WEBVTT 00:00:00.360 --> 00:00:06.100 Good morning, everyone. What great singing, what great songs have been picked, and I presume that was you, 00:00:06.200 --> 00:00:09.480 but fitting in so well with the psalm that we're going to be looking at this morning. 00:00:09.679 --> 00:00:14.339 Can I encourage you to either use the Pew Bible, or if you've brought your own Bible, 00:00:14.839 --> 00:00:18.600 or even allow you to use your iPhone, if that's checking the Bible. 00:00:19.160 --> 00:00:23.800 And let's read those last few verses of Psalm 22 this morning, 00:00:24.460 --> 00:00:29.320 before we delve in to see what it has to say to us. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.439 Today, here, this morning in Edinburgh in Brunsfield. 00:00:34.280 --> 00:00:39.320 So Psalm 22, starting from verse 27, where it says, 00:00:39.880 --> 00:00:44.620 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, 00:00:45.179 --> 00:00:49.379 and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him. 00:00:50.219 --> 00:00:55.159 For dominion belongs to the Lord, and He rules over the nations. 00:00:55.960 --> 00:00:58.900 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship. 00:00:58.899 --> 00:01:03.379 All who go down to the dust will kneel before Him. 00:01:04.379 --> 00:01:06.879 Those who cannot keep themselves alive. 00:01:08.079 --> 00:01:09.200 Posterity will serve Him. 00:01:09.659 --> 00:01:13.939 Future generations will be told about the Lord. 00:01:14.739 --> 00:01:18.859 And they will proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn, 00:01:19.659 --> 00:01:22.359 for He has done it. 00:01:22.359 --> 00:01:24.519 And we'll finish there in verse 31. 00:01:25.219 --> 00:01:29.039 And may God bless His Word to us and bring it alive. 00:01:30.400 --> 00:01:34.459 Well, as has been said already a few times, it is nearly Easter. 00:01:35.400 --> 00:01:40.319 If you don't know how you feel about that, sometimes there can be a slight panic attack, 00:01:40.319 --> 00:01:42.859 because you realize with all the visitors you may have, 00:01:43.420 --> 00:01:47.299 the people you're hosting, of all the things that still need to happen. 00:01:47.299 --> 00:01:50.019 So I'm really pleased about that little booklet that is being promoted. 00:01:50.739 --> 00:01:54.359 I'm sorry, Graham, you didn't show them just how little and short it is. 00:01:54.379 --> 00:01:56.539 So even if you're not a reader, go and get it. 00:01:56.620 --> 00:02:01.739 And use it this week, particularly, to prepare your hearts for Easter itself. 00:02:01.759 --> 00:02:03.379 And I hope this morning may help in that as well. 00:02:04.239 --> 00:02:08.639 But as we think of Easter, we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, 00:02:08.639 --> 00:02:13.239 which is the greatest victory in the whole of humankind. 00:02:14.259 --> 00:02:16.039 And people, there have been some great victories, 00:02:16.539 --> 00:02:18.359 maybe in your memory, in your time. 00:02:18.839 --> 00:02:21.399 Just think of any time the Scottish rugby team beat the English. 00:02:22.259 --> 00:02:24.699 Or Andy Murray winning Wimbledon the first time. 00:02:25.299 --> 00:02:26.060 Very special. 00:02:26.599 --> 00:02:28.339 Even still special when he won it the second time. 00:02:28.619 --> 00:02:31.759 For me, the biggest victory in my memory is 1988. 00:02:32.299 --> 00:02:33.319 Don't know what you were doing then. 00:02:33.319 --> 00:02:35.339 Maybe for some of you, that's before your time. 00:02:35.939 --> 00:02:38.259 But me being from the Netherlands, that's one of the few times 00:02:38.259 --> 00:02:44.819 there was victory when the Dutch soccer team won the Euros in 1988. 00:02:45.519 --> 00:02:45.959 Amazing. 00:02:46.399 --> 00:02:47.500 When you look back at it, you think, 00:02:47.599 --> 00:02:50.840 boy, was that a powerful orange shirt they were wearing. 00:02:51.419 --> 00:02:53.299 Those orange shirts date very quickly. 00:02:54.179 --> 00:02:58.099 And it's funny, when I think of all the stories that we share in Sunday school 00:02:58.099 --> 00:02:58.979 and that I grew up in, 00:02:58.979 --> 00:03:03.399 I remember most of my favorite ones are about victories, great victories, 00:03:04.399 --> 00:03:07.560 of little David beating giant Goliath. 00:03:08.259 --> 00:03:13.179 What about the one where Gideon was asked to go and beat the Midianites with only 300? 00:03:14.299 --> 00:03:17.399 Or Elijah, who's on the top of this mountain, 00:03:17.560 --> 00:03:21.000 dealing with all these priests who are claiming that Baal is truly God, 00:03:21.299 --> 00:03:24.319 and him on his own, with God on his side. 00:03:25.399 --> 00:03:28.579 That's this beautiful and wonderful and exciting victory. 00:03:28.580 --> 00:03:33.460 And yet any of these people pales, compares to the earth's shattering victory, 00:03:33.460 --> 00:03:36.660 that we will be celebrating the victory of all victories, 00:03:37.060 --> 00:03:41.060 when death was defeated and Satan lost. 00:03:42.420 --> 00:03:46.760 And the powerful thing is, and I'm actually quite intrigued to know that you've been 00:03:46.760 --> 00:03:51.200 studying this psalm in detail, taking a couple of verses at a time, 00:03:51.199 --> 00:03:56.299 but this psalm, through the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit, 00:03:56.399 --> 00:03:59.219 anticipated this amazing victory. 00:04:00.419 --> 00:04:04.179 Sometimes it's referred to as the fifth gospel of the crucifixion. 00:04:04.839 --> 00:04:05.359 Isn't that amazing? 00:04:05.839 --> 00:04:08.379 The fifth gospel account of the crucifixion, 00:04:08.419 --> 00:04:13.819 because it gives us so much insight into what happened when Jesus died on the cross. 00:04:13.819 --> 00:04:16.060 Can I give a, this is a slight side note, 00:04:16.139 --> 00:04:19.920 but can I recommend reading Psalm 22 in connection with 23 and 24? 00:04:20.540 --> 00:04:23.939 Because actually all three together answer the question, who is God? 00:04:24.680 --> 00:04:27.540 And from Psalm 22, looking at the suffering servant, 00:04:27.740 --> 00:04:29.540 we move to the great shepherd, 00:04:30.019 --> 00:04:33.079 and then in Psalm 24, to the glorious king. 00:04:34.199 --> 00:04:35.379 But even at the end of this psalm, 00:04:35.420 --> 00:04:39.659 we already get a flavor of this victory, the victorious king, 00:04:39.899 --> 00:04:41.579 which is what we're going to be looking at. 00:04:41.579 --> 00:04:46.039 I also couldn't help but think of Psalm 22 as reading a little bit, 00:04:46.060 --> 00:04:48.159 like one of the servant songs of Isaiah. 00:04:48.719 --> 00:04:52.519 Ian already mentioned it, that the psalm starts with forsakenness, 00:04:53.079 --> 00:04:55.120 or being despised. 00:04:56.219 --> 00:04:59.279 And a description which is sometimes hard to comprehend, 00:04:59.479 --> 00:05:04.959 but the person who's writing this is feeling as if his life is being poured out like water. 00:05:05.019 --> 00:05:10.139 And there's this cry for help in verse 19 through 21. 00:05:10.139 --> 00:05:14.419 And in the verses we get, I get the privilege, I get the easy verses, 00:05:14.779 --> 00:05:21.459 but this is where we see the answer to this call for help in this glorious king. 00:05:22.159 --> 00:05:24.699 And so what I would like to look at this morning is, first of all, 00:05:24.740 --> 00:05:27.699 the identity of this victorious king. 00:05:27.699 --> 00:05:32.099 Secondly, the accomplishment of this king. 00:05:32.639 --> 00:05:36.599 And also thirdly then, the right response to this king. 00:05:36.839 --> 00:05:37.599 Hopefully that is helpful. 00:05:37.699 --> 00:05:41.300 So the identity of this victorious king, the accomplishment, 00:05:41.779 --> 00:05:43.699 and then the right response. 00:05:44.319 --> 00:05:45.560 So first then, the identity. 00:05:46.319 --> 00:05:47.959 Look with me to verse 28, 00:05:47.959 --> 00:05:56.079 where verse 28 tells us that kingship or dominion belongs to the Lord. 00:05:58.000 --> 00:05:59.359 It may be slightly obvious, 00:05:59.680 --> 00:06:03.939 but it tells us that the king that is being described here is the Lord. 00:06:05.679 --> 00:06:06.799 Obvious in some ways, 00:06:07.019 --> 00:06:09.899 but actually the word used here is very significant. 00:06:11.060 --> 00:06:13.479 Now being from the Netherlands, English isn't my first language. 00:06:13.480 --> 00:06:19.680 And if I'm very honest, the word Lord, I associate it with some kind of cold title. 00:06:21.160 --> 00:06:25.740 Maybe something you see or read in a Jane Austen novel or a Charles Diggins. 00:06:26.240 --> 00:06:32.600 Or if you've watched the recent series on the upper chambers of parliament, 00:06:32.860 --> 00:06:36.060 I can't help it, and I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings, 00:06:36.200 --> 00:06:38.879 but this image of kind of stuffy, wig-wearing, 00:06:39.319 --> 00:06:42.879 you know, upper house in parliament with Etonian accents kind of picture. 00:06:43.480 --> 00:06:47.960 But the truth is actually nearly the opposite. 00:06:48.780 --> 00:06:54.560 Because the word used here is the word Yahweh or Jehovah. 00:06:55.640 --> 00:06:59.720 The name that actually wasn't allowed to be spoken. 00:06:59.980 --> 00:07:04.800 And so we don't know exactly anymore how it would have been called 00:07:04.800 --> 00:07:06.540 and what it would have sounded like. 00:07:07.259 --> 00:07:09.520 But if you look up in the Bible dictionary, 00:07:09.700 --> 00:07:11.800 it will tell us that actually strictly speaking, 00:07:11.800 --> 00:07:16.800 Yahweh is possibly the only real name of the Lord. 00:07:16.860 --> 00:07:18.900 There's other titles like Elohim, 00:07:19.840 --> 00:07:25.280 but Yahweh is the name that is connected with God being the God of the patriarchs, 00:07:25.280 --> 00:07:27.780 of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. 00:07:28.740 --> 00:07:32.500 And in contrast to this other word or term Elohim, 00:07:32.639 --> 00:07:34.340 Yahweh is actually a proper noun. 00:07:34.660 --> 00:07:35.800 It's the name of a person, 00:07:35.800 --> 00:07:38.520 although the person is divine. 00:07:39.680 --> 00:07:40.280 And as such, 00:07:40.420 --> 00:07:43.439 the name Yahweh or Jehovah brings God near. 00:07:45.060 --> 00:07:48.240 And we all know that names have associations, don't they? 00:07:49.180 --> 00:07:51.460 If I mention the name Delia, 00:07:52.759 --> 00:07:54.259 I presume you're not thinking of fishing, 00:07:54.480 --> 00:07:56.199 but you're probably thinking of cooking, 00:07:56.340 --> 00:07:58.300 if you've ever heard of Delia Smith. 00:07:58.300 --> 00:08:00.100 Or if I mention Pele, 00:08:01.100 --> 00:08:04.759 you might think of a far country with an amazing football star. 00:08:05.139 --> 00:08:06.840 And so names of associations, 00:08:07.100 --> 00:08:08.420 we get an image, 00:08:08.540 --> 00:08:09.879 we think of certain things, 00:08:09.939 --> 00:08:13.360 and the same is meant to happen when we read the word Lord, 00:08:13.520 --> 00:08:14.240 or Jehovah, 00:08:14.420 --> 00:08:14.860 or Yahweh. 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:16.580 But it gets lost a little bit, 00:08:17.480 --> 00:08:19.720 and we can miss all that is there, 00:08:19.819 --> 00:08:21.080 right there in front of us, 00:08:21.139 --> 00:08:23.340 that the King is the Lord. 00:08:23.339 --> 00:08:29.060 Because what associations come with that great name of Yahweh and Jehovah? 00:08:29.579 --> 00:08:30.099 Well, for one, 00:08:30.259 --> 00:08:33.579 it reminds us that our God is a personal God. 00:08:34.879 --> 00:08:36.699 That our God is, on the one hand, 00:08:36.740 --> 00:08:37.720 the great Creator. 00:08:38.259 --> 00:08:40.240 From Genesis 1, verse 1, 00:08:40.339 --> 00:08:41.299 He is the one that, 00:08:41.759 --> 00:08:42.980 in the beginning, 00:08:43.319 --> 00:08:43.839 spoke, 00:08:44.100 --> 00:08:45.759 and the earth came into being, 00:08:45.839 --> 00:08:47.439 and gave life its life. 00:08:47.939 --> 00:08:49.539 And the creatures and the variety of, 00:08:50.120 --> 00:08:50.379 you know, 00:08:50.439 --> 00:08:51.519 that we're enjoying again, 00:08:51.600 --> 00:08:53.179 now with the spring coming out, 00:08:53.340 --> 00:08:55.080 that is the great Creator God. 00:08:55.180 --> 00:08:55.460 And yet, 00:08:56.200 --> 00:08:57.600 on the one hand, 00:08:57.660 --> 00:08:58.720 being the Maker and Creator, 00:08:58.820 --> 00:09:01.220 He's also the one that can be known, 00:09:01.500 --> 00:09:02.800 that reveals Himself, 00:09:03.080 --> 00:09:03.680 who speaks, 00:09:03.820 --> 00:09:04.500 who loves, 00:09:05.100 --> 00:09:06.920 and who comes close. 00:09:08.899 --> 00:09:10.500 He's the God who can be known, 00:09:10.600 --> 00:09:12.379 but also who knows us. 00:09:14.040 --> 00:09:15.620 So rather than a cold title, 00:09:16.399 --> 00:09:18.620 this God is a personal God. 00:09:19.379 --> 00:09:21.340 It also ought to remind us 00:09:21.340 --> 00:09:23.600 that this God and His name 00:09:23.600 --> 00:09:28.060 is a reminder that God is a covenantal God. 00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:31.540 Now, I've grown up with that word, 00:09:31.680 --> 00:09:33.399 never fully understanding what it meant, 00:09:33.500 --> 00:09:35.019 so I shoved it aside for a while, 00:09:35.120 --> 00:09:36.960 thinking this is old-fashioned language. 00:09:37.820 --> 00:09:39.160 But I've started to appreciate 00:09:39.160 --> 00:09:42.000 all that that one term of covenant 00:09:42.000 --> 00:09:44.259 actually means and involves. 00:09:44.259 --> 00:09:45.299 Simply put, 00:09:45.360 --> 00:09:47.100 it says that God is trustworthy, 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:50.480 but it also reminds us that He pursues. 00:09:51.539 --> 00:09:53.639 His covenant with us and with His people 00:09:53.639 --> 00:09:54.919 was always His initiative, 00:09:55.039 --> 00:09:55.720 His idea. 00:09:56.580 --> 00:09:58.019 So to think of Yahweh as 00:09:58.019 --> 00:09:59.439 not just a personal God, 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:01.159 but also the covenantal God, 00:10:01.220 --> 00:10:02.200 reminds us that He is 00:10:02.200 --> 00:10:03.600 the God who pursues, 00:10:03.679 --> 00:10:04.580 but also commits. 00:10:04.779 --> 00:10:06.019 He's the one who leads us, 00:10:06.059 --> 00:10:07.519 as well as provides for us. 00:10:08.019 --> 00:10:08.980 That this is the God, 00:10:08.980 --> 00:10:09.480 the Lord, 00:10:09.580 --> 00:10:10.100 the King, 00:10:10.159 --> 00:10:10.920 who's faithful, 00:10:11.180 --> 00:10:11.539 generous, 00:10:11.920 --> 00:10:12.399 patient. 00:10:13.860 --> 00:10:15.980 I'm so glad God is patient with me. 00:10:18.019 --> 00:10:19.279 And He's also just. 00:10:20.879 --> 00:10:22.300 He's the one who said to His people, 00:10:22.379 --> 00:10:23.240 You are my people. 00:10:23.620 --> 00:10:25.620 I am the God who brought you 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:26.820 out of Egypt. 00:10:29.360 --> 00:10:30.539 But it's also the name 00:10:30.539 --> 00:10:31.920 that should conjure up 00:10:31.920 --> 00:10:32.899 the picture and the image 00:10:32.899 --> 00:10:35.100 of the compassionate God. 00:10:35.580 --> 00:10:37.440 He's not just one of covenants, 00:10:37.440 --> 00:10:39.120 but He's also one who gives, 00:10:39.220 --> 00:10:39.960 who's generous, 00:10:40.480 --> 00:10:42.200 who longs to transform 00:10:42.200 --> 00:10:43.000 and does it. 00:10:44.060 --> 00:10:44.800 Who hears, 00:10:44.940 --> 00:10:45.800 but also comes, 00:10:46.100 --> 00:10:47.080 as well as saves, 00:10:47.200 --> 00:10:48.100 which is exactly what 00:10:48.100 --> 00:10:49.680 our psalm reminds us of. 00:10:49.920 --> 00:10:50.940 He is before us, 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:52.340 He is behind us, 00:10:52.380 --> 00:10:53.040 He's above us, 00:10:53.060 --> 00:10:53.840 and He's beside us. 00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:56.160 He is the God who is our rock 00:10:56.160 --> 00:10:57.080 and our refuge. 00:10:57.160 --> 00:10:57.780 It's all there 00:10:57.780 --> 00:10:58.700 in that one little word. 00:10:58.940 --> 00:10:59.640 But if you just read, 00:10:59.880 --> 00:10:59.980 Lord, 00:11:00.120 --> 00:11:01.200 would you have got that picture? 00:11:02.940 --> 00:11:04.060 For this is the King 00:11:04.060 --> 00:11:06.160 of this psalm. 00:11:06.159 --> 00:11:08.559 This is who the King is. 00:11:09.159 --> 00:11:10.360 And all that He does, 00:11:11.079 --> 00:11:12.519 He doesn't do begrudgingly, 00:11:13.379 --> 00:11:15.379 but He's done it 00:11:15.379 --> 00:11:16.600 because He cares. 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:19.000 And He still cares 00:11:19.000 --> 00:11:22.699 for each one of us here, 00:11:22.799 --> 00:11:23.779 but also each one 00:11:23.779 --> 00:11:25.100 of the people out there. 00:11:28.839 --> 00:11:30.220 Now, not only is this 00:11:30.220 --> 00:11:32.019 the King of this psalm, 00:11:32.679 --> 00:11:33.519 when we think of 00:11:33.519 --> 00:11:34.519 the special Sunday 00:11:34.519 --> 00:11:35.419 that it is today, 00:11:35.500 --> 00:11:36.439 of Palm Sunday, 00:11:37.860 --> 00:11:39.419 all these characteristics, 00:11:39.740 --> 00:11:41.740 all these images 00:11:41.740 --> 00:11:43.120 and pictures of God 00:11:43.120 --> 00:11:44.699 are manifested in Jesus. 00:11:45.019 --> 00:11:45.699 For example, 00:11:45.779 --> 00:11:46.559 on Palm Sunday, 00:11:46.740 --> 00:11:47.679 when already, 00:11:47.960 --> 00:11:48.840 having seen that 00:11:48.840 --> 00:11:49.439 on the clip, 00:11:49.500 --> 00:11:50.720 we get a little foretaste 00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:52.759 of the victorious ruler, 00:11:52.879 --> 00:11:54.399 which Matthew interprets 00:11:54.399 --> 00:11:55.939 as fulfilling the prophecy, 00:11:56.100 --> 00:11:56.319 saying, 00:11:56.439 --> 00:11:56.639 See, 00:11:56.919 --> 00:11:58.000 your King has come. 00:11:58.000 --> 00:12:00.600 So not only is it 00:12:00.600 --> 00:12:01.299 God Creator 00:12:01.299 --> 00:12:02.820 who is this amazing King, 00:12:03.159 --> 00:12:04.679 but we're reminded today 00:12:04.679 --> 00:12:05.899 that the fulfillment 00:12:05.899 --> 00:12:06.620 is in Jesus. 00:12:06.759 --> 00:12:09.019 So Jesus is also that King. 00:12:09.120 --> 00:12:10.399 He is God with us. 00:12:10.460 --> 00:12:12.480 He is God Emmanuel. 00:12:13.139 --> 00:12:14.299 And if there's one thing 00:12:14.299 --> 00:12:15.620 that we should take away today, 00:12:15.720 --> 00:12:16.519 it's just simply, 00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:18.320 Do we know that King? 00:12:19.679 --> 00:12:20.940 Do we know that King? 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:21.460 And you know 00:12:21.460 --> 00:12:23.539 how you can tell 00:12:23.539 --> 00:12:24.419 whether you know Him 00:12:24.419 --> 00:12:26.120 or maybe know Him 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:26.639 a little bit? 00:12:27.799 --> 00:12:29.179 Just think of how you pray. 00:12:30.919 --> 00:12:32.219 I've been challenged this week 00:12:32.219 --> 00:12:33.659 to realize that when I pray, 00:12:33.740 --> 00:12:35.419 I pray to the God 00:12:35.419 --> 00:12:37.099 who Abraham also prayed to. 00:12:38.539 --> 00:12:39.639 So when I pray, 00:12:39.740 --> 00:12:40.759 I pray to the God 00:12:40.759 --> 00:12:41.740 who was there 00:12:41.740 --> 00:12:43.360 when Jericho fell. 00:12:44.860 --> 00:12:45.879 He's the God 00:12:45.879 --> 00:12:47.059 that was there 00:12:47.059 --> 00:12:49.000 when Jesus gave His life 00:12:49.000 --> 00:12:49.480 and said, 00:12:49.620 --> 00:12:50.659 It is finished. 00:12:51.759 --> 00:12:53.000 If that is the same God 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:53.899 I speak to 00:12:53.899 --> 00:12:54.899 and come to Him 00:12:54.899 --> 00:12:56.240 with all that I carry, 00:12:56.360 --> 00:12:58.079 the worries and issues, 00:12:58.480 --> 00:12:59.419 is He not able 00:12:59.419 --> 00:13:00.579 to deal with them 00:13:00.579 --> 00:13:01.720 just as much 00:13:01.720 --> 00:13:03.360 now, today? 00:13:04.079 --> 00:13:05.819 Because He's the personal God, 00:13:05.919 --> 00:13:07.319 He's the covenantal God, 00:13:07.360 --> 00:13:08.639 and He's the compassionate God 00:13:08.639 --> 00:13:09.360 who cares. 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:11.919 But sometimes we know. 00:13:13.259 --> 00:13:14.220 But the question is, 00:13:14.259 --> 00:13:14.779 do we know 00:13:14.779 --> 00:13:15.620 right here 00:13:15.620 --> 00:13:17.360 in our heart? 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:19.579 Well, I hope this morning 00:13:19.579 --> 00:13:20.240 we may leave 00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:20.500 thinking, 00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:21.279 Thank you, Lord, 00:13:21.379 --> 00:13:22.639 for not only who you are, 00:13:22.720 --> 00:13:23.840 but for reminding us 00:13:23.840 --> 00:13:24.700 of who you are, 00:13:24.740 --> 00:13:25.280 and will you please 00:13:25.280 --> 00:13:26.280 help us to know 00:13:26.280 --> 00:13:27.360 that wherever we find 00:13:27.360 --> 00:13:28.259 ourselves today, 00:13:28.420 --> 00:13:30.019 to seek and to know 00:13:30.019 --> 00:13:31.000 and to experience 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:31.759 this King, 00:13:32.960 --> 00:13:34.080 maybe like never before, 00:13:34.180 --> 00:13:34.899 but this King 00:13:34.899 --> 00:13:36.940 of all nations. 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:39.620 So there's the identity 00:13:39.620 --> 00:13:40.200 of this King. 00:13:40.259 --> 00:13:40.899 Let's move on then 00:13:40.899 --> 00:13:42.080 to the accomplishments 00:13:42.080 --> 00:13:43.320 of this King. 00:13:43.420 --> 00:13:43.860 Look with me 00:13:43.860 --> 00:13:44.780 to verse 31, 00:13:45.440 --> 00:13:46.040 and he had already 00:13:46.040 --> 00:13:47.200 referred to it as well, 00:13:47.320 --> 00:13:48.220 where the psalm 00:13:48.220 --> 00:13:48.680 has a kind of 00:13:48.680 --> 00:13:49.480 an awkward ending, 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:51.100 but a most powerful ending. 00:13:51.100 --> 00:13:53.800 Because it says simply, 00:13:54.920 --> 00:13:56.620 and there's no exclamation mark, 00:13:56.700 --> 00:13:57.480 so we don't know exactly 00:13:57.480 --> 00:13:57.980 what it would have 00:13:57.980 --> 00:13:58.580 sounded like, 00:13:58.659 --> 00:13:59.779 but you can just imagine 00:13:59.779 --> 00:14:00.659 if this was used 00:14:00.659 --> 00:14:01.460 in the congregation, 00:14:02.159 --> 00:14:02.820 that people might have 00:14:02.820 --> 00:14:04.100 shouted this last verse 00:14:04.100 --> 00:14:04.500 saying, 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:06.720 For he has done it. 00:14:08.820 --> 00:14:09.700 The message 00:14:09.700 --> 00:14:11.560 renders it like this. 00:14:12.440 --> 00:14:13.159 It says, 00:14:13.300 --> 00:14:15.060 God does what he says. 00:14:15.680 --> 00:14:16.480 That's slightly different, 00:14:16.580 --> 00:14:17.720 but it's a great reminder 00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:19.540 that God is not only able, 00:14:19.660 --> 00:14:21.040 but he's also willing, 00:14:21.279 --> 00:14:22.300 and that he's faithful 00:14:22.300 --> 00:14:23.240 in that what he says 00:14:23.240 --> 00:14:23.740 he will do, 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:25.019 he will do. 00:14:25.720 --> 00:14:26.200 Now, of course, 00:14:26.259 --> 00:14:27.340 we can't just pull it away 00:14:27.340 --> 00:14:28.100 from the context 00:14:28.100 --> 00:14:29.200 of this psalm. 00:14:30.300 --> 00:14:31.200 Looking at the psalm 00:14:31.200 --> 00:14:32.560 purely as a psalm, 00:14:32.680 --> 00:14:34.040 it's answering the plea 00:14:34.040 --> 00:14:35.920 of verse 19 through 20, 00:14:36.060 --> 00:14:36.560 Save me. 00:14:37.019 --> 00:14:38.360 Save me from death. 00:14:38.740 --> 00:14:39.660 Save me from this 00:14:39.660 --> 00:14:41.160 God-forsakenness 00:14:41.160 --> 00:14:42.019 that I'm experiencing, 00:14:42.180 --> 00:14:43.800 and the King does. 00:14:43.799 --> 00:14:46.799 The King rescues 00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:48.000 and saves. 00:14:48.079 --> 00:14:48.839 Isn't that a great 00:14:48.839 --> 00:14:49.439 encouragement? 00:14:51.179 --> 00:14:52.179 Like I said, 00:14:52.859 --> 00:14:54.459 remembering who this God is, 00:14:54.519 --> 00:14:55.039 that he's still 00:14:55.039 --> 00:14:55.939 the same Jehovah, 00:14:56.159 --> 00:14:57.339 still the same Yahweh, 00:14:58.039 --> 00:14:59.039 that when we come to him, 00:14:59.120 --> 00:14:59.939 we can come to him 00:14:59.939 --> 00:15:00.759 with trust. 00:15:02.439 --> 00:15:03.740 But we don't just trust 00:15:03.740 --> 00:15:04.939 that he hears us, 00:15:05.339 --> 00:15:06.159 but we may trust 00:15:06.159 --> 00:15:07.279 that he will respond, 00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:08.359 and that he will act, 00:15:08.479 --> 00:15:09.879 and that he will rescue 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:10.779 and save us 00:15:10.779 --> 00:15:11.979 where we are 00:15:11.979 --> 00:15:13.620 and where we find ourselves. 00:15:14.799 --> 00:15:15.959 And he can, 00:15:16.059 --> 00:15:17.639 explains the psalmist, 00:15:17.759 --> 00:15:20.419 because his are all dominion 00:15:20.419 --> 00:15:21.939 in verse 28. 00:15:22.799 --> 00:15:23.719 Now what does that mean, 00:15:23.819 --> 00:15:24.339 dominion? 00:15:25.079 --> 00:15:26.159 Again, maybe not a word 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:27.359 that we use in everyday language, 00:15:27.839 --> 00:15:28.879 but it basically means 00:15:28.879 --> 00:15:30.719 that God reigns 00:15:30.719 --> 00:15:32.159 over all the nations 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:34.159 seated on his holy throne. 00:15:35.339 --> 00:15:36.679 He is the King, 00:15:37.299 --> 00:15:40.240 not in a symbolic matter 00:15:40.240 --> 00:15:41.240 the way it is 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:42.079 in my country, 00:15:42.159 --> 00:15:42.539 in the Netherlands, 00:15:42.539 --> 00:15:43.419 but even here, 00:15:43.860 --> 00:15:44.740 but very much 00:15:44.740 --> 00:15:45.559 that he is the King 00:15:45.559 --> 00:15:46.399 who is in control 00:15:46.399 --> 00:15:47.699 of all the affairs 00:15:47.699 --> 00:15:48.879 of all mankind 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:50.120 and of all nations. 00:15:51.879 --> 00:15:52.860 This is God 00:15:52.860 --> 00:15:53.559 who is sovereign, 00:15:54.079 --> 00:15:55.539 who is all-powerful, 00:15:56.539 --> 00:15:57.439 like I said, 00:15:57.539 --> 00:15:58.539 who is able. 00:16:01.079 --> 00:16:01.959 Sometimes we need 00:16:01.959 --> 00:16:02.559 to hear that, 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:03.000 don't we? 00:16:04.719 --> 00:16:05.759 Maybe we've seen God 00:16:05.759 --> 00:16:06.799 work in our lives, 00:16:07.179 --> 00:16:08.039 and we know, 00:16:08.039 --> 00:16:09.519 and we've experienced God 00:16:09.519 --> 00:16:11.000 being able to answer 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:11.839 our prayers, 00:16:12.259 --> 00:16:13.199 and yet somehow 00:16:13.199 --> 00:16:14.679 we easily forget, 00:16:15.179 --> 00:16:16.459 and when we're in a situation, 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:17.860 maybe not even too dissimilar, 00:16:17.980 --> 00:16:19.099 we worry, 00:16:20.099 --> 00:16:21.480 and we struggle to trust 00:16:21.480 --> 00:16:22.240 that God, 00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:24.319 maybe willing this time, 00:16:24.719 --> 00:16:25.519 still be able 00:16:25.519 --> 00:16:26.299 to come through. 00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:27.419 Maybe this psalm 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:28.799 reminds us that he is, 00:16:28.980 --> 00:16:30.039 and he's not only able, 00:16:30.899 --> 00:16:31.699 but he's also willing, 00:16:31.799 --> 00:16:32.779 because in verse 31, 00:16:32.899 --> 00:16:33.579 we're reminded that 00:16:33.579 --> 00:16:35.279 he reigns with righteousness. 00:16:35.279 --> 00:16:39.220 Other parts of the Bible 00:16:39.220 --> 00:16:39.939 reminds us that 00:16:39.939 --> 00:16:40.740 God is love, 00:16:41.139 --> 00:16:41.819 God is light. 00:16:41.919 --> 00:16:42.539 In him there's 00:16:42.539 --> 00:16:44.299 no darkness at all. 00:16:44.819 --> 00:16:45.500 So he doesn't just 00:16:45.500 --> 00:16:46.879 rule with justice, 00:16:47.100 --> 00:16:47.779 but he rules 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:48.639 with a righteousness 00:16:48.639 --> 00:16:50.220 that is graceful 00:16:50.220 --> 00:16:51.240 and loving 00:16:51.240 --> 00:16:52.459 and compassionate. 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:56.139 And so we find 00:16:56.139 --> 00:16:57.139 that the psalmist 00:16:57.139 --> 00:17:01.000 experiences this salvation. 00:17:01.839 --> 00:17:03.220 It becomes a reality. 00:17:03.799 --> 00:17:04.839 Hence his conclusion, 00:17:04.839 --> 00:17:05.639 he has done it. 00:17:08.619 --> 00:17:09.699 Reminded me of a poem 00:17:09.699 --> 00:17:10.639 that a friend of mine wrote. 00:17:11.199 --> 00:17:11.819 It's the only poem 00:17:11.819 --> 00:17:12.339 I can remember 00:17:12.339 --> 00:17:13.379 because it's nice and short. 00:17:13.759 --> 00:17:14.500 But this is the poem. 00:17:14.599 --> 00:17:14.919 He said, 00:17:15.319 --> 00:17:16.299 God is good. 00:17:17.740 --> 00:17:18.959 God is good. 00:17:20.559 --> 00:17:22.659 God is good. 00:17:23.579 --> 00:17:24.240 Enough said. 00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:26.279 That's the rendering 00:17:26.279 --> 00:17:27.539 I get from this psalm. 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:28.240 Enough said. 00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:29.159 He has done it. 00:17:29.480 --> 00:17:30.079 It's a reminder, 00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:30.539 of course, 00:17:30.619 --> 00:17:31.639 of Jesus' own words 00:17:31.639 --> 00:17:32.259 on the cross 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:33.779 where he proclaimed 00:17:33.779 --> 00:17:34.700 to the world. 00:17:35.160 --> 00:17:37.980 It is finished. 00:17:38.940 --> 00:17:40.079 That's our God. 00:17:42.440 --> 00:17:43.480 That's our King. 00:17:44.480 --> 00:17:45.899 That was the psalmist's king, 00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:46.639 but for us, 00:17:46.859 --> 00:17:48.480 it's not a rescue 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:50.299 from a physical death, 00:17:50.440 --> 00:17:51.660 but it's the rescue 00:17:51.660 --> 00:17:53.440 from spiritual death, 00:17:54.139 --> 00:17:56.399 from our God-forsakenness, 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:57.240 through the forgiveness 00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:57.920 of sin. 00:17:57.920 --> 00:17:59.539 And so we may know today 00:17:59.539 --> 00:18:00.840 that if we cry out, 00:18:01.519 --> 00:18:02.700 just like the psalm is, 00:18:02.779 --> 00:18:03.560 Lord, save me, 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:06.340 he will, 00:18:07.080 --> 00:18:09.100 for he has done it. 00:18:10.120 --> 00:18:11.700 I want us to notice here 00:18:11.700 --> 00:18:13.000 the assurance 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:13.880 that is captured 00:18:13.880 --> 00:18:14.980 by these words. 00:18:17.560 --> 00:18:18.300 Because many, 00:18:18.380 --> 00:18:19.120 if not all of us, 00:18:19.180 --> 00:18:20.360 can struggle at times 00:18:20.360 --> 00:18:21.980 with that sense of assurance. 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:24.340 Maybe it's personally, 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:26.079 but it can also be 00:18:26.079 --> 00:18:27.599 historically or culturally. 00:18:29.019 --> 00:18:29.919 Even the psalmists 00:18:29.919 --> 00:18:30.480 were told 00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:32.399 forgot about God's ability 00:18:32.399 --> 00:18:33.299 and the enemy, 00:18:33.779 --> 00:18:34.199 you know, 00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:34.879 they were out there 00:18:34.879 --> 00:18:36.659 trying to deny God's ability. 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:36.939 I mean, 00:18:36.980 --> 00:18:37.939 there's plenty of people 00:18:37.939 --> 00:18:38.399 out there 00:18:38.399 --> 00:18:39.799 who will help the enemy 00:18:39.799 --> 00:18:41.819 just like the psalmist then. 00:18:43.279 --> 00:18:44.240 God is not able. 00:18:46.919 --> 00:18:48.179 But what do we do 00:18:48.179 --> 00:18:48.759 in our lives 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:49.939 when the kingdom of God 00:18:49.939 --> 00:18:51.019 feels far away, 00:18:51.119 --> 00:18:52.099 when we maybe wrestle 00:18:52.099 --> 00:18:55.099 with that same state of distress 00:18:55.099 --> 00:18:56.559 that the psalmist 00:18:56.559 --> 00:18:57.919 was experiencing? 00:18:58.839 --> 00:18:59.859 When we're looking around 00:18:59.859 --> 00:19:00.379 and we think, 00:19:00.439 --> 00:19:00.579 you know, 00:19:00.639 --> 00:19:01.919 I've got these invitations, 00:19:02.119 --> 00:19:03.699 but nobody ever responds. 00:19:04.579 --> 00:19:05.599 It seems the gospel 00:19:05.599 --> 00:19:06.359 has lost so much 00:19:06.359 --> 00:19:07.019 of its ground 00:19:07.019 --> 00:19:08.139 and so much of its power. 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:09.719 We haven't seen much growth 00:19:09.719 --> 00:19:10.619 in the church here. 00:19:10.939 --> 00:19:11.679 What's the point? 00:19:14.679 --> 00:19:16.059 Both this psalm 00:19:16.059 --> 00:19:17.279 as well as Easter 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:18.139 remind us 00:19:18.139 --> 00:19:20.039 that our God reigns, 00:19:20.159 --> 00:19:21.839 that He is still in control, 00:19:21.839 --> 00:19:22.879 hence we must 00:19:22.879 --> 00:19:25.000 be people who trust in Him. 00:19:25.679 --> 00:19:26.559 Not just know Him, 00:19:26.599 --> 00:19:28.259 but to trust in Him. 00:19:28.899 --> 00:19:29.539 Don't we sing 00:19:29.539 --> 00:19:30.359 Because He Lives, 00:19:30.679 --> 00:19:31.339 I Can Face, 00:19:31.459 --> 00:19:31.779 tomorrow? 00:19:33.199 --> 00:19:34.179 Anybody know that song? 00:19:35.259 --> 00:19:35.539 Sorry, 00:19:35.579 --> 00:19:36.740 I'm digging back into time. 00:19:36.859 --> 00:19:37.579 This is the 70s, 00:19:37.619 --> 00:19:38.139 I think, isn't it? 00:19:40.539 --> 00:19:41.220 Slightly dated, 00:19:41.379 --> 00:19:43.480 but a powerful truth. 00:19:44.939 --> 00:19:46.019 And so the question today 00:19:46.019 --> 00:19:47.119 is as a church, 00:19:47.179 --> 00:19:48.159 but also as individuals, 00:19:48.439 --> 00:19:48.879 will we, 00:19:49.699 --> 00:19:50.459 anew and afresh, 00:19:50.619 --> 00:19:51.480 trust in the Lord? 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:53.199 Maybe even simply 00:19:53.199 --> 00:19:54.500 when we go with that invitation 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:55.159 or that booklet 00:19:55.159 --> 00:19:56.359 and hand it to somebody 00:19:56.359 --> 00:19:57.759 to trust in the Lord, 00:19:58.459 --> 00:19:59.439 maybe God has been working 00:19:59.439 --> 00:20:00.519 on that person's heart 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:02.299 way before you ever got to 00:20:02.299 --> 00:20:03.819 them with the invitation. 00:20:05.079 --> 00:20:05.859 Let's move on then 00:20:05.859 --> 00:20:07.839 to the last and third point. 00:20:08.379 --> 00:20:09.480 The identity of the king, 00:20:10.339 --> 00:20:11.879 the accomplishments of the king, 00:20:12.599 --> 00:20:13.220 but thirdly then, 00:20:13.279 --> 00:20:14.980 what should be the right response? 00:20:14.980 --> 00:20:17.579 Well, what you need to do here 00:20:17.579 --> 00:20:19.779 is actually look at some of the verbs 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:21.259 and notice the movement. 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:22.500 For example, 00:20:22.599 --> 00:20:23.579 in verse 27, 00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:25.039 it speaks of remembering. 00:20:27.059 --> 00:20:28.360 Sometimes I hate it 00:20:28.360 --> 00:20:29.299 how often in the Bible 00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:30.660 it speaks of remembering. 00:20:32.660 --> 00:20:33.200 Do you know why? 00:20:34.039 --> 00:20:35.000 Because it's that reminder 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:36.759 that we as human beings, 00:20:36.900 --> 00:20:37.620 I think all of us, 00:20:37.660 --> 00:20:38.720 however brainy we are, 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:40.720 we are incredibly forgetful. 00:20:40.720 --> 00:20:43.380 Now, it can be anything 00:20:43.380 --> 00:20:44.519 as innocent as birthdays, 00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:45.860 names, 00:20:46.600 --> 00:20:49.480 but it's the greatness of God 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:51.519 we so easily forget 00:20:51.519 --> 00:20:53.500 and we need to remember. 00:20:53.640 --> 00:20:54.860 So that's where things start 00:20:54.860 --> 00:20:56.480 in this response to the king. 00:20:56.799 --> 00:20:58.319 Let us just simply remember 00:20:58.319 --> 00:20:59.920 and take time to remember. 00:21:01.620 --> 00:21:03.339 But that needs to be followed then 00:21:03.339 --> 00:21:04.059 by turning. 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:05.720 See that there in verse 27? 00:21:06.799 --> 00:21:07.960 Remember and then 00:21:07.960 --> 00:21:09.920 turn to the Lord. 00:21:09.920 --> 00:21:11.320 And what does that make you think? 00:21:12.600 --> 00:21:13.779 Remember and turn. 00:21:15.320 --> 00:21:16.120 What's another word 00:21:16.120 --> 00:21:17.100 we sometimes use? 00:21:17.200 --> 00:21:17.980 Jesus used. 00:21:18.120 --> 00:21:19.840 He came to say 00:21:19.840 --> 00:21:21.240 that the kingdom of heaven 00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:21.940 was at hand, 00:21:22.200 --> 00:21:24.700 so therefore repent. 00:21:25.820 --> 00:21:26.759 And isn't it interesting 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:27.940 how it slipped in 00:21:27.940 --> 00:21:29.300 that repentance is 00:21:29.300 --> 00:21:30.600 that thing that happens 00:21:30.600 --> 00:21:32.080 just in between 00:21:32.080 --> 00:21:32.900 not being a Christian 00:21:32.900 --> 00:21:33.740 and being a Christian. 00:21:34.400 --> 00:21:34.960 But that's it. 00:21:35.460 --> 00:21:36.140 We've repented. 00:21:37.340 --> 00:21:38.519 According to Scripture, 00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:39.019 actually, 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:40.259 our life should be lives 00:21:40.259 --> 00:21:41.160 of repentance, 00:21:41.359 --> 00:21:42.400 ongoing repentance. 00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:45.259 Just think of your own life. 00:21:45.420 --> 00:21:46.559 If I think of my own life, 00:21:46.619 --> 00:21:47.440 there's plenty of times 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:48.500 where I've repented, 00:21:48.619 --> 00:21:49.119 but somehow 00:21:49.119 --> 00:21:51.000 I've managed to wander off again 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:52.119 and I need to keep 00:21:52.119 --> 00:21:54.759 turning back to God. 00:21:55.539 --> 00:21:56.680 So remembering is followed 00:21:56.680 --> 00:21:57.319 by turning. 00:21:57.420 --> 00:21:58.639 But then what is it followed by? 00:21:58.720 --> 00:21:59.379 It's followed by 00:21:59.379 --> 00:22:00.720 bowing down 00:22:00.720 --> 00:22:02.220 and kneeling. 00:22:02.740 --> 00:22:04.019 What's that an image of? 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:05.220 Worship. 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:06.279 Worship. 00:22:07.440 --> 00:22:08.700 I don't know about you. 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:09.500 I'm at Bellevue. 00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:11.139 We're not a bowing down 00:22:11.139 --> 00:22:11.799 kind of people. 00:22:12.639 --> 00:22:13.720 Sometimes somebody dares 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:14.619 to raise a hand, 00:22:15.079 --> 00:22:15.819 but we're, you know, 00:22:15.819 --> 00:22:16.259 Scottish 00:22:16.259 --> 00:22:18.059 and passion comes out, 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:18.740 you know, 00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:19.420 in the stadium. 00:22:19.519 --> 00:22:20.539 But when it comes to kneeling, 00:22:20.639 --> 00:22:22.119 that's just too vulnerable. 00:22:24.779 --> 00:22:25.539 It's powerful. 00:22:25.660 --> 00:22:26.619 Maybe I find it powerful 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:27.379 because I'm so tall. 00:22:28.280 --> 00:22:29.280 When I kneel down, 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:32.000 I do have that real sense 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:33.400 of humility. 00:22:35.140 --> 00:22:36.620 And even when I bow my head 00:22:36.620 --> 00:22:37.600 and close my eyes, 00:22:37.660 --> 00:22:39.180 I do get a stronger sense 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:40.420 that He is God 00:22:40.420 --> 00:22:41.140 and I'm not. 00:22:42.140 --> 00:22:42.840 And yet I'm allowed 00:22:42.840 --> 00:22:44.000 to come into His presence. 00:22:45.020 --> 00:22:46.380 But you don't have to use kneeling. 00:22:47.040 --> 00:22:47.780 But Jesus kneeled 00:22:47.780 --> 00:22:48.400 as you looked at 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:49.220 probably last week 00:22:49.220 --> 00:22:50.380 at the Garden of Gethsemane. 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:51.040 He kneeled 00:22:51.040 --> 00:22:52.440 out of humility 00:22:52.440 --> 00:22:53.280 and submission. 00:22:53.480 --> 00:22:54.460 And so we must be people 00:22:54.460 --> 00:22:55.760 who do not just remember, 00:22:56.120 --> 00:22:57.080 do not just turn, 00:22:57.079 --> 00:22:58.299 but then worship 00:22:58.299 --> 00:22:59.220 and bow down 00:22:59.220 --> 00:22:59.799 and kneel. 00:23:00.939 --> 00:23:02.139 But then the most challenging 00:23:02.139 --> 00:23:02.879 one is this. 00:23:03.740 --> 00:23:04.659 And this is always where, 00:23:04.779 --> 00:23:05.019 you know, 00:23:06.179 --> 00:23:07.240 it's great up to a point, 00:23:07.319 --> 00:23:07.679 isn't it? 00:23:09.119 --> 00:23:10.059 A lot of us, I think, 00:23:10.119 --> 00:23:11.059 like to worship. 00:23:11.839 --> 00:23:12.899 It depends on the song. 00:23:13.039 --> 00:23:13.740 Sometimes we think, 00:23:13.799 --> 00:23:15.000 oh, those are dreadful songs 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:15.839 today, weren't they? 00:23:15.879 --> 00:23:16.859 But we're here in church 00:23:16.859 --> 00:23:17.699 and we love to worship. 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:18.799 But here's the challenge. 00:23:20.399 --> 00:23:21.139 Because what does 00:23:21.139 --> 00:23:22.220 the whole movement 00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:22.859 end in? 00:23:24.679 --> 00:23:24.919 Proclamation. 00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:27.640 I want you to notice there 00:23:27.640 --> 00:23:28.680 that there is both 00:23:28.680 --> 00:23:29.680 encouragement 00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:30.740 but as well 00:23:30.740 --> 00:23:31.519 the challenge. 00:23:32.100 --> 00:23:32.640 The encouragement 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:33.660 is that there is 00:23:33.660 --> 00:23:34.300 that promise 00:23:34.300 --> 00:23:35.220 that the word 00:23:35.220 --> 00:23:36.680 of God's righteousness 00:23:36.680 --> 00:23:37.880 and his victory, 00:23:38.320 --> 00:23:39.080 which was to be 00:23:39.080 --> 00:23:39.920 fulfilled in Jesus, 00:23:40.060 --> 00:23:40.960 was to go out 00:23:40.960 --> 00:23:42.800 to the next generation 00:23:42.800 --> 00:23:43.960 that wasn't even born yet, 00:23:44.300 --> 00:23:45.740 to nations around the world. 00:23:45.820 --> 00:23:46.560 And it's happening. 00:23:46.660 --> 00:23:47.440 It's been happening. 00:23:47.940 --> 00:23:48.480 We've got a visitor 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:49.200 here this morning 00:23:49.200 --> 00:23:50.140 who's working in Brussels 00:23:50.140 --> 00:23:51.620 and sometimes in Mexico 00:23:51.620 --> 00:23:52.460 and he's a reminder 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:53.420 that God is at work 00:23:53.420 --> 00:23:55.040 all over the world. 00:23:55.840 --> 00:23:56.280 Wonderful. 00:23:57.780 --> 00:23:58.920 But we're to be part 00:23:58.920 --> 00:23:59.660 of that work. 00:24:01.040 --> 00:24:01.840 Do we know that? 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:04.300 We can't just remember 00:24:04.300 --> 00:24:05.500 and come and worship 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:06.720 and not go out 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:07.300 and proclaim. 00:24:07.980 --> 00:24:09.040 We're part of that. 00:24:09.360 --> 00:24:09.840 And I think 00:24:09.840 --> 00:24:10.780 the challenge here 00:24:10.780 --> 00:24:11.460 is threefold 00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:12.620 if you allow me these. 00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:13.460 First of all, 00:24:13.500 --> 00:24:14.520 I think this whole movement 00:24:14.520 --> 00:24:15.420 reminds us that 00:24:15.420 --> 00:24:16.220 this is all to be 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:16.880 about the heart, 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:17.500 not the head. 00:24:17.500 --> 00:24:19.200 We're not here 00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:19.940 to gather 00:24:19.940 --> 00:24:21.140 and gain information, 00:24:21.319 --> 00:24:22.539 but it's for that information 00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:23.339 to sink down 00:24:23.339 --> 00:24:24.119 and for our hearts 00:24:24.119 --> 00:24:25.000 to be transformed 00:24:25.000 --> 00:24:26.299 and moved to worship. 00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:28.599 That's the second one, 00:24:28.680 --> 00:24:29.839 for it to be transformation 00:24:29.839 --> 00:24:31.440 rather than information. 00:24:31.579 --> 00:24:32.559 But here's the third one. 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:33.660 All of this 00:24:33.660 --> 00:24:34.559 is to lead 00:24:34.559 --> 00:24:36.400 to boundaryless, 00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:38.039 maybe that's not good English, 00:24:38.160 --> 00:24:40.400 but to boundaryless invitation 00:24:40.400 --> 00:24:42.160 to share the celebration 00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:43.640 so we can be here at church 00:24:43.640 --> 00:24:44.319 and celebrate 00:24:44.319 --> 00:24:45.400 the victorious king 00:24:45.400 --> 00:24:47.259 and of what that might mean 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:48.019 for us personally. 00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:50.440 But God asks us 00:24:50.440 --> 00:24:50.980 to go out 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:52.579 and share it as well. 00:24:54.240 --> 00:24:55.099 See, Psalm 22 00:24:55.099 --> 00:24:57.319 was used as liturgy. 00:24:58.539 --> 00:24:59.799 I don't think you, 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:00.440 like Belvue, 00:25:00.519 --> 00:25:02.240 have a very strong liturgy 00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:02.900 in that sense. 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.940 We don't have a prayer book 00:25:03.940 --> 00:25:04.579 that we use, 00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:05.759 but liturgy has 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:08.039 a really helpful element to it. 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:09.879 Because part of liturgy 00:25:09.879 --> 00:25:11.799 is actually passing it on 00:25:11.799 --> 00:25:12.700 to the next generation. 00:25:13.859 --> 00:25:14.980 And just by repeating it, 00:25:15.059 --> 00:25:16.079 it's not an emptiness, 00:25:16.079 --> 00:25:17.740 but it's because we need 00:25:17.740 --> 00:25:18.359 the repetition 00:25:18.359 --> 00:25:19.439 for it to start 00:25:19.439 --> 00:25:20.240 to sink down. 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:23.460 And so Psalm 22 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:24.759 was used as liturgy 00:25:24.759 --> 00:25:26.319 as part of regular worship, 00:25:26.939 --> 00:25:28.599 revisit it time and time again 00:25:28.599 --> 00:25:29.359 to pass it on 00:25:29.359 --> 00:25:30.099 to the next generation. 00:25:30.519 --> 00:25:32.759 But not just for our own sake 00:25:32.759 --> 00:25:33.679 and for our own worship, 00:25:34.019 --> 00:25:35.319 but also to proclaim 00:25:35.319 --> 00:25:36.019 these truths 00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:38.059 to anyone who would hear, 00:25:38.359 --> 00:25:39.819 to the rich and the poor, 00:25:39.960 --> 00:25:40.980 to all the families 00:25:40.980 --> 00:25:41.899 of all the nations, 00:25:42.319 --> 00:25:43.879 transcending any boundary 00:25:43.880 --> 00:25:45.780 of time and age 00:25:45.780 --> 00:25:47.160 and even the physical. 00:25:48.040 --> 00:25:49.380 The Psalm is telling us 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:51.340 this news should reach far. 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:53.160 The partition wall 00:25:53.160 --> 00:25:54.020 has come down. 00:25:54.140 --> 00:25:55.380 There's no Jew or Greek. 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:57.120 The gospel is for everyone 00:25:57.120 --> 00:25:58.340 and anyone to hear. 00:25:59.800 --> 00:26:00.720 And I hope next Sunday 00:26:00.720 --> 00:26:02.080 is going to be a reflection of that. 00:26:03.140 --> 00:26:04.420 Because what God has done 00:26:04.420 --> 00:26:05.640 for His suffering servant 00:26:05.640 --> 00:26:06.280 will become 00:26:06.280 --> 00:26:07.420 and has become 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:07.900 a blessing 00:26:07.900 --> 00:26:09.260 to the rich and poor, 00:26:09.400 --> 00:26:10.300 Jew and Gentile 00:26:10.300 --> 00:26:12.240 and people yet unborn. 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:13.799 the people there 00:26:13.799 --> 00:26:14.620 is a big challenge. 00:26:14.740 --> 00:26:15.500 I think for all of us. 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.460 The same for Bellevue. 00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:17.359 But are we? 00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:18.740 Are we the people 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:19.660 who go out 00:26:19.660 --> 00:26:21.059 after we've worshipped 00:26:21.059 --> 00:26:21.720 and remembered 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:23.000 to proclaim, 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:25.220 especially this Easter? 00:26:25.640 --> 00:26:26.599 And not just to do that 00:26:26.599 --> 00:26:27.160 out of duty, 00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:28.099 but in confidence, 00:26:28.299 --> 00:26:29.200 knowing the King. 00:26:30.200 --> 00:26:31.059 As we've been singing 00:26:31.059 --> 00:26:31.779 about the King, 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:34.380 but also having experienced 00:26:34.380 --> 00:26:35.700 for ourselves 00:26:35.700 --> 00:26:37.380 His rescue. 00:26:38.519 --> 00:26:39.480 So let me just sum it up 00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:40.539 and then I'll end over to Ian. 00:26:40.859 --> 00:26:41.579 People at Easter, 00:26:41.579 --> 00:26:42.819 we have something 00:26:42.819 --> 00:26:44.259 extraordinary to celebrate. 00:26:44.460 --> 00:26:45.179 Somebody in our church 00:26:45.179 --> 00:26:48.579 said the controversial thing 00:26:48.579 --> 00:26:49.240 that Easter is better 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:49.859 than Christmas 00:26:49.859 --> 00:26:51.419 and I have to slightly agree. 00:26:51.579 --> 00:26:52.319 I think Easter is 00:26:52.319 --> 00:26:53.319 what it's all about. 00:26:54.059 --> 00:26:55.939 This unique personal God 00:26:55.939 --> 00:26:57.500 dwelt among us. 00:26:58.919 --> 00:27:00.220 And the willing and able God 00:27:00.220 --> 00:27:02.659 was victorious on the cross 00:27:02.659 --> 00:27:03.960 for us over death 00:27:03.960 --> 00:27:05.799 and over sin itself. 00:27:06.939 --> 00:27:08.339 Psalm 22 encourages 00:27:08.339 --> 00:27:10.579 and invites us to remember 00:27:10.579 --> 00:27:12.379 to turn, 00:27:13.259 --> 00:27:14.460 to bow, 00:27:15.460 --> 00:27:16.659 and then to go out 00:27:16.659 --> 00:27:17.079 and proclaim. 00:27:17.639 --> 00:27:18.199 Let me pray. 00:27:19.240 --> 00:27:20.019 Lord, Heavenly Father, 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:20.659 we do thank You 00:27:20.659 --> 00:27:21.579 for Your Word. 00:27:21.679 --> 00:27:22.119 We thank You 00:27:22.119 --> 00:27:23.299 for how it speaks to us 00:27:23.299 --> 00:27:24.579 in our lives today 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:26.279 in 2017. 00:27:27.359 --> 00:27:27.919 Thank You for how 00:27:27.919 --> 00:27:28.839 it encourages us 00:27:28.839 --> 00:27:29.539 and reminds us 00:27:29.539 --> 00:27:32.000 of the incredible richness 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:33.259 of Your character 00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:35.680 and who You've always been 00:27:35.680 --> 00:27:36.700 and always will be. 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:38.819 Strengthen our faith 00:27:38.819 --> 00:27:41.180 or if we haven't 00:27:41.180 --> 00:27:42.359 fully entrusted our heart 00:27:42.359 --> 00:27:42.700 to You, 00:27:42.759 --> 00:27:43.660 may we do that today. 00:27:46.140 --> 00:27:47.599 But first and foremost, 00:27:47.799 --> 00:27:47.940 Lord, 00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:48.579 we also pray 00:27:48.579 --> 00:27:49.839 that You may move 00:27:49.839 --> 00:27:50.680 our hearts 00:27:50.680 --> 00:27:52.579 so that we will become 00:27:52.579 --> 00:27:53.579 those proclaimers 00:27:53.579 --> 00:27:54.400 of this righteousness. 00:27:55.400 --> 00:27:56.359 So that Easter 00:27:56.359 --> 00:27:58.659 is not an inner house party, 00:27:59.139 --> 00:28:00.619 but it's shared 00:28:00.619 --> 00:28:02.519 and made known 00:28:02.519 --> 00:28:03.939 to a world 00:28:03.939 --> 00:28:05.679 who has no hope 00:28:05.679 --> 00:28:07.899 and needs Your forgiveness 00:28:07.899 --> 00:28:08.799 and Your grace. 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.500 Oh, Lord, 00:28:10.539 --> 00:28:10.899 we pray, 00:28:11.039 --> 00:28:13.079 come and fill our hearts 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:14.000 and meet with us 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:15.759 so that we will 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:16.839 live lives 00:28:16.839 --> 00:28:18.159 that please and honor You 00:28:18.159 --> 00:28:19.839 in all we do. 00:28:20.719 --> 00:28:21.079 Amen. 00:28:21.079 --> 00:28:21.179 Amen. 00:28:21.179 --> 00:28:21.240 Amen.