:27:35.200 --> 00:27:35.639 but I'll tell you 00:27:35.639 --> 00:27:36.220 a tiny bit 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:36.779 of their story 00:27:36.779 --> 00:27:37.679 just because 00:27:37.679 --> 00:27:39.119 it continues 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:40.000 to speak volumes 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:40.440 to me. 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:41.099 Right? 00:27:41.519 --> 00:27:42.200 A number of years 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:42.960 ago they lost 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:43.700 their first son 00:27:43.700 --> 00:27:45.340 who lived 00:27:45.340 --> 00:27:45.759 tragically 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.400 only a handful 00:27:46.400 --> 00:27:46.920 of days 00:27:46.920 --> 00:27:48.000 and I cannot 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:48.880 begin to fathom 00:27:48.880 --> 00:27:49.340 the depths 00:27:49.340 --> 00:27:49.920 of pain 00:27:49.920 --> 00:27:51.120 that they felt 00:27:51.120 --> 00:27:52.360 and the scars 00:27:52.360 --> 00:27:53.100 that they will 00:27:53.100 --> 00:27:53.900 carry with them 00:27:53.900 --> 00:27:55.539 but you know 00:27:55.539 --> 00:27:56.039 what they called 00:27:56.039 --> 00:27:56.240 them? 00:28:00.559 --> 00:28:01.240 They called 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:01.900 them Joshua. 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:03.059 Okay? 00:28:03.640 --> 00:28:04.240 The man in the 00:28:04.240 --> 00:28:05.000 Bible who leads 00:28:05.000 --> 00:28:05.500 God's people 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.180 into the promised 00:28:06.180 --> 00:28:06.500 land. 00:28:06.880 --> 00:28:07.259 Joshua, 00:28:07.380 --> 00:28:07.519 I'm going to 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:07.860 do this really 00:28:07.860 --> 00:28:08.200 quick. 00:28:08.580 --> 00:28:09.019 Joshua, 00:28:09.440 --> 00:28:09.960 the Hebrew 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:10.420 name, 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:11.700 literally Yeshua, 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:12.660 Jesus. 00:28:13.700 --> 00:28:14.160 And it was 00:28:14.160 --> 00:28:14.580 their way 00:28:14.580 --> 00:28:15.160 of declaring 00:28:15.160 --> 00:28:15.960 in everything 00:28:15.960 --> 00:28:16.400 that's going 00:28:16.400 --> 00:28:17.180 on that 00:28:17.180 --> 00:28:17.420 they were 00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:18.620 tying their 00:28:18.620 --> 00:28:19.519 eternal destiny 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:20.019 and that of 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:21.240 their son to 00:28:21.240 --> 00:28:21.940 that of the 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:22.480 greater and 00:28:22.480 --> 00:28:22.940 the truer 00:28:22.940 --> 00:28:23.740 Joshua. 00:28:25.960 --> 00:28:26.819 The one who 00:28:26.819 --> 00:28:27.539 will do right, 00:28:28.180 --> 00:28:29.100 the one who 00:28:29.100 --> 00:28:29.700 will make all 00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:30.360 things new, 00:28:31.319 --> 00:28:32.120 the one who 00:28:32.120 --> 00:28:32.819 loved us, 00:28:33.340 --> 00:28:34.279 and the one who 00:28:34.279 --> 00:28:34.860 will take us to 00:28:34.860 --> 00:28:35.299 the promised 00:28:35.299 --> 00:28:35.680 land. 00:28:39.080 --> 00:28:39.519 Friends, 00:28:39.620 --> 00:28:39.940 what are you 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:40.559 clinging to? 00:28:42.299 --> 00:28:42.980 What are you 00:28:42.980 --> 00:28:43.580 clinging to? 00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:45.660 Here's the 00:28:45.660 --> 00:28:45.880 thing, 00:28:45.960 --> 00:28:46.319 going back to 00:28:46.319 --> 00:28:46.920 my limpets, 00:28:47.180 --> 00:28:47.400 right? 00:28:49.140 --> 00:28:49.980 You can be 00:28:49.980 --> 00:28:50.720 the Sylvester 00:28:50.720 --> 00:28:51.380 Stallone of 00:28:51.380 --> 00:28:51.840 limpets. 00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:53.160 You can be 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:54.019 the strongest 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:54.779 one there, 00:28:55.600 --> 00:28:56.140 but see if 00:28:56.140 --> 00:28:56.539 you're clinging 00:28:56.539 --> 00:28:57.140 to a weak 00:28:57.140 --> 00:28:57.580 rock, 00:28:58.319 --> 00:28:59.160 all it's going 00:28:59.160 --> 00:28:59.900 to take is 00:28:59.900 --> 00:29:01.059 a wave that 00:29:01.059 --> 00:29:01.660 is stronger 00:29:01.660 --> 00:29:02.299 than the rock 00:29:02.299 --> 00:29:02.620 that you're 00:29:02.620 --> 00:29:03.140 clinging to, 00:29:03.220 --> 00:29:03.600 and boom, 00:29:03.680 --> 00:29:04.120 you're gone, 00:29:04.580 --> 00:29:04.840 right? 00:29:06.900 --> 00:29:07.580 Contrast that 00:29:07.580 --> 00:29:08.019 if you're a 00:29:08.019 --> 00:29:08.559 weak, 00:29:08.920 --> 00:29:10.200 an unspectacular 00:29:10.200 --> 00:29:10.819 looking 00:29:10.819 --> 00:29:11.500 limpet, 00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:13.420 and yet 00:29:13.420 --> 00:29:14.000 you're clinging 00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:14.920 to a strong 00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:15.359 rock. 00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:17.920 There is no 00:29:17.920 --> 00:29:18.660 wave that is 00:29:18.660 --> 00:29:19.380 coming that's 00:29:19.380 --> 00:29:20.140 going to hit 00:29:20.140 --> 00:29:20.319 you. 00:29:20.380 --> 00:29:20.960 Your life could 00:29:20.960 --> 00:29:21.680 not be in a 00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:22.700 better place, 00:29:22.700 --> 00:29:23.779 and the waves 00:29:23.779 --> 00:29:24.400 will come, 00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:25.119 but because your 00:29:25.119 --> 00:29:26.119 rock stands 00:29:26.119 --> 00:29:26.839 strong, 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:29.140 so will we, 00:29:29.259 --> 00:29:29.559 friends. 00:29:30.420 --> 00:29:31.339 So will we. 00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:32.319 The strength of 00:29:32.319 --> 00:29:34.299 our rock is the 00:29:34.299 --> 00:29:35.440 strength of Christ, 00:29:35.559 --> 00:29:36.079 our living 00:29:36.079 --> 00:29:36.579 redeemer, 00:29:36.720 --> 00:29:37.220 and boy, 00:29:37.299 --> 00:29:38.079 do we have a 00:29:38.079 --> 00:29:39.000 solid rock in 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:39.539 the one who 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:40.140 declared, 00:29:40.900 --> 00:29:42.539 I am the 00:29:42.539 --> 00:29:43.400 resurrection and 00:29:43.400 --> 00:29:43.900 the life. 00:29:45.880 --> 00:29:46.279 So, 00:29:46.339 --> 00:29:46.500 friends, 00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:46.940 what are you 00:29:46.940 --> 00:29:47.599 clinging to? 00:29:49.259 --> 00:29:49.900 Job says, 00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:50.460 my redeemer 00:29:50.460 --> 00:29:50.920 lives. 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:54.460 So here's what I 00:29:54.460 --> 00:29:55.000 want us to do. 00:29:55.059 --> 00:29:55.539 I just want us to 00:29:55.539 --> 00:29:56.420 be quiet for a few 00:29:56.420 --> 00:29:56.799 moments, 00:29:56.799 --> 00:29:57.599 just as we 00:29:57.599 --> 00:29:59.740 close our time 00:29:59.740 --> 00:30:00.079 together, 00:30:00.180 --> 00:30:00.920 and I trust that, 00:30:01.039 --> 00:30:01.279 friends, 00:30:01.400 --> 00:30:02.420 that the Lord by 00:30:02.420 --> 00:30:03.259 his spirit will be 00:30:03.259 --> 00:30:04.160 moving amongst us 00:30:04.160 --> 00:30:05.059 as we respond to 00:30:05.059 --> 00:30:05.700 his word this 00:30:05.700 --> 00:30:05.980 morning. 00:30:06.079 --> 00:30:06.799 Let me encourage 00:30:06.799 --> 00:30:07.680 you to bring 00:30:07.680 --> 00:30:08.660 your prayers to 00:30:08.660 --> 00:30:10.279 him in the 00:30:10.279 --> 00:30:10.840 silence. 00:30:11.340 --> 00:30:11.860 And then I'm 00:30:11.860 --> 00:30:12.240 just going to 00:30:12.240 --> 00:30:13.160 read one thing 00:30:13.160 --> 00:30:14.800 as we close in 00:30:14.800 --> 00:30:15.080 prayer. 00:30:15.460 --> 00:30:16.060 So why don't we 00:30:16.060 --> 00:30:16.840 do that together? 00:30:22.320 --> 00:30:22.980 Just in the 00:30:22.980 --> 00:30:23.279 silence, 00:30:23.400 --> 00:30:23.980 let me just read 00:30:23.980 --> 00:30:24.860 these words slowly 00:30:24.860 --> 00:30:27.000 of a hymn by 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:27.920 Stuart Townend. 00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:30.500 And just allow 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:31.019 the truth of 00:30:31.019 --> 00:30:32.340 what we've read 00:30:32.340 --> 00:30:34.200 today to speak 00:30:34.200 --> 00:30:34.720 to you. 00:30:36.720 --> 00:30:37.380 There is a 00:30:37.380 --> 00:30:38.300 hope that lifts 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:39.079 my weary 00:30:39.079 --> 00:30:39.619 head, 00:30:39.619 --> 00:30:42.299 a consolation 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:44.759 strong against 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:45.419 despair, 00:30:46.419 --> 00:30:47.839 that when the 00:30:47.839 --> 00:30:48.419 world has 00:30:48.419 --> 00:30:49.339 plunged me in 00:30:49.339 --> 00:30:50.000 its deepest 00:30:50.000 --> 00:30:50.599 pit, 00:30:51.180 --> 00:30:53.079 I find the 00:30:53.079 --> 00:30:53.839 Savior there. 00:30:55.899 --> 00:30:57.339 Through present 00:30:57.339 --> 00:30:58.059 sufferings, 00:30:58.180 --> 00:30:59.159 futures fear, 00:31:00.879 --> 00:31:01.659 he whispers 00:31:01.659 --> 00:31:02.899 courage in my 00:31:02.899 --> 00:31:03.299 ear, 00:31:03.299 --> 00:31:03.379 fear, 00:31:04.099 --> 00:31:05.539 for I am 00:31:05.539 --> 00:31:06.899 safe in 00:31:06.899 --> 00:31:07.960 everlasting 00:31:07.960 --> 00:31:08.940 arms, 00:31:09.759 --> 00:31:11.720 and they 00:31:11.720 --> 00:31:12.079 will lead 00:31:12.079 --> 00:31:12.519 me home. 00:31:16.919 --> 00:31:17.680 Father, thank 00:31:17.680 --> 00:31:18.059 you that you 00:31:18.059 --> 00:31:18.539 love us. 00:31:20.559 --> 00:31:21.119 And so, 00:31:21.220 --> 00:31:21.680 Father, we pray 00:31:21.680 --> 00:31:22.119 for everyone 00:31:22.119 --> 00:31:22.759 here today, 00:31:22.859 --> 00:31:23.099 Lord, 00:31:23.639 --> 00:31:24.180 each of us 00:31:24.180 --> 00:31:25.119 individually who 00:31:25.119 --> 00:31:26.919 perhaps are 00:31:26.919 --> 00:31:27.440 suffering in 00:31:27.440 --> 00:31:28.180 different ways. 00:31:28.180 --> 00:31:29.460 O Lord, we 00:31:29.460 --> 00:31:30.080 pray that you 00:31:30.080 --> 00:31:31.140 would help us 00:31:31.140 --> 00:31:31.820 be a community 00:31:31.820 --> 00:31:32.460 that cares, 00:31:32.600 --> 00:31:33.100 that loves, 00:31:34.360 --> 00:31:34.759 and particularly 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:35.420 for those who 00:31:35.420 --> 00:31:35.840 are hurting 00:31:35.840 --> 00:31:36.360 just now, 00:31:36.440 --> 00:31:36.720 Lord, 00:31:37.720 --> 00:31:38.279 would you be 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:39.060 ministering to 00:31:39.060 --> 00:31:39.360 them. 00:31:41.039 --> 00:31:41.660 Thank you, 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:42.039 Lord, 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:43.600 that in Christ, 00:31:44.680 --> 00:31:45.180 with sins 00:31:45.180 --> 00:31:45.620 forgiven, 00:31:45.860 --> 00:31:46.180 standing 00:31:46.180 --> 00:31:47.039 righteous before 00:31:47.039 --> 00:31:47.360 you, 00:31:48.779 --> 00:31:49.380 that he will 00:31:49.380 --> 00:31:49.700 lead us 00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:49.960 home. 00:31:51.759 --> 00:31:52.100 And so, 00:31:52.220 --> 00:31:52.480 Father, we 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:52.880 commit this 00:31:52.880 --> 00:31:53.420 time to you, 00:31:53.500 --> 00:31:53.799 Lord, in 00:31:53.799 --> 00:31:54.080 Jesus' 00:31:54.279 --> 00:31:55.039 wonderful name 00:31:55.039 --> 00:31:55.480 we pray. 00:31:56.379 --> 00:31:56.740 Amen. 00:31:58.740 --> 00:31:59.139 Amen.