WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:14.439 I wonder if you've ever received news that seemed too good to be true. Perhaps one day you went into work and your boss told you that he's giving you a cash bonus and you've got to take a month off to spend it. 00:00:14.439 --> 00:00:36.840 Or perhaps your five-year-old child suddenly announces, I really like green vegetables. Or the girl you've been admiring for months says yes when you finally ask her out. Or perhaps an exam result that you've been dreading in a subject that you've been not so good at and you get a really good exam result and you think, wow. 00:00:36.840 --> 00:00:51.320 Wow. Thursday night I got a phone call from a lady who now lives in Glasgow but she's from Kenya originally. Anybody here from Kenya? Put your hand up. Habari. Suri Sala. 00:00:51.320 --> 00:01:12.719 And she came to the UK as an asylum seeker having been left, literally left for dead in some of the ethnic classes from some years ago in Kenya. She was beaten up by the police, taken to a mortuary. Members of her family were killed in a house fire that burned her property. 00:01:12.719 --> 00:01:20.640 And it was only as the staff and the mortuary were going home and stuffing up at the end of the day they recognised that the body on the slab was still alive. 00:01:21.799 --> 00:01:35.420 And they took this lady, I'll call her Penny, to the hospital and as soon as she was able to crawl or walk she managed to get on a plane to the UK and she was given leave to remain pretty quickly actually. 00:01:35.420 --> 00:01:45.540 But as far as she knew her two sons and her daughter died in the house fire. This happened 10, maybe 12, maybe 15 years ago. 00:01:47.340 --> 00:02:00.859 And just last week or about 10 days ago she got a phone call from a friend in Kenya to tell her some unbelievable news that she had met this lady's daughter who was still alive. 00:02:00.859 --> 00:02:13.099 And after all these years of thinking that her daughter had died in the house fire, the joy of that unexpected news, well you can imagine. 00:02:13.719 --> 00:02:22.639 It's just like the end of the parable of the prodigal son, for those of you who know it, this is my son or in Penny's case this is my daughter who was dead and is alive, was lost in his fire. 00:02:22.639 --> 00:02:33.179 The Lord restoring the fortunes of that Christian lady from Kenya, a remarkable turnaround, unexpected in many ways. 00:02:33.699 --> 00:02:40.000 And the psalmist in Psalm 126 recalls a turnaround in the fortunes of the people of Zion, the people of God. 00:02:40.759 --> 00:02:49.579 A turnaround so sudden and so good it was like a dream when the Lord brought back the captives or restored the fortunes of Zion we were like men who dreamed. 00:02:49.580 --> 00:03:02.140 Could it be true, if this psalm relates to the end of the exile in Babylon, as it may well do, could it be true that we're going home after years of captivity here in Babylon, hundreds of miles from home? 00:03:03.620 --> 00:03:08.480 It can't be real, pinch me, I must be dreaming, but it was real, God had remembered his promise. 00:03:09.560 --> 00:03:14.860 God had heard his people's cries and how the Lord's people rejoiced. 00:03:14.860 --> 00:03:22.980 Now as you will see, and as I mentioned earlier on, the psalm is one of two halves, one looking back and the other looking forward. 00:03:23.660 --> 00:03:28.860 But the two halves, it seems to me, are united by a common theme, the theme of joy or gladness. 00:03:30.460 --> 00:03:40.880 Joy for what the Lord has done and has done for them and looking ahead to future joy, which the Lord will promise and has promised for his people, the theme of joy. 00:03:40.879 --> 00:03:47.879 Now, I don't know about you what your view is of Scottish people or Scottish Christians or even more particularly Scottish Presbyterians. 00:03:48.680 --> 00:03:55.199 Perhaps when you look at people like Andy Murray and Gordon Brown, you think, well, joy is not the first word that comes to mind. 00:03:57.719 --> 00:04:05.680 And of course you could say it's a caricature, but there's always some truth to some caricatures, isn't there? 00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:14.580 Eugene Peterson tells of a story, true story, Ellen Glasgow is a good name, but she's actually from America, a US Pulitzer Prize winning novelist. 00:04:15.140 --> 00:04:20.939 Ellen Glasgow wrote a biography of her father, who was a Presbyterian elder. 00:04:22.079 --> 00:04:24.000 And she says this about her father, quote, 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:30.079 He was entirely unselfish and in his long life never committed a pleasure. 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:33.800 Well, not much joy there. 00:04:35.079 --> 00:04:39.639 But as Christians, and if you are a Christian, you know that we are called to be people of joy. 00:04:40.879 --> 00:04:43.439 It's part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. 00:04:45.180 --> 00:04:51.759 And that suggests, doesn't it, if it's part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, it's something to be nurtured and something to be cultivated, 00:04:51.939 --> 00:04:55.319 something to be grown, developed as we live as Christians. 00:04:55.419 --> 00:04:56.199 How does that happen? 00:04:56.199 --> 00:05:03.779 Well, John 15 gives us an insight into how that fruit is grown as we remain in Christ, as we abide in Christ, who is the true vine. 00:05:04.159 --> 00:05:05.459 How are we fruitful as Christians? 00:05:05.839 --> 00:05:11.139 Only in so much as we rest in Christ are connected to Jesus, the true vine. 00:05:11.240 --> 00:05:14.639 Only then can we produce the fruit, including the fruit of joy. 00:05:14.899 --> 00:05:22.860 And Jesus very clearly in John 15 connects that process of abiding in him, resting in him, obeying his commands, remaining in his love. 00:05:22.860 --> 00:05:27.720 And then he says this remarkable thing in John 15 verse 11. 00:05:28.040 --> 00:05:38.780 I have told you this so that my joy, my joy may be in you, and that your joy might be complete. 00:05:38.779 --> 00:05:55.699 So this joy is indeed a joy in the Lord, a joy of the Lord. 00:05:55.799 --> 00:05:59.319 And that's exactly what this psalmist is talking about, isn't it? 00:05:59.439 --> 00:06:01.819 He's talking about a joy that is found in the Lord. 00:06:01.819 --> 00:06:09.719 Because of who the Lord is, because of what the Lord has done, because of what the Lord will yet do one day. 00:06:12.180 --> 00:06:14.000 And it's a theme we find all through the Bible. 00:06:14.120 --> 00:06:20.759 When Paul writes to the Philippians, some of you will know the verse, in chapter 4 verse 4, I think it is where he says, 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:22.100 Well, what does he say? 00:06:22.159 --> 00:06:23.500 Does he say rejoice always? 00:06:23.680 --> 00:06:24.819 I will say it again, rejoice. 00:06:24.959 --> 00:06:25.659 Does he say that? 00:06:26.100 --> 00:06:27.079 This is a real question. 00:06:27.279 --> 00:06:27.699 Answer it. 00:06:27.759 --> 00:06:28.459 Does he say that? 00:06:28.459 --> 00:06:31.579 No, he says, someone tell me. 00:06:33.019 --> 00:06:34.899 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:06:35.219 --> 00:06:36.000 That's what he says. 00:06:36.219 --> 00:06:38.419 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:06:38.539 --> 00:06:39.859 I will say it again, rejoice. 00:06:40.239 --> 00:06:43.779 Does that mean we're going to sing I am H-A-P-P-Y all the time? 00:06:43.839 --> 00:06:44.719 No, of course not. 00:06:45.839 --> 00:06:48.459 It's the same apostle who says we weak with those who weak. 00:06:48.839 --> 00:06:50.279 We rejoice with those who rejoice. 00:06:52.120 --> 00:06:55.899 But it does mean, it does mean that our joy, as someone has said, 00:06:55.899 --> 00:07:00.179 our joy should not be so deep as Christians that it never occasionally bubbles to the surface. 00:07:02.899 --> 00:07:07.839 And there's a remarkable verse that we had read on in 2 Corinthians to chapter 6 and verse 10. 00:07:08.239 --> 00:07:13.379 Paul says there, sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. 00:07:13.539 --> 00:07:14.419 Isn't that incredible? 00:07:15.299 --> 00:07:17.939 Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. 00:07:17.939 --> 00:07:24.920 Well, the psalmist speaks of, this lectern is really quite incredible. 00:07:28.600 --> 00:07:30.060 How do you cope with this, Paul? 00:07:31.680 --> 00:07:32.939 I get very couples on us. 00:07:33.000 --> 00:07:33.639 I hope that helps. 00:07:35.079 --> 00:07:39.939 Okay, the psalmist speaks of joy because of what the Lord has done and what the Lord will yet do. 00:07:39.939 --> 00:07:42.980 And look at the two halves. 00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:48.100 Verses 1 to 3, I'm going to say recalling, recalling the joy of the Lord or remembering the joy of the Lord. 00:07:48.500 --> 00:07:51.800 And then verses 4 to 6, what I call reclaiming. 00:07:51.860 --> 00:07:54.120 It's not a great word, but I hope you get the sense of it. 00:07:54.540 --> 00:07:55.839 Reclaiming the joy of the Lord. 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:59.980 So, recalling the joy of the Lord and then reclaiming the joy of the Lord. 00:08:00.480 --> 00:08:03.959 And verses 1 to 3, where the Lord brought back the captives to Zion. 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:04.740 We were like men. 00:08:04.839 --> 00:08:08.180 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. 00:08:08.180 --> 00:08:10.680 Then it was said among the nations, the pagan nations. 00:08:11.139 --> 00:08:12.139 Yahweh the Lord. 00:08:12.579 --> 00:08:15.340 Jehovah the covenant Lord has done great things for them. 00:08:16.120 --> 00:08:17.800 Yahweh has done great things for us. 00:08:17.920 --> 00:08:21.019 And we are filled with gladness or with joy. 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:25.420 And looking back in Psalm 126 verses 1 to 3. 00:08:25.460 --> 00:08:28.000 He's looking back to a life changing moment. 00:08:28.139 --> 00:08:29.800 One that restored the fortunes of Zion. 00:08:29.960 --> 00:08:33.980 It's a bit like, I don't know whether anybody here is old enough to remember the end of World War 2. 00:08:34.879 --> 00:08:36.940 But at the end of World War 2 in VE day. 00:08:36.940 --> 00:08:40.040 Not just hundreds, not just thousands. 00:08:40.220 --> 00:08:42.960 But millions of people poured out onto the streets of Britain. 00:08:44.160 --> 00:08:47.000 To celebrate a turnaround in the fortunes of the nation. 00:08:47.400 --> 00:08:49.800 When all seemed so dark and lost and desperate. 00:08:51.240 --> 00:08:53.260 And with victory came the joy. 00:08:55.300 --> 00:08:58.420 But this is not just a memory here in the Psalm of Happy Days. 00:08:58.560 --> 00:09:05.100 Here the psalmist is recalling that joy which is rooted in Yahweh's faithful love for his people. 00:09:05.100 --> 00:09:09.899 We know that if the translation you have uses the word Lord in capital letters. 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:11.800 When you see that, certainly in the NIV. 00:09:11.960 --> 00:09:14.720 That indicates this is the covenant name for God. 00:09:14.779 --> 00:09:15.399 What does that mean? 00:09:15.580 --> 00:09:18.340 This reminds us that the God they worshipped is the God who has said, 00:09:18.440 --> 00:09:19.580 I will be your God. 00:09:19.820 --> 00:09:20.779 You will be my people. 00:09:23.779 --> 00:09:25.159 What does that mean in practice? 00:09:25.320 --> 00:09:28.879 Well that means that although God's people were stubborn sinners and repeat offenders. 00:09:28.879 --> 00:09:30.939 The Lord had mercy on them. 00:09:32.419 --> 00:09:33.960 The Lord had mercy on them. 00:09:36.419 --> 00:09:37.480 Remembered his promise. 00:09:37.740 --> 00:09:40.039 Brought them back and set them free from their captivity. 00:09:40.879 --> 00:09:44.059 The psalmist recalls the joy of the Lord. 00:09:45.700 --> 00:09:48.779 Now we can apply this to ourselves in at least two ways. 00:09:48.939 --> 00:09:50.419 Firstly in a personal sense. 00:09:51.139 --> 00:09:54.919 And secondly with respect to the church, the people of God. 00:09:54.919 --> 00:10:01.379 If we make a personal application, the source of Christian joy is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:02.479 --> 00:10:08.259 And the great things he has done for us on the cross at Calvary and by his rising from the dead. 00:10:09.679 --> 00:10:14.159 And if you were converted in a sudden way, some of us come to faith more gradually. 00:10:14.279 --> 00:10:18.419 But if your conversion was a sudden conversion, I suspect you can look back to that time. 00:10:18.479 --> 00:10:19.620 It's a time of great joy. 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:24.620 When you realise the Lord had done great things for you in Christ. 00:10:25.519 --> 00:10:27.159 And perhaps it was a bit of a blur. 00:10:27.299 --> 00:10:28.179 I've heard people say that. 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:30.159 A bit like a dream at the start. 00:10:30.299 --> 00:10:32.220 You knew God had done something great in your life. 00:10:32.600 --> 00:10:34.639 Setting you free from captivity to sin. 00:10:35.000 --> 00:10:37.840 Setting you on the roads to Zion as it were. 00:10:38.299 --> 00:10:40.080 And your heart was bursting with joy. 00:10:42.279 --> 00:10:46.860 A colleague in the ministry showed me a letter some time ago that a woman wrote to him. 00:10:46.860 --> 00:10:48.800 In the small hours of the night. 00:10:48.879 --> 00:10:52.060 Not that he was in the habit of receiving letters from women in the small hours of the night. 00:10:52.220 --> 00:10:55.019 But she had been converted some days previously. 00:10:55.200 --> 00:10:57.100 And she says this, the lady is called Margaret. 00:10:58.259 --> 00:11:02.180 She writes about suddenly understanding things she never understood before in the Bible. 00:11:03.300 --> 00:11:07.159 Of enjoying Christian fellowship in a way that she had never enjoyed before. 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:09.419 And then she says this. 00:11:10.220 --> 00:11:12.240 Isn't God's touch wonderful? 00:11:13.279 --> 00:11:14.820 Isn't God's touch wonderful? 00:11:14.820 --> 00:11:20.000 Now the whole letter just echoes and resounds with a note of joy. 00:11:20.120 --> 00:11:21.260 Of unexpected joy. 00:11:22.740 --> 00:11:27.120 It reminds me of the title that C.S. Lewis gave to his autobiography. 00:11:27.520 --> 00:11:29.480 Surprised by joy. 00:11:29.760 --> 00:11:30.760 Surprised by joy. 00:11:32.860 --> 00:11:34.020 What about the church? 00:11:34.220 --> 00:11:39.580 Well, the Old Testament people of God could look back to any number of times when God had done great things for them. 00:11:39.820 --> 00:11:41.040 The exodus from Egypt. 00:11:41.039 --> 00:11:43.959 The journey into the promised land. 00:11:44.079 --> 00:11:45.240 The victories under Joshua. 00:11:45.779 --> 00:11:48.179 The great days of King David and Solomon. 00:11:48.339 --> 00:11:49.759 The return from exile itself. 00:11:50.319 --> 00:11:51.459 And the rebuilding of the temple. 00:11:51.579 --> 00:11:55.139 And the church of Jesus Christ can look back to heavy days as well. 00:11:55.980 --> 00:12:00.059 To the rapid spread of the Christian faith in the early years of Christianity. 00:12:00.059 --> 00:12:02.239 To the reformation of the 16th century. 00:12:02.919 --> 00:12:05.439 To the 18th century evangelical awakening. 00:12:05.619 --> 00:12:07.219 To the 1859 revival. 00:12:07.619 --> 00:12:09.319 I better mention because Paul's here. 00:12:09.419 --> 00:12:11.439 The revival in Wales in 1904. 00:12:12.479 --> 00:12:13.779 And friends from Skye. 00:12:13.939 --> 00:12:15.579 And John who was born in Lewis. 00:12:15.659 --> 00:12:19.079 The revival of Lewis and Skye in 1940s and 1950s. 00:12:19.080 --> 00:12:21.400 What happened? 00:12:21.500 --> 00:12:25.280 Times when God's spirit came down in great power to do great things. 00:12:26.300 --> 00:12:29.720 Times when the Lord came and restored the fortunes of his people. 00:12:30.300 --> 00:12:33.920 And filled their mouths with laughter and with songs and shouts of joy. 00:12:33.920 --> 00:12:36.700 And if you've ever read the accounts of any of these revivals. 00:12:36.820 --> 00:12:38.580 And I would strongly encourage you to do so. 00:12:38.920 --> 00:12:44.040 You will know that they often tell you of people praising God into the small hours of the night. 00:12:44.120 --> 00:12:45.120 The small hours of the morning. 00:12:46.259 --> 00:12:46.920 Great joy. 00:12:46.919 --> 00:12:50.179 As well as great seriousness. 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:52.240 About eternal matters. 00:12:54.799 --> 00:12:57.079 And an earnest desire to live a holy life. 00:12:57.279 --> 00:12:58.179 Feeding to God. 00:13:01.459 --> 00:13:02.459 Now another thing. 00:13:03.159 --> 00:13:05.539 That strikes you when you read the account of these revivals. 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:08.419 Particularly the revivals in Lewis and in Skye. 00:13:08.519 --> 00:13:09.879 Is that everyone in the community. 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:11.819 Knew what was going on. 00:13:12.179 --> 00:13:12.679 And why. 00:13:14.319 --> 00:13:15.839 Whether they were Christians or not. 00:13:15.840 --> 00:13:17.360 Because the pubs were being emptied. 00:13:17.740 --> 00:13:18.940 The dance halls were empty. 00:13:20.040 --> 00:13:22.860 And everyone knew that it was the Lord who was at work. 00:13:22.920 --> 00:13:26.060 They knew it wasn't because the council had passed a bylaw. 00:13:26.280 --> 00:13:27.840 Saying everybody must go to church. 00:13:27.840 --> 00:13:33.320 They knew it wasn't because the church presbytery or the synod or whatever had declared this to be the case. 00:13:33.540 --> 00:13:36.360 They knew it was God at work transforming people's lives. 00:13:36.620 --> 00:13:37.879 And transforming communities. 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:42.080 And that's what you see here at the end of verse 2. 00:13:42.080 --> 00:13:42.539 Don't we? 00:13:42.779 --> 00:13:44.200 It's said among the nations. 00:13:44.439 --> 00:13:47.120 The pagan Gentile heathen nations. 00:13:47.439 --> 00:13:52.240 They recognize that Yahweh had done great things for them. 00:13:52.240 --> 00:13:59.820 Now it's one thing to be happy which comes and goes. 00:13:59.919 --> 00:14:02.600 It's another thing to be filled with the joy that comes from the Lord. 00:14:02.820 --> 00:14:06.320 But it's yet another thing to be filled with the joy that comes from the Lord. 00:14:06.700 --> 00:14:11.120 And for people around us to know who and what is the source of our joy. 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:18.419 And I would encourage us because I know how easy it is to keep quiet about these things. 00:14:18.799 --> 00:14:20.820 If the Lord has answered your prayers. 00:14:21.340 --> 00:14:25.580 If you've been in a difficult situation and the Lord has heard your cries and restored your fortunes. 00:14:25.799 --> 00:14:28.419 When you go into work and somebody says well you look happy this morning. 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:32.419 Don't just say well this situation my mum was ill and now she's better. 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:34.259 Say the Lord has had mercy. 00:14:34.399 --> 00:14:36.980 He has heard my prayers and the prayers of my friends. 00:14:37.320 --> 00:14:38.120 My mum's better. 00:14:38.120 --> 00:14:41.179 This situation at work or whatever has been resolved. 00:14:41.340 --> 00:14:43.659 The Lord has done great things for me. 00:14:45.799 --> 00:14:46.659 Let them know. 00:14:47.240 --> 00:14:48.620 Let them know that your faith is real. 00:14:48.740 --> 00:14:49.460 That God is real. 00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:50.840 And that he works in your life. 00:14:53.580 --> 00:14:55.519 He is the one who has filled my mouth with laughter. 00:14:56.039 --> 00:14:57.799 And put a new sorrow in my heart. 00:14:59.960 --> 00:15:01.899 Well that's recalling the joy of the Lord. 00:15:01.980 --> 00:15:02.779 Verses 1 to 3. 00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:04.639 But of course life is not always easy. 00:15:05.480 --> 00:15:08.019 The times of laughter and celebration pass. 00:15:08.120 --> 00:15:10.480 The end of World War 2 did not end the hard times. 00:15:11.039 --> 00:15:15.340 As you know there were many years of wrestling in Britain long after the end of the war. 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:18.720 And the Jews who came back from exile soon ran into problems. 00:15:19.799 --> 00:15:21.740 The lady I told you about from Kenya. 00:15:22.440 --> 00:15:27.340 You might ask well why did it take 10, 12 or 15 years for her to discover that her daughter was still alive. 00:15:27.340 --> 00:15:30.560 While the friend who found her daughter found her homeless. 00:15:31.759 --> 00:15:32.759 Mentally unwell. 00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:36.860 And scrapping for life among the streets of Nairobi. 00:15:37.519 --> 00:15:40.200 And looking for food in the bins and the like. 00:15:40.200 --> 00:15:44.620 And she's going out hoping to go out in April this year. 00:15:44.620 --> 00:15:46.500 If she can do something to help her daughter. 00:15:47.040 --> 00:15:49.360 Who's mentally sick with no one to care for her. 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:51.780 The homeless in Nairobi. 00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:54.540 And it's true as well isn't it. 00:15:54.759 --> 00:15:57.060 Following the excitement and joy of our conversion. 00:15:57.440 --> 00:16:01.600 That tends to fade as we get to grips with the reality of indwelling sin. 00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:08.000 And the reality of being a member of a church which is filled with people just like us who are still sinners and other Christians. 00:16:11.120 --> 00:16:12.200 Bad things happen. 00:16:14.040 --> 00:16:17.580 Peter and I know of a man in Dundee who today. 00:16:19.899 --> 00:16:23.960 Remembers the 25th anniversary of the death of his young daughter from leukemia. 00:16:25.899 --> 00:16:29.240 And he has managed okay in the past with his wife's help. 00:16:29.240 --> 00:16:32.399 To get through this painful memory of his young daughter's death. 00:16:32.519 --> 00:16:37.039 But today the 25th anniversary is the first time he has faced this anniversary without his wife. 00:16:37.779 --> 00:16:38.779 Who died last year. 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:42.379 He's asking for prayer. 00:16:43.399 --> 00:16:44.039 To pray on. 00:16:44.200 --> 00:16:45.200 And for God to hold him. 00:16:46.820 --> 00:16:47.759 So we know that. 00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:48.840 That's what life is like. 00:16:49.379 --> 00:16:51.600 It's not always a bed of roses. 00:16:51.600 --> 00:16:56.580 We face daily the frustrations of living in a difficult and fallen world. 00:16:56.960 --> 00:16:58.000 And what happens of course. 00:16:58.000 --> 00:17:02.039 When that happens is that we are tempted to look for our joy. 00:17:02.539 --> 00:17:05.339 And our source of joy in things other than God. 00:17:05.460 --> 00:17:06.240 Other than the Lord. 00:17:06.460 --> 00:17:07.500 To be cast around. 00:17:08.180 --> 00:17:09.059 Looking for it. 00:17:09.660 --> 00:17:10.559 As the Bible puts it. 00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:12.900 The broken cisterns that hold no water. 00:17:14.359 --> 00:17:15.380 And Peterson has a. 00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:17.660 I think a helpful passage on this. 00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:23.540 And he says we try to get joy through entertainment. 00:17:23.700 --> 00:17:26.000 We pay someone to make jokes and tell stories. 00:17:26.800 --> 00:17:27.620 We buy the. 00:17:28.460 --> 00:17:30.500 The imagination of someone else. 00:17:30.820 --> 00:17:33.200 To try and enrich our own poor lives. 00:17:33.259 --> 00:17:34.680 And he says the enormous. 00:17:35.540 --> 00:17:37.160 Entertainment industry in our land. 00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:38.820 Is a sign of the. 00:17:39.040 --> 00:17:40.200 The lack of joy. 00:17:40.279 --> 00:17:41.340 The depletion of joy. 00:17:41.440 --> 00:17:42.100 In our culture. 00:17:42.099 --> 00:17:45.519 Society is a bored king. 00:17:45.799 --> 00:17:47.279 A bored gluttonous king. 00:17:48.059 --> 00:17:49.699 Employing a court jester. 00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:51.019 A clown. 00:17:51.779 --> 00:17:52.659 To divert it. 00:17:53.159 --> 00:17:54.379 After an indulgent meal. 00:17:55.859 --> 00:17:56.779 But then he goes on to say. 00:17:56.879 --> 00:17:57.740 That that kind of joy. 00:17:57.819 --> 00:17:59.259 Never penetrates our lives. 00:17:59.539 --> 00:18:00.559 Never changes us. 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:01.959 The effects are temporary. 00:18:02.139 --> 00:18:03.839 It seems to be a few minutes. 00:18:03.980 --> 00:18:04.539 A few hours. 00:18:04.599 --> 00:18:05.279 A few days. 00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:05.879 At most. 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:08.480 When we run out of money. 00:18:08.599 --> 00:18:09.740 The joy trickles away. 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:12.859 We cannot make ourselves joyful. 00:18:13.180 --> 00:18:14.420 Joy cannot be commanded. 00:18:14.639 --> 00:18:15.740 Purchased or arranged. 00:18:17.319 --> 00:18:18.000 But then he says. 00:18:18.059 --> 00:18:19.180 There is something we can do. 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:21.440 We can decide to live. 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:23.639 In response to the abundance of God. 00:18:25.019 --> 00:18:26.660 Rather than under the dictatorship. 00:18:26.660 --> 00:18:28.180 Of our own poor needs. 00:18:29.500 --> 00:18:31.579 We can decide to center ourselves. 00:18:31.740 --> 00:18:33.460 In God who generously gives. 00:18:33.460 --> 00:18:36.460 Rather than our own selfish egos. 00:18:36.720 --> 00:18:37.980 Which greedily grab. 00:18:41.660 --> 00:18:42.799 Well it's true isn't it. 00:18:42.819 --> 00:18:44.019 If you're looking at the second half. 00:18:44.140 --> 00:18:44.579 Of the psalm. 00:18:44.700 --> 00:18:46.460 The psalmist resists the temptation. 00:18:46.680 --> 00:18:48.380 To try the broken sisters. 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:49.220 To look for joy. 00:18:49.299 --> 00:18:49.960 Anywhere else. 00:18:50.279 --> 00:18:50.759 But in God. 00:18:50.819 --> 00:18:52.480 And he moves from recalling joy. 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:53.140 In the past. 00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:55.039 To reclaiming it for the future. 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:56.779 How does he do that? 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:57.700 He does that through. 00:18:57.880 --> 00:18:58.460 A prayer. 00:18:58.660 --> 00:18:59.299 And a promise. 00:19:00.100 --> 00:19:01.360 A prayer to God. 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:03.200 And a promise from God. 00:19:03.460 --> 00:19:04.819 He does it through faith. 00:19:05.340 --> 00:19:06.299 Exercising his faith. 00:19:06.400 --> 00:19:07.200 And praying to God. 00:19:07.620 --> 00:19:08.500 Exercising his faith. 00:19:08.600 --> 00:19:09.519 And claiming the promise. 00:19:09.840 --> 00:19:10.440 From God. 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:12.319 What about the prayer? 00:19:12.420 --> 00:19:13.420 Well it's there in verse 4. 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:13.779 Isn't it? 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:14.840 Restore our fortunes. 00:19:14.840 --> 00:19:15.259 Oh Lord. 00:19:15.340 --> 00:19:16.059 Like streams. 00:19:16.440 --> 00:19:17.039 In the desert. 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:18.140 Streams in the Negev. 00:19:20.180 --> 00:19:21.240 It's a very simple prayer. 00:19:21.299 --> 00:19:21.559 Isn't it? 00:19:21.559 --> 00:19:22.180 Very simple. 00:19:22.180 --> 00:19:22.960 And very direct. 00:19:23.160 --> 00:19:24.420 As the best prayers are. 00:19:24.660 --> 00:19:25.579 Restore our fortunes. 00:19:25.620 --> 00:19:25.980 Oh Lord. 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:27.940 Restore our fortunes. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:29.000 Like streams in the Negev. 00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:29.880 And the picture is one. 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:31.059 Of the dried up riverbed. 00:19:31.140 --> 00:19:31.579 The wadis. 00:19:31.579 --> 00:19:32.099 In the desert. 00:19:33.359 --> 00:19:34.599 Filled for most of the year. 00:19:34.659 --> 00:19:35.659 With dust and sand. 00:19:35.740 --> 00:19:36.639 There's no vegetation. 00:19:36.779 --> 00:19:37.759 There's no life to the sea. 00:19:38.899 --> 00:19:40.119 And then the rain comes. 00:19:41.179 --> 00:19:42.539 And within 24 hours. 00:19:42.599 --> 00:19:43.299 48 hours. 00:19:43.379 --> 00:19:44.240 The riverbed's full. 00:19:44.359 --> 00:19:45.819 And the surrounding countryside. 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:46.779 Is transformed. 00:19:47.619 --> 00:19:48.619 As the prophet Isaiah. 00:19:48.619 --> 00:19:50.179 Puts it in Isaiah 35. 00:19:50.319 --> 00:19:50.579 Verse 1. 00:19:50.639 --> 00:19:51.679 The desert blossoms. 00:19:52.539 --> 00:19:53.279 Like a rose. 00:19:53.279 --> 00:19:57.200 Now this kind of picture. 00:19:57.639 --> 00:19:58.740 Certainly in Scotland. 00:19:59.740 --> 00:20:00.920 Is hard for us to imagine. 00:20:01.019 --> 00:20:01.879 What a drought must be like. 00:20:01.940 --> 00:20:02.859 But I know you poor folks. 00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:03.599 From the south of England. 00:20:03.740 --> 00:20:05.299 Are labouring under drought conditions. 00:20:06.119 --> 00:20:07.420 That means you can't use a hose. 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:09.740 To wash your Jaguars and BMWs. 00:20:11.559 --> 00:20:13.160 But if you're in a company like Kenya. 00:20:13.319 --> 00:20:14.680 As I was for time. 00:20:14.740 --> 00:20:15.720 And I went back to a year later. 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:16.359 With my mum. 00:20:16.579 --> 00:20:17.779 The second time I was there. 00:20:17.879 --> 00:20:18.859 They hadn't had any rain. 00:20:18.920 --> 00:20:19.680 For two, three months. 00:20:19.740 --> 00:20:21.220 And everything was dry. 00:20:21.220 --> 00:20:21.779 And dusty. 00:20:21.900 --> 00:20:22.559 Dust was everywhere. 00:20:22.680 --> 00:20:23.160 And you'll notice. 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:23.960 If you've been to Africa. 00:20:24.059 --> 00:20:25.059 The orangey red dust. 00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:26.400 That coats everything. 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:29.240 And the very last night. 00:20:29.279 --> 00:20:29.620 That we were there. 00:20:29.680 --> 00:20:30.640 We came back to Nairobi. 00:20:30.740 --> 00:20:32.100 Before we flew back to the UK. 00:20:32.100 --> 00:20:33.799 We were staying with a Kenyan couple. 00:20:34.339 --> 00:20:35.200 And as we left the house. 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:36.019 It began to rain. 00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:38.980 And the lady of the house. 00:20:39.120 --> 00:20:39.900 Began to do a little. 00:20:40.860 --> 00:20:41.740 Dance of joy. 00:20:43.140 --> 00:20:44.000 Now we were not there. 00:20:44.100 --> 00:20:45.059 To see the effect of that. 00:20:45.100 --> 00:20:46.500 But she knew that rain meant. 00:20:47.480 --> 00:20:48.279 Crops would grow. 00:20:49.640 --> 00:20:51.100 She knew that rain meant a harvest. 00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:53.279 She knew that rain meant. 00:20:53.700 --> 00:20:54.799 Life transformation. 00:20:57.980 --> 00:20:59.700 Restore our fortunes like streams. 00:21:00.299 --> 00:21:00.839 In the mega. 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:04.279 We can pray like that. 00:21:04.360 --> 00:21:04.640 Can't we? 00:21:04.680 --> 00:21:06.059 We can pray that God would do that. 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:06.819 For ourselves. 00:21:07.140 --> 00:21:07.960 For our society. 00:21:08.079 --> 00:21:08.640 For our nation. 00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:09.640 That he would restore. 00:21:10.279 --> 00:21:11.519 The fortunes of his people. 00:21:11.600 --> 00:21:12.039 The church. 00:21:12.039 --> 00:21:12.860 And this land. 00:21:12.859 --> 00:21:20.099 I wonder. 00:21:20.199 --> 00:21:21.000 Do you pray for that? 00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:22.939 I hope you do. 00:21:23.959 --> 00:21:24.439 But then. 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:25.599 He moves on to the promise. 00:21:25.699 --> 00:21:26.779 And the promise given to us. 00:21:26.839 --> 00:21:27.879 In verses 5 and 6. 00:21:28.139 --> 00:21:29.059 Is a different picture. 00:21:29.139 --> 00:21:29.519 Isn't it? 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:32.480 Yes it is true. 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.379 That God sometimes. 00:21:33.379 --> 00:21:34.599 Pours out his Holy Spirit. 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:35.700 Like a rain storm. 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:37.139 After months and years. 00:21:37.240 --> 00:21:37.500 Of drought. 00:21:37.579 --> 00:21:38.539 A bit like a revival. 00:21:39.920 --> 00:21:41.220 But I think it is also true. 00:21:41.319 --> 00:21:42.480 That he more often. 00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:43.860 chooses to use. 00:21:43.860 --> 00:21:44.860 The patient method. 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:46.539 The slower method. 00:21:47.099 --> 00:21:47.799 Of sowing. 00:21:48.819 --> 00:21:50.480 That leads to an eventual harvest. 00:21:50.660 --> 00:21:51.220 And we see that. 00:21:51.299 --> 00:21:52.259 In the parables of Jesus. 00:21:52.400 --> 00:21:53.360 In the kingdom of God. 00:21:53.900 --> 00:21:54.579 There is a parable. 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:55.220 Jesus told. 00:21:55.339 --> 00:21:56.779 In Mark chapter 4. 00:21:56.880 --> 00:21:57.680 Verse 26. 00:21:57.779 --> 00:21:58.360 Where he talks about. 00:21:58.440 --> 00:21:59.099 The farmer going out. 00:21:59.140 --> 00:21:59.759 To sow the seed. 00:21:59.900 --> 00:22:00.680 Night and day. 00:22:00.940 --> 00:22:01.680 Whether he sleeps. 00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:02.299 Or gets up. 00:22:02.819 --> 00:22:03.640 The seed grows. 00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:04.660 All by itself. 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:05.360 The soil. 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:06.420 Produces the stock. 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:07.099 And then the corn. 00:22:07.160 --> 00:22:07.799 And then the harvest. 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:10.000 Kingdom work. 00:22:10.059 --> 00:22:10.640 Is often. 00:22:10.860 --> 00:22:11.259 Patient. 00:22:11.420 --> 00:22:11.759 Patient. 00:22:11.980 --> 00:22:12.299 Sowing. 00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:12.659 Sowing. 00:22:12.779 --> 00:22:13.019 Sowing. 00:22:13.139 --> 00:22:13.339 Sowing. 00:22:15.419 --> 00:22:16.419 But the promise. 00:22:16.539 --> 00:22:17.079 Here to us. 00:22:17.139 --> 00:22:17.579 Is that those. 00:22:17.579 --> 00:22:18.500 Who sow in tears. 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:18.940 Will. 00:22:19.379 --> 00:22:20.019 Reek with songs. 00:22:20.180 --> 00:22:20.940 Songs of joy. 00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:21.579 That the one. 00:22:21.700 --> 00:22:22.119 Who goes out. 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:22.659 Carrying. 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:23.299 Seek to sow. 00:22:23.419 --> 00:22:24.079 Will return. 00:22:24.619 --> 00:22:25.559 With songs of joy. 00:22:26.200 --> 00:22:27.059 The King James Version. 00:22:27.339 --> 00:22:27.899 Translates it. 00:22:28.039 --> 00:22:28.399 Doubtless. 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:29.759 Shall doubtless return. 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:32.200 Shall doubtless. 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:32.680 Come again. 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:33.419 With rejoicing. 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:37.419 Now I suspect. 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:37.819 If you are. 00:22:37.980 --> 00:22:38.399 Like me. 00:22:38.460 --> 00:22:39.079 You would prefer. 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:39.759 The downpour. 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:40.139 Wouldn't you? 00:22:40.180 --> 00:22:41.159 You would prefer. 00:22:41.259 --> 00:22:41.659 The sudden. 00:22:41.660 --> 00:22:42.360 Transformation. 00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:43.279 Of the riverbed. 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:45.200 Being filled with water. 00:22:45.320 --> 00:22:45.759 And the desert. 00:22:45.880 --> 00:22:46.820 Blossoming like a rose. 00:22:46.900 --> 00:22:47.259 Overnight. 00:22:47.340 --> 00:22:48.100 We would want that. 00:22:48.200 --> 00:22:48.940 Partly that I think. 00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:49.300 Is our. 00:22:49.519 --> 00:22:50.480 Our fallen nature. 00:22:50.600 --> 00:22:51.640 We desire that instant. 00:22:51.840 --> 00:22:52.220 Spiritual. 00:22:52.660 --> 00:22:53.560 Fix that instant. 00:22:53.720 --> 00:22:54.120 Spiritual. 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:55.060 Graphification. 00:22:56.800 --> 00:22:57.019 Although. 00:22:57.080 --> 00:22:57.600 I would say. 00:22:57.960 --> 00:22:58.480 I did hear. 00:22:58.560 --> 00:22:58.860 A man. 00:22:58.940 --> 00:22:59.720 Who grew up in Kenya. 00:22:59.720 --> 00:23:01.180 Through the East African revival. 00:23:01.600 --> 00:23:02.660 And he was talking about it. 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:03.880 The man has now gone to glory. 00:23:04.640 --> 00:23:04.880 But. 00:23:05.220 --> 00:23:06.340 He was giving his. 00:23:07.400 --> 00:23:08.140 His account. 00:23:08.140 --> 00:23:09.440 Of living through East Africa. 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:11.180 And the time of the East African revival. 00:23:11.180 --> 00:23:12.220 And he just stopped. 00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:13.759 And he was obviously lost in thought. 00:23:13.840 --> 00:23:14.560 And lost in memory. 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:15.519 And he said. 00:23:15.600 --> 00:23:15.980 You know. 00:23:16.860 --> 00:23:17.299 Revival. 00:23:17.560 --> 00:23:18.240 Is not. 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:19.279 A comfortable thing. 00:23:20.640 --> 00:23:21.080 Revival. 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:21.560 Is not. 00:23:21.640 --> 00:23:22.400 A comfortable thing. 00:23:23.600 --> 00:23:24.420 So be careful. 00:23:24.519 --> 00:23:25.200 What you pray for. 00:23:25.799 --> 00:23:27.259 If God poured out his Holy Spirit. 00:23:27.380 --> 00:23:28.180 Things would change. 00:23:28.860 --> 00:23:30.700 And we wouldn't necessarily be comfortable with it. 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:33.080 But having said that. 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:33.779 I think it is true. 00:23:33.860 --> 00:23:35.080 That God more often uses. 00:23:35.080 --> 00:23:36.120 The patient method. 00:23:36.799 --> 00:23:37.420 Of sowing. 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:38.220 The seed. 00:23:38.319 --> 00:23:39.460 And he promises us. 00:23:39.700 --> 00:23:40.819 Even though we would prefer. 00:23:40.940 --> 00:23:42.000 To find some other way. 00:23:42.100 --> 00:23:43.500 To reap the harvest of joy. 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:45.819 He promises. 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:46.840 If you sow. 00:23:47.100 --> 00:23:47.799 In tears. 00:23:48.059 --> 00:23:48.940 You shall reap. 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:50.680 With shouts of joy. 00:23:50.680 --> 00:23:55.799 Maybe as you read these verses. 00:23:55.960 --> 00:23:57.360 You think of the other parable. 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:58.120 That Jesus told. 00:23:58.220 --> 00:23:58.720 Of the farmer. 00:23:59.259 --> 00:23:59.940 Sowing the seed. 00:24:00.019 --> 00:24:01.279 The seed being the word of God. 00:24:01.360 --> 00:24:02.580 And it is true of course. 00:24:02.740 --> 00:24:04.080 That gospel ministry. 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:05.019 The sowing of the word. 00:24:05.080 --> 00:24:06.100 If it is done with tears. 00:24:06.380 --> 00:24:08.000 And often is done with tears. 00:24:08.519 --> 00:24:09.299 Will indeed reap. 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:10.019 A harvest. 00:24:10.660 --> 00:24:10.960 Of joy. 00:24:11.060 --> 00:24:12.360 But I think Peterson is right. 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:12.980 When he says. 00:24:13.100 --> 00:24:14.160 That the truth in this psalm. 00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:15.279 Goes beyond. 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:16.880 The sowing of God's word. 00:24:17.560 --> 00:24:18.360 All tears. 00:24:18.359 --> 00:24:20.679 All tears. 00:24:20.819 --> 00:24:21.279 Can be seen. 00:24:21.359 --> 00:24:22.619 If you sow them in God. 00:24:24.619 --> 00:24:26.079 And if you sow them in God. 00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:27.699 He will ultimately. 00:24:27.919 --> 00:24:28.240 Finally. 00:24:28.399 --> 00:24:28.719 One day. 00:24:28.819 --> 00:24:29.919 Bring a crop of joy. 00:24:30.219 --> 00:24:30.519 From it. 00:24:30.579 --> 00:24:31.199 All tears. 00:24:31.459 --> 00:24:32.339 All disappointment. 00:24:32.919 --> 00:24:33.679 All suffering. 00:24:34.439 --> 00:24:35.000 All pain. 00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:35.599 All emptiness. 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:36.359 All emptiness. 00:24:36.559 --> 00:24:37.279 Sow it in God. 00:24:38.679 --> 00:24:39.639 And he will finally. 00:24:39.799 --> 00:24:40.559 Bring a crop of joy. 00:24:40.659 --> 00:24:41.279 And that means. 00:24:41.799 --> 00:24:42.159 My friends. 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:44.000 If you are suffering this morning. 00:24:44.119 --> 00:24:45.519 Through personal circumstances. 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:49.240 Whatever they may be. 00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:51.079 Driving you to tears. 00:24:51.799 --> 00:24:52.839 Sow them in God. 00:24:54.400 --> 00:24:55.639 Don't hide them from God. 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:56.500 Take them to God. 00:24:56.660 --> 00:24:57.440 As saints. 00:24:59.119 --> 00:24:59.720 Look to him. 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.379 In his words. 00:25:00.740 --> 00:25:00.900 Say. 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:01.279 Father. 00:25:03.139 --> 00:25:04.259 I don't know what to do. 00:25:04.339 --> 00:25:04.819 We are helpless. 00:25:05.019 --> 00:25:05.440 We are hopeless. 00:25:05.539 --> 00:25:06.099 Without you. 00:25:06.740 --> 00:25:07.639 But you have promised. 00:25:07.759 --> 00:25:08.759 That if we sow in tears. 00:25:08.859 --> 00:25:10.180 We shall reap the songs of joy. 00:25:12.359 --> 00:25:13.400 If you have messed up. 00:25:13.420 --> 00:25:14.259 In your Christian life. 00:25:14.299 --> 00:25:14.940 As a Christian. 00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:17.680 If you are not to get stuck. 00:25:17.740 --> 00:25:18.120 In that sin. 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:19.559 Come with tears of repentance. 00:25:21.400 --> 00:25:22.880 Tears of godly sorrow. 00:25:24.660 --> 00:25:25.620 That will bring you through. 00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:26.660 To that harvest of joy. 00:25:26.860 --> 00:25:28.120 If you are not yet a Christian. 00:25:28.620 --> 00:25:29.600 Come like life. 00:25:30.900 --> 00:25:32.420 Jesus is not waiting for you. 00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:33.100 To be better. 00:25:33.200 --> 00:25:33.840 Or to be good. 00:25:33.920 --> 00:25:34.680 Before you come to him. 00:25:34.700 --> 00:25:35.519 He came not to. 00:25:35.660 --> 00:25:36.279 Not to. 00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:37.400 Not to heal the well. 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:38.340 But to heal the sick. 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:39.740 To bring sinners to repentance. 00:25:39.900 --> 00:25:40.840 Come with your tears. 00:25:42.320 --> 00:25:43.360 Come with your failure. 00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:44.559 With your messed up life. 00:25:45.720 --> 00:25:46.940 That's why Jesus came. 00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:48.279 That's why he died on the cross. 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:50.519 That's why he gave his life. 00:25:50.580 --> 00:25:51.519 Like a seed himself. 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:52.660 Thrown to the ground. 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:55.140 It might bear fruit for you. 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.160 And for me. 00:25:58.320 --> 00:25:59.640 Sow your tears in God. 00:25:59.680 --> 00:26:00.500 And he will finally. 00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:02.160 Bring a crop of joy. 00:26:02.680 --> 00:26:03.059 From it. 00:26:03.059 --> 00:26:07.799 My father was a farmer. 00:26:07.799 --> 00:26:09.000 I grew up on a small farm. 00:26:09.139 --> 00:26:10.259 Back in Northern Ireland. 00:26:11.299 --> 00:26:11.599 And. 00:26:12.899 --> 00:26:14.419 There were seven of us as children. 00:26:15.119 --> 00:26:15.339 So. 00:26:15.879 --> 00:26:16.859 Money was sometimes. 00:26:17.339 --> 00:26:17.700 Scarce. 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:17.919 But. 00:26:18.319 --> 00:26:18.759 Each year. 00:26:18.839 --> 00:26:19.919 He would take some of the money. 00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:20.799 That he had to buy. 00:26:20.919 --> 00:26:21.659 Seed to sow it. 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:22.599 On the ground. 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:23.220 Not knowing. 00:26:23.339 --> 00:26:24.339 Because he could not guarantee. 00:26:24.339 --> 00:26:24.919 The harvest. 00:26:25.259 --> 00:26:26.359 Whether there would be a crop. 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:26.899 Or not. 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:27.839 And if there was a crop. 00:26:27.899 --> 00:26:28.279 Of course. 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:28.839 And the harvest. 00:26:29.220 --> 00:26:30.099 Was gathered in. 00:26:30.200 --> 00:26:30.399 Then. 00:26:30.519 --> 00:26:31.339 It would be a time. 00:26:31.480 --> 00:26:32.180 Of joy. 00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:33.660 But being a good Ulster Presbyterian. 00:26:33.700 --> 00:26:34.899 He didn't let it show very much. 00:26:35.599 --> 00:26:35.879 But. 00:26:36.059 --> 00:26:36.759 He was a. 00:26:37.119 --> 00:26:37.899 He would be happy. 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:38.440 Of course. 00:26:38.819 --> 00:26:39.819 And give thanks to God. 00:26:39.899 --> 00:26:40.460 For the harvest. 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:42.139 And James writes about this. 00:26:43.019 --> 00:26:44.200 And ties in with this notion. 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:44.720 Of perseverance. 00:26:44.799 --> 00:26:45.480 If you turn with me. 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:46.799 To James chapter 5. 00:26:51.660 --> 00:26:52.639 Are you okay Paul. 00:26:52.779 --> 00:26:53.480 For time. 00:26:53.639 --> 00:26:53.940 If you will. 00:26:54.119 --> 00:26:54.399 Okay. 00:26:54.460 --> 00:26:55.460 James chapter 5. 00:26:56.379 --> 00:26:57.420 We read from verse 7. 00:26:57.599 --> 00:26:58.039 To 11. 00:26:58.039 --> 00:27:00.000 And this is page 1216. 00:27:00.659 --> 00:27:01.779 If you are using a church bible. 00:27:01.899 --> 00:27:05.099 Page 1216. 00:27:11.399 --> 00:27:12.559 James chapter 5. 00:27:12.639 --> 00:27:14.319 And at verse 7. 00:27:14.319 --> 00:27:15.559 Be patient then brothers. 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:17.279 Until the Lord's coming. 00:27:18.720 --> 00:27:20.639 See how the farmer waits for the lamb. 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:22.059 To yield his valuable crop. 00:27:22.460 --> 00:27:23.659 And how patient he is. 00:27:23.720 --> 00:27:25.399 For the autumn and spring rains. 00:27:26.700 --> 00:27:27.940 You too be patient. 00:27:28.839 --> 00:27:29.740 And stand firm. 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:32.480 Because the Lord's coming is near. 00:27:34.099 --> 00:27:35.839 Don't grumble against each other brothers. 00:27:36.039 --> 00:27:36.960 Or you will be judged. 00:27:38.399 --> 00:27:40.460 That would be a great verse to have at the front of a church. 00:27:40.519 --> 00:27:41.960 Don't see many churches with that motto. 00:27:42.799 --> 00:27:43.480 That would be good would it. 00:27:43.519 --> 00:27:45.180 Don't grumble against each other brothers. 00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:46.019 Or you will be judged. 00:27:46.099 --> 00:27:47.460 The judge is standing at the door. 00:27:47.899 --> 00:27:50.559 Brothers as an example of patience in the face of suffering. 00:27:50.960 --> 00:27:53.220 Take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 00:27:53.220 --> 00:27:54.279 As you know. 00:27:54.380 --> 00:27:55.500 We consider blessed. 00:27:55.819 --> 00:27:57.140 Those who have persevered. 00:27:57.240 --> 00:27:58.259 Those who have kept going. 00:27:59.460 --> 00:28:01.259 You have heard of Job's perseverance. 00:28:01.640 --> 00:28:03.940 And have seen what the Lord finally brought about. 00:28:04.819 --> 00:28:07.100 The Lord is full of compassion. 00:28:07.099 --> 00:28:08.599 And mercy. 00:28:10.599 --> 00:28:12.259 The Lord is full of compassion. 00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:12.980 And mercy. 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:16.220 My father could not guarantee the harvest. 00:28:16.360 --> 00:28:18.420 But the Lord who is full of compassion and mercy. 00:28:18.680 --> 00:28:20.700 Has promised that those who sow in tears. 00:28:20.940 --> 00:28:21.360 Will reap. 00:28:22.360 --> 00:28:23.460 The songs of joy. 00:28:23.579 --> 00:28:24.779 Shall doubtless come again. 00:28:25.200 --> 00:28:25.680 Rejoicing. 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:29.600 And it just remains for us. 00:28:29.660 --> 00:28:30.720 For those of us who are Christians. 00:28:30.860 --> 00:28:31.779 We cry out to God. 00:28:31.840 --> 00:28:32.960 Believing in God's promise. 00:28:33.860 --> 00:28:34.500 And if we do that. 00:28:34.580 --> 00:28:35.640 We are sowing in faith. 00:28:36.840 --> 00:28:39.580 Faith which sees beyond the surface of things. 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:41.500 Faith which sees and can look to the future. 00:28:41.600 --> 00:28:43.039 And see the harvest being gathered in. 00:28:43.440 --> 00:28:44.759 Faith which perseveres. 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:46.779 Because it knows that the Lord is faithful. 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:48.820 And he will do. 00:28:50.759 --> 00:28:52.299 And it is this spirit of faith. 00:28:52.420 --> 00:28:53.259 That enables Paul. 00:28:53.360 --> 00:28:54.200 In the passage you read. 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:56.100 To be hard pressed. 00:28:57.019 --> 00:28:58.299 But not crushed. 00:28:59.940 --> 00:29:00.460 Perplexed. 00:29:00.559 --> 00:29:01.620 Yes perplexed. 00:29:01.980 --> 00:29:03.059 But not in despair. 00:29:04.539 --> 00:29:06.160 That is this faith that helped Paul to know. 00:29:06.299 --> 00:29:06.900 That his light. 00:29:06.980 --> 00:29:07.779 How does he call them? 00:29:08.019 --> 00:29:09.460 His light and momentary troubles. 00:29:09.640 --> 00:29:10.500 Paul who was whipped. 00:29:11.460 --> 00:29:12.019 Shipwrecked. 00:29:12.180 --> 00:29:12.640 Imprisoned. 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:14.680 And he calls them his light and momentary troubles. 00:29:15.000 --> 00:29:16.140 Were achieving for him. 00:29:16.860 --> 00:29:18.080 An eternal glory. 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:20.460 That far outweighs them all. 00:29:20.460 --> 00:29:23.940 And so with Paul. 00:29:24.000 --> 00:29:24.819 Let's fix our eyes. 00:29:24.900 --> 00:29:25.740 Not on what is seen. 00:29:25.819 --> 00:29:26.259 We see. 00:29:26.740 --> 00:29:27.900 The world around us. 00:29:28.200 --> 00:29:29.100 It's with us every day. 00:29:29.160 --> 00:29:29.980 But let's fix our eyes. 00:29:30.059 --> 00:29:30.880 Not on what is seen. 00:29:30.980 --> 00:29:32.559 But on what is unseen. 00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:34.059 Because what is seen. 00:29:34.180 --> 00:29:34.900 Is temporary. 00:29:35.140 --> 00:29:35.799 Is passing. 00:29:37.460 --> 00:29:38.579 Whereas what is unseen. 00:29:38.840 --> 00:29:39.380 Is eternal. 00:29:39.480 --> 00:29:40.259 Let us fix our eyes. 00:29:40.319 --> 00:29:40.759 On Jesus. 00:29:41.600 --> 00:29:42.579 Who as Hebrews says. 00:29:42.660 --> 00:29:44.200 For the joy set before him. 00:29:44.279 --> 00:29:45.319 Endured the cross. 00:29:45.319 --> 00:29:47.379 And scorned its shame. 00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:50.439 The joy set before him. 00:29:50.439 --> 00:29:52.579 Didn't take away the pain of the cross. 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:53.740 Didn't take away the hurt. 00:29:54.220 --> 00:29:54.639 But it did. 00:29:54.919 --> 00:29:56.279 As Scotty Smith has put it. 00:29:56.339 --> 00:29:57.240 Did reshape it. 00:29:57.480 --> 00:29:58.619 Did reshape the hope. 00:29:58.899 --> 00:29:59.319 The hope. 00:30:03.399 --> 00:30:04.980 For the joy set before him. 00:30:05.059 --> 00:30:05.859 Endured the cross. 00:30:05.980 --> 00:30:06.819 And scorned its shame. 00:30:06.899 --> 00:30:08.519 Now seated at the right hand of God. 00:30:08.599 --> 00:30:09.359 Consider Jesus. 00:30:10.859 --> 00:30:12.139 Who sowed in tears. 00:30:12.140 --> 00:30:14.380 Who reaped in joy. 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.340 Not just for himself. 00:30:16.540 --> 00:30:17.240 But for you. 00:30:18.080 --> 00:30:18.640 And for me. 00:30:18.700 --> 00:30:19.660 That when we come to him. 00:30:19.720 --> 00:30:20.840 And sow our tears in him. 00:30:21.380 --> 00:30:23.180 We too might know that joy of the Lord. 00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:24.680 That his joy might be in us. 00:30:25.140 --> 00:30:25.980 And be complete. 00:30:26.120 --> 00:30:27.440 And together with God's people. 00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:30.180 And why wouldn't you be a member of God's people. 00:30:30.180 --> 00:30:31.820 When you hear the promise of the Lord. 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:33.720 That the day is coming. 00:30:34.420 --> 00:30:35.560 At the end of time. 00:30:35.660 --> 00:30:36.720 When the Lord Jesus returns. 00:30:36.840 --> 00:30:38.420 And the dwelling of God is with men. 00:30:40.080 --> 00:30:41.840 And we read of that in Revelation 21. 00:30:41.839 --> 00:30:42.299 Do we. 00:30:42.919 --> 00:30:43.299 Good way. 00:30:43.459 --> 00:30:44.480 They will be his people. 00:30:44.579 --> 00:30:46.220 And God himself will be with them. 00:30:46.519 --> 00:30:47.259 And be their God. 00:30:47.319 --> 00:30:47.879 What will he do. 00:30:47.980 --> 00:30:48.799 He will wipe away. 00:30:50.379 --> 00:30:51.099 Every tear. 00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:53.859 God himself will wipe away. 00:30:53.939 --> 00:30:55.079 Every tear from their eyes. 00:30:55.159 --> 00:30:56.259 There will be no more death. 00:30:56.759 --> 00:30:57.419 Or mourning. 00:30:57.419 --> 00:30:58.359 Or crying. 00:30:58.519 --> 00:30:58.919 Or pain. 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:01.319 For the old order of things. 00:31:01.539 --> 00:31:02.299 Has passed away. 00:31:04.059 --> 00:31:05.000 And all God's people. 00:31:05.199 --> 00:31:06.000 Shall say on that day. 00:31:06.079 --> 00:31:08.159 The Lord has done great things for us. 00:31:08.899 --> 00:31:09.740 And we are filled. 00:31:10.639 --> 00:31:11.159 With joy. 00:31:11.160 --> 00:31:12.600 Amen. 00:31:12.600 --> 00:31:12.779 Amen.