WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.139 Well, let me invite you to have Psalm 100 open in front of you. 00:00:04.759 --> 00:00:11.060 This is where we'll be for the next 25 minutes or so as we spend time just listening to God 00:00:11.060 --> 00:00:16.399 and just stilling our hearts as we come before his word and all the excitement that this morning has been. 00:00:17.740 --> 00:00:20.019 Let me ask your honest opinion. 00:00:21.559 --> 00:00:24.100 I'm amongst friends here, so I'll ask for your honest opinion. 00:00:24.900 --> 00:00:26.500 What do you think of my jumper? 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.140 Yeah? We're digging it? Yeah? It's great. 00:00:34.539 --> 00:00:36.020 I'll tell you a little story about my jumper. 00:00:36.460 --> 00:00:41.480 We were at a Christians and Sport camp a couple of weeks ago up in Perthshire 00:00:41.480 --> 00:00:45.799 and I wore this jumper and one of the young people came up to me and said, 00:00:46.179 --> 00:00:47.280 I love your jumper. 00:00:48.439 --> 00:00:49.859 And I said, oh, thank you for that. 00:00:49.900 --> 00:00:54.939 And then they proceeded to give me two words to describe my jumper. 00:00:55.740 --> 00:00:59.900 Now, if we had time, I'd ask you to turn to your neighbour and figure out what those two words were, but we won't. 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:05.500 Those two words were back in. 00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:09.760 Back in. 00:01:10.799 --> 00:01:15.599 Which I took as, I kind of think that's a compliment, I'm not sure, but this is what they said about my jumper, back in. 00:01:15.859 --> 00:01:20.299 And it's funny because when I was young, I had a jumper very like this when I was growing up. 00:01:20.379 --> 00:01:23.400 And honestly, I thought I was the bee's knees in this jumper. 00:01:23.400 --> 00:01:31.280 However, if you fast forward to when I was a teenager, I wouldn't be seen dead in a jumper like this. 00:01:31.480 --> 00:01:33.400 Okay, I'm talking about the brand, not the black, the brand. 00:01:33.600 --> 00:01:34.420 Okay, less. 00:01:34.860 --> 00:01:36.020 I wouldn't be seen dead in a jumper like this. 00:01:36.019 --> 00:01:42.659 But now I'm delighted to learn that apparently a lessee from the youth of today, a lessee is back in fashion. 00:01:44.039 --> 00:01:45.239 And it's interesting, isn't it? 00:01:45.239 --> 00:01:48.340 Because it's not just clothes in our world that kind of come and go. 00:01:48.340 --> 00:01:51.960 Property prices, they go up and down. 00:01:53.579 --> 00:01:55.240 Politicians change their minds. 00:01:56.079 --> 00:02:00.020 We know it, don't we, that friends and family, they drift in and out of our lives. 00:02:00.859 --> 00:02:02.540 We know it in our own bodies. 00:02:02.740 --> 00:02:04.100 Our health fluctuates. 00:02:04.200 --> 00:02:05.840 Our emotions go up and down. 00:02:06.020 --> 00:02:08.840 Our energy levels kind of go back and forth. 00:02:08.980 --> 00:02:12.180 Lots of things in our world every day come and go. 00:02:12.180 --> 00:02:14.400 They come and go. 00:02:16.099 --> 00:02:22.260 And that's why the news of this psalm is so refreshing to us today. 00:02:22.340 --> 00:02:27.760 Because this is a psalm that celebrates the God who never changes. 00:02:28.980 --> 00:02:30.500 He never changes. 00:02:30.760 --> 00:02:38.260 And if you come with me to this text, into our ever-changing world, here is the God who doesn't change. 00:02:38.259 --> 00:02:42.500 You'll see that this is a psalm that is full of imperatives, if you've got it there. 00:02:43.819 --> 00:02:47.599 Okay, the psalmist is encouraging us to worship this God who never changes. 00:02:47.699 --> 00:02:48.599 Six imperatives. 00:02:48.819 --> 00:02:49.659 Okay, six verbs. 00:02:50.599 --> 00:02:53.620 And if you're like me, I still remember a verb as a doing word from school. 00:02:53.819 --> 00:02:54.439 Six verbs. 00:02:54.539 --> 00:02:55.019 Do you see them? 00:02:55.120 --> 00:02:56.359 Make, verse 1. 00:02:57.299 --> 00:02:58.120 We've got the text. 00:02:58.239 --> 00:02:59.919 Serve and come, verse 2. 00:03:01.060 --> 00:03:02.539 Know, verse 3. 00:03:02.799 --> 00:03:05.280 Enter and give, verse 4. 00:03:05.280 --> 00:03:06.259 They're our verbs. 00:03:07.379 --> 00:03:12.860 And they're accompanied by, do you see, words that tell us how we are to do those things. 00:03:13.840 --> 00:03:15.039 So you get, what do you get? 00:03:15.300 --> 00:03:15.819 Joyful. 00:03:15.960 --> 00:03:17.219 Verse 1 or joyfully. 00:03:18.420 --> 00:03:18.900 Gladness. 00:03:19.000 --> 00:03:20.139 Verse 2 or gladly. 00:03:21.420 --> 00:03:27.860 So the psalmist is encouraging us to worship God and to do these things and to do them joyfully and gladly. 00:03:27.860 --> 00:03:31.620 So let me tell you, here is how the rest of this sermon could go. 00:03:33.139 --> 00:03:35.240 It could be what I like to call a Nike sermon. 00:03:36.140 --> 00:03:37.439 Never heard a Nike sermon before? 00:03:37.539 --> 00:03:38.379 They're terrible to hear. 00:03:38.479 --> 00:03:41.080 A Nike sermon is essentially somebody who says, just do it. 00:03:42.180 --> 00:03:42.360 Right? 00:03:42.640 --> 00:03:45.520 Look at the verbs and just go and do it. 00:03:45.659 --> 00:03:47.460 So, make. 00:03:47.560 --> 00:03:48.580 Would you just go and do it? 00:03:49.780 --> 00:03:50.139 Serve. 00:03:50.300 --> 00:03:51.920 Just how about you go and do it? 00:03:52.039 --> 00:03:52.280 Give. 00:03:52.360 --> 00:03:55.400 How about we give it a chance this week and go and do it? 00:03:55.400 --> 00:03:57.580 And so on and so on the sermon could go. 00:03:58.580 --> 00:04:01.140 And not only would that be a terrible sermon to hear. 00:04:02.820 --> 00:04:06.880 But let me just say it wouldn't be any different from the sermons that the world preaches to us every day. 00:04:06.879 --> 00:04:17.779 If you go down to Tyne Castle on Saturday at 3 o'clock, you'll be encouraged by thousands of others to shout for the boys in Maroon. 00:04:17.779 --> 00:04:23.319 And if you want to add some disappointment, if you want to pay £28 for the privilege of doing that, you can go and do that. 00:04:23.379 --> 00:04:24.779 But they'll say shout, won't they? 00:04:26.779 --> 00:04:31.500 Walk down the meadows and I'm stopped by people on the street who are telling me about their charity. 00:04:31.500 --> 00:04:35.379 And they're saying this is the charity that you need to give to. 00:04:35.839 --> 00:04:39.060 This is the, not just your money, but your time and your energy. 00:04:39.300 --> 00:04:40.500 Give to this charity. 00:04:40.699 --> 00:04:47.660 You go to your local yoga class and you're invited to enter into that quiet place of contemplation. 00:04:47.879 --> 00:04:49.339 So, here's my question this morning. 00:04:49.439 --> 00:04:50.579 Why is this any different? 00:04:52.019 --> 00:04:52.279 Right? 00:04:52.360 --> 00:04:58.379 In our world that likes to pick and choose our lifestyles, what we do, is this another one that we can kind of pick and choose? 00:04:59.040 --> 00:05:00.540 What makes this God any different? 00:05:01.500 --> 00:05:14.819 Well, the key to making this psalm a joy, and it is a joy-filled psalm, the key to making it a joy rather than a burden, is to get in touch with your inner two-year-old. 00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:20.860 And it's to ask the question that we all asked when we were that age. 00:05:20.879 --> 00:05:30.160 And it's a question you will know that if you're a parent, can drive you to your knees in despair, as you're asked to explain and justify your every single action in life. 00:05:30.160 --> 00:05:31.399 What is that question? 00:05:32.459 --> 00:05:32.980 Why? 00:05:34.279 --> 00:05:41.939 Why is this God worth serving and knowing and giving and coming and entering? 00:05:42.060 --> 00:05:44.459 Why is this God? 00:05:45.019 --> 00:05:48.060 And why should I make serve, come, not enter, and give to him? 00:05:48.060 --> 00:05:56.199 Well, the answer that is particularly in mind here is found in the word that crops up three times in this psalm. 00:05:57.899 --> 00:05:59.160 And it's the word Lord. 00:05:59.240 --> 00:05:59.740 Do you see it? 00:05:59.740 --> 00:06:12.120 It's the covenant name of God. 00:06:12.120 --> 00:06:29.379 It's the covenant name of God. 00:06:29.379 --> 00:06:32.060 This is what is celebrated in this psalm. 00:06:32.339 --> 00:06:37.659 And you see how this Lord, verse 5, his steadfast love. 00:06:37.719 --> 00:06:38.839 I love that phrase. 00:06:39.199 --> 00:06:39.759 Steadfast. 00:06:39.819 --> 00:06:40.819 It's going nowhere. 00:06:40.959 --> 00:06:42.079 He's never changing. 00:06:42.079 --> 00:06:46.099 His love towards his people endures forever. 00:06:46.100 --> 00:06:48.800 It stays the same. 00:06:48.879 --> 00:06:49.460 Do you see it? 00:06:49.520 --> 00:06:53.400 It stays the same throughout all generations. 00:06:54.320 --> 00:06:55.100 What a God. 00:06:55.100 --> 00:07:00.200 And the good news is that this God is good. 00:07:00.199 --> 00:07:11.839 Because if he was bad, and he was bad yesterday, today, and forever, if he was bad down the years, then that, quite frankly, is news to be avoided rather than celebrated. 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:13.500 But this God is good all the time. 00:07:14.079 --> 00:07:16.459 And all the time, this God is good. 00:07:17.480 --> 00:07:18.180 He's good. 00:07:20.399 --> 00:07:29.980 And whoever wrote this psalm, that truth, that the Lord is good, and his steadfast, in Hebrews, hesed, his never changing love endures forever. 00:07:30.199 --> 00:07:35.560 Whoever wrote that, the psalmist is celebrating the fact that this God is that kind of God. 00:07:36.219 --> 00:07:39.979 And that truth has gripped the psalmist's heart. 00:07:40.099 --> 00:07:44.860 Do you see how they are celebrating and they are inviting? 00:07:46.519 --> 00:07:47.099 Do you see it? 00:07:47.159 --> 00:07:47.659 Verse 1. 00:07:48.539 --> 00:07:49.259 Who are they inviting? 00:07:49.379 --> 00:07:50.120 Not just Israel. 00:07:50.339 --> 00:07:50.839 Do you see it? 00:07:51.120 --> 00:07:51.800 Who are they inviting? 00:07:51.899 --> 00:07:54.439 They're inviting the whole world. 00:07:55.560 --> 00:07:56.959 Whole world. 00:07:58.099 --> 00:07:59.879 Remember, the earth is the Lord's. 00:07:59.879 --> 00:08:01.219 The peoples are his. 00:08:02.139 --> 00:08:07.659 And as Derek Kedner points out with this phrase, the psalmist is claiming the whole world for God. 00:08:07.740 --> 00:08:08.459 What are they doing? 00:08:08.519 --> 00:08:11.879 I like to think they're sitting in their armchair, the psalmist, and they're spinning the globe. 00:08:12.839 --> 00:08:13.600 Spinning the globe. 00:08:13.699 --> 00:08:15.180 Maybe that was just me when I was young. 00:08:15.740 --> 00:08:16.560 Spinning the globe. 00:08:16.699 --> 00:08:17.819 And they're looking at the world. 00:08:17.959 --> 00:08:22.680 And they're saying, the peoples of these nations, they need to come to know this God too. 00:08:23.180 --> 00:08:29.300 Because once they come to know this God, he is the God who gives joy and who thrills hearts. 00:08:29.360 --> 00:08:31.019 And they will celebrate and they will invite too. 00:08:31.019 --> 00:08:34.500 This is the God, the source of all true joy. 00:08:34.500 --> 00:08:42.779 And is it not an amazing thought to think that this psalm has become the anthem of the church of God's people down the ages? 00:08:43.500 --> 00:08:44.000 Isn't it? 00:08:44.059 --> 00:08:44.759 Psalm 100. 00:08:45.879 --> 00:08:47.559 The anthem of the church down the ages. 00:08:47.700 --> 00:08:49.440 Put to music by William Keith. 00:08:50.039 --> 00:08:51.799 Some of you will be singing it in your head right now. 00:08:51.879 --> 00:08:52.820 That much love to him. 00:08:52.899 --> 00:08:55.460 All creatures that on earth do dwell. 00:08:55.460 --> 00:09:02.379 And these precise words have filled the praises of God's people for thousands of years. 00:09:03.440 --> 00:09:07.900 And they will fill the praises of God's people for thousands of years until he comes and brings us home. 00:09:08.540 --> 00:09:11.440 Isn't it a wonderful thought to think that these words are those kind of words. 00:09:11.680 --> 00:09:13.420 Celebrating the God who is this good. 00:09:14.960 --> 00:09:23.280 Now this psalm is a small cluster of psalms which begins at Psalm 93 that celebrate God's kingship. 00:09:23.279 --> 00:09:25.839 And if you want to flick back over the last few psalms you'll see this theme. 00:09:26.179 --> 00:09:29.159 That God is the great king over all the earth. 00:09:30.220 --> 00:09:31.720 He's the great king over all the earth. 00:09:31.819 --> 00:09:33.179 The Lord reigns. 00:09:33.459 --> 00:09:34.519 He's rogued in majesty. 00:09:34.720 --> 00:09:37.480 And so the kind of shouting that's in view here, the kind of singing, 00:09:38.159 --> 00:09:42.600 is the kind you would give to a returning victorious king as they ride back into town. 00:09:44.819 --> 00:09:45.959 You see God's abode. 00:09:46.039 --> 00:09:46.759 Where does he live? 00:09:46.819 --> 00:09:48.199 He lives in the temple. 00:09:49.299 --> 00:09:51.120 His dwelling place in this psalm. 00:09:51.120 --> 00:09:55.740 And the heartbeat of the worship life of Israel is his temple. 00:09:55.740 --> 00:10:00.740 This is where the all out worship of this king takes place in this psalm. 00:10:02.460 --> 00:10:08.080 And so the psalmist, as he's writing here, whether he's physically there or whether he's picturing it in his mind, 00:10:08.139 --> 00:10:09.360 he's envisaging the temple. 00:10:10.340 --> 00:10:13.600 And as he does that, as he physically thinks about it, 00:10:13.639 --> 00:10:18.919 he's reminded of three ways in which this good king has proven himself worthy of worship. 00:10:18.919 --> 00:10:23.120 And here we get our three reasons why we should worship this God. 00:10:24.219 --> 00:10:29.659 So firstly, we should worship him, says the psalmist, because he is the God who's brought us out. 00:10:31.159 --> 00:10:32.879 Now we've got a saying in our house. 00:10:34.019 --> 00:10:35.379 And it goes like this. 00:10:36.539 --> 00:10:37.919 A promise is a promise. 00:10:39.539 --> 00:10:40.659 Promise is a promise. 00:10:40.659 --> 00:10:47.539 We say it to the girls to try and help them understand that if we say something, we should follow through. 00:10:47.779 --> 00:10:51.379 And every time I say it to them, I say to them, a promise is a promise. 00:10:51.539 --> 00:10:53.120 And it's not meant a promise, it's a promise. 00:10:53.259 --> 00:10:54.019 That's how you say it. 00:10:54.600 --> 00:11:00.699 Every time I say it, I'm confronted by the fact that there will be times when I do not deliver on my promises. 00:11:02.319 --> 00:11:02.539 Okay? 00:11:02.679 --> 00:11:03.980 So Alex leaves for work in the morning. 00:11:04.100 --> 00:11:06.319 She says, sweetheart, would you put the bins out? 00:11:06.320 --> 00:11:08.240 And I say, of course I'll put them out. 00:11:08.320 --> 00:11:09.320 I promise. 00:11:09.440 --> 00:11:10.379 They're as good as out. 00:11:11.560 --> 00:11:14.760 And then she comes home at night and she says, how did you go on with the bins? 00:11:15.660 --> 00:11:17.860 Because I noticed the bin lorry drive past. 00:11:18.140 --> 00:11:19.180 And do you know what else I noticed? 00:11:19.280 --> 00:11:20.520 I noticed our bins are still there. 00:11:23.520 --> 00:11:29.120 Friends, the very fact that there's a temple in Jerusalem is proof that this God is good for his word. 00:11:30.660 --> 00:11:31.720 He's not like us. 00:11:32.200 --> 00:11:33.080 He will not change. 00:11:33.300 --> 00:11:34.300 What he says happens. 00:11:34.299 --> 00:11:39.500 The promises that God made to Abraham, and you can check them out in your own time, Genesis 12, Genesis 15. 00:11:39.819 --> 00:11:49.339 The promises that he made to him of making from him a people and taking that people and pouring his love upon them and taking them to the land that he promised them. 00:11:50.279 --> 00:11:53.299 And against all the odds of it happening, what did he do? 00:11:53.379 --> 00:11:55.699 God rescued his people from slavery in Egypt. 00:11:56.279 --> 00:11:59.620 And he parted the Red Sea and he led them to the other side. 00:11:59.620 --> 00:12:05.519 And by doing so, he won the freedom for his people and he brought judgment to pass on their enemies. 00:12:06.779 --> 00:12:16.480 And when the other side of the Red Sea, despite their numerous groanings and sins in the wilderness, he carried them all the way to the land that he promised them. 00:12:16.539 --> 00:12:17.039 And why? 00:12:17.039 --> 00:12:22.579 Well, so that they could dwell with him and worship him and know him as their incomparable gods. 00:12:25.219 --> 00:12:29.079 You see, he is the king who's worthy of worship because he is the God who's brought us out. 00:12:30.599 --> 00:12:34.439 And secondly, he's worthy of worship because he is the God who invites us in. 00:12:34.440 --> 00:12:43.940 You see, it throws the psalmist's heart that not only is God here, but that he invites his people near to know him. 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:47.400 And this is no casual invitation. 00:12:48.720 --> 00:12:52.860 If you remember what we thought about last week, the very last words of Psalm 99. 00:12:54.120 --> 00:12:56.060 In fact, it's the very last word of Psalm 99. 00:12:56.240 --> 00:12:56.860 What is God? 00:12:56.940 --> 00:12:57.780 What is this Lord? 00:12:58.260 --> 00:12:59.100 He is holy. 00:13:00.300 --> 00:13:00.600 Right? 00:13:00.680 --> 00:13:02.460 He is spotless in his purity. 00:13:02.460 --> 00:13:05.220 He is radiant in his glory. 00:13:06.100 --> 00:13:08.060 He is matchless in his majesty. 00:13:08.960 --> 00:13:11.820 And no sin may enter his perfect presence. 00:13:13.780 --> 00:13:21.540 And yet, this holy God has made a way for unholy people to be right in his sight. 00:13:22.920 --> 00:13:23.820 How is that? 00:13:23.879 --> 00:13:25.320 He's done it by sacrifice. 00:13:26.440 --> 00:13:32.379 He's prescribed a way for his people to come to the temple with a bull or a goat that they would slaughter. 00:13:33.120 --> 00:13:37.980 And whose blood the priest would take and splatter on the altar and the rest of the day would burn. 00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:44.980 And what would happen is that it tells us that this would atone for or cover that individual's sin. 00:13:45.500 --> 00:13:50.680 And when the offering goes up, the smell of it might have been disgusting to human beings. 00:13:50.800 --> 00:13:52.759 But do you know what it's described as being to God? 00:13:53.100 --> 00:13:54.660 A pleasing aroma. 00:13:54.659 --> 00:13:54.860 A pleasing aroma. 00:13:55.860 --> 00:14:02.959 And what that signifies is that the worshipper, because someone has died in their place, is now right with the Lord. 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:19.580 And he also invites them, flowing from that, to come and to bring him a thanksgiving offering. 00:14:19.580 --> 00:14:22.220 As a way of thanking him. 00:14:23.500 --> 00:14:24.280 Celebrating him. 00:14:24.820 --> 00:14:25.520 Worshipping him. 00:14:26.020 --> 00:14:27.500 For being the God who he is. 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:35.000 And that too, as that sacrifice goes up, is described as being a pleasing aroma to God. 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:36.940 Is this not amazing? 00:14:37.040 --> 00:14:40.980 That God would desire the praises of his people. 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:46.800 That God would invite his people to come near and to worship and to celebrate him. 00:14:46.800 --> 00:14:49.159 Not in some kind of drummed up emotionalism. 00:14:50.340 --> 00:14:55.960 But by way of an overflow of a humble yet deeply satisfied soul. 00:14:56.840 --> 00:15:02.399 That says, I know who this God is. 00:15:02.840 --> 00:15:05.639 And I know what he said. 00:15:06.120 --> 00:15:08.899 And I know what he's done for me. 00:15:08.899 --> 00:15:12.519 Now pause and think on that for just a moment. 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:17.439 Is it not just an incredible thought? 00:15:19.059 --> 00:15:21.539 When you come to terms with the world in which we live. 00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:25.019 And particularly when you come to terms with the own gravity of your sin. 00:15:26.179 --> 00:15:28.860 That God has made a way for me to be right with him. 00:15:29.679 --> 00:15:32.860 And God desires the praises of his people. 00:15:32.860 --> 00:15:41.259 Do you see how God wants gratitude to be one of the defining marks of his people? 00:15:43.180 --> 00:15:44.240 Defining marks of his people. 00:15:44.320 --> 00:15:49.019 Let me ask you, when was the last time you thanked God for being this kind of God? 00:15:50.480 --> 00:15:52.240 Remember when I was young? 00:15:52.419 --> 00:15:53.500 In fact, when we were all young. 00:15:54.060 --> 00:15:55.300 What were we taught to mind? 00:15:56.899 --> 00:15:57.980 Our P's and Q's. 00:15:58.860 --> 00:15:59.860 Our P's and Q's. 00:15:59.860 --> 00:16:04.320 Love the fact that this God, he invites his people near. 00:16:04.919 --> 00:16:06.539 To bring them his P's. 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:08.300 Their P's and their Q's. 00:16:09.560 --> 00:16:11.560 He invites them near. 00:16:11.800 --> 00:16:15.820 To bring him their heartfelt prayer request. 00:16:15.899 --> 00:16:17.800 To pour out their souls to him. 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:20.580 Like Hannah did at the beginning of 1 Samuel. 00:16:21.200 --> 00:16:22.659 And he invites them. 00:16:23.340 --> 00:16:24.779 To bring them his praise. 00:16:24.779 --> 00:16:27.639 For everything that he's done. 00:16:28.379 --> 00:16:29.860 For everything that he is. 00:16:30.259 --> 00:16:33.519 You know, J.I. Packer, who's a theologian, writes this. 00:16:33.579 --> 00:16:37.620 We need to discover all over again that worship is natural to the Christian. 00:16:39.079 --> 00:16:40.120 It's completely natural. 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:42.600 Once we understand who this God is and what he's done. 00:16:43.419 --> 00:16:45.899 Friends, what a joy it is that we can know him and worship him. 00:16:46.159 --> 00:16:48.819 He's the king worthy of worship because he invites them in. 00:16:48.819 --> 00:16:52.539 And thirdly, he's worthy of worship because he's the king who leads them on. 00:16:53.539 --> 00:16:55.120 Now just look at the language here. 00:16:55.219 --> 00:16:56.879 Fully intimacy at verse 3. 00:16:58.579 --> 00:17:03.199 As the psalmist reflects on the covenant relationship that the Lord enjoys with his people. 00:17:04.420 --> 00:17:06.420 That he is their God and they are his people. 00:17:06.539 --> 00:17:08.000 Look at the language of verse 3. 00:17:09.619 --> 00:17:10.299 It's amazing. 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:14.799 You know, our girls love to watch the Toy Story films. 00:17:16.180 --> 00:17:18.899 We had a great time on holiday watching Toy Story 2 together. 00:17:19.059 --> 00:17:20.240 I mean, I loved it, honestly. 00:17:20.379 --> 00:17:21.659 Toy Story 2, watching it. 00:17:22.539 --> 00:17:26.980 And one of the reasons I loved it was because of one of the main characters, Woody. 00:17:27.700 --> 00:17:28.859 You'll know how it goes. 00:17:29.920 --> 00:17:30.619 Woody's there. 00:17:30.819 --> 00:17:31.659 He's running about. 00:17:31.799 --> 00:17:36.680 But the thing I loved about it, and I noticed this time, was the thing that brings Woody joy and purpose. 00:17:37.879 --> 00:17:38.079 Right? 00:17:38.379 --> 00:17:39.220 Think about it. 00:17:40.039 --> 00:17:44.139 Because unlike every other Disney film that almost plays into our modern day narrative, 00:17:44.359 --> 00:17:47.579 that true purpose and joy is to be found in discovering who you really are, 00:17:47.579 --> 00:17:49.419 which is to be kind of going on a journey. 00:17:50.740 --> 00:17:53.099 Where does Woody look for his purpose and joy in life? 00:17:54.699 --> 00:17:55.439 What does he do? 00:17:55.799 --> 00:17:57.720 He just looks to his shoe. 00:17:58.240 --> 00:17:58.539 Doesn't he? 00:17:58.639 --> 00:17:59.539 Key moments in that film. 00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:00.079 Where does he look? 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:01.019 He just looks to his shoe. 00:18:01.019 --> 00:18:07.119 And he remembers the name that's engraved there. 00:18:07.240 --> 00:18:08.799 The name of his loving owner. 00:18:10.579 --> 00:18:16.359 And he remembers the joy that it was of being with him. 00:18:16.359 --> 00:18:24.379 And by remembering, not just who he is, but by remembering whose he is. 00:18:26.459 --> 00:18:28.379 And it's almost as if Woody has that moment where he says, 00:18:28.459 --> 00:18:28.779 Do you know what? 00:18:28.819 --> 00:18:31.339 That is where true joy and purpose is to be found. 00:18:33.359 --> 00:18:39.939 And it's almost as if the psalmist here, he invites God's people to join him in lifting their shoes. 00:18:41.759 --> 00:18:43.099 And you see him do it in verse 3. 00:18:43.159 --> 00:18:43.799 What does he say? 00:18:43.979 --> 00:18:44.959 This God, what did he do? 00:18:45.019 --> 00:18:45.719 He made us. 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:47.459 Right? 00:18:47.559 --> 00:18:50.500 He'll not entertain notions of an accidental big bang creation. 00:18:50.679 --> 00:18:52.339 He made us, says the psalmist. 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:54.639 He engraved his name on us. 00:18:55.259 --> 00:18:58.699 And every single human being made wonderfully in his image. 00:18:59.719 --> 00:19:01.719 But I think particularly he's got a mind to you. 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:04.959 He's reflecting on God's covenant commitment to his people. 00:19:06.259 --> 00:19:07.819 Where God has said, you are mine. 00:19:09.419 --> 00:19:11.599 And because he said, you are mine, look at this. 00:19:11.699 --> 00:19:12.179 Look at this. 00:19:12.939 --> 00:19:14.279 This God knows us. 00:19:14.279 --> 00:19:17.079 And he tends us. 00:19:17.079 --> 00:19:19.119 And he leads us. 00:19:19.539 --> 00:19:21.119 And he provides for us. 00:19:21.399 --> 00:19:22.579 And he cares for us. 00:19:22.639 --> 00:19:23.699 And feel the imagery here. 00:19:23.839 --> 00:19:24.419 As a who? 00:19:24.939 --> 00:19:25.879 As a shepherd. 00:19:26.500 --> 00:19:27.199 Does his sheep? 00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:30.380 It's a wonderful truth, isn't it? 00:19:30.380 --> 00:19:32.500 And perhaps it's one that you need to rest in today. 00:19:32.500 --> 00:19:36.039 That if your trust is in Jesus here this morning. 00:19:36.039 --> 00:19:39.039 If he's brought you to himself. 00:19:39.420 --> 00:19:40.839 Then God says, you are mine. 00:19:41.619 --> 00:19:42.559 I've made you mine. 00:19:43.500 --> 00:19:45.339 And you can know that I know you intimately. 00:19:46.819 --> 00:19:47.940 And I know your pain. 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:50.360 And I know your questions. 00:19:51.440 --> 00:19:52.640 And I know your struggles. 00:19:53.299 --> 00:19:54.500 And I know your doubts. 00:19:55.019 --> 00:19:56.059 And I know your fears. 00:19:56.440 --> 00:19:57.480 And I know your ambitions. 00:19:58.220 --> 00:19:59.980 And I invite you to draw near to me. 00:20:00.340 --> 00:20:02.700 And to know that I am a good God. 00:20:04.600 --> 00:20:05.840 And I am your good God. 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:09.539 This good God is worthy of worship. 00:20:09.539 --> 00:20:11.419 Because he is the king who has brought them out. 00:20:12.579 --> 00:20:13.639 He's worthy of worship. 00:20:13.639 --> 00:20:15.279 Because he's the God who invites them in. 00:20:15.619 --> 00:20:16.779 And he's worthy of worship. 00:20:16.779 --> 00:20:18.279 Because he's the God who leads them on. 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:24.000 You know, I got our TV license reminder through the other day. 00:20:25.119 --> 00:20:26.779 And I went online to pay it. 00:20:26.879 --> 00:20:28.459 And it asks you a few questions. 00:20:28.459 --> 00:20:29.759 If you know the process, you've done it. 00:20:29.799 --> 00:20:30.459 Question one. 00:20:30.759 --> 00:20:32.259 What kind of license do you need? 00:20:33.779 --> 00:20:34.740 One of the options. 00:20:34.740 --> 00:20:35.980 Was black and white. 00:20:37.700 --> 00:20:38.599 And I thought to myself. 00:20:38.700 --> 00:20:42.220 Who still uses a black and white TV? 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:44.359 But the thing is. 00:20:44.400 --> 00:20:45.240 I remember growing up. 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:46.480 We had a black and white TV. 00:20:47.440 --> 00:20:48.400 It had a color function. 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:49.599 But it was a black and white TV. 00:20:50.160 --> 00:20:51.559 And one of the ways you got color. 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:52.920 Was that you had to spend ages. 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:54.900 And some of you might have done this. 00:20:55.059 --> 00:20:57.220 You had to spend ages with the dial at the top. 00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:58.920 And you just turned it. 00:20:58.980 --> 00:20:59.200 Turned it. 00:20:59.259 --> 00:20:59.460 Turned it. 00:20:59.599 --> 00:20:59.980 Turned it. 00:21:00.019 --> 00:21:00.319 Turned it. 00:21:00.339 --> 00:21:00.599 Turned it. 00:21:00.640 --> 00:21:01.120 Turned it. 00:21:01.180 --> 00:21:01.380 Turned it. 00:21:01.380 --> 00:21:01.660 Turned it. 00:21:01.660 --> 00:21:01.900 Turned it. 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:02.019 Turned it. 00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:02.519 Boom. 00:21:02.620 --> 00:21:02.880 Color. 00:21:02.880 --> 00:21:05.600 and my brother and I 00:21:05.600 --> 00:21:06.160 used to spend ages 00:21:06.160 --> 00:21:07.000 trying to get this 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:08.840 black and white TV to colour 00:21:08.840 --> 00:21:10.500 but see once we'd got it 00:21:10.500 --> 00:21:12.660 boy was that a picture 00:21:12.660 --> 00:21:15.660 worth playing on 00:21:15.660 --> 00:21:16.240 and looking at 00:21:16.240 --> 00:21:19.280 the thing is that 00:21:19.280 --> 00:21:21.920 Christ brings the full colour 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:22.640 to Psalm 100 00:21:22.640 --> 00:21:26.300 Jesus brings the volume 00:21:26.300 --> 00:21:27.880 the maximum volume 00:21:27.880 --> 00:21:28.920 to God's promises 00:21:28.920 --> 00:21:30.800 that he is good 00:21:30.800 --> 00:21:32.080 and that he will never change 00:21:32.079 --> 00:21:34.859 and Christ 00:21:34.859 --> 00:21:38.339 it's fully in him 00:21:38.339 --> 00:21:41.339 that we know that this good God is good 00:21:41.339 --> 00:21:43.319 and that his steadfast love 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:44.139 endures forever 00:21:44.139 --> 00:21:47.379 because Jesus is the king 00:21:47.379 --> 00:21:48.960 if you think about it 00:21:48.960 --> 00:21:50.720 who has brought his people out 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:52.379 he's the king of this Psalm 00:21:52.379 --> 00:21:53.720 Jesus is the one 00:21:53.720 --> 00:21:55.919 who has brought his people out 00:21:55.919 --> 00:21:57.419 from the slavery of our sin 00:21:57.419 --> 00:21:59.579 and he's triumphed over 00:21:59.579 --> 00:22:01.019 our greatest enemy 00:22:01.019 --> 00:22:02.299 as he died for our sin 00:22:02.299 --> 00:22:02.980 on the cross 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:05.400 and Jesus is the king 00:22:05.400 --> 00:22:06.420 who invites us in 00:22:06.420 --> 00:22:08.039 he is the one 00:22:08.039 --> 00:22:08.779 who offered himself 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:10.139 as a permanent sacrifice 00:22:10.139 --> 00:22:11.460 for sin on the cross 00:22:11.460 --> 00:22:12.019 atoning 00:22:12.019 --> 00:22:13.859 for my every sin 00:22:13.859 --> 00:22:16.420 atoning for the every sin 00:22:16.420 --> 00:22:16.900 of his people 00:22:16.900 --> 00:22:17.519 that's all those 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:18.299 who would put their trust 00:22:18.299 --> 00:22:18.660 in him 00:22:18.660 --> 00:22:19.700 and opening up the way 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:20.579 for us to come 00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:21.359 confidently 00:22:21.359 --> 00:22:22.200 not casually 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:22.900 confidently 00:22:22.900 --> 00:22:24.300 into the presence 00:22:24.300 --> 00:22:25.420 of a holy God 00:22:25.420 --> 00:22:26.780 and call him 00:22:26.780 --> 00:22:27.519 father 00:22:27.519 --> 00:22:30.780 and he is the one 00:22:30.780 --> 00:22:31.800 who along with the father 00:22:31.800 --> 00:22:32.660 has sent the spirit 00:22:32.660 --> 00:22:34.100 to dwell in the very hearts 00:22:34.100 --> 00:22:34.880 of his people 00:22:34.880 --> 00:22:37.140 to know that sonship 00:22:37.140 --> 00:22:38.100 that is ours 00:22:38.100 --> 00:22:39.460 as the three in one God 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:40.519 takes up residence 00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:41.660 in the very lives 00:22:41.660 --> 00:22:42.360 of his people 00:22:42.360 --> 00:22:44.060 and Jesus is the king 00:22:44.060 --> 00:22:44.920 who leads us on 00:22:44.920 --> 00:22:47.060 for what did he call himself 00:22:47.060 --> 00:22:48.019 John chapter 10 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:48.680 he's the what 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:50.580 he's the good shepherd 00:22:50.580 --> 00:22:54.140 the one who calls his sheep 00:22:54.140 --> 00:22:55.360 the one who knows his sheep 00:22:55.360 --> 00:22:56.799 the one who holds his sheep 00:22:56.799 --> 00:22:57.740 the one who prays 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.360 for his sheep 00:22:58.360 --> 00:22:59.660 and the one who will 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.720 one day return 00:23:00.720 --> 00:23:01.480 as we've been singing 00:23:01.480 --> 00:23:02.900 to gather his sheep 00:23:02.900 --> 00:23:04.460 and bring them home 00:23:04.460 --> 00:23:05.720 to be with God forever 00:23:05.720 --> 00:23:08.820 and you see how 00:23:08.820 --> 00:23:09.700 in light of everything 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:10.380 that God has done 00:23:10.380 --> 00:23:11.340 for us in Christ 00:23:11.340 --> 00:23:13.820 all of a sudden 00:23:13.820 --> 00:23:14.900 these six imperatives 00:23:14.900 --> 00:23:18.039 make full sense 00:23:18.039 --> 00:23:20.480 and now we can go 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:21.720 full Nike sermon on it 00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:24.619 make a joyful noise 00:23:24.619 --> 00:23:25.159 to the Lord 00:23:25.159 --> 00:23:26.399 for King Jesus is one 00:23:26.399 --> 00:23:28.019 come and celebrate him 00:23:28.019 --> 00:23:28.899 serve him 00:23:28.899 --> 00:23:30.299 with gladness 00:23:30.299 --> 00:23:31.960 follow him 00:23:31.960 --> 00:23:33.119 live for him 00:23:33.119 --> 00:23:34.460 in your every area 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:35.079 of life 00:23:35.079 --> 00:23:35.740 at work 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:37.059 in church 00:23:37.059 --> 00:23:37.960 at home 00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:39.500 seek to make him glorious 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:40.240 come 00:23:40.240 --> 00:23:41.500 into the Lord's 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:42.339 very presence 00:23:42.339 --> 00:23:43.700 with singing 00:23:43.700 --> 00:23:45.299 and enter his gates 00:23:45.299 --> 00:23:46.700 with thanksgiving 00:23:46.700 --> 00:23:47.759 and give him praise 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:48.700 do you see how 00:23:48.700 --> 00:23:49.440 this good God 00:23:49.440 --> 00:23:50.119 has thrilled 00:23:50.119 --> 00:23:51.440 the heart of the psalmist 00:23:51.440 --> 00:23:53.680 and they are celebrating 00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:55.140 and they are inviting 00:23:55.140 --> 00:23:58.000 and so let me ask us 00:23:58.000 --> 00:23:58.359 today 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:59.019 as God's people 00:23:59.019 --> 00:23:59.640 at Brunsfield 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:00.759 and maybe even some of us 00:24:00.759 --> 00:24:01.960 for the very first time 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:02.299 today 00:24:02.299 --> 00:24:03.440 as we put our trust 00:24:03.440 --> 00:24:03.980 in Jesus 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:04.879 as our king 00:24:04.879 --> 00:24:07.420 would join in 00:24:07.420 --> 00:24:09.579 the thousands of tongues 00:24:09.579 --> 00:24:10.539 down the years 00:24:10.539 --> 00:24:11.559 and in the years to come 00:24:11.559 --> 00:24:12.319 who will sing 00:24:12.319 --> 00:24:13.759 the chorus of Psalm 100 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:16.940 and join in the celebrating 00:24:16.940 --> 00:24:18.039 and the inviting 00:24:18.039 --> 00:24:19.079 to come and know 00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:20.039 this good God 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:21.220 whose steadfast love 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:21.859 endures 00:24:21.859 --> 00:24:22.759 forever 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:24.940 now friends 00:24:24.940 --> 00:24:25.819 just as we close 00:24:25.819 --> 00:24:27.059 you know yesterday 00:24:27.059 --> 00:24:27.640 was the 00:24:27.640 --> 00:24:28.400 as we've heard it said 00:24:28.400 --> 00:24:28.680 already 00:24:28.680 --> 00:24:29.759 50 years since 00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:30.279 Neil Armstrong 00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:31.579 walked on the moon 00:24:31.579 --> 00:24:33.700 and honestly having 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:34.299 a space themed 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:34.879 holiday club 00:24:34.879 --> 00:24:35.759 it's almost as if 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:36.599 you'd think 00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:37.160 we've got a youth 00:24:37.160 --> 00:24:37.940 passer who thought 00:24:37.940 --> 00:24:38.819 ahead and planned that 00:24:38.819 --> 00:24:39.319 I don't know 00:24:39.319 --> 00:24:40.559 and you should 00:24:40.559 --> 00:24:41.500 encourage him this week 00:24:41.500 --> 00:24:42.679 he was superb 00:24:42.679 --> 00:24:43.599 superb 00:24:43.599 --> 00:24:44.599 and all the team 00:24:44.599 --> 00:24:46.240 did such a brilliant job 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:47.139 so do encourage him 00:24:47.139 --> 00:24:47.819 if you get a chance 00:24:47.819 --> 00:24:48.399 today 00:24:48.399 --> 00:24:50.359 but I was reading 00:24:50.359 --> 00:24:50.899 this this week 00:24:50.899 --> 00:24:51.599 I didn't really know 00:24:51.599 --> 00:24:52.399 but part of the 00:24:52.399 --> 00:24:53.980 Apollo 11 team 00:24:53.980 --> 00:24:54.700 Buzz Aldrin 00:24:54.700 --> 00:24:56.859 amongst other things 00:24:56.859 --> 00:24:57.659 was an evangelical 00:24:57.659 --> 00:24:58.299 Christian 00:24:58.299 --> 00:25:00.539 and this week 00:25:00.539 --> 00:25:01.079 also marked 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:01.359 I don't know 00:25:01.359 --> 00:25:01.980 if you knew this 00:25:01.980 --> 00:25:02.899 but the first time 00:25:02.899 --> 00:25:03.759 communion was ever 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:04.559 taken on the moon 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:06.779 you can google it 00:25:06.779 --> 00:25:07.480 when you go home 00:25:07.480 --> 00:25:08.779 Buzz Aldrin 00:25:08.779 --> 00:25:09.660 an evangelical Christian 00:25:09.660 --> 00:25:10.420 he took it himself 00:25:10.420 --> 00:25:11.480 he took out his pocket 00:25:11.480 --> 00:25:12.119 when he was just 00:25:12.119 --> 00:25:13.000 about to take it 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:15.059 a crumpled up bit of paper 00:25:15.059 --> 00:25:16.700 and he unraveled it 00:25:16.700 --> 00:25:18.220 and on it 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:19.000 he read to him 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:19.500 the words that he 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:20.599 printed before he went 00:25:20.599 --> 00:25:21.379 John 15 00:25:21.379 --> 00:25:22.639 the words of Jesus 00:25:22.639 --> 00:25:24.240 I am the vine 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:25.879 you are the branches 00:25:25.879 --> 00:25:27.639 whoever remains in me 00:25:27.639 --> 00:25:28.240 and I in him 00:25:28.240 --> 00:25:29.220 will bear much fruit 00:25:29.220 --> 00:25:30.779 for without me 00:25:30.779 --> 00:25:32.639 you can do nothing 00:25:32.639 --> 00:25:34.819 and so he took 00:25:34.819 --> 00:25:35.299 the bread 00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:35.980 and the wine 00:25:35.980 --> 00:25:37.220 and it was almost 00:25:37.220 --> 00:25:37.980 Aldrin's way 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:38.900 of remembering 00:25:38.900 --> 00:25:40.019 that in the midst 00:25:40.019 --> 00:25:40.960 of all the achievement 00:25:40.960 --> 00:25:42.059 and in the celebration 00:25:42.059 --> 00:25:43.660 that he was very small 00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:46.059 and he was finite 00:25:46.059 --> 00:25:48.279 but he was remembering 00:25:48.279 --> 00:25:48.960 the God 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:51.400 who is eternal 00:25:51.400 --> 00:25:53.799 friends we live 00:25:53.799 --> 00:25:54.839 in a come and go world 00:25:54.839 --> 00:25:56.779 things will come 00:25:56.779 --> 00:25:57.920 and they will go 00:25:57.920 --> 00:26:00.180 our world's constantly changing 00:26:00.180 --> 00:26:01.279 but this Sam invites us 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:01.980 to come and worship 00:26:01.980 --> 00:26:02.519 the God 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:03.759 who never changes 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:05.860 he stays the same 00:26:05.859 --> 00:26:08.000 he's always been good 00:26:08.000 --> 00:26:10.039 he always will be good 00:26:10.039 --> 00:26:11.519 and the invitation 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:12.619 is to come and know him 00:26:12.619 --> 00:26:13.439 and celebrate him 00:26:13.439 --> 00:26:14.159 by knowing Jesus 00:26:14.159 --> 00:26:14.979 as your saviour 00:26:14.979 --> 00:26:15.859 because this God 00:26:15.859 --> 00:26:16.879 his faithful love 00:26:16.879 --> 00:26:18.179 it endures forever 00:26:18.179 --> 00:26:19.299 and this God 00:26:19.299 --> 00:26:20.459 his faithfulness 00:26:20.459 --> 00:26:21.459 endures 00:26:21.459 --> 00:26:22.339 for all 00:26:22.339 --> 00:26:23.339 generations 00:26:23.339 --> 00:26:25.319 you 00:26:25.319 --> 00:26:25.339 you 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:25.819 you 00:26:25.819 --> 00:26:26.000 you 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:26.399 you 00:26:26.399 --> 00:26:26.519 you 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:27.159 you 00:26:27.159 --> 00:26:28.019 you 00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:28.319 you 00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:28.699 you 00:26:28.699 --> 00:26:28.799 you 00:26:28.799 --> 00:26:28.819 you 00:26:28.819 --> 00:26:29.079 you 00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:45.319 you