WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.980 Good morning. It's good to see you all here. 00:00:02.780 --> 00:00:07.459 Do you want to say it's nice and relatively cool compared to the last couple of weeks? 00:00:07.799 --> 00:00:10.980 But if you find yourself overheated, don't forget there's water out here. 00:00:11.120 --> 00:00:14.980 And if you need air conditioning, you can watch the rest of the service in a live stream 00:00:14.980 --> 00:00:18.080 downstairs in the Fellowship Hall classroom. 00:00:18.320 --> 00:00:22.260 So the ushers can, if you go out this doorway, the usherers can help you find that. 00:00:22.820 --> 00:00:28.980 Just if you find yourself overcome, please avail yourself of those things. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.079 I want to begin by telling you that I grew up with golden retrievers. 00:00:36.619 --> 00:00:42.320 And one of the great joys of life is coming home to a golden retriever because they do 00:00:42.320 --> 00:00:43.159 their happy dance. 00:00:43.480 --> 00:00:45.380 Have you ever seen a golden retriever happy dance? 00:00:45.539 --> 00:00:49.820 They jump up and down, they chase their tails, they whimper in joy. 00:00:50.620 --> 00:00:56.159 It is, there is nothing like that, like the joyful happy dance of a welcome home from a 00:00:56.159 --> 00:00:56.859 golden retriever. 00:00:56.859 --> 00:01:04.799 And therefore, it was striking one day, and this happened a couple of times, but I remember 00:01:04.799 --> 00:01:08.579 we came home one time and there was no happy dance. 00:01:10.019 --> 00:01:12.039 We came in, pretty, how are you doing? 00:01:12.219 --> 00:01:18.120 And she came and she slunk into the room with her head low, kind of looking up at us with 00:01:18.120 --> 00:01:19.280 a hanged dog face. 00:01:19.319 --> 00:01:20.900 And I don't remember what she had done. 00:01:20.980 --> 00:01:24.760 She had done her business on the carpet or eating the Christmas cookies or it was something 00:01:24.760 --> 00:01:25.359 like that. 00:01:25.840 --> 00:01:28.300 She knew she had done something she shouldn't have. 00:01:28.680 --> 00:01:30.180 She knew that she was guilty. 00:01:30.939 --> 00:01:33.300 She knew she would likely face a reprimand. 00:01:34.300 --> 00:01:40.460 And she was covered with guilt and shame and uncertain as to how she would be received. 00:01:40.459 --> 00:01:47.979 I tell this story because I think that it's part of a human experience that we have often 00:01:47.979 --> 00:01:50.479 found ourselves in a similar situation. 00:01:51.919 --> 00:01:57.259 Walked into a locker room after giving up the penalty kick to lose the game. 00:01:59.799 --> 00:02:02.259 You've lied to a friend and they found out. 00:02:02.959 --> 00:02:04.579 And you meet them for coffee. 00:02:04.579 --> 00:02:11.759 You lost your temper, broke something of deep sentimental value in your home, and you have 00:02:11.759 --> 00:02:12.819 to face your spouse. 00:02:16.039 --> 00:02:21.000 Maybe it's not these things, but probably you can imagine those moments where you knew 00:02:21.000 --> 00:02:27.680 you blew it, where you feel the shame and you're uncertain as to how you will be received. 00:02:27.860 --> 00:02:28.439 Oh, I know. 00:02:28.520 --> 00:02:29.199 We're good at it. 00:02:29.259 --> 00:02:31.939 We're good at trying to avoid this moment because we hate it. 00:02:31.939 --> 00:02:34.099 We're really good at minimizing. 00:02:34.579 --> 00:02:36.539 We're really good at justifying ourselves. 00:02:36.659 --> 00:02:38.020 We're really good at blaming others. 00:02:39.960 --> 00:02:46.379 But in those moments when we actually take ownership, when we truly admit what we have 00:02:46.379 --> 00:02:52.419 done, we ask the question, will we be welcomed back because of that? 00:02:54.280 --> 00:02:58.120 I don't think this is just a human experience in our relationships with one another. 00:02:58.120 --> 00:03:03.400 I believe this is a human experience in our relationship with God as well. 00:03:04.840 --> 00:03:10.879 For the God of the Bible, if we walked into, or if He walked into our life right now, what 00:03:10.879 --> 00:03:11.560 would happen? 00:03:12.120 --> 00:03:16.460 The person who walks in who knows everything we have ever done. 00:03:17.200 --> 00:03:19.040 He knows every thought. 00:03:19.439 --> 00:03:21.939 He knows every intention of your heart. 00:03:21.939 --> 00:03:24.500 He knows every motive. 00:03:25.699 --> 00:03:30.340 Even the things you filtered out and didn't actually act on or didn't actually do. 00:03:30.659 --> 00:03:32.919 The things that have welled up in you. 00:03:34.840 --> 00:03:40.439 And as we heard last week, we know that we have gone astray from God. 00:03:40.439 --> 00:03:45.759 And that we deserve nothing from Him but reprimand. 00:03:48.479 --> 00:03:53.159 And in those moments, we wonder, how will we be received by God? 00:03:53.460 --> 00:03:57.360 How does He want us to return to Him? 00:03:58.960 --> 00:04:07.879 Do we return to Him with a hangdog face, slinking in, fearful and uncertain? 00:04:07.879 --> 00:04:07.960 Amen. 00:04:10.680 --> 00:04:14.039 This is actually where we are at in the book of Isaiah as well. 00:04:14.359 --> 00:04:17.600 We've been in a series in the book of Isaiah, chapters 40 through 55. 00:04:18.219 --> 00:04:20.540 If you want to turn there, I totally forgot. 00:04:20.920 --> 00:04:22.959 It's page 585. 00:04:25.100 --> 00:04:25.379 575. 00:04:25.639 --> 00:04:26.240 Thank you, Tyler. 00:04:26.800 --> 00:04:28.199 575 in the Pew Bible. 00:04:28.860 --> 00:04:33.319 And if you remember, this is a beautiful section of Scripture where God is speaking words of 00:04:33.319 --> 00:04:36.259 comfort to His people while they're in exile. 00:04:36.259 --> 00:04:38.240 They have blown it. 00:04:38.319 --> 00:04:44.719 And they have experienced the reprimand of God by being sent off into the Babylonian exile. 00:04:44.839 --> 00:04:49.120 And He's speaking to them in that moment. 00:04:49.360 --> 00:04:50.839 Words of hope and comfort. 00:04:50.839 --> 00:04:56.619 What is the word of hope and comfort this morning? 00:04:56.699 --> 00:04:58.459 What is the word that He calls to us? 00:04:58.759 --> 00:05:00.739 How does God want us to approach Him? 00:05:02.560 --> 00:05:03.699 Well, let's look at it. 00:05:03.799 --> 00:05:04.639 Let's read together. 00:05:05.019 --> 00:05:06.779 And then we will dive in. 00:05:07.059 --> 00:05:09.899 So, let's read Isaiah 54 together. 00:05:10.579 --> 00:05:11.459 And then we'll pray. 00:05:11.459 --> 00:05:15.859 Sing, O barren one who did not bear. 00:05:16.219 --> 00:05:20.779 Break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor. 00:05:21.579 --> 00:05:26.779 For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married, 00:05:27.339 --> 00:05:28.159 says the Lord. 00:05:28.679 --> 00:05:33.199 Enlarge the place of your tent and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out. 00:05:33.500 --> 00:05:34.399 Do not hold back. 00:05:34.560 --> 00:05:36.819 Lengthen the cords and strengthen your stakes. 00:05:36.819 --> 00:05:40.920 For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left. 00:05:41.000 --> 00:05:46.219 And your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities. 00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:49.279 Fear not. 00:05:49.959 --> 00:05:51.860 For you will not be ashamed. 00:05:52.600 --> 00:05:54.379 Do not be confounded. 00:05:55.000 --> 00:05:56.939 For you will not be disgraced. 00:05:57.959 --> 00:06:03.279 For you will forget the shame of your youth and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. 00:06:03.279 --> 00:06:05.839 For your maker is your husband. 00:06:05.839 --> 00:06:08.500 The Lord of hosts is his name. 00:06:08.679 --> 00:06:12.259 And the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer. 00:06:12.539 --> 00:06:15.639 The God of the whole earth he is called. 00:06:16.799 --> 00:06:20.579 For the Lord has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit. 00:06:20.979 --> 00:06:24.739 Like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God. 00:06:25.799 --> 00:06:28.039 For a brief moment I deserted you. 00:06:28.759 --> 00:06:31.120 But with great compassion I will gather you. 00:06:31.120 --> 00:06:35.680 In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you. 00:06:36.079 --> 00:06:42.399 But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says the Lord your Redeemer. 00:06:42.399 --> 00:06:50.599 This is like the days of Noah to me as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth. 00:06:51.219 --> 00:06:57.379 So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you and will not rebuke you. 00:06:58.339 --> 00:07:00.699 For the mountains may depart and the hills may be removed. 00:07:01.060 --> 00:07:04.319 But my steadfast love shall not depart from you. 00:07:04.319 --> 00:07:10.639 My covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you. 00:07:11.839 --> 00:07:16.279 Oh, afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted. 00:07:16.560 --> 00:07:19.459 Behold, I will set your stones in antimony. 00:07:19.980 --> 00:07:22.959 And lay your foundations with sapphires. 00:07:22.959 --> 00:07:30.599 I will make your pinnacles of agate, your gates of carbuncle, and all your wall of precious stones. 00:07:32.079 --> 00:07:34.759 All your children shall be taught by the Lord. 00:07:34.879 --> 00:07:37.120 And great shall be the peace of your children. 00:07:37.539 --> 00:07:39.639 In righteousness you shall be established. 00:07:40.219 --> 00:07:43.659 You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear. 00:07:44.099 --> 00:07:47.079 Nor from terror, for it shall not come near you. 00:07:47.819 --> 00:07:50.120 If anyone stirs up strife, it is not for me. 00:07:50.120 --> 00:07:54.340 Whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you. 00:07:55.280 --> 00:08:02.340 Behold, I have created the smith who blows on the fire of coals and produces the weapons for its purpose. 00:08:03.199 --> 00:08:06.180 I have also created the ravager to destroy. 00:08:07.220 --> 00:08:10.699 No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed. 00:08:11.340 --> 00:08:15.879 And you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. 00:08:16.680 --> 00:08:19.319 This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord. 00:08:19.319 --> 00:08:23.099 And their vindication from me declares the Lord. 00:08:23.980 --> 00:08:25.199 Let's pray together. 00:08:25.759 --> 00:08:27.259 Lord, thank you for this word. 00:08:27.800 --> 00:08:29.579 Thank you for the encouragement that it is. 00:08:29.699 --> 00:08:33.179 And the reminder of what kind of God you are. 00:08:33.759 --> 00:08:37.740 Lord, we pray that you would open our hearts this morning to receive your word. 00:08:38.080 --> 00:08:39.539 Lord, I pray for your enablement. 00:08:39.620 --> 00:08:41.960 That I might speak your word clearly and faithfully. 00:08:41.960 --> 00:08:50.160 And Lord, that together, Lord, you might do powerful, transforming work in our hearts this morning. 00:08:50.540 --> 00:08:52.220 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:08:53.100 --> 00:08:53.480 Amen. 00:08:56.740 --> 00:08:58.980 So how do we return to God? 00:08:58.980 --> 00:09:06.360 Isaiah gives the people one command and two reasons why we can fulfill this command in this passage. 00:09:06.840 --> 00:09:09.960 The one command is seen in verses 1 through 3. 00:09:10.080 --> 00:09:12.180 The command on how do we return to God. 00:09:12.279 --> 00:09:16.259 We are to return to God rejoicing in expectant faith. 00:09:17.320 --> 00:09:18.080 Why do I say that? 00:09:18.080 --> 00:09:20.080 If you look at it, verses 1 through 3. 00:09:20.080 --> 00:09:25.120 This chapter is, as we launch into it, it is a response to what we heard last week. 00:09:25.180 --> 00:09:27.320 And if you weren't here last week, let me encourage you. 00:09:27.740 --> 00:09:33.379 Go to our website and listen to John's sermon on Isaiah 52 and 53. 00:09:33.639 --> 00:09:40.259 On the person and the work of Jesus, the suffering servant who came to redeem God's people from their sin. 00:09:40.820 --> 00:09:42.040 This is the basic message. 00:09:42.140 --> 00:09:44.060 And this is about how do we respond to that. 00:09:44.059 --> 00:09:46.539 In light of that, how do we respond? 00:09:46.919 --> 00:09:48.299 Not with hangdog face. 00:09:48.399 --> 00:09:50.639 Not with shame and guilt. 00:09:50.959 --> 00:09:52.699 Wondering if we're going to be received. 00:09:53.239 --> 00:09:55.939 But Isaiah says, come and sing. 00:09:56.299 --> 00:09:57.519 Sing to the Lord. 00:09:57.919 --> 00:10:02.859 Have you ever had such good news that you just wanted to burst forth in singing? 00:10:03.599 --> 00:10:06.039 I grew up in Boston, so I'm a Red Sox fan. 00:10:06.279 --> 00:10:08.179 Sorry for all of you Yankees fans out there. 00:10:08.879 --> 00:10:10.799 But maybe you can get… 00:10:10.799 --> 00:10:17.500 Do you know what it was like in 2004 when after 108 years, the Red Sox finally won the World Series? 00:10:18.579 --> 00:10:21.039 They were singing on Yawkey Way. 00:10:22.479 --> 00:10:30.819 Just a bunch of guys and gals who just were so happy about this great news that the Red Sox had won. 00:10:30.819 --> 00:10:35.279 They burst into song in the streets of Boston. 00:10:35.279 --> 00:10:47.720 Listen, God says, because of what the sovereign servant has done, you have a much greater reason to burst into song and to sing with great praise to this God. 00:10:48.360 --> 00:10:57.039 He says, don't only just sing, but prepare and position yourself with expectant faith to see what God is going to do. 00:10:57.539 --> 00:11:00.179 He uses this imagery of expanding your tent. 00:11:00.179 --> 00:11:01.099 And he's speaking. 00:11:01.239 --> 00:11:06.479 He uses this imagery of people who were barren, who didn't have children, who had no family. 00:11:06.839 --> 00:11:10.099 And he says, do you know what I'm doing with my suffering servant? 00:11:10.359 --> 00:11:12.599 I'm creating a new people. 00:11:12.819 --> 00:11:16.120 I'm creating a new family, and you're going to be a part of it. 00:11:16.120 --> 00:11:21.340 And you who felt like you were alone and without hope and desolate. 00:11:21.980 --> 00:11:25.620 God is going to bring you into something greater than that. 00:11:26.139 --> 00:11:27.799 Something that will cause you to sing. 00:11:27.919 --> 00:11:29.500 So come with expectant faith. 00:11:29.940 --> 00:11:35.879 Make room at your table, is what he's saying by strengthening your cords and your pegs. 00:11:35.879 --> 00:11:42.799 He's saying, make a bigger tent, because there's going to be more people welcoming in and streaming in because of what God has done. 00:11:42.799 --> 00:11:46.679 This is what Isaiah says. 00:11:47.019 --> 00:11:51.799 This is how we're to come to God in light of what he has done for us in Jesus. 00:11:51.959 --> 00:11:56.859 And remember, this is spoken to a group of people who are at their lowest point. 00:11:57.259 --> 00:11:58.479 They're in exile. 00:11:58.899 --> 00:11:59.979 They've been scattered. 00:12:00.359 --> 00:12:01.159 They're oppressed. 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:03.379 Their holy city has been destroyed. 00:12:03.579 --> 00:12:05.000 Their temple has been destroyed. 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:06.519 Their king has been captured. 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:12.099 And they know that they've been under the heavy hand of God's right punishment. 00:12:12.799 --> 00:12:17.779 And they're wondering, what is going to happen from here? 00:12:17.899 --> 00:12:28.799 And Isaiah says, because of what I'm going to do in the suffering servant, you can return to me with song, with singing, and with expectant hope that I'm going to do this great thing. 00:12:28.799 --> 00:12:38.199 Friends, I wonder how far we fall from having this kind of expectant, joyful heart. 00:12:38.200 --> 00:12:50.040 I wonder how easy it is for us to get discouraged when we see the failures around us and when we see the failures in our own heart. 00:12:50.700 --> 00:12:57.280 When we struggle and wonder, if I've blown it, can I really do that? 00:12:57.360 --> 00:12:59.879 Can I believe that God is going to do a new thing? 00:12:59.879 --> 00:13:02.439 Lijian, thank you for your testimony. 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:08.360 What a beautiful, beautiful picture of God doing wonderful and new things in our hearts. 00:13:10.259 --> 00:13:15.159 He can do this and He is doing this among us and around us. 00:13:15.159 --> 00:13:27.019 And we have the joy of not looking ahead in future hope of this suffering servant, but we look back on the finished work of Jesus. 00:13:27.179 --> 00:13:33.939 We look back in history and know that He did come and that He did live and that He did die and that He did rise from the dead. 00:13:33.940 --> 00:13:40.900 And because of that, we are certain, confident, sure that God has done these things. 00:13:44.320 --> 00:13:50.100 And though, as we will see, we are still waiting for the fulfillment of it in all of its fullness, 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:57.000 yet now we know and are able to taste and see that God is on the move doing these great things. 00:13:57.120 --> 00:14:00.880 And because of that, we can have this kind of joy and faith. 00:14:00.879 --> 00:14:07.600 Friends, I just want you to think for a minute, how would your prayer life change if this were true? 00:14:09.159 --> 00:14:13.120 Do you pray for God to be enlarging the tent of His family? 00:14:14.980 --> 00:14:19.820 How would this help you as you're facing various difficulties and trials? 00:14:20.980 --> 00:14:26.240 To have a heart that's full of a song because of what God has done and is doing. 00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:32.759 Think about how it would change your worship in your family. 00:14:33.139 --> 00:14:34.799 Do you sing together as a family? 00:14:36.340 --> 00:14:38.120 Do you sing by yourself? 00:14:38.299 --> 00:14:39.399 Do you listen to music? 00:14:39.560 --> 00:14:47.500 Do you let the gift of music lead your heart to meditate on the greatness and the beauty of God? 00:14:48.500 --> 00:14:50.539 And it doesn't all have to be worship music. 00:14:51.180 --> 00:14:52.620 Brahms can lead you to that. 00:14:52.879 --> 00:14:54.560 Even Coldplay might be able to. 00:14:54.559 --> 00:15:01.979 But let music point you to God. 00:15:04.959 --> 00:15:06.699 And let your heart be full of singing. 00:15:06.939 --> 00:15:08.659 This is the command in this passage. 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:11.500 In light of what God has done, sing. 00:15:11.659 --> 00:15:16.779 But then he goes on and he gives us two reasons, two causes, two more things. 00:15:16.779 --> 00:15:27.579 And it's specifically about how the work of the suffering servant plays itself out and meets us in our place of shame and guilt and fear and brings us back to him. 00:15:27.679 --> 00:15:30.159 The first one is in verses four through ten. 00:15:31.740 --> 00:15:34.699 These verses begin with the exhortation, don't be afraid. 00:15:34.819 --> 00:15:35.579 What is the fear? 00:15:35.659 --> 00:15:36.659 We talked about this already. 00:15:36.659 --> 00:15:42.279 The fear is that because of our shame, we won't be received. 00:15:42.919 --> 00:15:47.860 Now I want to speak just a minute about the experience of shame in the human heart because this is important. 00:15:48.219 --> 00:15:52.339 Some of us experience shame because other people have shamed us. 00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:54.759 And they've shamed us for bad reasons. 00:15:55.139 --> 00:15:58.899 They've shamed us for insubstantive reasons. 00:15:58.899 --> 00:16:05.539 And if this has been true in our growing up or in a significant relationship, sometimes we internalize that. 00:16:05.860 --> 00:16:12.659 And it becomes a framework in which we see ourselves and everything else. 00:16:12.919 --> 00:16:14.620 It is deeply unhealthy. 00:16:17.319 --> 00:16:22.340 There is some shame, however, that we experience because we have done shameful things. 00:16:22.340 --> 00:16:29.300 And the feeling of shame in light of that is a proper one of recognizing we have done something wrong. 00:16:30.060 --> 00:16:37.160 And yet even that shame can become a prison for us where we think, I've blown it and I'm never going to get out of this. 00:16:38.060 --> 00:16:39.540 And this is the fear. 00:16:40.200 --> 00:16:46.500 The fear that what other people tell me I am, I'm nothing, I'm worthless, I'm no good, I'll never be accepted. 00:16:46.820 --> 00:16:51.820 Or I know what I've done and I think I'm worthless, I'm nothing, I'm no good. 00:16:52.340 --> 00:16:58.639 This is the fear that Isaiah is addressing when he says, don't be afraid. 00:17:01.440 --> 00:17:06.740 He pictures this shame in the person of a woman, particularly a wife. 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:16.920 A wife who is alone, a wife who is helpless, a wife who is widowed and therefore without standing in the world that she lives in. 00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:22.220 And it is actually a fairly sympathetic picture. 00:17:22.860 --> 00:17:26.259 One saying this is a person who is helpless and abandoned. 00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:36.120 Even though we know from chapter 50 that the woman, which is a symbol for Israel, has actually rejected her spouse and left him and run after other lovers. 00:17:36.119 --> 00:17:41.179 And so we know from the greater story that Israel is not without guilt. 00:17:41.259 --> 00:17:47.739 But here it is a compassionate picture of her to see her as someone who is vulnerable and needy. 00:17:47.740 --> 00:17:52.380 And in this picture, God speaks. 00:17:52.380 --> 00:17:53.759 Verse 5. 00:17:53.759 --> 00:17:57.279 For your maker is your husband. 00:17:57.980 --> 00:17:59.879 The Lord of hosts is his name. 00:18:00.700 --> 00:18:02.879 The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer. 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:06.039 The God of the whole earth he is called. 00:18:07.680 --> 00:18:14.299 The Lord has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God. 00:18:14.299 --> 00:18:21.099 For a moment, brief moment, I deserted you, but with great compassion, I will gather you. 00:18:21.359 --> 00:18:31.700 In overflowing anger for a moment, I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love, I will have compassion on you, says the Lord, your Redeemer. 00:18:33.639 --> 00:18:40.139 Because of what the suffering servant has done for us, he bore our shame, if you remember from chapter 53. 00:18:40.140 --> 00:18:44.820 Because he bore our shame, you will not be ashamed. 00:18:45.060 --> 00:18:49.940 Because he bore our disgrace, you will not be disgraced. 00:18:50.320 --> 00:18:55.740 You are literally brought back from that into a place of grace. 00:18:56.280 --> 00:18:59.220 Your shame will be forgotten and you will be received. 00:18:59.220 --> 00:19:17.799 You will be received by the Lord as a husband who welcomes back or who pursues and calls into himself a woman who is vulnerable, a woman who is alone, a woman who is in need. 00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:23.680 Now, I do want to make sure, really briefly, that we don't get confused. 00:19:23.680 --> 00:19:35.759 This is imagery, and it's a part of a broader biblical imagery about God being a husband to his people and the people being like a wife who responds to his initiating love and grace in goodness. 00:19:36.560 --> 00:19:36.820 Okay? 00:19:37.220 --> 00:19:42.779 Not all husbands are virtuous pursuers and not all wives are wayward women. 00:19:43.580 --> 00:19:47.920 And I just want to make sure men recognize you are God's bride. 00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:48.400 Okay? 00:19:49.840 --> 00:19:55.560 This is a striking thing for us to recognize that we collectively are the bride of Christ. 00:19:57.300 --> 00:20:01.840 Who need a husband who is going to come and cover us with his compassion. 00:20:01.840 --> 00:20:04.779 Who will come and call us back to himself. 00:20:05.100 --> 00:20:10.100 Who will come and wipe away our shame and our disgrace and embrace us. 00:20:10.099 --> 00:20:21.919 For we are like the prodigal son on his way back from the sty. 00:20:23.339 --> 00:20:26.539 We wonder, how will my father receive me? 00:20:27.299 --> 00:20:32.699 I'll tell him, I'm willing to be your servant if I can find just a place in your household. 00:20:32.700 --> 00:20:41.840 And the God here says, no, I've chosen you. 00:20:42.039 --> 00:20:43.319 I've loved you. 00:20:43.580 --> 00:20:44.640 I am your husband. 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:47.420 I'm calling you back to me. 00:20:49.080 --> 00:20:51.200 And I will cover you with compassion. 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:57.740 And when you run down the road, I will run to greet you. 00:20:58.200 --> 00:20:59.539 And I will embrace you. 00:20:59.539 --> 00:21:01.279 And I will love you. 00:21:02.359 --> 00:21:03.920 Not because you deserve it. 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:06.599 But because I have set my love on you. 00:21:09.920 --> 00:21:14.099 Verses 9 and 10 say, this is like in the days of Noah. 00:21:14.680 --> 00:21:17.859 I had to destroy the whole world because of the wickedness. 00:21:17.940 --> 00:21:20.359 And yet, I had compassion on humanity. 00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:22.379 And I set a bow in the sky. 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:24.940 A rainbow is a reminder of a covenant. 00:21:24.940 --> 00:21:29.640 A covenant promise that I would make that I would not destroy the world again like this. 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:36.200 And just as you, Israel, have gone through the judgment of exile, so now I will bring you back. 00:21:36.700 --> 00:21:42.980 And I will bring you back in a way that will be established forever in new and unshakable ways. 00:21:43.200 --> 00:21:44.860 Through the work of the suffering servant. 00:21:45.259 --> 00:21:46.019 Through Jesus. 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:49.539 This is what God is doing. 00:21:50.819 --> 00:21:56.059 He says, I have done all that you need to return to me in peace. 00:21:56.839 --> 00:21:58.259 Remember what we learned last? 00:21:58.700 --> 00:22:01.639 Jesus took the violence of judgment. 00:22:02.099 --> 00:22:06.180 Jesus took the depths of God's wrath poured out on him. 00:22:06.180 --> 00:22:10.900 Jesus took the face being turned away from him on the cross. 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:13.400 So that we could be gathered in. 00:22:13.860 --> 00:22:20.799 So that we could be brought in and embraced as God's people forever. 00:22:25.200 --> 00:22:33.000 I wonder, friends, as we think about applying, if our God is too small for us to come to him. 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:40.259 Is your God like a policeman ready to catch you when you slip up? 00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:49.119 Is your God like an angry father liable to burst out in wrath at your sin in violent punishment? 00:22:50.859 --> 00:22:59.759 Is your God a cold and distant disciplinarian who will leave you to wallow in the consequences of your foolishness? 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:05.519 Is he an overbearing taskmaster, demands perfection, and drives you without mercy? 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:13.319 If your God is like this, then it would be a fearful thing indeed to come to him. 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:20.740 If these things were true, then of course we would cower before God and stay far away. 00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:24.660 If these things are true, why would we come to God at all, let alone sing? 00:23:24.660 --> 00:23:35.120 But friends, the God of the Bible is far more complex, far more rich, and far more glorious than that. 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:40.000 He is a creator God to whom all creation is accountable. 00:23:41.380 --> 00:23:46.740 And he is a loving God who patiently pursues his own creation to redeem them back to himself. 00:23:46.740 --> 00:23:56.299 He is a holy God who cannot tolerate sin nor allow evil to stand, but he is a redeeming God who seeks to restore the very people who have rebelled against him. 00:23:56.559 --> 00:24:01.579 He is a righteous judge who cannot simply overlook evil or wave it away. 00:24:02.120 --> 00:24:10.220 But he is an initiating God who sends his son Jesus to take the punishment that we deserve so that he might redeem us to himself. 00:24:10.220 --> 00:24:24.779 He is a gracious God who does not treat us as our sins deserve, but gives us beauty for ashes, embrace in the face of our rebellion, and gives us joy in the midst of our desolation. 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:30.059 Friends, this is the good news of the gospel. 00:24:31.180 --> 00:24:34.860 This is the love of God shown for us in Jesus. 00:24:34.859 --> 00:25:04.839 This is the good news of God. 00:25:04.859 --> 00:25:16.799 Not only does he restore this relationship with us, not only does he give us this restored intimacy and position with him, but he also makes us secure in the kingdom. 00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:23.959 Verses 11 through 17 is this picture of a city being rebuilt, right? 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:25.019 And he uses imagery. 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:26.119 We had to look up. 00:25:26.179 --> 00:25:27.459 We were laughing in the office this week. 00:25:27.500 --> 00:25:29.059 We had to look up what a carbuncle is. 00:25:29.059 --> 00:25:35.319 If you're a medical person, you think a carbuncle is a boil, because that's what Mayo Clinic says a carbuncle is. 00:25:35.679 --> 00:25:45.519 In fact, it was also used for a precious stone in older English language that tends to be round and red, maybe like a boil. 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:50.839 So, this is, but the picture here is the rebuilding of a city. 00:25:50.980 --> 00:26:01.359 And remember, to Isaiah's audience, their capital city, Jerusalem, had, the walls had been broken, and the city had been sacked, and it was a desolate place. 00:26:01.359 --> 00:26:06.500 And God says, I am going to rebuild this city. 00:26:07.639 --> 00:26:10.699 I'm going to rebuild a place of security. 00:26:10.819 --> 00:26:17.939 And it's not just a place of security, but it's a place which is the symbol of a thriving kingdom, right? 00:26:17.940 --> 00:26:26.200 The thriving capital, Jerusalem, is the center of a thriving kingdom, the kingdom of God in the world, right? 00:26:26.259 --> 00:26:31.519 And in the Old Testament, it had this nation state, physical place. 00:26:33.220 --> 00:26:36.799 And so, he's using that image to say, I will restore these things. 00:26:36.840 --> 00:26:41.400 And I will not only restore it, but I will restore it in beauty as well as in strength, right? 00:26:41.600 --> 00:26:43.680 It is a picture of solid foundations. 00:26:43.920 --> 00:26:45.460 It's a picture of great beauty. 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:48.039 The imagery is not easy. 00:26:48.519 --> 00:26:55.039 All the footnotes tell you that, yeah, Hebrew scholars are making their best guess at what some of these words really indicate. 00:26:56.079 --> 00:27:01.900 And so, let's just recognize what the, but the overall picture seems to be really clear. 00:27:03.980 --> 00:27:04.500 Right? 00:27:04.720 --> 00:27:08.539 Verses 12 and 13, the beauty of the stones and the solidity of the foundation. 00:27:08.740 --> 00:27:14.279 Verses 13 and 14 talk about the place where children are taught in peace and where righteousness, 00:27:14.279 --> 00:27:19.940 that is the right ordering of life under God's rule prevails, right? 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:25.519 A contrast to exile when everything was scattered and the city was broken. 00:27:26.079 --> 00:27:34.899 Verses 15 through 17, God promises a kingdom where the terrors of the world no longer have any power, right? 00:27:35.139 --> 00:27:38.000 The enemies will no longer come from God. 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:43.259 Even though he used Assyria and he used Babylon as instruments of judgment against his people, 00:27:43.420 --> 00:27:46.240 he will no longer do that in the same way. 00:27:46.880 --> 00:27:49.599 He says, no power in the world, no matter how threatening, 00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:53.500 can prevail against my people living in my kingdom. 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:58.160 No weapon that's fashioned against you shall succeed. 00:27:58.160 --> 00:28:07.160 It's like God is saying, I'm going to put Rivendell and Minas Tirith from the Lord of the Rings together into one place 00:28:07.160 --> 00:28:08.540 and I'm going to welcome you in. 00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:13.720 Rivendell being this place of beauty and of art and of music and of peace. 00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:20.460 Minas Tirith being this impenetrable citadel where the gates are strong and the walls are high. 00:28:20.460 --> 00:28:24.620 And it's so well defended that it has never been breached. 00:28:25.360 --> 00:28:34.539 And God is saying, this is my kingdom and I'm inviting you in to the beauty and the security of being a part of my kingdom. 00:28:37.180 --> 00:28:46.120 So not only a relationship with God, but a place and a part in his kingdom is what God invites us to. 00:28:46.119 --> 00:28:48.139 And God calls us to. 00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:50.079 And God promises us. 00:28:51.419 --> 00:28:53.339 As he calls us back to himself. 00:28:54.859 --> 00:28:59.539 Now, friends, we might sit here and think, okay, that sounds great. 00:28:59.939 --> 00:29:00.779 Where is it? 00:29:01.899 --> 00:29:03.439 I'll buy the ticket tomorrow. 00:29:03.639 --> 00:29:05.299 I don't care how much it costs. 00:29:05.359 --> 00:29:07.599 If I can get there tomorrow, I want to be there. 00:29:07.979 --> 00:29:12.779 And we know in the unfolding of scripture that there is a now or not yet. 00:29:12.779 --> 00:29:16.379 We're going to start preaching through the gospel of Mark in two weeks. 00:29:16.799 --> 00:29:22.440 And the gospel of Mark is the gospel of the arrival of the kingdom of God in the person of Jesus. 00:29:22.859 --> 00:29:25.200 And we know that Jesus came and inaugurated. 00:29:25.339 --> 00:29:27.639 That is, he began the kingdom of God. 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:33.799 And through his life, death, and resurrection, he established this kingdom by defeating the enemies of sin and death. 00:29:34.059 --> 00:29:37.379 But he did not establish his kingdom fully in every place. 00:29:37.380 --> 00:29:41.780 Because we see that God's rule is not enacted in every part of the world yet. 00:29:42.820 --> 00:29:49.500 And so, in this in-between time, this time between now and the not yet, what kind of security do we have? 00:29:49.920 --> 00:29:52.100 Some of the security is in the future. 00:29:52.300 --> 00:29:53.800 We know what happens. 00:29:54.500 --> 00:29:56.820 Though he slay me, yet I will trust in him. 00:29:56.819 --> 00:30:05.319 I know that no matter what happens to me in my life, because of Jesus, if I am his, I know that I will be a part of his kingdom forever. 00:30:05.619 --> 00:30:08.119 That though I die, I will live with him forever. 00:30:08.960 --> 00:30:10.500 And that is great news. 00:30:10.599 --> 00:30:15.579 And that is a security that allows us to navigate all sorts of things in this life. 00:30:17.399 --> 00:30:20.859 So there's a future certainty of those things. 00:30:21.000 --> 00:30:22.879 But there's also a present help. 00:30:23.200 --> 00:30:26.679 There's a present help in knowing these future things. 00:30:26.819 --> 00:30:30.220 In knowing that even now, we are members of his kingdom. 00:30:30.579 --> 00:30:35.899 Even now, we are able to have the foretaste of the beauty of his kingdom. 00:30:36.119 --> 00:30:37.700 To know peace with him. 00:30:37.799 --> 00:30:40.259 To know the beauty of his kingdom. 00:30:40.500 --> 00:30:42.399 To see the world through his lens. 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:46.639 And to see his kingdom through his church slowly expanding. 00:30:48.559 --> 00:30:49.039 Right? 00:30:49.200 --> 00:30:52.079 And the church is not a perfect expression of these things. 00:30:52.159 --> 00:30:52.960 We know that. 00:30:52.960 --> 00:30:56.799 And yet it is the vehicle through which God is establishing his kingdom. 00:30:56.799 --> 00:30:59.940 And building it more and more towards this kingdom. 00:30:59.940 --> 00:31:03.799 That he will finally and fully come when Jesus returns. 00:31:06.059 --> 00:31:11.160 And the security that we have now is that we are a part of this thread that cannot be broken. 00:31:11.160 --> 00:31:18.680 And will lead us through whatever we face into this eternity that will be more glorious and more beautiful. 00:31:21.259 --> 00:31:23.340 And that is the reason why we sing. 00:31:23.339 --> 00:31:30.179 The elves in the Lord of the Rings sing. 00:31:30.879 --> 00:31:34.599 Because they've tasted the beauty of Valinor. 00:31:34.859 --> 00:31:35.799 The heavenly realms. 00:31:36.220 --> 00:31:37.539 The place where all is right. 00:31:37.939 --> 00:31:39.899 And because they know they're going there one day. 00:31:41.199 --> 00:31:43.000 Friends, we need to sing. 00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:45.359 Because we know. 00:31:46.019 --> 00:31:49.439 Because in Jesus, we have a taste. 00:31:49.440 --> 00:31:52.620 And we see the reality of God's kingdom established. 00:31:53.059 --> 00:31:55.920 The reality of our relationship with God restored. 00:31:56.640 --> 00:31:58.120 And this is the great joy. 00:31:58.559 --> 00:31:59.740 This is what we sing about. 00:32:00.120 --> 00:32:02.980 Friends, this is why we gather every Sunday and sing songs. 00:32:03.080 --> 00:32:04.320 I don't know if you've thought about it. 00:32:04.380 --> 00:32:05.000 Tyler mentioned it. 00:32:05.059 --> 00:32:05.840 It's weird. 00:32:06.640 --> 00:32:10.240 If you've invited a friend who hasn't ever been to church, they're like, you sing? 00:32:10.640 --> 00:32:11.500 That's weird. 00:32:11.640 --> 00:32:12.640 Why do you sing? 00:32:13.640 --> 00:32:16.320 Because it's a gift that God has given us. 00:32:16.319 --> 00:32:25.079 So that we might express to Him the joy of knowing and experiencing what He has done for us. 00:32:25.119 --> 00:32:28.339 And what it means to know Him and live in relationship with Him. 00:32:31.899 --> 00:32:34.819 So friends, let us be those who sing. 00:32:35.879 --> 00:32:39.720 If you're here this morning and you're thinking that sounds too good to be true. 00:32:40.399 --> 00:32:41.960 Come talk to me afterwards. 00:32:41.960 --> 00:32:50.019 Because I'd love to share with you more about what Isaiah 52 and 53 are about. 00:32:50.120 --> 00:32:55.059 And how it is that we can be so confident and so certain of what God has done. 00:32:58.319 --> 00:32:59.759 Let us be those who sing. 00:33:00.000 --> 00:33:00.980 Let's pray together. 00:33:01.900 --> 00:33:05.000 Lord, we thank You this morning for this Word. 00:33:05.000 --> 00:33:10.019 Lord, we thank You for the God that You are. 00:33:11.799 --> 00:33:14.980 Lord, that You are our Maker and our Husband. 00:33:15.740 --> 00:33:19.920 That You are a Holy One of Israel, our Redeemer. 00:33:20.380 --> 00:33:23.440 That You are the Maker, the Creator of the whole world. 00:33:24.700 --> 00:33:29.880 And Lord, yet You are the one who sent Your Son to die for us. 00:33:29.880 --> 00:33:35.580 Oh, Jesus, we pray today that we would take this into our heart. 00:33:36.800 --> 00:33:42.480 Lord, that You would meet us and take away our shame and our disgrace. 00:33:43.280 --> 00:33:44.680 Take away our fear. 00:33:46.260 --> 00:33:54.380 And Lord, help us to know with greater certainty Your love and grace for us in Jesus. 00:33:57.080 --> 00:33:57.840 Thank You, Lord. 00:33:57.880 --> 00:33:58.940 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:33:58.940 --> 00:33:59.560 Amen. 00:33:59.880 --> 00:34:00.880 Amen.