add all 2020 transcripts

A Burning Bush, a Concerned God, and a Hesitant Response (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,1038 @@
+[0.00 --> 6.60]  So today, I don't get to preach every week, of course.
+[6.70 --> 8.14]  I kind of come and go a little bit.
+[8.20 --> 11.24]  Every few weeks I pop up here, and so it's hard to maybe get some rhythm in,
+[11.28 --> 13.86]  so I have to think of what I'm going to preach on kind of sporadically.
+[14.00 --> 16.60]  And today I knew that the kids were going to be doing Moses in the Burning Bush,
+[16.66 --> 18.98]  so I thought, hey, why not just do the same thing?
+[19.22 --> 21.28]  Why try to think too creatively about it?
+[21.28 --> 23.12]  It's a really, really big story.
+[23.12 --> 26.20]  It's one that we've all heard before because we just did it a second ago,
+[26.20 --> 29.82]  and I thought, you know what, let's dig into it a little bit further.
+[30.26 --> 33.94]  So we're going to do this without the help of a wrinkly blue old dog at the end of my arm,
+[34.36 --> 36.68]  and we're going to look at this passage right now.
+[37.26 --> 41.82]  It is a bit of a fascinating story, and it's a bit of a big story as well.
+[42.74 --> 47.30]  But even though it is a popular story and a big story, there is a ton to unpack in it,
+[47.84 --> 50.66]  and so I thought that we could spend some time looking at that today.
+[50.66 --> 57.34]  There's enough in this passage, actually, that you could spend weeks and weeks and weeks on it,
+[58.34 --> 61.28]  but we don't have weeks and weeks and weeks, so we're just going to really dig in for,
+[61.48 --> 64.78]  we're going to spend the next few hours just, you know, tackling Moses here.
+[64.98 --> 67.48]  So, just kidding, it's like barely over an hour.
+[68.78 --> 73.14]  My hope is that you can find in this familiar story something new and something creative.
+[73.32 --> 75.52]  I'm hearing a real high. Is that my mic?
+[76.30 --> 79.02]  It's my voice? Okay, Eric's just shaking his head.
+[79.02 --> 82.16]  We might just have to deal with a little bit of technical difficulty. Sorry about that.
+[83.46 --> 86.74]  So, on the screen behind me, if you've got your Bibles in front of you, open up.
+[86.76 --> 91.06]  We're going to look at Exodus 3, the first 12 verses of Exodus 3 today.
+[91.78 --> 94.70]  You'll notice if you do open your Bibles, the story's much longer than that,
+[94.78 --> 97.24]  but like I said, we're just going to hone in on sort of these first 12 verses,
+[97.36 --> 99.04]  because there's enough there for us to look at.
+[99.86 --> 102.44]  So, Exodus 3, the first 12 verses, it says this.
+[103.44 --> 108.86]  Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian.
+[109.02 --> 114.90]  And he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
+[115.80 --> 120.12]  There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush.
+[121.12 --> 125.06]  Moses saw that though the bush was on fire, it did not burn up.
+[125.88 --> 129.04]  So Moses thought, I will go over and see this strange sight.
+[129.12 --> 130.34]  Why the bush does not burn up?
+[130.34 --> 135.16]  When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush,
+[135.68 --> 137.60]  Moses, Moses.
+[138.80 --> 141.50]  And Moses said, here I am.
+[142.64 --> 144.80]  Do not come any closer, God said.
+[144.90 --> 148.66]  Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.
+[149.92 --> 152.02]  Then he said, I am the God of your father,
+[152.48 --> 155.46]  the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
+[155.46 --> 161.88]  At this, Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.
+[163.08 --> 166.52]  The Lord said, I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt.
+[166.64 --> 169.00]  I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers,
+[169.20 --> 170.90]  and I am concerned about their suffering.
+[171.02 --> 174.22]  So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians
+[174.22 --> 178.98]  and to bring them out of that land into a good and spacious land,
+[179.30 --> 181.78]  a land flowing with milk and honey,
+[182.68 --> 187.44]  the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
+[189.08 --> 191.32]  And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me,
+[191.36 --> 193.74]  and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.
+[194.40 --> 199.60]  So now go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.
+[199.60 --> 205.32]  But Moses said to God, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?
+[206.28 --> 208.36]  And God said, I will be with you,
+[208.80 --> 212.32]  and this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you.
+[212.90 --> 214.74]  When you have brought the people out of Egypt,
+[215.14 --> 218.38]  you will worship God on this mountain.
+[219.08 --> 220.14]  The word of the Lord.
+[222.48 --> 224.46]  Now, as with everything in the Bible,
+[224.80 --> 228.18]  this is a little story in the midst of a giant story.
+[228.18 --> 232.62]  And while the burning bush story sort of stands on its own in terms of intrigue
+[232.62 --> 234.04]  and in terms of magnitude,
+[234.04 --> 237.80]  it's placed in this grand narrative of Scripture.
+[238.20 --> 241.80]  And it's important to be reminded, or perhaps even hear for the first time,
+[242.22 --> 246.62]  how this event fits into this big story of Scripture.
+[247.26 --> 248.40]  And so, strap yourselves in.
+[248.62 --> 251.70]  I'm going to get us there in about 400 words or less,
+[251.88 --> 253.02]  how the Bible gets us here.
+[253.10 --> 256.80]  So, as you've been hearing with Pastor Burt over the past few weeks,
+[256.80 --> 258.50]  we've been talking about this man, Joseph.
+[258.90 --> 263.26]  Well, this story takes place right after the story of Joseph in the Bible.
+[263.64 --> 266.52]  And without purposefully ruining the end of Pastor Burt's sermon series,
+[267.02 --> 269.98]  Joseph, who is the son of Jacob, who is the son of Isaac,
+[270.10 --> 272.78]  who is the son of Abraham, gets sold into slavery
+[272.78 --> 276.00]  and eventually becomes this high-ranking official in Egypt.
+[277.10 --> 279.82]  After he interprets this dream of Pharaoh teaching,
+[279.96 --> 282.84]  or prophesying, sorry, about this famine that's going to be hitting Egypt,
+[282.84 --> 286.60]  he gets put in charge of all of the harvest
+[286.60 --> 288.60]  and of all of the food within Egypt,
+[288.72 --> 291.56]  making sure that Egypt will be in a good place when this famine hits.
+[292.02 --> 294.56]  Now, because of this famine, Joseph's extended family,
+[294.72 --> 296.20]  which was about 70 people,
+[296.64 --> 300.08]  actually moves to Egypt for all the food that is there.
+[300.24 --> 301.92]  And they end up reuniting with Joseph
+[301.92 --> 304.78]  and living there for a very long time.
+[305.54 --> 307.34]  Now, while in the Bible the story of Moses
+[307.34 --> 309.14]  immediately follows the story of Joseph,
+[309.14 --> 312.20]  in fact, about 400 years go by.
+[312.72 --> 315.46]  And in that time, numerous generations, of course, pass.
+[315.54 --> 317.60]  And over the course of those 400 years,
+[318.04 --> 322.34]  Joseph's family of 70 grows massively.
+[322.88 --> 324.96]  In 400 years, that family of 70
+[324.96 --> 329.96]  grows to a family of 600,000 soldier-aged men,
+[330.60 --> 333.76]  which we read about in Exodus 12, verse 37.
+[334.50 --> 337.96]  So that's 600,000 soldier-aged men.
+[337.96 --> 340.50]  And if you included the women and the children
+[340.50 --> 342.28]  and the non-soldier-aged men,
+[342.46 --> 344.00]  we're talking about a group of people
+[344.00 --> 346.18]  that's probably well over 2 million.
+[346.50 --> 349.02]  That's a lot, and that is a very fertile family.
+[349.94 --> 351.28]  Now, over that time,
+[351.46 --> 353.50]  pharaohs have also come and gone, of course.
+[353.84 --> 356.62]  And eventually, they kind of forget about Joseph
+[356.62 --> 357.70]  and all he did for them.
+[357.74 --> 359.06]  And they forget about this family
+[359.06 --> 362.06]  that's now grown into this giant number of people.
+[362.36 --> 363.94]  They grow increasingly worried
+[363.94 --> 365.50]  and end up enslaving them
+[365.50 --> 368.06]  and eventually command that all Hebrew boys
+[368.06 --> 370.60]  that are born be cast into the Nile River and killed.
+[371.26 --> 373.44]  Well, Moses is born in that time.
+[373.94 --> 375.28]  And Moses' mother saves him
+[375.28 --> 376.28]  by putting him in a basket,
+[376.42 --> 377.40]  floating him down the river.
+[377.50 --> 379.62]  He eventually gets adopted by pharaoh's daughter,
+[379.96 --> 381.14]  gets to live in the palace,
+[381.54 --> 382.26]  learn their customs.
+[382.34 --> 384.48]  But one day, he sees a Hebrew man
+[384.48 --> 386.44]  being treated poorly by an Egyptian soldier.
+[386.44 --> 388.36]  So he kills the Egyptian soldier,
+[388.84 --> 390.42]  gets called out for it, and flees.
+[391.10 --> 392.10]  And now he's on the run.
+[392.52 --> 394.86]  He's a shepherd for his father-in-law,
+[395.04 --> 397.24]  and he's been in the wilderness for a long time.
+[397.44 --> 400.08]  And then he sees a burning bush.
+[400.56 --> 403.28]  And that is the text that we are in today.
+[404.50 --> 407.08]  So interestingly, the years of Moses' life,
+[407.18 --> 409.58]  they're divided into three 40-year chunks.
+[409.70 --> 411.62]  It worked out quite perfectly for him, actually.
+[411.62 --> 413.20]  So the first 40 years,
+[413.30 --> 415.26]  he spends in the palace in Egypt.
+[415.52 --> 417.34]  Then he kills that man, and he flees.
+[417.40 --> 418.42]  In the next 40 years,
+[418.42 --> 421.54]  he is a shepherd in the wilderness in Midian.
+[421.84 --> 423.58]  And the third starts with this passage.
+[423.68 --> 424.60]  He sees this bush,
+[424.84 --> 425.84]  and he eventually goes
+[425.84 --> 428.76]  and helps lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
+[429.18 --> 430.22]  That's how it's broken down.
+[430.30 --> 431.72]  Now, it's interesting, though,
+[431.76 --> 437.46]  because Moses was born to be Israel's deliverer.
+[437.80 --> 440.18]  He was born to help lead them out of the Promised Land.
+[440.18 --> 444.12]  And yet, not a word of that is mentioned to him
+[444.12 --> 446.50]  until he's 80 years old.
+[446.50 --> 448.92]  As we continue through this story,
+[449.00 --> 449.78]  remember that nugget,
+[449.86 --> 450.86]  because that's very important.
+[451.90 --> 453.22]  The other interesting note
+[453.22 --> 454.84]  before we really dig into this text
+[454.84 --> 458.38]  is the location that this story takes place.
+[459.26 --> 460.88]  Verse 12 of our text tells us this.
+[461.54 --> 463.66]  But the mountain where Moses was,
+[463.74 --> 465.32]  where this burning bush story takes place,
+[465.38 --> 466.24]  is the same mountain
+[466.24 --> 467.92]  that Moses will later receive
+[467.92 --> 470.00]  the Ten Commandments from God,
+[470.18 --> 471.08]  and the same mountain
+[471.08 --> 472.74]  that the Israelites will worship God.
+[473.56 --> 475.38]  Some details like that slip through sometimes
+[475.38 --> 476.14]  when we hear these stories,
+[476.20 --> 477.04]  but I found that fascinating
+[477.04 --> 478.50]  that God uses this place
+[478.50 --> 480.44]  as sort of a central hub
+[480.44 --> 482.06]  for a lot of the different things that he does.
+[483.08 --> 484.26]  Now to the text at hand.
+[484.32 --> 486.56]  There's two characteristics of God
+[486.56 --> 488.50]  that come out of this encounter
+[488.50 --> 491.66]  that deserve our attention today.
+[492.42 --> 493.12]  And so we're going to look
+[493.12 --> 494.68]  at these two characteristics now.
+[495.12 --> 499.30]  The first characteristic of God
+[499.30 --> 500.66]  that comes from this passage
+[500.66 --> 503.36]  is the power of God.
+[504.68 --> 506.12]  It's God's power.
+[507.08 --> 508.18]  God appears to Moses
+[508.18 --> 509.50]  in the form of a burning bush.
+[509.86 --> 510.70]  Now throughout the Bible,
+[511.10 --> 512.38]  God uses fire and smoke
+[512.38 --> 513.90]  to symbolize his presence.
+[514.36 --> 515.48]  Even nowadays, of course,
+[515.58 --> 517.08]  we will light candles
+[517.08 --> 518.70]  to symbolize Christ's presence
+[518.70 --> 520.16]  or the Holy Spirit's presence
+[520.16 --> 520.86]  in our service.
+[521.46 --> 522.70]  But here in this story,
+[522.78 --> 524.88]  this is much, much more
+[524.88 --> 526.12]  than a symbol.
+[526.12 --> 529.80]  This was God present
+[529.80 --> 531.54]  in the burning bush.
+[532.70 --> 533.86]  Now if you read your text,
+[533.94 --> 535.48]  it might seem a bit confusing at first
+[535.48 --> 536.58]  because verse 2 says
+[536.58 --> 537.62]  that an angel of the Lord
+[537.62 --> 538.84]  appeared to Moses in the bush.
+[539.10 --> 540.20]  But then right after that,
+[540.28 --> 540.80]  in verse 4,
+[540.86 --> 542.32]  it says that God called out
+[542.32 --> 543.14]  from the bush.
+[543.88 --> 545.42]  Now it's important to note this too,
+[545.50 --> 546.96]  just to clarify that a little bit.
+[547.18 --> 548.46]  In the early Old Testament,
+[548.86 --> 549.52]  in the early,
+[549.62 --> 550.54]  the Pentateuch especially,
+[550.98 --> 552.52]  angels were not simply
+[552.52 --> 554.14]  just messengers.
+[554.14 --> 556.38]  They weren't just messengers
+[556.38 --> 558.06]  delivering a message from God.
+[558.52 --> 559.28]  But in fact,
+[559.36 --> 560.16]  they were entities
+[560.16 --> 562.00]  that embodied the living God.
+[562.86 --> 565.06]  God came down to his people
+[565.06 --> 567.02]  in the presence of an angel
+[567.02 --> 568.30]  elsewhere in the Old Testament too,
+[568.34 --> 569.22]  like when God called down
+[569.22 --> 570.74]  to Hagar in Genesis 21,
+[570.96 --> 572.34]  or when God wrestled Jacob
+[572.34 --> 573.40]  in Genesis 32,
+[573.70 --> 575.32]  or when God spoke to Gideon
+[575.32 --> 576.50]  in Judges 6.
+[576.64 --> 578.08]  So this is the same thing here.
+[578.28 --> 580.80]  This is God present in the bush.
+[581.06 --> 581.74]  Nothing else.
+[582.02 --> 583.10]  Nothing less than that.
+[585.14 --> 586.50]  So we've got God in the bush.
+[586.58 --> 587.56]  He calls Moses over,
+[587.64 --> 588.64]  and then they've got this dialogue.
+[588.82 --> 589.98]  And read this with me right now.
+[590.26 --> 591.56]  Look at verses 4 to 6.
+[591.98 --> 592.58]  God calls out.
+[592.62 --> 592.82]  He says,
+[592.92 --> 593.90]  Moses, Moses.
+[594.40 --> 595.34]  Then Moses replies,
+[595.42 --> 595.94]  Here I am.
+[596.82 --> 597.34]  And God says,
+[597.40 --> 598.24]  Don't come any closer.
+[600.08 --> 601.30]  Take off your sandals,
+[601.52 --> 602.86]  for the place where you're standing
+[602.86 --> 603.84]  is holy ground.
+[605.22 --> 605.94]  That's interesting.
+[606.72 --> 607.60]  God then goes on,
+[607.64 --> 608.00]  and he says,
+[608.08 --> 609.48]  I am the God of your father,
+[609.48 --> 610.78]  the God of Abraham,
+[611.02 --> 611.70]  the God of Isaac,
+[611.80 --> 612.50]  the God of Jacob.
+[612.50 --> 614.82]  And after God says this to Moses,
+[615.88 --> 618.62]  Moses hides his face from him.
+[619.96 --> 620.48]  Why?
+[622.52 --> 623.60]  The text tells us
+[623.60 --> 624.94]  it's not in reverence to God.
+[625.54 --> 627.46]  It's not because of shame.
+[627.60 --> 629.74]  It's not because of guilt of past sins
+[629.74 --> 631.04]  that he's committed.
+[632.04 --> 634.40]  It's because he feared God.
+[634.48 --> 636.84]  He feared to look at God.
+[637.74 --> 638.54]  This was not guilt.
+[638.68 --> 639.60]  This was not shame.
+[640.24 --> 641.28]  This was fear
+[641.28 --> 643.70]  that caused Moses to hide his face.
+[644.48 --> 645.32]  This is huge.
+[645.40 --> 646.40]  This is a big detail.
+[646.80 --> 648.18]  There's a parallel story in the Bible,
+[648.32 --> 649.26]  Isaiah chapter 6,
+[649.42 --> 651.74]  where God calls out to Isaiah in a vision.
+[652.02 --> 653.50]  And it's a very similar situation,
+[653.60 --> 654.36]  just like this story.
+[654.70 --> 656.06]  Isaiah turns his face
+[656.06 --> 657.74]  from God in that story.
+[658.44 --> 659.52]  But in Isaiah's case,
+[659.66 --> 661.26]  it's because he feels unworthy.
+[661.88 --> 662.92]  It's because he feels
+[662.92 --> 664.30]  that he is too sinful.
+[664.30 --> 666.26]  He is unable to look at God
+[666.26 --> 667.36]  because of the sins
+[667.36 --> 668.16]  that he has committed.
+[668.78 --> 670.92]  And then God touches Isaiah's lips
+[670.92 --> 671.54]  and says,
+[671.98 --> 673.28]  your guilt is taken away.
+[673.68 --> 675.76]  Your sin is atoned for.
+[677.52 --> 678.86]  In fact, sin and guilt
+[678.86 --> 680.98]  are often the first thing acknowledged
+[680.98 --> 682.80]  when the living God
+[682.80 --> 684.12]  interacts with his people.
+[684.80 --> 685.62]  If you think about Jesus
+[685.62 --> 686.54]  when he walked this earth,
+[686.82 --> 689.18]  how often before he heals someone
+[689.18 --> 690.62]  or while he's healing someone,
+[690.76 --> 693.08]  is he also forgiving their sins?
+[694.30 --> 695.06]  Constantly.
+[697.52 --> 699.20]  But that's not here in this story.
+[700.38 --> 701.04]  Notice that?
+[701.88 --> 702.24]  Now remember,
+[702.34 --> 703.60]  Moses is very guilty of sin,
+[703.76 --> 705.04]  the least of which is murder.
+[706.10 --> 707.38]  And that's why he finds himself
+[707.38 --> 708.44]  in this neck of the woods anyways.
+[708.58 --> 709.74]  But this is not guilt or shame
+[709.74 --> 710.60]  that he's hiding its face.
+[710.66 --> 714.20]  It's because he is afraid of God.
+[715.14 --> 716.68]  Moral demand and forgiveness
+[716.68 --> 719.02]  play little to no role
+[719.02 --> 721.80]  in this encounter with God.
+[722.94 --> 723.78]  So here,
+[724.48 --> 728.44]  God's not portrayed as love or justice,
+[729.36 --> 731.40]  but he's portrayed as power.
+[732.76 --> 733.90]  Now of course God is love
+[733.90 --> 735.14]  and of course God is just.
+[735.24 --> 736.24]  That's not to minimize that.
+[736.24 --> 737.10]  But right here,
+[737.18 --> 738.82]  those characteristics aren't spoken of,
+[739.14 --> 741.12]  but his power is.
+[743.10 --> 743.54]  Moses,
+[744.00 --> 746.76]  standing in the powerful presence of God,
+[746.76 --> 748.14]  has to take his sandals off
+[748.14 --> 749.64]  and hide his face.
+[751.84 --> 753.18]  Now the power of God
+[753.18 --> 754.72]  is definitely a constant theme
+[754.72 --> 755.20]  in the Bible,
+[755.20 --> 756.38]  but I think it's actually one
+[756.38 --> 758.34]  that we often brush aside.
+[759.96 --> 761.98]  Perhaps it's because it's
+[761.98 --> 762.90]  incomprehensible.
+[763.56 --> 764.46]  Perhaps because
+[764.46 --> 766.70]  it's less attractive to us
+[766.70 --> 767.54]  than love
+[767.54 --> 767.94]  or
+[767.94 --> 769.52]  or his mercy.
+[769.92 --> 770.94]  Those ones we like,
+[771.10 --> 771.84]  they're attractive.
+[771.98 --> 773.06]  We can relate to those.
+[773.06 --> 773.82]  But his power?
+[774.90 --> 775.84]  Not so much.
+[777.96 --> 779.34]  We can't truly grasp
+[779.34 --> 779.88]  the magnitude
+[779.88 --> 781.48]  of any of God's characteristics,
+[781.74 --> 781.84]  though,
+[781.88 --> 782.96]  unless we understand
+[782.96 --> 783.68]  God's power.
+[784.74 --> 785.42]  God's grace,
+[785.54 --> 786.04]  God's mercy,
+[786.14 --> 786.80]  God's justice,
+[786.96 --> 788.40]  they are all predicated
+[788.40 --> 789.76]  on this very power
+[789.76 --> 790.92]  that God possesses.
+[791.82 --> 792.62]  His grace,
+[792.76 --> 793.24]  his mercy,
+[793.32 --> 793.88]  his justice,
+[794.18 --> 794.88]  none of them
+[794.88 --> 796.22]  hold up to anything
+[796.22 --> 797.56]  if it weren't
+[797.56 --> 799.18]  for God's power.
+[800.32 --> 801.80]  And Moses got that.
+[803.06 --> 803.94]  So he was afraid.
+[805.96 --> 807.12]  The distance between
+[807.12 --> 808.12]  God and man here
+[808.12 --> 808.78]  is highlighted
+[808.78 --> 809.52]  in this encounter
+[809.52 --> 810.26]  and that distance
+[810.26 --> 811.36]  is measured
+[811.36 --> 812.34]  by power.
+[812.66 --> 813.74]  Now all of us today,
+[814.82 --> 816.20]  this is applicable to us
+[816.20 --> 817.20]  because in our approaches
+[817.20 --> 817.66]  to God,
+[817.76 --> 818.40]  in our approaches
+[818.40 --> 819.30]  to other man,
+[819.82 --> 821.00]  it's going to behoove us
+[821.00 --> 821.66]  all to remember
+[821.66 --> 823.26]  that infinite distance
+[823.26 --> 824.48]  that exists
+[824.48 --> 825.84]  in the power
+[825.84 --> 827.78]  between us and God.
+[829.12 --> 830.08]  I think we can so easily
+[830.08 --> 830.90]  call God friend,
+[831.02 --> 831.72]  we can so easily
+[831.72 --> 832.72]  call God our father,
+[832.72 --> 833.38]  our savior,
+[833.76 --> 835.12]  we so easily blame him
+[835.12 --> 836.30]  when things are going wrong,
+[836.44 --> 837.40]  we get mad at him
+[837.40 --> 838.54]  when we don't get our way,
+[838.72 --> 839.54]  we get frustrated
+[839.54 --> 840.22]  when we don't understand
+[840.22 --> 840.82]  what's happening,
+[841.00 --> 842.10]  but how often
+[842.10 --> 843.20]  do we sit
+[843.20 --> 844.50]  and tremble
+[844.50 --> 846.46]  at the reality
+[846.46 --> 847.36]  that God
+[847.36 --> 850.10]  is so much
+[850.10 --> 852.28]  more infinitely powerful
+[852.28 --> 854.06]  than any of us?
+[854.06 --> 856.92]  and in a culture
+[856.92 --> 858.44]  that teaches us
+[858.44 --> 859.14]  that we are
+[859.14 --> 860.38]  our own gods,
+[861.06 --> 863.42]  this is incredibly important
+[863.42 --> 864.34]  for us to remember.
+[866.38 --> 867.82]  So that's the first characteristic.
+[868.00 --> 868.74]  God is powerful.
+[869.22 --> 869.94]  What's beautiful
+[869.94 --> 870.96]  in this passage though
+[870.96 --> 872.28]  is that in
+[872.28 --> 873.52]  his infinite
+[873.52 --> 874.68]  and ultimate power,
+[874.94 --> 876.62]  we see a second characteristic
+[876.62 --> 878.20]  come to the top
+[878.20 --> 879.32]  and shine through.
+[879.32 --> 881.52]  And this is a characteristic
+[881.52 --> 882.74]  that often doesn't
+[882.74 --> 884.18]  accompany power.
+[885.78 --> 886.68]  And that is that
+[886.68 --> 887.84]  God is concerned
+[887.84 --> 889.76]  for his people.
+[891.42 --> 892.90]  That's the sole reason
+[892.90 --> 893.66]  for this encounter
+[893.66 --> 894.38]  in the first place.
+[894.84 --> 896.46]  God was concerned
+[896.46 --> 897.78]  for his people.
+[899.30 --> 900.86]  Just before this passage,
+[901.06 --> 902.18]  the last three verses
+[902.18 --> 903.20]  in Exodus 2,
+[903.40 --> 904.76]  there's four terms used
+[904.76 --> 908.26]  to describe God's response
+[908.26 --> 909.16]  to his people's suffering.
+[909.68 --> 910.44]  So if you've got your Bibles,
+[910.54 --> 911.16]  you can look at that too.
+[911.22 --> 912.58]  Exodus 2, 23 to 25.
+[912.90 --> 913.52]  God heard
+[913.52 --> 914.94]  his people's groaning.
+[915.34 --> 916.18]  He remembered
+[916.18 --> 917.62]  his promises to them.
+[917.70 --> 918.34]  He saw
+[918.34 --> 919.34]  their suffering
+[919.34 --> 920.46]  and he knew
+[920.46 --> 921.46]  they needed saving.
+[922.46 --> 923.16]  God heard,
+[923.38 --> 923.86]  remembered,
+[924.24 --> 924.52]  saw,
+[924.68 --> 925.14]  and knew.
+[925.70 --> 926.62]  And then in this text
+[926.62 --> 927.56]  that we read to today,
+[928.08 --> 928.60]  God
+[928.60 --> 931.66]  uses the same language.
+[932.82 --> 933.38]  You can read that
+[933.38 --> 934.36]  in verse 7
+[934.36 --> 935.24]  through 10.
+[935.34 --> 936.22]  God saw the misery
+[936.22 --> 936.76]  of his people.
+[936.98 --> 938.24]  He heard them crying out.
+[939.12 --> 940.20]  The people's cries
+[940.20 --> 940.74]  reached him
+[940.74 --> 941.28]  and he saw
+[941.28 --> 942.18]  how they were being oppressed.
+[942.52 --> 943.86]  So because God saw this,
+[944.06 --> 945.26]  he remembered his people
+[945.26 --> 946.52]  and he tells Moses
+[946.52 --> 947.32]  that he has come down
+[947.32 --> 948.00]  to save him.
+[949.48 --> 950.16]  All of this
+[950.16 --> 951.00]  because he is concerned
+[951.00 --> 951.64]  for his people.
+[953.48 --> 954.46]  And the result
+[954.46 --> 955.40]  of his concern
+[955.40 --> 956.66]  are the words
+[956.66 --> 957.80]  of Exodus 3,
+[957.98 --> 959.20]  verse 8
+[959.20 --> 960.58]  in our text today.
+[961.18 --> 964.08]  I have come down.
+[965.36 --> 966.36]  God had come down
+[966.36 --> 966.96]  to his people
+[966.96 --> 968.10]  and he was about
+[968.10 --> 969.84]  to divinely intervene
+[969.84 --> 971.64]  to get them out of Egypt
+[971.64 --> 972.80]  and into the promised land.
+[974.08 --> 974.86]  And then do you know
+[974.86 --> 975.84]  how the story goes from there?
+[976.64 --> 977.84]  God does come down.
+[978.52 --> 979.42]  He saves his people
+[979.42 --> 979.88]  from Egypt.
+[980.00 --> 980.74]  He leads them
+[980.74 --> 981.94]  to the promised land
+[981.94 --> 983.16]  and establishes them there.
+[983.92 --> 984.92]  And then generations
+[984.92 --> 985.74]  go by
+[985.74 --> 987.34]  and the generations
+[987.34 --> 988.46]  come and they go
+[988.46 --> 989.30]  and God's people,
+[989.50 --> 990.56]  while they're stubborn,
+[990.56 --> 992.46]  they would disobey God
+[992.46 --> 993.66]  and God's calling
+[993.66 --> 994.42]  on their lives.
+[994.50 --> 995.12]  They would sin
+[995.12 --> 996.22]  and they would worship idols
+[996.22 --> 997.04]  and they would bow down
+[997.04 --> 997.74]  to false gods
+[997.74 --> 999.04]  and they would take over
+[999.04 --> 999.56]  the customs
+[999.56 --> 1000.84]  of the people around them.
+[1000.96 --> 1001.84]  So much so that
+[1001.84 --> 1002.66]  it gets really bad.
+[1002.72 --> 1003.62]  They start sacrificing
+[1003.62 --> 1004.46]  their own children
+[1004.46 --> 1006.00]  to these false gods.
+[1006.20 --> 1007.46]  And it gets really,
+[1007.66 --> 1008.94]  really bad.
+[1010.68 --> 1011.84]  And God's watching
+[1011.84 --> 1012.94]  the whole time.
+[1013.94 --> 1014.70]  And he would always
+[1014.70 --> 1015.28]  be listening.
+[1016.34 --> 1017.56]  He'd always be speaking
+[1017.56 --> 1018.10]  to them,
+[1018.52 --> 1019.68]  telling them to turn to him.
+[1021.24 --> 1022.08]  But they don't.
+[1023.68 --> 1024.50]  And they suffer
+[1024.50 --> 1026.48]  again and again.
+[1026.84 --> 1027.76]  They become captives.
+[1027.98 --> 1028.80]  They become captives
+[1028.80 --> 1029.42]  to Assyria.
+[1029.50 --> 1030.30]  They become captives
+[1030.30 --> 1030.84]  to Babylon.
+[1031.10 --> 1031.82]  They become captives
+[1031.82 --> 1032.44]  to Persia.
+[1034.06 --> 1034.98]  Until one day,
+[1036.84 --> 1037.80]  God's concern
+[1037.80 --> 1039.94]  culminates
+[1039.94 --> 1041.94]  in Bethlehem
+[1041.94 --> 1043.44]  where once again
+[1043.44 --> 1044.28]  he comes down
+[1044.28 --> 1045.98]  as a baby this time,
+[1046.06 --> 1046.94]  not in a burning bush,
+[1046.94 --> 1048.48]  but with the same intentions,
+[1048.60 --> 1050.36]  to save his people.
+[1052.72 --> 1054.62]  This baby is born,
+[1054.70 --> 1055.42]  the Son of God,
+[1055.46 --> 1056.48]  who grows into this man,
+[1056.54 --> 1057.44]  who dies on a cross
+[1057.44 --> 1058.64]  and is risen from the dead
+[1058.64 --> 1059.88]  and he ultimately
+[1059.88 --> 1061.22]  defeats sin and death
+[1061.22 --> 1062.36]  for good.
+[1064.66 --> 1066.16]  See, God's concern
+[1066.16 --> 1066.92]  for his people
+[1066.92 --> 1068.20]  has been a permanent fixture.
+[1070.70 --> 1071.96]  He was concerned for them
+[1071.96 --> 1072.86]  when they were captives
+[1072.86 --> 1073.42]  in Egypt.
+[1073.58 --> 1074.52]  He was concerned for them
+[1074.52 --> 1075.32]  when they were captives
+[1075.32 --> 1076.24]  to their own sin
+[1076.24 --> 1077.06]  in the promised land.
+[1077.06 --> 1078.40]  He was concerned for them
+[1078.40 --> 1081.76]  when they were in captivity
+[1081.76 --> 1082.56]  in their own sins,
+[1082.60 --> 1083.12]  like I said.
+[1083.40 --> 1085.24]  He was concerned for them
+[1085.24 --> 1086.04]  when they were awaiting
+[1086.04 --> 1086.66]  this Messiah.
+[1086.76 --> 1087.68]  He was concerned for them
+[1087.68 --> 1088.52]  when the Messiah came
+[1088.52 --> 1089.86]  and they did not recognize him.
+[1090.54 --> 1091.30]  And brothers and sisters,
+[1091.42 --> 1093.26]  his concern for his people
+[1093.26 --> 1094.72]  continues today.
+[1094.72 --> 1098.60]  So whether you are here
+[1098.60 --> 1099.16]  this morning,
+[1099.30 --> 1100.08]  here in the sanctuary,
+[1100.30 --> 1101.06]  there in the foyer,
+[1101.26 --> 1102.24]  at home as well,
+[1103.24 --> 1104.92]  and you are being held captive
+[1104.92 --> 1105.62]  by depression
+[1105.62 --> 1107.94]  or you're being held captive
+[1107.94 --> 1108.62]  by grief
+[1108.62 --> 1110.28]  or by worry
+[1110.28 --> 1112.28]  or by fear
+[1112.28 --> 1113.48]  or by confusion
+[1113.48 --> 1115.22]  or by anxiety
+[1115.22 --> 1116.12]  or by frustration
+[1116.12 --> 1116.94]  or by pain
+[1116.94 --> 1118.54]  or by whatever affliction
+[1118.54 --> 1119.40]  you find yourself
+[1119.40 --> 1120.30]  going through today,
+[1120.30 --> 1123.78]  God is concerned
+[1123.78 --> 1124.58]  for his people.
+[1128.32 --> 1129.48]  So much so
+[1129.48 --> 1130.64]  that he came down
+[1130.64 --> 1131.34]  a third time
+[1131.34 --> 1132.40]  permanently
+[1132.40 --> 1133.34]  with his Holy Spirit
+[1133.34 --> 1134.04]  to be with
+[1134.04 --> 1135.10]  and to walk with
+[1135.10 --> 1135.96]  his people.
+[1137.52 --> 1138.96]  The Father came down
+[1138.96 --> 1139.86]  in a burning bush
+[1139.86 --> 1140.60]  to save his people
+[1140.60 --> 1141.58]  from slavery in Egypt.
+[1141.76 --> 1142.96]  The Son came down
+[1142.96 --> 1143.78]  in Bethlehem
+[1143.78 --> 1144.52]  to save his people
+[1144.52 --> 1145.04]  from death.
+[1145.36 --> 1146.14]  And the Holy Spirit
+[1146.14 --> 1146.72]  came down
+[1146.72 --> 1148.14]  to save his people
+[1148.14 --> 1150.04]  from whatever captivity
+[1150.04 --> 1151.28]  that life's trials
+[1151.28 --> 1152.04]  and temptations
+[1152.04 --> 1152.70]  bring on you.
+[1152.98 --> 1153.80]  God is here
+[1153.80 --> 1154.72]  not to remove
+[1154.72 --> 1155.30]  those trials
+[1155.30 --> 1155.98]  and temptations
+[1155.98 --> 1157.42]  but to bear it with us,
+[1157.50 --> 1158.62]  to walk with us,
+[1158.72 --> 1159.90]  to help us through it,
+[1160.04 --> 1161.98]  and to be with us
+[1161.98 --> 1163.44]  in whatever captivity
+[1163.44 --> 1164.50]  we find ourselves.
+[1164.82 --> 1165.48]  And even though
+[1165.48 --> 1166.52]  it may not seem like that
+[1166.52 --> 1167.18]  all the time,
+[1167.36 --> 1168.88]  he is holding us all
+[1168.88 --> 1169.84]  in hands
+[1169.84 --> 1170.86]  more powerful
+[1170.86 --> 1171.88]  than we ever care
+[1171.88 --> 1172.50]  to admit
+[1172.50 --> 1173.86]  or ever
+[1173.86 --> 1176.14]  can comprehend.
+[1178.14 --> 1178.78]  And those two
+[1178.78 --> 1179.84]  characteristics of God,
+[1179.90 --> 1180.48]  his power
+[1180.48 --> 1181.84]  and his concern,
+[1182.84 --> 1183.46]  they go together
+[1183.46 --> 1184.22]  so beautifully
+[1184.22 --> 1187.14]  that my prayer
+[1187.14 --> 1187.74]  for us today
+[1187.74 --> 1188.24]  is that we can
+[1188.24 --> 1189.24]  just simply begin
+[1189.24 --> 1190.66]  to wrap our heads
+[1190.66 --> 1192.42]  around the beautiful
+[1192.42 --> 1193.42]  truth that is
+[1193.42 --> 1194.32]  both of those things.
+[1197.30 --> 1198.06]  The last thing
+[1198.06 --> 1198.66]  I'd like to look at
+[1198.66 --> 1199.50]  today from this passage
+[1199.50 --> 1199.86]  is this.
+[1199.92 --> 1201.42]  It's Moses' response.
+[1201.84 --> 1202.68]  Now in order to do that
+[1202.68 --> 1203.34]  though, we have to remember
+[1203.34 --> 1204.06]  his context
+[1204.06 --> 1205.06]  just a little bit.
+[1205.94 --> 1206.32]  Now remember,
+[1206.44 --> 1207.20]  Moses was working
+[1207.20 --> 1208.04]  as a shepherd
+[1208.04 --> 1209.96]  for about 40 years
+[1209.96 --> 1211.50]  before this time happened.
+[1211.98 --> 1212.56]  Now for someone
+[1212.56 --> 1213.48]  of his knowledge,
+[1213.84 --> 1215.08]  for someone of his education
+[1215.08 --> 1215.64]  in past,
+[1215.92 --> 1216.50]  this would have been
+[1216.50 --> 1217.02]  considered
+[1217.02 --> 1218.58]  very poor employment
+[1218.58 --> 1219.20]  actually.
+[1220.16 --> 1221.42]  Very poor employment.
+[1221.90 --> 1222.32]  And yet,
+[1223.00 --> 1223.26]  Moses
+[1223.26 --> 1224.78]  was very content
+[1224.78 --> 1225.72]  doing this.
+[1226.66 --> 1227.30]  He was happy
+[1227.30 --> 1227.92]  to be a shepherd
+[1227.92 --> 1228.40]  in Midian.
+[1228.74 --> 1229.52]  He was satisfied.
+[1229.70 --> 1230.20]  He was meek
+[1230.20 --> 1230.72]  and content
+[1230.72 --> 1231.70]  and he was humble
+[1231.70 --> 1232.46]  as he worked
+[1232.46 --> 1232.94]  as a shepherd.
+[1233.14 --> 1233.98]  And these are all things
+[1233.98 --> 1235.10]  that he is quite celebrated
+[1235.10 --> 1236.38]  for in the Bible.
+[1237.28 --> 1237.88]  Numbers 12,
+[1237.94 --> 1238.38]  verse 3
+[1238.38 --> 1239.14]  says this.
+[1239.34 --> 1239.52]  It says,
+[1239.72 --> 1241.72]  Moses was a very humble man,
+[1241.86 --> 1242.82]  more humble
+[1242.82 --> 1244.02]  than anyone
+[1244.02 --> 1245.28]  else
+[1245.28 --> 1246.16]  on the face
+[1246.16 --> 1247.20]  of the earth.
+[1248.12 --> 1248.80]  Isn't that something?
+[1248.86 --> 1249.50]  That's quite a thing
+[1249.50 --> 1250.68]  to be remembered for.
+[1252.00 --> 1252.54]  Now keep in mind,
+[1252.60 --> 1253.58]  Moses wrote numbers,
+[1253.72 --> 1254.18]  so like,
+[1254.24 --> 1255.36]  it's a little bit awkward
+[1255.36 --> 1256.36]  to write that about yourself,
+[1256.52 --> 1257.74]  but it's a little grain of salt.
+[1257.82 --> 1258.52]  No, I'm kidding, of course.
+[1258.74 --> 1259.96]  We can take that as truth,
+[1260.04 --> 1261.28]  that Moses was
+[1261.28 --> 1262.02]  humble.
+[1262.54 --> 1263.36]  He was content,
+[1263.36 --> 1264.50]  he was meek,
+[1265.30 --> 1266.54]  and he was far from the man
+[1266.54 --> 1267.88]  he was earlier in his life,
+[1268.78 --> 1269.54]  when he was powerful
+[1269.54 --> 1270.38]  and educated
+[1270.38 --> 1271.58]  and he had means
+[1271.58 --> 1272.74]  and a position of authority
+[1272.74 --> 1274.02]  and had ultimate access
+[1274.02 --> 1274.56]  to Pharaoh.
+[1276.00 --> 1276.76]  In fact,
+[1277.06 --> 1279.04]  if this were anybody else's plan
+[1279.04 --> 1279.72]  other than God's,
+[1279.72 --> 1280.44]  you would have thought
+[1280.44 --> 1282.02]  that Moses would have been
+[1282.02 --> 1282.80]  approached earlier
+[1282.80 --> 1284.36]  when he had access to Pharaoh,
+[1284.42 --> 1285.18]  when he had means
+[1285.18 --> 1286.08]  and he had authority
+[1286.08 --> 1287.28]  and he had all this power.
+[1288.32 --> 1289.48]  To the human mind,
+[1289.54 --> 1290.86]  that makes the most sense.
+[1291.86 --> 1293.04]  That's how we function.
+[1294.24 --> 1295.18]  But this wasn't
+[1295.18 --> 1296.18]  someone else's plan,
+[1296.24 --> 1297.08]  this was God's plan.
+[1297.20 --> 1297.86]  God was patient.
+[1298.38 --> 1298.84]  He waited.
+[1299.92 --> 1301.62]  God waited until Moses had fled
+[1301.62 --> 1303.00]  and he was a fugitive
+[1303.00 --> 1304.50]  and he tended sheep
+[1304.50 --> 1305.86]  for 40 years in Midian
+[1305.86 --> 1306.94]  in the middle of nowhere
+[1306.94 --> 1308.24]  because God needed Moses
+[1308.24 --> 1309.68]  to stop being the brash,
+[1310.24 --> 1310.88]  know-it-all,
+[1311.34 --> 1312.98]  fix things on his own man
+[1312.98 --> 1313.72]  he once was
+[1313.72 --> 1314.94]  because apparently
+[1314.94 --> 1315.78]  all that ever led Moses
+[1315.78 --> 1316.98]  to do was murder someone.
+[1318.74 --> 1319.92]  No, God needed to be patient
+[1319.92 --> 1320.78]  and he needed to wait
+[1320.78 --> 1321.58]  for Moses to become
+[1321.58 --> 1322.16]  meek and humble
+[1322.16 --> 1323.00]  because then
+[1323.00 --> 1324.70]  it was God's power
+[1324.70 --> 1326.02]  that saved his people.
+[1327.02 --> 1328.32]  It wasn't Moses' position,
+[1328.56 --> 1329.90]  it wasn't Moses' education,
+[1330.36 --> 1331.76]  it wasn't Moses' means.
+[1334.02 --> 1334.88]  It's interesting though,
+[1334.92 --> 1336.44]  Moses almost became too meek,
+[1336.58 --> 1337.50]  he almost became too humble
+[1337.50 --> 1339.16]  because when God asks Moses
+[1339.16 --> 1339.80]  at the burning bush
+[1339.80 --> 1340.62]  to go bring his people
+[1340.62 --> 1341.20]  out of Egypt,
+[1341.60 --> 1343.00]  Moses replies in verse 11
+[1343.00 --> 1344.66]  with who am I?
+[1344.74 --> 1345.76]  Who am I to do this?
+[1345.76 --> 1348.62]  In fact,
+[1348.70 --> 1349.40]  later in this chapter
+[1349.40 --> 1350.16]  we didn't get to that,
+[1350.24 --> 1351.16]  Moses thinks of a whole bunch
+[1351.16 --> 1352.00]  of reasons why he should
+[1352.00 --> 1352.68]  not be doing this.
+[1352.88 --> 1353.40]  What if the people
+[1353.40 --> 1354.06]  don't believe me,
+[1354.10 --> 1354.36]  he says.
+[1354.40 --> 1355.34]  I'm not really eloquent,
+[1355.46 --> 1356.58]  I can't speak in front of people,
+[1356.62 --> 1357.54]  this isn't a job for me
+[1357.54 --> 1358.90]  and after all his excuses,
+[1359.44 --> 1360.38]  he simply looks at God
+[1360.38 --> 1360.64]  and he says,
+[1360.74 --> 1360.98]  God,
+[1361.22 --> 1364.08]  please just send someone else.
+[1368.52 --> 1369.42]  His response maybe
+[1369.42 --> 1370.48]  shouldn't be that surprising
+[1370.48 --> 1371.32]  to us though, right?
+[1373.60 --> 1374.82]  We ask the same questions,
+[1374.90 --> 1375.20]  don't we?
+[1376.76 --> 1377.20]  God,
+[1377.24 --> 1378.34]  I can't pray for that person,
+[1378.42 --> 1379.04]  not here,
+[1379.16 --> 1379.62]  not now,
+[1379.70 --> 1380.38]  not publicly.
+[1381.76 --> 1382.20]  God,
+[1382.24 --> 1384.14]  I'm not spiritually mature enough
+[1384.14 --> 1385.12]  to lead that ministry.
+[1387.32 --> 1387.76]  God,
+[1387.80 --> 1388.40]  I'm not eloquent.
+[1388.62 --> 1390.56]  I can't speak your gospel
+[1390.56 --> 1391.70]  to people I don't know.
+[1393.26 --> 1393.70]  God,
+[1393.74 --> 1395.12]  I don't want to be an elder,
+[1395.34 --> 1395.96]  just God,
+[1396.34 --> 1398.40]  please send someone else.
+[1401.74 --> 1403.30]  The ironic problem is
+[1403.30 --> 1405.42]  when we feel this way,
+[1405.76 --> 1408.22]  it is exactly the kind of person
+[1408.22 --> 1409.58]  that God wants to use
+[1409.58 --> 1411.20]  to fulfill his kingdom purposes.
+[1413.38 --> 1414.68]  When we accept the fact
+[1414.68 --> 1415.98]  that maybe we don't have
+[1415.98 --> 1416.62]  what it takes
+[1416.62 --> 1418.10]  to do all of the things
+[1418.10 --> 1419.48]  God be me calling us to do,
+[1420.28 --> 1421.34]  then it's God
+[1421.34 --> 1422.62]  who gets the glory
+[1422.62 --> 1424.62]  for accomplishing his purposes
+[1424.62 --> 1425.44]  through us.
+[1425.44 --> 1426.44]  God's sake.
+[1426.44 --> 1428.18]  So even though Moses
+[1428.18 --> 1429.42]  responded with excuses
+[1429.42 --> 1430.38]  and fear
+[1430.38 --> 1431.68]  and a whole lot of hesitation,
+[1432.42 --> 1433.26]  God picked him up,
+[1433.96 --> 1434.98]  he sent him out,
+[1435.24 --> 1436.52]  and he used him
+[1436.52 --> 1437.66]  in all his limitations,
+[1437.66 --> 1438.62]  and Moses became
+[1438.62 --> 1441.16]  one of the greatest fathers
+[1441.16 --> 1441.94]  of our faith
+[1441.94 --> 1443.22]  the world has ever known.
+[1443.22 --> 1447.50]  Now the internet,
+[1448.18 --> 1449.66]  it's a very interesting place.
+[1451.20 --> 1452.42]  It's got tons of stuff,
+[1452.54 --> 1453.34]  wormholes that you can
+[1453.34 --> 1454.00]  get sucked into,
+[1454.18 --> 1455.14]  videos that are completely
+[1455.14 --> 1456.72]  used to watch,
+[1457.06 --> 1457.78]  just a big waste
+[1457.78 --> 1458.40]  of time generally,
+[1458.48 --> 1459.90]  but every once in a while
+[1459.90 --> 1461.08]  it gives you this
+[1461.08 --> 1462.42]  beautiful gem
+[1462.42 --> 1463.58]  that you can use
+[1463.58 --> 1464.58]  in a certain situation.
+[1465.72 --> 1466.32]  And as I was
+[1466.32 --> 1467.86]  writing this message,
+[1468.08 --> 1469.42]  I saw this meme,
+[1469.54 --> 1470.02]  this picture,
+[1470.02 --> 1471.12]  and it sums up
+[1471.12 --> 1472.14]  this point so beautifully.
+[1472.96 --> 1473.68]  See, Moses thought
+[1473.68 --> 1474.54]  he wasn't qualified
+[1474.54 --> 1475.72]  to be able to fulfill
+[1475.72 --> 1477.50]  God's calling for him,
+[1477.70 --> 1478.94]  but the truth is
+[1478.94 --> 1481.36]  God doesn't call
+[1481.36 --> 1482.04]  the qualified.
+[1482.88 --> 1484.62]  God qualifies the called.
+[1486.32 --> 1487.40]  God doesn't call
+[1487.40 --> 1488.26]  the qualified.
+[1488.90 --> 1490.24]  He qualifies the called.
+[1490.30 --> 1491.04]  Who saw that meme?
+[1491.10 --> 1492.16]  Anybody see a meme like that?
+[1492.92 --> 1493.84]  I could have possibly
+[1493.84 --> 1494.74]  taken credit for this.
+[1494.78 --> 1495.34]  That's too bad.
+[1496.00 --> 1496.60]  This is why you shouldn't
+[1496.60 --> 1497.64]  preface things like this.
+[1497.90 --> 1498.72]  That would have been brilliant,
+[1498.86 --> 1498.96]  hey?
+[1500.02 --> 1501.10]  God doesn't call
+[1501.10 --> 1501.80]  the qualified.
+[1502.10 --> 1503.68]  He qualifies the called.
+[1503.94 --> 1504.86]  See, we're all called.
+[1505.70 --> 1506.30]  All of us.
+[1506.34 --> 1506.90]  We're all called.
+[1506.98 --> 1507.74]  We're called to love.
+[1508.02 --> 1508.90]  We're called to serve.
+[1509.14 --> 1509.94]  We're called to forgive.
+[1510.16 --> 1511.00]  We're called to submit
+[1511.00 --> 1512.04]  to God.
+[1513.58 --> 1514.38]  Perhaps you don't always
+[1514.38 --> 1515.68]  feel qualified to lead
+[1515.68 --> 1517.04]  or to pray in front of people
+[1517.04 --> 1518.34]  or to love people
+[1518.34 --> 1519.46]  who are difficult to love
+[1519.46 --> 1520.18]  or to serve
+[1520.18 --> 1521.36]  in different capacities,
+[1521.72 --> 1522.66]  but in some way
+[1522.66 --> 1523.46]  or another, church,
+[1524.54 --> 1525.46]  you're the body of Christ.
+[1525.54 --> 1526.48]  We're all the body of Christ.
+[1526.58 --> 1527.24]  We are all called
+[1527.24 --> 1527.96]  to these things.
+[1527.96 --> 1530.42]  Take our church's
+[1530.42 --> 1531.02]  mission statement,
+[1531.12 --> 1531.52]  for example.
+[1531.62 --> 1532.66]  Perhaps gathering
+[1532.66 --> 1533.42]  or growing
+[1533.42 --> 1534.74]  or going right now
+[1534.74 --> 1535.92]  just seems difficult.
+[1536.14 --> 1537.32]  It seems too hard for us.
+[1537.38 --> 1538.78]  It seems that we're not
+[1538.78 --> 1539.76]  qualified to do that.
+[1540.68 --> 1541.58]  It's too difficult
+[1541.58 --> 1542.46]  for us to accomplish.
+[1544.42 --> 1546.18]  But God doesn't call us
+[1546.18 --> 1546.66]  to these things
+[1546.66 --> 1547.54]  because we're qualified.
+[1549.24 --> 1550.26]  It's quite the opposite,
+[1550.42 --> 1550.58]  actually.
+[1550.64 --> 1551.56]  God calls us
+[1551.56 --> 1552.38]  to do these things
+[1552.38 --> 1553.72]  in spite of our qualifications.
+[1553.72 --> 1553.96]  Christians.
+[1556.02 --> 1556.72]  It's only then
+[1556.72 --> 1557.54]  that God gets to be
+[1557.54 --> 1558.62]  ultimately glorified.
+[1561.02 --> 1561.86]  The Apostle Paul
+[1561.86 --> 1563.06]  says this so beautifully
+[1563.06 --> 1563.70]  in one of his letters
+[1563.70 --> 1565.48]  to the church in Corinth.
+[1565.64 --> 1566.44]  He says this thousands
+[1566.44 --> 1567.44]  and thousands of years later.
+[1567.54 --> 1568.02]  He says this.
+[1568.06 --> 1568.28]  He says,
+[1568.36 --> 1569.08]  Brothers and sisters,
+[1569.88 --> 1571.04]  this is not actually very kind,
+[1571.10 --> 1571.92]  but it's a really good point.
+[1572.00 --> 1572.12]  He's like,
+[1572.18 --> 1572.78]  Brothers and sisters,
+[1572.96 --> 1573.98]  not many of you
+[1573.98 --> 1574.78]  were wise
+[1574.78 --> 1576.02]  by human standards.
+[1577.10 --> 1578.48]  Not many were influential.
+[1579.68 --> 1581.34]  Not many are of noble birth.
+[1581.34 --> 1584.30]  But God chose
+[1584.30 --> 1585.76]  the foolish things
+[1585.76 --> 1586.72]  of this world
+[1586.72 --> 1588.68]  to shame the wise.
+[1589.74 --> 1591.20]  God chose the weak things
+[1591.20 --> 1591.86]  of the world
+[1591.86 --> 1594.04]  to shame the strong
+[1594.04 --> 1596.10]  so that no one
+[1596.10 --> 1597.66]  may boast before him.
+[1598.14 --> 1599.20]  It is because of him
+[1599.20 --> 1601.18]  that you are in Christ Jesus.
+[1602.36 --> 1603.48]  Therefore, as it is written,
+[1604.38 --> 1605.64]  let the one who boasts
+[1605.64 --> 1607.60]  boast in the Lord.
+[1607.60 --> 1612.10]  God doesn't call the qualified.
+[1612.54 --> 1614.04]  He qualifies the called.
+[1615.90 --> 1616.92]  So brothers and sisters
+[1616.92 --> 1618.02]  of Emanuel CRC
+[1618.02 --> 1618.68]  and anybody else
+[1618.68 --> 1619.78]  watching online right now,
+[1620.46 --> 1621.36]  please remember this,
+[1621.42 --> 1623.74]  that God is more powerful
+[1623.74 --> 1625.88]  than we can ever comprehend.
+[1627.36 --> 1628.58]  And may we be deeply,
+[1628.82 --> 1629.80]  deeply affected
+[1629.80 --> 1631.84]  by the infinite distance
+[1631.84 --> 1632.48]  there is
+[1632.48 --> 1634.14]  between God's power
+[1634.14 --> 1635.42]  and our own.
+[1635.42 --> 1637.26]  Second,
+[1637.40 --> 1638.46]  God is deeply
+[1638.46 --> 1639.56]  concerned
+[1639.56 --> 1640.86]  for you.
+[1642.18 --> 1643.00]  No matter what
+[1643.00 --> 1643.88]  you are going through,
+[1644.80 --> 1645.66]  God is listening,
+[1645.86 --> 1646.60]  God is watching,
+[1646.76 --> 1647.36]  He is hearing,
+[1647.48 --> 1648.22]  and He is remembering
+[1648.22 --> 1649.44]  His promises to you.
+[1650.70 --> 1651.74]  He is with you always
+[1651.74 --> 1653.08]  to the very end
+[1653.08 --> 1653.82]  of the age.
+[1655.26 --> 1656.02]  And finally,
+[1656.10 --> 1656.56]  God is not
+[1656.56 --> 1657.72]  calling you
+[1657.72 --> 1658.66]  because you are qualified.
+[1660.38 --> 1661.86]  He qualifies you
+[1661.86 --> 1663.22]  to fulfill
+[1663.22 --> 1664.46]  His calling.
+[1665.42 --> 1666.58]  Don't mix those up.
+[1667.96 --> 1668.40]  Amen?
+[1669.96 --> 1670.98]  Let me pray with you.
+[1671.24 --> 1671.68]  Father God,
+[1671.96 --> 1673.32]  we thank You
+[1673.32 --> 1673.92]  for this story.
+[1674.02 --> 1674.38]  We thank You
+[1674.38 --> 1674.94]  for Moses
+[1674.94 --> 1676.02]  and the burning bush.
+[1676.24 --> 1676.74]  We thank You
+[1676.74 --> 1677.84]  for the power
+[1677.84 --> 1679.64]  that comes
+[1679.64 --> 1680.42]  through this story.
+[1681.12 --> 1681.70]  We thank You
+[1681.70 --> 1682.46]  for Your concern
+[1682.46 --> 1683.18]  for Your people,
+[1683.46 --> 1684.38]  why You came down
+[1684.38 --> 1685.14]  in Egypt,
+[1685.34 --> 1686.12]  why You came down
+[1686.12 --> 1686.76]  in Bethlehem,
+[1686.88 --> 1687.62]  why You came down
+[1687.62 --> 1688.32]  at Pentecost.
+[1690.08 --> 1690.64]  And God,
+[1690.68 --> 1691.14]  we thank You
+[1691.14 --> 1692.56]  that You are with us.
+[1692.56 --> 1694.20]  You are powerfully,
+[1694.78 --> 1696.50]  concerningly with us.
+[1698.24 --> 1698.68]  And so God,
+[1698.74 --> 1700.26]  may we respond accordingly.
+[1700.38 --> 1701.02]  May we know
+[1701.02 --> 1702.60]  that You are in charge
+[1702.60 --> 1703.34]  of all things,
+[1704.48 --> 1705.92]  that You are thinking of us,
+[1705.98 --> 1707.34]  have us in Your heart,
+[1707.70 --> 1708.72]  and that You call us
+[1708.72 --> 1709.62]  to live lives
+[1709.62 --> 1710.96]  of love and service
+[1710.96 --> 1711.68]  and gratitude
+[1711.68 --> 1712.60]  in this world.
+[1713.12 --> 1714.48]  So may we boldly
+[1714.48 --> 1715.52]  step forward
+[1715.52 --> 1716.70]  in that knowledge.
+[1717.48 --> 1718.32]  May we go forward
+[1718.32 --> 1719.54]  knowing that You are with us
+[1719.54 --> 1721.50]  and that You qualify us
+[1721.50 --> 1722.52]  to live out this calling.
+[1723.26 --> 1724.32]  But let us make excuses.
+[1727.28 --> 1727.94]  Let us live
+[1727.94 --> 1728.72]  as You call us to live.
+[1728.76 --> 1729.18]  We pray this
+[1729.18 --> 1730.28]  in Your Son's precious name.
+[1730.56 --> 1730.78]  Amen.

A Burning Bush, a Concerned God, and a Hesitant Response (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1038 @@
+[0.00 --> 6.60]  So today, I don't get to preach every week, of course.
+[6.70 --> 8.14]  I kind of come and go a little bit.
+[8.20 --> 11.24]  Every few weeks I pop up here, and so it's hard to maybe get some rhythm in,
+[11.28 --> 13.86]  so I have to think of what I'm going to preach on kind of sporadically.
+[14.00 --> 16.60]  And today I knew that the kids were going to be doing Moses in the Burning Bush,
+[16.66 --> 18.98]  so I thought, hey, why not just do the same thing?
+[19.22 --> 21.28]  Why try to think too creatively about it?
+[21.28 --> 23.12]  It's a really, really big story.
+[23.12 --> 26.20]  It's one that we've all heard before because we just did it a second ago,
+[26.20 --> 29.82]  and I thought, you know what, let's dig into it a little bit further.
+[30.26 --> 33.94]  So we're going to do this without the help of a wrinkly blue old dog at the end of my arm,
+[34.36 --> 36.68]  and we're going to look at this passage right now.
+[37.26 --> 41.82]  It is a bit of a fascinating story, and it's a bit of a big story as well.
+[42.74 --> 47.30]  But even though it is a popular story and a big story, there is a ton to unpack in it,
+[47.84 --> 50.66]  and so I thought that we could spend some time looking at that today.
+[50.66 --> 57.34]  There's enough in this passage, actually, that you could spend weeks and weeks and weeks on it,
+[58.34 --> 61.28]  but we don't have weeks and weeks and weeks, so we're just going to really dig in for,
+[61.48 --> 64.78]  we're going to spend the next few hours just, you know, tackling Moses here.
+[64.98 --> 67.48]  So, just kidding, it's like barely over an hour.
+[68.78 --> 73.14]  My hope is that you can find in this familiar story something new and something creative.
+[73.32 --> 75.52]  I'm hearing a real high. Is that my mic?
+[76.30 --> 79.02]  It's my voice? Okay, Eric's just shaking his head.
+[79.02 --> 82.16]  We might just have to deal with a little bit of technical difficulty. Sorry about that.
+[83.46 --> 86.74]  So, on the screen behind me, if you've got your Bibles in front of you, open up.
+[86.76 --> 91.06]  We're going to look at Exodus 3, the first 12 verses of Exodus 3 today.
+[91.78 --> 94.70]  You'll notice if you do open your Bibles, the story's much longer than that,
+[94.78 --> 97.24]  but like I said, we're just going to hone in on sort of these first 12 verses,
+[97.36 --> 99.04]  because there's enough there for us to look at.
+[99.86 --> 102.44]  So, Exodus 3, the first 12 verses, it says this.
+[103.44 --> 108.86]  Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian.
+[109.02 --> 114.90]  And he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
+[115.80 --> 120.12]  There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush.
+[121.12 --> 125.06]  Moses saw that though the bush was on fire, it did not burn up.
+[125.88 --> 129.04]  So Moses thought, I will go over and see this strange sight.
+[129.12 --> 130.34]  Why the bush does not burn up?
+[130.34 --> 135.16]  When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush,
+[135.68 --> 137.60]  Moses, Moses.
+[138.80 --> 141.50]  And Moses said, here I am.
+[142.64 --> 144.80]  Do not come any closer, God said.
+[144.90 --> 148.66]  Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.
+[149.92 --> 152.02]  Then he said, I am the God of your father,
+[152.48 --> 155.46]  the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
+[155.46 --> 161.88]  At this, Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.
+[163.08 --> 166.52]  The Lord said, I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt.
+[166.64 --> 169.00]  I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers,
+[169.20 --> 170.90]  and I am concerned about their suffering.
+[171.02 --> 174.22]  So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians
+[174.22 --> 178.98]  and to bring them out of that land into a good and spacious land,
+[179.30 --> 181.78]  a land flowing with milk and honey,
+[182.68 --> 187.44]  the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
+[189.08 --> 191.32]  And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me,
+[191.36 --> 193.74]  and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.
+[194.40 --> 199.60]  So now go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.
+[199.60 --> 205.32]  But Moses said to God, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?
+[206.28 --> 208.36]  And God said, I will be with you,
+[208.80 --> 212.32]  and this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you.
+[212.90 --> 214.74]  When you have brought the people out of Egypt,
+[215.14 --> 218.38]  you will worship God on this mountain.
+[219.08 --> 220.14]  The word of the Lord.
+[222.48 --> 224.46]  Now, as with everything in the Bible,
+[224.80 --> 228.18]  this is a little story in the midst of a giant story.
+[228.18 --> 232.62]  And while the burning bush story sort of stands on its own in terms of intrigue
+[232.62 --> 234.04]  and in terms of magnitude,
+[234.04 --> 237.80]  it's placed in this grand narrative of Scripture.
+[238.20 --> 241.80]  And it's important to be reminded, or perhaps even hear for the first time,
+[242.22 --> 246.62]  how this event fits into this big story of Scripture.
+[247.26 --> 248.40]  And so, strap yourselves in.
+[248.62 --> 251.70]  I'm going to get us there in about 400 words or less,
+[251.88 --> 253.02]  how the Bible gets us here.
+[253.10 --> 256.80]  So, as you've been hearing with Pastor Burt over the past few weeks,
+[256.80 --> 258.50]  we've been talking about this man, Joseph.
+[258.90 --> 263.26]  Well, this story takes place right after the story of Joseph in the Bible.
+[263.64 --> 266.52]  And without purposefully ruining the end of Pastor Burt's sermon series,
+[267.02 --> 269.98]  Joseph, who is the son of Jacob, who is the son of Isaac,
+[270.10 --> 272.78]  who is the son of Abraham, gets sold into slavery
+[272.78 --> 276.00]  and eventually becomes this high-ranking official in Egypt.
+[277.10 --> 279.82]  After he interprets this dream of Pharaoh teaching,
+[279.96 --> 282.84]  or prophesying, sorry, about this famine that's going to be hitting Egypt,
+[282.84 --> 286.60]  he gets put in charge of all of the harvest
+[286.60 --> 288.60]  and of all of the food within Egypt,
+[288.72 --> 291.56]  making sure that Egypt will be in a good place when this famine hits.
+[292.02 --> 294.56]  Now, because of this famine, Joseph's extended family,
+[294.72 --> 296.20]  which was about 70 people,
+[296.64 --> 300.08]  actually moves to Egypt for all the food that is there.
+[300.24 --> 301.92]  And they end up reuniting with Joseph
+[301.92 --> 304.78]  and living there for a very long time.
+[305.54 --> 307.34]  Now, while in the Bible the story of Moses
+[307.34 --> 309.14]  immediately follows the story of Joseph,
+[309.14 --> 312.20]  in fact, about 400 years go by.
+[312.72 --> 315.46]  And in that time, numerous generations, of course, pass.
+[315.54 --> 317.60]  And over the course of those 400 years,
+[318.04 --> 322.34]  Joseph's family of 70 grows massively.
+[322.88 --> 324.96]  In 400 years, that family of 70
+[324.96 --> 329.96]  grows to a family of 600,000 soldier-aged men,
+[330.60 --> 333.76]  which we read about in Exodus 12, verse 37.
+[334.50 --> 337.96]  So that's 600,000 soldier-aged men.
+[337.96 --> 340.50]  And if you included the women and the children
+[340.50 --> 342.28]  and the non-soldier-aged men,
+[342.46 --> 344.00]  we're talking about a group of people
+[344.00 --> 346.18]  that's probably well over 2 million.
+[346.50 --> 349.02]  That's a lot, and that is a very fertile family.
+[349.94 --> 351.28]  Now, over that time,
+[351.46 --> 353.50]  pharaohs have also come and gone, of course.
+[353.84 --> 356.62]  And eventually, they kind of forget about Joseph
+[356.62 --> 357.70]  and all he did for them.
+[357.74 --> 359.06]  And they forget about this family
+[359.06 --> 362.06]  that's now grown into this giant number of people.
+[362.36 --> 363.94]  They grow increasingly worried
+[363.94 --> 365.50]  and end up enslaving them
+[365.50 --> 368.06]  and eventually command that all Hebrew boys
+[368.06 --> 370.60]  that are born be cast into the Nile River and killed.
+[371.26 --> 373.44]  Well, Moses is born in that time.
+[373.94 --> 375.28]  And Moses' mother saves him
+[375.28 --> 376.28]  by putting him in a basket,
+[376.42 --> 377.40]  floating him down the river.
+[377.50 --> 379.62]  He eventually gets adopted by pharaoh's daughter,
+[379.96 --> 381.14]  gets to live in the palace,
+[381.54 --> 382.26]  learn their customs.
+[382.34 --> 384.48]  But one day, he sees a Hebrew man
+[384.48 --> 386.44]  being treated poorly by an Egyptian soldier.
+[386.44 --> 388.36]  So he kills the Egyptian soldier,
+[388.84 --> 390.42]  gets called out for it, and flees.
+[391.10 --> 392.10]  And now he's on the run.
+[392.52 --> 394.86]  He's a shepherd for his father-in-law,
+[395.04 --> 397.24]  and he's been in the wilderness for a long time.
+[397.44 --> 400.08]  And then he sees a burning bush.
+[400.56 --> 403.28]  And that is the text that we are in today.
+[404.50 --> 407.08]  So interestingly, the years of Moses' life,
+[407.18 --> 409.58]  they're divided into three 40-year chunks.
+[409.70 --> 411.62]  It worked out quite perfectly for him, actually.
+[411.62 --> 413.20]  So the first 40 years,
+[413.30 --> 415.26]  he spends in the palace in Egypt.
+[415.52 --> 417.34]  Then he kills that man, and he flees.
+[417.40 --> 418.42]  In the next 40 years,
+[418.42 --> 421.54]  he is a shepherd in the wilderness in Midian.
+[421.84 --> 423.58]  And the third starts with this passage.
+[423.68 --> 424.60]  He sees this bush,
+[424.84 --> 425.84]  and he eventually goes
+[425.84 --> 428.76]  and helps lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
+[429.18 --> 430.22]  That's how it's broken down.
+[430.30 --> 431.72]  Now, it's interesting, though,
+[431.76 --> 437.46]  because Moses was born to be Israel's deliverer.
+[437.80 --> 440.18]  He was born to help lead them out of the Promised Land.
+[440.18 --> 444.12]  And yet, not a word of that is mentioned to him
+[444.12 --> 446.50]  until he's 80 years old.
+[446.50 --> 448.92]  As we continue through this story,
+[449.00 --> 449.78]  remember that nugget,
+[449.86 --> 450.86]  because that's very important.
+[451.90 --> 453.22]  The other interesting note
+[453.22 --> 454.84]  before we really dig into this text
+[454.84 --> 458.38]  is the location that this story takes place.
+[459.26 --> 460.88]  Verse 12 of our text tells us this.
+[461.54 --> 463.66]  But the mountain where Moses was,
+[463.74 --> 465.32]  where this burning bush story takes place,
+[465.38 --> 466.24]  is the same mountain
+[466.24 --> 467.92]  that Moses will later receive
+[467.92 --> 470.00]  the Ten Commandments from God,
+[470.18 --> 471.08]  and the same mountain
+[471.08 --> 472.74]  that the Israelites will worship God.
+[473.56 --> 475.38]  Some details like that slip through sometimes
+[475.38 --> 476.14]  when we hear these stories,
+[476.20 --> 477.04]  but I found that fascinating
+[477.04 --> 478.50]  that God uses this place
+[478.50 --> 480.44]  as sort of a central hub
+[480.44 --> 482.06]  for a lot of the different things that he does.
+[483.08 --> 484.26]  Now to the text at hand.
+[484.32 --> 486.56]  There's two characteristics of God
+[486.56 --> 488.50]  that come out of this encounter
+[488.50 --> 491.66]  that deserve our attention today.
+[492.42 --> 493.12]  And so we're going to look
+[493.12 --> 494.68]  at these two characteristics now.
+[495.12 --> 499.30]  The first characteristic of God
+[499.30 --> 500.66]  that comes from this passage
+[500.66 --> 503.36]  is the power of God.
+[504.68 --> 506.12]  It's God's power.
+[507.08 --> 508.18]  God appears to Moses
+[508.18 --> 509.50]  in the form of a burning bush.
+[509.86 --> 510.70]  Now throughout the Bible,
+[511.10 --> 512.38]  God uses fire and smoke
+[512.38 --> 513.90]  to symbolize his presence.
+[514.36 --> 515.48]  Even nowadays, of course,
+[515.58 --> 517.08]  we will light candles
+[517.08 --> 518.70]  to symbolize Christ's presence
+[518.70 --> 520.16]  or the Holy Spirit's presence
+[520.16 --> 520.86]  in our service.
+[521.46 --> 522.70]  But here in this story,
+[522.78 --> 524.88]  this is much, much more
+[524.88 --> 526.12]  than a symbol.
+[526.12 --> 529.80]  This was God present
+[529.80 --> 531.54]  in the burning bush.
+[532.70 --> 533.86]  Now if you read your text,
+[533.94 --> 535.48]  it might seem a bit confusing at first
+[535.48 --> 536.58]  because verse 2 says
+[536.58 --> 537.62]  that an angel of the Lord
+[537.62 --> 538.84]  appeared to Moses in the bush.
+[539.10 --> 540.20]  But then right after that,
+[540.28 --> 540.80]  in verse 4,
+[540.86 --> 542.32]  it says that God called out
+[542.32 --> 543.14]  from the bush.
+[543.88 --> 545.42]  Now it's important to note this too,
+[545.50 --> 546.96]  just to clarify that a little bit.
+[547.18 --> 548.46]  In the early Old Testament,
+[548.86 --> 549.52]  in the early,
+[549.62 --> 550.54]  the Pentateuch especially,
+[550.98 --> 552.52]  angels were not simply
+[552.52 --> 554.14]  just messengers.
+[554.14 --> 556.38]  They weren't just messengers
+[556.38 --> 558.06]  delivering a message from God.
+[558.52 --> 559.28]  But in fact,
+[559.36 --> 560.16]  they were entities
+[560.16 --> 562.00]  that embodied the living God.
+[562.86 --> 565.06]  God came down to his people
+[565.06 --> 567.02]  in the presence of an angel
+[567.02 --> 568.30]  elsewhere in the Old Testament too,
+[568.34 --> 569.22]  like when God called down
+[569.22 --> 570.74]  to Hagar in Genesis 21,
+[570.96 --> 572.34]  or when God wrestled Jacob
+[572.34 --> 573.40]  in Genesis 32,
+[573.70 --> 575.32]  or when God spoke to Gideon
+[575.32 --> 576.50]  in Judges 6.
+[576.64 --> 578.08]  So this is the same thing here.
+[578.28 --> 580.80]  This is God present in the bush.
+[581.06 --> 581.74]  Nothing else.
+[582.02 --> 583.10]  Nothing less than that.
+[585.14 --> 586.50]  So we've got God in the bush.
+[586.58 --> 587.56]  He calls Moses over,
+[587.64 --> 588.64]  and then they've got this dialogue.
+[588.82 --> 589.98]  And read this with me right now.
+[590.26 --> 591.56]  Look at verses 4 to 6.
+[591.98 --> 592.58]  God calls out.
+[592.62 --> 592.82]  He says,
+[592.92 --> 593.90]  Moses, Moses.
+[594.40 --> 595.34]  Then Moses replies,
+[595.42 --> 595.94]  Here I am.
+[596.82 --> 597.34]  And God says,
+[597.40 --> 598.24]  Don't come any closer.
+[600.08 --> 601.30]  Take off your sandals,
+[601.52 --> 602.86]  for the place where you're standing
+[602.86 --> 603.84]  is holy ground.
+[605.22 --> 605.94]  That's interesting.
+[606.72 --> 607.60]  God then goes on,
+[607.64 --> 608.00]  and he says,
+[608.08 --> 609.48]  I am the God of your father,
+[609.48 --> 610.78]  the God of Abraham,
+[611.02 --> 611.70]  the God of Isaac,
+[611.80 --> 612.50]  the God of Jacob.
+[612.50 --> 614.82]  And after God says this to Moses,
+[615.88 --> 618.62]  Moses hides his face from him.
+[619.96 --> 620.48]  Why?
+[622.52 --> 623.60]  The text tells us
+[623.60 --> 624.94]  it's not in reverence to God.
+[625.54 --> 627.46]  It's not because of shame.
+[627.60 --> 629.74]  It's not because of guilt of past sins
+[629.74 --> 631.04]  that he's committed.
+[632.04 --> 634.40]  It's because he feared God.
+[634.48 --> 636.84]  He feared to look at God.
+[637.74 --> 638.54]  This was not guilt.
+[638.68 --> 639.60]  This was not shame.
+[640.24 --> 641.28]  This was fear
+[641.28 --> 643.70]  that caused Moses to hide his face.
+[644.48 --> 645.32]  This is huge.
+[645.40 --> 646.40]  This is a big detail.
+[646.80 --> 648.18]  There's a parallel story in the Bible,
+[648.32 --> 649.26]  Isaiah chapter 6,
+[649.42 --> 651.74]  where God calls out to Isaiah in a vision.
+[652.02 --> 653.50]  And it's a very similar situation,
+[653.60 --> 654.36]  just like this story.
+[654.70 --> 656.06]  Isaiah turns his face
+[656.06 --> 657.74]  from God in that story.
+[658.44 --> 659.52]  But in Isaiah's case,
+[659.66 --> 661.26]  it's because he feels unworthy.
+[661.88 --> 662.92]  It's because he feels
+[662.92 --> 664.30]  that he is too sinful.
+[664.30 --> 666.26]  He is unable to look at God
+[666.26 --> 667.36]  because of the sins
+[667.36 --> 668.16]  that he has committed.
+[668.78 --> 670.92]  And then God touches Isaiah's lips
+[670.92 --> 671.54]  and says,
+[671.98 --> 673.28]  your guilt is taken away.
+[673.68 --> 675.76]  Your sin is atoned for.
+[677.52 --> 678.86]  In fact, sin and guilt
+[678.86 --> 680.98]  are often the first thing acknowledged
+[680.98 --> 682.80]  when the living God
+[682.80 --> 684.12]  interacts with his people.
+[684.80 --> 685.62]  If you think about Jesus
+[685.62 --> 686.54]  when he walked this earth,
+[686.82 --> 689.18]  how often before he heals someone
+[689.18 --> 690.62]  or while he's healing someone,
+[690.76 --> 693.08]  is he also forgiving their sins?
+[694.30 --> 695.06]  Constantly.
+[697.52 --> 699.20]  But that's not here in this story.
+[700.38 --> 701.04]  Notice that?
+[701.88 --> 702.24]  Now remember,
+[702.34 --> 703.60]  Moses is very guilty of sin,
+[703.76 --> 705.04]  the least of which is murder.
+[706.10 --> 707.38]  And that's why he finds himself
+[707.38 --> 708.44]  in this neck of the woods anyways.
+[708.58 --> 709.74]  But this is not guilt or shame
+[709.74 --> 710.60]  that he's hiding its face.
+[710.66 --> 714.20]  It's because he is afraid of God.
+[715.14 --> 716.68]  Moral demand and forgiveness
+[716.68 --> 719.02]  play little to no role
+[719.02 --> 721.80]  in this encounter with God.
+[722.94 --> 723.78]  So here,
+[724.48 --> 728.44]  God's not portrayed as love or justice,
+[729.36 --> 731.40]  but he's portrayed as power.
+[732.76 --> 733.90]  Now of course God is love
+[733.90 --> 735.14]  and of course God is just.
+[735.24 --> 736.24]  That's not to minimize that.
+[736.24 --> 737.10]  But right here,
+[737.18 --> 738.82]  those characteristics aren't spoken of,
+[739.14 --> 741.12]  but his power is.
+[743.10 --> 743.54]  Moses,
+[744.00 --> 746.76]  standing in the powerful presence of God,
+[746.76 --> 748.14]  has to take his sandals off
+[748.14 --> 749.64]  and hide his face.
+[751.84 --> 753.18]  Now the power of God
+[753.18 --> 754.72]  is definitely a constant theme
+[754.72 --> 755.20]  in the Bible,
+[755.20 --> 756.38]  but I think it's actually one
+[756.38 --> 758.34]  that we often brush aside.
+[759.96 --> 761.98]  Perhaps it's because it's
+[761.98 --> 762.90]  incomprehensible.
+[763.56 --> 764.46]  Perhaps because
+[764.46 --> 766.70]  it's less attractive to us
+[766.70 --> 767.54]  than love
+[767.54 --> 767.94]  or
+[767.94 --> 769.52]  or his mercy.
+[769.92 --> 770.94]  Those ones we like,
+[771.10 --> 771.84]  they're attractive.
+[771.98 --> 773.06]  We can relate to those.
+[773.06 --> 773.82]  But his power?
+[774.90 --> 775.84]  Not so much.
+[777.96 --> 779.34]  We can't truly grasp
+[779.34 --> 779.88]  the magnitude
+[779.88 --> 781.48]  of any of God's characteristics,
+[781.74 --> 781.84]  though,
+[781.88 --> 782.96]  unless we understand
+[782.96 --> 783.68]  God's power.
+[784.74 --> 785.42]  God's grace,
+[785.54 --> 786.04]  God's mercy,
+[786.14 --> 786.80]  God's justice,
+[786.96 --> 788.40]  they are all predicated
+[788.40 --> 789.76]  on this very power
+[789.76 --> 790.92]  that God possesses.
+[791.82 --> 792.62]  His grace,
+[792.76 --> 793.24]  his mercy,
+[793.32 --> 793.88]  his justice,
+[794.18 --> 794.88]  none of them
+[794.88 --> 796.22]  hold up to anything
+[796.22 --> 797.56]  if it weren't
+[797.56 --> 799.18]  for God's power.
+[800.32 --> 801.80]  And Moses got that.
+[803.06 --> 803.94]  So he was afraid.
+[805.96 --> 807.12]  The distance between
+[807.12 --> 808.12]  God and man here
+[808.12 --> 808.78]  is highlighted
+[808.78 --> 809.52]  in this encounter
+[809.52 --> 810.26]  and that distance
+[810.26 --> 811.36]  is measured
+[811.36 --> 812.34]  by power.
+[812.66 --> 813.74]  Now all of us today,
+[814.82 --> 816.20]  this is applicable to us
+[816.20 --> 817.20]  because in our approaches
+[817.20 --> 817.66]  to God,
+[817.76 --> 818.40]  in our approaches
+[818.40 --> 819.30]  to other man,
+[819.82 --> 821.00]  it's going to behoove us
+[821.00 --> 821.66]  all to remember
+[821.66 --> 823.26]  that infinite distance
+[823.26 --> 824.48]  that exists
+[824.48 --> 825.84]  in the power
+[825.84 --> 827.78]  between us and God.
+[829.12 --> 830.08]  I think we can so easily
+[830.08 --> 830.90]  call God friend,
+[831.02 --> 831.72]  we can so easily
+[831.72 --> 832.72]  call God our father,
+[832.72 --> 833.38]  our savior,
+[833.76 --> 835.12]  we so easily blame him
+[835.12 --> 836.30]  when things are going wrong,
+[836.44 --> 837.40]  we get mad at him
+[837.40 --> 838.54]  when we don't get our way,
+[838.72 --> 839.54]  we get frustrated
+[839.54 --> 840.22]  when we don't understand
+[840.22 --> 840.82]  what's happening,
+[841.00 --> 842.10]  but how often
+[842.10 --> 843.20]  do we sit
+[843.20 --> 844.50]  and tremble
+[844.50 --> 846.46]  at the reality
+[846.46 --> 847.36]  that God
+[847.36 --> 850.10]  is so much
+[850.10 --> 852.28]  more infinitely powerful
+[852.28 --> 854.06]  than any of us?
+[854.06 --> 856.92]  and in a culture
+[856.92 --> 858.44]  that teaches us
+[858.44 --> 859.14]  that we are
+[859.14 --> 860.38]  our own gods,
+[861.06 --> 863.42]  this is incredibly important
+[863.42 --> 864.34]  for us to remember.
+[866.38 --> 867.82]  So that's the first characteristic.
+[868.00 --> 868.74]  God is powerful.
+[869.22 --> 869.94]  What's beautiful
+[869.94 --> 870.96]  in this passage though
+[870.96 --> 872.28]  is that in
+[872.28 --> 873.52]  his infinite
+[873.52 --> 874.68]  and ultimate power,
+[874.94 --> 876.62]  we see a second characteristic
+[876.62 --> 878.20]  come to the top
+[878.20 --> 879.32]  and shine through.
+[879.32 --> 881.52]  And this is a characteristic
+[881.52 --> 882.74]  that often doesn't
+[882.74 --> 884.18]  accompany power.
+[885.78 --> 886.68]  And that is that
+[886.68 --> 887.84]  God is concerned
+[887.84 --> 889.76]  for his people.
+[891.42 --> 892.90]  That's the sole reason
+[892.90 --> 893.66]  for this encounter
+[893.66 --> 894.38]  in the first place.
+[894.84 --> 896.46]  God was concerned
+[896.46 --> 897.78]  for his people.
+[899.30 --> 900.86]  Just before this passage,
+[901.06 --> 902.18]  the last three verses
+[902.18 --> 903.20]  in Exodus 2,
+[903.40 --> 904.76]  there's four terms used
+[904.76 --> 908.26]  to describe God's response
+[908.26 --> 909.16]  to his people's suffering.
+[909.68 --> 910.44]  So if you've got your Bibles,
+[910.54 --> 911.16]  you can look at that too.
+[911.22 --> 912.58]  Exodus 2, 23 to 25.
+[912.90 --> 913.52]  God heard
+[913.52 --> 914.94]  his people's groaning.
+[915.34 --> 916.18]  He remembered
+[916.18 --> 917.62]  his promises to them.
+[917.70 --> 918.34]  He saw
+[918.34 --> 919.34]  their suffering
+[919.34 --> 920.46]  and he knew
+[920.46 --> 921.46]  they needed saving.
+[922.46 --> 923.16]  God heard,
+[923.38 --> 923.86]  remembered,
+[924.24 --> 924.52]  saw,
+[924.68 --> 925.14]  and knew.
+[925.70 --> 926.62]  And then in this text
+[926.62 --> 927.56]  that we read to today,
+[928.08 --> 928.60]  God
+[928.60 --> 931.66]  uses the same language.
+[932.82 --> 933.38]  You can read that
+[933.38 --> 934.36]  in verse 7
+[934.36 --> 935.24]  through 10.
+[935.34 --> 936.22]  God saw the misery
+[936.22 --> 936.76]  of his people.
+[936.98 --> 938.24]  He heard them crying out.
+[939.12 --> 940.20]  The people's cries
+[940.20 --> 940.74]  reached him
+[940.74 --> 941.28]  and he saw
+[941.28 --> 942.18]  how they were being oppressed.
+[942.52 --> 943.86]  So because God saw this,
+[944.06 --> 945.26]  he remembered his people
+[945.26 --> 946.52]  and he tells Moses
+[946.52 --> 947.32]  that he has come down
+[947.32 --> 948.00]  to save him.
+[949.48 --> 950.16]  All of this
+[950.16 --> 951.00]  because he is concerned
+[951.00 --> 951.64]  for his people.
+[953.48 --> 954.46]  And the result
+[954.46 --> 955.40]  of his concern
+[955.40 --> 956.66]  are the words
+[956.66 --> 957.80]  of Exodus 3,
+[957.98 --> 959.20]  verse 8
+[959.20 --> 960.58]  in our text today.
+[961.18 --> 964.08]  I have come down.
+[965.36 --> 966.36]  God had come down
+[966.36 --> 966.96]  to his people
+[966.96 --> 968.10]  and he was about
+[968.10 --> 969.84]  to divinely intervene
+[969.84 --> 971.64]  to get them out of Egypt
+[971.64 --> 972.80]  and into the promised land.
+[974.08 --> 974.86]  And then do you know
+[974.86 --> 975.84]  how the story goes from there?
+[976.64 --> 977.84]  God does come down.
+[978.52 --> 979.42]  He saves his people
+[979.42 --> 979.88]  from Egypt.
+[980.00 --> 980.74]  He leads them
+[980.74 --> 981.94]  to the promised land
+[981.94 --> 983.16]  and establishes them there.
+[983.92 --> 984.92]  And then generations
+[984.92 --> 985.74]  go by
+[985.74 --> 987.34]  and the generations
+[987.34 --> 988.46]  come and they go
+[988.46 --> 989.30]  and God's people,
+[989.50 --> 990.56]  while they're stubborn,
+[990.56 --> 992.46]  they would disobey God
+[992.46 --> 993.66]  and God's calling
+[993.66 --> 994.42]  on their lives.
+[994.50 --> 995.12]  They would sin
+[995.12 --> 996.22]  and they would worship idols
+[996.22 --> 997.04]  and they would bow down
+[997.04 --> 997.74]  to false gods
+[997.74 --> 999.04]  and they would take over
+[999.04 --> 999.56]  the customs
+[999.56 --> 1000.84]  of the people around them.
+[1000.96 --> 1001.84]  So much so that
+[1001.84 --> 1002.66]  it gets really bad.
+[1002.72 --> 1003.62]  They start sacrificing
+[1003.62 --> 1004.46]  their own children
+[1004.46 --> 1006.00]  to these false gods.
+[1006.20 --> 1007.46]  And it gets really,
+[1007.66 --> 1008.94]  really bad.
+[1010.68 --> 1011.84]  And God's watching
+[1011.84 --> 1012.94]  the whole time.
+[1013.94 --> 1014.70]  And he would always
+[1014.70 --> 1015.28]  be listening.
+[1016.34 --> 1017.56]  He'd always be speaking
+[1017.56 --> 1018.10]  to them,
+[1018.52 --> 1019.68]  telling them to turn to him.
+[1021.24 --> 1022.08]  But they don't.
+[1023.68 --> 1024.50]  And they suffer
+[1024.50 --> 1026.48]  again and again.
+[1026.84 --> 1027.76]  They become captives.
+[1027.98 --> 1028.80]  They become captives
+[1028.80 --> 1029.42]  to Assyria.
+[1029.50 --> 1030.30]  They become captives
+[1030.30 --> 1030.84]  to Babylon.
+[1031.10 --> 1031.82]  They become captives
+[1031.82 --> 1032.44]  to Persia.
+[1034.06 --> 1034.98]  Until one day,
+[1036.84 --> 1037.80]  God's concern
+[1037.80 --> 1039.94]  culminates
+[1039.94 --> 1041.94]  in Bethlehem
+[1041.94 --> 1043.44]  where once again
+[1043.44 --> 1044.28]  he comes down
+[1044.28 --> 1045.98]  as a baby this time,
+[1046.06 --> 1046.94]  not in a burning bush,
+[1046.94 --> 1048.48]  but with the same intentions,
+[1048.60 --> 1050.36]  to save his people.
+[1052.72 --> 1054.62]  This baby is born,
+[1054.70 --> 1055.42]  the Son of God,
+[1055.46 --> 1056.48]  who grows into this man,
+[1056.54 --> 1057.44]  who dies on a cross
+[1057.44 --> 1058.64]  and is risen from the dead
+[1058.64 --> 1059.88]  and he ultimately
+[1059.88 --> 1061.22]  defeats sin and death
+[1061.22 --> 1062.36]  for good.
+[1064.66 --> 1066.16]  See, God's concern
+[1066.16 --> 1066.92]  for his people
+[1066.92 --> 1068.20]  has been a permanent fixture.
+[1070.70 --> 1071.96]  He was concerned for them
+[1071.96 --> 1072.86]  when they were captives
+[1072.86 --> 1073.42]  in Egypt.
+[1073.58 --> 1074.52]  He was concerned for them
+[1074.52 --> 1075.32]  when they were captives
+[1075.32 --> 1076.24]  to their own sin
+[1076.24 --> 1077.06]  in the promised land.
+[1077.06 --> 1078.40]  He was concerned for them
+[1078.40 --> 1081.76]  when they were in captivity
+[1081.76 --> 1082.56]  in their own sins,
+[1082.60 --> 1083.12]  like I said.
+[1083.40 --> 1085.24]  He was concerned for them
+[1085.24 --> 1086.04]  when they were awaiting
+[1086.04 --> 1086.66]  this Messiah.
+[1086.76 --> 1087.68]  He was concerned for them
+[1087.68 --> 1088.52]  when the Messiah came
+[1088.52 --> 1089.86]  and they did not recognize him.
+[1090.54 --> 1091.30]  And brothers and sisters,
+[1091.42 --> 1093.26]  his concern for his people
+[1093.26 --> 1094.72]  continues today.
+[1094.72 --> 1098.60]  So whether you are here
+[1098.60 --> 1099.16]  this morning,
+[1099.30 --> 1100.08]  here in the sanctuary,
+[1100.30 --> 1101.06]  there in the foyer,
+[1101.26 --> 1102.24]  at home as well,
+[1103.24 --> 1104.92]  and you are being held captive
+[1104.92 --> 1105.62]  by depression
+[1105.62 --> 1107.94]  or you're being held captive
+[1107.94 --> 1108.62]  by grief
+[1108.62 --> 1110.28]  or by worry
+[1110.28 --> 1112.28]  or by fear
+[1112.28 --> 1113.48]  or by confusion
+[1113.48 --> 1115.22]  or by anxiety
+[1115.22 --> 1116.12]  or by frustration
+[1116.12 --> 1116.94]  or by pain
+[1116.94 --> 1118.54]  or by whatever affliction
+[1118.54 --> 1119.40]  you find yourself
+[1119.40 --> 1120.30]  going through today,
+[1120.30 --> 1123.78]  God is concerned
+[1123.78 --> 1124.58]  for his people.
+[1128.32 --> 1129.48]  So much so
+[1129.48 --> 1130.64]  that he came down
+[1130.64 --> 1131.34]  a third time
+[1131.34 --> 1132.40]  permanently
+[1132.40 --> 1133.34]  with his Holy Spirit
+[1133.34 --> 1134.04]  to be with
+[1134.04 --> 1135.10]  and to walk with
+[1135.10 --> 1135.96]  his people.
+[1137.52 --> 1138.96]  The Father came down
+[1138.96 --> 1139.86]  in a burning bush
+[1139.86 --> 1140.60]  to save his people
+[1140.60 --> 1141.58]  from slavery in Egypt.
+[1141.76 --> 1142.96]  The Son came down
+[1142.96 --> 1143.78]  in Bethlehem
+[1143.78 --> 1144.52]  to save his people
+[1144.52 --> 1145.04]  from death.
+[1145.36 --> 1146.14]  And the Holy Spirit
+[1146.14 --> 1146.72]  came down
+[1146.72 --> 1148.14]  to save his people
+[1148.14 --> 1150.04]  from whatever captivity
+[1150.04 --> 1151.28]  that life's trials
+[1151.28 --> 1152.04]  and temptations
+[1152.04 --> 1152.70]  bring on you.
+[1152.98 --> 1153.80]  God is here
+[1153.80 --> 1154.72]  not to remove
+[1154.72 --> 1155.30]  those trials
+[1155.30 --> 1155.98]  and temptations
+[1155.98 --> 1157.42]  but to bear it with us,
+[1157.50 --> 1158.62]  to walk with us,
+[1158.72 --> 1159.90]  to help us through it,
+[1160.04 --> 1161.98]  and to be with us
+[1161.98 --> 1163.44]  in whatever captivity
+[1163.44 --> 1164.50]  we find ourselves.
+[1164.82 --> 1165.48]  And even though
+[1165.48 --> 1166.52]  it may not seem like that
+[1166.52 --> 1167.18]  all the time,
+[1167.36 --> 1168.88]  he is holding us all
+[1168.88 --> 1169.84]  in hands
+[1169.84 --> 1170.86]  more powerful
+[1170.86 --> 1171.88]  than we ever care
+[1171.88 --> 1172.50]  to admit
+[1172.50 --> 1173.86]  or ever
+[1173.86 --> 1176.14]  can comprehend.
+[1178.14 --> 1178.78]  And those two
+[1178.78 --> 1179.84]  characteristics of God,
+[1179.90 --> 1180.48]  his power
+[1180.48 --> 1181.84]  and his concern,
+[1182.84 --> 1183.46]  they go together
+[1183.46 --> 1184.22]  so beautifully
+[1184.22 --> 1187.14]  that my prayer
+[1187.14 --> 1187.74]  for us today
+[1187.74 --> 1188.24]  is that we can
+[1188.24 --> 1189.24]  just simply begin
+[1189.24 --> 1190.66]  to wrap our heads
+[1190.66 --> 1192.42]  around the beautiful
+[1192.42 --> 1193.42]  truth that is
+[1193.42 --> 1194.32]  both of those things.
+[1197.30 --> 1198.06]  The last thing
+[1198.06 --> 1198.66]  I'd like to look at
+[1198.66 --> 1199.50]  today from this passage
+[1199.50 --> 1199.86]  is this.
+[1199.92 --> 1201.42]  It's Moses' response.
+[1201.84 --> 1202.68]  Now in order to do that
+[1202.68 --> 1203.34]  though, we have to remember
+[1203.34 --> 1204.06]  his context
+[1204.06 --> 1205.06]  just a little bit.
+[1205.94 --> 1206.32]  Now remember,
+[1206.44 --> 1207.20]  Moses was working
+[1207.20 --> 1208.04]  as a shepherd
+[1208.04 --> 1209.96]  for about 40 years
+[1209.96 --> 1211.50]  before this time happened.
+[1211.98 --> 1212.56]  Now for someone
+[1212.56 --> 1213.48]  of his knowledge,
+[1213.84 --> 1215.08]  for someone of his education
+[1215.08 --> 1215.64]  in past,
+[1215.92 --> 1216.50]  this would have been
+[1216.50 --> 1217.02]  considered
+[1217.02 --> 1218.58]  very poor employment
+[1218.58 --> 1219.20]  actually.
+[1220.16 --> 1221.42]  Very poor employment.
+[1221.90 --> 1222.32]  And yet,
+[1223.00 --> 1223.26]  Moses
+[1223.26 --> 1224.78]  was very content
+[1224.78 --> 1225.72]  doing this.
+[1226.66 --> 1227.30]  He was happy
+[1227.30 --> 1227.92]  to be a shepherd
+[1227.92 --> 1228.40]  in Midian.
+[1228.74 --> 1229.52]  He was satisfied.
+[1229.70 --> 1230.20]  He was meek
+[1230.20 --> 1230.72]  and content
+[1230.72 --> 1231.70]  and he was humble
+[1231.70 --> 1232.46]  as he worked
+[1232.46 --> 1232.94]  as a shepherd.
+[1233.14 --> 1233.98]  And these are all things
+[1233.98 --> 1235.10]  that he is quite celebrated
+[1235.10 --> 1236.38]  for in the Bible.
+[1237.28 --> 1237.88]  Numbers 12,
+[1237.94 --> 1238.38]  verse 3
+[1238.38 --> 1239.14]  says this.
+[1239.34 --> 1239.52]  It says,
+[1239.72 --> 1241.72]  Moses was a very humble man,
+[1241.86 --> 1242.82]  more humble
+[1242.82 --> 1244.02]  than anyone
+[1244.02 --> 1245.28]  else
+[1245.28 --> 1246.16]  on the face
+[1246.16 --> 1247.20]  of the earth.
+[1248.12 --> 1248.80]  Isn't that something?
+[1248.86 --> 1249.50]  That's quite a thing
+[1249.50 --> 1250.68]  to be remembered for.
+[1252.00 --> 1252.54]  Now keep in mind,
+[1252.60 --> 1253.58]  Moses wrote numbers,
+[1253.72 --> 1254.18]  so like,
+[1254.24 --> 1255.36]  it's a little bit awkward
+[1255.36 --> 1256.36]  to write that about yourself,
+[1256.52 --> 1257.74]  but it's a little grain of salt.
+[1257.82 --> 1258.52]  No, I'm kidding, of course.
+[1258.74 --> 1259.96]  We can take that as truth,
+[1260.04 --> 1261.28]  that Moses was
+[1261.28 --> 1262.02]  humble.
+[1262.54 --> 1263.36]  He was content,
+[1263.36 --> 1264.50]  he was meek,
+[1265.30 --> 1266.54]  and he was far from the man
+[1266.54 --> 1267.88]  he was earlier in his life,
+[1268.78 --> 1269.54]  when he was powerful
+[1269.54 --> 1270.38]  and educated
+[1270.38 --> 1271.58]  and he had means
+[1271.58 --> 1272.74]  and a position of authority
+[1272.74 --> 1274.02]  and had ultimate access
+[1274.02 --> 1274.56]  to Pharaoh.
+[1276.00 --> 1276.76]  In fact,
+[1277.06 --> 1279.04]  if this were anybody else's plan
+[1279.04 --> 1279.72]  other than God's,
+[1279.72 --> 1280.44]  you would have thought
+[1280.44 --> 1282.02]  that Moses would have been
+[1282.02 --> 1282.80]  approached earlier
+[1282.80 --> 1284.36]  when he had access to Pharaoh,
+[1284.42 --> 1285.18]  when he had means
+[1285.18 --> 1286.08]  and he had authority
+[1286.08 --> 1287.28]  and he had all this power.
+[1288.32 --> 1289.48]  To the human mind,
+[1289.54 --> 1290.86]  that makes the most sense.
+[1291.86 --> 1293.04]  That's how we function.
+[1294.24 --> 1295.18]  But this wasn't
+[1295.18 --> 1296.18]  someone else's plan,
+[1296.24 --> 1297.08]  this was God's plan.
+[1297.20 --> 1297.86]  God was patient.
+[1298.38 --> 1298.84]  He waited.
+[1299.92 --> 1301.62]  God waited until Moses had fled
+[1301.62 --> 1303.00]  and he was a fugitive
+[1303.00 --> 1304.50]  and he tended sheep
+[1304.50 --> 1305.86]  for 40 years in Midian
+[1305.86 --> 1306.94]  in the middle of nowhere
+[1306.94 --> 1308.24]  because God needed Moses
+[1308.24 --> 1309.68]  to stop being the brash,
+[1310.24 --> 1310.88]  know-it-all,
+[1311.34 --> 1312.98]  fix things on his own man
+[1312.98 --> 1313.72]  he once was
+[1313.72 --> 1314.94]  because apparently
+[1314.94 --> 1315.78]  all that ever led Moses
+[1315.78 --> 1316.98]  to do was murder someone.
+[1318.74 --> 1319.92]  No, God needed to be patient
+[1319.92 --> 1320.78]  and he needed to wait
+[1320.78 --> 1321.58]  for Moses to become
+[1321.58 --> 1322.16]  meek and humble
+[1322.16 --> 1323.00]  because then
+[1323.00 --> 1324.70]  it was God's power
+[1324.70 --> 1326.02]  that saved his people.
+[1327.02 --> 1328.32]  It wasn't Moses' position,
+[1328.56 --> 1329.90]  it wasn't Moses' education,
+[1330.36 --> 1331.76]  it wasn't Moses' means.
+[1334.02 --> 1334.88]  It's interesting though,
+[1334.92 --> 1336.44]  Moses almost became too meek,
+[1336.58 --> 1337.50]  he almost became too humble
+[1337.50 --> 1339.16]  because when God asks Moses
+[1339.16 --> 1339.80]  at the burning bush
+[1339.80 --> 1340.62]  to go bring his people
+[1340.62 --> 1341.20]  out of Egypt,
+[1341.60 --> 1343.00]  Moses replies in verse 11
+[1343.00 --> 1344.66]  with who am I?
+[1344.74 --> 1345.76]  Who am I to do this?
+[1345.76 --> 1348.62]  In fact,
+[1348.70 --> 1349.40]  later in this chapter
+[1349.40 --> 1350.16]  we didn't get to that,
+[1350.24 --> 1351.16]  Moses thinks of a whole bunch
+[1351.16 --> 1352.00]  of reasons why he should
+[1352.00 --> 1352.68]  not be doing this.
+[1352.88 --> 1353.40]  What if the people
+[1353.40 --> 1354.06]  don't believe me,
+[1354.10 --> 1354.36]  he says.
+[1354.40 --> 1355.34]  I'm not really eloquent,
+[1355.46 --> 1356.58]  I can't speak in front of people,
+[1356.62 --> 1357.54]  this isn't a job for me
+[1357.54 --> 1358.90]  and after all his excuses,
+[1359.44 --> 1360.38]  he simply looks at God
+[1360.38 --> 1360.64]  and he says,
+[1360.74 --> 1360.98]  God,
+[1361.22 --> 1364.08]  please just send someone else.
+[1368.52 --> 1369.42]  His response maybe
+[1369.42 --> 1370.48]  shouldn't be that surprising
+[1370.48 --> 1371.32]  to us though, right?
+[1373.60 --> 1374.82]  We ask the same questions,
+[1374.90 --> 1375.20]  don't we?
+[1376.76 --> 1377.20]  God,
+[1377.24 --> 1378.34]  I can't pray for that person,
+[1378.42 --> 1379.04]  not here,
+[1379.16 --> 1379.62]  not now,
+[1379.70 --> 1380.38]  not publicly.
+[1381.76 --> 1382.20]  God,
+[1382.24 --> 1384.14]  I'm not spiritually mature enough
+[1384.14 --> 1385.12]  to lead that ministry.
+[1387.32 --> 1387.76]  God,
+[1387.80 --> 1388.40]  I'm not eloquent.
+[1388.62 --> 1390.56]  I can't speak your gospel
+[1390.56 --> 1391.70]  to people I don't know.
+[1393.26 --> 1393.70]  God,
+[1393.74 --> 1395.12]  I don't want to be an elder,
+[1395.34 --> 1395.96]  just God,
+[1396.34 --> 1398.40]  please send someone else.
+[1401.74 --> 1403.30]  The ironic problem is
+[1403.30 --> 1405.42]  when we feel this way,
+[1405.76 --> 1408.22]  it is exactly the kind of person
+[1408.22 --> 1409.58]  that God wants to use
+[1409.58 --> 1411.20]  to fulfill his kingdom purposes.
+[1413.38 --> 1414.68]  When we accept the fact
+[1414.68 --> 1415.98]  that maybe we don't have
+[1415.98 --> 1416.62]  what it takes
+[1416.62 --> 1418.10]  to do all of the things
+[1418.10 --> 1419.48]  God be me calling us to do,
+[1420.28 --> 1421.34]  then it's God
+[1421.34 --> 1422.62]  who gets the glory
+[1422.62 --> 1424.62]  for accomplishing his purposes
+[1424.62 --> 1425.44]  through us.
+[1425.44 --> 1426.44]  God's sake.
+[1426.44 --> 1428.18]  So even though Moses
+[1428.18 --> 1429.42]  responded with excuses
+[1429.42 --> 1430.38]  and fear
+[1430.38 --> 1431.68]  and a whole lot of hesitation,
+[1432.42 --> 1433.26]  God picked him up,
+[1433.96 --> 1434.98]  he sent him out,
+[1435.24 --> 1436.52]  and he used him
+[1436.52 --> 1437.66]  in all his limitations,
+[1437.66 --> 1438.62]  and Moses became
+[1438.62 --> 1441.16]  one of the greatest fathers
+[1441.16 --> 1441.94]  of our faith
+[1441.94 --> 1443.22]  the world has ever known.
+[1443.22 --> 1447.50]  Now the internet,
+[1448.18 --> 1449.66]  it's a very interesting place.
+[1451.20 --> 1452.42]  It's got tons of stuff,
+[1452.54 --> 1453.34]  wormholes that you can
+[1453.34 --> 1454.00]  get sucked into,
+[1454.18 --> 1455.14]  videos that are completely
+[1455.14 --> 1456.72]  used to watch,
+[1457.06 --> 1457.78]  just a big waste
+[1457.78 --> 1458.40]  of time generally,
+[1458.48 --> 1459.90]  but every once in a while
+[1459.90 --> 1461.08]  it gives you this
+[1461.08 --> 1462.42]  beautiful gem
+[1462.42 --> 1463.58]  that you can use
+[1463.58 --> 1464.58]  in a certain situation.
+[1465.72 --> 1466.32]  And as I was
+[1466.32 --> 1467.86]  writing this message,
+[1468.08 --> 1469.42]  I saw this meme,
+[1469.54 --> 1470.02]  this picture,
+[1470.02 --> 1471.12]  and it sums up
+[1471.12 --> 1472.14]  this point so beautifully.
+[1472.96 --> 1473.68]  See, Moses thought
+[1473.68 --> 1474.54]  he wasn't qualified
+[1474.54 --> 1475.72]  to be able to fulfill
+[1475.72 --> 1477.50]  God's calling for him,
+[1477.70 --> 1478.94]  but the truth is
+[1478.94 --> 1481.36]  God doesn't call
+[1481.36 --> 1482.04]  the qualified.
+[1482.88 --> 1484.62]  God qualifies the called.
+[1486.32 --> 1487.40]  God doesn't call
+[1487.40 --> 1488.26]  the qualified.
+[1488.90 --> 1490.24]  He qualifies the called.
+[1490.30 --> 1491.04]  Who saw that meme?
+[1491.10 --> 1492.16]  Anybody see a meme like that?
+[1492.92 --> 1493.84]  I could have possibly
+[1493.84 --> 1494.74]  taken credit for this.
+[1494.78 --> 1495.34]  That's too bad.
+[1496.00 --> 1496.60]  This is why you shouldn't
+[1496.60 --> 1497.64]  preface things like this.
+[1497.90 --> 1498.72]  That would have been brilliant,
+[1498.86 --> 1498.96]  hey?
+[1500.02 --> 1501.10]  God doesn't call
+[1501.10 --> 1501.80]  the qualified.
+[1502.10 --> 1503.68]  He qualifies the called.
+[1503.94 --> 1504.86]  See, we're all called.
+[1505.70 --> 1506.30]  All of us.
+[1506.34 --> 1506.90]  We're all called.
+[1506.98 --> 1507.74]  We're called to love.
+[1508.02 --> 1508.90]  We're called to serve.
+[1509.14 --> 1509.94]  We're called to forgive.
+[1510.16 --> 1511.00]  We're called to submit
+[1511.00 --> 1512.04]  to God.
+[1513.58 --> 1514.38]  Perhaps you don't always
+[1514.38 --> 1515.68]  feel qualified to lead
+[1515.68 --> 1517.04]  or to pray in front of people
+[1517.04 --> 1518.34]  or to love people
+[1518.34 --> 1519.46]  who are difficult to love
+[1519.46 --> 1520.18]  or to serve
+[1520.18 --> 1521.36]  in different capacities,
+[1521.72 --> 1522.66]  but in some way
+[1522.66 --> 1523.46]  or another, church,
+[1524.54 --> 1525.46]  you're the body of Christ.
+[1525.54 --> 1526.48]  We're all the body of Christ.
+[1526.58 --> 1527.24]  We are all called
+[1527.24 --> 1527.96]  to these things.
+[1527.96 --> 1530.42]  Take our church's
+[1530.42 --> 1531.02]  mission statement,
+[1531.12 --> 1531.52]  for example.
+[1531.62 --> 1532.66]  Perhaps gathering
+[1532.66 --> 1533.42]  or growing
+[1533.42 --> 1534.74]  or going right now
+[1534.74 --> 1535.92]  just seems difficult.
+[1536.14 --> 1537.32]  It seems too hard for us.
+[1537.38 --> 1538.78]  It seems that we're not
+[1538.78 --> 1539.76]  qualified to do that.
+[1540.68 --> 1541.58]  It's too difficult
+[1541.58 --> 1542.46]  for us to accomplish.
+[1544.42 --> 1546.18]  But God doesn't call us
+[1546.18 --> 1546.66]  to these things
+[1546.66 --> 1547.54]  because we're qualified.
+[1549.24 --> 1550.26]  It's quite the opposite,
+[1550.42 --> 1550.58]  actually.
+[1550.64 --> 1551.56]  God calls us
+[1551.56 --> 1552.38]  to do these things
+[1552.38 --> 1553.72]  in spite of our qualifications.
+[1553.72 --> 1553.96]  Christians.
+[1556.02 --> 1556.72]  It's only then
+[1556.72 --> 1557.54]  that God gets to be
+[1557.54 --> 1558.62]  ultimately glorified.
+[1561.02 --> 1561.86]  The Apostle Paul
+[1561.86 --> 1563.06]  says this so beautifully
+[1563.06 --> 1563.70]  in one of his letters
+[1563.70 --> 1565.48]  to the church in Corinth.
+[1565.64 --> 1566.44]  He says this thousands
+[1566.44 --> 1567.44]  and thousands of years later.
+[1567.54 --> 1568.02]  He says this.
+[1568.06 --> 1568.28]  He says,
+[1568.36 --> 1569.08]  Brothers and sisters,
+[1569.88 --> 1571.04]  this is not actually very kind,
+[1571.10 --> 1571.92]  but it's a really good point.
+[1572.00 --> 1572.12]  He's like,
+[1572.18 --> 1572.78]  Brothers and sisters,
+[1572.96 --> 1573.98]  not many of you
+[1573.98 --> 1574.78]  were wise
+[1574.78 --> 1576.02]  by human standards.
+[1577.10 --> 1578.48]  Not many were influential.
+[1579.68 --> 1581.34]  Not many are of noble birth.
+[1581.34 --> 1584.30]  But God chose
+[1584.30 --> 1585.76]  the foolish things
+[1585.76 --> 1586.72]  of this world
+[1586.72 --> 1588.68]  to shame the wise.
+[1589.74 --> 1591.20]  God chose the weak things
+[1591.20 --> 1591.86]  of the world
+[1591.86 --> 1594.04]  to shame the strong
+[1594.04 --> 1596.10]  so that no one
+[1596.10 --> 1597.66]  may boast before him.
+[1598.14 --> 1599.20]  It is because of him
+[1599.20 --> 1601.18]  that you are in Christ Jesus.
+[1602.36 --> 1603.48]  Therefore, as it is written,
+[1604.38 --> 1605.64]  let the one who boasts
+[1605.64 --> 1607.60]  boast in the Lord.
+[1607.60 --> 1612.10]  God doesn't call the qualified.
+[1612.54 --> 1614.04]  He qualifies the called.
+[1615.90 --> 1616.92]  So brothers and sisters
+[1616.92 --> 1618.02]  of Emanuel CRC
+[1618.02 --> 1618.68]  and anybody else
+[1618.68 --> 1619.78]  watching online right now,
+[1620.46 --> 1621.36]  please remember this,
+[1621.42 --> 1623.74]  that God is more powerful
+[1623.74 --> 1625.88]  than we can ever comprehend.
+[1627.36 --> 1628.58]  And may we be deeply,
+[1628.82 --> 1629.80]  deeply affected
+[1629.80 --> 1631.84]  by the infinite distance
+[1631.84 --> 1632.48]  there is
+[1632.48 --> 1634.14]  between God's power
+[1634.14 --> 1635.42]  and our own.
+[1635.42 --> 1637.26]  Second,
+[1637.40 --> 1638.46]  God is deeply
+[1638.46 --> 1639.56]  concerned
+[1639.56 --> 1640.86]  for you.
+[1642.18 --> 1643.00]  No matter what
+[1643.00 --> 1643.88]  you are going through,
+[1644.80 --> 1645.66]  God is listening,
+[1645.86 --> 1646.60]  God is watching,
+[1646.76 --> 1647.36]  He is hearing,
+[1647.48 --> 1648.22]  and He is remembering
+[1648.22 --> 1649.44]  His promises to you.
+[1650.70 --> 1651.74]  He is with you always
+[1651.74 --> 1653.08]  to the very end
+[1653.08 --> 1653.82]  of the age.
+[1655.26 --> 1656.02]  And finally,
+[1656.10 --> 1656.56]  God is not
+[1656.56 --> 1657.72]  calling you
+[1657.72 --> 1658.66]  because you are qualified.
+[1660.38 --> 1661.86]  He qualifies you
+[1661.86 --> 1663.22]  to fulfill
+[1663.22 --> 1664.46]  His calling.
+[1665.42 --> 1666.58]  Don't mix those up.
+[1667.96 --> 1668.40]  Amen?
+[1669.96 --> 1670.98]  Let me pray with you.
+[1671.24 --> 1671.68]  Father God,
+[1671.96 --> 1673.32]  we thank You
+[1673.32 --> 1673.92]  for this story.
+[1674.02 --> 1674.38]  We thank You
+[1674.38 --> 1674.94]  for Moses
+[1674.94 --> 1676.02]  and the burning bush.
+[1676.24 --> 1676.74]  We thank You
+[1676.74 --> 1677.84]  for the power
+[1677.84 --> 1679.64]  that comes
+[1679.64 --> 1680.42]  through this story.
+[1681.12 --> 1681.70]  We thank You
+[1681.70 --> 1682.46]  for Your concern
+[1682.46 --> 1683.18]  for Your people,
+[1683.46 --> 1684.38]  why You came down
+[1684.38 --> 1685.14]  in Egypt,
+[1685.34 --> 1686.12]  why You came down
+[1686.12 --> 1686.76]  in Bethlehem,
+[1686.88 --> 1687.62]  why You came down
+[1687.62 --> 1688.32]  at Pentecost.
+[1690.08 --> 1690.64]  And God,
+[1690.68 --> 1691.14]  we thank You
+[1691.14 --> 1692.56]  that You are with us.
+[1692.56 --> 1694.20]  You are powerfully,
+[1694.78 --> 1696.50]  concerningly with us.
+[1698.24 --> 1698.68]  And so God,
+[1698.74 --> 1700.26]  may we respond accordingly.
+[1700.38 --> 1701.02]  May we know
+[1701.02 --> 1702.60]  that You are in charge
+[1702.60 --> 1703.34]  of all things,
+[1704.48 --> 1705.92]  that You are thinking of us,
+[1705.98 --> 1707.34]  have us in Your heart,
+[1707.70 --> 1708.72]  and that You call us
+[1708.72 --> 1709.62]  to live lives
+[1709.62 --> 1710.96]  of love and service
+[1710.96 --> 1711.68]  and gratitude
+[1711.68 --> 1712.60]  in this world.
+[1713.12 --> 1714.48]  So may we boldly
+[1714.48 --> 1715.52]  step forward
+[1715.52 --> 1716.70]  in that knowledge.
+[1717.48 --> 1718.32]  May we go forward
+[1718.32 --> 1719.54]  knowing that You are with us
+[1719.54 --> 1721.50]  and that You qualify us
+[1721.50 --> 1722.52]  to live out this calling.
+[1723.26 --> 1724.32]  But let us make excuses.
+[1727.28 --> 1727.94]  Let us live
+[1727.94 --> 1728.72]  as You call us to live.
+[1728.76 --> 1729.18]  We pray this
+[1729.18 --> 1730.28]  in Your Son's precious name.
+[1730.56 --> 1730.78]  Amen.

Connecting With God (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,1085 @@
+[0.00 --> 3.90]  Well, good morning again.
+[4.78 --> 5.86]  It's good to be with you.
+[6.94 --> 9.06]  Over the summer at New Life,
+[9.16 --> 11.46]  we spent some time in the letter of James.
+[11.72 --> 13.12]  And so this morning,
+[13.32 --> 14.90]  I want to share with you
+[14.90 --> 18.08]  some of the exploration we did
+[18.08 --> 19.60]  in the letter of James
+[19.60 --> 20.70]  in the back of the New Testament.
+[23.88 --> 25.12]  In that letter,
+[25.12 --> 30.08]  James emphasizes a fully engaged faith.
+[30.18 --> 30.94]  A lot of times,
+[32.00 --> 34.02]  scholars debate
+[34.02 --> 36.00]  whether James is talking about faith
+[36.00 --> 37.94]  or whether he's talking about works.
+[38.16 --> 41.24]  But really, James is putting the two together.
+[41.78 --> 47.14]  And he wants us to live out our faith
+[47.14 --> 49.36]  in every aspect of our lives.
+[49.42 --> 51.40]  And so we called the series All In.
+[51.40 --> 57.02]  That when we say we profess Jesus as our Savior,
+[57.32 --> 59.92]  it has to be an all-in faith.
+[61.46 --> 64.32]  But an all-in faith requires
+[64.32 --> 66.90]  a deep connection with God.
+[68.32 --> 71.70]  Otherwise, faith just gradually fades.
+[71.80 --> 73.34]  And I think that's one of the dangers
+[73.34 --> 75.54]  in this pandemic situation
+[75.54 --> 77.06]  that we find ourselves in,
+[77.14 --> 79.40]  that when we lose connection,
+[79.40 --> 82.02]  faith fades.
+[85.24 --> 88.22]  Perhaps you've heard of the theory
+[88.22 --> 89.98]  that you can be connected
+[89.98 --> 92.22]  to anybody on this planet
+[92.22 --> 95.46]  by six social associations.
+[95.70 --> 96.54]  You ever heard of that theory?
+[97.82 --> 99.28]  By six steps,
+[99.46 --> 102.56]  you could connect with anybody,
+[102.68 --> 103.72]  even across the world,
+[103.86 --> 105.02]  somebody you don't even know.
+[105.02 --> 107.78]  So some time ago,
+[107.96 --> 111.16]  a German newspaper wanted to test that theory.
+[112.74 --> 116.16]  So they took a fellow by the name of Salah Bengali.
+[116.68 --> 119.32]  He was an Iraqi immigrant living in Germany
+[119.32 --> 120.78]  selling falafels.
+[122.38 --> 124.94]  But Salah Bengali wanted to be connected
+[124.94 --> 126.42]  to Marlon Brando.
+[126.54 --> 127.66]  So the newspaper said,
+[127.76 --> 129.16]  all right, we'll connect you.
+[129.16 --> 131.14]  And they did.
+[131.88 --> 135.10]  And they did it in six social steps.
+[135.28 --> 135.98]  Here's how it went.
+[137.38 --> 140.70]  Salah Bengali had a friend in California
+[140.70 --> 144.20]  who works in the same company as Ken Carson.
+[144.86 --> 148.16]  Ken Carson was the boyfriend of Michelle Bevan.
+[149.06 --> 151.52]  Michelle Bevan was the sorority sister
+[151.52 --> 152.82]  to Christina Kutzer.
+[153.34 --> 156.70]  Christina Kutzer was the daughter of Patrick Palmer,
+[156.70 --> 159.30]  the producer of Don Juan DeMarco,
+[159.42 --> 162.62]  the movie in which Marlon Brando starred.
+[164.02 --> 165.46]  In six steps,
+[166.24 --> 168.02]  Salah Bengali, Iraqi immigrant,
+[168.32 --> 170.42]  was connected to Marlon Brando.
+[171.70 --> 174.72]  Unfortunately, Marlon Brando never returned
+[174.72 --> 176.80]  any of Salah Bengali's calls.
+[178.10 --> 179.70]  Now, you might understand that
+[179.70 --> 182.34]  because all of these social associations
+[182.34 --> 185.20]  seem rather flimsy, in fact.
+[185.20 --> 187.66]  And so you go, well, that's not surprising.
+[187.92 --> 188.26]  Why?
+[188.82 --> 191.38]  Why would Marlon Brando pay attention?
+[192.66 --> 194.86]  And yet, a lot of times,
+[195.22 --> 199.86]  that's how we depend on our connection to God.
+[200.16 --> 203.24]  Simply by easy social associations.
+[204.12 --> 206.12]  I mean, going to church can even be
+[206.12 --> 208.98]  that kind of easy social association.
+[209.22 --> 210.22]  Am I connected to God?
+[210.36 --> 211.72]  Yeah, I went to church on Sunday.
+[211.72 --> 215.72]  Or, I'm connected to God.
+[216.12 --> 218.30]  I watched the service on TV.
+[221.50 --> 223.14]  In chapter 5,
+[223.52 --> 224.78]  James offers,
+[225.10 --> 226.68]  at the conclusion of his letter,
+[227.40 --> 229.76]  James, after instructing the people
+[229.76 --> 232.48]  on integrating their faith
+[232.48 --> 235.20]  with the entirety of their lives,
+[235.20 --> 237.62]  then at the end of his letter,
+[238.00 --> 241.20]  James concludes with two ways
+[241.20 --> 244.44]  in which we need to stay connected to God.
+[244.58 --> 248.58]  And those two ways serve as roots
+[248.58 --> 252.24]  that build a bridge to God.
+[252.24 --> 256.90]  The first that James talks about
+[256.90 --> 260.68]  is learning to live in the light of eternity.
+[263.02 --> 265.70]  And so James writes,
+[266.74 --> 268.18]  at the end of his letter,
+[268.84 --> 270.82]  James chapter 5, verse 7 and 8,
+[270.82 --> 297.62]  It's amazing encouragement, really.
+[297.62 --> 302.08]  Amazing encouragement even for us in this time.
+[302.76 --> 304.58]  The Christians to whom James was writing
+[304.58 --> 308.08]  were confronting and facing
+[308.08 --> 310.18]  a lot of trial and hardship.
+[312.98 --> 316.64]  And so we find ourselves in new circumstances as well
+[316.64 --> 317.18]  that we say,
+[317.34 --> 319.72]  Wow, life hasn't been this difficult for us
+[319.72 --> 321.62]  in a long time, or if ever.
+[321.62 --> 324.64]  And in a sense,
+[325.06 --> 326.92]  what James is doing here
+[326.92 --> 328.44]  at the end of his letter
+[328.44 --> 330.64]  is returning to the beginning of his letter
+[330.64 --> 332.84]  where he makes this outrageous statement.
+[332.98 --> 334.42]  This is how he begins his letter.
+[334.54 --> 334.94]  He says,
+[335.58 --> 337.38]  Consider it pure joy,
+[337.46 --> 338.54]  my brothers and sisters,
+[340.18 --> 342.60]  whenever you face trials of many kinds.
+[343.26 --> 344.38]  Whatever we're facing,
+[345.16 --> 346.92]  consider it pure joy
+[346.92 --> 350.30]  because it strengthens our faith
+[350.30 --> 352.20]  through that perseverance
+[352.20 --> 353.28]  that is required,
+[353.50 --> 357.24]  that kind of prevailing with God
+[357.24 --> 358.98]  to pursue faith.
+[362.18 --> 364.56]  Our connection with God
+[364.56 --> 366.98]  is sustained then
+[366.98 --> 369.40]  not by our circumstances,
+[370.04 --> 372.02]  which is why James can say,
+[372.22 --> 373.66]  consider it pure joy
+[373.66 --> 375.10]  in the midst of any hardship
+[375.10 --> 376.36]  that you face.
+[377.78 --> 380.02]  But our connection to God
+[380.02 --> 381.54]  is sustained by the hope
+[381.54 --> 382.30]  that we have
+[382.30 --> 383.98]  in Christ's return.
+[384.16 --> 384.92]  Be patient.
+[385.42 --> 386.84]  The Lord is coming back.
+[389.02 --> 391.30]  And that's when He will make all things new
+[391.30 --> 393.34]  and make all things right.
+[394.86 --> 396.54]  And that's the view of eternity
+[396.54 --> 397.60]  that we profess.
+[399.26 --> 400.98]  And it's contrasted in James
+[400.98 --> 403.02]  with two other scenarios
+[403.02 --> 404.80]  that James presents
+[404.80 --> 406.32]  to help us understand
+[406.32 --> 407.10]  the importance
+[407.10 --> 408.90]  of learning to live
+[408.90 --> 410.64]  in the light of eternity.
+[411.24 --> 412.18]  The first scenario
+[412.18 --> 414.26]  is back in chapter 4,
+[414.32 --> 416.10]  at the end of chapter 4, in fact,
+[417.08 --> 418.66]  where he characterizes
+[418.66 --> 420.24]  people who make plans
+[420.24 --> 421.34]  assuming they're in control.
+[421.60 --> 422.96]  And James, I'm warning you,
+[423.06 --> 424.00]  James hits hard.
+[424.38 --> 425.42]  So this is what he says.
+[426.44 --> 427.92]  Now listen, you who say
+[427.92 --> 429.00]  today or tomorrow
+[429.00 --> 430.48]  we'll go to this or that city
+[430.48 --> 431.60]  and spend a year here,
+[431.60 --> 433.12]  carry on business
+[433.12 --> 434.26]  and make money there.
+[434.38 --> 435.72]  Why, you don't even know
+[435.72 --> 437.60]  what will happen tomorrow.
+[437.80 --> 438.60]  What is your life?
+[438.76 --> 440.20]  You are a mist
+[440.20 --> 442.12]  that appears for a little while
+[442.12 --> 442.96]  and then vanishes.
+[443.26 --> 444.92]  Instead, you ought to say,
+[445.38 --> 446.46]  if it is the Lord's will,
+[446.60 --> 448.38]  we'll live and do this or that.
+[453.38 --> 454.88]  James is addressing people
+[454.88 --> 456.86]  who thought that they had life
+[456.86 --> 458.00]  all under control,
+[458.00 --> 459.74]  that they were living life
+[459.74 --> 461.14]  on their own.
+[461.60 --> 463.16]  And James' point is,
+[463.56 --> 466.14]  you cannot stay connected to God
+[466.14 --> 468.98]  if you think you own your life.
+[471.76 --> 473.00]  It's like this.
+[475.10 --> 478.74]  Imagine that we could enjoy
+[478.74 --> 480.26]  international travel again.
+[480.26 --> 483.46]  And I get so excited about this
+[483.46 --> 485.88]  that I spend just a ton of money
+[485.88 --> 488.58]  on planning a great vacation
+[488.58 --> 489.56]  for my wife and I.
+[490.14 --> 493.50]  And I plan this thing out beautifully,
+[493.72 --> 494.26]  which is funny
+[494.26 --> 495.34]  because I don't plan anything.
+[495.60 --> 499.10]  But I plan this amazing vacation.
+[499.30 --> 500.86]  It's going to be a great getaway.
+[501.06 --> 502.44]  And on the morning of our departure,
+[502.62 --> 504.18]  I get up, I jump out,
+[504.44 --> 505.56]  and I say to my wife,
+[505.62 --> 506.18]  are you ready?
+[506.28 --> 506.84]  This is going to be
+[506.84 --> 508.22]  the best vacation ever.
+[508.22 --> 508.62]  Ever.
+[509.02 --> 511.26]  And she looks at me stunned
+[511.26 --> 513.04]  because she doesn't know
+[513.04 --> 513.64]  anything about it
+[513.64 --> 514.72]  because I never told her.
+[515.26 --> 516.96]  And she is offended
+[516.96 --> 518.76]  that I never consulted with her.
+[520.46 --> 521.98]  And then I'm offended
+[521.98 --> 524.00]  because she doesn't want
+[524.00 --> 525.40]  to bless my plans.
+[527.50 --> 528.44]  Now, honest,
+[528.62 --> 529.72]  that's just a purely
+[529.72 --> 530.98]  hypothetical situation.
+[532.32 --> 534.88]  But that's sometimes
+[534.88 --> 537.98]  how we interact with God,
+[538.04 --> 538.48]  isn't it?
+[540.08 --> 541.92]  That we make all of our plans.
+[542.04 --> 543.28]  We think we're in control
+[543.28 --> 544.30]  of our lives.
+[544.52 --> 546.90]  And then we fire up a prayer to God
+[546.90 --> 548.26]  and we wonder why
+[548.26 --> 549.62]  He doesn't bless our plans.
+[551.06 --> 552.20]  Because we've not been
+[552.20 --> 553.28]  connected to Him.
+[553.28 --> 559.60]  So that's the first scenario
+[559.60 --> 562.08]  that James warns against.
+[562.98 --> 564.72]  You are not in control
+[564.72 --> 565.38]  of your life.
+[565.54 --> 566.54]  Learn to live
+[566.54 --> 568.46]  in the light of eternity.
+[568.74 --> 569.84]  The second scenario
+[569.84 --> 570.64]  he presents
+[570.64 --> 571.92]  immediately follows that
+[571.92 --> 573.44]  at the beginning of chapter 5
+[573.44 --> 574.80]  where he writes this.
+[574.92 --> 575.62]  Now listen.
+[575.86 --> 577.18]  So same phrase again
+[577.18 --> 578.78]  as the first scenario.
+[578.94 --> 579.54]  Now listen,
+[579.68 --> 580.20]  you who say.
+[580.74 --> 581.76]  Chapter 5, verse 1.
+[581.76 --> 583.48]  Now listen, you rich people.
+[583.80 --> 584.64]  Weep and wail
+[584.64 --> 585.60]  because of the misery
+[585.60 --> 586.74]  that is coming on you.
+[587.56 --> 587.96]  Be careful.
+[588.18 --> 588.84]  He hits hard.
+[589.34 --> 590.52]  Your wealth has rotted.
+[590.70 --> 591.60]  Your moths have eaten
+[591.60 --> 592.32]  your clothes.
+[593.08 --> 594.08]  Your gold and silver
+[594.08 --> 594.82]  are corroded.
+[596.16 --> 597.20]  Their corrosion
+[597.20 --> 598.64]  will testify against you.
+[598.76 --> 600.04]  Eat your flesh like fire.
+[600.20 --> 601.28]  You've hoarded wealth
+[601.28 --> 602.20]  in the last days.
+[602.36 --> 603.12]  Look, the wages
+[603.12 --> 604.28]  that you failed to pay
+[604.28 --> 604.86]  the workers
+[604.86 --> 606.34]  who moved your fields
+[606.34 --> 607.76]  are crying out against you.
+[608.02 --> 609.70]  The cries of the harvesters
+[609.70 --> 610.56]  have reached the ears
+[610.56 --> 611.38]  of the Lord Almighty.
+[611.38 --> 612.80]  You've lived on earth
+[612.80 --> 614.54]  in luxury and self-indulgence.
+[614.68 --> 615.72]  You've fattened yourselves
+[615.72 --> 616.70]  in the day of slaughter.
+[617.06 --> 617.74]  You've condemned
+[617.74 --> 618.52]  and murdered
+[618.52 --> 619.70]  the innocent one
+[619.70 --> 621.22]  who was not opposing you.
+[623.14 --> 624.68]  And here James characterizes
+[624.68 --> 626.46]  people who oppress others
+[626.46 --> 628.06]  for their own gain.
+[629.22 --> 630.38]  And I suspect that
+[630.38 --> 631.78]  James isn't necessarily
+[631.78 --> 632.94]  targeting the people
+[632.94 --> 634.54]  to whom he's actually writing
+[634.54 --> 636.06]  because they likely
+[636.06 --> 637.14]  weren't the rich
+[637.14 --> 638.38]  and wealthy people.
+[638.38 --> 640.80]  But the condemnation
+[640.80 --> 641.66]  of such people,
+[641.76 --> 642.88]  the judgment upon
+[642.88 --> 643.74]  such people,
+[644.74 --> 645.92]  isn't so much
+[645.92 --> 647.38]  to point them out
+[647.38 --> 648.88]  as it is to create
+[648.88 --> 649.54]  a background
+[649.54 --> 650.88]  for the real point.
+[650.96 --> 651.72]  And the real point
+[651.72 --> 653.00]  that James is trying to make
+[653.00 --> 654.20]  is that with a view
+[654.20 --> 655.02]  to eternity,
+[655.44 --> 656.72]  you not only can endure
+[656.72 --> 657.32]  hardship,
+[657.78 --> 659.16]  but you can also endure
+[659.16 --> 659.86]  the hardship
+[659.86 --> 661.48]  of that kind of oppression
+[661.48 --> 663.14]  that people place
+[663.14 --> 663.96]  upon you
+[663.96 --> 665.38]  or that circumstances
+[665.38 --> 666.80]  place upon you
+[666.80 --> 668.90]  and the assurance
+[668.90 --> 670.02]  that God
+[670.02 --> 671.48]  will make it right,
+[672.04 --> 672.66]  not you.
+[674.50 --> 675.24]  In other words,
+[675.44 --> 676.42]  waiting patiently
+[676.42 --> 677.58]  for the Lord's coming
+[677.58 --> 678.56]  reminds us
+[678.56 --> 679.46]  of those two
+[679.46 --> 680.56]  critical things
+[680.56 --> 681.84]  that one,
+[681.94 --> 683.18]  we are not in control,
+[683.36 --> 684.14]  we do not own
+[684.14 --> 684.92]  our own lives,
+[685.58 --> 686.22]  and two,
+[686.58 --> 687.72]  when we are mistreated
+[687.72 --> 689.00]  or when we think
+[689.00 --> 690.96]  we're suffering hardship,
+[691.58 --> 693.78]  God will set things right.
+[694.78 --> 696.24]  So living in the light
+[696.24 --> 697.00]  of eternity
+[697.00 --> 698.58]  solidly roots
+[698.58 --> 700.48]  our connection to God
+[700.48 --> 701.68]  no matter what
+[701.68 --> 702.46]  the circumstances
+[702.46 --> 704.78]  of our life are.
+[705.66 --> 706.58]  Maybe you're familiar
+[706.58 --> 708.08]  with Francis Chan,
+[708.20 --> 709.46]  his teaching on eternity.
+[711.08 --> 712.48]  Francis Chan brings
+[712.48 --> 714.68]  this impossible length
+[714.68 --> 716.42]  of thick white rope
+[716.42 --> 717.48]  on stage,
+[717.68 --> 718.88]  and it just coils
+[718.88 --> 719.90]  around and round
+[719.90 --> 721.20]  with no apparent beginning
+[721.20 --> 722.56]  and no apparent end,
+[722.56 --> 725.90]  and then he points out
+[725.90 --> 726.88]  that in the middle
+[726.88 --> 727.88]  of this impossible
+[727.88 --> 729.32]  length of rope,
+[729.72 --> 731.22]  there is a one inch
+[731.22 --> 732.42]  little piece
+[732.42 --> 733.28]  of the rope
+[733.28 --> 734.38]  that is red.
+[735.48 --> 736.42]  Francis Chan says,
+[737.26 --> 738.02]  that one inch
+[738.02 --> 739.54]  piece of red rope
+[739.54 --> 741.06]  is your life
+[741.06 --> 741.78]  in the midst
+[741.78 --> 742.50]  of eternity.
+[743.28 --> 744.28]  It's a great picture
+[744.28 --> 745.22]  I think as well
+[745.22 --> 746.38]  to illustrate
+[746.38 --> 747.88]  James' point here,
+[747.88 --> 750.48]  that we can spend
+[750.48 --> 752.02]  so much time
+[752.02 --> 753.10]  concentrating on
+[753.10 --> 754.32]  our one inch span
+[754.32 --> 755.10]  of life
+[755.10 --> 757.16]  when there's a whole
+[757.16 --> 758.48]  eternity in which
+[758.48 --> 759.92]  we can live.
+[760.24 --> 761.16]  An eternity
+[761.16 --> 762.60]  that assures us
+[762.60 --> 763.92]  that God
+[763.92 --> 765.84]  will give us life
+[765.84 --> 767.44]  and that God
+[767.44 --> 768.08]  will supply
+[768.08 --> 769.60]  all that we need
+[769.60 --> 770.66]  and that God
+[770.66 --> 771.54]  will provide
+[771.54 --> 773.28]  for every circumstance
+[773.28 --> 774.72]  of our life.
+[775.42 --> 776.76]  That is our
+[776.76 --> 777.64]  solid hope.
+[779.86 --> 780.34]  And so that's
+[780.34 --> 781.40]  on the one bank
+[781.40 --> 782.98]  of what roots us
+[782.98 --> 783.90]  in our connection
+[783.90 --> 784.70]  to God.
+[785.16 --> 786.46]  On one side
+[786.46 --> 788.84]  is that rootedness
+[788.84 --> 789.48]  of learning
+[789.48 --> 790.26]  to live
+[790.26 --> 790.86]  in the light
+[790.86 --> 791.56]  of eternity.
+[791.82 --> 792.98]  On the other side,
+[793.24 --> 793.90]  we're rooted
+[793.90 --> 794.86]  in our connection
+[794.86 --> 795.66]  to God
+[795.66 --> 796.28]  by prayer.
+[797.78 --> 799.14]  Learning to live
+[799.14 --> 799.94]  in the context
+[799.94 --> 800.72]  of prayer.
+[800.72 --> 801.16]  And so,
+[801.46 --> 802.34]  at the very end
+[802.34 --> 803.44]  of James' letter,
+[803.56 --> 804.34]  he says this,
+[805.16 --> 806.12]  Is anyone among you
+[806.12 --> 806.82]  in trouble?
+[807.80 --> 808.52]  Verse 13,
+[809.12 --> 810.00]  Is anyone among you
+[810.00 --> 810.48]  in trouble?
+[810.78 --> 811.56]  Let them pray.
+[812.10 --> 813.00]  Is anyone happy?
+[813.46 --> 814.04]  Let them sing
+[814.04 --> 815.38]  songs of praise,
+[815.68 --> 816.50]  a form of prayer.
+[817.36 --> 818.44]  Is anyone among you
+[818.44 --> 818.86]  sick?
+[818.94 --> 820.04]  Let them call the elders
+[820.04 --> 820.80]  of the church
+[820.80 --> 822.12]  to pray over them
+[822.12 --> 823.56]  and anoint them
+[823.56 --> 824.00]  with oil
+[824.00 --> 824.92]  in the name of the Lord.
+[825.58 --> 826.22]  And the prayer
+[826.22 --> 827.20]  offered in faith
+[827.20 --> 828.36]  will make them well.
+[829.04 --> 830.08]  The Lord will raise
+[830.08 --> 830.60]  them up.
+[831.00 --> 831.90]  If they have sinned,
+[831.98 --> 832.80]  they will be forgiven.
+[832.98 --> 833.22]  Therefore,
+[833.42 --> 834.50]  confess your sins
+[834.50 --> 835.16]  to each other
+[835.16 --> 837.22]  and pray for each other
+[837.22 --> 838.56]  so that you may be healed.
+[839.18 --> 841.08]  The prayer of a righteous person
+[841.08 --> 842.34]  is powerful
+[842.34 --> 843.58]  and effective.
+[846.28 --> 847.42]  It's in fact
+[847.42 --> 849.42]  the way that Jesus taught us
+[849.42 --> 850.14]  to pray.
+[850.90 --> 851.42]  Ask
+[851.42 --> 853.42]  and you will receive.
+[855.72 --> 857.12]  The thing is,
+[857.12 --> 860.68]  we've been taught to pray
+[860.68 --> 862.42]  by the likes of
+[862.42 --> 863.74]  Sir Isaac Newton
+[863.74 --> 865.84]  and company of scientists
+[865.84 --> 867.92]  who have firmly established us
+[867.92 --> 869.68]  in the scientific method.
+[869.68 --> 871.02]  The scientific method
+[871.02 --> 872.14]  can be summarized
+[872.14 --> 872.92]  in this way,
+[873.00 --> 873.48]  I suppose.
+[875.38 --> 876.64]  The scientific method
+[876.64 --> 878.26]  is a faith commitment
+[878.26 --> 879.26]  that assumes
+[879.26 --> 883.02]  that only real things
+[883.02 --> 884.46]  can be proven.
+[884.46 --> 887.00]  And that which is proven
+[887.00 --> 888.78]  is only that
+[888.78 --> 889.80]  which is seen.
+[890.02 --> 891.06]  And only that
+[891.06 --> 892.14]  which is seen
+[892.14 --> 894.18]  is what is real.
+[894.18 --> 898.66]  And that ends up
+[898.66 --> 900.00]  being a closed universe.
+[900.54 --> 902.70]  A pretty tightly packed
+[902.70 --> 903.60]  in universe
+[903.60 --> 904.76]  that says
+[904.76 --> 906.68]  this is all
+[906.68 --> 907.78]  that there is.
+[909.72 --> 910.96]  And then it's
+[910.96 --> 912.44]  a struggle for us
+[912.44 --> 913.10]  to pray
+[913.10 --> 914.86]  in that kind
+[914.86 --> 916.02]  of closed universe.
+[917.72 --> 918.08]  And so,
+[918.30 --> 918.76]  I admit,
+[918.96 --> 920.10]  and perhaps you struggle
+[920.10 --> 921.14]  with the same thing,
+[921.14 --> 923.42]  to think that
+[923.42 --> 924.66]  prayer actually
+[924.66 --> 925.52]  is effective
+[925.52 --> 927.36]  because what can words
+[927.36 --> 928.18]  do against
+[928.18 --> 929.58]  the laws of nature
+[929.58 --> 930.90]  which are otherwise
+[930.90 --> 932.50]  perfectly explainable?
+[934.50 --> 936.04]  We struggle with thinking
+[936.04 --> 937.44]  that prayer is no use
+[937.44 --> 938.72]  or that wondering
+[938.72 --> 940.88]  if prayer really works.
+[942.10 --> 943.92]  But James reminds us here
+[943.92 --> 946.00]  that prayer is real
+[946.00 --> 947.32]  in the asking.
+[948.64 --> 950.32]  Here's what he says,
+[950.32 --> 951.10]  at the beginning
+[951.10 --> 951.76]  of his letter
+[951.76 --> 953.10]  he starts out with
+[953.10 --> 954.54]  in chapter 1
+[954.54 --> 954.92]  he says,
+[955.08 --> 955.94]  if you lack wisdom
+[955.94 --> 957.18]  ask God.
+[957.90 --> 958.60]  Ask God
+[958.60 --> 959.60]  and He'll give it to you.
+[960.54 --> 961.50]  In chapter 4
+[961.50 --> 962.04]  he says,
+[962.42 --> 962.64]  look,
+[962.98 --> 963.46]  you guys,
+[963.86 --> 964.68]  you ask
+[964.68 --> 967.10]  and you don't receive
+[967.10 --> 968.04]  because you don't
+[968.04 --> 969.98]  or you don't have
+[969.98 --> 971.68]  because you don't ask God.
+[973.24 --> 974.88]  As if James is recalling
+[974.88 --> 976.00]  Jesus' own words
+[976.00 --> 977.38]  which is quite likely,
+[978.12 --> 978.64]  ask
+[978.64 --> 980.60]  and you will receive.
+[982.46 --> 983.24]  In other words,
+[983.86 --> 984.60]  what James is trying
+[984.60 --> 985.18]  to get across
+[985.18 --> 986.58]  is that the realness
+[986.58 --> 987.44]  of prayer,
+[988.30 --> 989.56]  effectiveness of prayer
+[989.56 --> 990.58]  is not that you'll get
+[990.58 --> 991.40]  what you want
+[991.40 --> 992.36]  when you utter
+[992.36 --> 993.42]  something up to God.
+[993.42 --> 996.20]  But that when we pray,
+[997.04 --> 999.16]  God really listens.
+[1000.50 --> 1002.72]  That's the reality of prayer.
+[1003.48 --> 1004.86]  That when we pray,
+[1005.36 --> 1006.80]  God listens.
+[1006.80 --> 1008.32]  He hears
+[1008.32 --> 1010.68]  and He responds.
+[1012.24 --> 1013.80]  So prayer is powerful
+[1013.80 --> 1015.16]  and it's effective
+[1015.16 --> 1016.80]  but not because
+[1016.80 --> 1017.82]  by it
+[1017.82 --> 1019.56]  you get to gain control
+[1019.56 --> 1020.04]  somehow
+[1020.04 --> 1021.38]  of your life again.
+[1022.78 --> 1023.68]  Prayer is effective
+[1023.68 --> 1025.64]  but not simply because
+[1025.64 --> 1026.88]  we get the outcome
+[1026.88 --> 1027.64]  we want.
+[1029.26 --> 1029.68]  Prayer
+[1029.68 --> 1031.14]  is about connecting
+[1031.14 --> 1032.16]  to God.
+[1032.16 --> 1032.20]  God.
+[1033.90 --> 1034.66]  And so we pray
+[1034.66 --> 1035.90]  not just so that
+[1035.90 --> 1037.42]  God can help us out
+[1037.42 --> 1038.88]  as if He is some kind
+[1038.88 --> 1039.60]  of magician
+[1039.60 --> 1040.58]  for us.
+[1041.56 --> 1042.78]  James warns against that.
+[1042.86 --> 1044.28]  He says in chapter 4,
+[1044.38 --> 1044.64]  he says,
+[1044.76 --> 1045.70]  when you ask,
+[1045.80 --> 1046.34]  verse 3,
+[1046.72 --> 1047.56]  when you ask,
+[1047.70 --> 1048.60]  you don't receive
+[1048.60 --> 1049.68]  because you ask
+[1049.68 --> 1050.52]  with wrong motives
+[1050.52 --> 1051.70]  that you may spend
+[1051.70 --> 1052.34]  what you get
+[1052.34 --> 1053.18]  on your pleasures.
+[1054.34 --> 1055.38]  We're used to that,
+[1055.44 --> 1055.72]  aren't we?
+[1056.76 --> 1057.86]  We certainly live
+[1057.86 --> 1058.90]  in that kind of a culture
+[1058.90 --> 1060.50]  where we're used
+[1060.50 --> 1061.74]  to just being able
+[1061.74 --> 1062.64]  to go out
+[1062.64 --> 1063.88]  and do our thing
+[1063.88 --> 1065.46]  because we feel like it.
+[1067.26 --> 1068.36]  And that's what makes
+[1068.36 --> 1069.24]  living in this COVID
+[1069.24 --> 1070.52]  pandemic so hard
+[1070.52 --> 1073.30]  is we have to get used
+[1073.30 --> 1074.14]  to living a different
+[1074.14 --> 1075.02]  kind of life
+[1075.02 --> 1076.92]  and then
+[1076.92 --> 1079.06]  and then our connection
+[1079.06 --> 1079.80]  to God
+[1079.80 --> 1081.00]  rooted
+[1081.00 --> 1082.82]  in learning
+[1082.82 --> 1083.88]  to be connected
+[1083.88 --> 1085.12]  in the context
+[1085.12 --> 1085.90]  of prayer
+[1085.90 --> 1087.72]  is crucial.
+[1088.90 --> 1091.48]  prayer draws us
+[1091.48 --> 1092.32]  into the presence
+[1092.32 --> 1093.12]  of God
+[1093.12 --> 1095.50]  and that's not
+[1095.50 --> 1096.66]  to be taken for granted.
+[1097.58 --> 1098.42]  Oh, sure, I pray.
+[1099.16 --> 1100.34]  Oh, yeah, we said a prayer.
+[1101.26 --> 1102.20]  It's not to be taken
+[1102.20 --> 1102.84]  for granted.
+[1103.60 --> 1104.88]  It's amazing
+[1104.88 --> 1106.78]  that in prayer
+[1106.78 --> 1107.90]  we are connected
+[1107.90 --> 1109.20]  to the God
+[1109.20 --> 1110.24]  of the universe,
+[1110.48 --> 1111.98]  the God who made you,
+[1112.10 --> 1113.00]  the God who made
+[1113.00 --> 1114.74]  everything that there is
+[1114.74 --> 1116.18]  and when you utter
+[1116.18 --> 1117.26]  words to Him,
+[1117.26 --> 1119.44]  that God
+[1119.44 --> 1120.84]  listens.
+[1123.68 --> 1125.52]  He listens so intimately
+[1125.52 --> 1126.48]  that you can be
+[1126.48 --> 1127.72]  absolutely honest
+[1127.72 --> 1128.32]  with God
+[1128.32 --> 1129.40]  and so James says
+[1129.40 --> 1130.18]  when you pray
+[1130.18 --> 1133.30]  then confess your sins
+[1133.30 --> 1134.08]  and then I wish
+[1134.08 --> 1134.74]  he had added
+[1134.74 --> 1135.90]  and confess them
+[1135.90 --> 1137.10]  quietly before God
+[1137.10 --> 1137.72]  but he says
+[1137.72 --> 1138.92]  confess them
+[1138.92 --> 1140.04]  before one another.
+[1140.04 --> 1143.42]  When we gather
+[1143.42 --> 1143.94]  for worship
+[1143.94 --> 1145.08]  we have a time
+[1145.08 --> 1145.84]  of confession
+[1145.84 --> 1147.66]  and we kind of
+[1147.66 --> 1148.50]  sit through that
+[1148.50 --> 1149.18]  and we kind of
+[1149.18 --> 1150.36]  make it a general thing
+[1150.36 --> 1151.18]  and hope that
+[1151.18 --> 1152.48]  that covers us all
+[1152.48 --> 1153.70]  but actually
+[1153.70 --> 1155.12]  James would say
+[1155.12 --> 1156.76]  that's not far enough.
+[1158.18 --> 1158.78]  You've got to
+[1158.78 --> 1159.98]  confess to each other.
+[1160.54 --> 1160.80]  Why?
+[1162.42 --> 1163.74]  Because when prayer
+[1163.74 --> 1164.52]  connects you
+[1164.52 --> 1165.36]  with God
+[1165.36 --> 1166.46]  you don't have to
+[1166.46 --> 1167.32]  worry about your
+[1167.32 --> 1167.84]  weaknesses
+[1167.84 --> 1169.18]  and your failures.
+[1170.68 --> 1170.92]  Sure,
+[1171.06 --> 1171.80]  other people might
+[1171.80 --> 1172.26]  judge you
+[1172.26 --> 1173.16]  but God
+[1173.16 --> 1174.32]  isn't going to
+[1174.32 --> 1175.48]  hold that against you.
+[1175.66 --> 1176.12]  God
+[1176.12 --> 1177.00]  is a God
+[1177.00 --> 1177.66]  of forgiveness.
+[1179.56 --> 1180.60]  We're connected
+[1180.60 --> 1181.74]  to that God
+[1181.74 --> 1182.60]  that God
+[1182.60 --> 1183.20]  of grace
+[1183.20 --> 1183.94]  and mercy
+[1183.94 --> 1185.32]  when we learn
+[1185.32 --> 1185.88]  to live
+[1185.88 --> 1186.68]  in the context
+[1186.68 --> 1187.92]  of prayer.
+[1189.28 --> 1190.14]  So those are
+[1190.14 --> 1190.98]  the two pillars
+[1190.98 --> 1192.10]  that form
+[1192.10 --> 1192.62]  a connection
+[1192.62 --> 1193.30]  to God.
+[1194.08 --> 1194.80]  On the one hand
+[1194.80 --> 1195.76]  learning to live
+[1195.76 --> 1196.22]  in the light
+[1196.22 --> 1196.74]  of eternity
+[1196.74 --> 1197.76]  and on the other
+[1197.76 --> 1198.22]  hand
+[1198.22 --> 1199.50]  learning to live
+[1199.50 --> 1200.34]  in the context
+[1200.34 --> 1201.26]  of prayer.
+[1202.10 --> 1202.84]  Now when I had
+[1202.84 --> 1203.56]  preached this
+[1203.56 --> 1204.90]  at New Life
+[1204.90 --> 1205.86]  and we do
+[1205.86 --> 1207.18]  pre-recorded services
+[1207.18 --> 1209.44]  which gives me
+[1209.44 --> 1210.08]  the freedom to
+[1210.08 --> 1210.62]  preach wherever
+[1210.62 --> 1211.48]  I feel like it
+[1211.48 --> 1211.84]  I thought
+[1211.84 --> 1212.28]  you know what
+[1212.28 --> 1212.90]  I should preach
+[1212.90 --> 1213.76]  in front of a bridge.
+[1214.22 --> 1214.66]  So we went
+[1214.66 --> 1215.18]  in front of the
+[1215.18 --> 1215.94]  mission bridge
+[1215.94 --> 1216.60]  there on
+[1216.60 --> 1217.36]  Highway 11
+[1217.36 --> 1219.82]  with the
+[1219.82 --> 1220.56]  Fraser River
+[1220.56 --> 1221.70]  in the background.
+[1222.00 --> 1222.64]  It was a beautiful
+[1222.64 --> 1223.70]  scenic setting.
+[1223.88 --> 1224.62]  It was a great
+[1224.62 --> 1225.48]  place to preach.
+[1225.48 --> 1227.72]  And when we
+[1227.72 --> 1228.42]  saw it on the
+[1228.42 --> 1229.14]  recording then
+[1229.14 --> 1229.62]  of course
+[1229.62 --> 1231.12]  because it was
+[1231.12 --> 1231.78]  a sunny day
+[1231.78 --> 1232.66]  the river
+[1232.66 --> 1233.10]  just
+[1233.10 --> 1235.24]  overexposed
+[1235.24 --> 1235.76]  everything.
+[1236.00 --> 1236.60]  So all you
+[1236.60 --> 1236.94]  could see
+[1236.94 --> 1237.44]  was me
+[1237.44 --> 1237.72]  and you
+[1237.72 --> 1238.08]  couldn't even
+[1238.08 --> 1238.88]  see the bridge.
+[1239.44 --> 1240.24]  So I had to
+[1240.24 --> 1240.78]  think of something
+[1240.78 --> 1241.82]  else to illustrate
+[1241.82 --> 1243.00]  this point
+[1243.00 --> 1243.74]  of saying
+[1243.74 --> 1244.16]  look
+[1244.16 --> 1244.88]  if you want
+[1244.88 --> 1245.54]  to be deeply
+[1245.54 --> 1246.58]  connected to God
+[1246.58 --> 1247.68]  for an all-in
+[1247.68 --> 1248.26]  faith
+[1248.26 --> 1249.56]  you need to be
+[1249.56 --> 1250.46]  rooted in both
+[1250.46 --> 1251.88]  banks
+[1251.88 --> 1252.08]  banks
+[1252.08 --> 1253.32]  in order to
+[1253.32 --> 1253.82]  form that
+[1253.82 --> 1254.52]  bridge of
+[1254.52 --> 1255.36]  connection to
+[1255.36 --> 1255.82]  God.
+[1257.22 --> 1257.54]  And so I
+[1257.54 --> 1258.24]  came across
+[1258.24 --> 1260.88]  a living
+[1260.88 --> 1261.52]  bridge
+[1261.52 --> 1262.74]  which in fact
+[1262.74 --> 1264.12]  is a way
+[1264.12 --> 1264.54]  better
+[1264.54 --> 1265.98]  illustration
+[1265.98 --> 1267.30]  of what
+[1267.30 --> 1267.90]  James is
+[1267.90 --> 1268.58]  trying to
+[1268.58 --> 1269.42]  teach us
+[1269.42 --> 1270.18]  here in
+[1270.18 --> 1271.40]  James chapter 5.
+[1272.84 --> 1273.54]  Living bridges
+[1273.54 --> 1274.84]  occur in
+[1274.84 --> 1275.54]  northwest
+[1275.54 --> 1276.26]  India
+[1276.26 --> 1276.78]  in a place
+[1276.78 --> 1277.78]  called Meghalaya.
+[1277.78 --> 1278.88]  It's a place
+[1278.88 --> 1279.46]  that gets
+[1279.46 --> 1279.94]  the most
+[1279.94 --> 1280.60]  rain of
+[1280.60 --> 1281.28]  any place
+[1281.28 --> 1281.68]  on the
+[1281.68 --> 1282.06]  planet.
+[1282.26 --> 1282.90]  Something like
+[1282.90 --> 1284.12]  they average
+[1284.12 --> 1285.28]  4 meters
+[1285.28 --> 1286.36]  of rain
+[1286.36 --> 1287.86]  on average
+[1287.86 --> 1288.90]  per year.
+[1289.82 --> 1290.22]  I think we
+[1290.22 --> 1290.60]  probably
+[1290.60 --> 1291.30]  at least in
+[1291.30 --> 1291.68]  Abbotsford
+[1291.68 --> 1292.28]  we get about
+[1292.28 --> 1293.28]  a meter
+[1293.28 --> 1293.84]  maybe a
+[1293.84 --> 1294.32]  meter and a
+[1294.32 --> 1294.68]  half
+[1294.68 --> 1296.26]  year
+[1296.26 --> 1297.22]  average
+[1297.22 --> 1297.86]  accumulation.
+[1299.10 --> 1299.26]  So
+[1299.26 --> 1300.56]  these people
+[1300.56 --> 1301.16]  have to put up
+[1301.16 --> 1301.84]  with enormous
+[1301.84 --> 1303.14]  monsoon rains
+[1303.14 --> 1304.28]  and tremendous
+[1304.28 --> 1305.04]  flooding so you
+[1305.04 --> 1305.88]  can well imagine
+[1305.88 --> 1307.18]  years ago
+[1307.18 --> 1308.06]  when they
+[1308.06 --> 1308.58]  tried to
+[1308.58 --> 1309.04]  build a
+[1309.04 --> 1309.72]  bridge across
+[1309.72 --> 1310.38]  a stream
+[1310.38 --> 1312.14]  the banks
+[1312.14 --> 1312.68]  would so
+[1312.68 --> 1313.44]  easily just
+[1313.44 --> 1314.28]  wash out
+[1314.28 --> 1314.86]  and then the
+[1314.86 --> 1315.40]  bridges would
+[1315.40 --> 1315.96]  collapse.
+[1317.24 --> 1317.68]  I got to
+[1317.68 --> 1318.16]  thinking you
+[1318.16 --> 1318.46]  know what
+[1318.46 --> 1320.44]  that's a lot
+[1320.44 --> 1320.96]  of times
+[1320.96 --> 1322.12]  the way we
+[1322.12 --> 1322.82]  try to build
+[1322.82 --> 1323.46]  our connection
+[1323.46 --> 1324.10]  to God
+[1324.10 --> 1325.20]  and then
+[1325.20 --> 1327.06]  the monsoons
+[1327.06 --> 1327.80]  of hardship
+[1327.80 --> 1328.56]  or trial
+[1328.56 --> 1329.34]  in our lives
+[1329.34 --> 1330.00]  come along
+[1330.00 --> 1330.52]  and wash
+[1330.52 --> 1331.26]  out the banks
+[1331.26 --> 1331.92]  and our bridge
+[1331.92 --> 1332.44]  collapses
+[1332.44 --> 1333.24]  and we give
+[1333.24 --> 1333.76]  up on our
+[1333.76 --> 1334.10]  connection
+[1334.10 --> 1334.70]  with God.
+[1335.66 --> 1336.26]  So you know
+[1336.26 --> 1336.68]  what the people
+[1336.68 --> 1337.38]  of Meghalaya
+[1337.38 --> 1337.96]  did in
+[1337.96 --> 1338.30]  northwest
+[1338.30 --> 1338.82]  India.
+[1339.40 --> 1340.02]  They discovered
+[1340.02 --> 1340.86]  that they
+[1340.86 --> 1341.34]  could take
+[1341.34 --> 1342.04]  a tree that
+[1342.04 --> 1342.84]  grew naturally
+[1342.84 --> 1343.82]  there and
+[1343.82 --> 1344.78]  train the roots
+[1344.78 --> 1345.54]  of the tree
+[1345.54 --> 1346.62]  to come up
+[1346.62 --> 1347.10]  out of the
+[1347.10 --> 1347.96]  ground on one
+[1347.96 --> 1348.50]  side of the
+[1348.50 --> 1349.04]  bank of a
+[1349.04 --> 1349.42]  stream.
+[1349.84 --> 1350.14]  They could
+[1350.14 --> 1350.78]  train the
+[1350.78 --> 1351.38]  roots of
+[1351.38 --> 1352.02]  that tree
+[1352.02 --> 1353.16]  to go over
+[1353.16 --> 1353.82]  the stream
+[1353.82 --> 1354.80]  and then they
+[1354.80 --> 1355.30]  would plant
+[1355.30 --> 1356.14]  it back into
+[1356.14 --> 1356.60]  the other
+[1356.60 --> 1357.68]  bank and
+[1357.68 --> 1357.96]  they would
+[1357.96 --> 1358.52]  do that with
+[1358.52 --> 1359.12]  a tree on
+[1359.12 --> 1359.46]  the other
+[1359.46 --> 1359.94]  side of the
+[1359.94 --> 1360.58]  bank back
+[1360.58 --> 1361.22]  to the
+[1361.22 --> 1362.34]  first bank
+[1362.34 --> 1363.42]  and eventually
+[1363.42 --> 1364.68]  a web of
+[1364.68 --> 1365.74]  roots would
+[1365.74 --> 1366.84]  grow together
+[1366.84 --> 1367.44]  so that they
+[1367.44 --> 1368.10]  could fill it
+[1368.10 --> 1368.84]  with rocks
+[1368.84 --> 1369.54]  and mud
+[1369.54 --> 1370.48]  and create
+[1370.48 --> 1371.24]  a path.
+[1371.98 --> 1372.70]  I brought a
+[1372.70 --> 1373.36]  picture along
+[1373.36 --> 1373.74]  I don't know
+[1373.74 --> 1374.24]  if there it
+[1374.24 --> 1375.14]  is so there
+[1375.14 --> 1375.62]  it is.
+[1376.68 --> 1377.52]  And so it
+[1377.52 --> 1378.16]  doesn't matter
+[1378.16 --> 1379.24]  really how much
+[1379.24 --> 1380.10]  rain comes
+[1380.10 --> 1381.20]  down but
+[1381.20 --> 1381.90]  those roots
+[1381.90 --> 1382.60]  are firmly
+[1382.60 --> 1383.94]  established deep
+[1383.94 --> 1384.88]  into the banks
+[1384.88 --> 1385.44]  and to the
+[1385.44 --> 1386.26]  sides of the
+[1386.26 --> 1387.46]  stream so that
+[1387.46 --> 1387.84]  they could
+[1387.84 --> 1388.76]  create a
+[1388.76 --> 1389.68]  connection from
+[1389.68 --> 1391.02]  one side to
+[1391.02 --> 1391.46]  the other.
+[1391.46 --> 1392.86]  And that's
+[1392.86 --> 1393.40]  something of
+[1393.40 --> 1394.10]  what the
+[1394.10 --> 1394.94]  connection of
+[1394.94 --> 1395.62]  God as
+[1395.62 --> 1396.62]  James describes
+[1396.62 --> 1398.10]  it is like.
+[1398.74 --> 1399.40]  It's not a
+[1399.40 --> 1400.12]  matter of just
+[1400.12 --> 1400.76]  saying oh
+[1400.76 --> 1402.58]  okay so I
+[1402.58 --> 1403.16]  prayed I
+[1403.16 --> 1403.44]  should be
+[1403.44 --> 1403.90]  connected to
+[1403.90 --> 1404.14]  God.
+[1404.58 --> 1405.48]  Oh yeah I
+[1405.48 --> 1405.94]  thought about
+[1405.94 --> 1406.62]  eternity I
+[1406.62 --> 1406.90]  should be
+[1406.90 --> 1407.38]  connected to
+[1407.38 --> 1407.70]  God.
+[1408.28 --> 1408.56]  No it
+[1408.56 --> 1409.04]  takes a
+[1409.04 --> 1410.62]  lifetime of
+[1410.62 --> 1412.20]  learning to
+[1412.20 --> 1413.02]  live in the
+[1413.02 --> 1413.36]  light of
+[1413.36 --> 1413.78]  eternity.
+[1414.02 --> 1414.50]  It takes a
+[1414.50 --> 1415.34]  lifetime of
+[1415.34 --> 1416.02]  learning to
+[1416.02 --> 1416.56]  live in the
+[1416.56 --> 1417.34]  context of
+[1417.34 --> 1417.70]  prayer.
+[1418.32 --> 1418.76]  Perhaps you're
+[1418.76 --> 1419.12]  not going to
+[1419.12 --> 1419.60]  get it right
+[1419.60 --> 1420.34]  the first time.
+[1420.46 --> 1421.12]  Perhaps you're
+[1421.12 --> 1421.72]  going to have
+[1421.72 --> 1422.24]  stumbling.
+[1422.44 --> 1423.00]  Perhaps you're
+[1423.00 --> 1423.44]  going to have
+[1423.44 --> 1424.70]  those times of
+[1424.70 --> 1425.66]  wash out.
+[1426.62 --> 1427.28]  But those
+[1427.28 --> 1429.34]  roots of
+[1429.34 --> 1429.94]  learning to
+[1429.94 --> 1430.50]  live in the
+[1430.50 --> 1430.84]  light of
+[1430.84 --> 1431.70]  eternity and
+[1431.70 --> 1432.24]  learning to
+[1432.24 --> 1433.68]  live in the
+[1433.68 --> 1434.46]  context of
+[1434.46 --> 1435.62]  prayer are
+[1435.62 --> 1436.30]  going to be
+[1436.30 --> 1437.56]  firmly established
+[1437.56 --> 1438.88]  and eventually
+[1438.88 --> 1440.06]  they will grow
+[1440.06 --> 1441.20]  into a web
+[1441.20 --> 1442.66]  that creates a
+[1442.66 --> 1444.18]  direct path to
+[1444.18 --> 1444.58]  God.
+[1445.58 --> 1446.58]  So that you
+[1446.58 --> 1447.42]  can live in
+[1447.42 --> 1448.00]  the assurance
+[1448.00 --> 1449.86]  that God is
+[1449.86 --> 1450.48]  always with
+[1450.48 --> 1450.74]  you.
+[1451.12 --> 1451.72]  And you
+[1451.72 --> 1452.66]  are always
+[1452.66 --> 1453.64]  walking with
+[1453.64 --> 1453.94]  God.
+[1454.38 --> 1454.86]  Let's pray
+[1454.86 --> 1455.18]  together.
+[1457.74 --> 1458.46]  Father in
+[1458.46 --> 1458.68]  heaven,
+[1459.78 --> 1460.56]  thank you
+[1460.56 --> 1465.70]  that you
+[1465.70 --> 1466.40]  are a
+[1466.40 --> 1466.92]  God that
+[1466.92 --> 1468.76]  hears us.
+[1471.80 --> 1472.48]  You're a
+[1472.48 --> 1472.88]  God that
+[1472.88 --> 1473.66]  pays attention
+[1473.66 --> 1474.24]  when we
+[1474.24 --> 1474.84]  cry out
+[1474.84 --> 1475.80]  loudly to
+[1475.80 --> 1476.08]  you.
+[1477.72 --> 1478.38]  You're a
+[1478.38 --> 1479.88]  God that
+[1479.88 --> 1481.20]  hears us
+[1481.20 --> 1482.42]  and listens
+[1482.42 --> 1483.68]  even when
+[1483.68 --> 1484.58]  we mumble
+[1484.58 --> 1485.70]  and grumble
+[1485.70 --> 1487.00]  out to
+[1487.00 --> 1487.32]  you.
+[1489.48 --> 1490.46]  God, thank
+[1490.46 --> 1491.02]  you that you
+[1491.02 --> 1491.72]  are a God
+[1491.72 --> 1493.24]  that has
+[1493.24 --> 1493.76]  the whole
+[1493.76 --> 1495.20]  universe in
+[1495.20 --> 1496.22]  your hand
+[1496.22 --> 1497.20]  from the
+[1497.20 --> 1497.82]  very beginning
+[1497.82 --> 1498.72]  of time
+[1498.72 --> 1499.96]  to the very
+[1499.96 --> 1500.82]  end of time.
+[1500.82 --> 1501.82]  God, thank you
+[1501.82 --> 1502.82]  for the
+[1502.82 --> 1503.82]  God.
+[1503.82 --> 1503.96]  So we
+[1503.96 --> 1504.70]  pray, God,
+[1504.78 --> 1506.94]  that you
+[1506.94 --> 1507.46]  will teach
+[1507.46 --> 1508.90]  us what it
+[1508.90 --> 1509.36]  means to
+[1509.36 --> 1509.94]  live in the
+[1509.94 --> 1510.26]  light of
+[1510.26 --> 1510.72]  eternity.
+[1510.96 --> 1511.56]  Teach us
+[1511.56 --> 1511.88]  what it
+[1511.88 --> 1512.52]  means to
+[1512.52 --> 1513.14]  be connected
+[1513.14 --> 1514.08]  through prayer.
+[1515.36 --> 1516.18]  And God,
+[1516.78 --> 1517.74]  we confess
+[1517.74 --> 1519.30]  that it's
+[1519.30 --> 1519.88]  easy for us
+[1519.88 --> 1520.58]  to give up.
+[1521.80 --> 1522.60]  It's easy
+[1522.60 --> 1523.66]  for us to
+[1523.66 --> 1524.44]  just fall
+[1524.44 --> 1525.32]  flat on
+[1525.32 --> 1525.90]  our face.
+[1525.90 --> 1526.02]  us.
+[1527.22 --> 1528.00]  And so
+[1528.00 --> 1528.72]  pick us up
+[1528.72 --> 1529.72]  again and
+[1529.72 --> 1530.08]  again.
+[1530.94 --> 1531.58]  Restore us
+[1531.58 --> 1532.36]  to yourself.
+[1533.92 --> 1534.94]  Create in us,
+[1535.06 --> 1535.50]  God, a
+[1535.50 --> 1536.40]  clean heart.
+[1538.06 --> 1539.24]  And draw us
+[1539.24 --> 1540.10]  to yourself
+[1540.10 --> 1542.58]  so that we
+[1542.58 --> 1545.22]  can proclaim
+[1545.22 --> 1546.30]  your goodness,
+[1547.26 --> 1547.92]  so that we
+[1547.92 --> 1548.50]  can let your
+[1548.50 --> 1549.60]  light shine,
+[1550.26 --> 1550.98]  and so that
+[1550.98 --> 1552.10]  we can proclaim
+[1552.10 --> 1553.28]  your kingdom
+[1553.28 --> 1554.78]  and that you
+[1554.78 --> 1555.60]  are the ruler
+[1555.60 --> 1557.60]  still and
+[1557.60 --> 1558.64]  that you
+[1558.64 --> 1559.40]  will accomplish
+[1559.40 --> 1560.20]  your purposes
+[1560.20 --> 1561.28]  in our world
+[1561.28 --> 1562.26]  and that
+[1562.26 --> 1562.88]  nothing,
+[1563.06 --> 1563.60]  absolutely
+[1563.60 --> 1564.14]  nothing,
+[1564.32 --> 1565.08]  no pandemic
+[1565.08 --> 1566.02]  ever hinders
+[1566.02 --> 1566.82]  your purposes.
+[1568.32 --> 1568.78]  And so we
+[1568.78 --> 1569.60]  trust in you,
+[1569.72 --> 1569.90]  Father.
+[1572.02 --> 1572.80]  And so may we
+[1572.80 --> 1573.78]  live our lives
+[1573.78 --> 1574.94]  in that kind
+[1574.94 --> 1575.90]  of all-in
+[1575.90 --> 1577.32]  faith that is
+[1577.32 --> 1578.12]  deeply connected
+[1578.12 --> 1578.64]  to you.
+[1578.76 --> 1579.44]  We pray it in
+[1579.44 --> 1580.06]  Jesus' name.
+[1580.98 --> 1581.26]  Amen.
+[1583.28 --> 1584.28]  Amen.

Connecting With God (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1085 @@
+[0.00 --> 3.90]  Well, good morning again.
+[4.78 --> 5.86]  It's good to be with you.
+[6.94 --> 9.06]  Over the summer at New Life,
+[9.16 --> 11.46]  we spent some time in the letter of James.
+[11.72 --> 13.12]  And so this morning,
+[13.32 --> 14.90]  I want to share with you
+[14.90 --> 18.08]  some of the exploration we did
+[18.08 --> 19.60]  in the letter of James
+[19.60 --> 20.70]  in the back of the New Testament.
+[23.88 --> 25.12]  In that letter,
+[25.12 --> 30.08]  James emphasizes a fully engaged faith.
+[30.18 --> 30.94]  A lot of times,
+[32.00 --> 34.02]  scholars debate
+[34.02 --> 36.00]  whether James is talking about faith
+[36.00 --> 37.94]  or whether he's talking about works.
+[38.16 --> 41.24]  But really, James is putting the two together.
+[41.78 --> 47.14]  And he wants us to live out our faith
+[47.14 --> 49.36]  in every aspect of our lives.
+[49.42 --> 51.40]  And so we called the series All In.
+[51.40 --> 57.02]  That when we say we profess Jesus as our Savior,
+[57.32 --> 59.92]  it has to be an all-in faith.
+[61.46 --> 64.32]  But an all-in faith requires
+[64.32 --> 66.90]  a deep connection with God.
+[68.32 --> 71.70]  Otherwise, faith just gradually fades.
+[71.80 --> 73.34]  And I think that's one of the dangers
+[73.34 --> 75.54]  in this pandemic situation
+[75.54 --> 77.06]  that we find ourselves in,
+[77.14 --> 79.40]  that when we lose connection,
+[79.40 --> 82.02]  faith fades.
+[85.24 --> 88.22]  Perhaps you've heard of the theory
+[88.22 --> 89.98]  that you can be connected
+[89.98 --> 92.22]  to anybody on this planet
+[92.22 --> 95.46]  by six social associations.
+[95.70 --> 96.54]  You ever heard of that theory?
+[97.82 --> 99.28]  By six steps,
+[99.46 --> 102.56]  you could connect with anybody,
+[102.68 --> 103.72]  even across the world,
+[103.86 --> 105.02]  somebody you don't even know.
+[105.02 --> 107.78]  So some time ago,
+[107.96 --> 111.16]  a German newspaper wanted to test that theory.
+[112.74 --> 116.16]  So they took a fellow by the name of Salah Bengali.
+[116.68 --> 119.32]  He was an Iraqi immigrant living in Germany
+[119.32 --> 120.78]  selling falafels.
+[122.38 --> 124.94]  But Salah Bengali wanted to be connected
+[124.94 --> 126.42]  to Marlon Brando.
+[126.54 --> 127.66]  So the newspaper said,
+[127.76 --> 129.16]  all right, we'll connect you.
+[129.16 --> 131.14]  And they did.
+[131.88 --> 135.10]  And they did it in six social steps.
+[135.28 --> 135.98]  Here's how it went.
+[137.38 --> 140.70]  Salah Bengali had a friend in California
+[140.70 --> 144.20]  who works in the same company as Ken Carson.
+[144.86 --> 148.16]  Ken Carson was the boyfriend of Michelle Bevan.
+[149.06 --> 151.52]  Michelle Bevan was the sorority sister
+[151.52 --> 152.82]  to Christina Kutzer.
+[153.34 --> 156.70]  Christina Kutzer was the daughter of Patrick Palmer,
+[156.70 --> 159.30]  the producer of Don Juan DeMarco,
+[159.42 --> 162.62]  the movie in which Marlon Brando starred.
+[164.02 --> 165.46]  In six steps,
+[166.24 --> 168.02]  Salah Bengali, Iraqi immigrant,
+[168.32 --> 170.42]  was connected to Marlon Brando.
+[171.70 --> 174.72]  Unfortunately, Marlon Brando never returned
+[174.72 --> 176.80]  any of Salah Bengali's calls.
+[178.10 --> 179.70]  Now, you might understand that
+[179.70 --> 182.34]  because all of these social associations
+[182.34 --> 185.20]  seem rather flimsy, in fact.
+[185.20 --> 187.66]  And so you go, well, that's not surprising.
+[187.92 --> 188.26]  Why?
+[188.82 --> 191.38]  Why would Marlon Brando pay attention?
+[192.66 --> 194.86]  And yet, a lot of times,
+[195.22 --> 199.86]  that's how we depend on our connection to God.
+[200.16 --> 203.24]  Simply by easy social associations.
+[204.12 --> 206.12]  I mean, going to church can even be
+[206.12 --> 208.98]  that kind of easy social association.
+[209.22 --> 210.22]  Am I connected to God?
+[210.36 --> 211.72]  Yeah, I went to church on Sunday.
+[211.72 --> 215.72]  Or, I'm connected to God.
+[216.12 --> 218.30]  I watched the service on TV.
+[221.50 --> 223.14]  In chapter 5,
+[223.52 --> 224.78]  James offers,
+[225.10 --> 226.68]  at the conclusion of his letter,
+[227.40 --> 229.76]  James, after instructing the people
+[229.76 --> 232.48]  on integrating their faith
+[232.48 --> 235.20]  with the entirety of their lives,
+[235.20 --> 237.62]  then at the end of his letter,
+[238.00 --> 241.20]  James concludes with two ways
+[241.20 --> 244.44]  in which we need to stay connected to God.
+[244.58 --> 248.58]  And those two ways serve as roots
+[248.58 --> 252.24]  that build a bridge to God.
+[252.24 --> 256.90]  The first that James talks about
+[256.90 --> 260.68]  is learning to live in the light of eternity.
+[263.02 --> 265.70]  And so James writes,
+[266.74 --> 268.18]  at the end of his letter,
+[268.84 --> 270.82]  James chapter 5, verse 7 and 8,
+[270.82 --> 297.62]  It's amazing encouragement, really.
+[297.62 --> 302.08]  Amazing encouragement even for us in this time.
+[302.76 --> 304.58]  The Christians to whom James was writing
+[304.58 --> 308.08]  were confronting and facing
+[308.08 --> 310.18]  a lot of trial and hardship.
+[312.98 --> 316.64]  And so we find ourselves in new circumstances as well
+[316.64 --> 317.18]  that we say,
+[317.34 --> 319.72]  Wow, life hasn't been this difficult for us
+[319.72 --> 321.62]  in a long time, or if ever.
+[321.62 --> 324.64]  And in a sense,
+[325.06 --> 326.92]  what James is doing here
+[326.92 --> 328.44]  at the end of his letter
+[328.44 --> 330.64]  is returning to the beginning of his letter
+[330.64 --> 332.84]  where he makes this outrageous statement.
+[332.98 --> 334.42]  This is how he begins his letter.
+[334.54 --> 334.94]  He says,
+[335.58 --> 337.38]  Consider it pure joy,
+[337.46 --> 338.54]  my brothers and sisters,
+[340.18 --> 342.60]  whenever you face trials of many kinds.
+[343.26 --> 344.38]  Whatever we're facing,
+[345.16 --> 346.92]  consider it pure joy
+[346.92 --> 350.30]  because it strengthens our faith
+[350.30 --> 352.20]  through that perseverance
+[352.20 --> 353.28]  that is required,
+[353.50 --> 357.24]  that kind of prevailing with God
+[357.24 --> 358.98]  to pursue faith.
+[362.18 --> 364.56]  Our connection with God
+[364.56 --> 366.98]  is sustained then
+[366.98 --> 369.40]  not by our circumstances,
+[370.04 --> 372.02]  which is why James can say,
+[372.22 --> 373.66]  consider it pure joy
+[373.66 --> 375.10]  in the midst of any hardship
+[375.10 --> 376.36]  that you face.
+[377.78 --> 380.02]  But our connection to God
+[380.02 --> 381.54]  is sustained by the hope
+[381.54 --> 382.30]  that we have
+[382.30 --> 383.98]  in Christ's return.
+[384.16 --> 384.92]  Be patient.
+[385.42 --> 386.84]  The Lord is coming back.
+[389.02 --> 391.30]  And that's when He will make all things new
+[391.30 --> 393.34]  and make all things right.
+[394.86 --> 396.54]  And that's the view of eternity
+[396.54 --> 397.60]  that we profess.
+[399.26 --> 400.98]  And it's contrasted in James
+[400.98 --> 403.02]  with two other scenarios
+[403.02 --> 404.80]  that James presents
+[404.80 --> 406.32]  to help us understand
+[406.32 --> 407.10]  the importance
+[407.10 --> 408.90]  of learning to live
+[408.90 --> 410.64]  in the light of eternity.
+[411.24 --> 412.18]  The first scenario
+[412.18 --> 414.26]  is back in chapter 4,
+[414.32 --> 416.10]  at the end of chapter 4, in fact,
+[417.08 --> 418.66]  where he characterizes
+[418.66 --> 420.24]  people who make plans
+[420.24 --> 421.34]  assuming they're in control.
+[421.60 --> 422.96]  And James, I'm warning you,
+[423.06 --> 424.00]  James hits hard.
+[424.38 --> 425.42]  So this is what he says.
+[426.44 --> 427.92]  Now listen, you who say
+[427.92 --> 429.00]  today or tomorrow
+[429.00 --> 430.48]  we'll go to this or that city
+[430.48 --> 431.60]  and spend a year here,
+[431.60 --> 433.12]  carry on business
+[433.12 --> 434.26]  and make money there.
+[434.38 --> 435.72]  Why, you don't even know
+[435.72 --> 437.60]  what will happen tomorrow.
+[437.80 --> 438.60]  What is your life?
+[438.76 --> 440.20]  You are a mist
+[440.20 --> 442.12]  that appears for a little while
+[442.12 --> 442.96]  and then vanishes.
+[443.26 --> 444.92]  Instead, you ought to say,
+[445.38 --> 446.46]  if it is the Lord's will,
+[446.60 --> 448.38]  we'll live and do this or that.
+[453.38 --> 454.88]  James is addressing people
+[454.88 --> 456.86]  who thought that they had life
+[456.86 --> 458.00]  all under control,
+[458.00 --> 459.74]  that they were living life
+[459.74 --> 461.14]  on their own.
+[461.60 --> 463.16]  And James' point is,
+[463.56 --> 466.14]  you cannot stay connected to God
+[466.14 --> 468.98]  if you think you own your life.
+[471.76 --> 473.00]  It's like this.
+[475.10 --> 478.74]  Imagine that we could enjoy
+[478.74 --> 480.26]  international travel again.
+[480.26 --> 483.46]  And I get so excited about this
+[483.46 --> 485.88]  that I spend just a ton of money
+[485.88 --> 488.58]  on planning a great vacation
+[488.58 --> 489.56]  for my wife and I.
+[490.14 --> 493.50]  And I plan this thing out beautifully,
+[493.72 --> 494.26]  which is funny
+[494.26 --> 495.34]  because I don't plan anything.
+[495.60 --> 499.10]  But I plan this amazing vacation.
+[499.30 --> 500.86]  It's going to be a great getaway.
+[501.06 --> 502.44]  And on the morning of our departure,
+[502.62 --> 504.18]  I get up, I jump out,
+[504.44 --> 505.56]  and I say to my wife,
+[505.62 --> 506.18]  are you ready?
+[506.28 --> 506.84]  This is going to be
+[506.84 --> 508.22]  the best vacation ever.
+[508.22 --> 508.62]  Ever.
+[509.02 --> 511.26]  And she looks at me stunned
+[511.26 --> 513.04]  because she doesn't know
+[513.04 --> 513.64]  anything about it
+[513.64 --> 514.72]  because I never told her.
+[515.26 --> 516.96]  And she is offended
+[516.96 --> 518.76]  that I never consulted with her.
+[520.46 --> 521.98]  And then I'm offended
+[521.98 --> 524.00]  because she doesn't want
+[524.00 --> 525.40]  to bless my plans.
+[527.50 --> 528.44]  Now, honest,
+[528.62 --> 529.72]  that's just a purely
+[529.72 --> 530.98]  hypothetical situation.
+[532.32 --> 534.88]  But that's sometimes
+[534.88 --> 537.98]  how we interact with God,
+[538.04 --> 538.48]  isn't it?
+[540.08 --> 541.92]  That we make all of our plans.
+[542.04 --> 543.28]  We think we're in control
+[543.28 --> 544.30]  of our lives.
+[544.52 --> 546.90]  And then we fire up a prayer to God
+[546.90 --> 548.26]  and we wonder why
+[548.26 --> 549.62]  He doesn't bless our plans.
+[551.06 --> 552.20]  Because we've not been
+[552.20 --> 553.28]  connected to Him.
+[553.28 --> 559.60]  So that's the first scenario
+[559.60 --> 562.08]  that James warns against.
+[562.98 --> 564.72]  You are not in control
+[564.72 --> 565.38]  of your life.
+[565.54 --> 566.54]  Learn to live
+[566.54 --> 568.46]  in the light of eternity.
+[568.74 --> 569.84]  The second scenario
+[569.84 --> 570.64]  he presents
+[570.64 --> 571.92]  immediately follows that
+[571.92 --> 573.44]  at the beginning of chapter 5
+[573.44 --> 574.80]  where he writes this.
+[574.92 --> 575.62]  Now listen.
+[575.86 --> 577.18]  So same phrase again
+[577.18 --> 578.78]  as the first scenario.
+[578.94 --> 579.54]  Now listen,
+[579.68 --> 580.20]  you who say.
+[580.74 --> 581.76]  Chapter 5, verse 1.
+[581.76 --> 583.48]  Now listen, you rich people.
+[583.80 --> 584.64]  Weep and wail
+[584.64 --> 585.60]  because of the misery
+[585.60 --> 586.74]  that is coming on you.
+[587.56 --> 587.96]  Be careful.
+[588.18 --> 588.84]  He hits hard.
+[589.34 --> 590.52]  Your wealth has rotted.
+[590.70 --> 591.60]  Your moths have eaten
+[591.60 --> 592.32]  your clothes.
+[593.08 --> 594.08]  Your gold and silver
+[594.08 --> 594.82]  are corroded.
+[596.16 --> 597.20]  Their corrosion
+[597.20 --> 598.64]  will testify against you.
+[598.76 --> 600.04]  Eat your flesh like fire.
+[600.20 --> 601.28]  You've hoarded wealth
+[601.28 --> 602.20]  in the last days.
+[602.36 --> 603.12]  Look, the wages
+[603.12 --> 604.28]  that you failed to pay
+[604.28 --> 604.86]  the workers
+[604.86 --> 606.34]  who moved your fields
+[606.34 --> 607.76]  are crying out against you.
+[608.02 --> 609.70]  The cries of the harvesters
+[609.70 --> 610.56]  have reached the ears
+[610.56 --> 611.38]  of the Lord Almighty.
+[611.38 --> 612.80]  You've lived on earth
+[612.80 --> 614.54]  in luxury and self-indulgence.
+[614.68 --> 615.72]  You've fattened yourselves
+[615.72 --> 616.70]  in the day of slaughter.
+[617.06 --> 617.74]  You've condemned
+[617.74 --> 618.52]  and murdered
+[618.52 --> 619.70]  the innocent one
+[619.70 --> 621.22]  who was not opposing you.
+[623.14 --> 624.68]  And here James characterizes
+[624.68 --> 626.46]  people who oppress others
+[626.46 --> 628.06]  for their own gain.
+[629.22 --> 630.38]  And I suspect that
+[630.38 --> 631.78]  James isn't necessarily
+[631.78 --> 632.94]  targeting the people
+[632.94 --> 634.54]  to whom he's actually writing
+[634.54 --> 636.06]  because they likely
+[636.06 --> 637.14]  weren't the rich
+[637.14 --> 638.38]  and wealthy people.
+[638.38 --> 640.80]  But the condemnation
+[640.80 --> 641.66]  of such people,
+[641.76 --> 642.88]  the judgment upon
+[642.88 --> 643.74]  such people,
+[644.74 --> 645.92]  isn't so much
+[645.92 --> 647.38]  to point them out
+[647.38 --> 648.88]  as it is to create
+[648.88 --> 649.54]  a background
+[649.54 --> 650.88]  for the real point.
+[650.96 --> 651.72]  And the real point
+[651.72 --> 653.00]  that James is trying to make
+[653.00 --> 654.20]  is that with a view
+[654.20 --> 655.02]  to eternity,
+[655.44 --> 656.72]  you not only can endure
+[656.72 --> 657.32]  hardship,
+[657.78 --> 659.16]  but you can also endure
+[659.16 --> 659.86]  the hardship
+[659.86 --> 661.48]  of that kind of oppression
+[661.48 --> 663.14]  that people place
+[663.14 --> 663.96]  upon you
+[663.96 --> 665.38]  or that circumstances
+[665.38 --> 666.80]  place upon you
+[666.80 --> 668.90]  and the assurance
+[668.90 --> 670.02]  that God
+[670.02 --> 671.48]  will make it right,
+[672.04 --> 672.66]  not you.
+[674.50 --> 675.24]  In other words,
+[675.44 --> 676.42]  waiting patiently
+[676.42 --> 677.58]  for the Lord's coming
+[677.58 --> 678.56]  reminds us
+[678.56 --> 679.46]  of those two
+[679.46 --> 680.56]  critical things
+[680.56 --> 681.84]  that one,
+[681.94 --> 683.18]  we are not in control,
+[683.36 --> 684.14]  we do not own
+[684.14 --> 684.92]  our own lives,
+[685.58 --> 686.22]  and two,
+[686.58 --> 687.72]  when we are mistreated
+[687.72 --> 689.00]  or when we think
+[689.00 --> 690.96]  we're suffering hardship,
+[691.58 --> 693.78]  God will set things right.
+[694.78 --> 696.24]  So living in the light
+[696.24 --> 697.00]  of eternity
+[697.00 --> 698.58]  solidly roots
+[698.58 --> 700.48]  our connection to God
+[700.48 --> 701.68]  no matter what
+[701.68 --> 702.46]  the circumstances
+[702.46 --> 704.78]  of our life are.
+[705.66 --> 706.58]  Maybe you're familiar
+[706.58 --> 708.08]  with Francis Chan,
+[708.20 --> 709.46]  his teaching on eternity.
+[711.08 --> 712.48]  Francis Chan brings
+[712.48 --> 714.68]  this impossible length
+[714.68 --> 716.42]  of thick white rope
+[716.42 --> 717.48]  on stage,
+[717.68 --> 718.88]  and it just coils
+[718.88 --> 719.90]  around and round
+[719.90 --> 721.20]  with no apparent beginning
+[721.20 --> 722.56]  and no apparent end,
+[722.56 --> 725.90]  and then he points out
+[725.90 --> 726.88]  that in the middle
+[726.88 --> 727.88]  of this impossible
+[727.88 --> 729.32]  length of rope,
+[729.72 --> 731.22]  there is a one inch
+[731.22 --> 732.42]  little piece
+[732.42 --> 733.28]  of the rope
+[733.28 --> 734.38]  that is red.
+[735.48 --> 736.42]  Francis Chan says,
+[737.26 --> 738.02]  that one inch
+[738.02 --> 739.54]  piece of red rope
+[739.54 --> 741.06]  is your life
+[741.06 --> 741.78]  in the midst
+[741.78 --> 742.50]  of eternity.
+[743.28 --> 744.28]  It's a great picture
+[744.28 --> 745.22]  I think as well
+[745.22 --> 746.38]  to illustrate
+[746.38 --> 747.88]  James' point here,
+[747.88 --> 750.48]  that we can spend
+[750.48 --> 752.02]  so much time
+[752.02 --> 753.10]  concentrating on
+[753.10 --> 754.32]  our one inch span
+[754.32 --> 755.10]  of life
+[755.10 --> 757.16]  when there's a whole
+[757.16 --> 758.48]  eternity in which
+[758.48 --> 759.92]  we can live.
+[760.24 --> 761.16]  An eternity
+[761.16 --> 762.60]  that assures us
+[762.60 --> 763.92]  that God
+[763.92 --> 765.84]  will give us life
+[765.84 --> 767.44]  and that God
+[767.44 --> 768.08]  will supply
+[768.08 --> 769.60]  all that we need
+[769.60 --> 770.66]  and that God
+[770.66 --> 771.54]  will provide
+[771.54 --> 773.28]  for every circumstance
+[773.28 --> 774.72]  of our life.
+[775.42 --> 776.76]  That is our
+[776.76 --> 777.64]  solid hope.
+[779.86 --> 780.34]  And so that's
+[780.34 --> 781.40]  on the one bank
+[781.40 --> 782.98]  of what roots us
+[782.98 --> 783.90]  in our connection
+[783.90 --> 784.70]  to God.
+[785.16 --> 786.46]  On one side
+[786.46 --> 788.84]  is that rootedness
+[788.84 --> 789.48]  of learning
+[789.48 --> 790.26]  to live
+[790.26 --> 790.86]  in the light
+[790.86 --> 791.56]  of eternity.
+[791.82 --> 792.98]  On the other side,
+[793.24 --> 793.90]  we're rooted
+[793.90 --> 794.86]  in our connection
+[794.86 --> 795.66]  to God
+[795.66 --> 796.28]  by prayer.
+[797.78 --> 799.14]  Learning to live
+[799.14 --> 799.94]  in the context
+[799.94 --> 800.72]  of prayer.
+[800.72 --> 801.16]  And so,
+[801.46 --> 802.34]  at the very end
+[802.34 --> 803.44]  of James' letter,
+[803.56 --> 804.34]  he says this,
+[805.16 --> 806.12]  Is anyone among you
+[806.12 --> 806.82]  in trouble?
+[807.80 --> 808.52]  Verse 13,
+[809.12 --> 810.00]  Is anyone among you
+[810.00 --> 810.48]  in trouble?
+[810.78 --> 811.56]  Let them pray.
+[812.10 --> 813.00]  Is anyone happy?
+[813.46 --> 814.04]  Let them sing
+[814.04 --> 815.38]  songs of praise,
+[815.68 --> 816.50]  a form of prayer.
+[817.36 --> 818.44]  Is anyone among you
+[818.44 --> 818.86]  sick?
+[818.94 --> 820.04]  Let them call the elders
+[820.04 --> 820.80]  of the church
+[820.80 --> 822.12]  to pray over them
+[822.12 --> 823.56]  and anoint them
+[823.56 --> 824.00]  with oil
+[824.00 --> 824.92]  in the name of the Lord.
+[825.58 --> 826.22]  And the prayer
+[826.22 --> 827.20]  offered in faith
+[827.20 --> 828.36]  will make them well.
+[829.04 --> 830.08]  The Lord will raise
+[830.08 --> 830.60]  them up.
+[831.00 --> 831.90]  If they have sinned,
+[831.98 --> 832.80]  they will be forgiven.
+[832.98 --> 833.22]  Therefore,
+[833.42 --> 834.50]  confess your sins
+[834.50 --> 835.16]  to each other
+[835.16 --> 837.22]  and pray for each other
+[837.22 --> 838.56]  so that you may be healed.
+[839.18 --> 841.08]  The prayer of a righteous person
+[841.08 --> 842.34]  is powerful
+[842.34 --> 843.58]  and effective.
+[846.28 --> 847.42]  It's in fact
+[847.42 --> 849.42]  the way that Jesus taught us
+[849.42 --> 850.14]  to pray.
+[850.90 --> 851.42]  Ask
+[851.42 --> 853.42]  and you will receive.
+[855.72 --> 857.12]  The thing is,
+[857.12 --> 860.68]  we've been taught to pray
+[860.68 --> 862.42]  by the likes of
+[862.42 --> 863.74]  Sir Isaac Newton
+[863.74 --> 865.84]  and company of scientists
+[865.84 --> 867.92]  who have firmly established us
+[867.92 --> 869.68]  in the scientific method.
+[869.68 --> 871.02]  The scientific method
+[871.02 --> 872.14]  can be summarized
+[872.14 --> 872.92]  in this way,
+[873.00 --> 873.48]  I suppose.
+[875.38 --> 876.64]  The scientific method
+[876.64 --> 878.26]  is a faith commitment
+[878.26 --> 879.26]  that assumes
+[879.26 --> 883.02]  that only real things
+[883.02 --> 884.46]  can be proven.
+[884.46 --> 887.00]  And that which is proven
+[887.00 --> 888.78]  is only that
+[888.78 --> 889.80]  which is seen.
+[890.02 --> 891.06]  And only that
+[891.06 --> 892.14]  which is seen
+[892.14 --> 894.18]  is what is real.
+[894.18 --> 898.66]  And that ends up
+[898.66 --> 900.00]  being a closed universe.
+[900.54 --> 902.70]  A pretty tightly packed
+[902.70 --> 903.60]  in universe
+[903.60 --> 904.76]  that says
+[904.76 --> 906.68]  this is all
+[906.68 --> 907.78]  that there is.
+[909.72 --> 910.96]  And then it's
+[910.96 --> 912.44]  a struggle for us
+[912.44 --> 913.10]  to pray
+[913.10 --> 914.86]  in that kind
+[914.86 --> 916.02]  of closed universe.
+[917.72 --> 918.08]  And so,
+[918.30 --> 918.76]  I admit,
+[918.96 --> 920.10]  and perhaps you struggle
+[920.10 --> 921.14]  with the same thing,
+[921.14 --> 923.42]  to think that
+[923.42 --> 924.66]  prayer actually
+[924.66 --> 925.52]  is effective
+[925.52 --> 927.36]  because what can words
+[927.36 --> 928.18]  do against
+[928.18 --> 929.58]  the laws of nature
+[929.58 --> 930.90]  which are otherwise
+[930.90 --> 932.50]  perfectly explainable?
+[934.50 --> 936.04]  We struggle with thinking
+[936.04 --> 937.44]  that prayer is no use
+[937.44 --> 938.72]  or that wondering
+[938.72 --> 940.88]  if prayer really works.
+[942.10 --> 943.92]  But James reminds us here
+[943.92 --> 946.00]  that prayer is real
+[946.00 --> 947.32]  in the asking.
+[948.64 --> 950.32]  Here's what he says,
+[950.32 --> 951.10]  at the beginning
+[951.10 --> 951.76]  of his letter
+[951.76 --> 953.10]  he starts out with
+[953.10 --> 954.54]  in chapter 1
+[954.54 --> 954.92]  he says,
+[955.08 --> 955.94]  if you lack wisdom
+[955.94 --> 957.18]  ask God.
+[957.90 --> 958.60]  Ask God
+[958.60 --> 959.60]  and He'll give it to you.
+[960.54 --> 961.50]  In chapter 4
+[961.50 --> 962.04]  he says,
+[962.42 --> 962.64]  look,
+[962.98 --> 963.46]  you guys,
+[963.86 --> 964.68]  you ask
+[964.68 --> 967.10]  and you don't receive
+[967.10 --> 968.04]  because you don't
+[968.04 --> 969.98]  or you don't have
+[969.98 --> 971.68]  because you don't ask God.
+[973.24 --> 974.88]  As if James is recalling
+[974.88 --> 976.00]  Jesus' own words
+[976.00 --> 977.38]  which is quite likely,
+[978.12 --> 978.64]  ask
+[978.64 --> 980.60]  and you will receive.
+[982.46 --> 983.24]  In other words,
+[983.86 --> 984.60]  what James is trying
+[984.60 --> 985.18]  to get across
+[985.18 --> 986.58]  is that the realness
+[986.58 --> 987.44]  of prayer,
+[988.30 --> 989.56]  effectiveness of prayer
+[989.56 --> 990.58]  is not that you'll get
+[990.58 --> 991.40]  what you want
+[991.40 --> 992.36]  when you utter
+[992.36 --> 993.42]  something up to God.
+[993.42 --> 996.20]  But that when we pray,
+[997.04 --> 999.16]  God really listens.
+[1000.50 --> 1002.72]  That's the reality of prayer.
+[1003.48 --> 1004.86]  That when we pray,
+[1005.36 --> 1006.80]  God listens.
+[1006.80 --> 1008.32]  He hears
+[1008.32 --> 1010.68]  and He responds.
+[1012.24 --> 1013.80]  So prayer is powerful
+[1013.80 --> 1015.16]  and it's effective
+[1015.16 --> 1016.80]  but not because
+[1016.80 --> 1017.82]  by it
+[1017.82 --> 1019.56]  you get to gain control
+[1019.56 --> 1020.04]  somehow
+[1020.04 --> 1021.38]  of your life again.
+[1022.78 --> 1023.68]  Prayer is effective
+[1023.68 --> 1025.64]  but not simply because
+[1025.64 --> 1026.88]  we get the outcome
+[1026.88 --> 1027.64]  we want.
+[1029.26 --> 1029.68]  Prayer
+[1029.68 --> 1031.14]  is about connecting
+[1031.14 --> 1032.16]  to God.
+[1032.16 --> 1032.20]  God.
+[1033.90 --> 1034.66]  And so we pray
+[1034.66 --> 1035.90]  not just so that
+[1035.90 --> 1037.42]  God can help us out
+[1037.42 --> 1038.88]  as if He is some kind
+[1038.88 --> 1039.60]  of magician
+[1039.60 --> 1040.58]  for us.
+[1041.56 --> 1042.78]  James warns against that.
+[1042.86 --> 1044.28]  He says in chapter 4,
+[1044.38 --> 1044.64]  he says,
+[1044.76 --> 1045.70]  when you ask,
+[1045.80 --> 1046.34]  verse 3,
+[1046.72 --> 1047.56]  when you ask,
+[1047.70 --> 1048.60]  you don't receive
+[1048.60 --> 1049.68]  because you ask
+[1049.68 --> 1050.52]  with wrong motives
+[1050.52 --> 1051.70]  that you may spend
+[1051.70 --> 1052.34]  what you get
+[1052.34 --> 1053.18]  on your pleasures.
+[1054.34 --> 1055.38]  We're used to that,
+[1055.44 --> 1055.72]  aren't we?
+[1056.76 --> 1057.86]  We certainly live
+[1057.86 --> 1058.90]  in that kind of a culture
+[1058.90 --> 1060.50]  where we're used
+[1060.50 --> 1061.74]  to just being able
+[1061.74 --> 1062.64]  to go out
+[1062.64 --> 1063.88]  and do our thing
+[1063.88 --> 1065.46]  because we feel like it.
+[1067.26 --> 1068.36]  And that's what makes
+[1068.36 --> 1069.24]  living in this COVID
+[1069.24 --> 1070.52]  pandemic so hard
+[1070.52 --> 1073.30]  is we have to get used
+[1073.30 --> 1074.14]  to living a different
+[1074.14 --> 1075.02]  kind of life
+[1075.02 --> 1076.92]  and then
+[1076.92 --> 1079.06]  and then our connection
+[1079.06 --> 1079.80]  to God
+[1079.80 --> 1081.00]  rooted
+[1081.00 --> 1082.82]  in learning
+[1082.82 --> 1083.88]  to be connected
+[1083.88 --> 1085.12]  in the context
+[1085.12 --> 1085.90]  of prayer
+[1085.90 --> 1087.72]  is crucial.
+[1088.90 --> 1091.48]  prayer draws us
+[1091.48 --> 1092.32]  into the presence
+[1092.32 --> 1093.12]  of God
+[1093.12 --> 1095.50]  and that's not
+[1095.50 --> 1096.66]  to be taken for granted.
+[1097.58 --> 1098.42]  Oh, sure, I pray.
+[1099.16 --> 1100.34]  Oh, yeah, we said a prayer.
+[1101.26 --> 1102.20]  It's not to be taken
+[1102.20 --> 1102.84]  for granted.
+[1103.60 --> 1104.88]  It's amazing
+[1104.88 --> 1106.78]  that in prayer
+[1106.78 --> 1107.90]  we are connected
+[1107.90 --> 1109.20]  to the God
+[1109.20 --> 1110.24]  of the universe,
+[1110.48 --> 1111.98]  the God who made you,
+[1112.10 --> 1113.00]  the God who made
+[1113.00 --> 1114.74]  everything that there is
+[1114.74 --> 1116.18]  and when you utter
+[1116.18 --> 1117.26]  words to Him,
+[1117.26 --> 1119.44]  that God
+[1119.44 --> 1120.84]  listens.
+[1123.68 --> 1125.52]  He listens so intimately
+[1125.52 --> 1126.48]  that you can be
+[1126.48 --> 1127.72]  absolutely honest
+[1127.72 --> 1128.32]  with God
+[1128.32 --> 1129.40]  and so James says
+[1129.40 --> 1130.18]  when you pray
+[1130.18 --> 1133.30]  then confess your sins
+[1133.30 --> 1134.08]  and then I wish
+[1134.08 --> 1134.74]  he had added
+[1134.74 --> 1135.90]  and confess them
+[1135.90 --> 1137.10]  quietly before God
+[1137.10 --> 1137.72]  but he says
+[1137.72 --> 1138.92]  confess them
+[1138.92 --> 1140.04]  before one another.
+[1140.04 --> 1143.42]  When we gather
+[1143.42 --> 1143.94]  for worship
+[1143.94 --> 1145.08]  we have a time
+[1145.08 --> 1145.84]  of confession
+[1145.84 --> 1147.66]  and we kind of
+[1147.66 --> 1148.50]  sit through that
+[1148.50 --> 1149.18]  and we kind of
+[1149.18 --> 1150.36]  make it a general thing
+[1150.36 --> 1151.18]  and hope that
+[1151.18 --> 1152.48]  that covers us all
+[1152.48 --> 1153.70]  but actually
+[1153.70 --> 1155.12]  James would say
+[1155.12 --> 1156.76]  that's not far enough.
+[1158.18 --> 1158.78]  You've got to
+[1158.78 --> 1159.98]  confess to each other.
+[1160.54 --> 1160.80]  Why?
+[1162.42 --> 1163.74]  Because when prayer
+[1163.74 --> 1164.52]  connects you
+[1164.52 --> 1165.36]  with God
+[1165.36 --> 1166.46]  you don't have to
+[1166.46 --> 1167.32]  worry about your
+[1167.32 --> 1167.84]  weaknesses
+[1167.84 --> 1169.18]  and your failures.
+[1170.68 --> 1170.92]  Sure,
+[1171.06 --> 1171.80]  other people might
+[1171.80 --> 1172.26]  judge you
+[1172.26 --> 1173.16]  but God
+[1173.16 --> 1174.32]  isn't going to
+[1174.32 --> 1175.48]  hold that against you.
+[1175.66 --> 1176.12]  God
+[1176.12 --> 1177.00]  is a God
+[1177.00 --> 1177.66]  of forgiveness.
+[1179.56 --> 1180.60]  We're connected
+[1180.60 --> 1181.74]  to that God
+[1181.74 --> 1182.60]  that God
+[1182.60 --> 1183.20]  of grace
+[1183.20 --> 1183.94]  and mercy
+[1183.94 --> 1185.32]  when we learn
+[1185.32 --> 1185.88]  to live
+[1185.88 --> 1186.68]  in the context
+[1186.68 --> 1187.92]  of prayer.
+[1189.28 --> 1190.14]  So those are
+[1190.14 --> 1190.98]  the two pillars
+[1190.98 --> 1192.10]  that form
+[1192.10 --> 1192.62]  a connection
+[1192.62 --> 1193.30]  to God.
+[1194.08 --> 1194.80]  On the one hand
+[1194.80 --> 1195.76]  learning to live
+[1195.76 --> 1196.22]  in the light
+[1196.22 --> 1196.74]  of eternity
+[1196.74 --> 1197.76]  and on the other
+[1197.76 --> 1198.22]  hand
+[1198.22 --> 1199.50]  learning to live
+[1199.50 --> 1200.34]  in the context
+[1200.34 --> 1201.26]  of prayer.
+[1202.10 --> 1202.84]  Now when I had
+[1202.84 --> 1203.56]  preached this
+[1203.56 --> 1204.90]  at New Life
+[1204.90 --> 1205.86]  and we do
+[1205.86 --> 1207.18]  pre-recorded services
+[1207.18 --> 1209.44]  which gives me
+[1209.44 --> 1210.08]  the freedom to
+[1210.08 --> 1210.62]  preach wherever
+[1210.62 --> 1211.48]  I feel like it
+[1211.48 --> 1211.84]  I thought
+[1211.84 --> 1212.28]  you know what
+[1212.28 --> 1212.90]  I should preach
+[1212.90 --> 1213.76]  in front of a bridge.
+[1214.22 --> 1214.66]  So we went
+[1214.66 --> 1215.18]  in front of the
+[1215.18 --> 1215.94]  mission bridge
+[1215.94 --> 1216.60]  there on
+[1216.60 --> 1217.36]  Highway 11
+[1217.36 --> 1219.82]  with the
+[1219.82 --> 1220.56]  Fraser River
+[1220.56 --> 1221.70]  in the background.
+[1222.00 --> 1222.64]  It was a beautiful
+[1222.64 --> 1223.70]  scenic setting.
+[1223.88 --> 1224.62]  It was a great
+[1224.62 --> 1225.48]  place to preach.
+[1225.48 --> 1227.72]  And when we
+[1227.72 --> 1228.42]  saw it on the
+[1228.42 --> 1229.14]  recording then
+[1229.14 --> 1229.62]  of course
+[1229.62 --> 1231.12]  because it was
+[1231.12 --> 1231.78]  a sunny day
+[1231.78 --> 1232.66]  the river
+[1232.66 --> 1233.10]  just
+[1233.10 --> 1235.24]  overexposed
+[1235.24 --> 1235.76]  everything.
+[1236.00 --> 1236.60]  So all you
+[1236.60 --> 1236.94]  could see
+[1236.94 --> 1237.44]  was me
+[1237.44 --> 1237.72]  and you
+[1237.72 --> 1238.08]  couldn't even
+[1238.08 --> 1238.88]  see the bridge.
+[1239.44 --> 1240.24]  So I had to
+[1240.24 --> 1240.78]  think of something
+[1240.78 --> 1241.82]  else to illustrate
+[1241.82 --> 1243.00]  this point
+[1243.00 --> 1243.74]  of saying
+[1243.74 --> 1244.16]  look
+[1244.16 --> 1244.88]  if you want
+[1244.88 --> 1245.54]  to be deeply
+[1245.54 --> 1246.58]  connected to God
+[1246.58 --> 1247.68]  for an all-in
+[1247.68 --> 1248.26]  faith
+[1248.26 --> 1249.56]  you need to be
+[1249.56 --> 1250.46]  rooted in both
+[1250.46 --> 1251.88]  banks
+[1251.88 --> 1252.08]  banks
+[1252.08 --> 1253.32]  in order to
+[1253.32 --> 1253.82]  form that
+[1253.82 --> 1254.52]  bridge of
+[1254.52 --> 1255.36]  connection to
+[1255.36 --> 1255.82]  God.
+[1257.22 --> 1257.54]  And so I
+[1257.54 --> 1258.24]  came across
+[1258.24 --> 1260.88]  a living
+[1260.88 --> 1261.52]  bridge
+[1261.52 --> 1262.74]  which in fact
+[1262.74 --> 1264.12]  is a way
+[1264.12 --> 1264.54]  better
+[1264.54 --> 1265.98]  illustration
+[1265.98 --> 1267.30]  of what
+[1267.30 --> 1267.90]  James is
+[1267.90 --> 1268.58]  trying to
+[1268.58 --> 1269.42]  teach us
+[1269.42 --> 1270.18]  here in
+[1270.18 --> 1271.40]  James chapter 5.
+[1272.84 --> 1273.54]  Living bridges
+[1273.54 --> 1274.84]  occur in
+[1274.84 --> 1275.54]  northwest
+[1275.54 --> 1276.26]  India
+[1276.26 --> 1276.78]  in a place
+[1276.78 --> 1277.78]  called Meghalaya.
+[1277.78 --> 1278.88]  It's a place
+[1278.88 --> 1279.46]  that gets
+[1279.46 --> 1279.94]  the most
+[1279.94 --> 1280.60]  rain of
+[1280.60 --> 1281.28]  any place
+[1281.28 --> 1281.68]  on the
+[1281.68 --> 1282.06]  planet.
+[1282.26 --> 1282.90]  Something like
+[1282.90 --> 1284.12]  they average
+[1284.12 --> 1285.28]  4 meters
+[1285.28 --> 1286.36]  of rain
+[1286.36 --> 1287.86]  on average
+[1287.86 --> 1288.90]  per year.
+[1289.82 --> 1290.22]  I think we
+[1290.22 --> 1290.60]  probably
+[1290.60 --> 1291.30]  at least in
+[1291.30 --> 1291.68]  Abbotsford
+[1291.68 --> 1292.28]  we get about
+[1292.28 --> 1293.28]  a meter
+[1293.28 --> 1293.84]  maybe a
+[1293.84 --> 1294.32]  meter and a
+[1294.32 --> 1294.68]  half
+[1294.68 --> 1296.26]  year
+[1296.26 --> 1297.22]  average
+[1297.22 --> 1297.86]  accumulation.
+[1299.10 --> 1299.26]  So
+[1299.26 --> 1300.56]  these people
+[1300.56 --> 1301.16]  have to put up
+[1301.16 --> 1301.84]  with enormous
+[1301.84 --> 1303.14]  monsoon rains
+[1303.14 --> 1304.28]  and tremendous
+[1304.28 --> 1305.04]  flooding so you
+[1305.04 --> 1305.88]  can well imagine
+[1305.88 --> 1307.18]  years ago
+[1307.18 --> 1308.06]  when they
+[1308.06 --> 1308.58]  tried to
+[1308.58 --> 1309.04]  build a
+[1309.04 --> 1309.72]  bridge across
+[1309.72 --> 1310.38]  a stream
+[1310.38 --> 1312.14]  the banks
+[1312.14 --> 1312.68]  would so
+[1312.68 --> 1313.44]  easily just
+[1313.44 --> 1314.28]  wash out
+[1314.28 --> 1314.86]  and then the
+[1314.86 --> 1315.40]  bridges would
+[1315.40 --> 1315.96]  collapse.
+[1317.24 --> 1317.68]  I got to
+[1317.68 --> 1318.16]  thinking you
+[1318.16 --> 1318.46]  know what
+[1318.46 --> 1320.44]  that's a lot
+[1320.44 --> 1320.96]  of times
+[1320.96 --> 1322.12]  the way we
+[1322.12 --> 1322.82]  try to build
+[1322.82 --> 1323.46]  our connection
+[1323.46 --> 1324.10]  to God
+[1324.10 --> 1325.20]  and then
+[1325.20 --> 1327.06]  the monsoons
+[1327.06 --> 1327.80]  of hardship
+[1327.80 --> 1328.56]  or trial
+[1328.56 --> 1329.34]  in our lives
+[1329.34 --> 1330.00]  come along
+[1330.00 --> 1330.52]  and wash
+[1330.52 --> 1331.26]  out the banks
+[1331.26 --> 1331.92]  and our bridge
+[1331.92 --> 1332.44]  collapses
+[1332.44 --> 1333.24]  and we give
+[1333.24 --> 1333.76]  up on our
+[1333.76 --> 1334.10]  connection
+[1334.10 --> 1334.70]  with God.
+[1335.66 --> 1336.26]  So you know
+[1336.26 --> 1336.68]  what the people
+[1336.68 --> 1337.38]  of Meghalaya
+[1337.38 --> 1337.96]  did in
+[1337.96 --> 1338.30]  northwest
+[1338.30 --> 1338.82]  India.
+[1339.40 --> 1340.02]  They discovered
+[1340.02 --> 1340.86]  that they
+[1340.86 --> 1341.34]  could take
+[1341.34 --> 1342.04]  a tree that
+[1342.04 --> 1342.84]  grew naturally
+[1342.84 --> 1343.82]  there and
+[1343.82 --> 1344.78]  train the roots
+[1344.78 --> 1345.54]  of the tree
+[1345.54 --> 1346.62]  to come up
+[1346.62 --> 1347.10]  out of the
+[1347.10 --> 1347.96]  ground on one
+[1347.96 --> 1348.50]  side of the
+[1348.50 --> 1349.04]  bank of a
+[1349.04 --> 1349.42]  stream.
+[1349.84 --> 1350.14]  They could
+[1350.14 --> 1350.78]  train the
+[1350.78 --> 1351.38]  roots of
+[1351.38 --> 1352.02]  that tree
+[1352.02 --> 1353.16]  to go over
+[1353.16 --> 1353.82]  the stream
+[1353.82 --> 1354.80]  and then they
+[1354.80 --> 1355.30]  would plant
+[1355.30 --> 1356.14]  it back into
+[1356.14 --> 1356.60]  the other
+[1356.60 --> 1357.68]  bank and
+[1357.68 --> 1357.96]  they would
+[1357.96 --> 1358.52]  do that with
+[1358.52 --> 1359.12]  a tree on
+[1359.12 --> 1359.46]  the other
+[1359.46 --> 1359.94]  side of the
+[1359.94 --> 1360.58]  bank back
+[1360.58 --> 1361.22]  to the
+[1361.22 --> 1362.34]  first bank
+[1362.34 --> 1363.42]  and eventually
+[1363.42 --> 1364.68]  a web of
+[1364.68 --> 1365.74]  roots would
+[1365.74 --> 1366.84]  grow together
+[1366.84 --> 1367.44]  so that they
+[1367.44 --> 1368.10]  could fill it
+[1368.10 --> 1368.84]  with rocks
+[1368.84 --> 1369.54]  and mud
+[1369.54 --> 1370.48]  and create
+[1370.48 --> 1371.24]  a path.
+[1371.98 --> 1372.70]  I brought a
+[1372.70 --> 1373.36]  picture along
+[1373.36 --> 1373.74]  I don't know
+[1373.74 --> 1374.24]  if there it
+[1374.24 --> 1375.14]  is so there
+[1375.14 --> 1375.62]  it is.
+[1376.68 --> 1377.52]  And so it
+[1377.52 --> 1378.16]  doesn't matter
+[1378.16 --> 1379.24]  really how much
+[1379.24 --> 1380.10]  rain comes
+[1380.10 --> 1381.20]  down but
+[1381.20 --> 1381.90]  those roots
+[1381.90 --> 1382.60]  are firmly
+[1382.60 --> 1383.94]  established deep
+[1383.94 --> 1384.88]  into the banks
+[1384.88 --> 1385.44]  and to the
+[1385.44 --> 1386.26]  sides of the
+[1386.26 --> 1387.46]  stream so that
+[1387.46 --> 1387.84]  they could
+[1387.84 --> 1388.76]  create a
+[1388.76 --> 1389.68]  connection from
+[1389.68 --> 1391.02]  one side to
+[1391.02 --> 1391.46]  the other.
+[1391.46 --> 1392.86]  And that's
+[1392.86 --> 1393.40]  something of
+[1393.40 --> 1394.10]  what the
+[1394.10 --> 1394.94]  connection of
+[1394.94 --> 1395.62]  God as
+[1395.62 --> 1396.62]  James describes
+[1396.62 --> 1398.10]  it is like.
+[1398.74 --> 1399.40]  It's not a
+[1399.40 --> 1400.12]  matter of just
+[1400.12 --> 1400.76]  saying oh
+[1400.76 --> 1402.58]  okay so I
+[1402.58 --> 1403.16]  prayed I
+[1403.16 --> 1403.44]  should be
+[1403.44 --> 1403.90]  connected to
+[1403.90 --> 1404.14]  God.
+[1404.58 --> 1405.48]  Oh yeah I
+[1405.48 --> 1405.94]  thought about
+[1405.94 --> 1406.62]  eternity I
+[1406.62 --> 1406.90]  should be
+[1406.90 --> 1407.38]  connected to
+[1407.38 --> 1407.70]  God.
+[1408.28 --> 1408.56]  No it
+[1408.56 --> 1409.04]  takes a
+[1409.04 --> 1410.62]  lifetime of
+[1410.62 --> 1412.20]  learning to
+[1412.20 --> 1413.02]  live in the
+[1413.02 --> 1413.36]  light of
+[1413.36 --> 1413.78]  eternity.
+[1414.02 --> 1414.50]  It takes a
+[1414.50 --> 1415.34]  lifetime of
+[1415.34 --> 1416.02]  learning to
+[1416.02 --> 1416.56]  live in the
+[1416.56 --> 1417.34]  context of
+[1417.34 --> 1417.70]  prayer.
+[1418.32 --> 1418.76]  Perhaps you're
+[1418.76 --> 1419.12]  not going to
+[1419.12 --> 1419.60]  get it right
+[1419.60 --> 1420.34]  the first time.
+[1420.46 --> 1421.12]  Perhaps you're
+[1421.12 --> 1421.72]  going to have
+[1421.72 --> 1422.24]  stumbling.
+[1422.44 --> 1423.00]  Perhaps you're
+[1423.00 --> 1423.44]  going to have
+[1423.44 --> 1424.70]  those times of
+[1424.70 --> 1425.66]  wash out.
+[1426.62 --> 1427.28]  But those
+[1427.28 --> 1429.34]  roots of
+[1429.34 --> 1429.94]  learning to
+[1429.94 --> 1430.50]  live in the
+[1430.50 --> 1430.84]  light of
+[1430.84 --> 1431.70]  eternity and
+[1431.70 --> 1432.24]  learning to
+[1432.24 --> 1433.68]  live in the
+[1433.68 --> 1434.46]  context of
+[1434.46 --> 1435.62]  prayer are
+[1435.62 --> 1436.30]  going to be
+[1436.30 --> 1437.56]  firmly established
+[1437.56 --> 1438.88]  and eventually
+[1438.88 --> 1440.06]  they will grow
+[1440.06 --> 1441.20]  into a web
+[1441.20 --> 1442.66]  that creates a
+[1442.66 --> 1444.18]  direct path to
+[1444.18 --> 1444.58]  God.
+[1445.58 --> 1446.58]  So that you
+[1446.58 --> 1447.42]  can live in
+[1447.42 --> 1448.00]  the assurance
+[1448.00 --> 1449.86]  that God is
+[1449.86 --> 1450.48]  always with
+[1450.48 --> 1450.74]  you.
+[1451.12 --> 1451.72]  And you
+[1451.72 --> 1452.66]  are always
+[1452.66 --> 1453.64]  walking with
+[1453.64 --> 1453.94]  God.
+[1454.38 --> 1454.86]  Let's pray
+[1454.86 --> 1455.18]  together.
+[1457.74 --> 1458.46]  Father in
+[1458.46 --> 1458.68]  heaven,
+[1459.78 --> 1460.56]  thank you
+[1460.56 --> 1465.70]  that you
+[1465.70 --> 1466.40]  are a
+[1466.40 --> 1466.92]  God that
+[1466.92 --> 1468.76]  hears us.
+[1471.80 --> 1472.48]  You're a
+[1472.48 --> 1472.88]  God that
+[1472.88 --> 1473.66]  pays attention
+[1473.66 --> 1474.24]  when we
+[1474.24 --> 1474.84]  cry out
+[1474.84 --> 1475.80]  loudly to
+[1475.80 --> 1476.08]  you.
+[1477.72 --> 1478.38]  You're a
+[1478.38 --> 1479.88]  God that
+[1479.88 --> 1481.20]  hears us
+[1481.20 --> 1482.42]  and listens
+[1482.42 --> 1483.68]  even when
+[1483.68 --> 1484.58]  we mumble
+[1484.58 --> 1485.70]  and grumble
+[1485.70 --> 1487.00]  out to
+[1487.00 --> 1487.32]  you.
+[1489.48 --> 1490.46]  God, thank
+[1490.46 --> 1491.02]  you that you
+[1491.02 --> 1491.72]  are a God
+[1491.72 --> 1493.24]  that has
+[1493.24 --> 1493.76]  the whole
+[1493.76 --> 1495.20]  universe in
+[1495.20 --> 1496.22]  your hand
+[1496.22 --> 1497.20]  from the
+[1497.20 --> 1497.82]  very beginning
+[1497.82 --> 1498.72]  of time
+[1498.72 --> 1499.96]  to the very
+[1499.96 --> 1500.82]  end of time.
+[1500.82 --> 1501.82]  God, thank you
+[1501.82 --> 1502.82]  for the
+[1502.82 --> 1503.82]  God.
+[1503.82 --> 1503.96]  So we
+[1503.96 --> 1504.70]  pray, God,
+[1504.78 --> 1506.94]  that you
+[1506.94 --> 1507.46]  will teach
+[1507.46 --> 1508.90]  us what it
+[1508.90 --> 1509.36]  means to
+[1509.36 --> 1509.94]  live in the
+[1509.94 --> 1510.26]  light of
+[1510.26 --> 1510.72]  eternity.
+[1510.96 --> 1511.56]  Teach us
+[1511.56 --> 1511.88]  what it
+[1511.88 --> 1512.52]  means to
+[1512.52 --> 1513.14]  be connected
+[1513.14 --> 1514.08]  through prayer.
+[1515.36 --> 1516.18]  And God,
+[1516.78 --> 1517.74]  we confess
+[1517.74 --> 1519.30]  that it's
+[1519.30 --> 1519.88]  easy for us
+[1519.88 --> 1520.58]  to give up.
+[1521.80 --> 1522.60]  It's easy
+[1522.60 --> 1523.66]  for us to
+[1523.66 --> 1524.44]  just fall
+[1524.44 --> 1525.32]  flat on
+[1525.32 --> 1525.90]  our face.
+[1525.90 --> 1526.02]  us.
+[1527.22 --> 1528.00]  And so
+[1528.00 --> 1528.72]  pick us up
+[1528.72 --> 1529.72]  again and
+[1529.72 --> 1530.08]  again.
+[1530.94 --> 1531.58]  Restore us
+[1531.58 --> 1532.36]  to yourself.
+[1533.92 --> 1534.94]  Create in us,
+[1535.06 --> 1535.50]  God, a
+[1535.50 --> 1536.40]  clean heart.
+[1538.06 --> 1539.24]  And draw us
+[1539.24 --> 1540.10]  to yourself
+[1540.10 --> 1542.58]  so that we
+[1542.58 --> 1545.22]  can proclaim
+[1545.22 --> 1546.30]  your goodness,
+[1547.26 --> 1547.92]  so that we
+[1547.92 --> 1548.50]  can let your
+[1548.50 --> 1549.60]  light shine,
+[1550.26 --> 1550.98]  and so that
+[1550.98 --> 1552.10]  we can proclaim
+[1552.10 --> 1553.28]  your kingdom
+[1553.28 --> 1554.78]  and that you
+[1554.78 --> 1555.60]  are the ruler
+[1555.60 --> 1557.60]  still and
+[1557.60 --> 1558.64]  that you
+[1558.64 --> 1559.40]  will accomplish
+[1559.40 --> 1560.20]  your purposes
+[1560.20 --> 1561.28]  in our world
+[1561.28 --> 1562.26]  and that
+[1562.26 --> 1562.88]  nothing,
+[1563.06 --> 1563.60]  absolutely
+[1563.60 --> 1564.14]  nothing,
+[1564.32 --> 1565.08]  no pandemic
+[1565.08 --> 1566.02]  ever hinders
+[1566.02 --> 1566.82]  your purposes.
+[1568.32 --> 1568.78]  And so we
+[1568.78 --> 1569.60]  trust in you,
+[1569.72 --> 1569.90]  Father.
+[1572.02 --> 1572.80]  And so may we
+[1572.80 --> 1573.78]  live our lives
+[1573.78 --> 1574.94]  in that kind
+[1574.94 --> 1575.90]  of all-in
+[1575.90 --> 1577.32]  faith that is
+[1577.32 --> 1578.12]  deeply connected
+[1578.12 --> 1578.64]  to you.
+[1578.76 --> 1579.44]  We pray it in
+[1579.44 --> 1580.06]  Jesus' name.
+[1580.98 --> 1581.26]  Amen.
+[1583.28 --> 1584.28]  Amen.

Faith’s Additives (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,1802 @@
+[0.00 --> 1.70]  Thank you for that prayer.
+[3.24 --> 4.28]  It's true.
+[4.86 --> 6.38]  And your reflections, Peter.
+[6.38 --> 13.00]  The situation does make us think, doesn't it?
+[14.06 --> 17.40]  While we adjust the sound, we've got to adjust ourselves.
+[19.92 --> 23.40]  When I think of Christian education, if I have my history correct,
+[23.48 --> 27.38]  one of the reasons that we began Christian schools is,
+[27.38 --> 30.04]  if you don't mind the word, to isolate.
+[31.48 --> 33.86]  Because we saw the dangers that were elsewhere.
+[35.30 --> 38.20]  And we didn't isolate because we wanted to just be by ourselves,
+[38.30 --> 40.06]  but we wanted to preserve health.
+[41.96 --> 43.42]  Healthy views of life.
+[44.80 --> 48.06]  That's one thing I've seen there's value in isolation.
+[48.34 --> 52.46]  This weekend, I'm rambling before my message.
+[52.92 --> 53.52]  Forgive me.
+[53.52 --> 59.44]  In Leviticus, it talked about how with certain diseases,
+[60.50 --> 65.50]  people were sent outside the camp to preserve those in the camp.
+[66.06 --> 69.72]  It's been part of our life for a long time.
+[69.86 --> 72.62]  And being wise about our isolation.
+[72.62 --> 78.38]  The other thing I've been very conscious of through this time,
+[79.26 --> 80.32]  as we confessed,
+[81.26 --> 86.84]  is what our world has not taken serious enough
+[86.84 --> 90.06]  is the pandemic of sin.
+[92.24 --> 93.48]  Because it's deadly.
+[95.20 --> 98.32]  In our secular world, we think on this level only.
+[98.32 --> 104.16]  So COVID scares the you-know-what out of us.
+[104.82 --> 107.36]  Because we don't, as a culture, think this way.
+[109.30 --> 111.32]  But we don't want to be that way, do we?
+[112.60 --> 119.18]  We want to see that with illness and with spiritual,
+[119.74 --> 121.06]  shall we call it, illness,
+[121.06 --> 124.04]  we have a God that we can go to.
+[125.20 --> 129.22]  And that's really where the message this morning focuses on
+[129.22 --> 132.24]  when we talk about faith's additives.
+[136.58 --> 138.26]  Oh, it's quite some time ago,
+[138.38 --> 139.56]  probably a year and a half,
+[140.36 --> 143.32]  that I preached on 2 Peter 1.
+[143.32 --> 149.82]  The verses 5 to...
+[149.82 --> 152.22]  5 and...
+[152.22 --> 153.08]  3 and 4.
+[153.42 --> 155.28]  I've got to put my glasses on.
+[156.00 --> 158.24]  We preached on the verses 3 and 4.
+[159.60 --> 161.80]  And next week, hopefully,
+[162.02 --> 165.82]  I can continue on with verses 12 and 13.
+[165.82 --> 169.52]  And we might put these three messages
+[169.52 --> 173.88]  using the analogy VIM.
+[174.20 --> 176.06]  You know, VIM is a...
+[176.06 --> 177.68]  Well, I think it's soap of some kind.
+[178.10 --> 179.92]  V stands for vision.
+[180.90 --> 182.64]  The vision that Christ gives us.
+[182.80 --> 183.44]  And we'll...
+[183.44 --> 184.88]  That's verses 3 and 4.
+[185.00 --> 186.28]  We'll just read that again.
+[187.54 --> 189.70]  This morning, we look at the I.
+[190.60 --> 193.02]  The intent that we have
+[193.02 --> 195.28]  to pursue this vision in Christ.
+[195.82 --> 198.86]  And then next week,
+[198.96 --> 200.14]  we look at the means.
+[200.78 --> 201.98]  And there's many means,
+[202.14 --> 204.76]  but primarily the means of Scripture.
+[207.48 --> 208.94]  So that being said,
+[209.00 --> 210.32]  let me also add this,
+[210.62 --> 212.20]  that as I was reviewing
+[212.20 --> 216.02]  and revising this message,
+[216.38 --> 220.48]  it reminded me of how this is the message for me
+[220.48 --> 224.44]  as much as it is for anyone else.
+[225.82 --> 229.92]  2 Peter 1, verses 1 to 11.
+[229.92 --> 236.74]  Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
+[236.74 --> 238.68]  to those who,
+[238.68 --> 241.56]  to those who, through the righteousness of our God and Savior,
+[241.56 --> 243.12]  Jesus Christ,
+[243.12 --> 249.42]  have received a faith as precious as ours.
+[250.26 --> 253.90]  Grace and peace be yours in abundance
+[253.90 --> 259.42]  through the knowledge or through our knowing of God and of Jesus,
+[260.22 --> 260.88]  our Lord.
+[260.88 --> 269.24]  His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life
+[269.24 --> 273.82]  through our knowledge or knowing of Him who called us
+[273.82 --> 277.28]  by His own glory and goodness.
+[278.28 --> 282.40]  Through these resources of knowing Him,
+[282.64 --> 284.18]  through His goodness and glory,
+[284.64 --> 289.46]  He has given us His very great and precious promises
+[289.46 --> 295.18]  so that through them you may participate in the divine nature,
+[295.18 --> 302.06]  having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
+[304.06 --> 306.34]  And then comes our text.
+[307.06 --> 309.48]  For this very reason,
+[310.04 --> 314.52]  make every effort to add to your faith goodness
+[314.52 --> 316.74]  and to goodness,
+[316.74 --> 316.80]  and to goodness,
+[316.80 --> 317.86]  and to goodness,
+[317.86 --> 318.10]  knowledge,
+[318.10 --> 320.22]  and to knowledge,
+[320.22 --> 322.16]  self-control,
+[322.16 --> 324.92]  and to self-control,
+[324.92 --> 326.44]  perseverance,
+[327.44 --> 328.68]  and to perseverance,
+[329.96 --> 330.52]  godliness,
+[331.42 --> 332.86]  and to godliness,
+[333.90 --> 335.62]  mutual affection,
+[336.62 --> 338.84]  and to mutual affection,
+[340.06 --> 340.54]  love.
+[340.54 --> 346.96]  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure,
+[347.60 --> 350.82]  they will keep you from being ineffective
+[350.82 --> 356.32]  and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
+[357.44 --> 361.54]  But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,
+[361.90 --> 365.78]  forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
+[367.04 --> 369.06]  Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
+[369.06 --> 374.84]  make every effort to confirm your calling and election.
+[376.18 --> 377.96]  For if you do these things,
+[378.26 --> 380.32]  you will never stumble,
+[380.84 --> 383.58]  and you will receive a rich welcome
+[383.58 --> 385.52]  into the eternal kingdom
+[385.52 --> 387.98]  of our Lord and Savior,
+[388.72 --> 390.12]  Jesus Christ.
+[391.14 --> 392.86]  It's the word of our Lord.
+[393.56 --> 394.94]  Thanks be to God.
+[394.94 --> 397.78]  Dear friends,
+[397.94 --> 399.18]  brothers and sisters,
+[399.18 --> 400.40]  in Christ,
+[400.64 --> 402.20]  a number of years ago,
+[402.70 --> 405.18]  when we were still living in Winnipeg,
+[405.30 --> 408.58]  some generous friends gave me a brand new barbecue
+[408.58 --> 409.52]  for my birthday.
+[410.96 --> 412.44]  It was fall.
+[412.92 --> 415.10]  My birthday's in September,
+[415.44 --> 418.12]  and that's a busy time for pastors.
+[418.12 --> 421.16]  And so I took the box and put it in the garage.
+[422.72 --> 425.16]  And we were several weeks into spring,
+[425.86 --> 430.54]  and I had once again begun to use the old barbecue,
+[431.22 --> 432.82]  which, like its owner,
+[432.94 --> 434.44]  didn't burn evenly, you know,
+[434.54 --> 435.62]  hot in some spots,
+[435.72 --> 436.96]  not so hot in the other.
+[437.54 --> 438.98]  And one Saturday afternoon,
+[439.04 --> 442.54]  I came home from finishing preparations,
+[442.54 --> 444.30]  and there was the new barbecue,
+[445.50 --> 446.48]  fully assembled,
+[447.10 --> 448.52]  sitting in our family room
+[448.52 --> 452.86]  with our friends standing beside it.
+[452.92 --> 455.38]  They'd come and put the whole thing together.
+[455.88 --> 457.76]  I had been looking against it a little bit,
+[457.82 --> 459.50]  and I was so grateful.
+[461.46 --> 462.58]  Now, wouldn't it be good
+[462.58 --> 464.66]  if God did that to us spiritually?
+[464.66 --> 469.24]  If he just put us all together
+[469.24 --> 471.32]  so that there we were,
+[471.50 --> 472.66]  ready to go,
+[474.62 --> 477.00]  firing on all eight cylinders, you might say.
+[477.90 --> 479.72]  If God would, you know,
+[480.80 --> 481.96]  surprise us
+[481.96 --> 485.06]  and make us fully functional,
+[486.56 --> 489.36]  it would be great
+[489.36 --> 491.62]  if the Holy Spirit would go
+[491.62 --> 493.62]  presto, kind of,
+[494.66 --> 496.92]  and we could take on
+[496.92 --> 498.58]  what Peter talks about
+[498.58 --> 500.02]  as this divine nature,
+[500.66 --> 503.70]  then I would never misspeak again
+[503.70 --> 504.40]  in my life.
+[505.38 --> 507.60]  I would always be patient
+[507.60 --> 509.38]  in traffic.
+[510.98 --> 513.06]  I'd always be quick to forgive
+[513.06 --> 514.36]  whoever hurt me.
+[515.94 --> 518.46]  And I'd no longer excuse
+[518.46 --> 520.46]  my miserly attitude
+[520.46 --> 521.56]  as good stewardship.
+[521.56 --> 526.66]  then I'd love people consistently.
+[528.14 --> 530.34]  Well, it's somewhat wishful thinking
+[530.34 --> 532.26]  because God says,
+[532.76 --> 534.84]  as he does in those first few verses
+[534.84 --> 535.66]  of Peter,
+[535.98 --> 536.96]  I've given you
+[536.96 --> 539.32]  everything we need
+[539.32 --> 542.26]  for a godly life,
+[542.52 --> 545.68]  but read the label on the box,
+[545.68 --> 548.54]  assembly required.
+[550.86 --> 552.40]  See, it's not enough
+[552.40 --> 553.98]  to just believe
+[553.98 --> 555.44]  in Jesus.
+[557.18 --> 558.62]  We need to have
+[558.62 --> 560.52]  more than faith.
+[561.72 --> 563.54]  We need to build on it.
+[564.60 --> 566.60]  Or at least we need to
+[566.60 --> 567.64]  want
+[567.64 --> 569.22]  to build,
+[569.44 --> 570.98]  to add to it.
+[570.98 --> 573.98]  For this very reason,
+[574.18 --> 574.80]  says Peter,
+[574.92 --> 576.36]  you make every effort
+[576.36 --> 577.80]  to add
+[577.80 --> 579.28]  to your faith.
+[580.86 --> 581.82]  In other words,
+[582.02 --> 583.52]  it falls to reason.
+[583.62 --> 584.64]  It only makes
+[584.64 --> 586.26]  good sense
+[586.26 --> 587.24]  that once
+[587.24 --> 588.76]  we grasp
+[588.76 --> 591.22]  who Jesus is,
+[591.58 --> 592.56]  what he's done
+[592.56 --> 593.30]  for us,
+[593.42 --> 595.02]  and what he's holding out
+[595.02 --> 596.66]  for us in our future,
+[596.66 --> 597.98]  that we're going
+[597.98 --> 599.70]  to want to add
+[599.70 --> 601.30]  to our faith in him.
+[605.34 --> 606.22]  If we
+[606.22 --> 608.12]  truly believe,
+[608.36 --> 609.10]  see Jesus
+[609.10 --> 610.28]  for who he is,
+[610.36 --> 611.64]  then we'll at least
+[611.64 --> 612.98]  want
+[612.98 --> 614.82]  to be like him.
+[616.62 --> 617.26]  Because
+[617.26 --> 618.52]  true faith
+[618.52 --> 619.88]  gets
+[619.88 --> 620.94]  to work.
+[621.74 --> 622.42]  And as Peter
+[622.42 --> 623.34]  and as James
+[623.34 --> 623.82]  says,
+[624.48 --> 625.18]  such faith
+[625.18 --> 626.58]  actually does work.
+[627.38 --> 627.94]  It gets
+[627.94 --> 628.40]  the job
+[628.40 --> 628.78]  done.
+[631.32 --> 632.34]  And the incentive
+[632.34 --> 633.90]  for working
+[633.90 --> 634.84]  out our faith
+[634.84 --> 635.90]  is this vision
+[635.90 --> 638.08]  of who we are
+[638.08 --> 638.94]  and of who
+[638.94 --> 639.74]  we actually
+[639.74 --> 641.26]  will become
+[641.26 --> 642.68]  in Christ
+[642.68 --> 643.12]  Jesus.
+[646.30 --> 647.02]  I think
+[647.02 --> 647.46]  it was last
+[647.46 --> 648.06]  summer I was
+[648.06 --> 648.86]  privileged to do
+[648.86 --> 649.52]  some fishing
+[649.52 --> 650.32]  on the ocean,
+[651.06 --> 652.04]  and we had
+[652.04 --> 652.84]  this guide
+[652.84 --> 655.20]  who was
+[655.20 --> 655.82]  continually,
+[655.82 --> 656.70]  and this
+[656.70 --> 657.16]  has to do
+[657.16 --> 657.74]  with the vision.
+[657.98 --> 658.12]  He was
+[658.12 --> 658.46]  turned,
+[659.10 --> 659.68]  he was,
+[660.06 --> 660.62]  you could see
+[660.62 --> 661.14]  someone getting
+[661.14 --> 661.56]  bored.
+[661.56 --> 663.14]  We had to
+[663.14 --> 663.84]  imagine
+[663.84 --> 664.76]  this fish
+[664.76 --> 665.70]  on the line.
+[666.34 --> 666.90]  Imagine
+[666.90 --> 667.52]  the fish.
+[668.34 --> 669.16]  And then we
+[669.16 --> 669.84]  lost one,
+[670.06 --> 670.48]  and he said,
+[670.56 --> 671.08]  now you've got to
+[671.08 --> 672.36]  imagine the fish
+[672.36 --> 673.00]  in the boat.
+[673.88 --> 675.04]  He wanted us
+[675.04 --> 676.12]  to stay engaged.
+[676.12 --> 676.36]  fished.
+[677.80 --> 678.78]  Our faith
+[678.78 --> 679.46]  in Jesus
+[679.46 --> 680.20]  is the
+[680.20 --> 680.90]  incentive
+[680.90 --> 681.84]  for us
+[681.84 --> 684.14]  to, as it
+[684.14 --> 684.66]  were, keep
+[684.66 --> 685.28]  our line
+[685.28 --> 685.98]  in the water,
+[686.40 --> 687.20]  to keep
+[687.20 --> 687.66]  fishing,
+[688.04 --> 688.78]  to keep
+[688.78 --> 689.36]  working
+[689.36 --> 690.36]  at it,
+[690.76 --> 691.64]  or at least
+[691.64 --> 692.34]  to fully
+[692.34 --> 693.14]  intend
+[693.14 --> 694.64]  to obey
+[694.64 --> 695.20]  God,
+[695.40 --> 696.04]  to follow
+[696.04 --> 696.70]  Christ.
+[697.34 --> 697.84]  Keep
+[697.84 --> 698.24]  fishing,
+[698.40 --> 698.86]  if you will.
+[698.86 --> 702.54]  an illusion,
+[703.10 --> 703.50]  Dallas
+[703.50 --> 704.00]  Willard
+[704.00 --> 704.40]  says,
+[704.50 --> 704.92]  that has
+[704.92 --> 705.68]  stifled
+[705.68 --> 706.56]  spiritual
+[706.56 --> 707.68]  formation
+[707.68 --> 709.20]  in Christians
+[709.20 --> 709.82]  is the
+[709.82 --> 710.26]  thinking
+[710.26 --> 711.54]  that we
+[711.54 --> 712.28]  can believe
+[712.28 --> 712.92]  in Jesus
+[712.92 --> 714.82]  and be
+[714.82 --> 715.46]  slack when
+[715.46 --> 715.94]  it comes
+[715.94 --> 716.66]  to obeying
+[716.66 --> 717.60]  or following
+[717.60 --> 717.96]  him.
+[718.68 --> 719.12]  We've
+[719.12 --> 719.46]  emphasized
+[719.46 --> 720.12]  faith.
+[720.12 --> 723.44]  Jesus
+[723.44 --> 724.02]  said to
+[724.02 --> 724.24]  his
+[724.24 --> 724.80]  disciples,
+[725.00 --> 725.24]  you know,
+[725.32 --> 725.54]  if you
+[725.54 --> 725.96]  love me,
+[726.02 --> 726.38]  you keep
+[726.38 --> 726.64]  my
+[726.64 --> 727.14]  commandments.
+[728.00 --> 728.38]  They go
+[728.38 --> 728.86]  together.
+[731.78 --> 732.26]  Gandhi
+[732.26 --> 732.90]  said that
+[732.90 --> 733.54]  if Christians
+[733.54 --> 734.04]  would live
+[734.04 --> 734.72]  according to
+[734.72 --> 735.48]  their belief,
+[736.06 --> 737.12]  we would
+[737.12 --> 737.86]  all become
+[737.86 --> 738.46]  Christians.
+[740.42 --> 741.38]  And the
+[741.38 --> 741.98]  truth is,
+[742.14 --> 742.60]  Christians
+[742.60 --> 744.20]  do act
+[744.20 --> 744.90]  according
+[744.90 --> 746.02]  to their
+[746.02 --> 746.58]  belief.
+[747.34 --> 748.50]  And many
+[748.50 --> 749.74]  reveal by
+[749.74 --> 749.98]  their
+[749.98 --> 750.56]  actions
+[750.56 --> 751.00]  that they
+[751.00 --> 751.40]  don't
+[751.40 --> 751.88]  believe
+[751.88 --> 752.52]  in Jesus
+[752.52 --> 753.76]  all that
+[753.76 --> 754.66]  much.
+[755.94 --> 756.70]  Because
+[756.70 --> 757.08]  it's
+[757.08 --> 757.48]  simply
+[757.48 --> 757.88]  not
+[757.88 --> 758.58]  possible,
+[758.74 --> 759.28]  as Jesus
+[759.28 --> 759.74]  said,
+[760.14 --> 760.84]  to believe
+[760.84 --> 761.40]  in him
+[761.40 --> 762.66]  and love
+[762.66 --> 763.68]  him and
+[763.68 --> 764.78]  not obey
+[764.78 --> 765.16]  him,
+[765.46 --> 765.82]  or at
+[765.82 --> 766.08]  least
+[766.08 --> 766.76]  intend
+[766.76 --> 767.08]  to.
+[768.38 --> 769.08]  That's
+[769.08 --> 769.50]  Peter's
+[769.50 --> 769.86]  flow of
+[769.86 --> 770.36]  thought when
+[770.36 --> 770.84]  he says,
+[771.38 --> 771.86]  for this
+[771.86 --> 772.50]  reason,
+[773.58 --> 774.32]  make every
+[774.32 --> 775.80]  effort to
+[775.80 --> 777.10]  add to
+[777.10 --> 777.82]  your faith.
+[779.74 --> 780.50]  because of
+[780.50 --> 781.48]  how you
+[781.48 --> 781.80]  know
+[781.80 --> 782.48]  Christ.
+[783.38 --> 783.86]  Build on
+[783.86 --> 784.06]  that
+[784.06 --> 784.62]  knowledge.
+[786.22 --> 786.86]  See,
+[786.94 --> 787.16]  that's
+[787.16 --> 787.90]  faith that's
+[787.90 --> 788.56]  followed up.
+[788.66 --> 788.98]  It's
+[788.98 --> 789.44]  being
+[789.44 --> 790.42]  faithful.
+[792.02 --> 792.58]  And it
+[792.58 --> 793.50]  involves a
+[793.50 --> 795.28]  conscious and
+[795.28 --> 796.20]  a persistent
+[796.20 --> 797.98]  choice to
+[797.98 --> 799.54]  cooperate with
+[799.54 --> 801.00]  the spirit of
+[801.00 --> 802.80]  Christ so
+[802.80 --> 803.28]  that the
+[803.28 --> 803.94]  fruits of
+[803.94 --> 804.92]  him, you
+[804.92 --> 805.14]  know,
+[805.50 --> 805.98]  patience,
+[806.30 --> 806.70]  joy,
+[807.10 --> 807.34]  love,
+[807.42 --> 807.74]  and so
+[807.74 --> 808.00]  on,
+[808.20 --> 808.64]  become
+[808.64 --> 809.30]  evident in
+[809.30 --> 809.80]  our life.
+[811.92 --> 812.74]  Anyone who
+[812.74 --> 813.36]  believes in
+[813.36 --> 814.92]  Jesus signs
+[814.92 --> 815.64]  up, as
+[815.64 --> 816.02]  Dallas
+[816.02 --> 816.74]  Willard says,
+[816.80 --> 817.36]  to be an
+[817.36 --> 817.90]  apprentice,
+[818.94 --> 819.74]  someone who's
+[819.74 --> 821.00]  eager to
+[821.00 --> 821.56]  know what
+[821.56 --> 822.22]  he teaches,
+[823.38 --> 824.94]  to learn the
+[824.94 --> 825.68]  tricks of the
+[825.68 --> 826.42]  trade of
+[826.42 --> 826.90]  being a
+[826.90 --> 827.42]  disciple.
+[829.56 --> 830.10]  And one of
+[830.10 --> 830.60]  his great
+[830.60 --> 831.52]  frustrations
+[831.52 --> 832.12]  was that
+[832.12 --> 833.80]  Christians often
+[833.80 --> 835.34]  didn't display
+[835.34 --> 837.18]  much desire
+[837.18 --> 838.94]  to be more
+[838.94 --> 840.40]  like Christ.
+[843.36 --> 844.40]  Now, in all
+[844.40 --> 844.90]  fairness,
+[846.00 --> 847.46]  it's possible
+[847.46 --> 848.38]  to make too
+[848.38 --> 849.06]  much of
+[849.06 --> 850.20]  intending
+[850.20 --> 852.16]  to follow
+[852.16 --> 852.66]  Christ.
+[852.84 --> 853.20]  You know
+[853.20 --> 853.84]  the saying,
+[854.58 --> 855.10]  the way to
+[855.10 --> 855.76]  hell is
+[855.76 --> 857.24]  paved with
+[857.24 --> 858.18]  good intentions.
+[860.34 --> 861.24]  But does
+[861.24 --> 862.02]  that rule out
+[862.02 --> 862.78]  good intentions?
+[864.20 --> 865.16]  If we have
+[865.16 --> 865.98]  no intentions,
+[866.98 --> 867.68]  we'll do
+[867.68 --> 868.06]  nothing.
+[870.16 --> 871.16]  It isn't a
+[871.16 --> 871.60]  matter of
+[871.60 --> 871.98]  whether we
+[871.98 --> 872.88]  should have
+[872.88 --> 873.54]  intentions,
+[873.74 --> 874.36]  I believe it,
+[874.40 --> 875.36]  but how
+[875.36 --> 876.18]  intent we
+[876.18 --> 877.58]  actually are,
+[877.72 --> 878.44]  because unless
+[878.44 --> 879.16]  we're fully
+[879.16 --> 880.82]  intent and
+[880.82 --> 881.68]  make every
+[881.68 --> 882.22]  effort,
+[882.74 --> 883.26]  we'll get
+[883.26 --> 883.94]  distracted.
+[885.04 --> 885.78]  Believe me,
+[886.34 --> 887.48]  I know.
+[887.48 --> 891.24]  we have to
+[891.24 --> 891.70]  do more
+[891.70 --> 892.84]  than like
+[892.84 --> 893.88]  to follow
+[893.88 --> 894.32]  Jesus.
+[895.44 --> 896.44]  We must
+[896.44 --> 897.42]  decide
+[897.42 --> 898.92]  to obey
+[898.92 --> 899.22]  Him,
+[899.82 --> 900.62]  to be like
+[900.62 --> 900.84]  Him.
+[902.12 --> 902.62]  It's the
+[902.62 --> 902.98]  difference
+[902.98 --> 903.84]  between someone
+[903.84 --> 904.78]  who would
+[904.78 --> 905.68]  like to
+[905.68 --> 906.58]  quit swearing
+[906.58 --> 907.10]  or who
+[907.10 --> 907.88]  would like
+[907.88 --> 908.52]  to quit
+[908.52 --> 909.06]  smoking,
+[909.34 --> 909.90]  or who
+[909.90 --> 910.80]  decides
+[910.80 --> 911.56]  to do
+[911.56 --> 911.84]  that.
+[913.12 --> 914.00]  The one
+[914.00 --> 914.24]  will
+[914.24 --> 914.90]  persevere.
+[914.90 --> 917.80]  the one
+[917.80 --> 918.18]  will give
+[918.18 --> 918.56]  it some
+[918.56 --> 918.94]  effort.
+[921.42 --> 922.12]  The one
+[922.12 --> 922.48]  will give
+[922.48 --> 923.16]  religion a
+[923.16 --> 923.60]  shot,
+[924.44 --> 925.16]  while the
+[925.16 --> 925.86]  other sells
+[925.86 --> 926.28]  out,
+[927.14 --> 927.70]  makes a
+[927.70 --> 927.90]  firm
+[927.90 --> 928.46]  decision.
+[929.98 --> 930.68]  So the
+[930.68 --> 931.10]  proverb,
+[931.36 --> 931.68]  that the
+[931.68 --> 932.10]  way to
+[932.10 --> 932.54]  hell is
+[932.54 --> 933.06]  paved with
+[933.06 --> 934.12]  good intentions,
+[934.80 --> 935.44]  needs to
+[935.44 --> 936.90]  be counterbalanced
+[936.90 --> 937.62]  with this
+[937.62 --> 938.30]  proverb,
+[938.92 --> 939.46]  where there
+[939.46 --> 939.90]  is a
+[939.90 --> 940.30]  will,
+[941.04 --> 941.58]  there is
+[941.58 --> 941.98]  a way.
+[941.98 --> 945.92]  It's
+[945.92 --> 946.50]  pretty much
+[946.50 --> 947.10]  true of us
+[947.10 --> 947.38]  humans,
+[947.50 --> 947.94]  isn't it?
+[949.12 --> 949.56]  You think
+[949.56 --> 949.82]  of your
+[949.82 --> 950.50]  own life,
+[951.24 --> 951.52]  you've
+[951.52 --> 951.78]  probably
+[951.78 --> 952.24]  observed
+[952.24 --> 952.62]  that,
+[952.78 --> 953.32]  we do
+[953.32 --> 953.64]  in our
+[953.64 --> 953.96]  children
+[953.96 --> 954.40]  and in
+[954.40 --> 954.94]  ourselves.
+[956.02 --> 956.50]  We
+[956.50 --> 957.08]  accomplish
+[957.08 --> 957.96]  what we
+[957.96 --> 958.48]  set out
+[958.48 --> 959.06]  to do.
+[960.42 --> 960.86]  It's
+[960.86 --> 961.30]  what God
+[961.30 --> 961.82]  noticed
+[961.82 --> 962.30]  at the
+[962.30 --> 962.80]  Tower of
+[962.80 --> 963.14]  Babel
+[963.14 --> 963.86]  when He
+[963.86 --> 964.48]  looked down,
+[965.28 --> 965.78]  saw the
+[965.78 --> 966.48]  activity of
+[966.48 --> 966.98]  humans.
+[968.72 --> 969.10]  Nothing
+[969.10 --> 969.96]  they plan
+[969.96 --> 970.60]  to do
+[970.60 --> 971.18]  will be
+[971.18 --> 971.78]  impossible.
+[971.98 --> 972.60]  for them,
+[973.16 --> 973.64]  he said.
+[976.34 --> 976.98]  The
+[976.98 --> 977.34]  will is
+[977.34 --> 977.58]  very
+[977.58 --> 978.16]  powerful
+[978.16 --> 980.94]  and it's
+[980.94 --> 981.36]  critical
+[981.36 --> 982.40]  for the
+[982.40 --> 983.06]  formation
+[983.06 --> 984.10]  of our
+[984.10 --> 984.60]  spirit
+[984.60 --> 985.54]  and our
+[985.54 --> 986.18]  character.
+[989.12 --> 989.80]  We
+[989.80 --> 990.22]  are to
+[990.22 --> 991.02]  set our
+[991.02 --> 991.46]  will
+[991.46 --> 992.52]  on doing
+[992.52 --> 993.76]  God's
+[993.76 --> 994.28]  will.
+[994.46 --> 994.70]  That,
+[995.14 --> 995.58]  was it
+[995.58 --> 995.88]  not,
+[995.98 --> 996.42]  was the
+[996.42 --> 996.96]  passion
+[996.96 --> 997.88]  of our
+[997.88 --> 998.18]  Lord
+[998.18 --> 998.66]  Jesus.
+[999.34 --> 999.54]  The
+[999.54 --> 999.90]  scripture
+[999.90 --> 1000.46]  said,
+[1000.46 --> 1001.10]  He
+[1001.10 --> 1001.88]  set His
+[1001.88 --> 1002.36]  heart
+[1002.36 --> 1004.08]  resolutely
+[1004.08 --> 1005.96]  to go to
+[1005.96 --> 1006.52]  Jerusalem
+[1006.52 --> 1007.86]  and to
+[1007.86 --> 1008.28]  go to
+[1008.28 --> 1008.62]  that
+[1008.62 --> 1009.74]  cross,
+[1010.38 --> 1010.96]  to do
+[1010.96 --> 1011.38]  the will
+[1011.38 --> 1011.82]  of Him
+[1011.82 --> 1012.88]  who sent
+[1012.88 --> 1013.18]  Him.
+[1013.58 --> 1014.24]  And if it
+[1014.24 --> 1014.96]  had not
+[1014.96 --> 1015.84]  been Jesus'
+[1016.50 --> 1017.58]  resolute
+[1017.58 --> 1018.34]  will,
+[1018.82 --> 1021.36]  we can be
+[1021.36 --> 1022.28]  sure He
+[1022.28 --> 1022.68]  would have
+[1022.68 --> 1023.54]  given in
+[1023.54 --> 1024.40]  to the
+[1024.40 --> 1024.92]  political
+[1024.92 --> 1025.88]  pressures
+[1025.88 --> 1027.04]  around Him.
+[1027.04 --> 1027.84]  and our
+[1027.84 --> 1028.42]  redemption
+[1028.42 --> 1029.76]  would not
+[1029.76 --> 1030.50]  have been
+[1030.50 --> 1031.12]  accomplished.
+[1032.52 --> 1033.24]  And our
+[1033.24 --> 1034.02]  own personal
+[1034.02 --> 1034.68]  redemption
+[1034.68 --> 1035.80]  will not be
+[1035.80 --> 1036.30]  fully
+[1036.30 --> 1037.20]  accomplished
+[1037.20 --> 1038.30]  if we
+[1038.30 --> 1038.92]  are not
+[1038.92 --> 1039.80]  intent,
+[1041.26 --> 1041.92]  willfully
+[1041.92 --> 1043.30]  desiring to
+[1043.30 --> 1044.14]  do the
+[1044.14 --> 1044.52]  will of
+[1044.52 --> 1044.94]  God
+[1044.94 --> 1046.08]  like Jesus
+[1046.08 --> 1046.46]  did.
+[1048.08 --> 1049.00]  Peter knows
+[1049.00 --> 1049.56]  this is not
+[1049.56 --> 1049.96]  an easy
+[1049.96 --> 1050.32]  thing.
+[1051.46 --> 1052.16]  It takes
+[1052.16 --> 1052.92]  a lot,
+[1053.12 --> 1054.28]  all of our
+[1054.28 --> 1054.72]  effort.
+[1054.72 --> 1056.46]  you know
+[1056.46 --> 1056.90]  how He
+[1056.90 --> 1057.20]  fully
+[1057.20 --> 1057.76]  intended
+[1057.76 --> 1058.28]  to follow
+[1058.28 --> 1058.88]  Christ
+[1058.88 --> 1060.86]  and how
+[1060.86 --> 1061.46]  He denied
+[1061.46 --> 1061.70]  Him
+[1061.70 --> 1063.06]  three times.
+[1064.82 --> 1065.58]  Isn't that
+[1065.58 --> 1065.92]  what it's
+[1065.92 --> 1066.20]  like?
+[1066.76 --> 1067.48]  Sometimes we
+[1067.48 --> 1067.96]  get up in
+[1067.96 --> 1068.46]  the morning,
+[1069.86 --> 1071.00]  every intent
+[1071.00 --> 1072.68]  to do
+[1072.68 --> 1073.62]  well that
+[1073.62 --> 1074.06]  day,
+[1074.42 --> 1075.10]  to be
+[1075.10 --> 1076.02]  self-controlled,
+[1076.22 --> 1076.74]  to handle
+[1076.74 --> 1077.34]  ourselves
+[1077.34 --> 1078.20]  perhaps in
+[1078.20 --> 1079.06]  a work
+[1079.06 --> 1079.84]  situation
+[1079.84 --> 1080.66]  better,
+[1081.36 --> 1081.76]  and then
+[1081.76 --> 1082.10]  we're
+[1082.10 --> 1082.90]  confronted
+[1082.90 --> 1083.46]  with a
+[1083.46 --> 1083.82]  rude
+[1083.82 --> 1084.66]  co-worker
+[1084.66 --> 1085.38]  or we're
+[1085.38 --> 1085.84]  dealt a
+[1085.84 --> 1086.54]  verbal blow
+[1086.54 --> 1087.26]  by someone
+[1087.26 --> 1087.78]  and before
+[1087.78 --> 1088.22]  you know
+[1088.22 --> 1088.36]  it,
+[1088.56 --> 1088.80]  we've
+[1088.80 --> 1089.32]  sunk to
+[1089.32 --> 1089.50]  their
+[1089.50 --> 1089.78]  level
+[1089.78 --> 1089.96]  of
+[1089.96 --> 1090.40]  behavior.
+[1093.04 --> 1093.86]  And that's
+[1093.86 --> 1094.56]  why Peter
+[1094.56 --> 1095.74]  recognizes that
+[1095.74 --> 1096.72]  this process
+[1096.72 --> 1097.50]  of spiritual
+[1097.50 --> 1098.32]  formation
+[1098.32 --> 1098.84]  is a
+[1098.84 --> 1099.66]  slow one.
+[1101.16 --> 1101.64]  It's the
+[1101.64 --> 1102.44]  arduous
+[1102.44 --> 1103.92]  life of
+[1103.92 --> 1104.56]  the Christian
+[1104.56 --> 1105.80]  where you
+[1105.80 --> 1106.46]  take one
+[1106.46 --> 1107.28]  step forward
+[1107.28 --> 1107.88]  and then the
+[1107.88 --> 1108.42]  next day you
+[1108.42 --> 1109.16]  feel like you've
+[1109.16 --> 1109.90]  taken, as we
+[1109.90 --> 1110.12]  say,
+[1110.24 --> 1110.88]  two back.
+[1110.88 --> 1110.92]  back.
+[1113.44 --> 1114.12]  And sometimes
+[1114.12 --> 1114.76]  when we've, so
+[1114.76 --> 1115.44]  to speak, taken
+[1115.44 --> 1115.98]  those two
+[1115.98 --> 1116.92]  steps back, it's
+[1116.92 --> 1118.10]  good to put
+[1118.10 --> 1119.06]  life back in
+[1119.06 --> 1120.08]  perspective again
+[1120.08 --> 1120.66]  and ask
+[1120.66 --> 1122.06]  ourselves, who
+[1122.06 --> 1122.68]  am I?
+[1123.06 --> 1123.94]  Why am I
+[1123.94 --> 1124.40]  here?
+[1124.86 --> 1125.60]  What am I
+[1125.60 --> 1126.52]  doing with my
+[1126.52 --> 1127.00]  life?
+[1127.86 --> 1128.44]  Let's see.
+[1128.86 --> 1129.60]  That's right.
+[1130.68 --> 1131.58]  I believe in
+[1131.58 --> 1131.98]  Jesus.
+[1132.82 --> 1133.46]  I know what
+[1133.46 --> 1134.14]  he's done for
+[1134.14 --> 1134.82]  me and I know
+[1134.82 --> 1135.74]  what he's calling
+[1135.74 --> 1136.66]  me to become
+[1136.66 --> 1137.46]  and what my
+[1137.46 --> 1138.18]  future is.
+[1138.24 --> 1138.84]  I need to put
+[1138.84 --> 1139.66]  my life in
+[1139.66 --> 1140.68]  that sense in
+[1140.68 --> 1141.32]  perspective.
+[1141.52 --> 1142.90]  One day I am
+[1142.90 --> 1143.80]  going to share
+[1143.80 --> 1144.80]  in his eternal
+[1144.80 --> 1145.38]  glory.
+[1147.14 --> 1147.96]  So what does
+[1147.96 --> 1148.58]  that mean for
+[1148.58 --> 1149.00]  today?
+[1151.32 --> 1151.80]  Well, it
+[1151.80 --> 1152.48]  means then I,
+[1153.28 --> 1154.04]  it's worth
+[1154.04 --> 1154.84]  taking that
+[1154.84 --> 1156.16]  next one
+[1156.16 --> 1157.90]  step of
+[1157.90 --> 1159.04]  obedience in
+[1159.04 --> 1159.64]  the right
+[1159.64 --> 1161.04]  direction.
+[1161.94 --> 1162.70]  And sometimes
+[1162.70 --> 1163.86]  those little
+[1163.86 --> 1164.82]  steps take
+[1164.82 --> 1166.74]  such big
+[1166.74 --> 1167.58]  effort.
+[1170.66 --> 1171.68]  But we're
+[1171.68 --> 1172.78]  eager to add
+[1172.78 --> 1173.26]  to our
+[1173.26 --> 1173.70]  faith.
+[1175.02 --> 1176.00]  So we make
+[1176.00 --> 1176.70]  that decision
+[1176.70 --> 1177.48]  and we take
+[1177.48 --> 1178.06]  that right
+[1178.06 --> 1178.50]  step.
+[1180.52 --> 1181.28]  It's
+[1181.28 --> 1181.74]  interesting,
+[1181.90 --> 1182.20]  the word
+[1182.20 --> 1182.98]  add there
+[1182.98 --> 1184.56]  in the
+[1184.56 --> 1184.98]  original
+[1184.98 --> 1185.66]  apparently
+[1185.66 --> 1186.60]  means to
+[1186.60 --> 1188.20]  provide the
+[1188.20 --> 1189.58]  chorus for.
+[1190.14 --> 1190.74]  You know,
+[1191.26 --> 1191.84]  this is the
+[1191.84 --> 1192.32]  backup.
+[1193.30 --> 1193.82]  That's what
+[1193.82 --> 1194.18]  it was.
+[1194.18 --> 1194.82]  The choral
+[1194.82 --> 1195.26]  backup.
+[1195.50 --> 1196.48]  Apparently the
+[1196.48 --> 1197.00]  Greeks who
+[1197.00 --> 1197.80]  loved plays
+[1197.80 --> 1198.82]  had choral
+[1198.82 --> 1199.24]  backup.
+[1200.52 --> 1201.56]  And very
+[1201.56 --> 1203.68]  rich people
+[1203.68 --> 1205.42]  would provide
+[1205.42 --> 1206.54]  that choral
+[1206.54 --> 1207.30]  backup.
+[1207.80 --> 1208.22]  And that was
+[1208.22 --> 1208.86]  called the
+[1208.86 --> 1209.84]  additives.
+[1210.28 --> 1210.92]  And that's the
+[1210.92 --> 1211.54]  meaning somewhat
+[1211.54 --> 1212.10]  of the word
+[1212.10 --> 1212.26]  here.
+[1212.30 --> 1212.56]  In other
+[1212.56 --> 1212.76]  words,
+[1213.14 --> 1213.86]  Christ is the
+[1213.86 --> 1214.62]  main singer
+[1214.62 --> 1216.08]  and as we
+[1216.08 --> 1217.34]  come behind
+[1217.34 --> 1218.12]  him, we
+[1218.12 --> 1219.92]  add to
+[1219.92 --> 1220.84]  our faith.
+[1220.84 --> 1220.90]  faith.
+[1222.24 --> 1223.24]  It came
+[1223.24 --> 1223.70]  to mean
+[1223.70 --> 1224.80]  giving
+[1224.80 --> 1225.78]  lavishly.
+[1227.18 --> 1228.50]  We're to
+[1228.50 --> 1229.64]  generously
+[1229.64 --> 1230.76]  add to
+[1230.76 --> 1231.58]  our faith.
+[1232.64 --> 1233.04]  And what
+[1233.04 --> 1233.46]  are we to
+[1233.46 --> 1233.88]  add?
+[1234.36 --> 1235.00]  These
+[1235.00 --> 1236.40]  various
+[1236.40 --> 1237.86]  attributes,
+[1238.60 --> 1239.22]  qualities.
+[1240.30 --> 1240.70]  So Peter
+[1240.70 --> 1241.44]  gives a list
+[1241.44 --> 1242.18]  of things
+[1242.18 --> 1242.66]  we might
+[1242.66 --> 1244.34]  add as
+[1244.34 --> 1244.82]  we choose
+[1244.82 --> 1245.56]  to do so.
+[1245.56 --> 1247.10]  For
+[1247.10 --> 1247.48]  example,
+[1247.98 --> 1248.64]  he talks
+[1248.64 --> 1248.88]  about
+[1248.88 --> 1249.64]  goodness.
+[1250.90 --> 1251.40]  That really
+[1251.40 --> 1251.82]  means
+[1251.82 --> 1252.78]  virtue.
+[1254.38 --> 1255.30]  For
+[1255.30 --> 1256.18]  moral
+[1256.18 --> 1257.50]  fortitude
+[1257.50 --> 1258.88]  or
+[1258.88 --> 1260.56]  power or
+[1260.56 --> 1261.46]  energy to
+[1261.46 --> 1261.84]  do the
+[1261.84 --> 1262.48]  right thing.
+[1263.40 --> 1263.80]  Or to
+[1263.80 --> 1264.54]  stir
+[1264.54 --> 1265.58]  ourselves up
+[1265.58 --> 1266.50]  and give
+[1266.50 --> 1266.94]  due
+[1266.94 --> 1267.64]  diligence
+[1267.64 --> 1269.12]  in becoming
+[1269.12 --> 1269.94]  a person
+[1269.94 --> 1271.32]  of noble
+[1271.32 --> 1272.38]  character.
+[1273.22 --> 1273.44]  A
+[1273.44 --> 1274.72]  virtuous,
+[1274.72 --> 1276.18]  a good
+[1276.18 --> 1277.38]  person.
+[1278.22 --> 1278.72]  Add that
+[1278.72 --> 1279.12]  to your
+[1279.12 --> 1279.48]  faith.
+[1280.28 --> 1280.92]  Because
+[1280.92 --> 1281.76]  often we
+[1281.76 --> 1282.28]  believers
+[1282.28 --> 1284.38]  aren't always
+[1284.38 --> 1284.90]  so good.
+[1286.26 --> 1287.08]  And to
+[1287.08 --> 1287.52]  goodness
+[1287.52 --> 1288.26]  add
+[1288.26 --> 1289.38]  knowledge.
+[1289.76 --> 1290.04]  Now he's
+[1290.04 --> 1290.56]  been talking
+[1290.56 --> 1290.92]  about
+[1290.92 --> 1291.84]  knowledge and
+[1291.84 --> 1292.56]  that's part
+[1292.56 --> 1292.96]  of what's
+[1292.96 --> 1293.42]  involved,
+[1293.54 --> 1294.60]  this knowing
+[1294.60 --> 1295.48]  of Christ
+[1295.48 --> 1295.88]  and who
+[1295.88 --> 1296.42]  he is.
+[1296.50 --> 1297.00]  But also
+[1297.00 --> 1297.84]  part of
+[1297.84 --> 1298.40]  that knowledge
+[1298.40 --> 1299.40]  is practical
+[1299.40 --> 1300.46]  insights.
+[1300.74 --> 1301.12]  The more
+[1301.12 --> 1301.66]  you work
+[1301.66 --> 1302.42]  at something,
+[1303.42 --> 1304.18]  the more
+[1304.18 --> 1304.92]  you discover
+[1304.92 --> 1305.96]  the ins
+[1305.96 --> 1306.66]  and outs
+[1306.66 --> 1307.46]  of it.
+[1307.78 --> 1308.30]  And that's
+[1308.30 --> 1308.58]  what's
+[1308.58 --> 1308.94]  meant.
+[1310.34 --> 1310.72]  Keep
+[1310.72 --> 1311.24]  gaining
+[1311.24 --> 1312.10]  practical
+[1312.10 --> 1312.88]  insight
+[1312.88 --> 1313.74]  in how
+[1313.74 --> 1314.72]  to work
+[1314.72 --> 1315.80]  out your
+[1315.80 --> 1316.32]  faith
+[1316.32 --> 1317.14]  in your
+[1317.14 --> 1317.66]  setting.
+[1319.36 --> 1319.60]  You know,
+[1319.80 --> 1320.46]  learn those,
+[1320.64 --> 1321.66]  as Dallas
+[1321.66 --> 1322.26]  Willard says,
+[1322.38 --> 1323.50]  tricks of the
+[1323.50 --> 1324.16]  trade
+[1324.16 --> 1325.26]  in being a
+[1325.26 --> 1325.74]  disciple.
+[1325.74 --> 1325.84]  people.
+[1328.40 --> 1328.86]  Now all
+[1328.86 --> 1329.20]  these
+[1329.20 --> 1331.04]  attributes
+[1331.04 --> 1331.76]  are really
+[1331.76 --> 1332.70]  inside
+[1332.70 --> 1333.72]  things that
+[1333.72 --> 1334.40]  we're talking
+[1334.40 --> 1335.18]  about because
+[1335.18 --> 1336.24]  the vast
+[1336.24 --> 1336.96]  majority of
+[1336.96 --> 1337.38]  the work
+[1337.38 --> 1337.80]  that we
+[1337.80 --> 1338.30]  need to
+[1338.30 --> 1339.20]  do is
+[1339.20 --> 1339.96]  inside of
+[1339.96 --> 1340.34]  us.
+[1341.34 --> 1342.10]  Like
+[1342.10 --> 1343.02]  self-control.
+[1344.46 --> 1345.24]  In other
+[1345.24 --> 1345.38]  words,
+[1345.74 --> 1346.82]  watch out
+[1346.82 --> 1347.96]  for your
+[1347.96 --> 1348.66]  own
+[1348.66 --> 1349.42]  soul,
+[1349.90 --> 1350.40]  spiritual
+[1350.40 --> 1351.04]  well-being.
+[1352.14 --> 1352.72]  Manage
+[1352.72 --> 1353.26]  your
+[1353.26 --> 1354.12]  feelings
+[1354.12 --> 1355.00]  well.
+[1355.98 --> 1356.46]  Accept
+[1356.46 --> 1356.82]  them for
+[1356.82 --> 1357.24]  what they
+[1357.24 --> 1357.62]  are,
+[1358.62 --> 1359.34]  and then
+[1359.34 --> 1360.34]  practice
+[1360.34 --> 1361.42]  self-discipline
+[1361.42 --> 1362.40]  as you
+[1362.40 --> 1363.40]  respond to
+[1363.40 --> 1364.28]  what's
+[1364.28 --> 1364.78]  happening
+[1364.78 --> 1365.70]  inside of
+[1365.70 --> 1367.04]  you in
+[1367.04 --> 1368.08]  healthy ways.
+[1368.28 --> 1368.84]  It takes a
+[1368.84 --> 1369.34]  lot of
+[1369.34 --> 1370.58]  self-discipline,
+[1370.66 --> 1371.18]  or what some
+[1371.18 --> 1371.84]  have called
+[1371.84 --> 1373.32]  self-leadership.
+[1373.32 --> 1374.32]  self-discipline.
+[1375.70 --> 1376.42]  And that
+[1376.42 --> 1376.90]  takes
+[1376.90 --> 1377.70]  perseverance.
+[1380.38 --> 1381.28]  I come,
+[1381.44 --> 1382.04]  as I think
+[1382.04 --> 1382.34]  a number
+[1382.34 --> 1382.60]  of you
+[1382.60 --> 1383.60]  from Dutch
+[1383.60 --> 1384.10]  background,
+[1384.24 --> 1384.62]  we're known
+[1384.62 --> 1384.98]  to be
+[1384.98 --> 1385.36]  stubborn.
+[1385.52 --> 1385.98]  This is a
+[1385.98 --> 1386.44]  great way
+[1386.44 --> 1386.76]  to be
+[1386.76 --> 1387.14]  stubborn.
+[1388.66 --> 1389.14]  Persevere
+[1389.14 --> 1390.60]  at working
+[1390.60 --> 1391.38]  at these
+[1391.38 --> 1392.18]  heart issues
+[1392.18 --> 1394.52]  in spite
+[1394.52 --> 1395.20]  of obstacles
+[1395.20 --> 1395.76]  that come
+[1395.76 --> 1396.14]  along.
+[1397.52 --> 1398.18]  It takes
+[1398.18 --> 1398.98]  courage
+[1398.98 --> 1400.16]  and endurance
+[1400.16 --> 1401.34]  to keep
+[1401.34 --> 1402.70]  stepping over
+[1402.70 --> 1403.80]  these stones
+[1403.80 --> 1404.68]  that are
+[1404.68 --> 1405.20]  put in
+[1405.20 --> 1405.78]  our path
+[1405.78 --> 1406.28]  or happen
+[1406.28 --> 1406.68]  to be
+[1406.68 --> 1407.02]  there.
+[1408.22 --> 1408.70]  But we
+[1408.70 --> 1409.14]  do it,
+[1409.22 --> 1409.74]  says Peter,
+[1409.86 --> 1410.76]  we persevere
+[1410.76 --> 1413.12]  because Christ
+[1413.12 --> 1413.98]  calls us
+[1413.98 --> 1415.30]  to godliness.
+[1416.70 --> 1417.08]  Again,
+[1417.28 --> 1418.34]  really that's
+[1418.34 --> 1418.88]  the ultimate
+[1418.88 --> 1419.44]  goal.
+[1419.60 --> 1420.06]  This is the
+[1420.06 --> 1420.38]  vision,
+[1420.80 --> 1421.82]  to be like
+[1421.82 --> 1422.44]  Christ,
+[1423.58 --> 1424.04]  like we
+[1424.04 --> 1424.42]  were in
+[1424.42 --> 1425.00]  the beginning.
+[1426.24 --> 1427.12]  God simply
+[1427.12 --> 1427.64]  through his
+[1427.64 --> 1428.00]  spirit
+[1428.00 --> 1428.98]  retrofitting
+[1428.98 --> 1430.20]  us back
+[1430.20 --> 1431.24]  into the
+[1431.24 --> 1431.92]  person of
+[1431.92 --> 1432.50]  Christ.
+[1432.70 --> 1434.06]  a godly
+[1434.06 --> 1435.28]  person.
+[1437.62 --> 1438.28]  On top
+[1438.28 --> 1438.66]  of that,
+[1438.72 --> 1439.10]  he says,
+[1439.22 --> 1439.74]  make every
+[1439.74 --> 1440.36]  effort to
+[1440.36 --> 1442.14]  show mutual
+[1442.14 --> 1443.56]  affection,
+[1444.32 --> 1445.74]  to be
+[1445.74 --> 1446.34]  warm
+[1446.34 --> 1448.36]  and friendly
+[1448.36 --> 1450.04]  to everyone,
+[1450.30 --> 1451.14]  but especially
+[1451.14 --> 1452.06]  to those
+[1452.06 --> 1453.48]  in the
+[1453.48 --> 1453.96]  family
+[1453.96 --> 1455.30]  of God.
+[1456.74 --> 1457.46]  My,
+[1457.56 --> 1458.04]  that goes
+[1458.04 --> 1458.58]  a long
+[1458.58 --> 1460.16]  way in
+[1460.16 --> 1460.92]  making for
+[1460.92 --> 1461.56]  a very
+[1461.56 --> 1462.34]  healthy
+[1462.34 --> 1463.02]  church
+[1463.02 --> 1463.92]  body,
+[1464.92 --> 1465.52]  mutual
+[1465.52 --> 1466.76]  affection.
+[1468.12 --> 1468.92]  And the
+[1468.92 --> 1469.58]  greatest of
+[1469.58 --> 1470.26]  all virtues,
+[1470.42 --> 1471.32]  whenever we
+[1471.32 --> 1472.40]  hear them
+[1472.40 --> 1473.58]  listed in
+[1473.58 --> 1474.56]  various parts,
+[1474.80 --> 1475.30]  particularly
+[1475.30 --> 1476.42]  of the New
+[1476.42 --> 1477.02]  Testament,
+[1477.80 --> 1479.12]  is the call,
+[1479.60 --> 1480.34]  which is at the
+[1480.34 --> 1480.92]  core of what
+[1480.92 --> 1481.56]  we're to be,
+[1481.74 --> 1482.28]  the call
+[1482.28 --> 1483.38]  to love,
+[1483.38 --> 1486.12]  to love the
+[1486.12 --> 1486.60]  Lord our
+[1486.60 --> 1487.14]  God,
+[1488.90 --> 1489.70]  with all our
+[1489.70 --> 1490.48]  heart,
+[1490.90 --> 1491.40]  soul,
+[1492.06 --> 1492.50]  mind,
+[1492.60 --> 1493.52]  and strength.
+[1494.56 --> 1494.90]  Boy,
+[1494.96 --> 1495.62]  there's a life
+[1495.62 --> 1496.66]  goal I find
+[1496.66 --> 1498.12]  that I'll never
+[1498.12 --> 1499.00]  be done with.
+[1499.96 --> 1501.12]  To love our
+[1501.12 --> 1502.48]  neighbor as
+[1502.48 --> 1503.18]  ourself.
+[1505.12 --> 1506.36]  Without love,
+[1506.36 --> 1508.46]  all those
+[1508.46 --> 1509.24]  other virtues
+[1509.24 --> 1511.16]  become vices.
+[1512.38 --> 1513.58]  If we're not
+[1513.58 --> 1514.18]  a loving
+[1514.18 --> 1515.54]  person,
+[1516.52 --> 1517.32]  then we
+[1517.32 --> 1517.74]  can do
+[1517.74 --> 1518.16]  good and
+[1518.16 --> 1518.58]  all those
+[1518.58 --> 1519.50]  things for
+[1519.50 --> 1520.56]  selfish reasons.
+[1521.32 --> 1522.12]  But if we're
+[1522.12 --> 1523.18]  truly loving,
+[1524.92 --> 1525.62]  then these
+[1525.62 --> 1526.14]  virtues,
+[1527.18 --> 1527.60]  these
+[1527.60 --> 1528.96]  attributes,
+[1529.70 --> 1530.20]  come out
+[1530.20 --> 1530.66]  of us
+[1530.66 --> 1532.18]  with integrity
+[1532.18 --> 1534.18]  as part
+[1534.18 --> 1534.60]  of our
+[1534.60 --> 1535.52]  pursuit
+[1535.52 --> 1536.30]  of what it
+[1536.30 --> 1536.80]  is to
+[1536.80 --> 1537.20]  live in
+[1537.20 --> 1537.68]  Christ.
+[1540.16 --> 1541.12]  Love keeps
+[1541.12 --> 1541.94]  our motivation
+[1541.94 --> 1542.66]  pure.
+[1546.70 --> 1547.26]  Well,
+[1547.58 --> 1548.50]  there's a lot
+[1548.50 --> 1549.12]  to work on,
+[1549.16 --> 1549.58]  isn't there?
+[1550.18 --> 1550.84]  Maybe you're
+[1550.84 --> 1551.68]  getting tired
+[1551.68 --> 1553.04]  just thinking
+[1553.04 --> 1553.62]  about all
+[1553.62 --> 1554.04]  this,
+[1555.22 --> 1555.62]  kind of
+[1555.62 --> 1556.04]  tempting
+[1556.04 --> 1557.72]  to give
+[1557.72 --> 1559.24]  up and
+[1559.24 --> 1559.90]  go on a
+[1559.90 --> 1560.96]  long vacation.
+[1562.88 --> 1563.56]  And so
+[1563.56 --> 1564.10]  for added
+[1564.10 --> 1564.76]  motivation,
+[1564.96 --> 1565.46]  Peter gives
+[1565.46 --> 1565.88]  a number
+[1565.88 --> 1566.68]  of reasons
+[1566.68 --> 1568.80]  for adding
+[1568.80 --> 1569.32]  to these
+[1569.32 --> 1569.82]  qualities.
+[1570.06 --> 1570.54]  He says
+[1570.54 --> 1571.20]  in verse
+[1571.20 --> 1571.58]  8,
+[1571.66 --> 1572.00]  if you
+[1572.00 --> 1573.38]  possess
+[1573.38 --> 1574.06]  these
+[1574.06 --> 1574.84]  qualities
+[1574.84 --> 1576.66]  in
+[1576.66 --> 1577.38]  increasing
+[1577.38 --> 1578.10]  measure,
+[1578.32 --> 1580.30]  we're
+[1580.30 --> 1580.82]  working at
+[1580.82 --> 1581.22]  this,
+[1582.26 --> 1582.52]  they'll
+[1582.52 --> 1583.16]  keep you
+[1583.16 --> 1583.74]  from being
+[1583.74 --> 1584.46]  ineffective
+[1584.46 --> 1585.56]  and unproductive
+[1585.56 --> 1586.06]  in your
+[1586.06 --> 1587.08]  knowledge of
+[1587.08 --> 1587.52]  our Lord
+[1587.52 --> 1588.54]  Jesus Christ.
+[1590.30 --> 1590.86]  It helps
+[1590.86 --> 1591.28]  to keep
+[1591.28 --> 1592.10]  in mind
+[1592.10 --> 1593.14]  that we
+[1593.14 --> 1594.04]  possess it
+[1594.04 --> 1594.80]  in increasing
+[1594.80 --> 1595.54]  measure,
+[1595.72 --> 1596.40]  that we're
+[1596.40 --> 1596.86]  making
+[1596.86 --> 1597.76]  slow,
+[1597.96 --> 1598.34]  often
+[1598.34 --> 1599.20]  incremental
+[1599.20 --> 1600.44]  change,
+[1600.54 --> 1600.98]  and so we
+[1600.98 --> 1601.38]  need to be
+[1601.38 --> 1602.12]  gracious and
+[1602.12 --> 1602.78]  patient with
+[1602.78 --> 1603.84]  ourselves,
+[1604.62 --> 1605.26]  because negative
+[1605.26 --> 1606.14]  habits rarely
+[1606.14 --> 1606.76]  go away
+[1606.76 --> 1607.30]  overnight.
+[1607.46 --> 1607.74]  It does
+[1607.74 --> 1608.20]  happen.
+[1608.92 --> 1609.52]  I preached
+[1609.52 --> 1610.04]  this sermon
+[1610.04 --> 1610.68]  in Ladner,
+[1610.74 --> 1611.20]  and a lady
+[1611.20 --> 1612.00]  came up to me
+[1612.00 --> 1612.28]  and she
+[1612.28 --> 1612.96]  talked to me
+[1612.96 --> 1613.56]  about how
+[1613.56 --> 1614.44]  the Holy
+[1614.44 --> 1615.30]  Spirit gave
+[1615.30 --> 1615.92]  her a vision
+[1615.92 --> 1616.80]  and her
+[1616.80 --> 1618.30]  addiction to
+[1618.30 --> 1619.30]  alcohol was
+[1619.30 --> 1619.86]  gone.
+[1620.96 --> 1621.56]  Been many
+[1621.56 --> 1622.14]  years later,
+[1622.42 --> 1623.32]  never again
+[1623.32 --> 1624.06]  had a desire.
+[1624.24 --> 1624.44]  Well,
+[1624.58 --> 1625.40]  that's rare.
+[1626.14 --> 1626.74]  Most often
+[1626.74 --> 1628.60]  we have to
+[1628.60 --> 1630.10]  work really
+[1630.10 --> 1631.14]  hard,
+[1631.98 --> 1632.66]  and we
+[1632.66 --> 1633.82]  possess these
+[1633.82 --> 1634.76]  qualities in
+[1634.76 --> 1636.00]  increasing
+[1636.00 --> 1637.32]  measure,
+[1638.74 --> 1639.78]  daily turning
+[1639.78 --> 1640.62]  to Christ,
+[1640.78 --> 1641.40]  taking up
+[1641.40 --> 1642.18]  our cross,
+[1643.02 --> 1643.52]  deciding
+[1643.52 --> 1644.04]  again,
+[1644.44 --> 1645.58]  take the
+[1645.58 --> 1646.20]  right step.
+[1647.26 --> 1648.18]  And as we
+[1648.18 --> 1649.22]  put good
+[1649.22 --> 1650.54]  energy into
+[1650.54 --> 1651.50]  this maturing
+[1651.50 --> 1652.46]  process,
+[1653.10 --> 1653.76]  says Peter,
+[1654.12 --> 1654.70]  we'll see
+[1654.70 --> 1655.34]  results.
+[1656.60 --> 1657.30]  You'll see
+[1657.30 --> 1657.94]  results.
+[1659.72 --> 1660.56]  It'll keep
+[1660.56 --> 1660.92]  you from
+[1660.92 --> 1662.30]  being ineffective
+[1662.30 --> 1663.88]  and unproductive
+[1663.88 --> 1665.58]  in our faith.
+[1667.28 --> 1668.10]  So keep
+[1668.10 --> 1668.66]  at it.
+[1669.36 --> 1669.76]  And then,
+[1671.44 --> 1672.38]  it's good to
+[1672.38 --> 1672.70]  see the
+[1672.70 --> 1673.58]  negative side.
+[1673.58 --> 1674.54]  if you're
+[1674.54 --> 1674.76]  going to
+[1674.76 --> 1675.80]  choose not
+[1675.80 --> 1676.38]  to work
+[1676.38 --> 1676.92]  at that
+[1676.92 --> 1677.74]  and settle
+[1677.74 --> 1678.18]  for the
+[1678.18 --> 1679.10]  status quo,
+[1679.90 --> 1680.18]  in other
+[1680.18 --> 1680.36]  words,
+[1680.48 --> 1681.56]  if you're
+[1681.56 --> 1681.92]  the kind
+[1681.92 --> 1682.26]  that says,
+[1682.40 --> 1682.98]  I believe
+[1682.98 --> 1683.58]  that's enough,
+[1683.66 --> 1684.00]  it'll get
+[1684.00 --> 1684.44]  me in.
+[1685.72 --> 1686.46]  You should
+[1686.46 --> 1687.20]  know then,
+[1688.20 --> 1690.14]  as Peter
+[1690.14 --> 1690.64]  says in
+[1690.64 --> 1691.26]  verse 9,
+[1691.92 --> 1692.28]  whoever
+[1692.28 --> 1693.42]  doesn't
+[1693.42 --> 1694.56]  have or
+[1694.56 --> 1695.60]  work at
+[1695.60 --> 1696.52]  these
+[1696.52 --> 1697.34]  additives
+[1697.34 --> 1698.04]  isn't
+[1698.04 --> 1698.88]  interested in
+[1698.88 --> 1699.40]  adding to
+[1699.40 --> 1700.02]  their faith.
+[1700.02 --> 1700.82]  they're
+[1700.82 --> 1701.72]  near-sighted,
+[1702.08 --> 1703.32]  they're
+[1703.32 --> 1703.82]  blind,
+[1704.50 --> 1705.18]  they've
+[1705.18 --> 1705.60]  forgotten,
+[1706.40 --> 1706.88]  they've
+[1706.88 --> 1707.08]  been
+[1707.08 --> 1707.78]  cleansed
+[1707.78 --> 1708.52]  from their
+[1708.52 --> 1709.48]  past sins.
+[1711.48 --> 1712.52]  That's a
+[1712.52 --> 1713.08]  little bit in
+[1713.08 --> 1713.66]  our face,
+[1713.72 --> 1714.22]  isn't it?
+[1715.98 --> 1717.34]  A Christian
+[1717.34 --> 1718.76]  who no
+[1718.76 --> 1719.36]  longer
+[1719.36 --> 1720.54]  intends
+[1720.54 --> 1721.52]  to grow
+[1721.52 --> 1723.72]  in Christ
+[1723.72 --> 1724.84]  has done
+[1724.84 --> 1725.68]  two things.
+[1725.68 --> 1727.24]  they've
+[1727.24 --> 1727.66]  lost
+[1727.66 --> 1728.18]  sight
+[1728.18 --> 1728.96]  of the
+[1728.96 --> 1729.46]  future
+[1729.46 --> 1730.06]  that
+[1730.06 --> 1730.52]  Christ
+[1730.52 --> 1731.12]  offers,
+[1731.90 --> 1733.28]  and
+[1733.28 --> 1733.86]  secondly,
+[1734.06 --> 1734.42]  they have
+[1734.42 --> 1734.94]  forgotten
+[1734.94 --> 1735.60]  that their
+[1735.60 --> 1736.02]  sinful
+[1736.02 --> 1736.74]  past
+[1736.74 --> 1737.86]  has been
+[1737.86 --> 1738.38]  covered
+[1738.38 --> 1739.26]  by the
+[1739.26 --> 1739.48]  blood
+[1739.48 --> 1740.14]  of Christ.
+[1742.64 --> 1743.60]  Failure
+[1743.60 --> 1744.80]  to pursue
+[1744.80 --> 1746.10]  spiritual
+[1746.10 --> 1746.80]  growth
+[1746.80 --> 1748.20]  or maturity
+[1748.20 --> 1749.48]  is a sign
+[1749.48 --> 1750.40]  we've
+[1750.40 --> 1750.92]  lost
+[1750.92 --> 1752.14]  the vision
+[1752.14 --> 1753.32]  and we've
+[1753.32 --> 1753.80]  forgotten
+[1753.80 --> 1755.02]  who we
+[1755.02 --> 1755.96]  were or
+[1755.96 --> 1756.44]  might have
+[1756.44 --> 1756.78]  been
+[1756.78 --> 1757.52]  without
+[1757.52 --> 1758.16]  Christ.
+[1759.72 --> 1761.02]  Because it's
+[1761.02 --> 1761.40]  again,
+[1761.56 --> 1762.40]  not possible
+[1762.40 --> 1764.06]  to embrace
+[1764.06 --> 1765.16]  a holy
+[1765.16 --> 1765.82]  Christ
+[1765.82 --> 1767.14]  and not
+[1767.14 --> 1767.92]  want
+[1767.92 --> 1769.18]  to be
+[1769.18 --> 1769.50]  holy.
+[1771.10 --> 1772.14]  That's
+[1772.14 --> 1772.52]  God's
+[1772.52 --> 1772.84]  goal
+[1772.84 --> 1773.96]  and he
+[1773.96 --> 1774.16]  will
+[1774.16 --> 1774.62]  accomplish
+[1774.62 --> 1774.96]  it.
+[1776.10 --> 1776.80]  A
+[1776.80 --> 1777.26]  Christian
+[1777.26 --> 1777.90]  who could
+[1777.90 --> 1779.06]  care less
+[1779.06 --> 1779.68]  about
+[1779.68 --> 1780.46]  furnishing
+[1780.46 --> 1781.52]  or filling
+[1781.52 --> 1782.22]  out
+[1782.22 --> 1783.18]  their
+[1783.18 --> 1783.66]  faith
+[1783.66 --> 1784.16]  life
+[1784.16 --> 1784.72]  has
+[1784.72 --> 1785.28]  forgotten
+[1785.28 --> 1786.22]  about
+[1786.22 --> 1786.58]  the
+[1786.58 --> 1787.84]  extravagant
+[1787.84 --> 1788.48]  grace
+[1788.48 --> 1789.62]  of God
+[1789.62 --> 1790.20]  that
+[1790.20 --> 1791.34]  invited us
+[1791.34 --> 1792.18]  into this
+[1792.18 --> 1792.96]  amazing
+[1792.96 --> 1793.74]  kingdom
+[1793.74 --> 1794.70]  of his.
+[1798.40 --> 1799.24]  Alcoholics
+[1799.24 --> 1799.70]  Anonymous
+[1799.70 --> 1800.56]  has grasped
+[1800.56 --> 1801.30]  the significance
+[1801.30 --> 1801.86]  of this
+[1801.86 --> 1802.26]  teaching.
+[1802.42 --> 1802.80]  They have a
+[1802.80 --> 1803.54]  sixth step
+[1803.54 --> 1804.48]  and here's
+[1804.48 --> 1804.94]  the sixth
+[1804.94 --> 1805.28]  step
+[1805.28 --> 1805.86]  of AA.
+[1805.86 --> 1806.04]  AA.
+[1807.80 --> 1808.98]  We are
+[1808.98 --> 1809.88]  entirely
+[1809.88 --> 1811.24]  ready to
+[1811.24 --> 1812.12]  have God
+[1812.12 --> 1813.60]  remove all
+[1813.60 --> 1814.72]  these defects
+[1814.72 --> 1815.84]  of character.
+[1817.70 --> 1818.58]  Want to
+[1818.58 --> 1819.08]  join AA?
+[1819.68 --> 1820.26]  Oh my.
+[1820.60 --> 1820.92]  We are
+[1820.92 --> 1822.06]  entirely ready
+[1822.06 --> 1822.80]  to have God
+[1822.80 --> 1823.84]  remove all
+[1823.84 --> 1824.64]  these defects
+[1824.64 --> 1825.28]  of character.
+[1827.36 --> 1827.76]  And then
+[1827.76 --> 1828.12]  they have a
+[1828.12 --> 1828.60]  little paragraph
+[1828.60 --> 1829.84]  of explanation
+[1829.84 --> 1830.50]  in this book
+[1830.50 --> 1831.18]  I have at home.
+[1831.54 --> 1832.32]  It explains,
+[1832.32 --> 1833.44]  it seems
+[1833.44 --> 1834.48]  plain that
+[1834.48 --> 1835.38]  few of us
+[1835.38 --> 1836.12]  can quickly
+[1836.12 --> 1836.92]  or easily
+[1836.92 --> 1837.78]  become ready
+[1837.78 --> 1838.64]  to aim
+[1838.64 --> 1839.84]  at spiritual
+[1839.84 --> 1840.70]  and moral
+[1840.70 --> 1841.54]  perfection.
+[1842.78 --> 1843.82]  We want
+[1843.82 --> 1844.46]  to settle
+[1844.46 --> 1845.60]  for only
+[1845.60 --> 1846.32]  as much
+[1846.32 --> 1847.12]  perfection
+[1847.12 --> 1848.60]  as will
+[1848.60 --> 1849.48]  get us
+[1849.48 --> 1850.20]  by
+[1850.20 --> 1851.42]  in life
+[1851.42 --> 1852.32]  according
+[1852.32 --> 1853.08]  of course
+[1853.08 --> 1853.80]  to our
+[1853.80 --> 1854.54]  various and
+[1854.54 --> 1855.48]  sundry ideas
+[1855.48 --> 1856.06]  of what will
+[1856.06 --> 1856.48]  get us
+[1856.48 --> 1856.84]  by.
+[1857.44 --> 1858.34]  So the
+[1858.34 --> 1858.76]  difference
+[1858.76 --> 1859.32]  between,
+[1859.72 --> 1860.02]  pardon their
+[1860.02 --> 1860.46]  language,
+[1860.62 --> 1861.12]  the difference
+[1861.12 --> 1861.80]  between the
+[1861.80 --> 1862.74]  boys and
+[1862.74 --> 1863.32]  the men
+[1863.32 --> 1864.00]  is the
+[1864.00 --> 1864.44]  difference
+[1864.44 --> 1864.94]  between
+[1864.94 --> 1865.64]  striving
+[1865.64 --> 1866.58]  for a
+[1866.58 --> 1868.08]  self-determined
+[1868.08 --> 1868.86]  objective
+[1868.86 --> 1869.82]  and for
+[1869.82 --> 1870.72]  the perfect
+[1870.72 --> 1871.42]  objective
+[1871.42 --> 1872.44]  which is
+[1872.44 --> 1873.12]  of God,
+[1873.44 --> 1874.04]  which is
+[1874.04 --> 1874.60]  Christ,
+[1874.82 --> 1875.36]  who is
+[1875.36 --> 1875.90]  our vision.
+[1880.26 --> 1880.90]  Negative
+[1880.90 --> 1881.46]  side.
+[1881.62 --> 1881.96]  If you
+[1881.96 --> 1882.44]  don't work
+[1882.44 --> 1882.88]  at it,
+[1883.96 --> 1884.60]  you've
+[1884.60 --> 1885.04]  lost your
+[1885.04 --> 1885.38]  vision.
+[1886.80 --> 1887.48]  Peter adds
+[1887.48 --> 1887.96]  three more
+[1887.96 --> 1888.84]  positive reasons
+[1888.84 --> 1889.18]  and then
+[1889.18 --> 1889.60]  we're done.
+[1890.02 --> 1890.36]  And I
+[1890.36 --> 1890.76]  won't dwell
+[1890.76 --> 1891.30]  long on
+[1891.30 --> 1891.50]  them.
+[1893.00 --> 1893.90]  But three
+[1893.90 --> 1894.60]  more positive
+[1894.60 --> 1895.22]  reasons for
+[1895.22 --> 1896.08]  being intentional
+[1896.08 --> 1896.78]  about adding
+[1896.78 --> 1897.46]  to our
+[1897.46 --> 1897.82]  faith.
+[1898.44 --> 1898.76]  In verse
+[1898.76 --> 1899.14]  10 and
+[1899.14 --> 1899.46]  11,
+[1899.56 --> 1900.00]  my brothers
+[1900.00 --> 1900.60]  and sisters
+[1900.60 --> 1901.28]  make every
+[1901.28 --> 1902.66]  effort to
+[1902.66 --> 1903.80]  confirm your
+[1903.80 --> 1904.64]  calling and
+[1904.64 --> 1905.22]  election.
+[1905.66 --> 1905.86]  Boy,
+[1905.94 --> 1906.24]  we could
+[1906.24 --> 1906.96]  talk long
+[1906.96 --> 1907.98]  about that.
+[1908.48 --> 1909.10]  Because if
+[1909.10 --> 1909.50]  you do
+[1909.50 --> 1910.42]  these things,
+[1910.46 --> 1911.20]  you'll never
+[1911.20 --> 1913.24]  stumble and
+[1913.24 --> 1913.70]  you will
+[1913.70 --> 1914.46]  receive a
+[1914.46 --> 1915.32]  rich welcome
+[1915.32 --> 1916.12]  into the
+[1916.12 --> 1916.64]  eternal
+[1916.64 --> 1917.94]  kingdom of
+[1917.94 --> 1918.50]  our Lord
+[1918.50 --> 1919.22]  and Savior
+[1919.22 --> 1920.44]  Jesus Christ.
+[1921.18 --> 1921.74]  Verse 10
+[1921.74 --> 1922.24]  and 11.
+[1922.56 --> 1923.16]  So adding
+[1923.16 --> 1923.78]  to our
+[1923.78 --> 1924.40]  faith does
+[1924.40 --> 1924.92]  these three
+[1924.92 --> 1925.46]  things.
+[1926.26 --> 1927.84]  It confirms
+[1927.84 --> 1929.56]  in us
+[1929.56 --> 1930.76]  that the
+[1930.76 --> 1931.30]  sovereign
+[1931.30 --> 1932.84]  electing God
+[1932.84 --> 1934.10]  is actually
+[1934.10 --> 1934.94]  at work
+[1934.94 --> 1935.42]  in us.
+[1936.42 --> 1936.82]  You know,
+[1936.88 --> 1937.36]  when you get
+[1937.36 --> 1938.02]  in the game
+[1938.02 --> 1938.52]  and you go
+[1938.52 --> 1939.02]  around the
+[1939.02 --> 1939.92]  bases once,
+[1940.06 --> 1940.90]  you know
+[1940.90 --> 1941.34]  you're on
+[1941.34 --> 1941.80]  the team.
+[1943.86 --> 1944.58]  It will
+[1944.58 --> 1945.24]  keep us
+[1945.24 --> 1945.70]  secondly
+[1945.70 --> 1946.82]  from stumbling
+[1946.82 --> 1947.92]  in our
+[1947.92 --> 1948.46]  walk with
+[1948.46 --> 1949.60]  God and
+[1949.60 --> 1950.32]  thirdly,
+[1950.32 --> 1950.98]  will lead
+[1950.98 --> 1951.74]  to a warm
+[1951.74 --> 1952.36]  welcome
+[1952.36 --> 1954.28]  into God's
+[1954.28 --> 1955.14]  eternal
+[1955.14 --> 1955.94]  kingdom.
+[1958.94 --> 1959.58]  See,
+[1959.74 --> 1960.38]  what God
+[1960.38 --> 1961.40]  does and
+[1961.40 --> 1962.24]  what we do
+[1962.24 --> 1962.70]  are meant
+[1962.70 --> 1963.46]  to complement
+[1963.46 --> 1964.28]  each other.
+[1964.40 --> 1964.78]  I remember
+[1964.78 --> 1965.38]  our history
+[1965.38 --> 1966.16]  professor when
+[1966.16 --> 1966.82]  he was talking
+[1966.82 --> 1967.34]  about the
+[1967.34 --> 1968.46]  debates in
+[1968.46 --> 1968.98]  the church,
+[1969.44 --> 1969.80]  you know,
+[1969.92 --> 1971.22]  about man
+[1971.22 --> 1971.74]  and God
+[1971.74 --> 1972.12]  and what's
+[1972.12 --> 1972.68]  the balance.
+[1972.78 --> 1973.08]  He would
+[1973.08 --> 1973.64]  say it's
+[1973.64 --> 1974.98]  not 50-50,
+[1975.16 --> 1976.00]  it's 100%
+[1976.00 --> 1977.12]  and 100%.
+[1977.12 --> 1980.40]  God draws
+[1980.40 --> 1980.80]  us,
+[1981.18 --> 1981.80]  calls us
+[1981.80 --> 1982.54]  to himself
+[1982.54 --> 1983.34]  through the
+[1983.34 --> 1983.86]  good and
+[1983.86 --> 1984.90]  glorious person
+[1984.90 --> 1985.98]  of Christ.
+[1986.12 --> 1986.60]  He's the
+[1986.60 --> 1987.60]  proactive
+[1987.60 --> 1989.10]  initiator
+[1989.10 --> 1990.06]  of all
+[1990.06 --> 1990.68]  of this
+[1990.68 --> 1991.20]  redemption
+[1991.20 --> 1992.06]  and we
+[1992.06 --> 1992.74]  are to be
+[1992.74 --> 1993.42]  the fully
+[1993.42 --> 1994.42]  reactive
+[1994.42 --> 1995.76]  responders
+[1995.76 --> 1997.12]  to what
+[1997.12 --> 1997.76]  God has
+[1997.76 --> 1998.38]  done for
+[1998.38 --> 1999.14]  us by
+[1999.14 --> 1999.76]  believing
+[1999.76 --> 2000.40]  in Jesus
+[2000.40 --> 2001.44]  and then
+[2001.44 --> 2001.88]  following
+[2001.88 --> 2002.28]  him,
+[2003.32 --> 2003.78]  fully
+[2003.78 --> 2004.46]  intent
+[2004.46 --> 2005.44]  on adding
+[2005.44 --> 2006.22]  these qualities.
+[2007.62 --> 2008.14]  And when
+[2008.14 --> 2008.64]  we do
+[2008.64 --> 2009.04]  that,
+[2009.50 --> 2010.70]  it confirms
+[2010.70 --> 2011.70]  God's
+[2011.70 --> 2012.42]  at work
+[2012.42 --> 2012.94]  in us,
+[2013.42 --> 2014.12]  we're tracking
+[2014.12 --> 2014.72]  with him,
+[2015.36 --> 2015.74]  he's got
+[2015.74 --> 2016.36]  our destiny
+[2016.36 --> 2017.00]  in mind.
+[2018.42 --> 2019.18]  And the
+[2019.18 --> 2019.72]  more we
+[2019.72 --> 2021.00]  apply ourselves,
+[2021.22 --> 2021.64]  the more
+[2021.64 --> 2022.80]  we become
+[2022.80 --> 2023.50]  confident,
+[2024.50 --> 2025.62]  the more
+[2025.62 --> 2026.26]  you practice
+[2026.26 --> 2026.98]  your faith
+[2026.98 --> 2027.48]  like with
+[2027.48 --> 2028.24]  anything else.
+[2028.24 --> 2029.76]  The more
+[2029.76 --> 2030.30]  you play
+[2030.30 --> 2031.06]  baseball or
+[2031.06 --> 2031.56]  basketball,
+[2031.76 --> 2032.12]  the better
+[2032.12 --> 2032.62]  you get
+[2032.62 --> 2033.40]  at it.
+[2033.84 --> 2034.74]  The stronger
+[2034.74 --> 2035.54]  you become,
+[2035.66 --> 2036.04]  the less
+[2036.04 --> 2036.66]  likely you
+[2036.66 --> 2037.02]  are to
+[2037.02 --> 2038.02]  make mistakes.
+[2039.94 --> 2040.88]  The less
+[2040.88 --> 2041.52]  likely we
+[2041.52 --> 2042.06]  will fall
+[2042.06 --> 2042.44]  in our
+[2042.44 --> 2043.18]  Christian life,
+[2043.26 --> 2043.90]  the more
+[2043.90 --> 2044.38]  we work
+[2044.38 --> 2044.88]  at it.
+[2045.44 --> 2046.12]  And then
+[2046.12 --> 2047.04]  as our
+[2047.04 --> 2047.76]  day draws
+[2047.76 --> 2048.14]  near,
+[2049.44 --> 2051.86]  and COVID
+[2051.86 --> 2052.44]  comes,
+[2052.44 --> 2053.16]  death
+[2053.16 --> 2053.70]  threatens,
+[2053.70 --> 2055.96]  we get
+[2055.96 --> 2056.60]  assured in
+[2056.60 --> 2057.16]  our heart
+[2057.16 --> 2058.44]  that it
+[2058.44 --> 2058.94]  doesn't matter
+[2058.94 --> 2059.56]  what happens,
+[2059.60 --> 2060.14]  in the end,
+[2060.24 --> 2060.78]  we've got a
+[2060.78 --> 2061.94]  warm welcome
+[2061.94 --> 2063.02]  for us
+[2063.02 --> 2064.22]  from our
+[2064.22 --> 2064.62]  God
+[2064.62 --> 2065.62]  into an
+[2065.62 --> 2065.98]  eternal
+[2065.98 --> 2066.42]  home.
+[2067.42 --> 2068.10]  And the
+[2068.10 --> 2068.52]  more we
+[2068.52 --> 2068.88]  pursue
+[2068.88 --> 2069.42]  Christ,
+[2069.54 --> 2069.82]  the more
+[2069.82 --> 2070.74]  this deep
+[2070.74 --> 2071.24]  hope
+[2071.24 --> 2072.60]  gets planted
+[2072.60 --> 2073.12]  in our
+[2073.12 --> 2073.50]  soul
+[2073.50 --> 2075.88]  that I,
+[2076.12 --> 2076.36]  we,
+[2076.56 --> 2077.10]  will be
+[2077.10 --> 2077.60]  welcomed
+[2077.60 --> 2078.12]  home
+[2078.12 --> 2079.18]  someday.
+[2079.18 --> 2081.32]  pray with
+[2081.32 --> 2081.60]  me.
+[2083.46 --> 2084.26]  Lord,
+[2084.36 --> 2084.76]  your word
+[2084.76 --> 2085.90]  reminds us
+[2085.90 --> 2086.84]  and your
+[2086.84 --> 2087.36]  sacrament
+[2087.36 --> 2088.38]  will soon
+[2088.38 --> 2089.08]  confirm
+[2089.08 --> 2089.88]  this
+[2089.88 --> 2091.30]  wonderful
+[2091.30 --> 2092.26]  truth
+[2092.26 --> 2092.78]  that we
+[2092.78 --> 2093.54]  are on
+[2093.54 --> 2094.66]  the path
+[2094.66 --> 2095.82]  that leads
+[2095.82 --> 2097.36]  to a
+[2097.36 --> 2098.14]  long life
+[2098.14 --> 2098.86]  with you,
+[2099.46 --> 2099.84]  a life
+[2099.84 --> 2100.24]  forever.
+[2102.04 --> 2102.46]  May we
+[2102.46 --> 2103.26]  never forget
+[2103.26 --> 2104.36]  that we
+[2104.36 --> 2104.80]  have been
+[2104.80 --> 2105.46]  cleansed
+[2105.46 --> 2105.94]  from our
+[2105.94 --> 2106.28]  sins
+[2106.28 --> 2107.20]  and declared
+[2107.20 --> 2108.04]  your saints.
+[2109.18 --> 2109.68]  Now help
+[2109.68 --> 2110.12]  us to
+[2110.12 --> 2110.56]  live more
+[2110.56 --> 2111.34]  like saints,
+[2112.30 --> 2112.66]  pursuing
+[2112.66 --> 2113.36]  purity
+[2113.36 --> 2113.86]  and the
+[2113.86 --> 2114.30]  holiness
+[2114.30 --> 2115.06]  that comes
+[2115.06 --> 2115.70]  from you,
+[2116.32 --> 2117.60]  Holy Spirit.
+[2119.06 --> 2119.92]  Give us
+[2119.92 --> 2120.52]  the grace
+[2120.52 --> 2121.32]  to continually
+[2121.32 --> 2122.04]  name our
+[2122.04 --> 2122.60]  sin and
+[2122.60 --> 2123.20]  the courage
+[2123.20 --> 2123.60]  and the
+[2123.60 --> 2124.12]  conviction
+[2124.12 --> 2124.94]  to add
+[2124.94 --> 2125.40]  to our
+[2125.40 --> 2126.88]  faith so
+[2126.88 --> 2127.50]  we become
+[2127.50 --> 2128.10]  more and
+[2128.10 --> 2128.78]  more what
+[2128.78 --> 2129.16]  you have
+[2129.16 --> 2129.72]  redeemed
+[2129.72 --> 2130.68]  and called
+[2130.68 --> 2131.54]  us to
+[2131.54 --> 2132.04]  become,
+[2132.90 --> 2134.46]  just like
+[2134.46 --> 2134.72]  you.
+[2135.92 --> 2136.70]  We pray
+[2136.70 --> 2137.28]  this in the
+[2137.28 --> 2137.80]  name of
+[2137.80 --> 2138.20]  Jesus,
+[2138.52 --> 2139.20]  our Savior
+[2139.20 --> 2140.34]  and for
+[2140.34 --> 2141.12]  his sake.
+[2141.86 --> 2142.26]  Amen.

Faith’s Additives (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1802 @@
+[0.00 --> 1.70]  Thank you for that prayer.
+[3.24 --> 4.28]  It's true.
+[4.86 --> 6.38]  And your reflections, Peter.
+[6.38 --> 13.00]  The situation does make us think, doesn't it?
+[14.06 --> 17.40]  While we adjust the sound, we've got to adjust ourselves.
+[19.92 --> 23.40]  When I think of Christian education, if I have my history correct,
+[23.48 --> 27.38]  one of the reasons that we began Christian schools is,
+[27.38 --> 30.04]  if you don't mind the word, to isolate.
+[31.48 --> 33.86]  Because we saw the dangers that were elsewhere.
+[35.30 --> 38.20]  And we didn't isolate because we wanted to just be by ourselves,
+[38.30 --> 40.06]  but we wanted to preserve health.
+[41.96 --> 43.42]  Healthy views of life.
+[44.80 --> 48.06]  That's one thing I've seen there's value in isolation.
+[48.34 --> 52.46]  This weekend, I'm rambling before my message.
+[52.92 --> 53.52]  Forgive me.
+[53.52 --> 59.44]  In Leviticus, it talked about how with certain diseases,
+[60.50 --> 65.50]  people were sent outside the camp to preserve those in the camp.
+[66.06 --> 69.72]  It's been part of our life for a long time.
+[69.86 --> 72.62]  And being wise about our isolation.
+[72.62 --> 78.38]  The other thing I've been very conscious of through this time,
+[79.26 --> 80.32]  as we confessed,
+[81.26 --> 86.84]  is what our world has not taken serious enough
+[86.84 --> 90.06]  is the pandemic of sin.
+[92.24 --> 93.48]  Because it's deadly.
+[95.20 --> 98.32]  In our secular world, we think on this level only.
+[98.32 --> 104.16]  So COVID scares the you-know-what out of us.
+[104.82 --> 107.36]  Because we don't, as a culture, think this way.
+[109.30 --> 111.32]  But we don't want to be that way, do we?
+[112.60 --> 119.18]  We want to see that with illness and with spiritual,
+[119.74 --> 121.06]  shall we call it, illness,
+[121.06 --> 124.04]  we have a God that we can go to.
+[125.20 --> 129.22]  And that's really where the message this morning focuses on
+[129.22 --> 132.24]  when we talk about faith's additives.
+[136.58 --> 138.26]  Oh, it's quite some time ago,
+[138.38 --> 139.56]  probably a year and a half,
+[140.36 --> 143.32]  that I preached on 2 Peter 1.
+[143.32 --> 149.82]  The verses 5 to...
+[149.82 --> 152.22]  5 and...
+[152.22 --> 153.08]  3 and 4.
+[153.42 --> 155.28]  I've got to put my glasses on.
+[156.00 --> 158.24]  We preached on the verses 3 and 4.
+[159.60 --> 161.80]  And next week, hopefully,
+[162.02 --> 165.82]  I can continue on with verses 12 and 13.
+[165.82 --> 169.52]  And we might put these three messages
+[169.52 --> 173.88]  using the analogy VIM.
+[174.20 --> 176.06]  You know, VIM is a...
+[176.06 --> 177.68]  Well, I think it's soap of some kind.
+[178.10 --> 179.92]  V stands for vision.
+[180.90 --> 182.64]  The vision that Christ gives us.
+[182.80 --> 183.44]  And we'll...
+[183.44 --> 184.88]  That's verses 3 and 4.
+[185.00 --> 186.28]  We'll just read that again.
+[187.54 --> 189.70]  This morning, we look at the I.
+[190.60 --> 193.02]  The intent that we have
+[193.02 --> 195.28]  to pursue this vision in Christ.
+[195.82 --> 198.86]  And then next week,
+[198.96 --> 200.14]  we look at the means.
+[200.78 --> 201.98]  And there's many means,
+[202.14 --> 204.76]  but primarily the means of Scripture.
+[207.48 --> 208.94]  So that being said,
+[209.00 --> 210.32]  let me also add this,
+[210.62 --> 212.20]  that as I was reviewing
+[212.20 --> 216.02]  and revising this message,
+[216.38 --> 220.48]  it reminded me of how this is the message for me
+[220.48 --> 224.44]  as much as it is for anyone else.
+[225.82 --> 229.92]  2 Peter 1, verses 1 to 11.
+[229.92 --> 236.74]  Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
+[236.74 --> 238.68]  to those who,
+[238.68 --> 241.56]  to those who, through the righteousness of our God and Savior,
+[241.56 --> 243.12]  Jesus Christ,
+[243.12 --> 249.42]  have received a faith as precious as ours.
+[250.26 --> 253.90]  Grace and peace be yours in abundance
+[253.90 --> 259.42]  through the knowledge or through our knowing of God and of Jesus,
+[260.22 --> 260.88]  our Lord.
+[260.88 --> 269.24]  His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life
+[269.24 --> 273.82]  through our knowledge or knowing of Him who called us
+[273.82 --> 277.28]  by His own glory and goodness.
+[278.28 --> 282.40]  Through these resources of knowing Him,
+[282.64 --> 284.18]  through His goodness and glory,
+[284.64 --> 289.46]  He has given us His very great and precious promises
+[289.46 --> 295.18]  so that through them you may participate in the divine nature,
+[295.18 --> 302.06]  having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
+[304.06 --> 306.34]  And then comes our text.
+[307.06 --> 309.48]  For this very reason,
+[310.04 --> 314.52]  make every effort to add to your faith goodness
+[314.52 --> 316.74]  and to goodness,
+[316.74 --> 316.80]  and to goodness,
+[316.80 --> 317.86]  and to goodness,
+[317.86 --> 318.10]  knowledge,
+[318.10 --> 320.22]  and to knowledge,
+[320.22 --> 322.16]  self-control,
+[322.16 --> 324.92]  and to self-control,
+[324.92 --> 326.44]  perseverance,
+[327.44 --> 328.68]  and to perseverance,
+[329.96 --> 330.52]  godliness,
+[331.42 --> 332.86]  and to godliness,
+[333.90 --> 335.62]  mutual affection,
+[336.62 --> 338.84]  and to mutual affection,
+[340.06 --> 340.54]  love.
+[340.54 --> 346.96]  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure,
+[347.60 --> 350.82]  they will keep you from being ineffective
+[350.82 --> 356.32]  and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
+[357.44 --> 361.54]  But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,
+[361.90 --> 365.78]  forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
+[367.04 --> 369.06]  Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
+[369.06 --> 374.84]  make every effort to confirm your calling and election.
+[376.18 --> 377.96]  For if you do these things,
+[378.26 --> 380.32]  you will never stumble,
+[380.84 --> 383.58]  and you will receive a rich welcome
+[383.58 --> 385.52]  into the eternal kingdom
+[385.52 --> 387.98]  of our Lord and Savior,
+[388.72 --> 390.12]  Jesus Christ.
+[391.14 --> 392.86]  It's the word of our Lord.
+[393.56 --> 394.94]  Thanks be to God.
+[394.94 --> 397.78]  Dear friends,
+[397.94 --> 399.18]  brothers and sisters,
+[399.18 --> 400.40]  in Christ,
+[400.64 --> 402.20]  a number of years ago,
+[402.70 --> 405.18]  when we were still living in Winnipeg,
+[405.30 --> 408.58]  some generous friends gave me a brand new barbecue
+[408.58 --> 409.52]  for my birthday.
+[410.96 --> 412.44]  It was fall.
+[412.92 --> 415.10]  My birthday's in September,
+[415.44 --> 418.12]  and that's a busy time for pastors.
+[418.12 --> 421.16]  And so I took the box and put it in the garage.
+[422.72 --> 425.16]  And we were several weeks into spring,
+[425.86 --> 430.54]  and I had once again begun to use the old barbecue,
+[431.22 --> 432.82]  which, like its owner,
+[432.94 --> 434.44]  didn't burn evenly, you know,
+[434.54 --> 435.62]  hot in some spots,
+[435.72 --> 436.96]  not so hot in the other.
+[437.54 --> 438.98]  And one Saturday afternoon,
+[439.04 --> 442.54]  I came home from finishing preparations,
+[442.54 --> 444.30]  and there was the new barbecue,
+[445.50 --> 446.48]  fully assembled,
+[447.10 --> 448.52]  sitting in our family room
+[448.52 --> 452.86]  with our friends standing beside it.
+[452.92 --> 455.38]  They'd come and put the whole thing together.
+[455.88 --> 457.76]  I had been looking against it a little bit,
+[457.82 --> 459.50]  and I was so grateful.
+[461.46 --> 462.58]  Now, wouldn't it be good
+[462.58 --> 464.66]  if God did that to us spiritually?
+[464.66 --> 469.24]  If he just put us all together
+[469.24 --> 471.32]  so that there we were,
+[471.50 --> 472.66]  ready to go,
+[474.62 --> 477.00]  firing on all eight cylinders, you might say.
+[477.90 --> 479.72]  If God would, you know,
+[480.80 --> 481.96]  surprise us
+[481.96 --> 485.06]  and make us fully functional,
+[486.56 --> 489.36]  it would be great
+[489.36 --> 491.62]  if the Holy Spirit would go
+[491.62 --> 493.62]  presto, kind of,
+[494.66 --> 496.92]  and we could take on
+[496.92 --> 498.58]  what Peter talks about
+[498.58 --> 500.02]  as this divine nature,
+[500.66 --> 503.70]  then I would never misspeak again
+[503.70 --> 504.40]  in my life.
+[505.38 --> 507.60]  I would always be patient
+[507.60 --> 509.38]  in traffic.
+[510.98 --> 513.06]  I'd always be quick to forgive
+[513.06 --> 514.36]  whoever hurt me.
+[515.94 --> 518.46]  And I'd no longer excuse
+[518.46 --> 520.46]  my miserly attitude
+[520.46 --> 521.56]  as good stewardship.
+[521.56 --> 526.66]  then I'd love people consistently.
+[528.14 --> 530.34]  Well, it's somewhat wishful thinking
+[530.34 --> 532.26]  because God says,
+[532.76 --> 534.84]  as he does in those first few verses
+[534.84 --> 535.66]  of Peter,
+[535.98 --> 536.96]  I've given you
+[536.96 --> 539.32]  everything we need
+[539.32 --> 542.26]  for a godly life,
+[542.52 --> 545.68]  but read the label on the box,
+[545.68 --> 548.54]  assembly required.
+[550.86 --> 552.40]  See, it's not enough
+[552.40 --> 553.98]  to just believe
+[553.98 --> 555.44]  in Jesus.
+[557.18 --> 558.62]  We need to have
+[558.62 --> 560.52]  more than faith.
+[561.72 --> 563.54]  We need to build on it.
+[564.60 --> 566.60]  Or at least we need to
+[566.60 --> 567.64]  want
+[567.64 --> 569.22]  to build,
+[569.44 --> 570.98]  to add to it.
+[570.98 --> 573.98]  For this very reason,
+[574.18 --> 574.80]  says Peter,
+[574.92 --> 576.36]  you make every effort
+[576.36 --> 577.80]  to add
+[577.80 --> 579.28]  to your faith.
+[580.86 --> 581.82]  In other words,
+[582.02 --> 583.52]  it falls to reason.
+[583.62 --> 584.64]  It only makes
+[584.64 --> 586.26]  good sense
+[586.26 --> 587.24]  that once
+[587.24 --> 588.76]  we grasp
+[588.76 --> 591.22]  who Jesus is,
+[591.58 --> 592.56]  what he's done
+[592.56 --> 593.30]  for us,
+[593.42 --> 595.02]  and what he's holding out
+[595.02 --> 596.66]  for us in our future,
+[596.66 --> 597.98]  that we're going
+[597.98 --> 599.70]  to want to add
+[599.70 --> 601.30]  to our faith in him.
+[605.34 --> 606.22]  If we
+[606.22 --> 608.12]  truly believe,
+[608.36 --> 609.10]  see Jesus
+[609.10 --> 610.28]  for who he is,
+[610.36 --> 611.64]  then we'll at least
+[611.64 --> 612.98]  want
+[612.98 --> 614.82]  to be like him.
+[616.62 --> 617.26]  Because
+[617.26 --> 618.52]  true faith
+[618.52 --> 619.88]  gets
+[619.88 --> 620.94]  to work.
+[621.74 --> 622.42]  And as Peter
+[622.42 --> 623.34]  and as James
+[623.34 --> 623.82]  says,
+[624.48 --> 625.18]  such faith
+[625.18 --> 626.58]  actually does work.
+[627.38 --> 627.94]  It gets
+[627.94 --> 628.40]  the job
+[628.40 --> 628.78]  done.
+[631.32 --> 632.34]  And the incentive
+[632.34 --> 633.90]  for working
+[633.90 --> 634.84]  out our faith
+[634.84 --> 635.90]  is this vision
+[635.90 --> 638.08]  of who we are
+[638.08 --> 638.94]  and of who
+[638.94 --> 639.74]  we actually
+[639.74 --> 641.26]  will become
+[641.26 --> 642.68]  in Christ
+[642.68 --> 643.12]  Jesus.
+[646.30 --> 647.02]  I think
+[647.02 --> 647.46]  it was last
+[647.46 --> 648.06]  summer I was
+[648.06 --> 648.86]  privileged to do
+[648.86 --> 649.52]  some fishing
+[649.52 --> 650.32]  on the ocean,
+[651.06 --> 652.04]  and we had
+[652.04 --> 652.84]  this guide
+[652.84 --> 655.20]  who was
+[655.20 --> 655.82]  continually,
+[655.82 --> 656.70]  and this
+[656.70 --> 657.16]  has to do
+[657.16 --> 657.74]  with the vision.
+[657.98 --> 658.12]  He was
+[658.12 --> 658.46]  turned,
+[659.10 --> 659.68]  he was,
+[660.06 --> 660.62]  you could see
+[660.62 --> 661.14]  someone getting
+[661.14 --> 661.56]  bored.
+[661.56 --> 663.14]  We had to
+[663.14 --> 663.84]  imagine
+[663.84 --> 664.76]  this fish
+[664.76 --> 665.70]  on the line.
+[666.34 --> 666.90]  Imagine
+[666.90 --> 667.52]  the fish.
+[668.34 --> 669.16]  And then we
+[669.16 --> 669.84]  lost one,
+[670.06 --> 670.48]  and he said,
+[670.56 --> 671.08]  now you've got to
+[671.08 --> 672.36]  imagine the fish
+[672.36 --> 673.00]  in the boat.
+[673.88 --> 675.04]  He wanted us
+[675.04 --> 676.12]  to stay engaged.
+[676.12 --> 676.36]  fished.
+[677.80 --> 678.78]  Our faith
+[678.78 --> 679.46]  in Jesus
+[679.46 --> 680.20]  is the
+[680.20 --> 680.90]  incentive
+[680.90 --> 681.84]  for us
+[681.84 --> 684.14]  to, as it
+[684.14 --> 684.66]  were, keep
+[684.66 --> 685.28]  our line
+[685.28 --> 685.98]  in the water,
+[686.40 --> 687.20]  to keep
+[687.20 --> 687.66]  fishing,
+[688.04 --> 688.78]  to keep
+[688.78 --> 689.36]  working
+[689.36 --> 690.36]  at it,
+[690.76 --> 691.64]  or at least
+[691.64 --> 692.34]  to fully
+[692.34 --> 693.14]  intend
+[693.14 --> 694.64]  to obey
+[694.64 --> 695.20]  God,
+[695.40 --> 696.04]  to follow
+[696.04 --> 696.70]  Christ.
+[697.34 --> 697.84]  Keep
+[697.84 --> 698.24]  fishing,
+[698.40 --> 698.86]  if you will.
+[698.86 --> 702.54]  an illusion,
+[703.10 --> 703.50]  Dallas
+[703.50 --> 704.00]  Willard
+[704.00 --> 704.40]  says,
+[704.50 --> 704.92]  that has
+[704.92 --> 705.68]  stifled
+[705.68 --> 706.56]  spiritual
+[706.56 --> 707.68]  formation
+[707.68 --> 709.20]  in Christians
+[709.20 --> 709.82]  is the
+[709.82 --> 710.26]  thinking
+[710.26 --> 711.54]  that we
+[711.54 --> 712.28]  can believe
+[712.28 --> 712.92]  in Jesus
+[712.92 --> 714.82]  and be
+[714.82 --> 715.46]  slack when
+[715.46 --> 715.94]  it comes
+[715.94 --> 716.66]  to obeying
+[716.66 --> 717.60]  or following
+[717.60 --> 717.96]  him.
+[718.68 --> 719.12]  We've
+[719.12 --> 719.46]  emphasized
+[719.46 --> 720.12]  faith.
+[720.12 --> 723.44]  Jesus
+[723.44 --> 724.02]  said to
+[724.02 --> 724.24]  his
+[724.24 --> 724.80]  disciples,
+[725.00 --> 725.24]  you know,
+[725.32 --> 725.54]  if you
+[725.54 --> 725.96]  love me,
+[726.02 --> 726.38]  you keep
+[726.38 --> 726.64]  my
+[726.64 --> 727.14]  commandments.
+[728.00 --> 728.38]  They go
+[728.38 --> 728.86]  together.
+[731.78 --> 732.26]  Gandhi
+[732.26 --> 732.90]  said that
+[732.90 --> 733.54]  if Christians
+[733.54 --> 734.04]  would live
+[734.04 --> 734.72]  according to
+[734.72 --> 735.48]  their belief,
+[736.06 --> 737.12]  we would
+[737.12 --> 737.86]  all become
+[737.86 --> 738.46]  Christians.
+[740.42 --> 741.38]  And the
+[741.38 --> 741.98]  truth is,
+[742.14 --> 742.60]  Christians
+[742.60 --> 744.20]  do act
+[744.20 --> 744.90]  according
+[744.90 --> 746.02]  to their
+[746.02 --> 746.58]  belief.
+[747.34 --> 748.50]  And many
+[748.50 --> 749.74]  reveal by
+[749.74 --> 749.98]  their
+[749.98 --> 750.56]  actions
+[750.56 --> 751.00]  that they
+[751.00 --> 751.40]  don't
+[751.40 --> 751.88]  believe
+[751.88 --> 752.52]  in Jesus
+[752.52 --> 753.76]  all that
+[753.76 --> 754.66]  much.
+[755.94 --> 756.70]  Because
+[756.70 --> 757.08]  it's
+[757.08 --> 757.48]  simply
+[757.48 --> 757.88]  not
+[757.88 --> 758.58]  possible,
+[758.74 --> 759.28]  as Jesus
+[759.28 --> 759.74]  said,
+[760.14 --> 760.84]  to believe
+[760.84 --> 761.40]  in him
+[761.40 --> 762.66]  and love
+[762.66 --> 763.68]  him and
+[763.68 --> 764.78]  not obey
+[764.78 --> 765.16]  him,
+[765.46 --> 765.82]  or at
+[765.82 --> 766.08]  least
+[766.08 --> 766.76]  intend
+[766.76 --> 767.08]  to.
+[768.38 --> 769.08]  That's
+[769.08 --> 769.50]  Peter's
+[769.50 --> 769.86]  flow of
+[769.86 --> 770.36]  thought when
+[770.36 --> 770.84]  he says,
+[771.38 --> 771.86]  for this
+[771.86 --> 772.50]  reason,
+[773.58 --> 774.32]  make every
+[774.32 --> 775.80]  effort to
+[775.80 --> 777.10]  add to
+[777.10 --> 777.82]  your faith.
+[779.74 --> 780.50]  because of
+[780.50 --> 781.48]  how you
+[781.48 --> 781.80]  know
+[781.80 --> 782.48]  Christ.
+[783.38 --> 783.86]  Build on
+[783.86 --> 784.06]  that
+[784.06 --> 784.62]  knowledge.
+[786.22 --> 786.86]  See,
+[786.94 --> 787.16]  that's
+[787.16 --> 787.90]  faith that's
+[787.90 --> 788.56]  followed up.
+[788.66 --> 788.98]  It's
+[788.98 --> 789.44]  being
+[789.44 --> 790.42]  faithful.
+[792.02 --> 792.58]  And it
+[792.58 --> 793.50]  involves a
+[793.50 --> 795.28]  conscious and
+[795.28 --> 796.20]  a persistent
+[796.20 --> 797.98]  choice to
+[797.98 --> 799.54]  cooperate with
+[799.54 --> 801.00]  the spirit of
+[801.00 --> 802.80]  Christ so
+[802.80 --> 803.28]  that the
+[803.28 --> 803.94]  fruits of
+[803.94 --> 804.92]  him, you
+[804.92 --> 805.14]  know,
+[805.50 --> 805.98]  patience,
+[806.30 --> 806.70]  joy,
+[807.10 --> 807.34]  love,
+[807.42 --> 807.74]  and so
+[807.74 --> 808.00]  on,
+[808.20 --> 808.64]  become
+[808.64 --> 809.30]  evident in
+[809.30 --> 809.80]  our life.
+[811.92 --> 812.74]  Anyone who
+[812.74 --> 813.36]  believes in
+[813.36 --> 814.92]  Jesus signs
+[814.92 --> 815.64]  up, as
+[815.64 --> 816.02]  Dallas
+[816.02 --> 816.74]  Willard says,
+[816.80 --> 817.36]  to be an
+[817.36 --> 817.90]  apprentice,
+[818.94 --> 819.74]  someone who's
+[819.74 --> 821.00]  eager to
+[821.00 --> 821.56]  know what
+[821.56 --> 822.22]  he teaches,
+[823.38 --> 824.94]  to learn the
+[824.94 --> 825.68]  tricks of the
+[825.68 --> 826.42]  trade of
+[826.42 --> 826.90]  being a
+[826.90 --> 827.42]  disciple.
+[829.56 --> 830.10]  And one of
+[830.10 --> 830.60]  his great
+[830.60 --> 831.52]  frustrations
+[831.52 --> 832.12]  was that
+[832.12 --> 833.80]  Christians often
+[833.80 --> 835.34]  didn't display
+[835.34 --> 837.18]  much desire
+[837.18 --> 838.94]  to be more
+[838.94 --> 840.40]  like Christ.
+[843.36 --> 844.40]  Now, in all
+[844.40 --> 844.90]  fairness,
+[846.00 --> 847.46]  it's possible
+[847.46 --> 848.38]  to make too
+[848.38 --> 849.06]  much of
+[849.06 --> 850.20]  intending
+[850.20 --> 852.16]  to follow
+[852.16 --> 852.66]  Christ.
+[852.84 --> 853.20]  You know
+[853.20 --> 853.84]  the saying,
+[854.58 --> 855.10]  the way to
+[855.10 --> 855.76]  hell is
+[855.76 --> 857.24]  paved with
+[857.24 --> 858.18]  good intentions.
+[860.34 --> 861.24]  But does
+[861.24 --> 862.02]  that rule out
+[862.02 --> 862.78]  good intentions?
+[864.20 --> 865.16]  If we have
+[865.16 --> 865.98]  no intentions,
+[866.98 --> 867.68]  we'll do
+[867.68 --> 868.06]  nothing.
+[870.16 --> 871.16]  It isn't a
+[871.16 --> 871.60]  matter of
+[871.60 --> 871.98]  whether we
+[871.98 --> 872.88]  should have
+[872.88 --> 873.54]  intentions,
+[873.74 --> 874.36]  I believe it,
+[874.40 --> 875.36]  but how
+[875.36 --> 876.18]  intent we
+[876.18 --> 877.58]  actually are,
+[877.72 --> 878.44]  because unless
+[878.44 --> 879.16]  we're fully
+[879.16 --> 880.82]  intent and
+[880.82 --> 881.68]  make every
+[881.68 --> 882.22]  effort,
+[882.74 --> 883.26]  we'll get
+[883.26 --> 883.94]  distracted.
+[885.04 --> 885.78]  Believe me,
+[886.34 --> 887.48]  I know.
+[887.48 --> 891.24]  we have to
+[891.24 --> 891.70]  do more
+[891.70 --> 892.84]  than like
+[892.84 --> 893.88]  to follow
+[893.88 --> 894.32]  Jesus.
+[895.44 --> 896.44]  We must
+[896.44 --> 897.42]  decide
+[897.42 --> 898.92]  to obey
+[898.92 --> 899.22]  Him,
+[899.82 --> 900.62]  to be like
+[900.62 --> 900.84]  Him.
+[902.12 --> 902.62]  It's the
+[902.62 --> 902.98]  difference
+[902.98 --> 903.84]  between someone
+[903.84 --> 904.78]  who would
+[904.78 --> 905.68]  like to
+[905.68 --> 906.58]  quit swearing
+[906.58 --> 907.10]  or who
+[907.10 --> 907.88]  would like
+[907.88 --> 908.52]  to quit
+[908.52 --> 909.06]  smoking,
+[909.34 --> 909.90]  or who
+[909.90 --> 910.80]  decides
+[910.80 --> 911.56]  to do
+[911.56 --> 911.84]  that.
+[913.12 --> 914.00]  The one
+[914.00 --> 914.24]  will
+[914.24 --> 914.90]  persevere.
+[914.90 --> 917.80]  the one
+[917.80 --> 918.18]  will give
+[918.18 --> 918.56]  it some
+[918.56 --> 918.94]  effort.
+[921.42 --> 922.12]  The one
+[922.12 --> 922.48]  will give
+[922.48 --> 923.16]  religion a
+[923.16 --> 923.60]  shot,
+[924.44 --> 925.16]  while the
+[925.16 --> 925.86]  other sells
+[925.86 --> 926.28]  out,
+[927.14 --> 927.70]  makes a
+[927.70 --> 927.90]  firm
+[927.90 --> 928.46]  decision.
+[929.98 --> 930.68]  So the
+[930.68 --> 931.10]  proverb,
+[931.36 --> 931.68]  that the
+[931.68 --> 932.10]  way to
+[932.10 --> 932.54]  hell is
+[932.54 --> 933.06]  paved with
+[933.06 --> 934.12]  good intentions,
+[934.80 --> 935.44]  needs to
+[935.44 --> 936.90]  be counterbalanced
+[936.90 --> 937.62]  with this
+[937.62 --> 938.30]  proverb,
+[938.92 --> 939.46]  where there
+[939.46 --> 939.90]  is a
+[939.90 --> 940.30]  will,
+[941.04 --> 941.58]  there is
+[941.58 --> 941.98]  a way.
+[941.98 --> 945.92]  It's
+[945.92 --> 946.50]  pretty much
+[946.50 --> 947.10]  true of us
+[947.10 --> 947.38]  humans,
+[947.50 --> 947.94]  isn't it?
+[949.12 --> 949.56]  You think
+[949.56 --> 949.82]  of your
+[949.82 --> 950.50]  own life,
+[951.24 --> 951.52]  you've
+[951.52 --> 951.78]  probably
+[951.78 --> 952.24]  observed
+[952.24 --> 952.62]  that,
+[952.78 --> 953.32]  we do
+[953.32 --> 953.64]  in our
+[953.64 --> 953.96]  children
+[953.96 --> 954.40]  and in
+[954.40 --> 954.94]  ourselves.
+[956.02 --> 956.50]  We
+[956.50 --> 957.08]  accomplish
+[957.08 --> 957.96]  what we
+[957.96 --> 958.48]  set out
+[958.48 --> 959.06]  to do.
+[960.42 --> 960.86]  It's
+[960.86 --> 961.30]  what God
+[961.30 --> 961.82]  noticed
+[961.82 --> 962.30]  at the
+[962.30 --> 962.80]  Tower of
+[962.80 --> 963.14]  Babel
+[963.14 --> 963.86]  when He
+[963.86 --> 964.48]  looked down,
+[965.28 --> 965.78]  saw the
+[965.78 --> 966.48]  activity of
+[966.48 --> 966.98]  humans.
+[968.72 --> 969.10]  Nothing
+[969.10 --> 969.96]  they plan
+[969.96 --> 970.60]  to do
+[970.60 --> 971.18]  will be
+[971.18 --> 971.78]  impossible.
+[971.98 --> 972.60]  for them,
+[973.16 --> 973.64]  he said.
+[976.34 --> 976.98]  The
+[976.98 --> 977.34]  will is
+[977.34 --> 977.58]  very
+[977.58 --> 978.16]  powerful
+[978.16 --> 980.94]  and it's
+[980.94 --> 981.36]  critical
+[981.36 --> 982.40]  for the
+[982.40 --> 983.06]  formation
+[983.06 --> 984.10]  of our
+[984.10 --> 984.60]  spirit
+[984.60 --> 985.54]  and our
+[985.54 --> 986.18]  character.
+[989.12 --> 989.80]  We
+[989.80 --> 990.22]  are to
+[990.22 --> 991.02]  set our
+[991.02 --> 991.46]  will
+[991.46 --> 992.52]  on doing
+[992.52 --> 993.76]  God's
+[993.76 --> 994.28]  will.
+[994.46 --> 994.70]  That,
+[995.14 --> 995.58]  was it
+[995.58 --> 995.88]  not,
+[995.98 --> 996.42]  was the
+[996.42 --> 996.96]  passion
+[996.96 --> 997.88]  of our
+[997.88 --> 998.18]  Lord
+[998.18 --> 998.66]  Jesus.
+[999.34 --> 999.54]  The
+[999.54 --> 999.90]  scripture
+[999.90 --> 1000.46]  said,
+[1000.46 --> 1001.10]  He
+[1001.10 --> 1001.88]  set His
+[1001.88 --> 1002.36]  heart
+[1002.36 --> 1004.08]  resolutely
+[1004.08 --> 1005.96]  to go to
+[1005.96 --> 1006.52]  Jerusalem
+[1006.52 --> 1007.86]  and to
+[1007.86 --> 1008.28]  go to
+[1008.28 --> 1008.62]  that
+[1008.62 --> 1009.74]  cross,
+[1010.38 --> 1010.96]  to do
+[1010.96 --> 1011.38]  the will
+[1011.38 --> 1011.82]  of Him
+[1011.82 --> 1012.88]  who sent
+[1012.88 --> 1013.18]  Him.
+[1013.58 --> 1014.24]  And if it
+[1014.24 --> 1014.96]  had not
+[1014.96 --> 1015.84]  been Jesus'
+[1016.50 --> 1017.58]  resolute
+[1017.58 --> 1018.34]  will,
+[1018.82 --> 1021.36]  we can be
+[1021.36 --> 1022.28]  sure He
+[1022.28 --> 1022.68]  would have
+[1022.68 --> 1023.54]  given in
+[1023.54 --> 1024.40]  to the
+[1024.40 --> 1024.92]  political
+[1024.92 --> 1025.88]  pressures
+[1025.88 --> 1027.04]  around Him.
+[1027.04 --> 1027.84]  and our
+[1027.84 --> 1028.42]  redemption
+[1028.42 --> 1029.76]  would not
+[1029.76 --> 1030.50]  have been
+[1030.50 --> 1031.12]  accomplished.
+[1032.52 --> 1033.24]  And our
+[1033.24 --> 1034.02]  own personal
+[1034.02 --> 1034.68]  redemption
+[1034.68 --> 1035.80]  will not be
+[1035.80 --> 1036.30]  fully
+[1036.30 --> 1037.20]  accomplished
+[1037.20 --> 1038.30]  if we
+[1038.30 --> 1038.92]  are not
+[1038.92 --> 1039.80]  intent,
+[1041.26 --> 1041.92]  willfully
+[1041.92 --> 1043.30]  desiring to
+[1043.30 --> 1044.14]  do the
+[1044.14 --> 1044.52]  will of
+[1044.52 --> 1044.94]  God
+[1044.94 --> 1046.08]  like Jesus
+[1046.08 --> 1046.46]  did.
+[1048.08 --> 1049.00]  Peter knows
+[1049.00 --> 1049.56]  this is not
+[1049.56 --> 1049.96]  an easy
+[1049.96 --> 1050.32]  thing.
+[1051.46 --> 1052.16]  It takes
+[1052.16 --> 1052.92]  a lot,
+[1053.12 --> 1054.28]  all of our
+[1054.28 --> 1054.72]  effort.
+[1054.72 --> 1056.46]  you know
+[1056.46 --> 1056.90]  how He
+[1056.90 --> 1057.20]  fully
+[1057.20 --> 1057.76]  intended
+[1057.76 --> 1058.28]  to follow
+[1058.28 --> 1058.88]  Christ
+[1058.88 --> 1060.86]  and how
+[1060.86 --> 1061.46]  He denied
+[1061.46 --> 1061.70]  Him
+[1061.70 --> 1063.06]  three times.
+[1064.82 --> 1065.58]  Isn't that
+[1065.58 --> 1065.92]  what it's
+[1065.92 --> 1066.20]  like?
+[1066.76 --> 1067.48]  Sometimes we
+[1067.48 --> 1067.96]  get up in
+[1067.96 --> 1068.46]  the morning,
+[1069.86 --> 1071.00]  every intent
+[1071.00 --> 1072.68]  to do
+[1072.68 --> 1073.62]  well that
+[1073.62 --> 1074.06]  day,
+[1074.42 --> 1075.10]  to be
+[1075.10 --> 1076.02]  self-controlled,
+[1076.22 --> 1076.74]  to handle
+[1076.74 --> 1077.34]  ourselves
+[1077.34 --> 1078.20]  perhaps in
+[1078.20 --> 1079.06]  a work
+[1079.06 --> 1079.84]  situation
+[1079.84 --> 1080.66]  better,
+[1081.36 --> 1081.76]  and then
+[1081.76 --> 1082.10]  we're
+[1082.10 --> 1082.90]  confronted
+[1082.90 --> 1083.46]  with a
+[1083.46 --> 1083.82]  rude
+[1083.82 --> 1084.66]  co-worker
+[1084.66 --> 1085.38]  or we're
+[1085.38 --> 1085.84]  dealt a
+[1085.84 --> 1086.54]  verbal blow
+[1086.54 --> 1087.26]  by someone
+[1087.26 --> 1087.78]  and before
+[1087.78 --> 1088.22]  you know
+[1088.22 --> 1088.36]  it,
+[1088.56 --> 1088.80]  we've
+[1088.80 --> 1089.32]  sunk to
+[1089.32 --> 1089.50]  their
+[1089.50 --> 1089.78]  level
+[1089.78 --> 1089.96]  of
+[1089.96 --> 1090.40]  behavior.
+[1093.04 --> 1093.86]  And that's
+[1093.86 --> 1094.56]  why Peter
+[1094.56 --> 1095.74]  recognizes that
+[1095.74 --> 1096.72]  this process
+[1096.72 --> 1097.50]  of spiritual
+[1097.50 --> 1098.32]  formation
+[1098.32 --> 1098.84]  is a
+[1098.84 --> 1099.66]  slow one.
+[1101.16 --> 1101.64]  It's the
+[1101.64 --> 1102.44]  arduous
+[1102.44 --> 1103.92]  life of
+[1103.92 --> 1104.56]  the Christian
+[1104.56 --> 1105.80]  where you
+[1105.80 --> 1106.46]  take one
+[1106.46 --> 1107.28]  step forward
+[1107.28 --> 1107.88]  and then the
+[1107.88 --> 1108.42]  next day you
+[1108.42 --> 1109.16]  feel like you've
+[1109.16 --> 1109.90]  taken, as we
+[1109.90 --> 1110.12]  say,
+[1110.24 --> 1110.88]  two back.
+[1110.88 --> 1110.92]  back.
+[1113.44 --> 1114.12]  And sometimes
+[1114.12 --> 1114.76]  when we've, so
+[1114.76 --> 1115.44]  to speak, taken
+[1115.44 --> 1115.98]  those two
+[1115.98 --> 1116.92]  steps back, it's
+[1116.92 --> 1118.10]  good to put
+[1118.10 --> 1119.06]  life back in
+[1119.06 --> 1120.08]  perspective again
+[1120.08 --> 1120.66]  and ask
+[1120.66 --> 1122.06]  ourselves, who
+[1122.06 --> 1122.68]  am I?
+[1123.06 --> 1123.94]  Why am I
+[1123.94 --> 1124.40]  here?
+[1124.86 --> 1125.60]  What am I
+[1125.60 --> 1126.52]  doing with my
+[1126.52 --> 1127.00]  life?
+[1127.86 --> 1128.44]  Let's see.
+[1128.86 --> 1129.60]  That's right.
+[1130.68 --> 1131.58]  I believe in
+[1131.58 --> 1131.98]  Jesus.
+[1132.82 --> 1133.46]  I know what
+[1133.46 --> 1134.14]  he's done for
+[1134.14 --> 1134.82]  me and I know
+[1134.82 --> 1135.74]  what he's calling
+[1135.74 --> 1136.66]  me to become
+[1136.66 --> 1137.46]  and what my
+[1137.46 --> 1138.18]  future is.
+[1138.24 --> 1138.84]  I need to put
+[1138.84 --> 1139.66]  my life in
+[1139.66 --> 1140.68]  that sense in
+[1140.68 --> 1141.32]  perspective.
+[1141.52 --> 1142.90]  One day I am
+[1142.90 --> 1143.80]  going to share
+[1143.80 --> 1144.80]  in his eternal
+[1144.80 --> 1145.38]  glory.
+[1147.14 --> 1147.96]  So what does
+[1147.96 --> 1148.58]  that mean for
+[1148.58 --> 1149.00]  today?
+[1151.32 --> 1151.80]  Well, it
+[1151.80 --> 1152.48]  means then I,
+[1153.28 --> 1154.04]  it's worth
+[1154.04 --> 1154.84]  taking that
+[1154.84 --> 1156.16]  next one
+[1156.16 --> 1157.90]  step of
+[1157.90 --> 1159.04]  obedience in
+[1159.04 --> 1159.64]  the right
+[1159.64 --> 1161.04]  direction.
+[1161.94 --> 1162.70]  And sometimes
+[1162.70 --> 1163.86]  those little
+[1163.86 --> 1164.82]  steps take
+[1164.82 --> 1166.74]  such big
+[1166.74 --> 1167.58]  effort.
+[1170.66 --> 1171.68]  But we're
+[1171.68 --> 1172.78]  eager to add
+[1172.78 --> 1173.26]  to our
+[1173.26 --> 1173.70]  faith.
+[1175.02 --> 1176.00]  So we make
+[1176.00 --> 1176.70]  that decision
+[1176.70 --> 1177.48]  and we take
+[1177.48 --> 1178.06]  that right
+[1178.06 --> 1178.50]  step.
+[1180.52 --> 1181.28]  It's
+[1181.28 --> 1181.74]  interesting,
+[1181.90 --> 1182.20]  the word
+[1182.20 --> 1182.98]  add there
+[1182.98 --> 1184.56]  in the
+[1184.56 --> 1184.98]  original
+[1184.98 --> 1185.66]  apparently
+[1185.66 --> 1186.60]  means to
+[1186.60 --> 1188.20]  provide the
+[1188.20 --> 1189.58]  chorus for.
+[1190.14 --> 1190.74]  You know,
+[1191.26 --> 1191.84]  this is the
+[1191.84 --> 1192.32]  backup.
+[1193.30 --> 1193.82]  That's what
+[1193.82 --> 1194.18]  it was.
+[1194.18 --> 1194.82]  The choral
+[1194.82 --> 1195.26]  backup.
+[1195.50 --> 1196.48]  Apparently the
+[1196.48 --> 1197.00]  Greeks who
+[1197.00 --> 1197.80]  loved plays
+[1197.80 --> 1198.82]  had choral
+[1198.82 --> 1199.24]  backup.
+[1200.52 --> 1201.56]  And very
+[1201.56 --> 1203.68]  rich people
+[1203.68 --> 1205.42]  would provide
+[1205.42 --> 1206.54]  that choral
+[1206.54 --> 1207.30]  backup.
+[1207.80 --> 1208.22]  And that was
+[1208.22 --> 1208.86]  called the
+[1208.86 --> 1209.84]  additives.
+[1210.28 --> 1210.92]  And that's the
+[1210.92 --> 1211.54]  meaning somewhat
+[1211.54 --> 1212.10]  of the word
+[1212.10 --> 1212.26]  here.
+[1212.30 --> 1212.56]  In other
+[1212.56 --> 1212.76]  words,
+[1213.14 --> 1213.86]  Christ is the
+[1213.86 --> 1214.62]  main singer
+[1214.62 --> 1216.08]  and as we
+[1216.08 --> 1217.34]  come behind
+[1217.34 --> 1218.12]  him, we
+[1218.12 --> 1219.92]  add to
+[1219.92 --> 1220.84]  our faith.
+[1220.84 --> 1220.90]  faith.
+[1222.24 --> 1223.24]  It came
+[1223.24 --> 1223.70]  to mean
+[1223.70 --> 1224.80]  giving
+[1224.80 --> 1225.78]  lavishly.
+[1227.18 --> 1228.50]  We're to
+[1228.50 --> 1229.64]  generously
+[1229.64 --> 1230.76]  add to
+[1230.76 --> 1231.58]  our faith.
+[1232.64 --> 1233.04]  And what
+[1233.04 --> 1233.46]  are we to
+[1233.46 --> 1233.88]  add?
+[1234.36 --> 1235.00]  These
+[1235.00 --> 1236.40]  various
+[1236.40 --> 1237.86]  attributes,
+[1238.60 --> 1239.22]  qualities.
+[1240.30 --> 1240.70]  So Peter
+[1240.70 --> 1241.44]  gives a list
+[1241.44 --> 1242.18]  of things
+[1242.18 --> 1242.66]  we might
+[1242.66 --> 1244.34]  add as
+[1244.34 --> 1244.82]  we choose
+[1244.82 --> 1245.56]  to do so.
+[1245.56 --> 1247.10]  For
+[1247.10 --> 1247.48]  example,
+[1247.98 --> 1248.64]  he talks
+[1248.64 --> 1248.88]  about
+[1248.88 --> 1249.64]  goodness.
+[1250.90 --> 1251.40]  That really
+[1251.40 --> 1251.82]  means
+[1251.82 --> 1252.78]  virtue.
+[1254.38 --> 1255.30]  For
+[1255.30 --> 1256.18]  moral
+[1256.18 --> 1257.50]  fortitude
+[1257.50 --> 1258.88]  or
+[1258.88 --> 1260.56]  power or
+[1260.56 --> 1261.46]  energy to
+[1261.46 --> 1261.84]  do the
+[1261.84 --> 1262.48]  right thing.
+[1263.40 --> 1263.80]  Or to
+[1263.80 --> 1264.54]  stir
+[1264.54 --> 1265.58]  ourselves up
+[1265.58 --> 1266.50]  and give
+[1266.50 --> 1266.94]  due
+[1266.94 --> 1267.64]  diligence
+[1267.64 --> 1269.12]  in becoming
+[1269.12 --> 1269.94]  a person
+[1269.94 --> 1271.32]  of noble
+[1271.32 --> 1272.38]  character.
+[1273.22 --> 1273.44]  A
+[1273.44 --> 1274.72]  virtuous,
+[1274.72 --> 1276.18]  a good
+[1276.18 --> 1277.38]  person.
+[1278.22 --> 1278.72]  Add that
+[1278.72 --> 1279.12]  to your
+[1279.12 --> 1279.48]  faith.
+[1280.28 --> 1280.92]  Because
+[1280.92 --> 1281.76]  often we
+[1281.76 --> 1282.28]  believers
+[1282.28 --> 1284.38]  aren't always
+[1284.38 --> 1284.90]  so good.
+[1286.26 --> 1287.08]  And to
+[1287.08 --> 1287.52]  goodness
+[1287.52 --> 1288.26]  add
+[1288.26 --> 1289.38]  knowledge.
+[1289.76 --> 1290.04]  Now he's
+[1290.04 --> 1290.56]  been talking
+[1290.56 --> 1290.92]  about
+[1290.92 --> 1291.84]  knowledge and
+[1291.84 --> 1292.56]  that's part
+[1292.56 --> 1292.96]  of what's
+[1292.96 --> 1293.42]  involved,
+[1293.54 --> 1294.60]  this knowing
+[1294.60 --> 1295.48]  of Christ
+[1295.48 --> 1295.88]  and who
+[1295.88 --> 1296.42]  he is.
+[1296.50 --> 1297.00]  But also
+[1297.00 --> 1297.84]  part of
+[1297.84 --> 1298.40]  that knowledge
+[1298.40 --> 1299.40]  is practical
+[1299.40 --> 1300.46]  insights.
+[1300.74 --> 1301.12]  The more
+[1301.12 --> 1301.66]  you work
+[1301.66 --> 1302.42]  at something,
+[1303.42 --> 1304.18]  the more
+[1304.18 --> 1304.92]  you discover
+[1304.92 --> 1305.96]  the ins
+[1305.96 --> 1306.66]  and outs
+[1306.66 --> 1307.46]  of it.
+[1307.78 --> 1308.30]  And that's
+[1308.30 --> 1308.58]  what's
+[1308.58 --> 1308.94]  meant.
+[1310.34 --> 1310.72]  Keep
+[1310.72 --> 1311.24]  gaining
+[1311.24 --> 1312.10]  practical
+[1312.10 --> 1312.88]  insight
+[1312.88 --> 1313.74]  in how
+[1313.74 --> 1314.72]  to work
+[1314.72 --> 1315.80]  out your
+[1315.80 --> 1316.32]  faith
+[1316.32 --> 1317.14]  in your
+[1317.14 --> 1317.66]  setting.
+[1319.36 --> 1319.60]  You know,
+[1319.80 --> 1320.46]  learn those,
+[1320.64 --> 1321.66]  as Dallas
+[1321.66 --> 1322.26]  Willard says,
+[1322.38 --> 1323.50]  tricks of the
+[1323.50 --> 1324.16]  trade
+[1324.16 --> 1325.26]  in being a
+[1325.26 --> 1325.74]  disciple.
+[1325.74 --> 1325.84]  people.
+[1328.40 --> 1328.86]  Now all
+[1328.86 --> 1329.20]  these
+[1329.20 --> 1331.04]  attributes
+[1331.04 --> 1331.76]  are really
+[1331.76 --> 1332.70]  inside
+[1332.70 --> 1333.72]  things that
+[1333.72 --> 1334.40]  we're talking
+[1334.40 --> 1335.18]  about because
+[1335.18 --> 1336.24]  the vast
+[1336.24 --> 1336.96]  majority of
+[1336.96 --> 1337.38]  the work
+[1337.38 --> 1337.80]  that we
+[1337.80 --> 1338.30]  need to
+[1338.30 --> 1339.20]  do is
+[1339.20 --> 1339.96]  inside of
+[1339.96 --> 1340.34]  us.
+[1341.34 --> 1342.10]  Like
+[1342.10 --> 1343.02]  self-control.
+[1344.46 --> 1345.24]  In other
+[1345.24 --> 1345.38]  words,
+[1345.74 --> 1346.82]  watch out
+[1346.82 --> 1347.96]  for your
+[1347.96 --> 1348.66]  own
+[1348.66 --> 1349.42]  soul,
+[1349.90 --> 1350.40]  spiritual
+[1350.40 --> 1351.04]  well-being.
+[1352.14 --> 1352.72]  Manage
+[1352.72 --> 1353.26]  your
+[1353.26 --> 1354.12]  feelings
+[1354.12 --> 1355.00]  well.
+[1355.98 --> 1356.46]  Accept
+[1356.46 --> 1356.82]  them for
+[1356.82 --> 1357.24]  what they
+[1357.24 --> 1357.62]  are,
+[1358.62 --> 1359.34]  and then
+[1359.34 --> 1360.34]  practice
+[1360.34 --> 1361.42]  self-discipline
+[1361.42 --> 1362.40]  as you
+[1362.40 --> 1363.40]  respond to
+[1363.40 --> 1364.28]  what's
+[1364.28 --> 1364.78]  happening
+[1364.78 --> 1365.70]  inside of
+[1365.70 --> 1367.04]  you in
+[1367.04 --> 1368.08]  healthy ways.
+[1368.28 --> 1368.84]  It takes a
+[1368.84 --> 1369.34]  lot of
+[1369.34 --> 1370.58]  self-discipline,
+[1370.66 --> 1371.18]  or what some
+[1371.18 --> 1371.84]  have called
+[1371.84 --> 1373.32]  self-leadership.
+[1373.32 --> 1374.32]  self-discipline.
+[1375.70 --> 1376.42]  And that
+[1376.42 --> 1376.90]  takes
+[1376.90 --> 1377.70]  perseverance.
+[1380.38 --> 1381.28]  I come,
+[1381.44 --> 1382.04]  as I think
+[1382.04 --> 1382.34]  a number
+[1382.34 --> 1382.60]  of you
+[1382.60 --> 1383.60]  from Dutch
+[1383.60 --> 1384.10]  background,
+[1384.24 --> 1384.62]  we're known
+[1384.62 --> 1384.98]  to be
+[1384.98 --> 1385.36]  stubborn.
+[1385.52 --> 1385.98]  This is a
+[1385.98 --> 1386.44]  great way
+[1386.44 --> 1386.76]  to be
+[1386.76 --> 1387.14]  stubborn.
+[1388.66 --> 1389.14]  Persevere
+[1389.14 --> 1390.60]  at working
+[1390.60 --> 1391.38]  at these
+[1391.38 --> 1392.18]  heart issues
+[1392.18 --> 1394.52]  in spite
+[1394.52 --> 1395.20]  of obstacles
+[1395.20 --> 1395.76]  that come
+[1395.76 --> 1396.14]  along.
+[1397.52 --> 1398.18]  It takes
+[1398.18 --> 1398.98]  courage
+[1398.98 --> 1400.16]  and endurance
+[1400.16 --> 1401.34]  to keep
+[1401.34 --> 1402.70]  stepping over
+[1402.70 --> 1403.80]  these stones
+[1403.80 --> 1404.68]  that are
+[1404.68 --> 1405.20]  put in
+[1405.20 --> 1405.78]  our path
+[1405.78 --> 1406.28]  or happen
+[1406.28 --> 1406.68]  to be
+[1406.68 --> 1407.02]  there.
+[1408.22 --> 1408.70]  But we
+[1408.70 --> 1409.14]  do it,
+[1409.22 --> 1409.74]  says Peter,
+[1409.86 --> 1410.76]  we persevere
+[1410.76 --> 1413.12]  because Christ
+[1413.12 --> 1413.98]  calls us
+[1413.98 --> 1415.30]  to godliness.
+[1416.70 --> 1417.08]  Again,
+[1417.28 --> 1418.34]  really that's
+[1418.34 --> 1418.88]  the ultimate
+[1418.88 --> 1419.44]  goal.
+[1419.60 --> 1420.06]  This is the
+[1420.06 --> 1420.38]  vision,
+[1420.80 --> 1421.82]  to be like
+[1421.82 --> 1422.44]  Christ,
+[1423.58 --> 1424.04]  like we
+[1424.04 --> 1424.42]  were in
+[1424.42 --> 1425.00]  the beginning.
+[1426.24 --> 1427.12]  God simply
+[1427.12 --> 1427.64]  through his
+[1427.64 --> 1428.00]  spirit
+[1428.00 --> 1428.98]  retrofitting
+[1428.98 --> 1430.20]  us back
+[1430.20 --> 1431.24]  into the
+[1431.24 --> 1431.92]  person of
+[1431.92 --> 1432.50]  Christ.
+[1432.70 --> 1434.06]  a godly
+[1434.06 --> 1435.28]  person.
+[1437.62 --> 1438.28]  On top
+[1438.28 --> 1438.66]  of that,
+[1438.72 --> 1439.10]  he says,
+[1439.22 --> 1439.74]  make every
+[1439.74 --> 1440.36]  effort to
+[1440.36 --> 1442.14]  show mutual
+[1442.14 --> 1443.56]  affection,
+[1444.32 --> 1445.74]  to be
+[1445.74 --> 1446.34]  warm
+[1446.34 --> 1448.36]  and friendly
+[1448.36 --> 1450.04]  to everyone,
+[1450.30 --> 1451.14]  but especially
+[1451.14 --> 1452.06]  to those
+[1452.06 --> 1453.48]  in the
+[1453.48 --> 1453.96]  family
+[1453.96 --> 1455.30]  of God.
+[1456.74 --> 1457.46]  My,
+[1457.56 --> 1458.04]  that goes
+[1458.04 --> 1458.58]  a long
+[1458.58 --> 1460.16]  way in
+[1460.16 --> 1460.92]  making for
+[1460.92 --> 1461.56]  a very
+[1461.56 --> 1462.34]  healthy
+[1462.34 --> 1463.02]  church
+[1463.02 --> 1463.92]  body,
+[1464.92 --> 1465.52]  mutual
+[1465.52 --> 1466.76]  affection.
+[1468.12 --> 1468.92]  And the
+[1468.92 --> 1469.58]  greatest of
+[1469.58 --> 1470.26]  all virtues,
+[1470.42 --> 1471.32]  whenever we
+[1471.32 --> 1472.40]  hear them
+[1472.40 --> 1473.58]  listed in
+[1473.58 --> 1474.56]  various parts,
+[1474.80 --> 1475.30]  particularly
+[1475.30 --> 1476.42]  of the New
+[1476.42 --> 1477.02]  Testament,
+[1477.80 --> 1479.12]  is the call,
+[1479.60 --> 1480.34]  which is at the
+[1480.34 --> 1480.92]  core of what
+[1480.92 --> 1481.56]  we're to be,
+[1481.74 --> 1482.28]  the call
+[1482.28 --> 1483.38]  to love,
+[1483.38 --> 1486.12]  to love the
+[1486.12 --> 1486.60]  Lord our
+[1486.60 --> 1487.14]  God,
+[1488.90 --> 1489.70]  with all our
+[1489.70 --> 1490.48]  heart,
+[1490.90 --> 1491.40]  soul,
+[1492.06 --> 1492.50]  mind,
+[1492.60 --> 1493.52]  and strength.
+[1494.56 --> 1494.90]  Boy,
+[1494.96 --> 1495.62]  there's a life
+[1495.62 --> 1496.66]  goal I find
+[1496.66 --> 1498.12]  that I'll never
+[1498.12 --> 1499.00]  be done with.
+[1499.96 --> 1501.12]  To love our
+[1501.12 --> 1502.48]  neighbor as
+[1502.48 --> 1503.18]  ourself.
+[1505.12 --> 1506.36]  Without love,
+[1506.36 --> 1508.46]  all those
+[1508.46 --> 1509.24]  other virtues
+[1509.24 --> 1511.16]  become vices.
+[1512.38 --> 1513.58]  If we're not
+[1513.58 --> 1514.18]  a loving
+[1514.18 --> 1515.54]  person,
+[1516.52 --> 1517.32]  then we
+[1517.32 --> 1517.74]  can do
+[1517.74 --> 1518.16]  good and
+[1518.16 --> 1518.58]  all those
+[1518.58 --> 1519.50]  things for
+[1519.50 --> 1520.56]  selfish reasons.
+[1521.32 --> 1522.12]  But if we're
+[1522.12 --> 1523.18]  truly loving,
+[1524.92 --> 1525.62]  then these
+[1525.62 --> 1526.14]  virtues,
+[1527.18 --> 1527.60]  these
+[1527.60 --> 1528.96]  attributes,
+[1529.70 --> 1530.20]  come out
+[1530.20 --> 1530.66]  of us
+[1530.66 --> 1532.18]  with integrity
+[1532.18 --> 1534.18]  as part
+[1534.18 --> 1534.60]  of our
+[1534.60 --> 1535.52]  pursuit
+[1535.52 --> 1536.30]  of what it
+[1536.30 --> 1536.80]  is to
+[1536.80 --> 1537.20]  live in
+[1537.20 --> 1537.68]  Christ.
+[1540.16 --> 1541.12]  Love keeps
+[1541.12 --> 1541.94]  our motivation
+[1541.94 --> 1542.66]  pure.
+[1546.70 --> 1547.26]  Well,
+[1547.58 --> 1548.50]  there's a lot
+[1548.50 --> 1549.12]  to work on,
+[1549.16 --> 1549.58]  isn't there?
+[1550.18 --> 1550.84]  Maybe you're
+[1550.84 --> 1551.68]  getting tired
+[1551.68 --> 1553.04]  just thinking
+[1553.04 --> 1553.62]  about all
+[1553.62 --> 1554.04]  this,
+[1555.22 --> 1555.62]  kind of
+[1555.62 --> 1556.04]  tempting
+[1556.04 --> 1557.72]  to give
+[1557.72 --> 1559.24]  up and
+[1559.24 --> 1559.90]  go on a
+[1559.90 --> 1560.96]  long vacation.
+[1562.88 --> 1563.56]  And so
+[1563.56 --> 1564.10]  for added
+[1564.10 --> 1564.76]  motivation,
+[1564.96 --> 1565.46]  Peter gives
+[1565.46 --> 1565.88]  a number
+[1565.88 --> 1566.68]  of reasons
+[1566.68 --> 1568.80]  for adding
+[1568.80 --> 1569.32]  to these
+[1569.32 --> 1569.82]  qualities.
+[1570.06 --> 1570.54]  He says
+[1570.54 --> 1571.20]  in verse
+[1571.20 --> 1571.58]  8,
+[1571.66 --> 1572.00]  if you
+[1572.00 --> 1573.38]  possess
+[1573.38 --> 1574.06]  these
+[1574.06 --> 1574.84]  qualities
+[1574.84 --> 1576.66]  in
+[1576.66 --> 1577.38]  increasing
+[1577.38 --> 1578.10]  measure,
+[1578.32 --> 1580.30]  we're
+[1580.30 --> 1580.82]  working at
+[1580.82 --> 1581.22]  this,
+[1582.26 --> 1582.52]  they'll
+[1582.52 --> 1583.16]  keep you
+[1583.16 --> 1583.74]  from being
+[1583.74 --> 1584.46]  ineffective
+[1584.46 --> 1585.56]  and unproductive
+[1585.56 --> 1586.06]  in your
+[1586.06 --> 1587.08]  knowledge of
+[1587.08 --> 1587.52]  our Lord
+[1587.52 --> 1588.54]  Jesus Christ.
+[1590.30 --> 1590.86]  It helps
+[1590.86 --> 1591.28]  to keep
+[1591.28 --> 1592.10]  in mind
+[1592.10 --> 1593.14]  that we
+[1593.14 --> 1594.04]  possess it
+[1594.04 --> 1594.80]  in increasing
+[1594.80 --> 1595.54]  measure,
+[1595.72 --> 1596.40]  that we're
+[1596.40 --> 1596.86]  making
+[1596.86 --> 1597.76]  slow,
+[1597.96 --> 1598.34]  often
+[1598.34 --> 1599.20]  incremental
+[1599.20 --> 1600.44]  change,
+[1600.54 --> 1600.98]  and so we
+[1600.98 --> 1601.38]  need to be
+[1601.38 --> 1602.12]  gracious and
+[1602.12 --> 1602.78]  patient with
+[1602.78 --> 1603.84]  ourselves,
+[1604.62 --> 1605.26]  because negative
+[1605.26 --> 1606.14]  habits rarely
+[1606.14 --> 1606.76]  go away
+[1606.76 --> 1607.30]  overnight.
+[1607.46 --> 1607.74]  It does
+[1607.74 --> 1608.20]  happen.
+[1608.92 --> 1609.52]  I preached
+[1609.52 --> 1610.04]  this sermon
+[1610.04 --> 1610.68]  in Ladner,
+[1610.74 --> 1611.20]  and a lady
+[1611.20 --> 1612.00]  came up to me
+[1612.00 --> 1612.28]  and she
+[1612.28 --> 1612.96]  talked to me
+[1612.96 --> 1613.56]  about how
+[1613.56 --> 1614.44]  the Holy
+[1614.44 --> 1615.30]  Spirit gave
+[1615.30 --> 1615.92]  her a vision
+[1615.92 --> 1616.80]  and her
+[1616.80 --> 1618.30]  addiction to
+[1618.30 --> 1619.30]  alcohol was
+[1619.30 --> 1619.86]  gone.
+[1620.96 --> 1621.56]  Been many
+[1621.56 --> 1622.14]  years later,
+[1622.42 --> 1623.32]  never again
+[1623.32 --> 1624.06]  had a desire.
+[1624.24 --> 1624.44]  Well,
+[1624.58 --> 1625.40]  that's rare.
+[1626.14 --> 1626.74]  Most often
+[1626.74 --> 1628.60]  we have to
+[1628.60 --> 1630.10]  work really
+[1630.10 --> 1631.14]  hard,
+[1631.98 --> 1632.66]  and we
+[1632.66 --> 1633.82]  possess these
+[1633.82 --> 1634.76]  qualities in
+[1634.76 --> 1636.00]  increasing
+[1636.00 --> 1637.32]  measure,
+[1638.74 --> 1639.78]  daily turning
+[1639.78 --> 1640.62]  to Christ,
+[1640.78 --> 1641.40]  taking up
+[1641.40 --> 1642.18]  our cross,
+[1643.02 --> 1643.52]  deciding
+[1643.52 --> 1644.04]  again,
+[1644.44 --> 1645.58]  take the
+[1645.58 --> 1646.20]  right step.
+[1647.26 --> 1648.18]  And as we
+[1648.18 --> 1649.22]  put good
+[1649.22 --> 1650.54]  energy into
+[1650.54 --> 1651.50]  this maturing
+[1651.50 --> 1652.46]  process,
+[1653.10 --> 1653.76]  says Peter,
+[1654.12 --> 1654.70]  we'll see
+[1654.70 --> 1655.34]  results.
+[1656.60 --> 1657.30]  You'll see
+[1657.30 --> 1657.94]  results.
+[1659.72 --> 1660.56]  It'll keep
+[1660.56 --> 1660.92]  you from
+[1660.92 --> 1662.30]  being ineffective
+[1662.30 --> 1663.88]  and unproductive
+[1663.88 --> 1665.58]  in our faith.
+[1667.28 --> 1668.10]  So keep
+[1668.10 --> 1668.66]  at it.
+[1669.36 --> 1669.76]  And then,
+[1671.44 --> 1672.38]  it's good to
+[1672.38 --> 1672.70]  see the
+[1672.70 --> 1673.58]  negative side.
+[1673.58 --> 1674.54]  if you're
+[1674.54 --> 1674.76]  going to
+[1674.76 --> 1675.80]  choose not
+[1675.80 --> 1676.38]  to work
+[1676.38 --> 1676.92]  at that
+[1676.92 --> 1677.74]  and settle
+[1677.74 --> 1678.18]  for the
+[1678.18 --> 1679.10]  status quo,
+[1679.90 --> 1680.18]  in other
+[1680.18 --> 1680.36]  words,
+[1680.48 --> 1681.56]  if you're
+[1681.56 --> 1681.92]  the kind
+[1681.92 --> 1682.26]  that says,
+[1682.40 --> 1682.98]  I believe
+[1682.98 --> 1683.58]  that's enough,
+[1683.66 --> 1684.00]  it'll get
+[1684.00 --> 1684.44]  me in.
+[1685.72 --> 1686.46]  You should
+[1686.46 --> 1687.20]  know then,
+[1688.20 --> 1690.14]  as Peter
+[1690.14 --> 1690.64]  says in
+[1690.64 --> 1691.26]  verse 9,
+[1691.92 --> 1692.28]  whoever
+[1692.28 --> 1693.42]  doesn't
+[1693.42 --> 1694.56]  have or
+[1694.56 --> 1695.60]  work at
+[1695.60 --> 1696.52]  these
+[1696.52 --> 1697.34]  additives
+[1697.34 --> 1698.04]  isn't
+[1698.04 --> 1698.88]  interested in
+[1698.88 --> 1699.40]  adding to
+[1699.40 --> 1700.02]  their faith.
+[1700.02 --> 1700.82]  they're
+[1700.82 --> 1701.72]  near-sighted,
+[1702.08 --> 1703.32]  they're
+[1703.32 --> 1703.82]  blind,
+[1704.50 --> 1705.18]  they've
+[1705.18 --> 1705.60]  forgotten,
+[1706.40 --> 1706.88]  they've
+[1706.88 --> 1707.08]  been
+[1707.08 --> 1707.78]  cleansed
+[1707.78 --> 1708.52]  from their
+[1708.52 --> 1709.48]  past sins.
+[1711.48 --> 1712.52]  That's a
+[1712.52 --> 1713.08]  little bit in
+[1713.08 --> 1713.66]  our face,
+[1713.72 --> 1714.22]  isn't it?
+[1715.98 --> 1717.34]  A Christian
+[1717.34 --> 1718.76]  who no
+[1718.76 --> 1719.36]  longer
+[1719.36 --> 1720.54]  intends
+[1720.54 --> 1721.52]  to grow
+[1721.52 --> 1723.72]  in Christ
+[1723.72 --> 1724.84]  has done
+[1724.84 --> 1725.68]  two things.
+[1725.68 --> 1727.24]  they've
+[1727.24 --> 1727.66]  lost
+[1727.66 --> 1728.18]  sight
+[1728.18 --> 1728.96]  of the
+[1728.96 --> 1729.46]  future
+[1729.46 --> 1730.06]  that
+[1730.06 --> 1730.52]  Christ
+[1730.52 --> 1731.12]  offers,
+[1731.90 --> 1733.28]  and
+[1733.28 --> 1733.86]  secondly,
+[1734.06 --> 1734.42]  they have
+[1734.42 --> 1734.94]  forgotten
+[1734.94 --> 1735.60]  that their
+[1735.60 --> 1736.02]  sinful
+[1736.02 --> 1736.74]  past
+[1736.74 --> 1737.86]  has been
+[1737.86 --> 1738.38]  covered
+[1738.38 --> 1739.26]  by the
+[1739.26 --> 1739.48]  blood
+[1739.48 --> 1740.14]  of Christ.
+[1742.64 --> 1743.60]  Failure
+[1743.60 --> 1744.80]  to pursue
+[1744.80 --> 1746.10]  spiritual
+[1746.10 --> 1746.80]  growth
+[1746.80 --> 1748.20]  or maturity
+[1748.20 --> 1749.48]  is a sign
+[1749.48 --> 1750.40]  we've
+[1750.40 --> 1750.92]  lost
+[1750.92 --> 1752.14]  the vision
+[1752.14 --> 1753.32]  and we've
+[1753.32 --> 1753.80]  forgotten
+[1753.80 --> 1755.02]  who we
+[1755.02 --> 1755.96]  were or
+[1755.96 --> 1756.44]  might have
+[1756.44 --> 1756.78]  been
+[1756.78 --> 1757.52]  without
+[1757.52 --> 1758.16]  Christ.
+[1759.72 --> 1761.02]  Because it's
+[1761.02 --> 1761.40]  again,
+[1761.56 --> 1762.40]  not possible
+[1762.40 --> 1764.06]  to embrace
+[1764.06 --> 1765.16]  a holy
+[1765.16 --> 1765.82]  Christ
+[1765.82 --> 1767.14]  and not
+[1767.14 --> 1767.92]  want
+[1767.92 --> 1769.18]  to be
+[1769.18 --> 1769.50]  holy.
+[1771.10 --> 1772.14]  That's
+[1772.14 --> 1772.52]  God's
+[1772.52 --> 1772.84]  goal
+[1772.84 --> 1773.96]  and he
+[1773.96 --> 1774.16]  will
+[1774.16 --> 1774.62]  accomplish
+[1774.62 --> 1774.96]  it.
+[1776.10 --> 1776.80]  A
+[1776.80 --> 1777.26]  Christian
+[1777.26 --> 1777.90]  who could
+[1777.90 --> 1779.06]  care less
+[1779.06 --> 1779.68]  about
+[1779.68 --> 1780.46]  furnishing
+[1780.46 --> 1781.52]  or filling
+[1781.52 --> 1782.22]  out
+[1782.22 --> 1783.18]  their
+[1783.18 --> 1783.66]  faith
+[1783.66 --> 1784.16]  life
+[1784.16 --> 1784.72]  has
+[1784.72 --> 1785.28]  forgotten
+[1785.28 --> 1786.22]  about
+[1786.22 --> 1786.58]  the
+[1786.58 --> 1787.84]  extravagant
+[1787.84 --> 1788.48]  grace
+[1788.48 --> 1789.62]  of God
+[1789.62 --> 1790.20]  that
+[1790.20 --> 1791.34]  invited us
+[1791.34 --> 1792.18]  into this
+[1792.18 --> 1792.96]  amazing
+[1792.96 --> 1793.74]  kingdom
+[1793.74 --> 1794.70]  of his.
+[1798.40 --> 1799.24]  Alcoholics
+[1799.24 --> 1799.70]  Anonymous
+[1799.70 --> 1800.56]  has grasped
+[1800.56 --> 1801.30]  the significance
+[1801.30 --> 1801.86]  of this
+[1801.86 --> 1802.26]  teaching.
+[1802.42 --> 1802.80]  They have a
+[1802.80 --> 1803.54]  sixth step
+[1803.54 --> 1804.48]  and here's
+[1804.48 --> 1804.94]  the sixth
+[1804.94 --> 1805.28]  step
+[1805.28 --> 1805.86]  of AA.
+[1805.86 --> 1806.04]  AA.
+[1807.80 --> 1808.98]  We are
+[1808.98 --> 1809.88]  entirely
+[1809.88 --> 1811.24]  ready to
+[1811.24 --> 1812.12]  have God
+[1812.12 --> 1813.60]  remove all
+[1813.60 --> 1814.72]  these defects
+[1814.72 --> 1815.84]  of character.
+[1817.70 --> 1818.58]  Want to
+[1818.58 --> 1819.08]  join AA?
+[1819.68 --> 1820.26]  Oh my.
+[1820.60 --> 1820.92]  We are
+[1820.92 --> 1822.06]  entirely ready
+[1822.06 --> 1822.80]  to have God
+[1822.80 --> 1823.84]  remove all
+[1823.84 --> 1824.64]  these defects
+[1824.64 --> 1825.28]  of character.
+[1827.36 --> 1827.76]  And then
+[1827.76 --> 1828.12]  they have a
+[1828.12 --> 1828.60]  little paragraph
+[1828.60 --> 1829.84]  of explanation
+[1829.84 --> 1830.50]  in this book
+[1830.50 --> 1831.18]  I have at home.
+[1831.54 --> 1832.32]  It explains,
+[1832.32 --> 1833.44]  it seems
+[1833.44 --> 1834.48]  plain that
+[1834.48 --> 1835.38]  few of us
+[1835.38 --> 1836.12]  can quickly
+[1836.12 --> 1836.92]  or easily
+[1836.92 --> 1837.78]  become ready
+[1837.78 --> 1838.64]  to aim
+[1838.64 --> 1839.84]  at spiritual
+[1839.84 --> 1840.70]  and moral
+[1840.70 --> 1841.54]  perfection.
+[1842.78 --> 1843.82]  We want
+[1843.82 --> 1844.46]  to settle
+[1844.46 --> 1845.60]  for only
+[1845.60 --> 1846.32]  as much
+[1846.32 --> 1847.12]  perfection
+[1847.12 --> 1848.60]  as will
+[1848.60 --> 1849.48]  get us
+[1849.48 --> 1850.20]  by
+[1850.20 --> 1851.42]  in life
+[1851.42 --> 1852.32]  according
+[1852.32 --> 1853.08]  of course
+[1853.08 --> 1853.80]  to our
+[1853.80 --> 1854.54]  various and
+[1854.54 --> 1855.48]  sundry ideas
+[1855.48 --> 1856.06]  of what will
+[1856.06 --> 1856.48]  get us
+[1856.48 --> 1856.84]  by.
+[1857.44 --> 1858.34]  So the
+[1858.34 --> 1858.76]  difference
+[1858.76 --> 1859.32]  between,
+[1859.72 --> 1860.02]  pardon their
+[1860.02 --> 1860.46]  language,
+[1860.62 --> 1861.12]  the difference
+[1861.12 --> 1861.80]  between the
+[1861.80 --> 1862.74]  boys and
+[1862.74 --> 1863.32]  the men
+[1863.32 --> 1864.00]  is the
+[1864.00 --> 1864.44]  difference
+[1864.44 --> 1864.94]  between
+[1864.94 --> 1865.64]  striving
+[1865.64 --> 1866.58]  for a
+[1866.58 --> 1868.08]  self-determined
+[1868.08 --> 1868.86]  objective
+[1868.86 --> 1869.82]  and for
+[1869.82 --> 1870.72]  the perfect
+[1870.72 --> 1871.42]  objective
+[1871.42 --> 1872.44]  which is
+[1872.44 --> 1873.12]  of God,
+[1873.44 --> 1874.04]  which is
+[1874.04 --> 1874.60]  Christ,
+[1874.82 --> 1875.36]  who is
+[1875.36 --> 1875.90]  our vision.
+[1880.26 --> 1880.90]  Negative
+[1880.90 --> 1881.46]  side.
+[1881.62 --> 1881.96]  If you
+[1881.96 --> 1882.44]  don't work
+[1882.44 --> 1882.88]  at it,
+[1883.96 --> 1884.60]  you've
+[1884.60 --> 1885.04]  lost your
+[1885.04 --> 1885.38]  vision.
+[1886.80 --> 1887.48]  Peter adds
+[1887.48 --> 1887.96]  three more
+[1887.96 --> 1888.84]  positive reasons
+[1888.84 --> 1889.18]  and then
+[1889.18 --> 1889.60]  we're done.
+[1890.02 --> 1890.36]  And I
+[1890.36 --> 1890.76]  won't dwell
+[1890.76 --> 1891.30]  long on
+[1891.30 --> 1891.50]  them.
+[1893.00 --> 1893.90]  But three
+[1893.90 --> 1894.60]  more positive
+[1894.60 --> 1895.22]  reasons for
+[1895.22 --> 1896.08]  being intentional
+[1896.08 --> 1896.78]  about adding
+[1896.78 --> 1897.46]  to our
+[1897.46 --> 1897.82]  faith.
+[1898.44 --> 1898.76]  In verse
+[1898.76 --> 1899.14]  10 and
+[1899.14 --> 1899.46]  11,
+[1899.56 --> 1900.00]  my brothers
+[1900.00 --> 1900.60]  and sisters
+[1900.60 --> 1901.28]  make every
+[1901.28 --> 1902.66]  effort to
+[1902.66 --> 1903.80]  confirm your
+[1903.80 --> 1904.64]  calling and
+[1904.64 --> 1905.22]  election.
+[1905.66 --> 1905.86]  Boy,
+[1905.94 --> 1906.24]  we could
+[1906.24 --> 1906.96]  talk long
+[1906.96 --> 1907.98]  about that.
+[1908.48 --> 1909.10]  Because if
+[1909.10 --> 1909.50]  you do
+[1909.50 --> 1910.42]  these things,
+[1910.46 --> 1911.20]  you'll never
+[1911.20 --> 1913.24]  stumble and
+[1913.24 --> 1913.70]  you will
+[1913.70 --> 1914.46]  receive a
+[1914.46 --> 1915.32]  rich welcome
+[1915.32 --> 1916.12]  into the
+[1916.12 --> 1916.64]  eternal
+[1916.64 --> 1917.94]  kingdom of
+[1917.94 --> 1918.50]  our Lord
+[1918.50 --> 1919.22]  and Savior
+[1919.22 --> 1920.44]  Jesus Christ.
+[1921.18 --> 1921.74]  Verse 10
+[1921.74 --> 1922.24]  and 11.
+[1922.56 --> 1923.16]  So adding
+[1923.16 --> 1923.78]  to our
+[1923.78 --> 1924.40]  faith does
+[1924.40 --> 1924.92]  these three
+[1924.92 --> 1925.46]  things.
+[1926.26 --> 1927.84]  It confirms
+[1927.84 --> 1929.56]  in us
+[1929.56 --> 1930.76]  that the
+[1930.76 --> 1931.30]  sovereign
+[1931.30 --> 1932.84]  electing God
+[1932.84 --> 1934.10]  is actually
+[1934.10 --> 1934.94]  at work
+[1934.94 --> 1935.42]  in us.
+[1936.42 --> 1936.82]  You know,
+[1936.88 --> 1937.36]  when you get
+[1937.36 --> 1938.02]  in the game
+[1938.02 --> 1938.52]  and you go
+[1938.52 --> 1939.02]  around the
+[1939.02 --> 1939.92]  bases once,
+[1940.06 --> 1940.90]  you know
+[1940.90 --> 1941.34]  you're on
+[1941.34 --> 1941.80]  the team.
+[1943.86 --> 1944.58]  It will
+[1944.58 --> 1945.24]  keep us
+[1945.24 --> 1945.70]  secondly
+[1945.70 --> 1946.82]  from stumbling
+[1946.82 --> 1947.92]  in our
+[1947.92 --> 1948.46]  walk with
+[1948.46 --> 1949.60]  God and
+[1949.60 --> 1950.32]  thirdly,
+[1950.32 --> 1950.98]  will lead
+[1950.98 --> 1951.74]  to a warm
+[1951.74 --> 1952.36]  welcome
+[1952.36 --> 1954.28]  into God's
+[1954.28 --> 1955.14]  eternal
+[1955.14 --> 1955.94]  kingdom.
+[1958.94 --> 1959.58]  See,
+[1959.74 --> 1960.38]  what God
+[1960.38 --> 1961.40]  does and
+[1961.40 --> 1962.24]  what we do
+[1962.24 --> 1962.70]  are meant
+[1962.70 --> 1963.46]  to complement
+[1963.46 --> 1964.28]  each other.
+[1964.40 --> 1964.78]  I remember
+[1964.78 --> 1965.38]  our history
+[1965.38 --> 1966.16]  professor when
+[1966.16 --> 1966.82]  he was talking
+[1966.82 --> 1967.34]  about the
+[1967.34 --> 1968.46]  debates in
+[1968.46 --> 1968.98]  the church,
+[1969.44 --> 1969.80]  you know,
+[1969.92 --> 1971.22]  about man
+[1971.22 --> 1971.74]  and God
+[1971.74 --> 1972.12]  and what's
+[1972.12 --> 1972.68]  the balance.
+[1972.78 --> 1973.08]  He would
+[1973.08 --> 1973.64]  say it's
+[1973.64 --> 1974.98]  not 50-50,
+[1975.16 --> 1976.00]  it's 100%
+[1976.00 --> 1977.12]  and 100%.
+[1977.12 --> 1980.40]  God draws
+[1980.40 --> 1980.80]  us,
+[1981.18 --> 1981.80]  calls us
+[1981.80 --> 1982.54]  to himself
+[1982.54 --> 1983.34]  through the
+[1983.34 --> 1983.86]  good and
+[1983.86 --> 1984.90]  glorious person
+[1984.90 --> 1985.98]  of Christ.
+[1986.12 --> 1986.60]  He's the
+[1986.60 --> 1987.60]  proactive
+[1987.60 --> 1989.10]  initiator
+[1989.10 --> 1990.06]  of all
+[1990.06 --> 1990.68]  of this
+[1990.68 --> 1991.20]  redemption
+[1991.20 --> 1992.06]  and we
+[1992.06 --> 1992.74]  are to be
+[1992.74 --> 1993.42]  the fully
+[1993.42 --> 1994.42]  reactive
+[1994.42 --> 1995.76]  responders
+[1995.76 --> 1997.12]  to what
+[1997.12 --> 1997.76]  God has
+[1997.76 --> 1998.38]  done for
+[1998.38 --> 1999.14]  us by
+[1999.14 --> 1999.76]  believing
+[1999.76 --> 2000.40]  in Jesus
+[2000.40 --> 2001.44]  and then
+[2001.44 --> 2001.88]  following
+[2001.88 --> 2002.28]  him,
+[2003.32 --> 2003.78]  fully
+[2003.78 --> 2004.46]  intent
+[2004.46 --> 2005.44]  on adding
+[2005.44 --> 2006.22]  these qualities.
+[2007.62 --> 2008.14]  And when
+[2008.14 --> 2008.64]  we do
+[2008.64 --> 2009.04]  that,
+[2009.50 --> 2010.70]  it confirms
+[2010.70 --> 2011.70]  God's
+[2011.70 --> 2012.42]  at work
+[2012.42 --> 2012.94]  in us,
+[2013.42 --> 2014.12]  we're tracking
+[2014.12 --> 2014.72]  with him,
+[2015.36 --> 2015.74]  he's got
+[2015.74 --> 2016.36]  our destiny
+[2016.36 --> 2017.00]  in mind.
+[2018.42 --> 2019.18]  And the
+[2019.18 --> 2019.72]  more we
+[2019.72 --> 2021.00]  apply ourselves,
+[2021.22 --> 2021.64]  the more
+[2021.64 --> 2022.80]  we become
+[2022.80 --> 2023.50]  confident,
+[2024.50 --> 2025.62]  the more
+[2025.62 --> 2026.26]  you practice
+[2026.26 --> 2026.98]  your faith
+[2026.98 --> 2027.48]  like with
+[2027.48 --> 2028.24]  anything else.
+[2028.24 --> 2029.76]  The more
+[2029.76 --> 2030.30]  you play
+[2030.30 --> 2031.06]  baseball or
+[2031.06 --> 2031.56]  basketball,
+[2031.76 --> 2032.12]  the better
+[2032.12 --> 2032.62]  you get
+[2032.62 --> 2033.40]  at it.
+[2033.84 --> 2034.74]  The stronger
+[2034.74 --> 2035.54]  you become,
+[2035.66 --> 2036.04]  the less
+[2036.04 --> 2036.66]  likely you
+[2036.66 --> 2037.02]  are to
+[2037.02 --> 2038.02]  make mistakes.
+[2039.94 --> 2040.88]  The less
+[2040.88 --> 2041.52]  likely we
+[2041.52 --> 2042.06]  will fall
+[2042.06 --> 2042.44]  in our
+[2042.44 --> 2043.18]  Christian life,
+[2043.26 --> 2043.90]  the more
+[2043.90 --> 2044.38]  we work
+[2044.38 --> 2044.88]  at it.
+[2045.44 --> 2046.12]  And then
+[2046.12 --> 2047.04]  as our
+[2047.04 --> 2047.76]  day draws
+[2047.76 --> 2048.14]  near,
+[2049.44 --> 2051.86]  and COVID
+[2051.86 --> 2052.44]  comes,
+[2052.44 --> 2053.16]  death
+[2053.16 --> 2053.70]  threatens,
+[2053.70 --> 2055.96]  we get
+[2055.96 --> 2056.60]  assured in
+[2056.60 --> 2057.16]  our heart
+[2057.16 --> 2058.44]  that it
+[2058.44 --> 2058.94]  doesn't matter
+[2058.94 --> 2059.56]  what happens,
+[2059.60 --> 2060.14]  in the end,
+[2060.24 --> 2060.78]  we've got a
+[2060.78 --> 2061.94]  warm welcome
+[2061.94 --> 2063.02]  for us
+[2063.02 --> 2064.22]  from our
+[2064.22 --> 2064.62]  God
+[2064.62 --> 2065.62]  into an
+[2065.62 --> 2065.98]  eternal
+[2065.98 --> 2066.42]  home.
+[2067.42 --> 2068.10]  And the
+[2068.10 --> 2068.52]  more we
+[2068.52 --> 2068.88]  pursue
+[2068.88 --> 2069.42]  Christ,
+[2069.54 --> 2069.82]  the more
+[2069.82 --> 2070.74]  this deep
+[2070.74 --> 2071.24]  hope
+[2071.24 --> 2072.60]  gets planted
+[2072.60 --> 2073.12]  in our
+[2073.12 --> 2073.50]  soul
+[2073.50 --> 2075.88]  that I,
+[2076.12 --> 2076.36]  we,
+[2076.56 --> 2077.10]  will be
+[2077.10 --> 2077.60]  welcomed
+[2077.60 --> 2078.12]  home
+[2078.12 --> 2079.18]  someday.
+[2079.18 --> 2081.32]  pray with
+[2081.32 --> 2081.60]  me.
+[2083.46 --> 2084.26]  Lord,
+[2084.36 --> 2084.76]  your word
+[2084.76 --> 2085.90]  reminds us
+[2085.90 --> 2086.84]  and your
+[2086.84 --> 2087.36]  sacrament
+[2087.36 --> 2088.38]  will soon
+[2088.38 --> 2089.08]  confirm
+[2089.08 --> 2089.88]  this
+[2089.88 --> 2091.30]  wonderful
+[2091.30 --> 2092.26]  truth
+[2092.26 --> 2092.78]  that we
+[2092.78 --> 2093.54]  are on
+[2093.54 --> 2094.66]  the path
+[2094.66 --> 2095.82]  that leads
+[2095.82 --> 2097.36]  to a
+[2097.36 --> 2098.14]  long life
+[2098.14 --> 2098.86]  with you,
+[2099.46 --> 2099.84]  a life
+[2099.84 --> 2100.24]  forever.
+[2102.04 --> 2102.46]  May we
+[2102.46 --> 2103.26]  never forget
+[2103.26 --> 2104.36]  that we
+[2104.36 --> 2104.80]  have been
+[2104.80 --> 2105.46]  cleansed
+[2105.46 --> 2105.94]  from our
+[2105.94 --> 2106.28]  sins
+[2106.28 --> 2107.20]  and declared
+[2107.20 --> 2108.04]  your saints.
+[2109.18 --> 2109.68]  Now help
+[2109.68 --> 2110.12]  us to
+[2110.12 --> 2110.56]  live more
+[2110.56 --> 2111.34]  like saints,
+[2112.30 --> 2112.66]  pursuing
+[2112.66 --> 2113.36]  purity
+[2113.36 --> 2113.86]  and the
+[2113.86 --> 2114.30]  holiness
+[2114.30 --> 2115.06]  that comes
+[2115.06 --> 2115.70]  from you,
+[2116.32 --> 2117.60]  Holy Spirit.
+[2119.06 --> 2119.92]  Give us
+[2119.92 --> 2120.52]  the grace
+[2120.52 --> 2121.32]  to continually
+[2121.32 --> 2122.04]  name our
+[2122.04 --> 2122.60]  sin and
+[2122.60 --> 2123.20]  the courage
+[2123.20 --> 2123.60]  and the
+[2123.60 --> 2124.12]  conviction
+[2124.12 --> 2124.94]  to add
+[2124.94 --> 2125.40]  to our
+[2125.40 --> 2126.88]  faith so
+[2126.88 --> 2127.50]  we become
+[2127.50 --> 2128.10]  more and
+[2128.10 --> 2128.78]  more what
+[2128.78 --> 2129.16]  you have
+[2129.16 --> 2129.72]  redeemed
+[2129.72 --> 2130.68]  and called
+[2130.68 --> 2131.54]  us to
+[2131.54 --> 2132.04]  become,
+[2132.90 --> 2134.46]  just like
+[2134.46 --> 2134.72]  you.
+[2135.92 --> 2136.70]  We pray
+[2136.70 --> 2137.28]  this in the
+[2137.28 --> 2137.80]  name of
+[2137.80 --> 2138.20]  Jesus,
+[2138.52 --> 2139.20]  our Savior
+[2139.20 --> 2140.34]  and for
+[2140.34 --> 2141.12]  his sake.
+[2141.86 --> 2142.26]  Amen.

Finding Wisdom (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,800 @@
+[0.00 --> 8.68]  The reading this morning is from Job, chapter 28, the book of Job.
+[9.62 --> 11.82]  The theme is finding wisdom.
+[15.52 --> 22.32]  Job 28 is divided into three stanzas, so I will indicate when each one begins.
+[23.22 --> 29.00]  Stanza 1, there is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined.
+[30.00 --> 33.78]  Iron is taken from the earth and copper is smelted from ore.
+[34.68 --> 37.14]  Mortals put an end to the darkness.
+[37.46 --> 42.34]  They search out the farthest recesses for ore in the blackest darkness.
+[43.26 --> 48.96]  Far from human dwellings they cut a shaft in places untouched by human feet.
+[49.16 --> 52.56]  Far from other people they dangle and sway.
+[53.50 --> 57.92]  The earth from which food comes is transformed below as by fire.
+[57.92 --> 63.86]  Lapis lazuli comes from its rocks and its dust contains nuggets of gold.
+[64.72 --> 67.38]  No bird of prey knows that hidden path.
+[67.54 --> 69.48]  No falcon's eye has seen it.
+[70.06 --> 72.50]  Proud beasts do not set foot on it.
+[72.86 --> 74.58]  And no lion prowls there.
+[74.58 --> 78.98]  People assault the flinty rock with their hands.
+[78.98 --> 81.98]  Lay bare the roots of the mountains.
+[82.18 --> 84.22]  They tunnel through the rock.
+[84.76 --> 86.82]  Their eyes see all its treasures.
+[87.68 --> 92.14]  They search the sources of the rivers and bring hidden things to light.
+[92.14 --> 96.16]  But where can wisdom be found?
+[97.10 --> 99.80]  Where does understanding dwell?
+[99.80 --> 103.40]  Well, then begins stanza two.
+[104.60 --> 107.58]  No mortal comprehends its worth.
+[108.28 --> 110.82]  It cannot be found in the land of the living.
+[111.24 --> 113.64]  The deep says it is not in me.
+[114.00 --> 116.78]  The sea says it is not in me.
+[117.34 --> 120.08]  It cannot be bought with the finest gold,
+[120.08 --> 123.30]  nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
+[124.04 --> 126.74]  It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir,
+[127.18 --> 129.64]  with precious onyx or lapis lazuli.
+[130.64 --> 133.66]  Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it,
+[134.20 --> 136.96]  nor can it be had for jewels of gold.
+[137.70 --> 140.26]  Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention.
+[140.82 --> 144.24]  The price of wisdom is beyond rubies.
+[144.24 --> 147.76]  The topaz of kosh cannot compare with it.
+[148.38 --> 150.68]  It cannot be bought with pure gold.
+[152.18 --> 155.14]  Where, then, does wisdom come from?
+[155.86 --> 158.32]  Where does understanding dwell?
+[160.44 --> 162.24]  Now begin stanza three.
+[163.28 --> 166.20]  It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing,
+[166.44 --> 168.80]  concealed even from the birds in the sky.
+[169.42 --> 173.76]  Destruction and death say only a rumor of it has reached our ears.
+[174.70 --> 177.32]  God understands the way to it,
+[178.02 --> 181.08]  and he alone knows where it dwells.
+[181.48 --> 183.74]  For he views the ends of the earth
+[183.74 --> 185.78]  and sees everything under the heavens.
+[186.40 --> 189.16]  When he established the force of the wind
+[189.16 --> 190.72]  and measured out the waters,
+[191.20 --> 193.38]  when he made the decree for rain
+[193.38 --> 195.06]  and the path for the thunderstorm,
+[195.74 --> 198.64]  then he looked at wisdom and appraised it.
+[198.64 --> 201.18]  He confirmed it and tested it,
+[201.50 --> 203.54]  and he said to the human race,
+[203.54 --> 206.08]  the fear of the Lord,
+[206.78 --> 208.00]  that is wisdom,
+[208.82 --> 211.54]  and to shun evil is understanding.
+[212.74 --> 214.84]  And that's our text for this morning, too,
+[214.92 --> 216.48]  the fear of the Lord,
+[216.62 --> 219.62]  and that we can just as well say,
+[219.76 --> 223.00]  the love for the Lord,
+[223.38 --> 224.72]  that is wisdom,
+[224.72 --> 228.02]  and to shun evil is understanding.
+[228.02 --> 229.90]  Brothers and sisters,
+[229.90 --> 231.40]  in our Lord Jesus Christ,
+[232.34 --> 233.26]  why?
+[234.58 --> 237.46]  That's a question kids love to ask, isn't it?
+[238.14 --> 239.90]  And we as parents, you know,
+[239.94 --> 241.78]  we have to have a lot of wisdom
+[241.78 --> 243.74]  to always answer that question.
+[244.50 --> 245.98]  I was struck by that once
+[245.98 --> 248.04]  when I was volunteering
+[248.04 --> 250.12]  at Abbotsford Regional Hospital,
+[250.26 --> 252.78]  as I used to do every Thursday morning
+[252.78 --> 255.74]  before the pandemic shut us down.
+[256.58 --> 260.16]  I was a pastoral visitor there at the hospital,
+[260.16 --> 262.64]  and every week I would spend an hour
+[262.64 --> 264.08]  in the psych ward
+[264.08 --> 267.16]  and working with the patients there
+[267.16 --> 270.14]  and just to be there to talk to them,
+[270.24 --> 271.80]  to answer their questions or whatever.
+[271.80 --> 275.18]  So one week the physiotherapist on Judy
+[275.18 --> 277.10]  introduced me as Pastor Rudy
+[277.10 --> 278.42]  and added,
+[278.78 --> 281.00]  he can answer any of your questions.
+[281.72 --> 283.82]  Well, that kind of left it wide open.
+[284.02 --> 285.96]  So one of the patients there,
+[286.32 --> 290.24]  in fact, a lady that I had spoken with before,
+[290.64 --> 292.70]  so she knew who I was and so on,
+[292.78 --> 294.06]  a little bit,
+[294.14 --> 297.36]  but she thought she'd tease me a little bit
+[297.36 --> 300.58]  and make a joke by asking me,
+[300.58 --> 302.84]  well, if you can answer any of our questions,
+[302.96 --> 304.36]  why is the sky blue?
+[305.80 --> 307.94]  Isn't that the kind of question kids usually ask?
+[308.02 --> 309.08]  Why is the sky blue?
+[309.74 --> 311.04]  Well, I told her,
+[311.10 --> 312.70]  turning the joke back on her,
+[313.06 --> 314.28]  it just so happens that
+[314.28 --> 315.64]  before I became a pastor,
+[315.78 --> 316.96]  I was a science teacher,
+[317.36 --> 318.66]  and I can tell you exactly
+[318.66 --> 319.84]  why the sky is blue.
+[320.38 --> 322.18]  So we had kind of fun with that.
+[323.06 --> 324.32]  But I can imagine that
+[324.32 --> 327.38]  the answers aren't always so ready to hand
+[327.38 --> 329.42]  when kids come up with these questions.
+[329.58 --> 329.96]  Why?
+[330.58 --> 331.04]  Why?
+[331.20 --> 332.82]  And parents need a lot of wisdom.
+[333.64 --> 335.52]  Where do parents get the wisdom
+[335.52 --> 337.84]  to answer all these questions?
+[338.70 --> 339.98]  The story of Job
+[339.98 --> 342.10]  is a search for wisdom
+[342.10 --> 345.70]  in facing the many struggles of life.
+[346.32 --> 348.34]  Job was a suffering child of God
+[348.34 --> 350.06]  who wanted to know why.
+[350.06 --> 355.74]  Three friends came to offer words of wisdom to Job.
+[356.94 --> 358.76]  Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.
+[358.96 --> 360.44]  If you're familiar with the story,
+[361.28 --> 362.98]  you've read the book,
+[363.28 --> 365.30]  you know all their arguments.
+[365.44 --> 367.28]  We're not going to get into those this morning,
+[367.28 --> 369.90]  but did you ever notice that
+[369.90 --> 372.84]  before they began to argue with him,
+[372.84 --> 378.12]  they sat with him in silence for a week.
+[378.12 --> 383.06]  168 hours of sitting with him
+[383.06 --> 385.16]  and not saying anything.
+[385.16 --> 387.60]  Now that showed real wisdom.
+[388.70 --> 390.32]  That is real comfort.
+[390.52 --> 391.54]  You know, sometimes when,
+[391.74 --> 393.64]  and you and I have experienced that
+[393.64 --> 395.44]  when we go through difficult times,
+[395.44 --> 397.80]  we don't need people to come
+[397.80 --> 399.32]  and give us the answer
+[399.32 --> 401.60]  and tell us how we should feel
+[401.60 --> 403.18]  and what we should do.
+[403.38 --> 405.70]  We just need somebody to be there.
+[407.64 --> 409.06]  Just to be there.
+[409.20 --> 412.40]  90%, they say, of caring is just showing up.
+[413.04 --> 415.02]  Just to be there and sit with them.
+[415.82 --> 416.82]  168 hours.
+[417.64 --> 419.00]  Can you imagine that?
+[419.08 --> 420.70]  And then they begin this debate.
+[421.16 --> 424.30]  Now, depending on how fast a reader you are,
+[424.30 --> 425.84]  you know, you can sit down
+[425.84 --> 427.34]  and read that whole debate,
+[427.54 --> 431.66]  chapters 3 through 27,
+[432.26 --> 433.16]  and you can read that
+[433.16 --> 435.34]  in about an hour and a half to two hours.
+[436.72 --> 438.68]  So all the good that they did
+[438.68 --> 441.30]  in the 168 hours of sitting there
+[441.30 --> 442.22]  and being with him,
+[442.52 --> 443.60]  they kind of undid it
+[443.60 --> 444.70]  when they opened their mouth
+[444.70 --> 445.86]  and started to talk
+[445.86 --> 448.14]  and give all kinds of excuses
+[448.14 --> 449.92]  and reasons and so on.
+[450.24 --> 452.04]  The first round of speeches
+[452.04 --> 454.86]  that takes about two hours to read,
+[455.20 --> 457.68]  and that's chapters 1 through 27.
+[458.62 --> 461.44]  And then chapters 29 through 42
+[461.44 --> 463.62]  gives a second round of speeches
+[463.62 --> 464.52]  from Job,
+[465.48 --> 466.96]  a newcomer to the group,
+[467.08 --> 467.72]  Elihu,
+[467.98 --> 470.58]  and then God giving his answer.
+[471.38 --> 472.46]  And chapter 28
+[472.46 --> 473.86]  is right in between
+[473.86 --> 476.12]  those two rounds of speeches.
+[476.28 --> 477.42]  It's an interlude.
+[477.42 --> 479.24]  And in this interlude,
+[479.38 --> 480.64]  the question is asked,
+[481.14 --> 483.76]  where can wisdom be found?
+[484.66 --> 486.50]  And it's set up like a poem
+[486.50 --> 489.44]  with the refrain after each verse.
+[489.92 --> 491.86]  The refrain in verse 12,
+[492.70 --> 494.94]  where does wisdom come from?
+[495.08 --> 496.68]  Where does understanding dwell?
+[497.44 --> 498.70]  And in verse 20,
+[498.80 --> 499.66]  that is repeated.
+[500.36 --> 501.38]  And in our text,
+[501.50 --> 502.18]  verse 28,
+[502.30 --> 503.68]  it's changed a little bit.
+[503.78 --> 504.76]  The answer is given.
+[504.76 --> 505.94]  And the fear of the Lord,
+[506.34 --> 507.44]  that is wisdom.
+[507.92 --> 509.92]  And to shun evil is understanding.
+[510.10 --> 511.00]  So each stanza
+[511.00 --> 515.44]  ends with a question about wisdom.
+[516.58 --> 518.42]  Now, in the first stanza,
+[518.70 --> 521.60]  Job considers mankind's search
+[521.60 --> 523.36]  for wisdom.
+[524.50 --> 526.74]  Where can we find wisdom
+[526.74 --> 528.10]  if we seek for it?
+[529.04 --> 530.00]  In the second stanza,
+[530.12 --> 532.50]  he considers mankind's wealth.
+[532.50 --> 535.30]  Can we buy wisdom
+[535.30 --> 536.74]  if we are rich enough
+[536.74 --> 538.28]  to buy it?
+[538.96 --> 539.60]  And finally,
+[539.80 --> 540.82]  he turns to God
+[540.82 --> 541.80]  in the third stanza
+[541.80 --> 543.88]  to discover the true source
+[543.88 --> 545.10]  of wisdom,
+[545.34 --> 546.44]  which is God himself.
+[546.68 --> 548.34]  Let's look at these two stanzas.
+[548.94 --> 549.60]  The first one,
+[549.74 --> 551.32]  mankind's search.
+[553.14 --> 554.40]  Verses 1 to 11
+[554.40 --> 555.72]  give us a detailed
+[555.72 --> 557.36]  and accurate description
+[557.36 --> 559.50]  of ancient mining methods.
+[559.50 --> 562.08]  The author's intention
+[562.08 --> 564.10]  is to reflect mankind's
+[564.10 --> 565.42]  amazing skill
+[565.42 --> 566.30]  and cunning
+[566.30 --> 567.74]  in carrying out
+[567.74 --> 569.20]  this extremely difficult
+[569.20 --> 571.02]  and hazardous task
+[571.02 --> 573.80]  of getting valuable minerals
+[573.80 --> 575.06]  and gems and so on
+[575.06 --> 577.02]  from underneath the earth.
+[577.70 --> 578.74]  Mankind's success
+[578.74 --> 579.70]  as a miner
+[579.70 --> 581.52]  shows how resourceful
+[581.52 --> 583.98]  and how intelligent we are.
+[583.98 --> 585.68]  We have conquered
+[585.68 --> 586.54]  the creation
+[586.54 --> 588.28]  in a real sense
+[588.28 --> 589.34]  and we use it
+[589.34 --> 590.58]  for our own purposes.
+[591.62 --> 592.46]  We have discovered
+[592.46 --> 593.58]  many things,
+[593.74 --> 595.40]  he says in this stanza,
+[595.86 --> 597.30]  underneath the earth
+[597.30 --> 598.26]  that even
+[598.26 --> 600.10]  mighty creatures
+[600.10 --> 601.34]  who roam the earth
+[601.34 --> 602.46]  and fly over it
+[602.46 --> 603.62]  have never seen.
+[604.92 --> 605.54]  Mankind
+[605.54 --> 608.00]  is the crown of creation.
+[608.72 --> 609.64]  We can discover
+[609.64 --> 611.42]  the sources of rivers.
+[611.42 --> 613.44]  We can lay bare
+[613.44 --> 615.02]  the roots of the mountains
+[615.02 --> 616.62]  and bring hidden things
+[616.62 --> 617.28]  to light.
+[618.18 --> 619.34]  But for all
+[619.34 --> 620.62]  of our skill
+[620.62 --> 621.38]  and ability
+[621.38 --> 623.38]  we cannot discover
+[623.38 --> 624.52]  the mystery
+[624.52 --> 625.82]  of wisdom.
+[626.58 --> 627.88]  Nor are we able
+[627.88 --> 628.88]  to search out
+[628.88 --> 629.62]  and understand
+[629.62 --> 630.94]  the secret ways
+[630.94 --> 631.66]  of God.
+[632.76 --> 633.42]  These verses
+[633.42 --> 634.16]  suggest
+[634.16 --> 635.08]  the difficulty
+[635.08 --> 635.80]  facing us
+[635.80 --> 636.38]  in our search
+[636.38 --> 636.92]  for wisdom.
+[638.00 --> 639.36]  We will not find it
+[639.36 --> 641.36]  by our own efforts.
+[641.42 --> 642.42]  and abilities
+[642.42 --> 643.72]  and therefore
+[643.72 --> 645.16]  the refrain cries out
+[645.16 --> 646.64]  where can wisdom
+[646.64 --> 647.36]  be found?
+[648.18 --> 648.82]  Where does
+[648.82 --> 650.00]  understanding dwell?
+[651.80 --> 652.74]  Then we come
+[652.74 --> 653.86]  to the second stanza
+[653.86 --> 654.44]  and there
+[654.44 --> 655.60]  we look at
+[655.60 --> 657.10]  mankind's wealth.
+[659.18 --> 659.86]  Perhaps you've
+[659.86 --> 660.44]  heard the slogan
+[660.44 --> 661.98]  when money talks
+[661.98 --> 662.86]  people listen
+[662.86 --> 664.76]  and that's often true.
+[665.74 --> 666.10]  Or
+[666.10 --> 667.82]  the golden rule
+[667.82 --> 668.56]  you might have heard
+[668.56 --> 669.16]  has been twisted
+[669.16 --> 669.58]  to say
+[669.58 --> 670.06]  he who
+[670.06 --> 671.72]  has the gold
+[671.72 --> 672.46]  rules.
+[674.10 --> 675.22]  Money talks
+[675.22 --> 675.68]  indeed
+[675.68 --> 676.62]  but is that
+[676.62 --> 678.08]  where wisdom lies?
+[678.88 --> 679.74]  Does wealth
+[679.74 --> 681.30]  bring wisdom?
+[681.78 --> 682.46]  Can money
+[682.46 --> 683.70]  buy it?
+[684.58 --> 685.32]  In verse 13
+[685.32 --> 685.94]  we read
+[685.94 --> 687.32]  no mortal
+[687.32 --> 688.50]  can comprehend
+[688.50 --> 690.26]  its worth.
+[690.96 --> 692.10]  We don't even know
+[692.10 --> 693.16]  the true value
+[693.16 --> 694.34]  of wisdom.
+[694.34 --> 695.80]  how could we
+[695.80 --> 696.62]  even begin
+[696.62 --> 697.92]  to buy it?
+[698.58 --> 698.84]  And then
+[698.84 --> 699.74]  verse 13b
+[699.74 --> 700.72]  and 14 say
+[700.72 --> 702.56]  even if you knew
+[702.56 --> 703.28]  its value
+[703.28 --> 704.34]  where would you go
+[704.34 --> 705.60]  to buy it?
+[706.34 --> 707.54]  You can't find it
+[707.54 --> 708.30]  any place
+[708.30 --> 709.32]  in the land
+[709.32 --> 710.08]  of the living.
+[711.34 --> 712.64]  Even the deep
+[712.64 --> 713.80]  and the sea
+[713.80 --> 714.54]  say
+[714.54 --> 715.52]  it is not
+[715.52 --> 716.24]  with me.
+[717.30 --> 717.34]  Creation
+[717.90 --> 718.72]  itself
+[718.72 --> 720.18]  can't sell it
+[720.18 --> 721.20]  to us.
+[721.20 --> 723.42]  verse 15
+[723.42 --> 724.12]  to 19
+[724.12 --> 724.86]  show that
+[724.86 --> 725.38]  if you could
+[725.38 --> 725.86]  find
+[725.86 --> 727.00]  all the most
+[727.00 --> 728.40]  precious jewels
+[728.40 --> 729.34]  on earth
+[729.34 --> 730.78]  you still
+[730.78 --> 731.34]  could not
+[731.34 --> 732.20]  buy wisdom.
+[733.48 --> 733.76]  And so
+[733.76 --> 734.22]  again
+[734.22 --> 735.16]  the refrain
+[735.16 --> 736.16]  of verse 20
+[736.16 --> 736.70]  asks
+[736.70 --> 738.04]  where does
+[738.04 --> 738.64]  wisdom
+[738.64 --> 740.12]  come from?
+[740.82 --> 741.40]  Where does
+[741.40 --> 742.20]  understanding
+[742.20 --> 743.24]  dwell?
+[744.66 --> 745.40]  Now we look
+[745.40 --> 745.90]  at the third
+[745.90 --> 746.38]  stanza
+[746.38 --> 747.60]  discovering
+[747.60 --> 748.56]  God's
+[748.56 --> 749.34]  response.
+[749.34 --> 751.44]  verses 21
+[751.44 --> 752.28]  to 27
+[752.28 --> 754.12]  it is time
+[754.12 --> 754.78]  to turn away
+[754.78 --> 755.54]  from man
+[755.54 --> 757.02]  and to seek
+[757.02 --> 757.66]  the answer
+[757.66 --> 758.50]  from God.
+[759.58 --> 760.76]  Verse 21
+[760.76 --> 761.54]  begins by
+[761.54 --> 762.54]  repeating again
+[762.54 --> 763.30]  the ideas
+[763.30 --> 763.68]  that
+[763.68 --> 764.78]  though we may
+[764.78 --> 765.54]  search for
+[765.54 --> 766.22]  hidden treasures
+[766.22 --> 767.04]  in the earth
+[767.04 --> 767.92]  though we may
+[767.92 --> 768.58]  see more
+[768.58 --> 769.32]  aspects of
+[769.32 --> 769.84]  creation
+[769.84 --> 770.50]  than any
+[770.50 --> 771.30]  other creature
+[771.30 --> 772.38]  though skill
+[772.38 --> 773.52]  and ingenuity
+[773.52 --> 774.24]  may open
+[774.24 --> 775.36]  many mysteries
+[775.36 --> 776.28]  of creation
+[776.28 --> 777.72]  yet for all
+[777.72 --> 778.48]  our searching
+[778.48 --> 779.22]  we cannot
+[779.22 --> 780.78]  find wisdom
+[780.78 --> 781.72]  for all
+[781.72 --> 782.34]  the amassed
+[782.34 --> 782.78]  riches
+[782.78 --> 783.66]  of our world
+[783.66 --> 784.58]  we cannot
+[784.58 --> 785.40]  buy it.
+[787.14 --> 788.02]  Does that
+[788.02 --> 788.46]  mean that
+[788.46 --> 789.10]  God's wisdom
+[789.10 --> 790.04]  is not present
+[790.04 --> 791.16]  in this
+[791.16 --> 791.64]  creation?
+[792.84 --> 793.96]  Well we
+[793.96 --> 795.00]  as New Testament
+[795.00 --> 795.48]  Christians
+[795.48 --> 796.02]  know that
+[796.02 --> 796.50]  that's not
+[796.50 --> 797.22]  true because
+[797.22 --> 797.76]  we know
+[797.76 --> 798.38]  the Apostle
+[798.38 --> 799.16]  Paul teaches
+[799.16 --> 799.90]  us differently.
+[800.98 --> 801.74]  In Romans 1
+[801.74 --> 802.44]  verse 19
+[802.44 --> 803.04]  and 20
+[803.04 --> 804.70]  he writes
+[804.70 --> 805.70]  what may
+[805.70 --> 806.46]  be known
+[806.46 --> 807.54]  about God
+[807.54 --> 808.28]  is plain
+[808.28 --> 808.76]  to them
+[808.76 --> 809.66]  because God
+[809.66 --> 810.28]  has made
+[810.28 --> 810.76]  it plain
+[810.76 --> 811.24]  to them
+[811.24 --> 811.86]  for since
+[811.86 --> 812.60]  the creation
+[812.60 --> 813.32]  of the world
+[813.32 --> 814.90]  God's invisible
+[814.90 --> 815.64]  qualities
+[815.64 --> 816.56]  his eternal
+[816.56 --> 817.22]  power
+[817.22 --> 817.96]  and divine
+[817.96 --> 818.36]  nature
+[818.36 --> 819.14]  have been
+[819.14 --> 820.66]  clearly seen
+[820.66 --> 822.16]  being understood
+[822.16 --> 822.96]  from what
+[822.96 --> 824.00]  has been made
+[824.00 --> 825.16]  so that men
+[825.16 --> 826.06]  are without
+[826.06 --> 826.90]  excuse.
+[827.90 --> 828.22]  And from
+[828.22 --> 828.98]  that we learn
+[828.98 --> 829.68]  that yes
+[829.68 --> 830.70]  the wisdom
+[830.70 --> 831.34]  of God
+[831.34 --> 832.98]  is present
+[832.98 --> 834.48]  in creation
+[834.48 --> 836.00]  but we can
+[836.00 --> 837.16]  only see it
+[837.16 --> 838.34]  if God
+[838.34 --> 839.56]  reveals it
+[839.56 --> 840.30]  to us.
+[841.74 --> 842.70]  Job 38
+[842.70 --> 843.66]  through 40
+[843.66 --> 844.86]  is what
+[844.86 --> 845.24]  we might
+[845.24 --> 845.84]  almost call
+[845.84 --> 846.70]  a tour
+[846.70 --> 847.98]  of the universe
+[847.98 --> 849.76]  where God
+[849.76 --> 850.76]  now speaks
+[850.76 --> 852.66]  and God
+[852.66 --> 853.12]  says
+[853.12 --> 854.00]  where were
+[854.00 --> 855.20]  you Job
+[855.20 --> 856.34]  with all
+[856.34 --> 856.96]  your wisdom
+[856.96 --> 858.14]  when I
+[858.14 --> 858.70]  created
+[858.70 --> 859.66]  the universe
+[859.66 --> 861.56]  how can
+[861.56 --> 862.50]  you understand
+[862.50 --> 862.86]  Job
+[862.86 --> 863.62]  how it
+[863.62 --> 864.14]  was made
+[864.14 --> 865.00]  and how
+[865.00 --> 865.56]  it was put
+[865.56 --> 866.02]  together
+[866.02 --> 868.58]  can mankind
+[868.58 --> 869.74]  can we
+[869.74 --> 871.26]  ever grasp
+[871.26 --> 872.28]  the miracle
+[872.28 --> 873.58]  of what God
+[873.58 --> 874.12]  did
+[874.12 --> 875.48]  in the creation
+[875.48 --> 876.46]  and what he
+[876.46 --> 877.50]  continues to
+[877.50 --> 878.00]  do
+[878.00 --> 879.82]  in upholding
+[879.82 --> 880.52]  and sustaining
+[880.52 --> 881.22]  and providing
+[881.22 --> 882.12]  for our world
+[882.12 --> 884.12]  the wisdom
+[884.12 --> 884.88]  of God
+[884.88 --> 885.68]  is indeed
+[885.68 --> 886.54]  present
+[886.54 --> 887.70]  in creation
+[887.70 --> 889.34]  but only
+[889.34 --> 890.14]  God
+[890.14 --> 891.66]  knows
+[891.66 --> 892.06]  the way
+[892.06 --> 892.58]  to it
+[892.58 --> 893.86]  he is
+[893.86 --> 894.58]  the source
+[894.58 --> 895.92]  and only
+[895.92 --> 896.66]  he can
+[896.66 --> 897.02]  give it
+[897.02 --> 897.56]  to us
+[897.56 --> 899.42]  how then
+[899.42 --> 899.92]  can we
+[899.92 --> 900.86]  get wisdom
+[900.86 --> 901.92]  well
+[901.92 --> 903.42]  that's why
+[903.42 --> 904.12]  verse 28
+[904.12 --> 905.06]  is our text
+[905.06 --> 905.98]  and also
+[905.98 --> 906.68]  the conclusion
+[906.68 --> 907.54]  of this chapter
+[907.54 --> 909.48]  verse 28
+[909.48 --> 910.56]  reveals God's
+[910.56 --> 911.38]  secret way
+[911.38 --> 912.88]  the fear
+[912.88 --> 914.64]  or the love
+[914.64 --> 915.74]  of the Lord
+[915.74 --> 916.76]  is the beginning
+[916.76 --> 917.34]  of wisdom
+[917.34 --> 919.12]  and those
+[919.12 --> 919.70]  are familiar
+[919.70 --> 920.18]  words
+[920.18 --> 920.68]  I know
+[920.68 --> 921.00]  they are
+[921.00 --> 921.34]  for me
+[921.34 --> 921.80]  because they
+[921.80 --> 922.16]  were written
+[922.16 --> 922.96]  on the foundation
+[922.96 --> 923.70]  stone of the
+[923.70 --> 924.36]  Christian school
+[924.36 --> 925.12]  that I attended
+[925.12 --> 926.14]  in Hamilton
+[926.14 --> 926.78]  Ontario
+[926.78 --> 928.78]  the fear
+[928.78 --> 929.26]  of the Lord
+[929.26 --> 929.88]  is the beginning
+[929.88 --> 930.40]  of wisdom
+[930.40 --> 931.30]  they're found
+[931.30 --> 932.54]  in Psalm 110
+[932.54 --> 933.40]  they're found
+[933.40 --> 934.10]  in Proverbs
+[934.10 --> 934.98]  chapter 1
+[934.98 --> 936.64]  and here
+[936.64 --> 937.44]  Job adds
+[937.44 --> 938.88]  and to shun
+[938.88 --> 939.52]  evil
+[939.52 --> 940.86]  is the beginning
+[940.86 --> 942.00]  of understanding
+[942.00 --> 943.74]  the love
+[943.74 --> 944.42]  of the Lord
+[944.42 --> 945.32]  is the beginning
+[945.32 --> 946.02]  of wisdom
+[946.02 --> 947.48]  and to shun
+[947.48 --> 947.96]  evil
+[947.96 --> 950.24]  is the beginning
+[950.24 --> 951.18]  of understanding
+[951.18 --> 952.88]  this really
+[952.88 --> 953.64]  makes Job
+[953.64 --> 954.22]  himself
+[954.22 --> 954.84]  the best
+[954.84 --> 955.40]  example
+[955.40 --> 956.04]  of wisdom
+[956.04 --> 958.00]  because we read
+[958.00 --> 958.78]  in chapter 1
+[958.78 --> 959.28]  verse 1
+[959.28 --> 960.08]  that Job
+[960.08 --> 961.18]  was blameless
+[961.18 --> 962.10]  and upright
+[962.10 --> 963.62]  he feared
+[963.62 --> 964.34]  that is
+[964.34 --> 965.12]  he loved
+[965.12 --> 965.80]  God
+[965.80 --> 967.06]  and he shunned
+[967.06 --> 967.60]  evil
+[967.60 --> 969.88]  the debate
+[969.88 --> 970.78]  shows that Job
+[970.78 --> 971.50]  was not always
+[971.50 --> 972.20]  right either
+[972.20 --> 973.70]  he too made
+[973.70 --> 974.26]  mistakes
+[974.26 --> 974.94]  for which he
+[974.94 --> 975.58]  needed to be
+[975.58 --> 976.04]  corrected
+[976.04 --> 977.68]  but he did
+[977.68 --> 978.34]  have the
+[978.34 --> 978.78]  beginning
+[978.78 --> 979.78]  of wisdom
+[979.78 --> 981.00]  because he
+[981.00 --> 982.30]  loved God
+[982.30 --> 983.58]  and shunned
+[983.58 --> 984.24]  evil
+[984.24 --> 987.82]  isn't it true
+[987.82 --> 988.42]  that today
+[988.42 --> 989.00]  we can do
+[989.00 --> 990.04]  so much more
+[990.04 --> 991.46]  with our signs
+[991.46 --> 992.46]  and our computers
+[992.46 --> 993.98]  we can explore
+[993.98 --> 996.16]  the microcosm
+[996.16 --> 996.94]  of the atoms
+[996.94 --> 998.08]  and we can explore
+[998.08 --> 999.38]  the macrocosm
+[999.38 --> 1000.20]  of the stars
+[1000.20 --> 1001.16]  and the universe
+[1001.16 --> 1003.32]  but we still
+[1003.32 --> 1004.44]  can't find wisdom
+[1004.44 --> 1006.74]  I was reminded
+[1006.74 --> 1007.30]  yesterday
+[1007.30 --> 1008.48]  of that astronaut
+[1008.48 --> 1010.10]  the Russian astronaut
+[1010.10 --> 1012.06]  who was the first
+[1012.06 --> 1013.00]  human being
+[1013.00 --> 1014.20]  to go into space
+[1014.20 --> 1015.48]  and his comment
+[1015.48 --> 1015.80]  was
+[1015.80 --> 1016.46]  I looked out
+[1016.46 --> 1016.96]  the window
+[1016.96 --> 1017.92]  and I didn't see
+[1017.92 --> 1018.76]  God up there
+[1018.76 --> 1020.60]  and somebody
+[1020.60 --> 1022.12]  wisely suggested
+[1022.12 --> 1022.90]  well perhaps
+[1022.90 --> 1023.66]  if you'd stepped
+[1023.66 --> 1024.28]  outside
+[1024.28 --> 1025.20]  you would have
+[1025.20 --> 1025.72]  seen him
+[1025.72 --> 1028.04]  yes
+[1028.04 --> 1029.98]  we have amazing
+[1029.98 --> 1030.64]  resources
+[1030.64 --> 1032.90]  to explore
+[1032.90 --> 1033.88]  the universe
+[1033.88 --> 1036.08]  from the macrocosm
+[1036.08 --> 1037.26]  to the microcosm
+[1037.26 --> 1038.62]  but we still
+[1038.62 --> 1040.20]  can't find wisdom
+[1040.20 --> 1042.00]  as witness
+[1042.00 --> 1042.78]  in our world
+[1042.78 --> 1043.40]  the problems
+[1043.40 --> 1044.14]  of pollution
+[1044.14 --> 1045.60]  of racism
+[1045.60 --> 1046.82]  of wars
+[1046.82 --> 1048.32]  and of crimes
+[1048.32 --> 1049.36]  that affect
+[1049.36 --> 1050.24]  all of us
+[1050.24 --> 1051.92]  today we have
+[1051.92 --> 1052.80]  access to
+[1052.80 --> 1054.70]  amazing resources
+[1054.70 --> 1055.50]  of wealth
+[1055.50 --> 1057.36]  and yet
+[1057.36 --> 1059.86]  do we find
+[1059.86 --> 1060.78]  that the richest
+[1060.78 --> 1061.46]  countries
+[1061.46 --> 1062.48]  in the world
+[1062.48 --> 1063.66]  are always
+[1063.66 --> 1064.60]  the wisest
+[1064.60 --> 1067.04]  not by far
+[1067.04 --> 1069.14]  true wisdom
+[1069.14 --> 1070.56]  is the way
+[1070.56 --> 1071.54]  of reverence
+[1071.54 --> 1072.46]  and obedience
+[1072.46 --> 1073.50]  to God
+[1073.50 --> 1075.12]  to know
+[1075.12 --> 1076.46]  and to follow
+[1076.46 --> 1077.34]  his ways
+[1077.34 --> 1078.54]  and his laws
+[1078.54 --> 1079.92]  to worship
+[1079.92 --> 1081.40]  and to adore
+[1081.40 --> 1081.82]  him
+[1081.82 --> 1083.42]  and that's the call
+[1083.42 --> 1084.34]  to us this morning
+[1084.34 --> 1084.90]  if you want
+[1084.90 --> 1085.84]  to seek wisdom
+[1085.84 --> 1087.64]  then turn to God
+[1087.64 --> 1089.16]  and he will reveal
+[1089.16 --> 1090.22]  the path of wisdom
+[1090.22 --> 1091.70]  to all who seek him
+[1091.70 --> 1093.54]  not always
+[1093.54 --> 1094.56]  to those who seek
+[1094.56 --> 1095.70]  human knowledge
+[1095.70 --> 1096.46]  and skill
+[1096.46 --> 1097.52]  and apply it
+[1097.52 --> 1099.26]  or necessarily
+[1099.26 --> 1100.52]  to those who seek
+[1100.52 --> 1101.26]  the riches
+[1101.26 --> 1102.38]  of this world
+[1102.38 --> 1104.44]  but always
+[1104.44 --> 1105.28]  to those
+[1105.28 --> 1106.38]  who truly
+[1106.38 --> 1107.56]  seek God
+[1107.56 --> 1108.72]  walk
+[1108.72 --> 1109.62]  in his way
+[1109.62 --> 1111.66]  love the Lord
+[1111.66 --> 1113.14]  and shun
+[1113.14 --> 1113.82]  evil
+[1113.82 --> 1115.40]  amen
+[1115.40 --> 1118.42]  shall we pray
+[1118.42 --> 1122.08]  heavenly father
+[1122.08 --> 1122.84]  we thank you
+[1122.84 --> 1124.06]  that you are
+[1124.06 --> 1124.50]  the source
+[1124.50 --> 1124.98]  of wisdom
+[1124.98 --> 1126.94]  and we acknowledge
+[1126.94 --> 1127.68]  lord that there
+[1127.68 --> 1128.52]  are many times
+[1128.52 --> 1129.24]  in our lives
+[1129.24 --> 1130.18]  when we need
+[1130.18 --> 1130.98]  wisdom
+[1130.98 --> 1134.66]  we can't always
+[1134.66 --> 1135.60]  answer the questions
+[1135.60 --> 1136.40]  of the children
+[1136.40 --> 1139.06]  we don't always
+[1139.06 --> 1139.72]  understand
+[1139.72 --> 1140.34]  why things
+[1140.34 --> 1140.94]  are happening
+[1140.94 --> 1141.88]  in our lives
+[1141.88 --> 1143.84]  why we are
+[1143.84 --> 1144.24]  suffering
+[1144.24 --> 1144.98]  why our loved
+[1144.98 --> 1145.80]  ones are suffering
+[1145.80 --> 1147.26]  why we have
+[1147.26 --> 1147.82]  lost
+[1147.82 --> 1149.10]  a loved one
+[1149.10 --> 1151.28]  and sometimes
+[1151.28 --> 1152.14]  we cry out
+[1152.14 --> 1152.82]  to you lord
+[1152.82 --> 1153.78]  why
+[1153.78 --> 1154.56]  oh god
+[1154.56 --> 1157.60]  why
+[1157.60 --> 1160.28]  and you
+[1160.28 --> 1160.76]  point us
+[1160.76 --> 1161.32]  back to your
+[1161.32 --> 1161.66]  word
+[1161.66 --> 1162.66]  and you
+[1162.66 --> 1163.24]  remind us
+[1163.24 --> 1163.84]  that it is
+[1163.84 --> 1164.90]  the love
+[1164.90 --> 1165.52]  of god
+[1165.52 --> 1167.10]  that is the
+[1167.10 --> 1167.62]  beginning of
+[1167.62 --> 1168.00]  wisdom
+[1168.00 --> 1170.12]  that we are
+[1170.12 --> 1170.84]  called in this
+[1170.84 --> 1171.56]  life to shun
+[1171.56 --> 1172.00]  evil
+[1172.00 --> 1173.74]  and to walk
+[1173.74 --> 1174.54]  in your way
+[1174.54 --> 1176.28]  and so we
+[1176.28 --> 1176.86]  pray lord
+[1176.86 --> 1178.48]  when the cry
+[1178.48 --> 1179.20]  of our heart
+[1179.20 --> 1180.28]  goes out to you
+[1180.28 --> 1181.06]  will you speak
+[1181.06 --> 1181.76]  to our heart
+[1181.76 --> 1182.20]  through your
+[1182.20 --> 1182.92]  holy spirit
+[1182.92 --> 1183.50]  and will you
+[1183.50 --> 1184.14]  lead us
+[1184.14 --> 1185.32]  in your way
+[1185.32 --> 1186.04]  will you open
+[1186.04 --> 1186.72]  our eyes
+[1186.72 --> 1187.38]  to see the
+[1187.38 --> 1187.88]  wonders
+[1187.88 --> 1188.94]  of your
+[1188.94 --> 1189.58]  creation
+[1189.58 --> 1190.58]  as we turn
+[1190.58 --> 1191.24]  to you
+[1191.24 --> 1192.44]  in love
+[1192.44 --> 1193.40]  and adoration
+[1193.40 --> 1195.28]  and father
+[1195.28 --> 1195.72]  will you
+[1195.72 --> 1196.46]  help us
+[1196.46 --> 1196.98]  by your
+[1196.98 --> 1197.64]  holy spirit
+[1197.64 --> 1198.60]  to turn away
+[1198.60 --> 1199.66]  from all
+[1199.66 --> 1200.48]  that is evil
+[1200.48 --> 1201.62]  in our lives
+[1201.62 --> 1202.74]  and in the
+[1202.74 --> 1203.84]  world around us
+[1203.84 --> 1204.94]  and then
+[1204.94 --> 1205.78]  may we truly
+[1205.78 --> 1208.10]  find
+[1208.10 --> 1208.90]  wisdom
+[1208.90 --> 1210.46]  for our
+[1210.46 --> 1210.88]  lives
+[1210.88 --> 1212.24]  we ask it
+[1212.24 --> 1213.10]  in jesus name
+[1213.10 --> 1214.26]  amen
+[1214.26 --> 1214.76]  you

Finding Wisdom (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,800 @@
+[0.00 --> 8.68]  The reading this morning is from Job, chapter 28, the book of Job.
+[9.62 --> 11.82]  The theme is finding wisdom.
+[15.52 --> 22.32]  Job 28 is divided into three stanzas, so I will indicate when each one begins.
+[23.22 --> 29.00]  Stanza 1, there is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined.
+[30.00 --> 33.78]  Iron is taken from the earth and copper is smelted from ore.
+[34.68 --> 37.14]  Mortals put an end to the darkness.
+[37.46 --> 42.34]  They search out the farthest recesses for ore in the blackest darkness.
+[43.26 --> 48.96]  Far from human dwellings they cut a shaft in places untouched by human feet.
+[49.16 --> 52.56]  Far from other people they dangle and sway.
+[53.50 --> 57.92]  The earth from which food comes is transformed below as by fire.
+[57.92 --> 63.86]  Lapis lazuli comes from its rocks and its dust contains nuggets of gold.
+[64.72 --> 67.38]  No bird of prey knows that hidden path.
+[67.54 --> 69.48]  No falcon's eye has seen it.
+[70.06 --> 72.50]  Proud beasts do not set foot on it.
+[72.86 --> 74.58]  And no lion prowls there.
+[74.58 --> 78.98]  People assault the flinty rock with their hands.
+[78.98 --> 81.98]  Lay bare the roots of the mountains.
+[82.18 --> 84.22]  They tunnel through the rock.
+[84.76 --> 86.82]  Their eyes see all its treasures.
+[87.68 --> 92.14]  They search the sources of the rivers and bring hidden things to light.
+[92.14 --> 96.16]  But where can wisdom be found?
+[97.10 --> 99.80]  Where does understanding dwell?
+[99.80 --> 103.40]  Well, then begins stanza two.
+[104.60 --> 107.58]  No mortal comprehends its worth.
+[108.28 --> 110.82]  It cannot be found in the land of the living.
+[111.24 --> 113.64]  The deep says it is not in me.
+[114.00 --> 116.78]  The sea says it is not in me.
+[117.34 --> 120.08]  It cannot be bought with the finest gold,
+[120.08 --> 123.30]  nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
+[124.04 --> 126.74]  It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir,
+[127.18 --> 129.64]  with precious onyx or lapis lazuli.
+[130.64 --> 133.66]  Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it,
+[134.20 --> 136.96]  nor can it be had for jewels of gold.
+[137.70 --> 140.26]  Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention.
+[140.82 --> 144.24]  The price of wisdom is beyond rubies.
+[144.24 --> 147.76]  The topaz of kosh cannot compare with it.
+[148.38 --> 150.68]  It cannot be bought with pure gold.
+[152.18 --> 155.14]  Where, then, does wisdom come from?
+[155.86 --> 158.32]  Where does understanding dwell?
+[160.44 --> 162.24]  Now begin stanza three.
+[163.28 --> 166.20]  It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing,
+[166.44 --> 168.80]  concealed even from the birds in the sky.
+[169.42 --> 173.76]  Destruction and death say only a rumor of it has reached our ears.
+[174.70 --> 177.32]  God understands the way to it,
+[178.02 --> 181.08]  and he alone knows where it dwells.
+[181.48 --> 183.74]  For he views the ends of the earth
+[183.74 --> 185.78]  and sees everything under the heavens.
+[186.40 --> 189.16]  When he established the force of the wind
+[189.16 --> 190.72]  and measured out the waters,
+[191.20 --> 193.38]  when he made the decree for rain
+[193.38 --> 195.06]  and the path for the thunderstorm,
+[195.74 --> 198.64]  then he looked at wisdom and appraised it.
+[198.64 --> 201.18]  He confirmed it and tested it,
+[201.50 --> 203.54]  and he said to the human race,
+[203.54 --> 206.08]  the fear of the Lord,
+[206.78 --> 208.00]  that is wisdom,
+[208.82 --> 211.54]  and to shun evil is understanding.
+[212.74 --> 214.84]  And that's our text for this morning, too,
+[214.92 --> 216.48]  the fear of the Lord,
+[216.62 --> 219.62]  and that we can just as well say,
+[219.76 --> 223.00]  the love for the Lord,
+[223.38 --> 224.72]  that is wisdom,
+[224.72 --> 228.02]  and to shun evil is understanding.
+[228.02 --> 229.90]  Brothers and sisters,
+[229.90 --> 231.40]  in our Lord Jesus Christ,
+[232.34 --> 233.26]  why?
+[234.58 --> 237.46]  That's a question kids love to ask, isn't it?
+[238.14 --> 239.90]  And we as parents, you know,
+[239.94 --> 241.78]  we have to have a lot of wisdom
+[241.78 --> 243.74]  to always answer that question.
+[244.50 --> 245.98]  I was struck by that once
+[245.98 --> 248.04]  when I was volunteering
+[248.04 --> 250.12]  at Abbotsford Regional Hospital,
+[250.26 --> 252.78]  as I used to do every Thursday morning
+[252.78 --> 255.74]  before the pandemic shut us down.
+[256.58 --> 260.16]  I was a pastoral visitor there at the hospital,
+[260.16 --> 262.64]  and every week I would spend an hour
+[262.64 --> 264.08]  in the psych ward
+[264.08 --> 267.16]  and working with the patients there
+[267.16 --> 270.14]  and just to be there to talk to them,
+[270.24 --> 271.80]  to answer their questions or whatever.
+[271.80 --> 275.18]  So one week the physiotherapist on Judy
+[275.18 --> 277.10]  introduced me as Pastor Rudy
+[277.10 --> 278.42]  and added,
+[278.78 --> 281.00]  he can answer any of your questions.
+[281.72 --> 283.82]  Well, that kind of left it wide open.
+[284.02 --> 285.96]  So one of the patients there,
+[286.32 --> 290.24]  in fact, a lady that I had spoken with before,
+[290.64 --> 292.70]  so she knew who I was and so on,
+[292.78 --> 294.06]  a little bit,
+[294.14 --> 297.36]  but she thought she'd tease me a little bit
+[297.36 --> 300.58]  and make a joke by asking me,
+[300.58 --> 302.84]  well, if you can answer any of our questions,
+[302.96 --> 304.36]  why is the sky blue?
+[305.80 --> 307.94]  Isn't that the kind of question kids usually ask?
+[308.02 --> 309.08]  Why is the sky blue?
+[309.74 --> 311.04]  Well, I told her,
+[311.10 --> 312.70]  turning the joke back on her,
+[313.06 --> 314.28]  it just so happens that
+[314.28 --> 315.64]  before I became a pastor,
+[315.78 --> 316.96]  I was a science teacher,
+[317.36 --> 318.66]  and I can tell you exactly
+[318.66 --> 319.84]  why the sky is blue.
+[320.38 --> 322.18]  So we had kind of fun with that.
+[323.06 --> 324.32]  But I can imagine that
+[324.32 --> 327.38]  the answers aren't always so ready to hand
+[327.38 --> 329.42]  when kids come up with these questions.
+[329.58 --> 329.96]  Why?
+[330.58 --> 331.04]  Why?
+[331.20 --> 332.82]  And parents need a lot of wisdom.
+[333.64 --> 335.52]  Where do parents get the wisdom
+[335.52 --> 337.84]  to answer all these questions?
+[338.70 --> 339.98]  The story of Job
+[339.98 --> 342.10]  is a search for wisdom
+[342.10 --> 345.70]  in facing the many struggles of life.
+[346.32 --> 348.34]  Job was a suffering child of God
+[348.34 --> 350.06]  who wanted to know why.
+[350.06 --> 355.74]  Three friends came to offer words of wisdom to Job.
+[356.94 --> 358.76]  Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.
+[358.96 --> 360.44]  If you're familiar with the story,
+[361.28 --> 362.98]  you've read the book,
+[363.28 --> 365.30]  you know all their arguments.
+[365.44 --> 367.28]  We're not going to get into those this morning,
+[367.28 --> 369.90]  but did you ever notice that
+[369.90 --> 372.84]  before they began to argue with him,
+[372.84 --> 378.12]  they sat with him in silence for a week.
+[378.12 --> 383.06]  168 hours of sitting with him
+[383.06 --> 385.16]  and not saying anything.
+[385.16 --> 387.60]  Now that showed real wisdom.
+[388.70 --> 390.32]  That is real comfort.
+[390.52 --> 391.54]  You know, sometimes when,
+[391.74 --> 393.64]  and you and I have experienced that
+[393.64 --> 395.44]  when we go through difficult times,
+[395.44 --> 397.80]  we don't need people to come
+[397.80 --> 399.32]  and give us the answer
+[399.32 --> 401.60]  and tell us how we should feel
+[401.60 --> 403.18]  and what we should do.
+[403.38 --> 405.70]  We just need somebody to be there.
+[407.64 --> 409.06]  Just to be there.
+[409.20 --> 412.40]  90%, they say, of caring is just showing up.
+[413.04 --> 415.02]  Just to be there and sit with them.
+[415.82 --> 416.82]  168 hours.
+[417.64 --> 419.00]  Can you imagine that?
+[419.08 --> 420.70]  And then they begin this debate.
+[421.16 --> 424.30]  Now, depending on how fast a reader you are,
+[424.30 --> 425.84]  you know, you can sit down
+[425.84 --> 427.34]  and read that whole debate,
+[427.54 --> 431.66]  chapters 3 through 27,
+[432.26 --> 433.16]  and you can read that
+[433.16 --> 435.34]  in about an hour and a half to two hours.
+[436.72 --> 438.68]  So all the good that they did
+[438.68 --> 441.30]  in the 168 hours of sitting there
+[441.30 --> 442.22]  and being with him,
+[442.52 --> 443.60]  they kind of undid it
+[443.60 --> 444.70]  when they opened their mouth
+[444.70 --> 445.86]  and started to talk
+[445.86 --> 448.14]  and give all kinds of excuses
+[448.14 --> 449.92]  and reasons and so on.
+[450.24 --> 452.04]  The first round of speeches
+[452.04 --> 454.86]  that takes about two hours to read,
+[455.20 --> 457.68]  and that's chapters 1 through 27.
+[458.62 --> 461.44]  And then chapters 29 through 42
+[461.44 --> 463.62]  gives a second round of speeches
+[463.62 --> 464.52]  from Job,
+[465.48 --> 466.96]  a newcomer to the group,
+[467.08 --> 467.72]  Elihu,
+[467.98 --> 470.58]  and then God giving his answer.
+[471.38 --> 472.46]  And chapter 28
+[472.46 --> 473.86]  is right in between
+[473.86 --> 476.12]  those two rounds of speeches.
+[476.28 --> 477.42]  It's an interlude.
+[477.42 --> 479.24]  And in this interlude,
+[479.38 --> 480.64]  the question is asked,
+[481.14 --> 483.76]  where can wisdom be found?
+[484.66 --> 486.50]  And it's set up like a poem
+[486.50 --> 489.44]  with the refrain after each verse.
+[489.92 --> 491.86]  The refrain in verse 12,
+[492.70 --> 494.94]  where does wisdom come from?
+[495.08 --> 496.68]  Where does understanding dwell?
+[497.44 --> 498.70]  And in verse 20,
+[498.80 --> 499.66]  that is repeated.
+[500.36 --> 501.38]  And in our text,
+[501.50 --> 502.18]  verse 28,
+[502.30 --> 503.68]  it's changed a little bit.
+[503.78 --> 504.76]  The answer is given.
+[504.76 --> 505.94]  And the fear of the Lord,
+[506.34 --> 507.44]  that is wisdom.
+[507.92 --> 509.92]  And to shun evil is understanding.
+[510.10 --> 511.00]  So each stanza
+[511.00 --> 515.44]  ends with a question about wisdom.
+[516.58 --> 518.42]  Now, in the first stanza,
+[518.70 --> 521.60]  Job considers mankind's search
+[521.60 --> 523.36]  for wisdom.
+[524.50 --> 526.74]  Where can we find wisdom
+[526.74 --> 528.10]  if we seek for it?
+[529.04 --> 530.00]  In the second stanza,
+[530.12 --> 532.50]  he considers mankind's wealth.
+[532.50 --> 535.30]  Can we buy wisdom
+[535.30 --> 536.74]  if we are rich enough
+[536.74 --> 538.28]  to buy it?
+[538.96 --> 539.60]  And finally,
+[539.80 --> 540.82]  he turns to God
+[540.82 --> 541.80]  in the third stanza
+[541.80 --> 543.88]  to discover the true source
+[543.88 --> 545.10]  of wisdom,
+[545.34 --> 546.44]  which is God himself.
+[546.68 --> 548.34]  Let's look at these two stanzas.
+[548.94 --> 549.60]  The first one,
+[549.74 --> 551.32]  mankind's search.
+[553.14 --> 554.40]  Verses 1 to 11
+[554.40 --> 555.72]  give us a detailed
+[555.72 --> 557.36]  and accurate description
+[557.36 --> 559.50]  of ancient mining methods.
+[559.50 --> 562.08]  The author's intention
+[562.08 --> 564.10]  is to reflect mankind's
+[564.10 --> 565.42]  amazing skill
+[565.42 --> 566.30]  and cunning
+[566.30 --> 567.74]  in carrying out
+[567.74 --> 569.20]  this extremely difficult
+[569.20 --> 571.02]  and hazardous task
+[571.02 --> 573.80]  of getting valuable minerals
+[573.80 --> 575.06]  and gems and so on
+[575.06 --> 577.02]  from underneath the earth.
+[577.70 --> 578.74]  Mankind's success
+[578.74 --> 579.70]  as a miner
+[579.70 --> 581.52]  shows how resourceful
+[581.52 --> 583.98]  and how intelligent we are.
+[583.98 --> 585.68]  We have conquered
+[585.68 --> 586.54]  the creation
+[586.54 --> 588.28]  in a real sense
+[588.28 --> 589.34]  and we use it
+[589.34 --> 590.58]  for our own purposes.
+[591.62 --> 592.46]  We have discovered
+[592.46 --> 593.58]  many things,
+[593.74 --> 595.40]  he says in this stanza,
+[595.86 --> 597.30]  underneath the earth
+[597.30 --> 598.26]  that even
+[598.26 --> 600.10]  mighty creatures
+[600.10 --> 601.34]  who roam the earth
+[601.34 --> 602.46]  and fly over it
+[602.46 --> 603.62]  have never seen.
+[604.92 --> 605.54]  Mankind
+[605.54 --> 608.00]  is the crown of creation.
+[608.72 --> 609.64]  We can discover
+[609.64 --> 611.42]  the sources of rivers.
+[611.42 --> 613.44]  We can lay bare
+[613.44 --> 615.02]  the roots of the mountains
+[615.02 --> 616.62]  and bring hidden things
+[616.62 --> 617.28]  to light.
+[618.18 --> 619.34]  But for all
+[619.34 --> 620.62]  of our skill
+[620.62 --> 621.38]  and ability
+[621.38 --> 623.38]  we cannot discover
+[623.38 --> 624.52]  the mystery
+[624.52 --> 625.82]  of wisdom.
+[626.58 --> 627.88]  Nor are we able
+[627.88 --> 628.88]  to search out
+[628.88 --> 629.62]  and understand
+[629.62 --> 630.94]  the secret ways
+[630.94 --> 631.66]  of God.
+[632.76 --> 633.42]  These verses
+[633.42 --> 634.16]  suggest
+[634.16 --> 635.08]  the difficulty
+[635.08 --> 635.80]  facing us
+[635.80 --> 636.38]  in our search
+[636.38 --> 636.92]  for wisdom.
+[638.00 --> 639.36]  We will not find it
+[639.36 --> 641.36]  by our own efforts.
+[641.42 --> 642.42]  and abilities
+[642.42 --> 643.72]  and therefore
+[643.72 --> 645.16]  the refrain cries out
+[645.16 --> 646.64]  where can wisdom
+[646.64 --> 647.36]  be found?
+[648.18 --> 648.82]  Where does
+[648.82 --> 650.00]  understanding dwell?
+[651.80 --> 652.74]  Then we come
+[652.74 --> 653.86]  to the second stanza
+[653.86 --> 654.44]  and there
+[654.44 --> 655.60]  we look at
+[655.60 --> 657.10]  mankind's wealth.
+[659.18 --> 659.86]  Perhaps you've
+[659.86 --> 660.44]  heard the slogan
+[660.44 --> 661.98]  when money talks
+[661.98 --> 662.86]  people listen
+[662.86 --> 664.76]  and that's often true.
+[665.74 --> 666.10]  Or
+[666.10 --> 667.82]  the golden rule
+[667.82 --> 668.56]  you might have heard
+[668.56 --> 669.16]  has been twisted
+[669.16 --> 669.58]  to say
+[669.58 --> 670.06]  he who
+[670.06 --> 671.72]  has the gold
+[671.72 --> 672.46]  rules.
+[674.10 --> 675.22]  Money talks
+[675.22 --> 675.68]  indeed
+[675.68 --> 676.62]  but is that
+[676.62 --> 678.08]  where wisdom lies?
+[678.88 --> 679.74]  Does wealth
+[679.74 --> 681.30]  bring wisdom?
+[681.78 --> 682.46]  Can money
+[682.46 --> 683.70]  buy it?
+[684.58 --> 685.32]  In verse 13
+[685.32 --> 685.94]  we read
+[685.94 --> 687.32]  no mortal
+[687.32 --> 688.50]  can comprehend
+[688.50 --> 690.26]  its worth.
+[690.96 --> 692.10]  We don't even know
+[692.10 --> 693.16]  the true value
+[693.16 --> 694.34]  of wisdom.
+[694.34 --> 695.80]  how could we
+[695.80 --> 696.62]  even begin
+[696.62 --> 697.92]  to buy it?
+[698.58 --> 698.84]  And then
+[698.84 --> 699.74]  verse 13b
+[699.74 --> 700.72]  and 14 say
+[700.72 --> 702.56]  even if you knew
+[702.56 --> 703.28]  its value
+[703.28 --> 704.34]  where would you go
+[704.34 --> 705.60]  to buy it?
+[706.34 --> 707.54]  You can't find it
+[707.54 --> 708.30]  any place
+[708.30 --> 709.32]  in the land
+[709.32 --> 710.08]  of the living.
+[711.34 --> 712.64]  Even the deep
+[712.64 --> 713.80]  and the sea
+[713.80 --> 714.54]  say
+[714.54 --> 715.52]  it is not
+[715.52 --> 716.24]  with me.
+[717.30 --> 717.34]  Creation
+[717.90 --> 718.72]  itself
+[718.72 --> 720.18]  can't sell it
+[720.18 --> 721.20]  to us.
+[721.20 --> 723.42]  verse 15
+[723.42 --> 724.12]  to 19
+[724.12 --> 724.86]  show that
+[724.86 --> 725.38]  if you could
+[725.38 --> 725.86]  find
+[725.86 --> 727.00]  all the most
+[727.00 --> 728.40]  precious jewels
+[728.40 --> 729.34]  on earth
+[729.34 --> 730.78]  you still
+[730.78 --> 731.34]  could not
+[731.34 --> 732.20]  buy wisdom.
+[733.48 --> 733.76]  And so
+[733.76 --> 734.22]  again
+[734.22 --> 735.16]  the refrain
+[735.16 --> 736.16]  of verse 20
+[736.16 --> 736.70]  asks
+[736.70 --> 738.04]  where does
+[738.04 --> 738.64]  wisdom
+[738.64 --> 740.12]  come from?
+[740.82 --> 741.40]  Where does
+[741.40 --> 742.20]  understanding
+[742.20 --> 743.24]  dwell?
+[744.66 --> 745.40]  Now we look
+[745.40 --> 745.90]  at the third
+[745.90 --> 746.38]  stanza
+[746.38 --> 747.60]  discovering
+[747.60 --> 748.56]  God's
+[748.56 --> 749.34]  response.
+[749.34 --> 751.44]  verses 21
+[751.44 --> 752.28]  to 27
+[752.28 --> 754.12]  it is time
+[754.12 --> 754.78]  to turn away
+[754.78 --> 755.54]  from man
+[755.54 --> 757.02]  and to seek
+[757.02 --> 757.66]  the answer
+[757.66 --> 758.50]  from God.
+[759.58 --> 760.76]  Verse 21
+[760.76 --> 761.54]  begins by
+[761.54 --> 762.54]  repeating again
+[762.54 --> 763.30]  the ideas
+[763.30 --> 763.68]  that
+[763.68 --> 764.78]  though we may
+[764.78 --> 765.54]  search for
+[765.54 --> 766.22]  hidden treasures
+[766.22 --> 767.04]  in the earth
+[767.04 --> 767.92]  though we may
+[767.92 --> 768.58]  see more
+[768.58 --> 769.32]  aspects of
+[769.32 --> 769.84]  creation
+[769.84 --> 770.50]  than any
+[770.50 --> 771.30]  other creature
+[771.30 --> 772.38]  though skill
+[772.38 --> 773.52]  and ingenuity
+[773.52 --> 774.24]  may open
+[774.24 --> 775.36]  many mysteries
+[775.36 --> 776.28]  of creation
+[776.28 --> 777.72]  yet for all
+[777.72 --> 778.48]  our searching
+[778.48 --> 779.22]  we cannot
+[779.22 --> 780.78]  find wisdom
+[780.78 --> 781.72]  for all
+[781.72 --> 782.34]  the amassed
+[782.34 --> 782.78]  riches
+[782.78 --> 783.66]  of our world
+[783.66 --> 784.58]  we cannot
+[784.58 --> 785.40]  buy it.
+[787.14 --> 788.02]  Does that
+[788.02 --> 788.46]  mean that
+[788.46 --> 789.10]  God's wisdom
+[789.10 --> 790.04]  is not present
+[790.04 --> 791.16]  in this
+[791.16 --> 791.64]  creation?
+[792.84 --> 793.96]  Well we
+[793.96 --> 795.00]  as New Testament
+[795.00 --> 795.48]  Christians
+[795.48 --> 796.02]  know that
+[796.02 --> 796.50]  that's not
+[796.50 --> 797.22]  true because
+[797.22 --> 797.76]  we know
+[797.76 --> 798.38]  the Apostle
+[798.38 --> 799.16]  Paul teaches
+[799.16 --> 799.90]  us differently.
+[800.98 --> 801.74]  In Romans 1
+[801.74 --> 802.44]  verse 19
+[802.44 --> 803.04]  and 20
+[803.04 --> 804.70]  he writes
+[804.70 --> 805.70]  what may
+[805.70 --> 806.46]  be known
+[806.46 --> 807.54]  about God
+[807.54 --> 808.28]  is plain
+[808.28 --> 808.76]  to them
+[808.76 --> 809.66]  because God
+[809.66 --> 810.28]  has made
+[810.28 --> 810.76]  it plain
+[810.76 --> 811.24]  to them
+[811.24 --> 811.86]  for since
+[811.86 --> 812.60]  the creation
+[812.60 --> 813.32]  of the world
+[813.32 --> 814.90]  God's invisible
+[814.90 --> 815.64]  qualities
+[815.64 --> 816.56]  his eternal
+[816.56 --> 817.22]  power
+[817.22 --> 817.96]  and divine
+[817.96 --> 818.36]  nature
+[818.36 --> 819.14]  have been
+[819.14 --> 820.66]  clearly seen
+[820.66 --> 822.16]  being understood
+[822.16 --> 822.96]  from what
+[822.96 --> 824.00]  has been made
+[824.00 --> 825.16]  so that men
+[825.16 --> 826.06]  are without
+[826.06 --> 826.90]  excuse.
+[827.90 --> 828.22]  And from
+[828.22 --> 828.98]  that we learn
+[828.98 --> 829.68]  that yes
+[829.68 --> 830.70]  the wisdom
+[830.70 --> 831.34]  of God
+[831.34 --> 832.98]  is present
+[832.98 --> 834.48]  in creation
+[834.48 --> 836.00]  but we can
+[836.00 --> 837.16]  only see it
+[837.16 --> 838.34]  if God
+[838.34 --> 839.56]  reveals it
+[839.56 --> 840.30]  to us.
+[841.74 --> 842.70]  Job 38
+[842.70 --> 843.66]  through 40
+[843.66 --> 844.86]  is what
+[844.86 --> 845.24]  we might
+[845.24 --> 845.84]  almost call
+[845.84 --> 846.70]  a tour
+[846.70 --> 847.98]  of the universe
+[847.98 --> 849.76]  where God
+[849.76 --> 850.76]  now speaks
+[850.76 --> 852.66]  and God
+[852.66 --> 853.12]  says
+[853.12 --> 854.00]  where were
+[854.00 --> 855.20]  you Job
+[855.20 --> 856.34]  with all
+[856.34 --> 856.96]  your wisdom
+[856.96 --> 858.14]  when I
+[858.14 --> 858.70]  created
+[858.70 --> 859.66]  the universe
+[859.66 --> 861.56]  how can
+[861.56 --> 862.50]  you understand
+[862.50 --> 862.86]  Job
+[862.86 --> 863.62]  how it
+[863.62 --> 864.14]  was made
+[864.14 --> 865.00]  and how
+[865.00 --> 865.56]  it was put
+[865.56 --> 866.02]  together
+[866.02 --> 868.58]  can mankind
+[868.58 --> 869.74]  can we
+[869.74 --> 871.26]  ever grasp
+[871.26 --> 872.28]  the miracle
+[872.28 --> 873.58]  of what God
+[873.58 --> 874.12]  did
+[874.12 --> 875.48]  in the creation
+[875.48 --> 876.46]  and what he
+[876.46 --> 877.50]  continues to
+[877.50 --> 878.00]  do
+[878.00 --> 879.82]  in upholding
+[879.82 --> 880.52]  and sustaining
+[880.52 --> 881.22]  and providing
+[881.22 --> 882.12]  for our world
+[882.12 --> 884.12]  the wisdom
+[884.12 --> 884.88]  of God
+[884.88 --> 885.68]  is indeed
+[885.68 --> 886.54]  present
+[886.54 --> 887.70]  in creation
+[887.70 --> 889.34]  but only
+[889.34 --> 890.14]  God
+[890.14 --> 891.66]  knows
+[891.66 --> 892.06]  the way
+[892.06 --> 892.58]  to it
+[892.58 --> 893.86]  he is
+[893.86 --> 894.58]  the source
+[894.58 --> 895.92]  and only
+[895.92 --> 896.66]  he can
+[896.66 --> 897.02]  give it
+[897.02 --> 897.56]  to us
+[897.56 --> 899.42]  how then
+[899.42 --> 899.92]  can we
+[899.92 --> 900.86]  get wisdom
+[900.86 --> 901.92]  well
+[901.92 --> 903.42]  that's why
+[903.42 --> 904.12]  verse 28
+[904.12 --> 905.06]  is our text
+[905.06 --> 905.98]  and also
+[905.98 --> 906.68]  the conclusion
+[906.68 --> 907.54]  of this chapter
+[907.54 --> 909.48]  verse 28
+[909.48 --> 910.56]  reveals God's
+[910.56 --> 911.38]  secret way
+[911.38 --> 912.88]  the fear
+[912.88 --> 914.64]  or the love
+[914.64 --> 915.74]  of the Lord
+[915.74 --> 916.76]  is the beginning
+[916.76 --> 917.34]  of wisdom
+[917.34 --> 919.12]  and those
+[919.12 --> 919.70]  are familiar
+[919.70 --> 920.18]  words
+[920.18 --> 920.68]  I know
+[920.68 --> 921.00]  they are
+[921.00 --> 921.34]  for me
+[921.34 --> 921.80]  because they
+[921.80 --> 922.16]  were written
+[922.16 --> 922.96]  on the foundation
+[922.96 --> 923.70]  stone of the
+[923.70 --> 924.36]  Christian school
+[924.36 --> 925.12]  that I attended
+[925.12 --> 926.14]  in Hamilton
+[926.14 --> 926.78]  Ontario
+[926.78 --> 928.78]  the fear
+[928.78 --> 929.26]  of the Lord
+[929.26 --> 929.88]  is the beginning
+[929.88 --> 930.40]  of wisdom
+[930.40 --> 931.30]  they're found
+[931.30 --> 932.54]  in Psalm 110
+[932.54 --> 933.40]  they're found
+[933.40 --> 934.10]  in Proverbs
+[934.10 --> 934.98]  chapter 1
+[934.98 --> 936.64]  and here
+[936.64 --> 937.44]  Job adds
+[937.44 --> 938.88]  and to shun
+[938.88 --> 939.52]  evil
+[939.52 --> 940.86]  is the beginning
+[940.86 --> 942.00]  of understanding
+[942.00 --> 943.74]  the love
+[943.74 --> 944.42]  of the Lord
+[944.42 --> 945.32]  is the beginning
+[945.32 --> 946.02]  of wisdom
+[946.02 --> 947.48]  and to shun
+[947.48 --> 947.96]  evil
+[947.96 --> 950.24]  is the beginning
+[950.24 --> 951.18]  of understanding
+[951.18 --> 952.88]  this really
+[952.88 --> 953.64]  makes Job
+[953.64 --> 954.22]  himself
+[954.22 --> 954.84]  the best
+[954.84 --> 955.40]  example
+[955.40 --> 956.04]  of wisdom
+[956.04 --> 958.00]  because we read
+[958.00 --> 958.78]  in chapter 1
+[958.78 --> 959.28]  verse 1
+[959.28 --> 960.08]  that Job
+[960.08 --> 961.18]  was blameless
+[961.18 --> 962.10]  and upright
+[962.10 --> 963.62]  he feared
+[963.62 --> 964.34]  that is
+[964.34 --> 965.12]  he loved
+[965.12 --> 965.80]  God
+[965.80 --> 967.06]  and he shunned
+[967.06 --> 967.60]  evil
+[967.60 --> 969.88]  the debate
+[969.88 --> 970.78]  shows that Job
+[970.78 --> 971.50]  was not always
+[971.50 --> 972.20]  right either
+[972.20 --> 973.70]  he too made
+[973.70 --> 974.26]  mistakes
+[974.26 --> 974.94]  for which he
+[974.94 --> 975.58]  needed to be
+[975.58 --> 976.04]  corrected
+[976.04 --> 977.68]  but he did
+[977.68 --> 978.34]  have the
+[978.34 --> 978.78]  beginning
+[978.78 --> 979.78]  of wisdom
+[979.78 --> 981.00]  because he
+[981.00 --> 982.30]  loved God
+[982.30 --> 983.58]  and shunned
+[983.58 --> 984.24]  evil
+[984.24 --> 987.82]  isn't it true
+[987.82 --> 988.42]  that today
+[988.42 --> 989.00]  we can do
+[989.00 --> 990.04]  so much more
+[990.04 --> 991.46]  with our signs
+[991.46 --> 992.46]  and our computers
+[992.46 --> 993.98]  we can explore
+[993.98 --> 996.16]  the microcosm
+[996.16 --> 996.94]  of the atoms
+[996.94 --> 998.08]  and we can explore
+[998.08 --> 999.38]  the macrocosm
+[999.38 --> 1000.20]  of the stars
+[1000.20 --> 1001.16]  and the universe
+[1001.16 --> 1003.32]  but we still
+[1003.32 --> 1004.44]  can't find wisdom
+[1004.44 --> 1006.74]  I was reminded
+[1006.74 --> 1007.30]  yesterday
+[1007.30 --> 1008.48]  of that astronaut
+[1008.48 --> 1010.10]  the Russian astronaut
+[1010.10 --> 1012.06]  who was the first
+[1012.06 --> 1013.00]  human being
+[1013.00 --> 1014.20]  to go into space
+[1014.20 --> 1015.48]  and his comment
+[1015.48 --> 1015.80]  was
+[1015.80 --> 1016.46]  I looked out
+[1016.46 --> 1016.96]  the window
+[1016.96 --> 1017.92]  and I didn't see
+[1017.92 --> 1018.76]  God up there
+[1018.76 --> 1020.60]  and somebody
+[1020.60 --> 1022.12]  wisely suggested
+[1022.12 --> 1022.90]  well perhaps
+[1022.90 --> 1023.66]  if you'd stepped
+[1023.66 --> 1024.28]  outside
+[1024.28 --> 1025.20]  you would have
+[1025.20 --> 1025.72]  seen him
+[1025.72 --> 1028.04]  yes
+[1028.04 --> 1029.98]  we have amazing
+[1029.98 --> 1030.64]  resources
+[1030.64 --> 1032.90]  to explore
+[1032.90 --> 1033.88]  the universe
+[1033.88 --> 1036.08]  from the macrocosm
+[1036.08 --> 1037.26]  to the microcosm
+[1037.26 --> 1038.62]  but we still
+[1038.62 --> 1040.20]  can't find wisdom
+[1040.20 --> 1042.00]  as witness
+[1042.00 --> 1042.78]  in our world
+[1042.78 --> 1043.40]  the problems
+[1043.40 --> 1044.14]  of pollution
+[1044.14 --> 1045.60]  of racism
+[1045.60 --> 1046.82]  of wars
+[1046.82 --> 1048.32]  and of crimes
+[1048.32 --> 1049.36]  that affect
+[1049.36 --> 1050.24]  all of us
+[1050.24 --> 1051.92]  today we have
+[1051.92 --> 1052.80]  access to
+[1052.80 --> 1054.70]  amazing resources
+[1054.70 --> 1055.50]  of wealth
+[1055.50 --> 1057.36]  and yet
+[1057.36 --> 1059.86]  do we find
+[1059.86 --> 1060.78]  that the richest
+[1060.78 --> 1061.46]  countries
+[1061.46 --> 1062.48]  in the world
+[1062.48 --> 1063.66]  are always
+[1063.66 --> 1064.60]  the wisest
+[1064.60 --> 1067.04]  not by far
+[1067.04 --> 1069.14]  true wisdom
+[1069.14 --> 1070.56]  is the way
+[1070.56 --> 1071.54]  of reverence
+[1071.54 --> 1072.46]  and obedience
+[1072.46 --> 1073.50]  to God
+[1073.50 --> 1075.12]  to know
+[1075.12 --> 1076.46]  and to follow
+[1076.46 --> 1077.34]  his ways
+[1077.34 --> 1078.54]  and his laws
+[1078.54 --> 1079.92]  to worship
+[1079.92 --> 1081.40]  and to adore
+[1081.40 --> 1081.82]  him
+[1081.82 --> 1083.42]  and that's the call
+[1083.42 --> 1084.34]  to us this morning
+[1084.34 --> 1084.90]  if you want
+[1084.90 --> 1085.84]  to seek wisdom
+[1085.84 --> 1087.64]  then turn to God
+[1087.64 --> 1089.16]  and he will reveal
+[1089.16 --> 1090.22]  the path of wisdom
+[1090.22 --> 1091.70]  to all who seek him
+[1091.70 --> 1093.54]  not always
+[1093.54 --> 1094.56]  to those who seek
+[1094.56 --> 1095.70]  human knowledge
+[1095.70 --> 1096.46]  and skill
+[1096.46 --> 1097.52]  and apply it
+[1097.52 --> 1099.26]  or necessarily
+[1099.26 --> 1100.52]  to those who seek
+[1100.52 --> 1101.26]  the riches
+[1101.26 --> 1102.38]  of this world
+[1102.38 --> 1104.44]  but always
+[1104.44 --> 1105.28]  to those
+[1105.28 --> 1106.38]  who truly
+[1106.38 --> 1107.56]  seek God
+[1107.56 --> 1108.72]  walk
+[1108.72 --> 1109.62]  in his way
+[1109.62 --> 1111.66]  love the Lord
+[1111.66 --> 1113.14]  and shun
+[1113.14 --> 1113.82]  evil
+[1113.82 --> 1115.40]  amen
+[1115.40 --> 1118.42]  shall we pray
+[1118.42 --> 1122.08]  heavenly father
+[1122.08 --> 1122.84]  we thank you
+[1122.84 --> 1124.06]  that you are
+[1124.06 --> 1124.50]  the source
+[1124.50 --> 1124.98]  of wisdom
+[1124.98 --> 1126.94]  and we acknowledge
+[1126.94 --> 1127.68]  lord that there
+[1127.68 --> 1128.52]  are many times
+[1128.52 --> 1129.24]  in our lives
+[1129.24 --> 1130.18]  when we need
+[1130.18 --> 1130.98]  wisdom
+[1130.98 --> 1134.66]  we can't always
+[1134.66 --> 1135.60]  answer the questions
+[1135.60 --> 1136.40]  of the children
+[1136.40 --> 1139.06]  we don't always
+[1139.06 --> 1139.72]  understand
+[1139.72 --> 1140.34]  why things
+[1140.34 --> 1140.94]  are happening
+[1140.94 --> 1141.88]  in our lives
+[1141.88 --> 1143.84]  why we are
+[1143.84 --> 1144.24]  suffering
+[1144.24 --> 1144.98]  why our loved
+[1144.98 --> 1145.80]  ones are suffering
+[1145.80 --> 1147.26]  why we have
+[1147.26 --> 1147.82]  lost
+[1147.82 --> 1149.10]  a loved one
+[1149.10 --> 1151.28]  and sometimes
+[1151.28 --> 1152.14]  we cry out
+[1152.14 --> 1152.82]  to you lord
+[1152.82 --> 1153.78]  why
+[1153.78 --> 1154.56]  oh god
+[1154.56 --> 1157.60]  why
+[1157.60 --> 1160.28]  and you
+[1160.28 --> 1160.76]  point us
+[1160.76 --> 1161.32]  back to your
+[1161.32 --> 1161.66]  word
+[1161.66 --> 1162.66]  and you
+[1162.66 --> 1163.24]  remind us
+[1163.24 --> 1163.84]  that it is
+[1163.84 --> 1164.90]  the love
+[1164.90 --> 1165.52]  of god
+[1165.52 --> 1167.10]  that is the
+[1167.10 --> 1167.62]  beginning of
+[1167.62 --> 1168.00]  wisdom
+[1168.00 --> 1170.12]  that we are
+[1170.12 --> 1170.84]  called in this
+[1170.84 --> 1171.56]  life to shun
+[1171.56 --> 1172.00]  evil
+[1172.00 --> 1173.74]  and to walk
+[1173.74 --> 1174.54]  in your way
+[1174.54 --> 1176.28]  and so we
+[1176.28 --> 1176.86]  pray lord
+[1176.86 --> 1178.48]  when the cry
+[1178.48 --> 1179.20]  of our heart
+[1179.20 --> 1180.28]  goes out to you
+[1180.28 --> 1181.06]  will you speak
+[1181.06 --> 1181.76]  to our heart
+[1181.76 --> 1182.20]  through your
+[1182.20 --> 1182.92]  holy spirit
+[1182.92 --> 1183.50]  and will you
+[1183.50 --> 1184.14]  lead us
+[1184.14 --> 1185.32]  in your way
+[1185.32 --> 1186.04]  will you open
+[1186.04 --> 1186.72]  our eyes
+[1186.72 --> 1187.38]  to see the
+[1187.38 --> 1187.88]  wonders
+[1187.88 --> 1188.94]  of your
+[1188.94 --> 1189.58]  creation
+[1189.58 --> 1190.58]  as we turn
+[1190.58 --> 1191.24]  to you
+[1191.24 --> 1192.44]  in love
+[1192.44 --> 1193.40]  and adoration
+[1193.40 --> 1195.28]  and father
+[1195.28 --> 1195.72]  will you
+[1195.72 --> 1196.46]  help us
+[1196.46 --> 1196.98]  by your
+[1196.98 --> 1197.64]  holy spirit
+[1197.64 --> 1198.60]  to turn away
+[1198.60 --> 1199.66]  from all
+[1199.66 --> 1200.48]  that is evil
+[1200.48 --> 1201.62]  in our lives
+[1201.62 --> 1202.74]  and in the
+[1202.74 --> 1203.84]  world around us
+[1203.84 --> 1204.94]  and then
+[1204.94 --> 1205.78]  may we truly
+[1205.78 --> 1208.10]  find
+[1208.10 --> 1208.90]  wisdom
+[1208.90 --> 1210.46]  for our
+[1210.46 --> 1210.88]  lives
+[1210.88 --> 1212.24]  we ask it
+[1212.24 --> 1213.10]  in jesus name
+[1213.10 --> 1214.26]  amen
+[1214.26 --> 1214.76]  you

From Discord to Disciple (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,1238 @@
+[0.00 --> 1.92]  Good morning once again.
+[4.92 --> 14.82]  Hear the word of the Lord from Matthew chapter 10, verses 2 through 4.
+[16.70 --> 19.40]  These are the names of the twelve apostles.
+[20.50 --> 24.80]  First, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew.
+[26.08 --> 28.76]  James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
+[30.00 --> 31.64]  Philip and Bartholomew.
+[32.56 --> 35.18]  Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector.
+[36.22 --> 38.52]  James, son of Alphaeus and Thaddeus.
+[39.48 --> 40.72]  Simon, the zealot.
+[41.72 --> 43.64]  And Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
+[45.48 --> 47.94]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[47.94 --> 62.30]  So, you can be excused if your hearts were not all aflutter this morning as I read today's passage.
+[62.30 --> 73.08]  Sometimes we can be on the edge of our seat as we hear about how God has powerfully worked through his people in his word.
+[73.08 --> 79.58]  And other times we might need to be prodded awake at the end of its reading.
+[82.18 --> 85.46]  This is not likely the most riveting passage you've ever heard.
+[85.72 --> 92.44]  And yet, if we are careful, we will see that God is powerfully at work in and through it.
+[92.44 --> 99.40]  Perhaps I can reread this passage in a way that may reveal a glimpse of its richness.
+[101.90 --> 103.86]  These are the names of the twelve apostles.
+[103.86 --> 108.52]  First, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew.
+[109.56 --> 112.56]  James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
+[113.66 --> 115.78]  Philip and Bartholomew.
+[116.98 --> 120.36]  Thomas and Matthew, the passionate liberal.
+[121.52 --> 124.90]  And James, son of Alphaeus and Thaddeus.
+[125.86 --> 127.94]  Simon, the staunch conservative.
+[127.94 --> 131.56]  And Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
+[134.18 --> 138.56]  Now, obviously, Matthew and Simon were not liberal nor conservative.
+[139.46 --> 142.94]  But using political parties that are a little more familiar with us,
+[142.96 --> 146.46]  and we understand the general disdain that they have for each other,
+[147.38 --> 153.32]  gives us a bit of a glimpse into how this might have been heard in Jesus' day.
+[153.32 --> 158.50]  But using liberal and conservative only gives us a glimpse.
+[159.28 --> 164.96]  The issues that Matthew would have faced were far deeper than the irritations most of us feel
+[164.96 --> 167.94]  towards opposite political stances.
+[169.70 --> 175.34]  The television show The Chosen, a TV series about Jesus' life,
+[175.98 --> 181.54]  depicts this friction well as Jesus stops by the tax collector's booth
+[181.54 --> 186.00]  in the middle of a busy Capernaum street in order to call Matthew.
+[187.50 --> 188.50]  Jesus says,
+[189.38 --> 191.00]  Matthew, son of Alphaeus.
+[192.18 --> 196.70]  And with eyes wide, Matthew squeaks out,
+[197.52 --> 197.78]  Yes?
+[199.06 --> 201.02]  Follow me, he says.
+[202.18 --> 202.70]  Me?
+[204.38 --> 206.86]  Yes, you, Jesus responds with a smile.
+[208.22 --> 209.82]  But just then, Peter interrupts.
+[209.82 --> 211.36]  Whoa, whoa, whoa.
+[211.64 --> 212.62]  What are you doing?
+[213.70 --> 215.44]  Do you have any idea who he is?
+[215.62 --> 216.92]  Do you know what he has done?
+[217.32 --> 218.22]  Do you even know him?
+[220.02 --> 221.58]  Yes, Jesus responds.
+[222.86 --> 225.88]  And as Matthew makes his way out of the tax collector's booth
+[225.88 --> 228.52]  and past the Roman centurion who he worked with,
+[230.02 --> 231.20]  Peter goes on.
+[231.34 --> 231.66]  He says,
+[231.86 --> 232.80]  I don't get it.
+[234.44 --> 235.34]  Jesus responds,
+[235.34 --> 237.82]  You didn't get it when I called you either.
+[237.82 --> 240.14]  But this is different.
+[240.52 --> 241.84]  I'm not a tax collector.
+[242.92 --> 244.66]  And Jesus simply responds,
+[245.32 --> 246.38]  Get used to different.
+[248.04 --> 252.00]  I think we're all still trying to get used to different.
+[254.76 --> 256.36]  Matthew was a tax collector.
+[257.52 --> 258.46]  Now, in our day,
+[258.82 --> 263.42]  many of us already have a bit of disdain and distrust and dislike for the tax man.
+[263.42 --> 265.48]  But in Jesus' time,
+[265.56 --> 266.66]  it was much more so,
+[267.12 --> 267.92]  much stronger.
+[269.54 --> 271.42]  Israel was under Roman occupation,
+[271.96 --> 274.54]  and this meant that they were forced to pay tribute to the Romans.
+[275.22 --> 277.56]  They paid so many different types of taxes.
+[277.70 --> 280.00]  They paid principal tax and land tax,
+[280.06 --> 281.48]  and then there was many others,
+[281.60 --> 283.54]  especially for the transportation of goods.
+[284.24 --> 286.70]  And then they were even subject to a temple tax.
+[286.70 --> 293.20]  And this taxation upon taxation was very heavy burden for the Jewish people to carry.
+[294.86 --> 297.78]  And so this extreme taxation, as you can imagine,
+[298.14 --> 301.06]  didn't endear the Romans to the Jews,
+[301.26 --> 302.76]  to put it mildly.
+[304.14 --> 307.40]  But worse than the Romans in the eyes of the Jews
+[307.40 --> 310.16]  were those who collected the taxes.
+[310.16 --> 314.64]  Because the collection of taxes was not done by the Romans themselves.
+[315.42 --> 317.82]  They subcontracted it to local Jews.
+[319.12 --> 322.72]  And these Jews could buy the rights to collect the taxes,
+[322.92 --> 324.80]  and then they could skim a little off the top
+[324.80 --> 326.36]  and collect extra for themselves.
+[327.30 --> 328.60]  And for the Jewish people,
+[329.00 --> 330.82]  what was far worse than the Romans
+[330.82 --> 332.94]  were their own people
+[332.94 --> 335.22]  who would sell them out to make a profit,
+[335.22 --> 338.00]  overburden their people,
+[338.50 --> 340.54]  collecting tax on behalf of their oppressor.
+[342.62 --> 345.06]  And so Jews saw tax collectors
+[345.06 --> 346.72]  as the worst kind of sinners.
+[347.12 --> 348.28]  They would lump them together
+[348.28 --> 350.54]  with beggars and thieves and robbers.
+[352.86 --> 354.70]  Most everyone in Israel
+[354.70 --> 356.84]  had a strong dislike for tax collectors.
+[357.82 --> 359.34]  However, you can imagine people
+[359.34 --> 361.32]  that were especially passionate
+[361.32 --> 362.30]  for their nation
+[362.30 --> 363.48]  and for their people
+[363.48 --> 364.46]  and for their God
+[364.46 --> 366.62]  would have been the most upset.
+[368.64 --> 369.96]  In Jesus' time,
+[370.16 --> 372.08]  frustrations against the Romans,
+[372.66 --> 374.08]  against the Roman oppression, grew.
+[375.62 --> 378.76]  And Jews that were consumed for zeal for God
+[378.76 --> 380.84]  were known as zealots.
+[381.76 --> 383.12]  They eventually formed a political
+[383.12 --> 384.24]  and religious movement
+[384.24 --> 387.08]  looking to rid Israel of Roman oppression,
+[387.68 --> 390.38]  to take back their land for God by force.
+[390.38 --> 393.76]  They saw themselves as God's means
+[393.76 --> 394.72]  of divine judgment.
+[396.38 --> 397.08]  The zealots,
+[397.30 --> 399.14]  with their extreme passionate love
+[399.14 --> 400.78]  for their people and their land,
+[401.00 --> 402.62]  were the most upset
+[402.62 --> 404.80]  with tax collectors
+[404.80 --> 407.28]  that would betray their country.
+[407.28 --> 413.66]  So, it's not recorded in the Bible,
+[413.82 --> 415.06]  but I would love to have been
+[415.06 --> 416.16]  a fly on the wall
+[416.16 --> 418.16]  as Simon the zealot
+[418.16 --> 419.42]  was called by Jesus.
+[420.90 --> 422.20]  He was likely excited
+[422.20 --> 423.82]  and passionate to serve God.
+[425.10 --> 427.24]  But just imagine the look on his face
+[427.24 --> 428.10]  when he found out
+[428.10 --> 430.28]  that Jesus had also called Matthew
+[430.28 --> 431.28]  the tax collector.
+[431.28 --> 434.48]  We can imagine the internal friction
+[434.48 --> 435.38]  that there would have been
+[435.38 --> 436.44]  within the disciples.
+[438.92 --> 440.66]  And so, this is probably why
+[440.66 --> 441.94]  Peter is asking the question,
+[442.36 --> 443.66]  Jesus, what are you doing?
+[445.52 --> 446.92]  How do you start a movement
+[446.92 --> 449.16]  and then bring enemies together?
+[450.72 --> 451.48]  Don't you remember
+[451.48 --> 452.58]  what you yourself said?
+[452.94 --> 454.62]  A kingdom divided against itself
+[454.62 --> 455.38]  can't stand.
+[455.38 --> 460.06]  And yet, this was no mistake.
+[461.68 --> 463.32]  When we look at Luke's account
+[463.32 --> 464.66]  of the call of the disciples,
+[464.90 --> 465.76]  we see that Jesus
+[465.76 --> 467.88]  went up on a mountainside alone
+[467.88 --> 469.24]  and he spent the night
+[469.24 --> 470.32]  praying to God
+[470.32 --> 472.32]  before coming down
+[472.32 --> 473.82]  and calling his disciples
+[473.82 --> 475.70]  the next morning.
+[481.44 --> 482.68]  Knowing this, I think
+[482.68 --> 484.66]  if we're honest with ourselves,
+[484.66 --> 485.96]  we can all be left
+[485.96 --> 487.34]  scratching our head, you know?
+[488.42 --> 489.44]  Jesus, how could you call
+[489.44 --> 490.56]  both a tax collector
+[490.56 --> 492.32]  and a zealot?
+[494.02 --> 495.26]  The radical love
+[495.26 --> 497.10]  and diversity that Jesus shows
+[497.10 --> 498.50]  in selecting his disciples
+[498.50 --> 500.52]  is bewildering to us.
+[501.66 --> 503.06]  And yet, never has it been
+[503.06 --> 504.76]  more relevant to us.
+[506.16 --> 507.76]  We, too, are both like
+[507.76 --> 508.96]  Simon the zealot
+[508.96 --> 510.56]  and Matthew the tax collector.
+[511.70 --> 513.28]  We exclude others
+[513.28 --> 514.80]  and we, too,
+[514.92 --> 515.70]  are excluded.
+[517.50 --> 518.38]  In this world,
+[518.44 --> 519.60]  we don't tend to seek out
+[519.60 --> 520.60]  diverse perspectives.
+[521.32 --> 522.36]  We look to those
+[522.36 --> 523.44]  who agree with us.
+[524.14 --> 525.20]  And it's on this basis
+[525.20 --> 527.00]  that we form our groups,
+[527.22 --> 527.96]  how we decide
+[527.96 --> 529.22]  whose team that we're on.
+[529.86 --> 531.06]  If people agree with us,
+[531.10 --> 531.62]  then they're in.
+[531.80 --> 533.16]  And if they don't agree with us,
+[533.24 --> 534.02]  then they're out.
+[534.42 --> 536.02]  And so the division begins.
+[536.02 --> 540.86]  Jesus says in his Sermon on the Mount,
+[541.02 --> 542.86]  if you love those who love you,
+[542.92 --> 544.28]  what reward will you get?
+[544.68 --> 545.88]  Are not even the tax collectors
+[545.88 --> 546.46]  doing that?
+[547.48 --> 548.44]  And if you greet only
+[548.44 --> 549.22]  your own people,
+[549.44 --> 550.16]  what are you doing
+[550.16 --> 550.94]  more than others?
+[551.60 --> 553.30]  Do not even the Gentiles do that?
+[555.22 --> 556.66]  Our world is becoming
+[556.66 --> 557.84]  more divisive.
+[559.46 --> 561.24]  We see this in party politics.
+[562.04 --> 563.58]  Some of us choose one party,
+[563.58 --> 564.84]  and it's our loyal team,
+[565.20 --> 567.02]  liberal, conservative, or NDP.
+[568.36 --> 569.82]  And we do our best to agree
+[569.82 --> 571.08]  with everything that they say
+[571.08 --> 572.68]  and justify and defend
+[572.68 --> 573.92]  their imperfections.
+[574.52 --> 575.86]  And then we see the worst
+[575.86 --> 576.96]  in the other parties,
+[577.92 --> 579.24]  gracious towards our team
+[579.24 --> 580.56]  and without grace
+[580.56 --> 581.48]  towards the other team,
+[582.16 --> 582.62]  the enemy.
+[585.14 --> 586.86]  There was a time in politics
+[586.86 --> 588.52]  when we agreed on the goal
+[588.52 --> 589.80]  of improving the country,
+[589.96 --> 591.30]  but simply disagreed
+[591.30 --> 592.34]  on the way to get there.
+[592.34 --> 593.70]  But now,
+[594.78 --> 595.66]  the trend is to paint
+[595.66 --> 596.96]  the other side as evil
+[596.96 --> 598.84]  and looking to destroy the nation.
+[602.20 --> 603.48]  Much closer to home
+[603.48 --> 604.24]  for some of us,
+[604.28 --> 605.32]  even in our pockets,
+[606.34 --> 607.82]  our culture is working
+[607.82 --> 609.28]  to reinforce this attitude
+[609.28 --> 610.16]  of division
+[610.16 --> 612.46]  through social media
+[612.46 --> 613.32]  and our smartphones
+[613.32 --> 614.34]  where the average adult
+[614.34 --> 616.12]  spends three hours a day.
+[616.12 --> 620.36]  I recently watched a documentary
+[620.36 --> 620.94]  on Netflix
+[620.94 --> 622.38]  called The Social Dilemma,
+[622.82 --> 624.18]  which chronicled the ways
+[624.18 --> 626.24]  that social media platforms
+[626.24 --> 628.96]  profit from keeping people
+[628.96 --> 630.06]  addicted to their phones.
+[631.50 --> 633.08]  And what the social media empires
+[633.08 --> 633.78]  have found
+[633.78 --> 636.36]  is that people stay engaged longer
+[636.36 --> 638.02]  when there's controversy.
+[639.06 --> 639.34]  Right?
+[639.34 --> 640.50]  And so,
+[640.78 --> 641.88]  social media platforms
+[641.88 --> 643.24]  allow and encourage
+[643.24 --> 644.58]  controversy to spread
+[644.58 --> 645.46]  on social media.
+[646.34 --> 647.62]  The extreme perspectives
+[647.62 --> 648.20]  prevail
+[648.20 --> 649.70]  and they flood
+[649.70 --> 650.54]  our news feed.
+[651.38 --> 652.44]  And our news feeds
+[652.44 --> 653.10]  are customized
+[653.10 --> 653.82]  to show us
+[653.82 --> 654.56]  the least charitable
+[654.56 --> 655.48]  understandings
+[655.48 --> 657.50]  of those whom we oppose
+[657.50 --> 659.10]  to keep us engaged.
+[660.14 --> 661.76]  And it polarizes us.
+[663.84 --> 665.18]  But engaging ideas
+[665.18 --> 665.96]  through phones
+[665.96 --> 666.76]  or computers
+[666.76 --> 668.56]  rather than with real people
+[668.56 --> 669.92]  that we know
+[669.92 --> 671.66]  leads us to flatten people
+[671.66 --> 673.40]  into their one belief.
+[674.18 --> 675.24]  We equate people
+[675.24 --> 676.68]  with that one belief.
+[677.46 --> 678.88]  And when we caricature people
+[678.88 --> 680.04]  based on one belief,
+[680.52 --> 681.66]  we are essentially
+[681.66 --> 682.94]  dehumanizing them.
+[684.14 --> 686.00]  Because human beings
+[686.00 --> 687.18]  are far more complex
+[687.18 --> 688.26]  than one belief
+[688.26 --> 689.28]  on one subject.
+[689.62 --> 690.86]  There's always far more
+[690.86 --> 692.10]  behind why we choose
+[692.10 --> 693.12]  to see the best
+[693.12 --> 694.32]  on one side of an issue
+[694.32 --> 695.46]  and the worst on another
+[695.46 --> 697.16]  rather than vice versa.
+[699.78 --> 701.44]  But when we delve deeper
+[701.44 --> 702.30]  into relationship
+[702.30 --> 703.46]  in real community,
+[703.82 --> 704.80]  when someone is sitting
+[704.80 --> 705.96]  with us face to face
+[705.96 --> 706.68]  and we engage
+[706.68 --> 707.50]  with them personally,
+[707.88 --> 709.32]  when we consciously choose
+[709.32 --> 710.30]  to love them
+[710.30 --> 712.24]  and to try to understand them,
+[712.44 --> 713.36]  it is amazing
+[713.36 --> 714.78]  how we can grow
+[714.78 --> 715.60]  in compassion
+[715.60 --> 717.06]  and find common ground.
+[717.18 --> 719.88]  the more resilience
+[719.88 --> 720.60]  we build
+[720.60 --> 721.68]  into our relationships,
+[721.84 --> 722.40]  the more deeply
+[722.40 --> 723.28]  we know each other,
+[723.72 --> 724.78]  the harder it is
+[724.78 --> 726.30]  for us to write someone off
+[726.30 --> 727.36]  if we disagree with them
+[727.36 --> 728.02]  on one issue
+[728.02 --> 729.90]  because we have
+[729.90 --> 730.64]  many other ties
+[730.64 --> 731.60]  that bind us together.
+[736.86 --> 738.24]  It's easy to say all this,
+[738.36 --> 739.00]  but I can imagine
+[739.00 --> 739.68]  for some of you,
+[739.74 --> 740.30]  you're sitting there
+[740.30 --> 740.94]  and you're thinking,
+[740.94 --> 744.56]  and for me myself,
+[745.02 --> 746.58]  I can feel like
+[746.58 --> 747.58]  I just don't have
+[747.58 --> 748.62]  the capacity
+[748.62 --> 749.74]  for that kind of empathy.
+[751.64 --> 752.46]  Sometimes I just
+[752.46 --> 753.46]  can't bridge the gap.
+[754.02 --> 755.22]  The disagreement's too large
+[755.22 --> 756.88]  and it's too overwhelming.
+[759.70 --> 760.64]  Stop for a minute.
+[762.54 --> 763.90]  Who do you exclude?
+[763.90 --> 766.20]  Who is your tax collector?
+[767.94 --> 769.26]  Is it those Christians
+[769.26 --> 771.14]  who believe in Black Lives Matter?
+[771.60 --> 773.72]  Or perhaps the Christians
+[773.72 --> 774.34]  that believe
+[774.34 --> 776.16]  in the Proud Boy movement?
+[778.80 --> 780.52]  Or perhaps closer to home,
+[780.60 --> 781.28]  is it those who
+[781.28 --> 783.04]  seek to support the government
+[783.04 --> 784.06]  in wearing masks
+[784.06 --> 785.00]  and social distancing?
+[785.00 --> 787.92]  Or is it those
+[787.92 --> 788.60]  in our congregation
+[788.60 --> 790.18]  that refuse to wear masks
+[790.18 --> 791.60]  and social distance?
+[791.60 --> 794.72]  Whether intentional
+[794.72 --> 795.78]  or unintentional,
+[795.98 --> 797.80]  we all exclude others.
+[799.74 --> 801.34]  It seems unavoidable
+[801.34 --> 802.28]  and this is why
+[802.28 --> 803.24]  we shake our head
+[803.24 --> 804.22]  at Jesus calling
+[804.22 --> 805.36]  Simon the Zealot
+[805.36 --> 806.90]  and Matthew the tax collector.
+[810.80 --> 811.80]  For a while,
+[811.90 --> 812.62]  I wondered where
+[812.62 --> 813.44]  Simon the Zealot
+[813.44 --> 814.46]  landed with Matthew,
+[814.96 --> 816.50]  how he felt about Matthew.
+[818.06 --> 819.32]  But I realized
+[819.32 --> 821.30]  it doesn't really matter.
+[821.60 --> 824.72]  Jesus did not give Simon
+[824.72 --> 826.32]  an option, did he?
+[827.50 --> 828.54]  He didn't allow them
+[828.54 --> 829.52]  to place stipulations
+[829.52 --> 830.22]  on the call.
+[831.22 --> 831.82]  Sure, Jesus,
+[831.94 --> 832.64]  I'll follow you,
+[832.78 --> 833.54]  but you've got to get rid
+[833.54 --> 834.70]  of that snake, Matthew.
+[835.24 --> 835.96]  You made a mistake
+[835.96 --> 836.54]  calling him.
+[838.50 --> 839.78]  We don't call the shots
+[839.78 --> 840.64]  on being a disciple.
+[841.74 --> 842.92]  And Jesus makes this clear
+[842.92 --> 843.68]  in Luke 9.
+[844.32 --> 845.24]  He merely says,
+[845.38 --> 846.42]  let the dead bury the dead.
+[847.14 --> 847.74]  Follow me.
+[847.74 --> 852.12]  And so when Simon the Zealot
+[852.12 --> 854.04]  was unable to bridge the gap
+[854.04 --> 856.18]  and find compassion for Matthew,
+[856.96 --> 858.60]  he must have had
+[858.60 --> 860.40]  a powerful encounter
+[860.40 --> 862.18]  with Jesus Christ
+[862.18 --> 863.62]  that changed him
+[863.62 --> 864.48]  so profoundly
+[864.48 --> 865.58]  that his allegiance
+[865.58 --> 866.18]  must have been
+[866.18 --> 867.62]  completely altered course.
+[870.12 --> 870.84]  Simon's allegiance
+[870.84 --> 872.24]  became in Christ alone,
+[872.42 --> 873.44]  first and foremost,
+[873.74 --> 874.96]  not on earthly things,
+[874.96 --> 876.16]  but heavenly things,
+[876.36 --> 877.92]  so much so
+[877.92 --> 878.84]  that it changed
+[878.84 --> 880.06]  the way that he treated
+[880.06 --> 880.76]  others,
+[880.92 --> 881.78]  even his enemies.
+[884.52 --> 885.36]  This must have been
+[885.36 --> 886.00]  the case for all
+[886.00 --> 886.62]  the disciples.
+[887.58 --> 888.32]  Accepting the call
+[888.32 --> 888.94]  to be a disciple
+[888.94 --> 889.52]  would not have been
+[889.52 --> 890.00]  a picnic,
+[890.64 --> 891.70]  and for Matthew
+[891.70 --> 892.84]  or for the others
+[892.84 --> 893.72]  either.
+[893.72 --> 898.24]  faith in Jesus
+[898.24 --> 899.38]  became for the disciples
+[899.38 --> 901.28]  the tie that bound them together,
+[902.28 --> 903.66]  and it's through Jesus Christ
+[903.66 --> 904.68]  they found strength
+[904.68 --> 906.14]  to do all things,
+[906.72 --> 907.94]  even love someone
+[907.94 --> 908.58]  that had betrayed
+[908.58 --> 909.92]  their God and country,
+[910.22 --> 911.48]  like the lowly tax collector,
+[911.64 --> 912.98]  or even go to their death,
+[913.86 --> 915.18]  martyred for proclaiming Jesus
+[915.18 --> 916.42]  as risen Lord,
+[917.08 --> 917.84]  as most of them
+[917.84 --> 918.60]  eventually did.
+[918.60 --> 921.22]  This is the power
+[921.22 --> 922.48]  of an encounter
+[922.48 --> 924.34]  with Jesus Christ.
+[926.32 --> 928.04]  And this is the good news.
+[929.92 --> 931.66]  Our God transforms
+[931.66 --> 933.26]  the zealots of this world
+[933.26 --> 934.60]  that judge and divide
+[934.60 --> 936.16]  into zealots for his kingdom
+[936.16 --> 938.04]  who show radical love
+[938.04 --> 939.18]  for all people.
+[942.26 --> 944.12]  Paul is an example of this.
+[946.18 --> 947.26]  Paul's letters compose
+[947.26 --> 948.24]  much of the New Testament,
+[948.60 --> 949.68]  and his story is told
+[949.68 --> 950.58]  in the book of Acts.
+[952.26 --> 953.76]  In the book of Galatians,
+[954.12 --> 955.18]  Paul describes himself
+[955.18 --> 956.24]  as extremely zealous
+[956.24 --> 956.96]  for the traditions
+[956.96 --> 957.76]  of his father.
+[960.08 --> 960.80]  And in Acts,
+[961.00 --> 962.08]  we read of how
+[962.08 --> 963.14]  a zealous Paul
+[963.14 --> 964.32]  approves the murder
+[964.32 --> 965.02]  of Stephen,
+[965.38 --> 965.94]  a Christian,
+[967.16 --> 967.82]  and from there
+[967.82 --> 968.38]  goes around
+[968.38 --> 969.72]  chasing down Christians
+[969.72 --> 970.82]  and throwing them in prison,
+[970.94 --> 971.70]  doing his best
+[971.70 --> 973.68]  to destroy the early church.
+[975.10 --> 976.68]  Paul had chosen his team,
+[977.46 --> 978.38]  and Christians were
+[978.38 --> 979.20]  on the outside.
+[982.04 --> 983.34]  But Paul, too,
+[983.96 --> 985.72]  was profoundly changed
+[985.72 --> 987.14]  by a powerful encounter
+[987.14 --> 987.84]  with God
+[987.84 --> 989.60]  on the road to Damascus.
+[990.46 --> 991.50]  His allegiance
+[991.50 --> 993.24]  and life direction
+[993.24 --> 994.12]  completely altered.
+[996.12 --> 997.22]  Paul went on
+[997.22 --> 997.82]  to found
+[997.82 --> 998.58]  and build up
+[998.58 --> 999.38]  many churches
+[999.38 --> 1000.46]  across Asia Minor
+[1000.46 --> 1000.88]  and Europe
+[1000.88 --> 1001.68]  and even Rome,
+[1002.30 --> 1003.72]  befriending people
+[1003.72 --> 1004.84]  of all different sorts
+[1004.84 --> 1006.06]  and teaching others
+[1006.06 --> 1006.96]  to do the same
+[1006.96 --> 1007.82]  through the power
+[1007.82 --> 1008.30]  of Jesus.
+[1010.80 --> 1011.72]  After God
+[1011.72 --> 1012.94]  opened Paul's eyes
+[1012.94 --> 1013.60]  to the truth
+[1013.60 --> 1014.58]  of Jesus Christ,
+[1014.86 --> 1015.54]  he wrote this
+[1015.54 --> 1016.54]  to the Philippians
+[1016.54 --> 1018.14]  about the
+[1018.14 --> 1020.02]  powerful encounter
+[1020.02 --> 1020.86]  that he had had
+[1020.86 --> 1021.36]  with Christ
+[1021.36 --> 1022.36]  and how it affected him.
+[1022.36 --> 1025.36]  He said,
+[1025.40 --> 1025.96]  if someone else
+[1025.96 --> 1026.50]  thinks they have
+[1026.50 --> 1027.50]  reason to put confidence
+[1027.50 --> 1028.14]  in the flesh,
+[1028.20 --> 1028.98]  I have more.
+[1030.44 --> 1031.12]  Circumcised on the
+[1031.12 --> 1031.64]  eighth day
+[1031.64 --> 1032.88]  of the people of Israel,
+[1033.58 --> 1034.20]  of the tribe
+[1034.20 --> 1034.88]  of Benjamin,
+[1035.60 --> 1036.70]  a Hebrew of Hebrews,
+[1037.18 --> 1038.60]  in regards to the law,
+[1038.74 --> 1039.58]  a Pharisee,
+[1039.84 --> 1040.62]  as for zeal,
+[1040.80 --> 1041.82]  persecuting the church,
+[1041.94 --> 1042.72]  as for righteousness
+[1042.72 --> 1043.74]  based on the law,
+[1044.22 --> 1044.74]  faultless.
+[1044.74 --> 1048.96]  But whatever
+[1048.96 --> 1050.20]  were gains to me,
+[1050.46 --> 1051.28]  I now consider
+[1051.28 --> 1051.86]  a loss
+[1051.86 --> 1052.34]  for the sake
+[1052.34 --> 1052.92]  of Christ.
+[1053.88 --> 1054.80]  What is more,
+[1054.90 --> 1055.32]  I consider
+[1055.32 --> 1056.36]  everything a loss
+[1056.36 --> 1057.12]  because of the
+[1057.12 --> 1058.08]  surpassing worth
+[1058.08 --> 1059.08]  of knowing Christ
+[1059.08 --> 1060.12]  Jesus my Lord,
+[1061.14 --> 1061.96]  for whose sake
+[1061.96 --> 1062.68]  I have lost
+[1062.68 --> 1063.42]  all things.
+[1064.60 --> 1065.42]  I consider them
+[1065.42 --> 1065.86]  garbage
+[1065.86 --> 1067.50]  that I may gain
+[1067.50 --> 1068.02]  Christ
+[1068.02 --> 1069.04]  and be found
+[1069.04 --> 1069.54]  in him,
+[1069.94 --> 1070.60]  not having a
+[1070.60 --> 1071.76]  righteousness of my own
+[1071.76 --> 1072.52]  that comes from
+[1072.52 --> 1072.98]  the law,
+[1073.62 --> 1074.32]  but that which
+[1074.32 --> 1074.80]  comes through
+[1074.80 --> 1075.92]  faith in Christ,
+[1076.52 --> 1077.12]  the righteousness
+[1077.12 --> 1078.48]  that comes from God
+[1078.48 --> 1079.94]  on the basis of faith.
+[1082.52 --> 1083.74]  This is a completely
+[1083.74 --> 1084.78]  altered life,
+[1085.92 --> 1086.52]  a completely
+[1086.52 --> 1087.32]  altered allegiance.
+[1089.62 --> 1090.68]  And we see
+[1090.68 --> 1091.38]  in Ephesians
+[1091.38 --> 1092.42]  how this profoundly
+[1092.42 --> 1094.44]  affects Paul's view
+[1094.44 --> 1095.16]  of relationship
+[1095.16 --> 1095.88]  with others.
+[1097.68 --> 1098.46]  Paul says,
+[1099.38 --> 1099.96]  be completely
+[1099.96 --> 1100.98]  humble and gentle,
+[1102.10 --> 1103.14]  be patient,
+[1103.14 --> 1104.62]  bearing with one
+[1104.62 --> 1105.56]  another in love.
+[1107.42 --> 1108.64]  Make every effort
+[1108.64 --> 1109.20]  to keep
+[1109.20 --> 1110.06]  the unity
+[1110.06 --> 1111.60]  of the Spirit
+[1111.60 --> 1112.40]  through the bond
+[1112.40 --> 1113.04]  of peace.
+[1114.84 --> 1116.10]  There is one body
+[1116.10 --> 1117.18]  and one Spirit,
+[1117.62 --> 1118.18]  just as you were
+[1118.18 --> 1119.42]  called to one hope
+[1119.42 --> 1120.58]  when you were called,
+[1120.98 --> 1121.64]  one Lord,
+[1122.04 --> 1122.74]  one faith,
+[1123.10 --> 1123.90]  one baptism,
+[1124.18 --> 1124.78]  one God
+[1124.78 --> 1125.76]  and Father of all,
+[1126.40 --> 1127.42]  who is over all
+[1127.42 --> 1128.78]  and through all
+[1128.78 --> 1130.48]  and in all.
+[1134.32 --> 1135.34]  And as we read
+[1135.34 --> 1136.62]  of God's work
+[1136.62 --> 1137.66]  through Paul's life
+[1137.66 --> 1138.10]  and acts
+[1138.10 --> 1138.66]  and his letters,
+[1139.66 --> 1140.68]  we can see
+[1140.68 --> 1141.28]  that it is an
+[1141.28 --> 1142.20]  astounding testimony
+[1142.20 --> 1143.18]  to the transformation
+[1143.18 --> 1145.20]  he did in Paul's heart.
+[1148.06 --> 1149.08]  But our God
+[1149.08 --> 1150.02]  does not place
+[1150.02 --> 1151.20]  burdens on us
+[1151.20 --> 1152.30]  to try to live
+[1152.30 --> 1153.30]  in possible kindness.
+[1153.30 --> 1156.88]  He's called
+[1156.88 --> 1157.98]  each one of us
+[1157.98 --> 1160.64]  and he seeks
+[1160.64 --> 1161.38]  to encounter
+[1161.38 --> 1162.58]  each one of us
+[1162.58 --> 1164.02]  and he empowers
+[1164.02 --> 1165.22]  each one of us
+[1165.22 --> 1167.24]  and he himself,
+[1167.46 --> 1167.80]  God,
+[1168.22 --> 1169.46]  journeys with us
+[1169.46 --> 1171.04]  through his Holy Spirit.
+[1173.44 --> 1174.46]  He calls us
+[1174.46 --> 1174.98]  the same way
+[1174.98 --> 1176.06]  he called his disciples
+[1176.06 --> 1178.00]  and in this call
+[1178.00 --> 1179.06]  he brings zealots
+[1179.06 --> 1179.96]  and tax collectors
+[1179.96 --> 1180.52]  together,
+[1180.98 --> 1181.66]  sworn enemies
+[1181.66 --> 1182.46]  in this world
+[1182.46 --> 1183.98]  with very different agendas
+[1183.98 --> 1186.38]  and he confronts us
+[1186.38 --> 1188.36]  with the humanity
+[1188.36 --> 1189.32]  and image of God
+[1189.32 --> 1189.94]  in each other
+[1189.94 --> 1193.24]  while revealing to us
+[1193.24 --> 1195.02]  our own humanity
+[1195.02 --> 1196.22]  and image of God.
+[1197.60 --> 1198.90]  He confronts us
+[1198.90 --> 1200.54]  with the worldly boxes
+[1200.54 --> 1201.86]  that we put others in
+[1201.86 --> 1203.50]  and have ourselves
+[1203.50 --> 1204.20]  been put in.
+[1205.98 --> 1207.58]  He confronts us
+[1207.58 --> 1208.50]  with how we have
+[1208.50 --> 1209.36]  excluded others
+[1209.36 --> 1210.70]  and how we have
+[1210.70 --> 1211.26]  been excluded.
+[1212.54 --> 1213.50]  He confronts
+[1213.50 --> 1214.22]  our divisiveness
+[1214.22 --> 1215.60]  with radical love
+[1215.60 --> 1216.14]  for all,
+[1216.30 --> 1217.12]  even our enemies.
+[1220.58 --> 1222.06]  Jesus empowers us
+[1222.06 --> 1223.02]  to sit in the tension
+[1223.02 --> 1224.54]  of loving someone
+[1224.54 --> 1225.36]  who is our enemy,
+[1225.94 --> 1228.06]  to see the nuance
+[1228.06 --> 1229.36]  that they are more
+[1229.36 --> 1230.74]  than one idea
+[1230.74 --> 1231.42]  or belief.
+[1232.28 --> 1233.22]  He empowers us
+[1233.22 --> 1234.46]  to live as he did
+[1234.46 --> 1235.96]  as described beautifully
+[1235.96 --> 1238.24]  by Paul in Romans 5
+[1238.24 --> 1238.72]  as we heard
+[1238.72 --> 1239.34]  in our confession
+[1239.34 --> 1240.32]  and assurance today.
+[1240.32 --> 1243.56]  While we were yet sinners,
+[1243.88 --> 1245.20]  he died for us.
+[1246.56 --> 1247.36]  Paul says,
+[1247.76 --> 1248.30]  we might die
+[1248.30 --> 1249.08]  for a good man,
+[1249.14 --> 1249.84]  but for our enemy,
+[1250.02 --> 1250.86]  not a chance.
+[1251.52 --> 1253.16]  But this is the power
+[1253.16 --> 1254.18]  of God's love.
+[1255.66 --> 1256.68]  On the cross,
+[1256.80 --> 1257.46]  Jesus Christ,
+[1257.84 --> 1258.88]  while being crucified
+[1258.88 --> 1260.14]  unjustly,
+[1260.88 --> 1262.14]  he prayed for them
+[1262.14 --> 1263.66]  as they mocked
+[1263.66 --> 1264.42]  and murdered him.
+[1264.42 --> 1266.90]  He saw them
+[1266.90 --> 1268.46]  as more than their mistake.
+[1269.68 --> 1271.04]  He saw the nuance.
+[1272.28 --> 1273.02]  He saw the image
+[1273.02 --> 1273.66]  of God
+[1273.66 --> 1274.86]  in each of them.
+[1276.82 --> 1277.34]  Forgive them,
+[1277.52 --> 1277.70]  Lord,
+[1278.20 --> 1279.22]  for they know not
+[1279.22 --> 1280.04]  what they're doing.
+[1284.26 --> 1284.78]  Forgive
+[1284.78 --> 1285.60]  as the Lord
+[1285.60 --> 1286.36]  forgave you.
+[1286.36 --> 1290.54]  Jesus radically
+[1290.54 --> 1291.50]  empowers us
+[1291.50 --> 1292.14]  to question
+[1292.14 --> 1293.22]  who we can put
+[1293.22 --> 1294.02]  on the outside.
+[1295.22 --> 1296.08]  Is there anyone?
+[1297.12 --> 1298.30]  If the prostitutes
+[1298.30 --> 1299.18]  and tax collectors
+[1299.18 --> 1300.52]  are to be loved,
+[1301.32 --> 1302.56]  if our enemy
+[1302.56 --> 1303.30]  is to be loved,
+[1303.46 --> 1304.52]  who can we turn away?
+[1307.52 --> 1308.00]  Judgment
+[1308.00 --> 1308.76]  is to be left
+[1308.76 --> 1309.40]  in the hands
+[1309.40 --> 1310.12]  of the good
+[1310.12 --> 1311.22]  and just judge,
+[1311.36 --> 1312.16]  Jesus Christ.
+[1312.96 --> 1313.76]  But it can be
+[1313.76 --> 1314.28]  so tempting
+[1314.28 --> 1314.90]  to want to sit
+[1314.90 --> 1315.46]  in that seat
+[1315.46 --> 1316.08]  ourselves.
+[1316.36 --> 1317.04]  Can it?
+[1319.72 --> 1320.48]  But how could
+[1320.48 --> 1321.12]  we possibly
+[1321.12 --> 1322.34]  be so loving?
+[1322.68 --> 1323.32]  It seems like
+[1323.32 --> 1324.44]  the impossible task.
+[1325.68 --> 1326.44]  We would need
+[1326.44 --> 1327.40]  to be so patient
+[1327.40 --> 1329.08]  and kind
+[1329.08 --> 1330.28]  and gentle
+[1330.28 --> 1331.38]  and loving.
+[1332.62 --> 1333.54]  We would need
+[1333.54 --> 1334.50]  superhuman
+[1334.50 --> 1335.62]  self-control.
+[1336.98 --> 1337.76]  We'd need
+[1337.76 --> 1338.60]  deep resources
+[1338.60 --> 1339.38]  for joy
+[1339.38 --> 1339.98]  and goodness
+[1339.98 --> 1341.12]  and peace.
+[1343.46 --> 1344.44]  We would need
+[1344.44 --> 1344.86]  the fruits
+[1344.86 --> 1345.48]  of the Spirit.
+[1346.36 --> 1347.36]  fruit of the Spirit.
+[1348.68 --> 1349.66]  But these only
+[1349.66 --> 1350.24]  come through
+[1350.24 --> 1350.78]  relationship
+[1350.78 --> 1351.42]  with Jesus.
+[1352.64 --> 1353.72]  When we follow
+[1353.72 --> 1354.10]  Him,
+[1355.10 --> 1356.04]  when we are
+[1356.04 --> 1356.88]  consumed for love
+[1356.88 --> 1357.42]  with Him,
+[1359.02 --> 1360.30]  when the rest
+[1360.30 --> 1360.82]  of the world
+[1360.82 --> 1361.54]  seems like filthy
+[1361.54 --> 1362.10]  rags
+[1362.10 --> 1363.46]  by comparison.
+[1363.46 --> 1364.46]  God's love
+[1364.46 --> 1365.46]  love
+[1365.46 --> 1366.46]  and love
+[1366.46 --> 1367.10]  God's
+[1367.10 --> 1367.90]  love
+[1367.90 --> 1368.46]  and love
+[1368.46 --> 1369.10]  God's
+[1369.10 --> 1369.94]  love
+[1369.94 --> 1370.46]  and love
+[1370.46 --> 1370.62]  love
+[1370.62 --> 1371.16]  our enemies
+[1371.16 --> 1371.72]  insofar
+[1371.72 --> 1372.16]  as we are
+[1372.16 --> 1372.72]  in Him,
+[1373.44 --> 1373.82]  in deep
+[1373.82 --> 1374.40]  relationship
+[1374.40 --> 1374.94]  with Jesus
+[1374.94 --> 1375.40]  Christ,
+[1375.46 --> 1376.12]  when we reflect
+[1376.12 --> 1376.72]  on Him
+[1376.72 --> 1377.64]  and when we
+[1377.64 --> 1378.16]  are praying
+[1378.16 --> 1378.64]  to Him
+[1378.64 --> 1379.34]  and we hear
+[1379.34 --> 1379.84]  Him speak
+[1379.84 --> 1380.28]  to us
+[1380.28 --> 1380.64]  in His
+[1380.64 --> 1381.12]  Word
+[1381.12 --> 1382.58]  and rest
+[1382.58 --> 1383.06]  in Him
+[1383.06 --> 1384.00]  when we
+[1384.00 --> 1384.54]  abide in
+[1384.54 --> 1385.06]  the One
+[1385.06 --> 1386.70]  who Himself
+[1386.70 --> 1387.22]  loved His
+[1387.22 --> 1387.60]  enemies,
+[1388.60 --> 1389.64]  who chose
+[1389.64 --> 1390.10]  to remain
+[1390.10 --> 1390.76]  nailed to the
+[1390.76 --> 1391.66]  cross and
+[1391.66 --> 1392.14]  prayed for
+[1392.14 --> 1392.52]  those who
+[1392.52 --> 1392.88]  put Him
+[1392.88 --> 1393.16]  there
+[1393.16 --> 1393.70]  in order
+[1393.70 --> 1394.12]  to bridge
+[1394.12 --> 1394.58]  the gap
+[1394.58 --> 1395.34]  between us
+[1395.34 --> 1395.90]  and God.
+[1398.58 --> 1400.06]  He reconciled
+[1400.06 --> 1400.72]  for us
+[1400.72 --> 1401.40]  our relationship
+[1401.40 --> 1402.08]  with God
+[1402.08 --> 1403.10]  and as we
+[1403.10 --> 1403.56]  grow in
+[1403.56 --> 1404.00]  relationship
+[1404.00 --> 1404.50]  with Him,
+[1404.82 --> 1405.50]  He empowers
+[1405.50 --> 1406.18]  us to bridge
+[1406.18 --> 1406.76]  the gap
+[1406.76 --> 1407.82]  with all
+[1407.82 --> 1408.38]  those around
+[1408.38 --> 1409.96]  us so that
+[1409.96 --> 1410.42]  we may
+[1410.42 --> 1411.78]  exemplify Him,
+[1412.22 --> 1412.60]  be a living
+[1412.60 --> 1413.64]  testimony to Him
+[1413.64 --> 1414.64]  and promote
+[1414.64 --> 1415.32]  flourishing
+[1415.32 --> 1416.92]  as a sign
+[1416.92 --> 1417.74]  of the truth
+[1417.74 --> 1418.22]  of who He
+[1418.22 --> 1418.60]  is.
+[1421.66 --> 1422.14]  We need
+[1422.14 --> 1422.70]  this now
+[1422.70 --> 1423.18]  more than
+[1423.18 --> 1423.50]  ever.
+[1424.76 --> 1425.48]  As we
+[1425.48 --> 1426.18]  scroll our
+[1426.18 --> 1426.84]  news feeds
+[1426.84 --> 1427.34]  that sow
+[1427.34 --> 1427.86]  division,
+[1429.06 --> 1430.06]  as COVID
+[1430.06 --> 1431.14]  polarizes us
+[1431.14 --> 1431.60]  as to how
+[1431.60 --> 1432.32]  to respond,
+[1433.60 --> 1434.18]  as the
+[1434.18 --> 1434.62]  American
+[1434.62 --> 1435.22]  political
+[1435.22 --> 1435.84]  circus
+[1435.84 --> 1436.34]  marches
+[1436.34 --> 1436.74]  on,
+[1441.08 --> 1441.84]  maybe we
+[1441.84 --> 1442.20]  can turn
+[1442.20 --> 1442.62]  off our
+[1442.62 --> 1443.22]  phones this
+[1443.22 --> 1443.50]  week,
+[1443.76 --> 1444.60]  just for a
+[1444.60 --> 1445.00]  half hour
+[1445.00 --> 1445.38]  longer,
+[1446.08 --> 1447.78]  and turn
+[1447.78 --> 1448.14]  on our
+[1448.14 --> 1448.60]  hearts,
+[1449.66 --> 1450.28]  engage in
+[1450.28 --> 1450.40]  our
+[1450.40 --> 1450.92]  relationship
+[1450.92 --> 1451.64]  with God
+[1451.64 --> 1452.34]  who loves
+[1452.34 --> 1452.76]  us.
+[1455.78 --> 1456.64]  When we
+[1456.64 --> 1457.52]  sincerely seek
+[1457.52 --> 1458.22]  God to have
+[1458.22 --> 1458.74]  relationship
+[1458.74 --> 1459.32]  with Him,
+[1460.72 --> 1461.24]  the more
+[1461.24 --> 1461.86]  we do it,
+[1461.94 --> 1462.48]  He changes
+[1462.48 --> 1463.30]  us from
+[1463.30 --> 1463.70]  zealots
+[1463.70 --> 1464.40]  looking to
+[1464.40 --> 1465.22]  kill those
+[1465.22 --> 1465.70]  who disagree
+[1465.70 --> 1466.38]  with us
+[1466.38 --> 1467.40]  to zealots
+[1467.40 --> 1468.08]  who engage
+[1468.08 --> 1468.50]  the world
+[1468.50 --> 1469.24]  around them,
+[1470.74 --> 1471.64]  gathering God's
+[1471.64 --> 1472.22]  children and
+[1472.22 --> 1473.08]  loving on all
+[1473.08 --> 1473.46]  who need
+[1473.46 --> 1473.90]  love.
+[1474.40 --> 1475.20]  We're filled
+[1475.20 --> 1475.76]  with love,
+[1475.86 --> 1476.20]  we're filled
+[1476.20 --> 1477.04]  with the
+[1477.04 --> 1477.40]  fruits of
+[1477.40 --> 1477.96]  His Spirit.
+[1477.96 --> 1478.72]  God
+[1478.72 --> 1489.04]  encounters us
+[1489.04 --> 1489.44]  today in
+[1489.44 --> 1490.18]  many ways,
+[1491.18 --> 1492.12]  but as I
+[1492.12 --> 1492.40]  have been
+[1492.40 --> 1492.80]  growing in
+[1492.80 --> 1493.34]  my faith
+[1493.34 --> 1493.92]  walk as a
+[1493.92 --> 1494.26]  Christian,
+[1494.86 --> 1495.72]  I have found
+[1495.72 --> 1496.14]  more and
+[1496.14 --> 1496.80]  more that it
+[1496.80 --> 1497.16]  is in the
+[1497.16 --> 1497.54]  Lord's
+[1497.54 --> 1498.72]  Supper I
+[1498.72 --> 1499.16]  encounter
+[1499.16 --> 1500.84]  Jesus
+[1500.84 --> 1501.58]  powerfully.
+[1502.26 --> 1503.20]  Like Simon
+[1503.20 --> 1503.78]  the Zealot
+[1503.78 --> 1504.50]  encountered
+[1504.50 --> 1504.84]  Jesus
+[1504.84 --> 1505.42]  powerfully,
+[1505.62 --> 1506.36]  like Paul
+[1506.36 --> 1506.86]  encountered
+[1506.86 --> 1507.22]  Jesus
+[1507.22 --> 1507.82]  powerfully.
+[1508.40 --> 1508.76]  There is
+[1508.76 --> 1509.94]  indeed a
+[1509.94 --> 1510.32]  powerful
+[1510.32 --> 1511.06]  mystery far
+[1511.06 --> 1511.80]  beyond bread
+[1511.80 --> 1512.44]  and juice.
+[1515.40 --> 1515.98]  Jesus
+[1515.98 --> 1516.86]  invited Matthew
+[1516.86 --> 1517.36]  the tax
+[1517.36 --> 1518.06]  collector and
+[1518.06 --> 1518.62]  Simon the
+[1518.62 --> 1519.80]  Zealot to
+[1519.80 --> 1520.50]  His table,
+[1521.10 --> 1521.42]  and He
+[1521.42 --> 1521.90]  broke bread
+[1521.90 --> 1522.26]  with them.
+[1524.48 --> 1525.08]  Today,
+[1525.20 --> 1525.78]  Jesus Christ
+[1525.78 --> 1526.36]  invites you
+[1526.36 --> 1526.74]  to His
+[1526.74 --> 1527.68]  table to
+[1527.68 --> 1528.20]  break bread.
+[1531.42 --> 1532.00]  Now,
+[1532.12 --> 1532.68]  a funny thing
+[1532.68 --> 1533.18]  happened to
+[1533.18 --> 1533.58]  me as I
+[1533.58 --> 1534.16]  was preparing
+[1534.16 --> 1534.86]  this sermon.
+[1534.86 --> 1536.42]  it felt like
+[1536.42 --> 1536.82]  one of those
+[1536.82 --> 1537.30]  times when
+[1537.30 --> 1537.68]  God's
+[1537.68 --> 1538.20]  winking at
+[1538.20 --> 1538.40]  you.
+[1540.04 --> 1540.60]  I was
+[1540.60 --> 1540.80]  eating
+[1540.80 --> 1541.44]  breakfast and
+[1541.44 --> 1541.88]  I did my
+[1541.88 --> 1542.86]  devotions and
+[1542.86 --> 1543.34]  it was on
+[1543.34 --> 1544.12]  Psalm 23.
+[1545.50 --> 1546.26]  And as I
+[1546.26 --> 1546.60]  read it,
+[1546.64 --> 1547.18]  this is what I
+[1547.18 --> 1547.62]  heard.
+[1547.78 --> 1548.00]  Now,
+[1548.32 --> 1549.80]  I've read
+[1549.80 --> 1550.66]  Psalm 23 a
+[1550.66 --> 1551.46]  million times,
+[1551.46 --> 1552.42]  but this day
+[1552.42 --> 1553.20]  I heard it
+[1553.20 --> 1553.60]  anew.
+[1556.04 --> 1557.28]  You prepare a
+[1557.28 --> 1558.18]  table for me
+[1558.18 --> 1559.66]  in the
+[1559.66 --> 1560.56]  presence of
+[1560.56 --> 1561.32]  my enemies.
+[1564.00 --> 1564.56]  You
+[1564.56 --> 1565.06]  anoint my
+[1565.06 --> 1566.26]  head with
+[1566.26 --> 1566.72]  oil and
+[1566.72 --> 1567.14]  my cup
+[1567.14 --> 1567.88]  overflows.
+[1571.20 --> 1571.76]  You
+[1571.76 --> 1572.30]  prepare a
+[1572.30 --> 1572.90]  table for
+[1572.90 --> 1573.40]  me in the
+[1573.40 --> 1574.12]  presence of
+[1574.12 --> 1574.82]  my enemies.
+[1577.00 --> 1577.54]  Now,
+[1577.62 --> 1578.04]  personally,
+[1578.50 --> 1579.84]  for this
+[1579.84 --> 1580.48]  verse of
+[1580.48 --> 1581.10]  Psalm 23,
+[1581.22 --> 1581.56]  I think in
+[1581.56 --> 1582.14]  the past
+[1582.14 --> 1584.12]  I maybe
+[1584.12 --> 1584.50]  had more
+[1584.50 --> 1584.70]  of a
+[1584.70 --> 1585.38]  vindictive
+[1585.38 --> 1585.98]  view of
+[1585.98 --> 1586.24]  this,
+[1586.32 --> 1586.52]  like it
+[1586.52 --> 1588.16]  was vindication,
+[1588.18 --> 1589.00]  maybe,
+[1589.18 --> 1589.46]  like,
+[1589.74 --> 1589.96]  ha,
+[1590.18 --> 1590.76]  see enemies?
+[1591.18 --> 1591.64]  God is with
+[1591.64 --> 1591.88]  me,
+[1591.96 --> 1592.54]  not you.
+[1594.50 --> 1595.08]  But I
+[1595.08 --> 1595.38]  think I
+[1595.38 --> 1596.00]  was wrong
+[1596.00 --> 1596.42]  in how I
+[1596.42 --> 1596.78]  was reading
+[1596.78 --> 1597.16]  this.
+[1599.52 --> 1600.06]  Perhaps
+[1600.06 --> 1600.56]  this is a
+[1600.56 --> 1601.30]  beautiful picture
+[1601.30 --> 1602.66]  of reconciled
+[1602.66 --> 1603.30]  relationships,
+[1604.52 --> 1605.34]  of peace
+[1605.34 --> 1606.18]  that
+[1606.18 --> 1606.98]  transcends
+[1606.98 --> 1607.44]  all
+[1607.44 --> 1608.12]  understanding.
+[1609.48 --> 1610.02]  These were
+[1610.02 --> 1611.16]  enemies and
+[1611.16 --> 1611.68]  now we
+[1611.68 --> 1612.54]  feast together.
+[1614.06 --> 1614.70]  The power
+[1614.70 --> 1615.34]  of God's
+[1615.34 --> 1616.14]  love to
+[1616.14 --> 1616.54]  overcome
+[1616.54 --> 1617.04]  our
+[1617.04 --> 1617.88]  brokenness.
+[1618.18 --> 1621.12]  this is a
+[1621.12 --> 1621.48]  picture of
+[1621.48 --> 1621.82]  the Last
+[1621.82 --> 1622.28]  Supper with
+[1622.28 --> 1622.62]  Jesus.
+[1623.02 --> 1623.22]  Both
+[1623.22 --> 1623.88]  Matthew and
+[1623.88 --> 1624.94]  Simon are
+[1624.94 --> 1625.32]  there,
+[1626.16 --> 1626.58]  former
+[1626.58 --> 1627.12]  enemies.
+[1628.80 --> 1629.48]  And Judas
+[1629.48 --> 1630.08]  is there
+[1630.08 --> 1630.46]  too,
+[1630.60 --> 1631.02]  isn't he?
+[1632.30 --> 1633.18]  They all
+[1633.18 --> 1633.50]  end up
+[1633.50 --> 1634.00]  betraying
+[1634.00 --> 1634.36]  Jesus.
+[1634.70 --> 1635.10]  Jesus is
+[1635.10 --> 1635.62]  alone on
+[1635.62 --> 1636.18]  the cross,
+[1636.48 --> 1637.22]  and he
+[1637.22 --> 1637.82]  knows what's
+[1637.82 --> 1638.10]  coming,
+[1638.24 --> 1638.60]  and yet he
+[1638.60 --> 1639.16]  breaks bread
+[1639.16 --> 1639.54]  with them.
+[1639.54 --> 1641.54]  God's
+[1641.54 --> 1642.54]  peace.
+[1642.54 --> 1643.42]  I wonder
+[1643.42 --> 1644.24]  if instead
+[1644.24 --> 1644.84]  we are
+[1644.84 --> 1645.22]  anointed
+[1645.22 --> 1646.52]  because we
+[1646.52 --> 1647.14]  break bread
+[1647.14 --> 1647.60]  with our
+[1647.60 --> 1648.06]  enemies,
+[1648.66 --> 1649.76]  because we
+[1649.76 --> 1650.46]  make God's
+[1650.46 --> 1651.02]  peace our
+[1651.02 --> 1651.62]  peace with
+[1651.62 --> 1652.24]  all people,
+[1652.64 --> 1653.80]  and this is a
+[1653.80 --> 1654.54]  sign of God's
+[1654.54 --> 1655.42]  work in us,
+[1655.84 --> 1656.88]  and he eats
+[1656.88 --> 1657.46]  with us and
+[1657.46 --> 1658.40]  anoints us as
+[1658.40 --> 1658.96]  his chosen.
+[1662.76 --> 1663.28]  Perhaps
+[1663.28 --> 1664.00]  God's peace
+[1664.00 --> 1664.88]  that transcends
+[1664.88 --> 1665.72]  all understanding
+[1665.72 --> 1666.54]  is not just a
+[1666.54 --> 1667.56]  peace despite
+[1667.56 --> 1668.28]  the broken
+[1668.28 --> 1668.88]  relationships
+[1668.88 --> 1669.76]  of this world,
+[1670.50 --> 1671.94]  but a peace
+[1671.94 --> 1672.46]  due to the
+[1672.46 --> 1674.02]  reconciling of
+[1674.02 --> 1674.44]  the broken
+[1674.44 --> 1675.06]  relationships
+[1675.06 --> 1676.04]  of this world.
+[1678.94 --> 1679.74]  There are
+[1679.74 --> 1680.58]  likely people
+[1680.58 --> 1681.04]  that are in
+[1681.04 --> 1681.50]  this church
+[1681.50 --> 1682.16]  right now
+[1682.16 --> 1683.84]  who have
+[1683.84 --> 1684.46]  disagreed in
+[1684.46 --> 1685.06]  the past,
+[1685.18 --> 1685.74]  or perhaps
+[1685.74 --> 1686.16]  are still
+[1686.16 --> 1686.94]  disagreeing on
+[1686.94 --> 1687.36]  things,
+[1688.70 --> 1691.12]  but such
+[1691.12 --> 1691.74]  is the power
+[1691.74 --> 1692.26]  of God's
+[1692.26 --> 1692.70]  love to
+[1692.70 --> 1693.20]  overcome,
+[1694.36 --> 1694.76]  to make
+[1694.76 --> 1695.24]  peace in
+[1695.24 --> 1695.56]  the midst
+[1695.56 --> 1696.38]  of squabbles,
+[1696.90 --> 1697.24]  today,
+[1697.24 --> 1697.74]  together,
+[1697.98 --> 1698.66]  we all
+[1698.66 --> 1699.26]  come to
+[1699.26 --> 1699.76]  God's
+[1699.76 --> 1700.10]  table.
+[1701.20 --> 1701.74]  He prepares
+[1701.74 --> 1702.12]  a table
+[1702.12 --> 1702.54]  for us
+[1702.54 --> 1703.26]  all and
+[1703.26 --> 1703.82]  encounters
+[1703.82 --> 1704.96]  us in
+[1704.96 --> 1705.40]  powerful
+[1705.40 --> 1705.96]  ways.
+[1708.96 --> 1709.70]  And as
+[1709.70 --> 1710.30]  we encounter
+[1710.30 --> 1710.66]  him,
+[1710.96 --> 1711.32]  we're
+[1711.32 --> 1712.12]  reconciled to
+[1712.12 --> 1712.32]  him,
+[1712.46 --> 1712.96]  and by the
+[1712.96 --> 1713.28]  Spirit,
+[1713.42 --> 1714.62]  God empowers
+[1714.62 --> 1715.50]  us and
+[1715.50 --> 1716.00]  gives us
+[1716.00 --> 1716.60]  the ministry
+[1716.60 --> 1716.88]  of
+[1716.88 --> 1717.56]  reconciliation.
+[1719.74 --> 1720.44]  Blessed are
+[1720.44 --> 1721.24]  the peacemakers,
+[1721.96 --> 1722.70]  for they will
+[1722.70 --> 1723.10]  be called
+[1723.10 --> 1723.80]  children of
+[1723.80 --> 1724.08]  heaven.
+[1724.08 --> 1726.08]  God's
+[1726.08 --> 1726.22]  home.
+[1726.22 --> 1727.42]  We
+[1727.42 --> 1727.90]  regularly
+[1727.90 --> 1728.38]  prepare
+[1728.38 --> 1729.84]  tables in
+[1729.84 --> 1730.20]  our own
+[1730.20 --> 1730.54]  home.
+[1732.72 --> 1733.58]  Who do
+[1733.58 --> 1734.16]  you invite
+[1734.16 --> 1734.56]  to your
+[1734.56 --> 1735.66]  table when
+[1735.66 --> 1736.12]  you prepare
+[1736.12 --> 1736.60]  a feast?
+[1737.82 --> 1738.72]  What does
+[1738.72 --> 1739.34]  Christmas Day
+[1739.34 --> 1739.82]  look like
+[1739.82 --> 1740.24]  for you?
+[1742.18 --> 1743.02]  How do
+[1743.02 --> 1743.82]  you exemplify
+[1743.82 --> 1744.60]  God's radical
+[1744.60 --> 1745.22]  love that
+[1745.22 --> 1745.50]  you've
+[1745.50 --> 1746.02]  experienced?
+[1747.86 --> 1748.70]  Have you
+[1748.70 --> 1749.30]  invited your
+[1749.30 --> 1750.22]  zealot and
+[1750.22 --> 1750.78]  tax collector
+[1750.78 --> 1751.24]  to join
+[1751.24 --> 1751.54]  you?
+[1754.76 --> 1755.28]  In the
+[1755.28 --> 1755.48]  name of
+[1755.48 --> 1755.80]  the Father,
+[1755.96 --> 1756.52]  Son, and
+[1756.52 --> 1757.08]  Holy Spirit,
+[1758.16 --> 1759.24]  pray with
+[1759.24 --> 1759.50]  me.
+[1768.02 --> 1768.70]  God of
+[1768.70 --> 1769.00]  both
+[1769.00 --> 1770.14]  Simon the
+[1770.14 --> 1770.68]  zealot and
+[1770.68 --> 1771.16]  Matthew the
+[1771.16 --> 1771.86]  tax collector,
+[1772.70 --> 1775.24]  thank you for
+[1775.24 --> 1775.78]  your gracious
+[1775.78 --> 1776.66]  invitation to
+[1776.66 --> 1777.06]  all.
+[1779.20 --> 1779.82]  Thank you,
+[1779.90 --> 1780.18]  Lord, that
+[1780.18 --> 1781.42]  you see beyond
+[1781.42 --> 1782.08]  our faults
+[1782.08 --> 1782.72]  and love us
+[1782.72 --> 1783.32]  so deeply.
+[1785.66 --> 1786.66]  We pray that
+[1786.66 --> 1787.34]  your love will
+[1787.34 --> 1788.20]  work in us
+[1788.20 --> 1788.70]  through your
+[1788.70 --> 1791.20]  Spirit, that
+[1791.20 --> 1791.94]  we too may
+[1791.94 --> 1792.84]  love as you
+[1792.84 --> 1794.36]  do, beyond
+[1794.36 --> 1794.78]  our own
+[1794.78 --> 1796.20]  capacity, beyond
+[1796.20 --> 1797.10]  worldly love.
+[1798.78 --> 1799.74]  God, encounter
+[1799.74 --> 1800.76]  us in new ways
+[1800.76 --> 1801.46]  today as we
+[1801.46 --> 1802.40]  partake in your
+[1802.40 --> 1802.72]  supper.
+[1804.52 --> 1805.32]  Empower us
+[1805.32 --> 1806.14]  with your love
+[1806.14 --> 1807.10]  that we may
+[1807.10 --> 1807.80]  engage with
+[1807.80 --> 1809.10]  others we
+[1809.10 --> 1809.60]  never thought
+[1809.60 --> 1810.12]  possible.
+[1812.52 --> 1813.28]  Anoint us,
+[1813.44 --> 1814.90]  Lord, that
+[1814.90 --> 1815.52]  we may prepare
+[1815.52 --> 1816.18]  a table in
+[1816.18 --> 1816.76]  the presence of
+[1816.76 --> 1817.48]  our enemies
+[1817.48 --> 1820.88]  reconciled, so
+[1820.88 --> 1821.60]  that we may be a
+[1821.60 --> 1822.54]  testimony to your
+[1822.54 --> 1823.62]  love, to your
+[1823.62 --> 1824.54]  power to change
+[1824.54 --> 1825.20]  hearts and
+[1825.20 --> 1825.78]  wills.
+[1827.62 --> 1828.14]  And journey
+[1828.14 --> 1828.88]  with us, Lord,
+[1828.98 --> 1829.72]  in the process.
+[1830.38 --> 1831.14]  Keep filling us
+[1831.14 --> 1832.82]  up when the gap
+[1832.82 --> 1833.62]  is too wide.
+[1834.62 --> 1835.40]  Fill us with your
+[1835.40 --> 1837.58]  Spirit, that we may
+[1837.58 --> 1838.58]  exude the fruits
+[1838.58 --> 1839.44]  of your Spirit.
+[1841.92 --> 1842.40]  Amen.

From Discord to Disciple (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1238 @@
+[0.00 --> 1.92]  Good morning once again.
+[4.92 --> 14.82]  Hear the word of the Lord from Matthew chapter 10, verses 2 through 4.
+[16.70 --> 19.40]  These are the names of the twelve apostles.
+[20.50 --> 24.80]  First, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew.
+[26.08 --> 28.76]  James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
+[30.00 --> 31.64]  Philip and Bartholomew.
+[32.56 --> 35.18]  Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector.
+[36.22 --> 38.52]  James, son of Alphaeus and Thaddeus.
+[39.48 --> 40.72]  Simon, the zealot.
+[41.72 --> 43.64]  And Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
+[45.48 --> 47.94]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[47.94 --> 62.30]  So, you can be excused if your hearts were not all aflutter this morning as I read today's passage.
+[62.30 --> 73.08]  Sometimes we can be on the edge of our seat as we hear about how God has powerfully worked through his people in his word.
+[73.08 --> 79.58]  And other times we might need to be prodded awake at the end of its reading.
+[82.18 --> 85.46]  This is not likely the most riveting passage you've ever heard.
+[85.72 --> 92.44]  And yet, if we are careful, we will see that God is powerfully at work in and through it.
+[92.44 --> 99.40]  Perhaps I can reread this passage in a way that may reveal a glimpse of its richness.
+[101.90 --> 103.86]  These are the names of the twelve apostles.
+[103.86 --> 108.52]  First, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew.
+[109.56 --> 112.56]  James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
+[113.66 --> 115.78]  Philip and Bartholomew.
+[116.98 --> 120.36]  Thomas and Matthew, the passionate liberal.
+[121.52 --> 124.90]  And James, son of Alphaeus and Thaddeus.
+[125.86 --> 127.94]  Simon, the staunch conservative.
+[127.94 --> 131.56]  And Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
+[134.18 --> 138.56]  Now, obviously, Matthew and Simon were not liberal nor conservative.
+[139.46 --> 142.94]  But using political parties that are a little more familiar with us,
+[142.96 --> 146.46]  and we understand the general disdain that they have for each other,
+[147.38 --> 153.32]  gives us a bit of a glimpse into how this might have been heard in Jesus' day.
+[153.32 --> 158.50]  But using liberal and conservative only gives us a glimpse.
+[159.28 --> 164.96]  The issues that Matthew would have faced were far deeper than the irritations most of us feel
+[164.96 --> 167.94]  towards opposite political stances.
+[169.70 --> 175.34]  The television show The Chosen, a TV series about Jesus' life,
+[175.98 --> 181.54]  depicts this friction well as Jesus stops by the tax collector's booth
+[181.54 --> 186.00]  in the middle of a busy Capernaum street in order to call Matthew.
+[187.50 --> 188.50]  Jesus says,
+[189.38 --> 191.00]  Matthew, son of Alphaeus.
+[192.18 --> 196.70]  And with eyes wide, Matthew squeaks out,
+[197.52 --> 197.78]  Yes?
+[199.06 --> 201.02]  Follow me, he says.
+[202.18 --> 202.70]  Me?
+[204.38 --> 206.86]  Yes, you, Jesus responds with a smile.
+[208.22 --> 209.82]  But just then, Peter interrupts.
+[209.82 --> 211.36]  Whoa, whoa, whoa.
+[211.64 --> 212.62]  What are you doing?
+[213.70 --> 215.44]  Do you have any idea who he is?
+[215.62 --> 216.92]  Do you know what he has done?
+[217.32 --> 218.22]  Do you even know him?
+[220.02 --> 221.58]  Yes, Jesus responds.
+[222.86 --> 225.88]  And as Matthew makes his way out of the tax collector's booth
+[225.88 --> 228.52]  and past the Roman centurion who he worked with,
+[230.02 --> 231.20]  Peter goes on.
+[231.34 --> 231.66]  He says,
+[231.86 --> 232.80]  I don't get it.
+[234.44 --> 235.34]  Jesus responds,
+[235.34 --> 237.82]  You didn't get it when I called you either.
+[237.82 --> 240.14]  But this is different.
+[240.52 --> 241.84]  I'm not a tax collector.
+[242.92 --> 244.66]  And Jesus simply responds,
+[245.32 --> 246.38]  Get used to different.
+[248.04 --> 252.00]  I think we're all still trying to get used to different.
+[254.76 --> 256.36]  Matthew was a tax collector.
+[257.52 --> 258.46]  Now, in our day,
+[258.82 --> 263.42]  many of us already have a bit of disdain and distrust and dislike for the tax man.
+[263.42 --> 265.48]  But in Jesus' time,
+[265.56 --> 266.66]  it was much more so,
+[267.12 --> 267.92]  much stronger.
+[269.54 --> 271.42]  Israel was under Roman occupation,
+[271.96 --> 274.54]  and this meant that they were forced to pay tribute to the Romans.
+[275.22 --> 277.56]  They paid so many different types of taxes.
+[277.70 --> 280.00]  They paid principal tax and land tax,
+[280.06 --> 281.48]  and then there was many others,
+[281.60 --> 283.54]  especially for the transportation of goods.
+[284.24 --> 286.70]  And then they were even subject to a temple tax.
+[286.70 --> 293.20]  And this taxation upon taxation was very heavy burden for the Jewish people to carry.
+[294.86 --> 297.78]  And so this extreme taxation, as you can imagine,
+[298.14 --> 301.06]  didn't endear the Romans to the Jews,
+[301.26 --> 302.76]  to put it mildly.
+[304.14 --> 307.40]  But worse than the Romans in the eyes of the Jews
+[307.40 --> 310.16]  were those who collected the taxes.
+[310.16 --> 314.64]  Because the collection of taxes was not done by the Romans themselves.
+[315.42 --> 317.82]  They subcontracted it to local Jews.
+[319.12 --> 322.72]  And these Jews could buy the rights to collect the taxes,
+[322.92 --> 324.80]  and then they could skim a little off the top
+[324.80 --> 326.36]  and collect extra for themselves.
+[327.30 --> 328.60]  And for the Jewish people,
+[329.00 --> 330.82]  what was far worse than the Romans
+[330.82 --> 332.94]  were their own people
+[332.94 --> 335.22]  who would sell them out to make a profit,
+[335.22 --> 338.00]  overburden their people,
+[338.50 --> 340.54]  collecting tax on behalf of their oppressor.
+[342.62 --> 345.06]  And so Jews saw tax collectors
+[345.06 --> 346.72]  as the worst kind of sinners.
+[347.12 --> 348.28]  They would lump them together
+[348.28 --> 350.54]  with beggars and thieves and robbers.
+[352.86 --> 354.70]  Most everyone in Israel
+[354.70 --> 356.84]  had a strong dislike for tax collectors.
+[357.82 --> 359.34]  However, you can imagine people
+[359.34 --> 361.32]  that were especially passionate
+[361.32 --> 362.30]  for their nation
+[362.30 --> 363.48]  and for their people
+[363.48 --> 364.46]  and for their God
+[364.46 --> 366.62]  would have been the most upset.
+[368.64 --> 369.96]  In Jesus' time,
+[370.16 --> 372.08]  frustrations against the Romans,
+[372.66 --> 374.08]  against the Roman oppression, grew.
+[375.62 --> 378.76]  And Jews that were consumed for zeal for God
+[378.76 --> 380.84]  were known as zealots.
+[381.76 --> 383.12]  They eventually formed a political
+[383.12 --> 384.24]  and religious movement
+[384.24 --> 387.08]  looking to rid Israel of Roman oppression,
+[387.68 --> 390.38]  to take back their land for God by force.
+[390.38 --> 393.76]  They saw themselves as God's means
+[393.76 --> 394.72]  of divine judgment.
+[396.38 --> 397.08]  The zealots,
+[397.30 --> 399.14]  with their extreme passionate love
+[399.14 --> 400.78]  for their people and their land,
+[401.00 --> 402.62]  were the most upset
+[402.62 --> 404.80]  with tax collectors
+[404.80 --> 407.28]  that would betray their country.
+[407.28 --> 413.66]  So, it's not recorded in the Bible,
+[413.82 --> 415.06]  but I would love to have been
+[415.06 --> 416.16]  a fly on the wall
+[416.16 --> 418.16]  as Simon the zealot
+[418.16 --> 419.42]  was called by Jesus.
+[420.90 --> 422.20]  He was likely excited
+[422.20 --> 423.82]  and passionate to serve God.
+[425.10 --> 427.24]  But just imagine the look on his face
+[427.24 --> 428.10]  when he found out
+[428.10 --> 430.28]  that Jesus had also called Matthew
+[430.28 --> 431.28]  the tax collector.
+[431.28 --> 434.48]  We can imagine the internal friction
+[434.48 --> 435.38]  that there would have been
+[435.38 --> 436.44]  within the disciples.
+[438.92 --> 440.66]  And so, this is probably why
+[440.66 --> 441.94]  Peter is asking the question,
+[442.36 --> 443.66]  Jesus, what are you doing?
+[445.52 --> 446.92]  How do you start a movement
+[446.92 --> 449.16]  and then bring enemies together?
+[450.72 --> 451.48]  Don't you remember
+[451.48 --> 452.58]  what you yourself said?
+[452.94 --> 454.62]  A kingdom divided against itself
+[454.62 --> 455.38]  can't stand.
+[455.38 --> 460.06]  And yet, this was no mistake.
+[461.68 --> 463.32]  When we look at Luke's account
+[463.32 --> 464.66]  of the call of the disciples,
+[464.90 --> 465.76]  we see that Jesus
+[465.76 --> 467.88]  went up on a mountainside alone
+[467.88 --> 469.24]  and he spent the night
+[469.24 --> 470.32]  praying to God
+[470.32 --> 472.32]  before coming down
+[472.32 --> 473.82]  and calling his disciples
+[473.82 --> 475.70]  the next morning.
+[481.44 --> 482.68]  Knowing this, I think
+[482.68 --> 484.66]  if we're honest with ourselves,
+[484.66 --> 485.96]  we can all be left
+[485.96 --> 487.34]  scratching our head, you know?
+[488.42 --> 489.44]  Jesus, how could you call
+[489.44 --> 490.56]  both a tax collector
+[490.56 --> 492.32]  and a zealot?
+[494.02 --> 495.26]  The radical love
+[495.26 --> 497.10]  and diversity that Jesus shows
+[497.10 --> 498.50]  in selecting his disciples
+[498.50 --> 500.52]  is bewildering to us.
+[501.66 --> 503.06]  And yet, never has it been
+[503.06 --> 504.76]  more relevant to us.
+[506.16 --> 507.76]  We, too, are both like
+[507.76 --> 508.96]  Simon the zealot
+[508.96 --> 510.56]  and Matthew the tax collector.
+[511.70 --> 513.28]  We exclude others
+[513.28 --> 514.80]  and we, too,
+[514.92 --> 515.70]  are excluded.
+[517.50 --> 518.38]  In this world,
+[518.44 --> 519.60]  we don't tend to seek out
+[519.60 --> 520.60]  diverse perspectives.
+[521.32 --> 522.36]  We look to those
+[522.36 --> 523.44]  who agree with us.
+[524.14 --> 525.20]  And it's on this basis
+[525.20 --> 527.00]  that we form our groups,
+[527.22 --> 527.96]  how we decide
+[527.96 --> 529.22]  whose team that we're on.
+[529.86 --> 531.06]  If people agree with us,
+[531.10 --> 531.62]  then they're in.
+[531.80 --> 533.16]  And if they don't agree with us,
+[533.24 --> 534.02]  then they're out.
+[534.42 --> 536.02]  And so the division begins.
+[536.02 --> 540.86]  Jesus says in his Sermon on the Mount,
+[541.02 --> 542.86]  if you love those who love you,
+[542.92 --> 544.28]  what reward will you get?
+[544.68 --> 545.88]  Are not even the tax collectors
+[545.88 --> 546.46]  doing that?
+[547.48 --> 548.44]  And if you greet only
+[548.44 --> 549.22]  your own people,
+[549.44 --> 550.16]  what are you doing
+[550.16 --> 550.94]  more than others?
+[551.60 --> 553.30]  Do not even the Gentiles do that?
+[555.22 --> 556.66]  Our world is becoming
+[556.66 --> 557.84]  more divisive.
+[559.46 --> 561.24]  We see this in party politics.
+[562.04 --> 563.58]  Some of us choose one party,
+[563.58 --> 564.84]  and it's our loyal team,
+[565.20 --> 567.02]  liberal, conservative, or NDP.
+[568.36 --> 569.82]  And we do our best to agree
+[569.82 --> 571.08]  with everything that they say
+[571.08 --> 572.68]  and justify and defend
+[572.68 --> 573.92]  their imperfections.
+[574.52 --> 575.86]  And then we see the worst
+[575.86 --> 576.96]  in the other parties,
+[577.92 --> 579.24]  gracious towards our team
+[579.24 --> 580.56]  and without grace
+[580.56 --> 581.48]  towards the other team,
+[582.16 --> 582.62]  the enemy.
+[585.14 --> 586.86]  There was a time in politics
+[586.86 --> 588.52]  when we agreed on the goal
+[588.52 --> 589.80]  of improving the country,
+[589.96 --> 591.30]  but simply disagreed
+[591.30 --> 592.34]  on the way to get there.
+[592.34 --> 593.70]  But now,
+[594.78 --> 595.66]  the trend is to paint
+[595.66 --> 596.96]  the other side as evil
+[596.96 --> 598.84]  and looking to destroy the nation.
+[602.20 --> 603.48]  Much closer to home
+[603.48 --> 604.24]  for some of us,
+[604.28 --> 605.32]  even in our pockets,
+[606.34 --> 607.82]  our culture is working
+[607.82 --> 609.28]  to reinforce this attitude
+[609.28 --> 610.16]  of division
+[610.16 --> 612.46]  through social media
+[612.46 --> 613.32]  and our smartphones
+[613.32 --> 614.34]  where the average adult
+[614.34 --> 616.12]  spends three hours a day.
+[616.12 --> 620.36]  I recently watched a documentary
+[620.36 --> 620.94]  on Netflix
+[620.94 --> 622.38]  called The Social Dilemma,
+[622.82 --> 624.18]  which chronicled the ways
+[624.18 --> 626.24]  that social media platforms
+[626.24 --> 628.96]  profit from keeping people
+[628.96 --> 630.06]  addicted to their phones.
+[631.50 --> 633.08]  And what the social media empires
+[633.08 --> 633.78]  have found
+[633.78 --> 636.36]  is that people stay engaged longer
+[636.36 --> 638.02]  when there's controversy.
+[639.06 --> 639.34]  Right?
+[639.34 --> 640.50]  And so,
+[640.78 --> 641.88]  social media platforms
+[641.88 --> 643.24]  allow and encourage
+[643.24 --> 644.58]  controversy to spread
+[644.58 --> 645.46]  on social media.
+[646.34 --> 647.62]  The extreme perspectives
+[647.62 --> 648.20]  prevail
+[648.20 --> 649.70]  and they flood
+[649.70 --> 650.54]  our news feed.
+[651.38 --> 652.44]  And our news feeds
+[652.44 --> 653.10]  are customized
+[653.10 --> 653.82]  to show us
+[653.82 --> 654.56]  the least charitable
+[654.56 --> 655.48]  understandings
+[655.48 --> 657.50]  of those whom we oppose
+[657.50 --> 659.10]  to keep us engaged.
+[660.14 --> 661.76]  And it polarizes us.
+[663.84 --> 665.18]  But engaging ideas
+[665.18 --> 665.96]  through phones
+[665.96 --> 666.76]  or computers
+[666.76 --> 668.56]  rather than with real people
+[668.56 --> 669.92]  that we know
+[669.92 --> 671.66]  leads us to flatten people
+[671.66 --> 673.40]  into their one belief.
+[674.18 --> 675.24]  We equate people
+[675.24 --> 676.68]  with that one belief.
+[677.46 --> 678.88]  And when we caricature people
+[678.88 --> 680.04]  based on one belief,
+[680.52 --> 681.66]  we are essentially
+[681.66 --> 682.94]  dehumanizing them.
+[684.14 --> 686.00]  Because human beings
+[686.00 --> 687.18]  are far more complex
+[687.18 --> 688.26]  than one belief
+[688.26 --> 689.28]  on one subject.
+[689.62 --> 690.86]  There's always far more
+[690.86 --> 692.10]  behind why we choose
+[692.10 --> 693.12]  to see the best
+[693.12 --> 694.32]  on one side of an issue
+[694.32 --> 695.46]  and the worst on another
+[695.46 --> 697.16]  rather than vice versa.
+[699.78 --> 701.44]  But when we delve deeper
+[701.44 --> 702.30]  into relationship
+[702.30 --> 703.46]  in real community,
+[703.82 --> 704.80]  when someone is sitting
+[704.80 --> 705.96]  with us face to face
+[705.96 --> 706.68]  and we engage
+[706.68 --> 707.50]  with them personally,
+[707.88 --> 709.32]  when we consciously choose
+[709.32 --> 710.30]  to love them
+[710.30 --> 712.24]  and to try to understand them,
+[712.44 --> 713.36]  it is amazing
+[713.36 --> 714.78]  how we can grow
+[714.78 --> 715.60]  in compassion
+[715.60 --> 717.06]  and find common ground.
+[717.18 --> 719.88]  the more resilience
+[719.88 --> 720.60]  we build
+[720.60 --> 721.68]  into our relationships,
+[721.84 --> 722.40]  the more deeply
+[722.40 --> 723.28]  we know each other,
+[723.72 --> 724.78]  the harder it is
+[724.78 --> 726.30]  for us to write someone off
+[726.30 --> 727.36]  if we disagree with them
+[727.36 --> 728.02]  on one issue
+[728.02 --> 729.90]  because we have
+[729.90 --> 730.64]  many other ties
+[730.64 --> 731.60]  that bind us together.
+[736.86 --> 738.24]  It's easy to say all this,
+[738.36 --> 739.00]  but I can imagine
+[739.00 --> 739.68]  for some of you,
+[739.74 --> 740.30]  you're sitting there
+[740.30 --> 740.94]  and you're thinking,
+[740.94 --> 744.56]  and for me myself,
+[745.02 --> 746.58]  I can feel like
+[746.58 --> 747.58]  I just don't have
+[747.58 --> 748.62]  the capacity
+[748.62 --> 749.74]  for that kind of empathy.
+[751.64 --> 752.46]  Sometimes I just
+[752.46 --> 753.46]  can't bridge the gap.
+[754.02 --> 755.22]  The disagreement's too large
+[755.22 --> 756.88]  and it's too overwhelming.
+[759.70 --> 760.64]  Stop for a minute.
+[762.54 --> 763.90]  Who do you exclude?
+[763.90 --> 766.20]  Who is your tax collector?
+[767.94 --> 769.26]  Is it those Christians
+[769.26 --> 771.14]  who believe in Black Lives Matter?
+[771.60 --> 773.72]  Or perhaps the Christians
+[773.72 --> 774.34]  that believe
+[774.34 --> 776.16]  in the Proud Boy movement?
+[778.80 --> 780.52]  Or perhaps closer to home,
+[780.60 --> 781.28]  is it those who
+[781.28 --> 783.04]  seek to support the government
+[783.04 --> 784.06]  in wearing masks
+[784.06 --> 785.00]  and social distancing?
+[785.00 --> 787.92]  Or is it those
+[787.92 --> 788.60]  in our congregation
+[788.60 --> 790.18]  that refuse to wear masks
+[790.18 --> 791.60]  and social distance?
+[791.60 --> 794.72]  Whether intentional
+[794.72 --> 795.78]  or unintentional,
+[795.98 --> 797.80]  we all exclude others.
+[799.74 --> 801.34]  It seems unavoidable
+[801.34 --> 802.28]  and this is why
+[802.28 --> 803.24]  we shake our head
+[803.24 --> 804.22]  at Jesus calling
+[804.22 --> 805.36]  Simon the Zealot
+[805.36 --> 806.90]  and Matthew the tax collector.
+[810.80 --> 811.80]  For a while,
+[811.90 --> 812.62]  I wondered where
+[812.62 --> 813.44]  Simon the Zealot
+[813.44 --> 814.46]  landed with Matthew,
+[814.96 --> 816.50]  how he felt about Matthew.
+[818.06 --> 819.32]  But I realized
+[819.32 --> 821.30]  it doesn't really matter.
+[821.60 --> 824.72]  Jesus did not give Simon
+[824.72 --> 826.32]  an option, did he?
+[827.50 --> 828.54]  He didn't allow them
+[828.54 --> 829.52]  to place stipulations
+[829.52 --> 830.22]  on the call.
+[831.22 --> 831.82]  Sure, Jesus,
+[831.94 --> 832.64]  I'll follow you,
+[832.78 --> 833.54]  but you've got to get rid
+[833.54 --> 834.70]  of that snake, Matthew.
+[835.24 --> 835.96]  You made a mistake
+[835.96 --> 836.54]  calling him.
+[838.50 --> 839.78]  We don't call the shots
+[839.78 --> 840.64]  on being a disciple.
+[841.74 --> 842.92]  And Jesus makes this clear
+[842.92 --> 843.68]  in Luke 9.
+[844.32 --> 845.24]  He merely says,
+[845.38 --> 846.42]  let the dead bury the dead.
+[847.14 --> 847.74]  Follow me.
+[847.74 --> 852.12]  And so when Simon the Zealot
+[852.12 --> 854.04]  was unable to bridge the gap
+[854.04 --> 856.18]  and find compassion for Matthew,
+[856.96 --> 858.60]  he must have had
+[858.60 --> 860.40]  a powerful encounter
+[860.40 --> 862.18]  with Jesus Christ
+[862.18 --> 863.62]  that changed him
+[863.62 --> 864.48]  so profoundly
+[864.48 --> 865.58]  that his allegiance
+[865.58 --> 866.18]  must have been
+[866.18 --> 867.62]  completely altered course.
+[870.12 --> 870.84]  Simon's allegiance
+[870.84 --> 872.24]  became in Christ alone,
+[872.42 --> 873.44]  first and foremost,
+[873.74 --> 874.96]  not on earthly things,
+[874.96 --> 876.16]  but heavenly things,
+[876.36 --> 877.92]  so much so
+[877.92 --> 878.84]  that it changed
+[878.84 --> 880.06]  the way that he treated
+[880.06 --> 880.76]  others,
+[880.92 --> 881.78]  even his enemies.
+[884.52 --> 885.36]  This must have been
+[885.36 --> 886.00]  the case for all
+[886.00 --> 886.62]  the disciples.
+[887.58 --> 888.32]  Accepting the call
+[888.32 --> 888.94]  to be a disciple
+[888.94 --> 889.52]  would not have been
+[889.52 --> 890.00]  a picnic,
+[890.64 --> 891.70]  and for Matthew
+[891.70 --> 892.84]  or for the others
+[892.84 --> 893.72]  either.
+[893.72 --> 898.24]  faith in Jesus
+[898.24 --> 899.38]  became for the disciples
+[899.38 --> 901.28]  the tie that bound them together,
+[902.28 --> 903.66]  and it's through Jesus Christ
+[903.66 --> 904.68]  they found strength
+[904.68 --> 906.14]  to do all things,
+[906.72 --> 907.94]  even love someone
+[907.94 --> 908.58]  that had betrayed
+[908.58 --> 909.92]  their God and country,
+[910.22 --> 911.48]  like the lowly tax collector,
+[911.64 --> 912.98]  or even go to their death,
+[913.86 --> 915.18]  martyred for proclaiming Jesus
+[915.18 --> 916.42]  as risen Lord,
+[917.08 --> 917.84]  as most of them
+[917.84 --> 918.60]  eventually did.
+[918.60 --> 921.22]  This is the power
+[921.22 --> 922.48]  of an encounter
+[922.48 --> 924.34]  with Jesus Christ.
+[926.32 --> 928.04]  And this is the good news.
+[929.92 --> 931.66]  Our God transforms
+[931.66 --> 933.26]  the zealots of this world
+[933.26 --> 934.60]  that judge and divide
+[934.60 --> 936.16]  into zealots for his kingdom
+[936.16 --> 938.04]  who show radical love
+[938.04 --> 939.18]  for all people.
+[942.26 --> 944.12]  Paul is an example of this.
+[946.18 --> 947.26]  Paul's letters compose
+[947.26 --> 948.24]  much of the New Testament,
+[948.60 --> 949.68]  and his story is told
+[949.68 --> 950.58]  in the book of Acts.
+[952.26 --> 953.76]  In the book of Galatians,
+[954.12 --> 955.18]  Paul describes himself
+[955.18 --> 956.24]  as extremely zealous
+[956.24 --> 956.96]  for the traditions
+[956.96 --> 957.76]  of his father.
+[960.08 --> 960.80]  And in Acts,
+[961.00 --> 962.08]  we read of how
+[962.08 --> 963.14]  a zealous Paul
+[963.14 --> 964.32]  approves the murder
+[964.32 --> 965.02]  of Stephen,
+[965.38 --> 965.94]  a Christian,
+[967.16 --> 967.82]  and from there
+[967.82 --> 968.38]  goes around
+[968.38 --> 969.72]  chasing down Christians
+[969.72 --> 970.82]  and throwing them in prison,
+[970.94 --> 971.70]  doing his best
+[971.70 --> 973.68]  to destroy the early church.
+[975.10 --> 976.68]  Paul had chosen his team,
+[977.46 --> 978.38]  and Christians were
+[978.38 --> 979.20]  on the outside.
+[982.04 --> 983.34]  But Paul, too,
+[983.96 --> 985.72]  was profoundly changed
+[985.72 --> 987.14]  by a powerful encounter
+[987.14 --> 987.84]  with God
+[987.84 --> 989.60]  on the road to Damascus.
+[990.46 --> 991.50]  His allegiance
+[991.50 --> 993.24]  and life direction
+[993.24 --> 994.12]  completely altered.
+[996.12 --> 997.22]  Paul went on
+[997.22 --> 997.82]  to found
+[997.82 --> 998.58]  and build up
+[998.58 --> 999.38]  many churches
+[999.38 --> 1000.46]  across Asia Minor
+[1000.46 --> 1000.88]  and Europe
+[1000.88 --> 1001.68]  and even Rome,
+[1002.30 --> 1003.72]  befriending people
+[1003.72 --> 1004.84]  of all different sorts
+[1004.84 --> 1006.06]  and teaching others
+[1006.06 --> 1006.96]  to do the same
+[1006.96 --> 1007.82]  through the power
+[1007.82 --> 1008.30]  of Jesus.
+[1010.80 --> 1011.72]  After God
+[1011.72 --> 1012.94]  opened Paul's eyes
+[1012.94 --> 1013.60]  to the truth
+[1013.60 --> 1014.58]  of Jesus Christ,
+[1014.86 --> 1015.54]  he wrote this
+[1015.54 --> 1016.54]  to the Philippians
+[1016.54 --> 1018.14]  about the
+[1018.14 --> 1020.02]  powerful encounter
+[1020.02 --> 1020.86]  that he had had
+[1020.86 --> 1021.36]  with Christ
+[1021.36 --> 1022.36]  and how it affected him.
+[1022.36 --> 1025.36]  He said,
+[1025.40 --> 1025.96]  if someone else
+[1025.96 --> 1026.50]  thinks they have
+[1026.50 --> 1027.50]  reason to put confidence
+[1027.50 --> 1028.14]  in the flesh,
+[1028.20 --> 1028.98]  I have more.
+[1030.44 --> 1031.12]  Circumcised on the
+[1031.12 --> 1031.64]  eighth day
+[1031.64 --> 1032.88]  of the people of Israel,
+[1033.58 --> 1034.20]  of the tribe
+[1034.20 --> 1034.88]  of Benjamin,
+[1035.60 --> 1036.70]  a Hebrew of Hebrews,
+[1037.18 --> 1038.60]  in regards to the law,
+[1038.74 --> 1039.58]  a Pharisee,
+[1039.84 --> 1040.62]  as for zeal,
+[1040.80 --> 1041.82]  persecuting the church,
+[1041.94 --> 1042.72]  as for righteousness
+[1042.72 --> 1043.74]  based on the law,
+[1044.22 --> 1044.74]  faultless.
+[1044.74 --> 1048.96]  But whatever
+[1048.96 --> 1050.20]  were gains to me,
+[1050.46 --> 1051.28]  I now consider
+[1051.28 --> 1051.86]  a loss
+[1051.86 --> 1052.34]  for the sake
+[1052.34 --> 1052.92]  of Christ.
+[1053.88 --> 1054.80]  What is more,
+[1054.90 --> 1055.32]  I consider
+[1055.32 --> 1056.36]  everything a loss
+[1056.36 --> 1057.12]  because of the
+[1057.12 --> 1058.08]  surpassing worth
+[1058.08 --> 1059.08]  of knowing Christ
+[1059.08 --> 1060.12]  Jesus my Lord,
+[1061.14 --> 1061.96]  for whose sake
+[1061.96 --> 1062.68]  I have lost
+[1062.68 --> 1063.42]  all things.
+[1064.60 --> 1065.42]  I consider them
+[1065.42 --> 1065.86]  garbage
+[1065.86 --> 1067.50]  that I may gain
+[1067.50 --> 1068.02]  Christ
+[1068.02 --> 1069.04]  and be found
+[1069.04 --> 1069.54]  in him,
+[1069.94 --> 1070.60]  not having a
+[1070.60 --> 1071.76]  righteousness of my own
+[1071.76 --> 1072.52]  that comes from
+[1072.52 --> 1072.98]  the law,
+[1073.62 --> 1074.32]  but that which
+[1074.32 --> 1074.80]  comes through
+[1074.80 --> 1075.92]  faith in Christ,
+[1076.52 --> 1077.12]  the righteousness
+[1077.12 --> 1078.48]  that comes from God
+[1078.48 --> 1079.94]  on the basis of faith.
+[1082.52 --> 1083.74]  This is a completely
+[1083.74 --> 1084.78]  altered life,
+[1085.92 --> 1086.52]  a completely
+[1086.52 --> 1087.32]  altered allegiance.
+[1089.62 --> 1090.68]  And we see
+[1090.68 --> 1091.38]  in Ephesians
+[1091.38 --> 1092.42]  how this profoundly
+[1092.42 --> 1094.44]  affects Paul's view
+[1094.44 --> 1095.16]  of relationship
+[1095.16 --> 1095.88]  with others.
+[1097.68 --> 1098.46]  Paul says,
+[1099.38 --> 1099.96]  be completely
+[1099.96 --> 1100.98]  humble and gentle,
+[1102.10 --> 1103.14]  be patient,
+[1103.14 --> 1104.62]  bearing with one
+[1104.62 --> 1105.56]  another in love.
+[1107.42 --> 1108.64]  Make every effort
+[1108.64 --> 1109.20]  to keep
+[1109.20 --> 1110.06]  the unity
+[1110.06 --> 1111.60]  of the Spirit
+[1111.60 --> 1112.40]  through the bond
+[1112.40 --> 1113.04]  of peace.
+[1114.84 --> 1116.10]  There is one body
+[1116.10 --> 1117.18]  and one Spirit,
+[1117.62 --> 1118.18]  just as you were
+[1118.18 --> 1119.42]  called to one hope
+[1119.42 --> 1120.58]  when you were called,
+[1120.98 --> 1121.64]  one Lord,
+[1122.04 --> 1122.74]  one faith,
+[1123.10 --> 1123.90]  one baptism,
+[1124.18 --> 1124.78]  one God
+[1124.78 --> 1125.76]  and Father of all,
+[1126.40 --> 1127.42]  who is over all
+[1127.42 --> 1128.78]  and through all
+[1128.78 --> 1130.48]  and in all.
+[1134.32 --> 1135.34]  And as we read
+[1135.34 --> 1136.62]  of God's work
+[1136.62 --> 1137.66]  through Paul's life
+[1137.66 --> 1138.10]  and acts
+[1138.10 --> 1138.66]  and his letters,
+[1139.66 --> 1140.68]  we can see
+[1140.68 --> 1141.28]  that it is an
+[1141.28 --> 1142.20]  astounding testimony
+[1142.20 --> 1143.18]  to the transformation
+[1143.18 --> 1145.20]  he did in Paul's heart.
+[1148.06 --> 1149.08]  But our God
+[1149.08 --> 1150.02]  does not place
+[1150.02 --> 1151.20]  burdens on us
+[1151.20 --> 1152.30]  to try to live
+[1152.30 --> 1153.30]  in possible kindness.
+[1153.30 --> 1156.88]  He's called
+[1156.88 --> 1157.98]  each one of us
+[1157.98 --> 1160.64]  and he seeks
+[1160.64 --> 1161.38]  to encounter
+[1161.38 --> 1162.58]  each one of us
+[1162.58 --> 1164.02]  and he empowers
+[1164.02 --> 1165.22]  each one of us
+[1165.22 --> 1167.24]  and he himself,
+[1167.46 --> 1167.80]  God,
+[1168.22 --> 1169.46]  journeys with us
+[1169.46 --> 1171.04]  through his Holy Spirit.
+[1173.44 --> 1174.46]  He calls us
+[1174.46 --> 1174.98]  the same way
+[1174.98 --> 1176.06]  he called his disciples
+[1176.06 --> 1178.00]  and in this call
+[1178.00 --> 1179.06]  he brings zealots
+[1179.06 --> 1179.96]  and tax collectors
+[1179.96 --> 1180.52]  together,
+[1180.98 --> 1181.66]  sworn enemies
+[1181.66 --> 1182.46]  in this world
+[1182.46 --> 1183.98]  with very different agendas
+[1183.98 --> 1186.38]  and he confronts us
+[1186.38 --> 1188.36]  with the humanity
+[1188.36 --> 1189.32]  and image of God
+[1189.32 --> 1189.94]  in each other
+[1189.94 --> 1193.24]  while revealing to us
+[1193.24 --> 1195.02]  our own humanity
+[1195.02 --> 1196.22]  and image of God.
+[1197.60 --> 1198.90]  He confronts us
+[1198.90 --> 1200.54]  with the worldly boxes
+[1200.54 --> 1201.86]  that we put others in
+[1201.86 --> 1203.50]  and have ourselves
+[1203.50 --> 1204.20]  been put in.
+[1205.98 --> 1207.58]  He confronts us
+[1207.58 --> 1208.50]  with how we have
+[1208.50 --> 1209.36]  excluded others
+[1209.36 --> 1210.70]  and how we have
+[1210.70 --> 1211.26]  been excluded.
+[1212.54 --> 1213.50]  He confronts
+[1213.50 --> 1214.22]  our divisiveness
+[1214.22 --> 1215.60]  with radical love
+[1215.60 --> 1216.14]  for all,
+[1216.30 --> 1217.12]  even our enemies.
+[1220.58 --> 1222.06]  Jesus empowers us
+[1222.06 --> 1223.02]  to sit in the tension
+[1223.02 --> 1224.54]  of loving someone
+[1224.54 --> 1225.36]  who is our enemy,
+[1225.94 --> 1228.06]  to see the nuance
+[1228.06 --> 1229.36]  that they are more
+[1229.36 --> 1230.74]  than one idea
+[1230.74 --> 1231.42]  or belief.
+[1232.28 --> 1233.22]  He empowers us
+[1233.22 --> 1234.46]  to live as he did
+[1234.46 --> 1235.96]  as described beautifully
+[1235.96 --> 1238.24]  by Paul in Romans 5
+[1238.24 --> 1238.72]  as we heard
+[1238.72 --> 1239.34]  in our confession
+[1239.34 --> 1240.32]  and assurance today.
+[1240.32 --> 1243.56]  While we were yet sinners,
+[1243.88 --> 1245.20]  he died for us.
+[1246.56 --> 1247.36]  Paul says,
+[1247.76 --> 1248.30]  we might die
+[1248.30 --> 1249.08]  for a good man,
+[1249.14 --> 1249.84]  but for our enemy,
+[1250.02 --> 1250.86]  not a chance.
+[1251.52 --> 1253.16]  But this is the power
+[1253.16 --> 1254.18]  of God's love.
+[1255.66 --> 1256.68]  On the cross,
+[1256.80 --> 1257.46]  Jesus Christ,
+[1257.84 --> 1258.88]  while being crucified
+[1258.88 --> 1260.14]  unjustly,
+[1260.88 --> 1262.14]  he prayed for them
+[1262.14 --> 1263.66]  as they mocked
+[1263.66 --> 1264.42]  and murdered him.
+[1264.42 --> 1266.90]  He saw them
+[1266.90 --> 1268.46]  as more than their mistake.
+[1269.68 --> 1271.04]  He saw the nuance.
+[1272.28 --> 1273.02]  He saw the image
+[1273.02 --> 1273.66]  of God
+[1273.66 --> 1274.86]  in each of them.
+[1276.82 --> 1277.34]  Forgive them,
+[1277.52 --> 1277.70]  Lord,
+[1278.20 --> 1279.22]  for they know not
+[1279.22 --> 1280.04]  what they're doing.
+[1284.26 --> 1284.78]  Forgive
+[1284.78 --> 1285.60]  as the Lord
+[1285.60 --> 1286.36]  forgave you.
+[1286.36 --> 1290.54]  Jesus radically
+[1290.54 --> 1291.50]  empowers us
+[1291.50 --> 1292.14]  to question
+[1292.14 --> 1293.22]  who we can put
+[1293.22 --> 1294.02]  on the outside.
+[1295.22 --> 1296.08]  Is there anyone?
+[1297.12 --> 1298.30]  If the prostitutes
+[1298.30 --> 1299.18]  and tax collectors
+[1299.18 --> 1300.52]  are to be loved,
+[1301.32 --> 1302.56]  if our enemy
+[1302.56 --> 1303.30]  is to be loved,
+[1303.46 --> 1304.52]  who can we turn away?
+[1307.52 --> 1308.00]  Judgment
+[1308.00 --> 1308.76]  is to be left
+[1308.76 --> 1309.40]  in the hands
+[1309.40 --> 1310.12]  of the good
+[1310.12 --> 1311.22]  and just judge,
+[1311.36 --> 1312.16]  Jesus Christ.
+[1312.96 --> 1313.76]  But it can be
+[1313.76 --> 1314.28]  so tempting
+[1314.28 --> 1314.90]  to want to sit
+[1314.90 --> 1315.46]  in that seat
+[1315.46 --> 1316.08]  ourselves.
+[1316.36 --> 1317.04]  Can it?
+[1319.72 --> 1320.48]  But how could
+[1320.48 --> 1321.12]  we possibly
+[1321.12 --> 1322.34]  be so loving?
+[1322.68 --> 1323.32]  It seems like
+[1323.32 --> 1324.44]  the impossible task.
+[1325.68 --> 1326.44]  We would need
+[1326.44 --> 1327.40]  to be so patient
+[1327.40 --> 1329.08]  and kind
+[1329.08 --> 1330.28]  and gentle
+[1330.28 --> 1331.38]  and loving.
+[1332.62 --> 1333.54]  We would need
+[1333.54 --> 1334.50]  superhuman
+[1334.50 --> 1335.62]  self-control.
+[1336.98 --> 1337.76]  We'd need
+[1337.76 --> 1338.60]  deep resources
+[1338.60 --> 1339.38]  for joy
+[1339.38 --> 1339.98]  and goodness
+[1339.98 --> 1341.12]  and peace.
+[1343.46 --> 1344.44]  We would need
+[1344.44 --> 1344.86]  the fruits
+[1344.86 --> 1345.48]  of the Spirit.
+[1346.36 --> 1347.36]  fruit of the Spirit.
+[1348.68 --> 1349.66]  But these only
+[1349.66 --> 1350.24]  come through
+[1350.24 --> 1350.78]  relationship
+[1350.78 --> 1351.42]  with Jesus.
+[1352.64 --> 1353.72]  When we follow
+[1353.72 --> 1354.10]  Him,
+[1355.10 --> 1356.04]  when we are
+[1356.04 --> 1356.88]  consumed for love
+[1356.88 --> 1357.42]  with Him,
+[1359.02 --> 1360.30]  when the rest
+[1360.30 --> 1360.82]  of the world
+[1360.82 --> 1361.54]  seems like filthy
+[1361.54 --> 1362.10]  rags
+[1362.10 --> 1363.46]  by comparison.
+[1363.46 --> 1364.46]  God's love
+[1364.46 --> 1365.46]  love
+[1365.46 --> 1366.46]  and love
+[1366.46 --> 1367.10]  God's
+[1367.10 --> 1367.90]  love
+[1367.90 --> 1368.46]  and love
+[1368.46 --> 1369.10]  God's
+[1369.10 --> 1369.94]  love
+[1369.94 --> 1370.46]  and love
+[1370.46 --> 1370.62]  love
+[1370.62 --> 1371.16]  our enemies
+[1371.16 --> 1371.72]  insofar
+[1371.72 --> 1372.16]  as we are
+[1372.16 --> 1372.72]  in Him,
+[1373.44 --> 1373.82]  in deep
+[1373.82 --> 1374.40]  relationship
+[1374.40 --> 1374.94]  with Jesus
+[1374.94 --> 1375.40]  Christ,
+[1375.46 --> 1376.12]  when we reflect
+[1376.12 --> 1376.72]  on Him
+[1376.72 --> 1377.64]  and when we
+[1377.64 --> 1378.16]  are praying
+[1378.16 --> 1378.64]  to Him
+[1378.64 --> 1379.34]  and we hear
+[1379.34 --> 1379.84]  Him speak
+[1379.84 --> 1380.28]  to us
+[1380.28 --> 1380.64]  in His
+[1380.64 --> 1381.12]  Word
+[1381.12 --> 1382.58]  and rest
+[1382.58 --> 1383.06]  in Him
+[1383.06 --> 1384.00]  when we
+[1384.00 --> 1384.54]  abide in
+[1384.54 --> 1385.06]  the One
+[1385.06 --> 1386.70]  who Himself
+[1386.70 --> 1387.22]  loved His
+[1387.22 --> 1387.60]  enemies,
+[1388.60 --> 1389.64]  who chose
+[1389.64 --> 1390.10]  to remain
+[1390.10 --> 1390.76]  nailed to the
+[1390.76 --> 1391.66]  cross and
+[1391.66 --> 1392.14]  prayed for
+[1392.14 --> 1392.52]  those who
+[1392.52 --> 1392.88]  put Him
+[1392.88 --> 1393.16]  there
+[1393.16 --> 1393.70]  in order
+[1393.70 --> 1394.12]  to bridge
+[1394.12 --> 1394.58]  the gap
+[1394.58 --> 1395.34]  between us
+[1395.34 --> 1395.90]  and God.
+[1398.58 --> 1400.06]  He reconciled
+[1400.06 --> 1400.72]  for us
+[1400.72 --> 1401.40]  our relationship
+[1401.40 --> 1402.08]  with God
+[1402.08 --> 1403.10]  and as we
+[1403.10 --> 1403.56]  grow in
+[1403.56 --> 1404.00]  relationship
+[1404.00 --> 1404.50]  with Him,
+[1404.82 --> 1405.50]  He empowers
+[1405.50 --> 1406.18]  us to bridge
+[1406.18 --> 1406.76]  the gap
+[1406.76 --> 1407.82]  with all
+[1407.82 --> 1408.38]  those around
+[1408.38 --> 1409.96]  us so that
+[1409.96 --> 1410.42]  we may
+[1410.42 --> 1411.78]  exemplify Him,
+[1412.22 --> 1412.60]  be a living
+[1412.60 --> 1413.64]  testimony to Him
+[1413.64 --> 1414.64]  and promote
+[1414.64 --> 1415.32]  flourishing
+[1415.32 --> 1416.92]  as a sign
+[1416.92 --> 1417.74]  of the truth
+[1417.74 --> 1418.22]  of who He
+[1418.22 --> 1418.60]  is.
+[1421.66 --> 1422.14]  We need
+[1422.14 --> 1422.70]  this now
+[1422.70 --> 1423.18]  more than
+[1423.18 --> 1423.50]  ever.
+[1424.76 --> 1425.48]  As we
+[1425.48 --> 1426.18]  scroll our
+[1426.18 --> 1426.84]  news feeds
+[1426.84 --> 1427.34]  that sow
+[1427.34 --> 1427.86]  division,
+[1429.06 --> 1430.06]  as COVID
+[1430.06 --> 1431.14]  polarizes us
+[1431.14 --> 1431.60]  as to how
+[1431.60 --> 1432.32]  to respond,
+[1433.60 --> 1434.18]  as the
+[1434.18 --> 1434.62]  American
+[1434.62 --> 1435.22]  political
+[1435.22 --> 1435.84]  circus
+[1435.84 --> 1436.34]  marches
+[1436.34 --> 1436.74]  on,
+[1441.08 --> 1441.84]  maybe we
+[1441.84 --> 1442.20]  can turn
+[1442.20 --> 1442.62]  off our
+[1442.62 --> 1443.22]  phones this
+[1443.22 --> 1443.50]  week,
+[1443.76 --> 1444.60]  just for a
+[1444.60 --> 1445.00]  half hour
+[1445.00 --> 1445.38]  longer,
+[1446.08 --> 1447.78]  and turn
+[1447.78 --> 1448.14]  on our
+[1448.14 --> 1448.60]  hearts,
+[1449.66 --> 1450.28]  engage in
+[1450.28 --> 1450.40]  our
+[1450.40 --> 1450.92]  relationship
+[1450.92 --> 1451.64]  with God
+[1451.64 --> 1452.34]  who loves
+[1452.34 --> 1452.76]  us.
+[1455.78 --> 1456.64]  When we
+[1456.64 --> 1457.52]  sincerely seek
+[1457.52 --> 1458.22]  God to have
+[1458.22 --> 1458.74]  relationship
+[1458.74 --> 1459.32]  with Him,
+[1460.72 --> 1461.24]  the more
+[1461.24 --> 1461.86]  we do it,
+[1461.94 --> 1462.48]  He changes
+[1462.48 --> 1463.30]  us from
+[1463.30 --> 1463.70]  zealots
+[1463.70 --> 1464.40]  looking to
+[1464.40 --> 1465.22]  kill those
+[1465.22 --> 1465.70]  who disagree
+[1465.70 --> 1466.38]  with us
+[1466.38 --> 1467.40]  to zealots
+[1467.40 --> 1468.08]  who engage
+[1468.08 --> 1468.50]  the world
+[1468.50 --> 1469.24]  around them,
+[1470.74 --> 1471.64]  gathering God's
+[1471.64 --> 1472.22]  children and
+[1472.22 --> 1473.08]  loving on all
+[1473.08 --> 1473.46]  who need
+[1473.46 --> 1473.90]  love.
+[1474.40 --> 1475.20]  We're filled
+[1475.20 --> 1475.76]  with love,
+[1475.86 --> 1476.20]  we're filled
+[1476.20 --> 1477.04]  with the
+[1477.04 --> 1477.40]  fruits of
+[1477.40 --> 1477.96]  His Spirit.
+[1477.96 --> 1478.72]  God
+[1478.72 --> 1489.04]  encounters us
+[1489.04 --> 1489.44]  today in
+[1489.44 --> 1490.18]  many ways,
+[1491.18 --> 1492.12]  but as I
+[1492.12 --> 1492.40]  have been
+[1492.40 --> 1492.80]  growing in
+[1492.80 --> 1493.34]  my faith
+[1493.34 --> 1493.92]  walk as a
+[1493.92 --> 1494.26]  Christian,
+[1494.86 --> 1495.72]  I have found
+[1495.72 --> 1496.14]  more and
+[1496.14 --> 1496.80]  more that it
+[1496.80 --> 1497.16]  is in the
+[1497.16 --> 1497.54]  Lord's
+[1497.54 --> 1498.72]  Supper I
+[1498.72 --> 1499.16]  encounter
+[1499.16 --> 1500.84]  Jesus
+[1500.84 --> 1501.58]  powerfully.
+[1502.26 --> 1503.20]  Like Simon
+[1503.20 --> 1503.78]  the Zealot
+[1503.78 --> 1504.50]  encountered
+[1504.50 --> 1504.84]  Jesus
+[1504.84 --> 1505.42]  powerfully,
+[1505.62 --> 1506.36]  like Paul
+[1506.36 --> 1506.86]  encountered
+[1506.86 --> 1507.22]  Jesus
+[1507.22 --> 1507.82]  powerfully.
+[1508.40 --> 1508.76]  There is
+[1508.76 --> 1509.94]  indeed a
+[1509.94 --> 1510.32]  powerful
+[1510.32 --> 1511.06]  mystery far
+[1511.06 --> 1511.80]  beyond bread
+[1511.80 --> 1512.44]  and juice.
+[1515.40 --> 1515.98]  Jesus
+[1515.98 --> 1516.86]  invited Matthew
+[1516.86 --> 1517.36]  the tax
+[1517.36 --> 1518.06]  collector and
+[1518.06 --> 1518.62]  Simon the
+[1518.62 --> 1519.80]  Zealot to
+[1519.80 --> 1520.50]  His table,
+[1521.10 --> 1521.42]  and He
+[1521.42 --> 1521.90]  broke bread
+[1521.90 --> 1522.26]  with them.
+[1524.48 --> 1525.08]  Today,
+[1525.20 --> 1525.78]  Jesus Christ
+[1525.78 --> 1526.36]  invites you
+[1526.36 --> 1526.74]  to His
+[1526.74 --> 1527.68]  table to
+[1527.68 --> 1528.20]  break bread.
+[1531.42 --> 1532.00]  Now,
+[1532.12 --> 1532.68]  a funny thing
+[1532.68 --> 1533.18]  happened to
+[1533.18 --> 1533.58]  me as I
+[1533.58 --> 1534.16]  was preparing
+[1534.16 --> 1534.86]  this sermon.
+[1534.86 --> 1536.42]  it felt like
+[1536.42 --> 1536.82]  one of those
+[1536.82 --> 1537.30]  times when
+[1537.30 --> 1537.68]  God's
+[1537.68 --> 1538.20]  winking at
+[1538.20 --> 1538.40]  you.
+[1540.04 --> 1540.60]  I was
+[1540.60 --> 1540.80]  eating
+[1540.80 --> 1541.44]  breakfast and
+[1541.44 --> 1541.88]  I did my
+[1541.88 --> 1542.86]  devotions and
+[1542.86 --> 1543.34]  it was on
+[1543.34 --> 1544.12]  Psalm 23.
+[1545.50 --> 1546.26]  And as I
+[1546.26 --> 1546.60]  read it,
+[1546.64 --> 1547.18]  this is what I
+[1547.18 --> 1547.62]  heard.
+[1547.78 --> 1548.00]  Now,
+[1548.32 --> 1549.80]  I've read
+[1549.80 --> 1550.66]  Psalm 23 a
+[1550.66 --> 1551.46]  million times,
+[1551.46 --> 1552.42]  but this day
+[1552.42 --> 1553.20]  I heard it
+[1553.20 --> 1553.60]  anew.
+[1556.04 --> 1557.28]  You prepare a
+[1557.28 --> 1558.18]  table for me
+[1558.18 --> 1559.66]  in the
+[1559.66 --> 1560.56]  presence of
+[1560.56 --> 1561.32]  my enemies.
+[1564.00 --> 1564.56]  You
+[1564.56 --> 1565.06]  anoint my
+[1565.06 --> 1566.26]  head with
+[1566.26 --> 1566.72]  oil and
+[1566.72 --> 1567.14]  my cup
+[1567.14 --> 1567.88]  overflows.
+[1571.20 --> 1571.76]  You
+[1571.76 --> 1572.30]  prepare a
+[1572.30 --> 1572.90]  table for
+[1572.90 --> 1573.40]  me in the
+[1573.40 --> 1574.12]  presence of
+[1574.12 --> 1574.82]  my enemies.
+[1577.00 --> 1577.54]  Now,
+[1577.62 --> 1578.04]  personally,
+[1578.50 --> 1579.84]  for this
+[1579.84 --> 1580.48]  verse of
+[1580.48 --> 1581.10]  Psalm 23,
+[1581.22 --> 1581.56]  I think in
+[1581.56 --> 1582.14]  the past
+[1582.14 --> 1584.12]  I maybe
+[1584.12 --> 1584.50]  had more
+[1584.50 --> 1584.70]  of a
+[1584.70 --> 1585.38]  vindictive
+[1585.38 --> 1585.98]  view of
+[1585.98 --> 1586.24]  this,
+[1586.32 --> 1586.52]  like it
+[1586.52 --> 1588.16]  was vindication,
+[1588.18 --> 1589.00]  maybe,
+[1589.18 --> 1589.46]  like,
+[1589.74 --> 1589.96]  ha,
+[1590.18 --> 1590.76]  see enemies?
+[1591.18 --> 1591.64]  God is with
+[1591.64 --> 1591.88]  me,
+[1591.96 --> 1592.54]  not you.
+[1594.50 --> 1595.08]  But I
+[1595.08 --> 1595.38]  think I
+[1595.38 --> 1596.00]  was wrong
+[1596.00 --> 1596.42]  in how I
+[1596.42 --> 1596.78]  was reading
+[1596.78 --> 1597.16]  this.
+[1599.52 --> 1600.06]  Perhaps
+[1600.06 --> 1600.56]  this is a
+[1600.56 --> 1601.30]  beautiful picture
+[1601.30 --> 1602.66]  of reconciled
+[1602.66 --> 1603.30]  relationships,
+[1604.52 --> 1605.34]  of peace
+[1605.34 --> 1606.18]  that
+[1606.18 --> 1606.98]  transcends
+[1606.98 --> 1607.44]  all
+[1607.44 --> 1608.12]  understanding.
+[1609.48 --> 1610.02]  These were
+[1610.02 --> 1611.16]  enemies and
+[1611.16 --> 1611.68]  now we
+[1611.68 --> 1612.54]  feast together.
+[1614.06 --> 1614.70]  The power
+[1614.70 --> 1615.34]  of God's
+[1615.34 --> 1616.14]  love to
+[1616.14 --> 1616.54]  overcome
+[1616.54 --> 1617.04]  our
+[1617.04 --> 1617.88]  brokenness.
+[1618.18 --> 1621.12]  this is a
+[1621.12 --> 1621.48]  picture of
+[1621.48 --> 1621.82]  the Last
+[1621.82 --> 1622.28]  Supper with
+[1622.28 --> 1622.62]  Jesus.
+[1623.02 --> 1623.22]  Both
+[1623.22 --> 1623.88]  Matthew and
+[1623.88 --> 1624.94]  Simon are
+[1624.94 --> 1625.32]  there,
+[1626.16 --> 1626.58]  former
+[1626.58 --> 1627.12]  enemies.
+[1628.80 --> 1629.48]  And Judas
+[1629.48 --> 1630.08]  is there
+[1630.08 --> 1630.46]  too,
+[1630.60 --> 1631.02]  isn't he?
+[1632.30 --> 1633.18]  They all
+[1633.18 --> 1633.50]  end up
+[1633.50 --> 1634.00]  betraying
+[1634.00 --> 1634.36]  Jesus.
+[1634.70 --> 1635.10]  Jesus is
+[1635.10 --> 1635.62]  alone on
+[1635.62 --> 1636.18]  the cross,
+[1636.48 --> 1637.22]  and he
+[1637.22 --> 1637.82]  knows what's
+[1637.82 --> 1638.10]  coming,
+[1638.24 --> 1638.60]  and yet he
+[1638.60 --> 1639.16]  breaks bread
+[1639.16 --> 1639.54]  with them.
+[1639.54 --> 1641.54]  God's
+[1641.54 --> 1642.54]  peace.
+[1642.54 --> 1643.42]  I wonder
+[1643.42 --> 1644.24]  if instead
+[1644.24 --> 1644.84]  we are
+[1644.84 --> 1645.22]  anointed
+[1645.22 --> 1646.52]  because we
+[1646.52 --> 1647.14]  break bread
+[1647.14 --> 1647.60]  with our
+[1647.60 --> 1648.06]  enemies,
+[1648.66 --> 1649.76]  because we
+[1649.76 --> 1650.46]  make God's
+[1650.46 --> 1651.02]  peace our
+[1651.02 --> 1651.62]  peace with
+[1651.62 --> 1652.24]  all people,
+[1652.64 --> 1653.80]  and this is a
+[1653.80 --> 1654.54]  sign of God's
+[1654.54 --> 1655.42]  work in us,
+[1655.84 --> 1656.88]  and he eats
+[1656.88 --> 1657.46]  with us and
+[1657.46 --> 1658.40]  anoints us as
+[1658.40 --> 1658.96]  his chosen.
+[1662.76 --> 1663.28]  Perhaps
+[1663.28 --> 1664.00]  God's peace
+[1664.00 --> 1664.88]  that transcends
+[1664.88 --> 1665.72]  all understanding
+[1665.72 --> 1666.54]  is not just a
+[1666.54 --> 1667.56]  peace despite
+[1667.56 --> 1668.28]  the broken
+[1668.28 --> 1668.88]  relationships
+[1668.88 --> 1669.76]  of this world,
+[1670.50 --> 1671.94]  but a peace
+[1671.94 --> 1672.46]  due to the
+[1672.46 --> 1674.02]  reconciling of
+[1674.02 --> 1674.44]  the broken
+[1674.44 --> 1675.06]  relationships
+[1675.06 --> 1676.04]  of this world.
+[1678.94 --> 1679.74]  There are
+[1679.74 --> 1680.58]  likely people
+[1680.58 --> 1681.04]  that are in
+[1681.04 --> 1681.50]  this church
+[1681.50 --> 1682.16]  right now
+[1682.16 --> 1683.84]  who have
+[1683.84 --> 1684.46]  disagreed in
+[1684.46 --> 1685.06]  the past,
+[1685.18 --> 1685.74]  or perhaps
+[1685.74 --> 1686.16]  are still
+[1686.16 --> 1686.94]  disagreeing on
+[1686.94 --> 1687.36]  things,
+[1688.70 --> 1691.12]  but such
+[1691.12 --> 1691.74]  is the power
+[1691.74 --> 1692.26]  of God's
+[1692.26 --> 1692.70]  love to
+[1692.70 --> 1693.20]  overcome,
+[1694.36 --> 1694.76]  to make
+[1694.76 --> 1695.24]  peace in
+[1695.24 --> 1695.56]  the midst
+[1695.56 --> 1696.38]  of squabbles,
+[1696.90 --> 1697.24]  today,
+[1697.24 --> 1697.74]  together,
+[1697.98 --> 1698.66]  we all
+[1698.66 --> 1699.26]  come to
+[1699.26 --> 1699.76]  God's
+[1699.76 --> 1700.10]  table.
+[1701.20 --> 1701.74]  He prepares
+[1701.74 --> 1702.12]  a table
+[1702.12 --> 1702.54]  for us
+[1702.54 --> 1703.26]  all and
+[1703.26 --> 1703.82]  encounters
+[1703.82 --> 1704.96]  us in
+[1704.96 --> 1705.40]  powerful
+[1705.40 --> 1705.96]  ways.
+[1708.96 --> 1709.70]  And as
+[1709.70 --> 1710.30]  we encounter
+[1710.30 --> 1710.66]  him,
+[1710.96 --> 1711.32]  we're
+[1711.32 --> 1712.12]  reconciled to
+[1712.12 --> 1712.32]  him,
+[1712.46 --> 1712.96]  and by the
+[1712.96 --> 1713.28]  Spirit,
+[1713.42 --> 1714.62]  God empowers
+[1714.62 --> 1715.50]  us and
+[1715.50 --> 1716.00]  gives us
+[1716.00 --> 1716.60]  the ministry
+[1716.60 --> 1716.88]  of
+[1716.88 --> 1717.56]  reconciliation.
+[1719.74 --> 1720.44]  Blessed are
+[1720.44 --> 1721.24]  the peacemakers,
+[1721.96 --> 1722.70]  for they will
+[1722.70 --> 1723.10]  be called
+[1723.10 --> 1723.80]  children of
+[1723.80 --> 1724.08]  heaven.
+[1724.08 --> 1726.08]  God's
+[1726.08 --> 1726.22]  home.
+[1726.22 --> 1727.42]  We
+[1727.42 --> 1727.90]  regularly
+[1727.90 --> 1728.38]  prepare
+[1728.38 --> 1729.84]  tables in
+[1729.84 --> 1730.20]  our own
+[1730.20 --> 1730.54]  home.
+[1732.72 --> 1733.58]  Who do
+[1733.58 --> 1734.16]  you invite
+[1734.16 --> 1734.56]  to your
+[1734.56 --> 1735.66]  table when
+[1735.66 --> 1736.12]  you prepare
+[1736.12 --> 1736.60]  a feast?
+[1737.82 --> 1738.72]  What does
+[1738.72 --> 1739.34]  Christmas Day
+[1739.34 --> 1739.82]  look like
+[1739.82 --> 1740.24]  for you?
+[1742.18 --> 1743.02]  How do
+[1743.02 --> 1743.82]  you exemplify
+[1743.82 --> 1744.60]  God's radical
+[1744.60 --> 1745.22]  love that
+[1745.22 --> 1745.50]  you've
+[1745.50 --> 1746.02]  experienced?
+[1747.86 --> 1748.70]  Have you
+[1748.70 --> 1749.30]  invited your
+[1749.30 --> 1750.22]  zealot and
+[1750.22 --> 1750.78]  tax collector
+[1750.78 --> 1751.24]  to join
+[1751.24 --> 1751.54]  you?
+[1754.76 --> 1755.28]  In the
+[1755.28 --> 1755.48]  name of
+[1755.48 --> 1755.80]  the Father,
+[1755.96 --> 1756.52]  Son, and
+[1756.52 --> 1757.08]  Holy Spirit,
+[1758.16 --> 1759.24]  pray with
+[1759.24 --> 1759.50]  me.
+[1768.02 --> 1768.70]  God of
+[1768.70 --> 1769.00]  both
+[1769.00 --> 1770.14]  Simon the
+[1770.14 --> 1770.68]  zealot and
+[1770.68 --> 1771.16]  Matthew the
+[1771.16 --> 1771.86]  tax collector,
+[1772.70 --> 1775.24]  thank you for
+[1775.24 --> 1775.78]  your gracious
+[1775.78 --> 1776.66]  invitation to
+[1776.66 --> 1777.06]  all.
+[1779.20 --> 1779.82]  Thank you,
+[1779.90 --> 1780.18]  Lord, that
+[1780.18 --> 1781.42]  you see beyond
+[1781.42 --> 1782.08]  our faults
+[1782.08 --> 1782.72]  and love us
+[1782.72 --> 1783.32]  so deeply.
+[1785.66 --> 1786.66]  We pray that
+[1786.66 --> 1787.34]  your love will
+[1787.34 --> 1788.20]  work in us
+[1788.20 --> 1788.70]  through your
+[1788.70 --> 1791.20]  Spirit, that
+[1791.20 --> 1791.94]  we too may
+[1791.94 --> 1792.84]  love as you
+[1792.84 --> 1794.36]  do, beyond
+[1794.36 --> 1794.78]  our own
+[1794.78 --> 1796.20]  capacity, beyond
+[1796.20 --> 1797.10]  worldly love.
+[1798.78 --> 1799.74]  God, encounter
+[1799.74 --> 1800.76]  us in new ways
+[1800.76 --> 1801.46]  today as we
+[1801.46 --> 1802.40]  partake in your
+[1802.40 --> 1802.72]  supper.
+[1804.52 --> 1805.32]  Empower us
+[1805.32 --> 1806.14]  with your love
+[1806.14 --> 1807.10]  that we may
+[1807.10 --> 1807.80]  engage with
+[1807.80 --> 1809.10]  others we
+[1809.10 --> 1809.60]  never thought
+[1809.60 --> 1810.12]  possible.
+[1812.52 --> 1813.28]  Anoint us,
+[1813.44 --> 1814.90]  Lord, that
+[1814.90 --> 1815.52]  we may prepare
+[1815.52 --> 1816.18]  a table in
+[1816.18 --> 1816.76]  the presence of
+[1816.76 --> 1817.48]  our enemies
+[1817.48 --> 1820.88]  reconciled, so
+[1820.88 --> 1821.60]  that we may be a
+[1821.60 --> 1822.54]  testimony to your
+[1822.54 --> 1823.62]  love, to your
+[1823.62 --> 1824.54]  power to change
+[1824.54 --> 1825.20]  hearts and
+[1825.20 --> 1825.78]  wills.
+[1827.62 --> 1828.14]  And journey
+[1828.14 --> 1828.88]  with us, Lord,
+[1828.98 --> 1829.72]  in the process.
+[1830.38 --> 1831.14]  Keep filling us
+[1831.14 --> 1832.82]  up when the gap
+[1832.82 --> 1833.62]  is too wide.
+[1834.62 --> 1835.40]  Fill us with your
+[1835.40 --> 1837.58]  Spirit, that we may
+[1837.58 --> 1838.58]  exude the fruits
+[1838.58 --> 1839.44]  of your Spirit.
+[1841.92 --> 1842.40]  Amen.

God Prevails in the Lives of People (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,251 @@
+[0.00 --> 7.00]  There we are, there we are. Nice and loud, coming through clearly. It's good to be with
+[7.00 --> 10.50]  you all once again this morning. It's been a few weeks since I've been here, and it's
+[10.50 --> 16.40]  a joy to be in this building again with so many familiar faces here as well. Even though
+[16.40 --> 20.36]  2020 has been one of the strangest years, probably the strangest year that I have ever
+[20.36 --> 25.52]  lived through, in some ways it's actually flown by. I don't know about any of you, but
+[25.52 --> 29.18]  the last couple months for me especially have really seemed to truck along. I've had a very
+[29.18 --> 35.16]  full last couple of months. Since I last preached here on the 14th of June, I've done some camping,
+[35.52 --> 40.74]  I've done a lot of reading, I handily defeated both Matt and Aaron in golf. I wasn't even
+[40.74 --> 46.04]  close actually, it felt bad for them. And I started and finished a course on the book of
+[46.04 --> 50.60]  Genesis, which we're going to look at today. In those two months, of course, our world has
+[50.60 --> 55.86]  kept spinning as well. Once again, this week, social injustice, it's been brought to the
+[55.86 --> 60.24]  forefront of our minds. It's been all over the news due to another black man being shot
+[60.24 --> 65.72]  by a cop in Wisconsin. To remind you that while we can talk and while we can listen and while
+[65.72 --> 72.26]  there's things posted on social media, we live in a very, very broken world. And it's full
+[72.26 --> 75.38]  of sin, and it's in need of much prayer.
+[75.38 --> 82.58]  Today's sermon is going to be about God prevailing in the lives of His people. Now, today's not
+[82.58 --> 88.34]  specifically a text on racism. It's not specifically a text on social injustice.
+[89.32 --> 96.04]  And I don't want to be guilty of trying to spin God's Word and fit it into a context that we find
+[96.04 --> 100.88]  ourselves this week here in 2020 North America, because I don't think you can manipulate the Word
+[100.88 --> 107.24]  of God that way. But I don't want to shy away from the reality of the culture and the times that we
+[107.24 --> 114.00]  find ourselves in as well. What I want to do is I want to open up the Word of God today, and I want
+[114.00 --> 120.78]  to let God speak through that Word. This is a text about God prevailing over all. So while I read it,
+[120.78 --> 125.36]  I want to challenge us all while we think about this. We can think about this ancient story that
+[125.36 --> 132.62]  happened so long ago. How do we grasp the deep-rooted truths within this story, and how do
+[132.62 --> 138.60]  we apply it to this context that we find it today? See, God prevailing over all, it might just be the
+[138.60 --> 144.28]  greatest hope that we have in the midst of all of this stuff happening right now. So in that vein,
+[144.32 --> 147.32]  I'd like to challenge you all, and actually not challenge you, I'd like to encourage you all. I hope
+[147.32 --> 151.80]  many of you have your Bibles with you here. If you're online, please grab a Bible close to you. Hit
+[151.80 --> 156.82]  pause even if you have to, and go grab your Bibles. We're going to read through this story
+[156.82 --> 165.08]  of Jacob wrestling God. It's found in Genesis 32, verses 22 to 32. It's a lot of twos. Genesis 32,
+[165.18 --> 169.56]  22 to 32. Now we're going to read the whole thing through first, and then my message, I'm going to do
+[169.56 --> 173.26]  something a little bit different today. We're going to walk our way through each verse, one or two verses
+[173.26 --> 177.84]  at a time, and we're going to specifically dissect it that way. So you're going to want to have your
+[177.84 --> 185.60]  Bibles open in front of you as well this whole time. So Genesis 32, verses 22 to 32. It reads like
+[185.60 --> 194.06]  this. That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons,
+[194.56 --> 201.68]  and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his
+[201.68 --> 209.66]  possessions. So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw
+[209.66 --> 215.02]  that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched
+[215.02 --> 220.34]  as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, let me go, for it is daybreak. But Jacob replied,
+[220.44 --> 228.38]  I will not let you go unless you bless me. The man asked him, what is your name? Jacob, he answered.
+[228.38 --> 233.36]  Then the man said, your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with
+[233.36 --> 239.78]  God and with humans and have overcome. Jacob said, please tell me your name. But he replied,
+[239.86 --> 245.70]  why do you ask my name? And then he blessed him there. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying,
+[245.88 --> 252.66]  it is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared. The sun rose above him, and he passed
+[252.66 --> 258.32]  Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. Therefore, to this day, the Israelites do not eat the
+[258.32 --> 263.62]  tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob's hip was touched near the
+[263.62 --> 271.32]  tendon. The reading, the word. And before we dig into these verses, we do have to figure out how we
+[271.32 --> 276.06]  got here. Where does this story fit into the grand story? Well, after spending years away from his family,
+[276.26 --> 284.26]  Jacob has now decided he wants to return home. He wants to return home. He wants to confront his
+[284.26 --> 289.92]  brother, whom you might remember. Jacob tricked Esau, his brother, out of his blessing, out of his
+[289.92 --> 295.46]  birthright. As he got closer to home, though, Jacob's fear of his brother and what Esau might do to him
+[295.46 --> 301.40]  grew, and he was getting nervous about meeting him again. But he trudged onward, and he actually even
+[301.40 --> 306.38]  sent a peace offering, a gift ahead of him, to meet with Esau, maybe to soften the blow a little bit.
+[306.38 --> 313.88]  Now, lots had changed since Jacob had left. He had married Leah and Rachel. He had obtained a number
+[313.88 --> 319.50]  of servants. He even had enough children to form a new reality TV contract at that time.
+[320.28 --> 324.84]  He's got a ton of possessions. Most of those possessions, he actually tricked his uncle Laban
+[324.84 --> 332.14]  out of. And now he was very close to home. He just had to cross this one last river. And that's where
+[332.14 --> 337.18]  our text begins. So again, we're going to go through this verse by verse, one verse at a time,
+[337.22 --> 339.50]  and we're actually going to start—I lied—we're going to start with two verses. We're going to
+[339.50 --> 342.70]  start with these first two verses, because it sort of sets the scene for this text.
+[342.94 --> 347.42]  That night, Jacob got up, and he took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons
+[347.42 --> 352.62]  and crossed the fort of the Dabak. After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his
+[352.62 --> 358.18]  possessions. So after sending a peace offering ahead of him to meet with Esau ahead of time,
+[358.18 --> 362.62]  Jacob sends his wives, his servants, his children, and his possessions across the river.
+[363.50 --> 369.98]  But Jacob doesn't go. He doesn't cross the Dabak with his family. It's actually a little bit unclear
+[369.98 --> 374.96]  why he doesn't go. The chapter beforehand, he spent praying to God. He was really nervous about meeting
+[374.96 --> 380.66]  his brother, and so perhaps it was anxiety or fear that kept him on the other side of this river.
+[381.82 --> 385.40]  That being said, it was actually really important for the events of this story that he was alone,
+[385.40 --> 393.22]  so it might have been even providential that he doesn't go. Either way, Jacob's alone on the one
+[393.22 --> 399.84]  side of a river, and he's there for the night. And then we get to what we might assume is the climax
+[399.84 --> 405.78]  of this story already here in verse 24, and that reads like this, so Jacob was left alone,
+[405.78 --> 415.16]  and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. Jacob was alone at night, and he wrestled a mysterious man
+[415.16 --> 422.42]  until dawn. That's the most well-known part of this story, that the wrestling match between Jacob and
+[422.42 --> 427.98]  this mystery man. However, it actually only makes up one small part of one verse in this whole 10-verse
+[427.98 --> 433.78]  story. That's crazy, isn't it? I find that fascinating. That shows that perhaps the main point of this
+[433.78 --> 440.04]  story is not actually this wrestling match. It's not actually this fight between this man. So let's hold
+[440.04 --> 444.12]  on to that for a second while we continue to look at this verse a little closer. There's two things about
+[444.12 --> 450.70]  this verse that stand out. The first is, we don't know anything about this man right now. The text
+[450.70 --> 456.48]  reveals nothing about his identity yet. And so at this point, we're left to wonder, who is this man?
+[456.60 --> 465.04]  Why does he wrestle with Jacob? The second is that this wrestling match was probably hours long.
+[467.04 --> 471.58]  An hours-long wrestling match between Jacob and this mystery man occurs. Now, it would have taken
+[471.58 --> 479.18]  a ton of energy and a ton of strength for Jacob to wrestle this man for hours at night. But if we
+[479.18 --> 483.56]  look at Jacob's life, we realize that physical strength is a large characterization of it.
+[484.54 --> 489.18]  In Genesis 25, right at the beginning when he's born, he grabs the heel of Esau, his twin brother,
+[489.26 --> 495.04]  as he's coming out of the womb. In Genesis 29, he moves this giant stone away from a well
+[495.04 --> 502.12]  so that Rachel, his future wife's sheep, can drink. And in Genesis 31, it says that he worked at Laban's
+[502.12 --> 510.04]  herd for 20 years in extremely difficult condition. His own physical strength was something that Jacob
+[510.04 --> 516.16]  had come to depend on all his life. And so this wrestling match for a knight was something that
+[516.16 --> 521.32]  he could excel at. And yet, this is a story that we'll find out about transformation.
+[521.32 --> 529.04]  And what Jacob goes through because of this man changes him forever. Verse 25, we'll keep moving
+[529.04 --> 533.94]  on. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, so the man could not overpower Jacob,
+[534.44 --> 540.40]  he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wretched or dislocated, as other translations
+[540.40 --> 547.54]  say, as he wrestled with him. So this mystery man realizes that Jacob's not giving up. He's not
+[547.54 --> 553.36]  going to let up. He's going to keep wrestling. And so he touches Jacob's hip, and he dislocates it.
+[556.10 --> 559.32]  Now, only someone with supernatural powers could do that. Agreed?
+[561.94 --> 566.26]  Now, there's a few thoughts on who the supernatural man, who the supernatural being could be.
+[566.64 --> 571.66]  In Hosea, in his book, in chapter 12, Hosea calls this man in this story an angel.
+[572.84 --> 576.32]  St. Augustine, a little bit later, he thinks this man was actually a Christ figure,
+[576.32 --> 580.58]  Christ coming down early and wrestling with Jacob. Jacob later on in this story, we'll find out later,
+[580.90 --> 582.28]  he thinks it was God himself.
+[585.08 --> 590.58]  But be it an angel, be it a Christ figure, be it physically God incarnate,
+[592.14 --> 598.30]  for us here today, the importance is not who this man was, but who this man represented.
+[598.30 --> 608.92]  He represented the living God. Jacob wrestled with God that night, either literally or symbolically.
+[609.58 --> 613.38]  But the significance of the interaction remains, whether this man was an angel,
+[613.86 --> 619.94]  Christ himself, or God incarnate. And so God initiates this wrestling match with Jacob,
+[619.94 --> 625.62]  and when Jacob doesn't back down, God makes life even more difficult for him by dislocating
+[625.62 --> 632.22]  his hip. Now, this to me raises all sorts of questions. Why would a good God come down to
+[632.22 --> 639.02]  earth and physically harm someone? Why would God intervene in someone's life only to cause them
+[639.02 --> 646.36]  pain? As the story continues, we start to see some answers to those questions. Even though Jacob's hip
+[646.36 --> 652.02]  gets dislocated, the wrestling continues. But here the story shifts a little bit. You'll notice the
+[652.02 --> 657.02]  tone shifts. Up until now, it's just this physical battle between two men, but the tone is about to
+[657.02 --> 667.74]  change. Verse 26, then the man said, let me go, for it is daybreak. But Jacob replied, I will not let you
+[667.74 --> 677.20]  go unless you bless me. That is strange, isn't it? I find that very peculiar. Jacob's been wrestling
+[677.20 --> 682.50]  with this man all night, fighting this man for hours, and then all of a sudden, he doesn't actually
+[682.50 --> 692.94]  care about winning the fight anymore. He wants a blessing. Now Jacob's crippled in his physical
+[692.94 --> 699.86]  strength with his hip, and all of a sudden, he becomes very bold in his faith. See, even though
+[699.86 --> 705.28]  the text doesn't identify who this man is until a little bit later, the fact that Jacob believed
+[705.28 --> 712.20]  that this man could bless him is a telltale sign that he understood who this man represented, or perhaps
+[712.20 --> 720.46]  who this man was. Jacob, the stealer of his brother's blessing, was now looking for a blessing
+[720.46 --> 728.12]  from God. And while the wrestling match between God and Jacob is the centerpiece of this story,
+[728.68 --> 734.18]  it's these next two verses that we're going to read in a second, verses 27 and 28, that contain
+[734.18 --> 740.54]  the deep-rooted truths in this story for us today. Verse 27 and 28, they read like this,
+[741.38 --> 749.34]  the man asked him, what is your name? Jacob, he answered. Then the man said, your name will no longer
+[749.34 --> 757.60]  be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome,
+[758.28 --> 767.72]  or as the ESV more accurately puts it, have prevailed. That's it. That's the focal point of this story.
+[767.98 --> 772.46]  While the emphasis of the story is the wrestling match for sure, the purpose of that wrestling match,
+[772.46 --> 782.16]  the reason the wrestling match was initiated in the first place was to bless Jacob and change his name.
+[784.06 --> 789.66]  Names are important. They were especially important back in the ancient Near East. They signified
+[789.66 --> 795.56]  one's character or one's personality. In the cultures of the Old Testament, your name was linked to your
+[795.56 --> 802.04]  nature. So what you were named often reflected the person that you would become. For example,
+[802.72 --> 812.42]  Abraham means father of many. Ruth means friend. Ezra means help. Jeremiah means God will raise up.
+[813.18 --> 820.94]  All of those people in the Old Testament embodied what their names meant. So what does Jacob mean?
+[820.94 --> 832.44]  It means deceiver. Something that he did all his life. For years, Jacob relied on himself and his own
+[832.44 --> 838.62]  wit to get through life. He deceived his way to his brother's inheritance in Genesis chapter 27. He tricked
+[838.62 --> 844.96]  his uncle Laban into getting the best herds for himself in Genesis chapter 30, and he misleads his uncle
+[844.96 --> 852.84]  once again in Genesis 31 as he flees from him. Jacob relies on himself all his life. He relies on his
+[852.84 --> 863.22]  strength. He relies on his deception. But God changes that. God had a new plan. God changed Jacob's name.
+[864.60 --> 872.08]  No longer was he Jacob the deceiver. Now he was Israel, which means God prevails.
+[872.08 --> 878.64]  Jacob wasn't going to be the deceiver anymore. He wasn't going to be able to rely on himself going
+[878.64 --> 885.62]  forward. God was stepping in, and he was taking charge of Jacob's life. First, God chose to fight
+[885.62 --> 895.10]  with Jacob, dislocating his hip in the process. Second, God was going to fight for Jacob, for Israel,
+[895.90 --> 898.14]  prevailing for him and prevailing for his future.
+[898.14 --> 903.66]  We're going to stay on these two verses for a while because it's so important. Then this new name
+[903.66 --> 909.22]  for Jacob, it has far-reaching implications for his descendants as well. See, the nation, of course,
+[909.38 --> 916.10]  was named after Jacob's new name. The nation was Israel, symbolizing how God was going to prevail for
+[916.10 --> 922.34]  them as well. God would lead them to triumph over their enemies and fight for them throughout time.
+[922.34 --> 928.40]  And then, in the ultimate act of God prevailing for his people, God is going to send his Son,
+[928.92 --> 934.42]  Jesus Christ, to die on the cross and defeat sin and death for all who believe.
+[937.96 --> 939.60]  God prevails.
+[939.60 --> 949.56]  God prevails. However, while we know how the story gets from Jacob to the cross, and we know what God's
+[949.56 --> 956.90]  plan was with Christ's death and resurrection for us, we also know how the nation of Israel
+[956.90 --> 964.22]  struggled with this promise throughout history. Countless times throughout the Old Testament,
+[964.22 --> 970.72]  the nation of Israel forgets that God is on their side prevailing for them. And what's fascinating
+[970.72 --> 978.78]  is this is all tied to Jacob's name as well. There was another name change in Genesis. In Genesis
+[978.78 --> 984.62]  chapter 17, there's a man named Abram, and before God gives his covenant, God changes Abram's name to
+[984.62 --> 990.30]  Abraham, and from that point on in the Bible, he is only referred to as Abraham. That was his new name.
+[990.30 --> 997.26]  Well, there's a name change here too in Genesis 32. But Jacob is not called Jacob, or not called
+[997.26 --> 1002.40]  Israel for the rest of Scripture. The rest of Scripture uses Jacob and Israel interchangeably
+[1002.40 --> 1008.00]  throughout. He calls them by both names throughout all of Scripture. For example, this story takes
+[1008.00 --> 1016.52]  place in Genesis 32. But going forward, the Bible refers to this man as Jacob in Genesis 35 verse 14,
+[1016.52 --> 1024.68]  Genesis 37 verse 1, and Genesis 42 verse 29. But he's also called Israel in Genesis 35 verse 22,
+[1024.68 --> 1030.60]  in Genesis 43 verse 11, and in Genesis 46 verse 1. Jacob and Israel get interchanged throughout the entire
+[1030.60 --> 1036.82]  book of the Bible. And it's really highlighted actually in Psalm 147 verse 19, and in that one verse,
+[1037.48 --> 1043.42]  the psalmist refers to both the person and the nation as Jacob and Israel in the same sentence.
+[1046.52 --> 1053.08]  Even though God changed Jacob's name from deceiver to God prevails, he has called both names throughout
+[1053.08 --> 1060.82]  Scripture from that point on, and this highlights that even though God prevails, Israel, the man,
+[1061.38 --> 1068.76]  the nation, his descendants sitting in this room today, they continue to rely on themselves.
+[1068.76 --> 1077.74]  Even though this story is talking about God taking Jacob the deceiver and showing him that he no longer
+[1077.74 --> 1083.20]  needs to rely on himself anymore, that God prevails, and even though the truth of that provision has been
+[1083.20 --> 1092.24]  true throughout history, Jacob would still fail to lean into God's provision and rely on him.
+[1092.24 --> 1102.84]  And that should hit us right in the heart. Because that promise of God's prevailing, of God's provision
+[1102.84 --> 1109.46]  is for us all, and yet we're all guilty of going our own way, doing our own thing, using deception
+[1109.46 --> 1116.98]  to get what we want. We rely on ourselves, not on God. Sometimes we're good. Sometimes we follow God.
+[1116.98 --> 1122.30]  Sometimes we depend on him. We lean on him when things get weary. Sometimes we are Israels.
+[1123.82 --> 1131.24]  But other times we don't. We rely on our own understanding. Sometimes we're selfish. Sometimes
+[1131.24 --> 1137.60]  we're short-sighted. Sometimes we're independent rather than dependent on God. And sometimes we're Jacobs.
+[1137.60 --> 1149.48]  And while that tension exists in all our lives, this story is not over. God was still highlighting
+[1149.48 --> 1156.64]  some very important truths to Jacob, now Israel, and those truths trickled down to all of us here
+[1156.64 --> 1162.36]  today. Let's keep reading. Verse 29. Verse 29 says this, Jacob said, please tell me your name
+[1162.36 --> 1168.72]  to this mystery man. But he replied, why do you ask my name? And then he blessed him there.
+[1170.08 --> 1175.00]  Now there's a parallel between this verse and a verse found in Judges 13. In Judges, an angelic
+[1175.00 --> 1180.12]  messenger visits Samson's parents and tells them that they will have a son. But when the parents ask
+[1180.12 --> 1187.52]  the angel's name, the angel refuses, for they would not understand anyways. The language in that story
+[1187.52 --> 1193.32]  and this story are remarkably similar. This is a similar situation. Jacob, though, has refused to
+[1193.32 --> 1197.18]  know the name of this, of his assailant, of this man who wrestled with him.
+[1200.52 --> 1207.52]  But he has given a new name. And instead, God blesses him. And he promises him that he, that God will
+[1207.52 --> 1213.62]  prevail on his behalf. Verse 30. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, it is because I saw God face to
+[1213.62 --> 1221.90]  face, and yet my life was spared. So after Jacob receives a new name and a blessing, Jacob, he's once
+[1221.90 --> 1231.58]  again left alone. In this verse, though, Jacob comes to a very important discovery. He calls the place
+[1231.58 --> 1237.74]  Peniel, which means the face of God. And the reason for him changing the name of this place is very
+[1237.74 --> 1244.44]  important. Notice this. Jacob does not say that he wrestled with God and prevailed, or that he deceived
+[1244.44 --> 1251.42]  God and got the blessing he wanted. He called the place Peniel because he saw God face to face,
+[1252.24 --> 1262.88]  and his life was spared. Jacob realized that it was only for God's mercy that he escaped that with his life.
+[1262.88 --> 1269.36]  It had nothing to do with him. It had nothing to do with his strength. It had nothing to do with his
+[1269.36 --> 1277.34]  deception. It had nothing to do with anything he could bring to the table. It was all God. No longer
+[1277.34 --> 1283.78]  was he in charge of his own narrative, but God's grace had interceded and showed Jacob that he only
+[1283.78 --> 1291.06]  existed because God prevailed in his life. No matter what obstacles would appear before him going forward,
+[1291.06 --> 1296.94]  God promised to prevail for him. Again, like he promises for all of us.
+[1299.16 --> 1305.24]  Verse 31, the sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.
+[1307.54 --> 1311.28]  It's interesting, Jacob left this altercation a new man in more ways than one.
+[1312.76 --> 1318.60]  Yes, he got his name changed, but now he was actually physically forced to rely on God's strength
+[1318.60 --> 1325.56]  rather than his own because he now walked with this limp. This was a new man, not only marked with a new
+[1325.56 --> 1333.20]  spiritual perspective, but a new physical reality as well, sealed and marked by God as he continued on
+[1333.20 --> 1342.92]  his journey. And just like Jacob now walked with a limp, sometimes when God intercedes in our lives,
+[1342.92 --> 1349.80]  sure, the promises are great. The ramification of God taking over is amazing, but the reality is that
+[1349.80 --> 1359.52]  sometimes when God intercedes, we may be left limping. We may be left limping, unable to rely on our own
+[1359.52 --> 1368.70]  strength. Sometimes when God takes over our lives, he reminds us that he is the only way forward.
+[1368.70 --> 1380.56]  We all have our limps. The challenge is to view those limps as reminders of how God is in control
+[1380.56 --> 1385.00]  and not view them as obstacles that we have to overcome ourselves.
+[1388.28 --> 1390.76]  Finally, the last verse of this story says this,
+[1390.84 --> 1394.62]  Therefore, to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip,
+[1394.62 --> 1400.32]  because the socket of Jacob's hip was touched near the tendon. So this passage ends with this cultural
+[1400.32 --> 1405.02]  practice that God's people would follow from that day forward. No longer would they eat the meat found
+[1405.02 --> 1411.10]  in that location of the thigh where Jacob's hip was touched by God, because by doing that,
+[1411.32 --> 1416.90]  the Israelites were then constantly reminded of this promise that God would prevail in their lives.
+[1416.90 --> 1420.42]  So what do we take from this story?
+[1423.60 --> 1428.80]  Jacob was taught that he no longer was going to be able to lean on his own strengths,
+[1429.30 --> 1434.16]  but that he needed the power of God's provision, the power of God's prevailing presence
+[1434.16 --> 1440.06]  and faithfulness to walk alongside him. The nation of Israel then, Jacob's descendants,
+[1440.26 --> 1445.42]  would learn much the same thing. Israel's ultimate victory was never going to come
+[1445.42 --> 1454.66]  by their own power. It was going to come by the grace and mercy of God. Both of the Israels then,
+[1454.76 --> 1460.84]  the man and the nation, would learn that self-sufficiency is incompatible with the work of God.
+[1461.84 --> 1471.58]  Faith alone overcomes the world. Self-sufficiency is incompatible with the work of God. Faith alone
+[1471.58 --> 1479.06]  overcomes the world. G.J. Wenham sums this story up nicely. He says this, he says,
+[1479.14 --> 1484.42]  God's sovereignty and faithfulness to his promise, despite all human unworthiness,
+[1484.94 --> 1492.76]  is demonstrated right here. Jacob is no longer the strong, victorious controller of the divine,
+[1492.76 --> 1500.72]  but he's now Israel, who is totally dependent on God's grace.
+[1502.50 --> 1509.68]  Brothers and sisters, that should be our realization as well. As the Apostle Paul wrote thousands of
+[1509.68 --> 1515.28]  years later to the church in Ephesus, it is by grace that you have been saved through faith,
+[1515.28 --> 1523.86]  and this is not from yourselves. It is a gift from God, not by works, so that no one can boast.
+[1525.76 --> 1532.18]  Self-sufficiency is incompatible with the work of God. Jacob's new name, which was birthed from his
+[1532.18 --> 1539.94]  wrestling match with God, it highlights this beautifully. And so we're to go out with this
+[1539.94 --> 1545.48]  knowledge. We're supposed to understand that it is by faith that we can overcome the shackles of this
+[1545.48 --> 1552.58]  world. It is through God who promises to prevail in our lives so that we are free to live out this truth,
+[1553.72 --> 1562.14]  unhindered by the sin that so easily entangles us. God will prevail in our lives.
+[1562.14 --> 1572.50]  It might be a fight. God's prevailing might cause us to limp even. But God will transform us,
+[1572.94 --> 1580.42]  and we can rest in the power of the cross and the grace found in our Lord Jesus Christ as the ultimate
+[1580.42 --> 1586.00]  act of God's prevailing for our lives. Amen. Please pray with me.
+[1586.00 --> 1594.22]  Our Father in heaven, we hear a story like this,
+[1595.32 --> 1601.68]  and when we read it for its face value, sometimes it's hard to see all the nuance in it, Lord.
+[1604.34 --> 1608.58]  And God, we see how you intervened in Jacob's life and how you promised to prevail for him,
+[1609.42 --> 1614.18]  and we know that that promise was true for his descendants and for us as well.
+[1614.18 --> 1619.94]  But Lord, we are so often guilty of trying to take charge of our own lives, trying to do things
+[1619.94 --> 1626.36]  ourselves, forgetting that you have a plan for all of us. And so, God, we pray that you will intervene
+[1626.36 --> 1636.60]  in our lives. Lord, you have sent your Spirit here to do just that, and we ask that the Spirit empower us
+[1636.60 --> 1642.80]  to know that you are continually prevailing in our lives. You have prevailed already at the cross,
+[1642.80 --> 1648.40]  Lord. Grace and mercy is for us, and we are grateful for that. And God, as we enter into
+[1648.40 --> 1657.42]  this week upcoming, Lord, we ask that we rely on your strength, not ours. We pray this in your name. Amen.
+[1657.42 --> 1657.52]  Amen.
+[1657.52 --> 1657.56]  Amen.
+[1657.56 --> 1657.60]  Amen.

God Prevails in the Lives of People (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,251 @@
+[0.00 --> 7.00]  There we are, there we are. Nice and loud, coming through clearly. It's good to be with
+[7.00 --> 10.50]  you all once again this morning. It's been a few weeks since I've been here, and it's
+[10.50 --> 16.40]  a joy to be in this building again with so many familiar faces here as well. Even though
+[16.40 --> 20.36]  2020 has been one of the strangest years, probably the strangest year that I have ever
+[20.36 --> 25.52]  lived through, in some ways it's actually flown by. I don't know about any of you, but
+[25.52 --> 29.18]  the last couple months for me especially have really seemed to truck along. I've had a very
+[29.18 --> 35.16]  full last couple of months. Since I last preached here on the 14th of June, I've done some camping,
+[35.52 --> 40.74]  I've done a lot of reading, I handily defeated both Matt and Aaron in golf. I wasn't even
+[40.74 --> 46.04]  close actually, it felt bad for them. And I started and finished a course on the book of
+[46.04 --> 50.60]  Genesis, which we're going to look at today. In those two months, of course, our world has
+[50.60 --> 55.86]  kept spinning as well. Once again, this week, social injustice, it's been brought to the
+[55.86 --> 60.24]  forefront of our minds. It's been all over the news due to another black man being shot
+[60.24 --> 65.72]  by a cop in Wisconsin. To remind you that while we can talk and while we can listen and while
+[65.72 --> 72.26]  there's things posted on social media, we live in a very, very broken world. And it's full
+[72.26 --> 75.38]  of sin, and it's in need of much prayer.
+[75.38 --> 82.58]  Today's sermon is going to be about God prevailing in the lives of His people. Now, today's not
+[82.58 --> 88.34]  specifically a text on racism. It's not specifically a text on social injustice.
+[89.32 --> 96.04]  And I don't want to be guilty of trying to spin God's Word and fit it into a context that we find
+[96.04 --> 100.88]  ourselves this week here in 2020 North America, because I don't think you can manipulate the Word
+[100.88 --> 107.24]  of God that way. But I don't want to shy away from the reality of the culture and the times that we
+[107.24 --> 114.00]  find ourselves in as well. What I want to do is I want to open up the Word of God today, and I want
+[114.00 --> 120.78]  to let God speak through that Word. This is a text about God prevailing over all. So while I read it,
+[120.78 --> 125.36]  I want to challenge us all while we think about this. We can think about this ancient story that
+[125.36 --> 132.62]  happened so long ago. How do we grasp the deep-rooted truths within this story, and how do
+[132.62 --> 138.60]  we apply it to this context that we find it today? See, God prevailing over all, it might just be the
+[138.60 --> 144.28]  greatest hope that we have in the midst of all of this stuff happening right now. So in that vein,
+[144.32 --> 147.32]  I'd like to challenge you all, and actually not challenge you, I'd like to encourage you all. I hope
+[147.32 --> 151.80]  many of you have your Bibles with you here. If you're online, please grab a Bible close to you. Hit
+[151.80 --> 156.82]  pause even if you have to, and go grab your Bibles. We're going to read through this story
+[156.82 --> 165.08]  of Jacob wrestling God. It's found in Genesis 32, verses 22 to 32. It's a lot of twos. Genesis 32,
+[165.18 --> 169.56]  22 to 32. Now we're going to read the whole thing through first, and then my message, I'm going to do
+[169.56 --> 173.26]  something a little bit different today. We're going to walk our way through each verse, one or two verses
+[173.26 --> 177.84]  at a time, and we're going to specifically dissect it that way. So you're going to want to have your
+[177.84 --> 185.60]  Bibles open in front of you as well this whole time. So Genesis 32, verses 22 to 32. It reads like
+[185.60 --> 194.06]  this. That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons,
+[194.56 --> 201.68]  and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his
+[201.68 --> 209.66]  possessions. So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw
+[209.66 --> 215.02]  that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched
+[215.02 --> 220.34]  as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, let me go, for it is daybreak. But Jacob replied,
+[220.44 --> 228.38]  I will not let you go unless you bless me. The man asked him, what is your name? Jacob, he answered.
+[228.38 --> 233.36]  Then the man said, your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with
+[233.36 --> 239.78]  God and with humans and have overcome. Jacob said, please tell me your name. But he replied,
+[239.86 --> 245.70]  why do you ask my name? And then he blessed him there. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying,
+[245.88 --> 252.66]  it is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared. The sun rose above him, and he passed
+[252.66 --> 258.32]  Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. Therefore, to this day, the Israelites do not eat the
+[258.32 --> 263.62]  tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob's hip was touched near the
+[263.62 --> 271.32]  tendon. The reading, the word. And before we dig into these verses, we do have to figure out how we
+[271.32 --> 276.06]  got here. Where does this story fit into the grand story? Well, after spending years away from his family,
+[276.26 --> 284.26]  Jacob has now decided he wants to return home. He wants to return home. He wants to confront his
+[284.26 --> 289.92]  brother, whom you might remember. Jacob tricked Esau, his brother, out of his blessing, out of his
+[289.92 --> 295.46]  birthright. As he got closer to home, though, Jacob's fear of his brother and what Esau might do to him
+[295.46 --> 301.40]  grew, and he was getting nervous about meeting him again. But he trudged onward, and he actually even
+[301.40 --> 306.38]  sent a peace offering, a gift ahead of him, to meet with Esau, maybe to soften the blow a little bit.
+[306.38 --> 313.88]  Now, lots had changed since Jacob had left. He had married Leah and Rachel. He had obtained a number
+[313.88 --> 319.50]  of servants. He even had enough children to form a new reality TV contract at that time.
+[320.28 --> 324.84]  He's got a ton of possessions. Most of those possessions, he actually tricked his uncle Laban
+[324.84 --> 332.14]  out of. And now he was very close to home. He just had to cross this one last river. And that's where
+[332.14 --> 337.18]  our text begins. So again, we're going to go through this verse by verse, one verse at a time,
+[337.22 --> 339.50]  and we're actually going to start—I lied—we're going to start with two verses. We're going to
+[339.50 --> 342.70]  start with these first two verses, because it sort of sets the scene for this text.
+[342.94 --> 347.42]  That night, Jacob got up, and he took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons
+[347.42 --> 352.62]  and crossed the fort of the Dabak. After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his
+[352.62 --> 358.18]  possessions. So after sending a peace offering ahead of him to meet with Esau ahead of time,
+[358.18 --> 362.62]  Jacob sends his wives, his servants, his children, and his possessions across the river.
+[363.50 --> 369.98]  But Jacob doesn't go. He doesn't cross the Dabak with his family. It's actually a little bit unclear
+[369.98 --> 374.96]  why he doesn't go. The chapter beforehand, he spent praying to God. He was really nervous about meeting
+[374.96 --> 380.66]  his brother, and so perhaps it was anxiety or fear that kept him on the other side of this river.
+[381.82 --> 385.40]  That being said, it was actually really important for the events of this story that he was alone,
+[385.40 --> 393.22]  so it might have been even providential that he doesn't go. Either way, Jacob's alone on the one
+[393.22 --> 399.84]  side of a river, and he's there for the night. And then we get to what we might assume is the climax
+[399.84 --> 405.78]  of this story already here in verse 24, and that reads like this, so Jacob was left alone,
+[405.78 --> 415.16]  and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. Jacob was alone at night, and he wrestled a mysterious man
+[415.16 --> 422.42]  until dawn. That's the most well-known part of this story, that the wrestling match between Jacob and
+[422.42 --> 427.98]  this mystery man. However, it actually only makes up one small part of one verse in this whole 10-verse
+[427.98 --> 433.78]  story. That's crazy, isn't it? I find that fascinating. That shows that perhaps the main point of this
+[433.78 --> 440.04]  story is not actually this wrestling match. It's not actually this fight between this man. So let's hold
+[440.04 --> 444.12]  on to that for a second while we continue to look at this verse a little closer. There's two things about
+[444.12 --> 450.70]  this verse that stand out. The first is, we don't know anything about this man right now. The text
+[450.70 --> 456.48]  reveals nothing about his identity yet. And so at this point, we're left to wonder, who is this man?
+[456.60 --> 465.04]  Why does he wrestle with Jacob? The second is that this wrestling match was probably hours long.
+[467.04 --> 471.58]  An hours-long wrestling match between Jacob and this mystery man occurs. Now, it would have taken
+[471.58 --> 479.18]  a ton of energy and a ton of strength for Jacob to wrestle this man for hours at night. But if we
+[479.18 --> 483.56]  look at Jacob's life, we realize that physical strength is a large characterization of it.
+[484.54 --> 489.18]  In Genesis 25, right at the beginning when he's born, he grabs the heel of Esau, his twin brother,
+[489.26 --> 495.04]  as he's coming out of the womb. In Genesis 29, he moves this giant stone away from a well
+[495.04 --> 502.12]  so that Rachel, his future wife's sheep, can drink. And in Genesis 31, it says that he worked at Laban's
+[502.12 --> 510.04]  herd for 20 years in extremely difficult condition. His own physical strength was something that Jacob
+[510.04 --> 516.16]  had come to depend on all his life. And so this wrestling match for a knight was something that
+[516.16 --> 521.32]  he could excel at. And yet, this is a story that we'll find out about transformation.
+[521.32 --> 529.04]  And what Jacob goes through because of this man changes him forever. Verse 25, we'll keep moving
+[529.04 --> 533.94]  on. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, so the man could not overpower Jacob,
+[534.44 --> 540.40]  he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wretched or dislocated, as other translations
+[540.40 --> 547.54]  say, as he wrestled with him. So this mystery man realizes that Jacob's not giving up. He's not
+[547.54 --> 553.36]  going to let up. He's going to keep wrestling. And so he touches Jacob's hip, and he dislocates it.
+[556.10 --> 559.32]  Now, only someone with supernatural powers could do that. Agreed?
+[561.94 --> 566.26]  Now, there's a few thoughts on who the supernatural man, who the supernatural being could be.
+[566.64 --> 571.66]  In Hosea, in his book, in chapter 12, Hosea calls this man in this story an angel.
+[572.84 --> 576.32]  St. Augustine, a little bit later, he thinks this man was actually a Christ figure,
+[576.32 --> 580.58]  Christ coming down early and wrestling with Jacob. Jacob later on in this story, we'll find out later,
+[580.90 --> 582.28]  he thinks it was God himself.
+[585.08 --> 590.58]  But be it an angel, be it a Christ figure, be it physically God incarnate,
+[592.14 --> 598.30]  for us here today, the importance is not who this man was, but who this man represented.
+[598.30 --> 608.92]  He represented the living God. Jacob wrestled with God that night, either literally or symbolically.
+[609.58 --> 613.38]  But the significance of the interaction remains, whether this man was an angel,
+[613.86 --> 619.94]  Christ himself, or God incarnate. And so God initiates this wrestling match with Jacob,
+[619.94 --> 625.62]  and when Jacob doesn't back down, God makes life even more difficult for him by dislocating
+[625.62 --> 632.22]  his hip. Now, this to me raises all sorts of questions. Why would a good God come down to
+[632.22 --> 639.02]  earth and physically harm someone? Why would God intervene in someone's life only to cause them
+[639.02 --> 646.36]  pain? As the story continues, we start to see some answers to those questions. Even though Jacob's hip
+[646.36 --> 652.02]  gets dislocated, the wrestling continues. But here the story shifts a little bit. You'll notice the
+[652.02 --> 657.02]  tone shifts. Up until now, it's just this physical battle between two men, but the tone is about to
+[657.02 --> 667.74]  change. Verse 26, then the man said, let me go, for it is daybreak. But Jacob replied, I will not let you
+[667.74 --> 677.20]  go unless you bless me. That is strange, isn't it? I find that very peculiar. Jacob's been wrestling
+[677.20 --> 682.50]  with this man all night, fighting this man for hours, and then all of a sudden, he doesn't actually
+[682.50 --> 692.94]  care about winning the fight anymore. He wants a blessing. Now Jacob's crippled in his physical
+[692.94 --> 699.86]  strength with his hip, and all of a sudden, he becomes very bold in his faith. See, even though
+[699.86 --> 705.28]  the text doesn't identify who this man is until a little bit later, the fact that Jacob believed
+[705.28 --> 712.20]  that this man could bless him is a telltale sign that he understood who this man represented, or perhaps
+[712.20 --> 720.46]  who this man was. Jacob, the stealer of his brother's blessing, was now looking for a blessing
+[720.46 --> 728.12]  from God. And while the wrestling match between God and Jacob is the centerpiece of this story,
+[728.68 --> 734.18]  it's these next two verses that we're going to read in a second, verses 27 and 28, that contain
+[734.18 --> 740.54]  the deep-rooted truths in this story for us today. Verse 27 and 28, they read like this,
+[741.38 --> 749.34]  the man asked him, what is your name? Jacob, he answered. Then the man said, your name will no longer
+[749.34 --> 757.60]  be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome,
+[758.28 --> 767.72]  or as the ESV more accurately puts it, have prevailed. That's it. That's the focal point of this story.
+[767.98 --> 772.46]  While the emphasis of the story is the wrestling match for sure, the purpose of that wrestling match,
+[772.46 --> 782.16]  the reason the wrestling match was initiated in the first place was to bless Jacob and change his name.
+[784.06 --> 789.66]  Names are important. They were especially important back in the ancient Near East. They signified
+[789.66 --> 795.56]  one's character or one's personality. In the cultures of the Old Testament, your name was linked to your
+[795.56 --> 802.04]  nature. So what you were named often reflected the person that you would become. For example,
+[802.72 --> 812.42]  Abraham means father of many. Ruth means friend. Ezra means help. Jeremiah means God will raise up.
+[813.18 --> 820.94]  All of those people in the Old Testament embodied what their names meant. So what does Jacob mean?
+[820.94 --> 832.44]  It means deceiver. Something that he did all his life. For years, Jacob relied on himself and his own
+[832.44 --> 838.62]  wit to get through life. He deceived his way to his brother's inheritance in Genesis chapter 27. He tricked
+[838.62 --> 844.96]  his uncle Laban into getting the best herds for himself in Genesis chapter 30, and he misleads his uncle
+[844.96 --> 852.84]  once again in Genesis 31 as he flees from him. Jacob relies on himself all his life. He relies on his
+[852.84 --> 863.22]  strength. He relies on his deception. But God changes that. God had a new plan. God changed Jacob's name.
+[864.60 --> 872.08]  No longer was he Jacob the deceiver. Now he was Israel, which means God prevails.
+[872.08 --> 878.64]  Jacob wasn't going to be the deceiver anymore. He wasn't going to be able to rely on himself going
+[878.64 --> 885.62]  forward. God was stepping in, and he was taking charge of Jacob's life. First, God chose to fight
+[885.62 --> 895.10]  with Jacob, dislocating his hip in the process. Second, God was going to fight for Jacob, for Israel,
+[895.90 --> 898.14]  prevailing for him and prevailing for his future.
+[898.14 --> 903.66]  We're going to stay on these two verses for a while because it's so important. Then this new name
+[903.66 --> 909.22]  for Jacob, it has far-reaching implications for his descendants as well. See, the nation, of course,
+[909.38 --> 916.10]  was named after Jacob's new name. The nation was Israel, symbolizing how God was going to prevail for
+[916.10 --> 922.34]  them as well. God would lead them to triumph over their enemies and fight for them throughout time.
+[922.34 --> 928.40]  And then, in the ultimate act of God prevailing for his people, God is going to send his Son,
+[928.92 --> 934.42]  Jesus Christ, to die on the cross and defeat sin and death for all who believe.
+[937.96 --> 939.60]  God prevails.
+[939.60 --> 949.56]  God prevails. However, while we know how the story gets from Jacob to the cross, and we know what God's
+[949.56 --> 956.90]  plan was with Christ's death and resurrection for us, we also know how the nation of Israel
+[956.90 --> 964.22]  struggled with this promise throughout history. Countless times throughout the Old Testament,
+[964.22 --> 970.72]  the nation of Israel forgets that God is on their side prevailing for them. And what's fascinating
+[970.72 --> 978.78]  is this is all tied to Jacob's name as well. There was another name change in Genesis. In Genesis
+[978.78 --> 984.62]  chapter 17, there's a man named Abram, and before God gives his covenant, God changes Abram's name to
+[984.62 --> 990.30]  Abraham, and from that point on in the Bible, he is only referred to as Abraham. That was his new name.
+[990.30 --> 997.26]  Well, there's a name change here too in Genesis 32. But Jacob is not called Jacob, or not called
+[997.26 --> 1002.40]  Israel for the rest of Scripture. The rest of Scripture uses Jacob and Israel interchangeably
+[1002.40 --> 1008.00]  throughout. He calls them by both names throughout all of Scripture. For example, this story takes
+[1008.00 --> 1016.52]  place in Genesis 32. But going forward, the Bible refers to this man as Jacob in Genesis 35 verse 14,
+[1016.52 --> 1024.68]  Genesis 37 verse 1, and Genesis 42 verse 29. But he's also called Israel in Genesis 35 verse 22,
+[1024.68 --> 1030.60]  in Genesis 43 verse 11, and in Genesis 46 verse 1. Jacob and Israel get interchanged throughout the entire
+[1030.60 --> 1036.82]  book of the Bible. And it's really highlighted actually in Psalm 147 verse 19, and in that one verse,
+[1037.48 --> 1043.42]  the psalmist refers to both the person and the nation as Jacob and Israel in the same sentence.
+[1046.52 --> 1053.08]  Even though God changed Jacob's name from deceiver to God prevails, he has called both names throughout
+[1053.08 --> 1060.82]  Scripture from that point on, and this highlights that even though God prevails, Israel, the man,
+[1061.38 --> 1068.76]  the nation, his descendants sitting in this room today, they continue to rely on themselves.
+[1068.76 --> 1077.74]  Even though this story is talking about God taking Jacob the deceiver and showing him that he no longer
+[1077.74 --> 1083.20]  needs to rely on himself anymore, that God prevails, and even though the truth of that provision has been
+[1083.20 --> 1092.24]  true throughout history, Jacob would still fail to lean into God's provision and rely on him.
+[1092.24 --> 1102.84]  And that should hit us right in the heart. Because that promise of God's prevailing, of God's provision
+[1102.84 --> 1109.46]  is for us all, and yet we're all guilty of going our own way, doing our own thing, using deception
+[1109.46 --> 1116.98]  to get what we want. We rely on ourselves, not on God. Sometimes we're good. Sometimes we follow God.
+[1116.98 --> 1122.30]  Sometimes we depend on him. We lean on him when things get weary. Sometimes we are Israels.
+[1123.82 --> 1131.24]  But other times we don't. We rely on our own understanding. Sometimes we're selfish. Sometimes
+[1131.24 --> 1137.60]  we're short-sighted. Sometimes we're independent rather than dependent on God. And sometimes we're Jacobs.
+[1137.60 --> 1149.48]  And while that tension exists in all our lives, this story is not over. God was still highlighting
+[1149.48 --> 1156.64]  some very important truths to Jacob, now Israel, and those truths trickled down to all of us here
+[1156.64 --> 1162.36]  today. Let's keep reading. Verse 29. Verse 29 says this, Jacob said, please tell me your name
+[1162.36 --> 1168.72]  to this mystery man. But he replied, why do you ask my name? And then he blessed him there.
+[1170.08 --> 1175.00]  Now there's a parallel between this verse and a verse found in Judges 13. In Judges, an angelic
+[1175.00 --> 1180.12]  messenger visits Samson's parents and tells them that they will have a son. But when the parents ask
+[1180.12 --> 1187.52]  the angel's name, the angel refuses, for they would not understand anyways. The language in that story
+[1187.52 --> 1193.32]  and this story are remarkably similar. This is a similar situation. Jacob, though, has refused to
+[1193.32 --> 1197.18]  know the name of this, of his assailant, of this man who wrestled with him.
+[1200.52 --> 1207.52]  But he has given a new name. And instead, God blesses him. And he promises him that he, that God will
+[1207.52 --> 1213.62]  prevail on his behalf. Verse 30. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, it is because I saw God face to
+[1213.62 --> 1221.90]  face, and yet my life was spared. So after Jacob receives a new name and a blessing, Jacob, he's once
+[1221.90 --> 1231.58]  again left alone. In this verse, though, Jacob comes to a very important discovery. He calls the place
+[1231.58 --> 1237.74]  Peniel, which means the face of God. And the reason for him changing the name of this place is very
+[1237.74 --> 1244.44]  important. Notice this. Jacob does not say that he wrestled with God and prevailed, or that he deceived
+[1244.44 --> 1251.42]  God and got the blessing he wanted. He called the place Peniel because he saw God face to face,
+[1252.24 --> 1262.88]  and his life was spared. Jacob realized that it was only for God's mercy that he escaped that with his life.
+[1262.88 --> 1269.36]  It had nothing to do with him. It had nothing to do with his strength. It had nothing to do with his
+[1269.36 --> 1277.34]  deception. It had nothing to do with anything he could bring to the table. It was all God. No longer
+[1277.34 --> 1283.78]  was he in charge of his own narrative, but God's grace had interceded and showed Jacob that he only
+[1283.78 --> 1291.06]  existed because God prevailed in his life. No matter what obstacles would appear before him going forward,
+[1291.06 --> 1296.94]  God promised to prevail for him. Again, like he promises for all of us.
+[1299.16 --> 1305.24]  Verse 31, the sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.
+[1307.54 --> 1311.28]  It's interesting, Jacob left this altercation a new man in more ways than one.
+[1312.76 --> 1318.60]  Yes, he got his name changed, but now he was actually physically forced to rely on God's strength
+[1318.60 --> 1325.56]  rather than his own because he now walked with this limp. This was a new man, not only marked with a new
+[1325.56 --> 1333.20]  spiritual perspective, but a new physical reality as well, sealed and marked by God as he continued on
+[1333.20 --> 1342.92]  his journey. And just like Jacob now walked with a limp, sometimes when God intercedes in our lives,
+[1342.92 --> 1349.80]  sure, the promises are great. The ramification of God taking over is amazing, but the reality is that
+[1349.80 --> 1359.52]  sometimes when God intercedes, we may be left limping. We may be left limping, unable to rely on our own
+[1359.52 --> 1368.70]  strength. Sometimes when God takes over our lives, he reminds us that he is the only way forward.
+[1368.70 --> 1380.56]  We all have our limps. The challenge is to view those limps as reminders of how God is in control
+[1380.56 --> 1385.00]  and not view them as obstacles that we have to overcome ourselves.
+[1388.28 --> 1390.76]  Finally, the last verse of this story says this,
+[1390.84 --> 1394.62]  Therefore, to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip,
+[1394.62 --> 1400.32]  because the socket of Jacob's hip was touched near the tendon. So this passage ends with this cultural
+[1400.32 --> 1405.02]  practice that God's people would follow from that day forward. No longer would they eat the meat found
+[1405.02 --> 1411.10]  in that location of the thigh where Jacob's hip was touched by God, because by doing that,
+[1411.32 --> 1416.90]  the Israelites were then constantly reminded of this promise that God would prevail in their lives.
+[1416.90 --> 1420.42]  So what do we take from this story?
+[1423.60 --> 1428.80]  Jacob was taught that he no longer was going to be able to lean on his own strengths,
+[1429.30 --> 1434.16]  but that he needed the power of God's provision, the power of God's prevailing presence
+[1434.16 --> 1440.06]  and faithfulness to walk alongside him. The nation of Israel then, Jacob's descendants,
+[1440.26 --> 1445.42]  would learn much the same thing. Israel's ultimate victory was never going to come
+[1445.42 --> 1454.66]  by their own power. It was going to come by the grace and mercy of God. Both of the Israels then,
+[1454.76 --> 1460.84]  the man and the nation, would learn that self-sufficiency is incompatible with the work of God.
+[1461.84 --> 1471.58]  Faith alone overcomes the world. Self-sufficiency is incompatible with the work of God. Faith alone
+[1471.58 --> 1479.06]  overcomes the world. G.J. Wenham sums this story up nicely. He says this, he says,
+[1479.14 --> 1484.42]  God's sovereignty and faithfulness to his promise, despite all human unworthiness,
+[1484.94 --> 1492.76]  is demonstrated right here. Jacob is no longer the strong, victorious controller of the divine,
+[1492.76 --> 1500.72]  but he's now Israel, who is totally dependent on God's grace.
+[1502.50 --> 1509.68]  Brothers and sisters, that should be our realization as well. As the Apostle Paul wrote thousands of
+[1509.68 --> 1515.28]  years later to the church in Ephesus, it is by grace that you have been saved through faith,
+[1515.28 --> 1523.86]  and this is not from yourselves. It is a gift from God, not by works, so that no one can boast.
+[1525.76 --> 1532.18]  Self-sufficiency is incompatible with the work of God. Jacob's new name, which was birthed from his
+[1532.18 --> 1539.94]  wrestling match with God, it highlights this beautifully. And so we're to go out with this
+[1539.94 --> 1545.48]  knowledge. We're supposed to understand that it is by faith that we can overcome the shackles of this
+[1545.48 --> 1552.58]  world. It is through God who promises to prevail in our lives so that we are free to live out this truth,
+[1553.72 --> 1562.14]  unhindered by the sin that so easily entangles us. God will prevail in our lives.
+[1562.14 --> 1572.50]  It might be a fight. God's prevailing might cause us to limp even. But God will transform us,
+[1572.94 --> 1580.42]  and we can rest in the power of the cross and the grace found in our Lord Jesus Christ as the ultimate
+[1580.42 --> 1586.00]  act of God's prevailing for our lives. Amen. Please pray with me.
+[1586.00 --> 1594.22]  Our Father in heaven, we hear a story like this,
+[1595.32 --> 1601.68]  and when we read it for its face value, sometimes it's hard to see all the nuance in it, Lord.
+[1604.34 --> 1608.58]  And God, we see how you intervened in Jacob's life and how you promised to prevail for him,
+[1609.42 --> 1614.18]  and we know that that promise was true for his descendants and for us as well.
+[1614.18 --> 1619.94]  But Lord, we are so often guilty of trying to take charge of our own lives, trying to do things
+[1619.94 --> 1626.36]  ourselves, forgetting that you have a plan for all of us. And so, God, we pray that you will intervene
+[1626.36 --> 1636.60]  in our lives. Lord, you have sent your Spirit here to do just that, and we ask that the Spirit empower us
+[1636.60 --> 1642.80]  to know that you are continually prevailing in our lives. You have prevailed already at the cross,
+[1642.80 --> 1648.40]  Lord. Grace and mercy is for us, and we are grateful for that. And God, as we enter into
+[1648.40 --> 1657.42]  this week upcoming, Lord, we ask that we rely on your strength, not ours. We pray this in your name. Amen.
+[1657.42 --> 1657.52]  Amen.
+[1657.52 --> 1657.56]  Amen.
+[1657.56 --> 1657.60]  Amen.

I Believe… ｜ John 4_43-54_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,1882 @@
+[0.00 --> 12.32]  so we're going to spend the next little while in the gospel of john we're going to look at
+[12.32 --> 19.16]  john 4 i'm going to read from verse 43 to the end of that chapter verse 54
+[19.16 --> 26.08]  if you have a bible with you i encourage you to open that up if or turn it on if it's your phone
+[26.08 --> 33.18]  whatever the case just find yourself in john 4 and we're going to start at verse 43
+[33.18 --> 38.54]  before we read together i'd love if we could pray one more time let's pray
+[38.54 --> 49.14]  lord jesus as we have sung we do come now to hear you speak and so speak oh lord
+[49.14 --> 54.06]  renew our minds teach us and transform us
+[54.06 --> 62.86]  open your word to our hearts and souls that it might be for us the word of life
+[62.86 --> 68.62]  that these would be more than words on a page more than words on a screen that these would be
+[68.62 --> 72.12]  to us the very voice of jesus
+[72.12 --> 80.84]  and we might know them and live pray in your name lord jesus amen
+[80.84 --> 87.10]  in john 4 we'll start at verse 43
+[87.10 --> 94.86]  after the two days he that's jesus left for galilee
+[94.86 --> 100.42]  now jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country
+[100.42 --> 104.84]  when he arrived in galilee the galileans welcomed him
+[104.84 --> 111.14]  they'd seen all that he had done in jerusalem at the passover feast for they also had been there
+[111.14 --> 117.76]  once more he visited cana in galilee where he had turned the water into wine
+[117.76 --> 123.72]  and there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at capernaum
+[123.72 --> 128.36]  and when this man heard that jesus had arrived in galilee from judea
+[128.36 --> 134.38]  he went to him and he begged him to come and heal his son who was close to death
+[134.38 --> 142.20]  unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders jesus told them
+[142.20 --> 144.52]  you will never believe
+[144.52 --> 151.44]  the royal official said sir come down before my child dies
+[151.44 --> 159.46]  jesus replied you may go your son will live
+[159.46 --> 163.30]  and the man took jesus at his word and departed
+[163.30 --> 168.58]  and while he was still on his way his servants met him with the news that the boy was living
+[168.58 --> 173.04]  and when he inquired as to the time when his son got better they said to him
+[173.04 --> 176.60]  the fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour
+[176.60 --> 183.88]  then the father realized that this was the exact time at which jesus had said to him
+[183.88 --> 185.78]  your son will live
+[185.78 --> 190.20]  and so he and all his household believed
+[190.20 --> 194.62]  this was the second miraculous sign that jesus performed
+[194.62 --> 197.56]  having come from judea to galilee
+[197.56 --> 199.26]  this is the word of the lord
+[199.26 --> 205.40]  so i don't have to tell you
+[205.40 --> 207.24]  that this is weird
+[207.24 --> 210.48]  right this whole time this whole season
+[210.48 --> 213.66]  is strange and different and abnormal
+[213.66 --> 214.62]  and
+[214.62 --> 217.34]  you probably don't like it
+[217.34 --> 219.56]  now let's be real right of course
+[219.56 --> 221.44]  we found ways to make it work
+[221.44 --> 223.04]  we found simple joys right
+[223.04 --> 225.58]  we found opportunities to find connection
+[225.58 --> 227.56]  and express ourselves and to have that
+[227.56 --> 231.46]  kind of feeling remain in our lives
+[231.46 --> 233.00]  but it's just been weird
+[233.00 --> 238.24]  do you remember way back when this started
+[238.24 --> 242.94]  and you guys are probably better on the west coast than we were back in ontario
+[242.94 --> 243.92]  i'll give you that one
+[243.92 --> 245.56]  but do you remember way back when this started
+[245.56 --> 247.78]  there was a shortage on toilet paper
+[247.78 --> 250.34]  toilet paper
+[250.34 --> 253.68]  right people were stockpiling in case of emergency
+[253.68 --> 256.30]  and for some reason it was toilet paper
+[256.30 --> 258.48]  that made international headlines
+[258.48 --> 263.24]  but then
+[263.24 --> 264.92]  things got really serious
+[264.92 --> 267.42]  schools closed
+[267.42 --> 270.68]  life shut down for many of us
+[270.68 --> 272.40]  and how many
+[272.40 --> 274.04]  how many parents here became
+[274.04 --> 276.54]  unvolunteered homeschool teachers
+[276.54 --> 279.90]  how many of you loved that
+[279.90 --> 282.94]  hands quickly went down right
+[282.94 --> 285.92]  how many of you
+[285.92 --> 286.98]  now believe
+[286.98 --> 288.18]  as a result of all this
+[288.18 --> 288.46]  that
+[288.46 --> 290.40]  your kids teachers deserve a medal
+[290.40 --> 291.82]  i do
+[291.82 --> 294.46]  i would say a pay raise
+[294.46 --> 295.76]  but i know the communities we're in
+[295.76 --> 298.08]  right
+[298.08 --> 299.44]  isolation orders
+[299.44 --> 300.70]  social distancing
+[300.70 --> 302.20]  everything has been cancelled
+[302.20 --> 303.62]  there's travel bans
+[303.62 --> 304.32]  right
+[304.32 --> 304.84]  for a while
+[304.84 --> 305.54]  we were unsure
+[305.54 --> 307.06]  if we were even going to be able to come out here
+[307.06 --> 309.26]  and how we were going to make that happen
+[309.26 --> 311.24]  now
+[311.24 --> 312.46]  again
+[312.46 --> 314.22]  i know that
+[314.22 --> 316.20]  you guys have been pretty good in this
+[316.20 --> 317.72]  and that your church has been kept safe
+[317.72 --> 319.00]  in all of this
+[319.00 --> 319.40]  and i know
+[319.40 --> 320.60]  that for some of us
+[320.60 --> 321.80]  life has changed very
+[321.80 --> 322.60]  little
+[322.60 --> 323.48]  right
+[323.48 --> 323.92]  and again
+[323.92 --> 325.14]  things out here in the west
+[325.14 --> 326.84]  are better than they are back in ontario
+[326.84 --> 328.34]  we're catching up slowly
+[328.34 --> 329.24]  sure
+[329.24 --> 330.62]  and i'm
+[330.62 --> 331.68]  sure that
+[331.68 --> 333.86]  y'all are not the type of people
+[333.86 --> 334.72]  who are running out
+[334.72 --> 336.16]  clearing grocery store shelves
+[336.16 --> 336.96]  of toilet paper
+[336.96 --> 338.52]  right
+[338.52 --> 340.62]  i doubt that if i came to your house later
+[340.62 --> 341.98]  and opened a closet
+[341.98 --> 343.80]  i would have an avalanche of tp
+[343.80 --> 344.72]  falling all over me
+[344.72 --> 346.66]  that's probably not the kind of people
+[346.66 --> 347.60]  you are
+[347.60 --> 348.54]  and yet
+[348.54 --> 351.14]  i'm sure you've noticed
+[351.14 --> 351.94]  that there's
+[351.94 --> 353.06]  an anxiety
+[353.06 --> 354.54]  in the system
+[354.54 --> 356.08]  right
+[356.08 --> 356.52]  there's a
+[356.52 --> 358.22]  a general experience
+[358.22 --> 359.14]  of fear
+[359.14 --> 360.16]  and worry
+[360.16 --> 361.20]  and concern
+[361.20 --> 363.04]  that to the best of our abilities
+[363.04 --> 363.64]  we just
+[363.64 --> 364.84]  can't control
+[364.84 --> 366.98]  we just can't
+[366.98 --> 367.72]  figure it out
+[367.72 --> 369.82]  and let's be real
+[369.82 --> 370.04]  right
+[370.04 --> 370.72]  covid19
+[370.72 --> 372.74]  is just the most recent example
+[372.74 --> 373.22]  of that
+[373.22 --> 374.64]  because there's always fear
+[374.64 --> 375.92]  there's always anxiety
+[375.92 --> 377.04]  there's always worry
+[377.04 --> 378.50]  in the systems of life
+[378.50 --> 380.94]  but that's where i want to start
+[380.94 --> 382.58]  this morning
+[382.58 --> 385.26]  with our feelings of fear
+[385.26 --> 387.18]  and anxiety
+[387.18 --> 388.28]  particularly
+[388.28 --> 389.84]  with the feeling of fear
+[389.84 --> 390.44]  and anxiety
+[390.44 --> 391.04]  that comes
+[391.04 --> 392.26]  when we feel
+[392.26 --> 393.42]  out of control
+[393.42 --> 396.28]  now
+[396.28 --> 398.32]  before i do that
+[398.32 --> 399.68]  here's what i know
+[399.68 --> 400.70]  first let me say that
+[400.70 --> 402.22]  i'm talking here about
+[402.22 --> 403.24]  general anxiety
+[403.24 --> 403.96]  in the system
+[403.96 --> 404.92]  right
+[404.92 --> 405.86]  i'm not talking about
+[405.86 --> 406.84]  clinical anxiety
+[406.84 --> 408.04]  or clinical depression
+[408.04 --> 409.92]  that's a different conversation
+[409.92 --> 411.02]  i would love to sit down
+[411.02 --> 412.36]  if that's your reality
+[412.36 --> 413.14]  and meet you
+[413.14 --> 413.92]  and talk about that
+[413.92 --> 414.94]  but here i'm just talking about
+[414.94 --> 416.40]  general anxiety
+[416.40 --> 418.64]  and i know that
+[418.64 --> 419.82]  everyone's experience
+[419.82 --> 420.98]  of fear and anxiety
+[420.98 --> 421.74]  is different
+[421.74 --> 422.28]  and unique
+[422.28 --> 423.80]  right
+[423.80 --> 424.76]  so for the next
+[424.76 --> 425.82]  couple minutes anyway
+[425.82 --> 427.06]  i'm going to talk about
+[427.06 --> 427.94]  my own experience
+[427.94 --> 428.18]  of that
+[428.18 --> 428.72]  i'm going to talk about
+[428.72 --> 429.24]  myself
+[429.24 --> 430.40]  my own struggles
+[430.40 --> 431.52]  and fear and anxiety
+[431.52 --> 432.24]  and control
+[432.24 --> 433.58]  and i want to do that
+[433.58 --> 433.98]  because
+[433.98 --> 436.12]  i can't do
+[436.12 --> 437.36]  the work of application
+[437.36 --> 437.90]  for you
+[437.90 --> 439.48]  right
+[439.48 --> 440.26]  and so when i think
+[440.26 --> 441.36]  say things like
+[441.36 --> 442.28]  i struggle with
+[442.28 --> 443.40]  or i believe
+[443.40 --> 443.72]  or
+[443.72 --> 445.22]  this is my
+[445.22 --> 446.12]  experience
+[446.12 --> 447.56]  you sitting here
+[447.56 --> 447.86]  right
+[447.86 --> 448.66]  doing your own work
+[448.66 --> 449.24]  of application
+[449.24 --> 450.78]  should ask the question
+[450.78 --> 452.60]  how is this true for me
+[452.60 --> 453.72]  right
+[453.72 --> 454.42]  how do i believe
+[454.42 --> 455.62]  the same or similar
+[455.62 --> 456.28]  things
+[456.28 --> 457.24]  how do i struggle
+[457.24 --> 457.50]  with this
+[457.50 --> 458.72]  what is my heart saying
+[458.72 --> 459.68]  when i believe
+[459.68 --> 460.38]  this
+[460.38 --> 462.54]  and i know that
+[462.54 --> 463.20]  i'm not alone
+[463.20 --> 464.08]  in these struggles
+[464.08 --> 465.90]  right
+[465.90 --> 466.42]  your struggles
+[466.42 --> 467.54]  are unique to you
+[467.54 --> 467.94]  yes
+[467.94 --> 468.92]  but there are themes
+[468.92 --> 469.86]  and there are underlying
+[469.86 --> 470.44]  beliefs
+[470.44 --> 472.14]  in the systems
+[472.14 --> 473.14]  and the lives
+[473.14 --> 474.16]  that we share together
+[474.16 --> 475.34]  right
+[475.34 --> 475.80]  the work
+[475.80 --> 476.94]  of applying this
+[476.94 --> 478.00]  is your own
+[478.00 --> 478.98]  but the journey
+[478.98 --> 479.76]  of doing so
+[479.76 --> 480.68]  is ours together
+[480.68 --> 481.48]  okay
+[481.48 --> 483.10]  can we do that together
+[483.10 --> 485.20]  so i'm going to open
+[485.20 --> 485.66]  the door
+[485.66 --> 486.30]  for the spirit
+[486.30 --> 486.78]  to work
+[486.78 --> 488.14]  but you got to walk
+[488.14 --> 488.78]  through it
+[488.78 --> 489.54]  cool
+[489.54 --> 491.86]  i really appreciate
+[491.86 --> 493.20]  at least facial feedback
+[493.20 --> 493.70]  cool
+[493.70 --> 494.20]  all right
+[494.20 --> 494.50]  good
+[494.50 --> 495.06]  thank you
+[495.06 --> 497.64]  so at times like these
+[497.64 --> 499.24]  it's easy to feel
+[499.24 --> 500.78]  out of control
+[500.78 --> 502.28]  right
+[502.28 --> 502.80]  it feels like
+[502.80 --> 503.88]  everything around me
+[503.88 --> 504.88]  is determining
+[504.88 --> 505.94]  reality
+[505.94 --> 507.04]  for me
+[507.04 --> 507.64]  that i have
+[507.64 --> 508.62]  no agency
+[508.62 --> 509.74]  in what's going
+[509.74 --> 510.10]  on
+[510.10 --> 512.24]  and somewhere
+[512.24 --> 513.08]  in my heart
+[513.08 --> 514.00]  i believe
+[514.00 --> 515.30]  that i should
+[515.30 --> 517.50]  that i should
+[517.50 --> 518.44]  have some control
+[518.44 --> 519.52]  over my reality
+[519.52 --> 520.16]  that i should
+[520.16 --> 520.96]  have some power
+[520.96 --> 521.96]  and agency
+[521.96 --> 523.22]  to affect change
+[523.22 --> 524.92]  right
+[524.92 --> 525.80]  and think about that
+[525.80 --> 526.66]  as we say that
+[526.66 --> 527.40]  because this is important
+[527.40 --> 528.16]  this is the foundation
+[528.16 --> 528.60]  right
+[528.60 --> 530.16]  if we didn't believe
+[530.16 --> 531.20]  that we should
+[531.20 --> 531.84]  have control
+[531.84 --> 533.22]  there would be
+[533.22 --> 533.92]  no anxiety
+[533.92 --> 534.86]  when we don't
+[534.86 --> 535.50]  have control
+[535.50 --> 537.86]  okay
+[537.86 --> 539.02]  but since we believe
+[539.02 --> 539.82]  that we should have
+[539.82 --> 540.80]  control of our lives
+[540.80 --> 541.54]  and of our destiny
+[541.54 --> 543.04]  when things like this
+[543.04 --> 543.44]  happen
+[543.44 --> 545.68]  it challenges
+[545.68 --> 546.50]  that belief
+[546.50 --> 547.62]  right
+[547.62 --> 548.26]  that assumption
+[548.26 --> 549.72]  about my agency
+[549.72 --> 550.34]  and my power
+[550.34 --> 550.84]  in the world
+[550.84 --> 552.78]  and we don't like it
+[552.78 --> 553.74]  or at least
+[553.74 --> 554.72]  i don't
+[554.72 --> 555.28]  like it
+[555.28 --> 557.54]  but i want to take
+[557.54 --> 558.40]  that even one level
+[558.40 --> 558.80]  deeper
+[558.80 --> 560.16]  if you'll go there
+[560.16 --> 560.52]  with me
+[560.52 --> 561.10]  this morning
+[561.10 --> 564.02]  when i start to feel
+[564.02 --> 564.62]  like i don't have
+[564.62 --> 565.06]  power
+[565.06 --> 565.96]  or when i don't
+[565.96 --> 566.70]  have control
+[566.70 --> 569.44]  i begin to wonder
+[569.44 --> 571.42]  does anyone
+[571.42 --> 574.06]  does god
+[574.06 --> 576.34]  right maybe
+[576.34 --> 577.28]  in those moments
+[577.28 --> 578.14]  we really feel
+[578.14 --> 579.10]  like god
+[579.10 --> 580.26]  has lost control
+[580.26 --> 581.50]  like he's left us
+[581.50 --> 582.26]  in this mess
+[582.26 --> 583.34]  like he's forgotten
+[583.34 --> 583.94]  about us
+[583.94 --> 584.90]  maybe it feels
+[584.90 --> 585.34]  like god
+[585.34 --> 586.32]  has abandoned us
+[586.32 --> 587.96]  and before you think
+[587.96 --> 588.42]  i'm a heretic
+[588.42 --> 589.04]  for saying that
+[589.04 --> 589.82]  read the book
+[589.82 --> 590.40]  of psalms
+[590.40 --> 592.00]  and you will know
+[592.00 --> 592.68]  that this is an
+[592.68 --> 593.64]  ordinary christian
+[593.64 --> 594.16]  question
+[594.16 --> 595.78]  an ordinary
+[595.78 --> 596.74]  encounter with god
+[596.74 --> 598.68]  now i get
+[598.68 --> 599.52]  that most of us
+[599.52 --> 600.60]  would never admit
+[600.60 --> 601.36]  that out loud
+[601.36 --> 604.54]  but that's the
+[604.54 --> 605.20]  straight line
+[605.20 --> 606.90]  from feeling
+[606.90 --> 607.94]  fear and anxiety
+[607.94 --> 609.06]  because we've
+[609.06 --> 610.26]  lost control
+[610.26 --> 611.18]  but believe
+[611.18 --> 611.80]  we should be
+[611.80 --> 613.78]  right
+[613.78 --> 614.32]  the straight line
+[614.32 --> 615.20]  ends that no one
+[615.20 --> 615.90]  is in control
+[615.90 --> 616.92]  right
+[616.92 --> 617.54]  in the depths
+[617.54 --> 618.70]  of our hearts
+[618.70 --> 619.72]  and minds
+[619.72 --> 621.46]  pervasively
+[621.46 --> 622.14]  so
+[622.14 --> 623.28]  there's no
+[623.28 --> 624.14]  other alternatives
+[624.14 --> 625.98]  there's no doubt
+[625.98 --> 627.34]  if we didn't have
+[627.34 --> 628.04]  this there would be
+[628.04 --> 628.82]  no room for fear
+[628.82 --> 629.66]  or anxiety
+[629.66 --> 630.08]  so what we're
+[630.08 --> 630.70]  talking about
+[630.70 --> 631.52]  here really
+[631.52 --> 632.16]  in the depths
+[632.16 --> 632.44]  of it
+[632.44 --> 633.48]  is a belief
+[633.48 --> 634.20]  issue
+[634.20 --> 636.36]  a heart issue
+[636.36 --> 637.64]  right this is
+[637.64 --> 638.12]  about what
+[638.12 --> 639.36]  i really believe
+[639.36 --> 639.94]  and what
+[639.94 --> 641.10]  i live out of
+[641.10 --> 641.90]  as a result
+[641.90 --> 644.32]  and so again
+[644.32 --> 646.08]  let's go down
+[646.08 --> 647.24]  one more level
+[647.24 --> 648.32]  deeper
+[648.32 --> 650.72]  when we feel
+[650.72 --> 651.30]  that way
+[651.30 --> 653.66]  what does it
+[653.66 --> 654.02]  mean
+[654.02 --> 655.00]  for who i
+[655.00 --> 656.14]  believe god
+[656.14 --> 656.96]  is
+[656.96 --> 658.70]  right with
+[658.70 --> 659.28]  everything that's
+[659.28 --> 659.92]  going on
+[659.92 --> 660.48]  with everything
+[660.48 --> 661.00]  that i feel
+[661.00 --> 661.42]  with all that
+[661.42 --> 662.26]  fear and anxiety
+[662.26 --> 662.74]  that's in the
+[662.74 --> 663.08]  system
+[663.08 --> 663.56]  right
+[663.56 --> 664.90]  it feels like
+[664.90 --> 665.80]  god is distant
+[665.80 --> 666.82]  it feels like
+[666.82 --> 667.34]  he doesn't really
+[667.34 --> 667.84]  care
+[667.84 --> 668.72]  that he doesn't
+[668.72 --> 669.22]  really have
+[669.22 --> 669.64]  power
+[669.64 --> 671.66]  and so you see
+[671.66 --> 672.32]  what's happening
+[672.32 --> 673.06]  right and again
+[673.06 --> 673.52]  we would never
+[673.52 --> 674.18]  say this out
+[674.18 --> 674.46]  loud
+[674.46 --> 676.84]  but that feeling
+[676.84 --> 677.48]  of fear
+[677.48 --> 678.52]  and anxiety
+[678.52 --> 679.44]  that reacting
+[679.44 --> 680.12]  in fear
+[680.12 --> 680.62]  that we do
+[680.62 --> 681.80]  allowing fear
+[681.80 --> 682.88]  to determine
+[682.88 --> 684.14]  my actions
+[684.14 --> 684.68]  in the world
+[684.68 --> 685.46]  and my belief
+[685.46 --> 686.00]  in god
+[686.00 --> 686.64]  or my belief
+[686.64 --> 687.12]  in the god
+[687.12 --> 687.60]  of the bible
+[687.60 --> 688.74]  comes up to
+[688.74 --> 689.50]  this place
+[689.50 --> 690.54]  that that fear
+[690.54 --> 691.56]  is the fruit
+[691.56 --> 692.44]  of some other
+[692.44 --> 692.94]  belief
+[692.94 --> 694.24]  some other
+[694.24 --> 694.78]  idea
+[694.78 --> 696.80]  right some
+[696.80 --> 697.94]  other concept
+[697.94 --> 698.66]  of what i think
+[698.66 --> 699.24]  is true
+[699.24 --> 700.58]  worry
+[700.58 --> 701.90]  is the fruit
+[701.90 --> 702.54]  of a belief
+[702.54 --> 703.04]  that god
+[703.04 --> 703.82]  really isn't
+[703.82 --> 704.44]  in control
+[704.44 --> 705.60]  that god
+[705.60 --> 706.14]  has abandoned
+[706.14 --> 706.72]  me or
+[706.72 --> 707.72]  or left me
+[707.72 --> 708.44]  to my own
+[708.44 --> 708.96]  devices
+[708.96 --> 710.48]  and the kind
+[710.48 --> 711.12]  of anxiety
+[711.12 --> 712.34]  that rules us
+[712.34 --> 712.98]  and weighs us
+[712.98 --> 713.82]  down is really
+[713.82 --> 714.38]  the fruit
+[714.38 --> 715.20]  of an idea
+[715.20 --> 716.52]  or a claim
+[716.52 --> 717.06]  a belief
+[717.06 --> 717.74]  assumption
+[717.74 --> 718.68]  of god
+[718.68 --> 719.50]  that says
+[719.50 --> 720.30]  he ultimately
+[720.30 --> 721.06]  doesn't have
+[721.06 --> 721.56]  agency
+[721.56 --> 722.64]  in the world
+[722.64 --> 724.08]  and neither
+[724.08 --> 724.44]  do we
+[724.44 --> 727.78]  now again
+[727.78 --> 728.68]  most of us
+[728.68 --> 729.62]  don't really
+[729.62 --> 730.78]  dig this deep
+[730.78 --> 731.58]  into our
+[731.58 --> 732.30]  experiences
+[732.30 --> 733.02]  and emotions
+[733.02 --> 733.54]  and our
+[733.54 --> 733.92]  beliefs
+[733.92 --> 734.88]  regularly
+[734.88 --> 736.48]  right
+[736.48 --> 736.84]  oftentimes
+[736.84 --> 737.68]  we feel
+[737.68 --> 738.30]  that anxiety
+[738.30 --> 738.98]  or fear
+[738.98 --> 739.58]  and we try
+[739.58 --> 739.98]  to push it
+[739.98 --> 740.30]  away
+[740.30 --> 740.82]  we try
+[740.82 --> 741.20]  to ignore
+[741.20 --> 741.38]  it
+[741.38 --> 741.64]  or we
+[741.64 --> 742.12]  project it
+[742.12 --> 742.46]  on someone
+[742.46 --> 742.70]  else
+[742.70 --> 742.98]  we make
+[742.98 --> 743.24]  it someone
+[743.24 --> 743.60]  else's
+[743.60 --> 743.96]  problem
+[743.96 --> 744.26]  and we
+[744.26 --> 744.92]  blame them
+[744.92 --> 746.12]  right
+[746.12 --> 746.72]  we distance
+[746.72 --> 747.14]  ourselves
+[747.14 --> 747.64]  from it
+[747.64 --> 748.88]  but really
+[748.88 --> 749.54]  think about
+[749.54 --> 749.90]  it
+[749.90 --> 751.18]  right
+[751.18 --> 751.98]  I believe
+[751.98 --> 753.16]  that part
+[753.16 --> 753.80]  of Christian
+[753.80 --> 754.64]  discipleship
+[754.64 --> 755.30]  part of
+[755.30 --> 756.10]  my job
+[756.10 --> 756.80]  as pastor
+[756.80 --> 757.66]  is to ask
+[757.66 --> 758.30]  those questions
+[758.30 --> 758.74]  that nobody
+[758.74 --> 759.56]  else will ask
+[759.56 --> 760.24]  in your life
+[760.24 --> 761.14]  and I think
+[761.14 --> 761.56]  that part
+[761.56 --> 761.86]  of that
+[761.86 --> 762.80]  is wondering
+[762.80 --> 763.46]  about
+[763.46 --> 764.16]  and thinking
+[764.16 --> 764.52]  about
+[764.52 --> 765.00]  what does
+[765.00 --> 765.36]  it mean
+[765.36 --> 766.00]  to take
+[766.00 --> 766.92]  every thought
+[766.92 --> 767.34]  captive
+[767.34 --> 768.00]  to Christ
+[768.00 --> 769.06]  right
+[769.06 --> 769.28]  that's
+[769.28 --> 769.86]  2 Corinthians
+[769.86 --> 770.24]  10
+[770.24 --> 771.26]  we have
+[771.26 --> 771.72]  to test
+[771.72 --> 772.48]  every feeling
+[772.48 --> 773.02]  together
+[773.02 --> 773.86]  every fear
+[773.86 --> 774.92]  every anxiety
+[774.92 --> 775.66]  every worry
+[775.66 --> 776.80]  we test
+[776.80 --> 777.50]  these feelings
+[777.50 --> 777.86]  against
+[777.86 --> 778.98]  what we know
+[778.98 --> 779.72]  to be true
+[779.72 --> 780.86]  in the gospel
+[780.86 --> 783.16]  because again
+[783.16 --> 783.54]  right
+[783.54 --> 784.10]  here's the
+[784.10 --> 785.10]  parallel thing
+[785.10 --> 785.90]  in all of this
+[785.90 --> 787.08]  even when I
+[787.08 --> 788.18]  feel fear
+[788.18 --> 788.88]  and anxiety
+[788.88 --> 789.58]  even when I
+[789.58 --> 790.16]  can trace
+[790.16 --> 790.94]  the fruit
+[790.94 --> 791.76]  of that feeling
+[791.76 --> 792.60]  to a belief
+[792.60 --> 793.54]  that it's growing
+[793.54 --> 794.02]  out of
+[794.02 --> 794.82]  that it's rooted
+[794.82 --> 795.02]  in
+[795.02 --> 795.94]  even when I
+[795.94 --> 796.74]  live like
+[796.74 --> 797.42]  God isn't
+[797.42 --> 798.26]  in control
+[798.26 --> 798.82]  when it feels
+[798.82 --> 799.20]  like he's
+[799.20 --> 799.50]  distant
+[799.50 --> 800.14]  or when he's
+[800.14 --> 800.72]  abandoned me
+[800.72 --> 801.32]  it feels
+[801.32 --> 801.86]  like he doesn't
+[801.86 --> 802.06]  care
+[802.06 --> 803.00]  even when
+[803.00 --> 803.66]  I think
+[803.66 --> 804.20]  all of that
+[804.20 --> 804.68]  is true
+[804.68 --> 805.40]  in my head
+[805.40 --> 806.52]  I know
+[806.52 --> 807.60]  in my heart
+[807.60 --> 808.26]  that there is
+[808.26 --> 809.24]  a greater truth
+[809.24 --> 809.96]  I know
+[809.96 --> 810.62]  in my heart
+[810.62 --> 811.08]  that there's
+[811.08 --> 811.42]  a true
+[811.42 --> 811.94]  and better
+[811.94 --> 812.46]  story
+[812.46 --> 813.12]  than the one
+[813.12 --> 813.54]  that I am
+[813.54 --> 814.34]  telling myself
+[814.34 --> 814.72]  right now
+[814.72 --> 815.14]  than the one
+[815.14 --> 815.46]  that I'm
+[815.46 --> 816.28]  living out
+[816.28 --> 816.80]  of right now
+[816.80 --> 817.50]  and so
+[817.50 --> 818.12]  I need to
+[818.12 --> 818.74]  confess
+[818.74 --> 819.56]  the lie
+[819.56 --> 820.00]  that I have
+[820.00 --> 820.70]  been living
+[820.70 --> 821.10]  out of
+[821.10 --> 821.80]  and believing
+[821.80 --> 822.76]  and feeling
+[822.76 --> 823.06]  from
+[823.06 --> 823.44]  and I need
+[823.44 --> 824.02]  to remind
+[824.02 --> 824.60]  myself
+[824.60 --> 825.22]  of that
+[825.22 --> 825.80]  story
+[825.80 --> 828.58]  it's one
+[828.58 --> 828.86]  of the reasons
+[828.86 --> 829.38]  why worship
+[829.38 --> 830.14]  is so important
+[830.14 --> 831.58]  gathering in
+[831.58 --> 832.06]  community
+[832.06 --> 832.52]  together
+[832.52 --> 833.76]  is so critical
+[833.76 --> 835.46]  we've got to
+[835.46 --> 836.44]  preach the gospel
+[836.44 --> 837.96]  to our fears
+[837.96 --> 838.88]  and our worries
+[838.88 --> 839.96]  and anxieties
+[839.96 --> 842.04]  so we've got to
+[842.04 --> 842.56]  ask what does
+[842.56 --> 843.38]  the bible say
+[843.38 --> 844.08]  to my fear
+[844.08 --> 844.98]  what does the bible
+[844.98 --> 846.44]  say to my anxiety
+[846.44 --> 847.94]  what does Jesus say
+[847.94 --> 849.04]  how does the gospel
+[849.04 --> 849.82]  give me something
+[849.82 --> 850.24]  better
+[850.24 --> 852.72]  with that in mind
+[852.72 --> 853.58]  I want to pull
+[853.58 --> 854.98]  on one string
+[854.98 --> 856.32]  from the text
+[856.32 --> 856.98]  that we read
+[856.98 --> 858.42]  together
+[858.42 --> 859.90]  just one
+[859.90 --> 860.62]  string
+[860.62 --> 861.46]  one theme
+[861.46 --> 862.76]  out of that text
+[862.76 --> 864.08]  if your bibles
+[864.08 --> 864.80]  are still in front
+[864.80 --> 865.10]  of you
+[865.10 --> 865.76]  if you have
+[865.76 --> 866.24]  that story
+[866.24 --> 867.36]  verse 46
+[867.36 --> 869.76]  we read
+[869.76 --> 870.46]  once more
+[870.46 --> 871.04]  he visited
+[871.04 --> 871.50]  Cana
+[871.50 --> 872.24]  in Galilee
+[872.24 --> 872.86]  where he had
+[872.86 --> 873.68]  turned the water
+[873.68 --> 874.46]  into wine
+[874.46 --> 874.98]  and there was
+[874.98 --> 875.46]  a certain
+[875.46 --> 876.32]  royal official
+[876.32 --> 877.00]  whose son
+[877.00 --> 877.80]  lay sick
+[877.80 --> 879.16]  at Capernaum
+[879.16 --> 880.68]  and when this
+[880.68 --> 881.22]  man had heard
+[881.22 --> 881.64]  that Jesus
+[881.64 --> 882.18]  had arrived
+[882.18 --> 882.64]  in Galilee
+[882.64 --> 883.20]  from Judea
+[883.20 --> 883.70]  he went
+[883.70 --> 884.12]  to him
+[884.12 --> 885.04]  and begged
+[885.04 --> 885.72]  him to come
+[885.72 --> 886.22]  and heal
+[886.22 --> 886.82]  his son
+[886.82 --> 887.22]  who was
+[887.22 --> 887.72]  close
+[887.72 --> 888.92]  to death
+[888.92 --> 890.88]  so Jesus
+[890.88 --> 891.82]  is in Samaria
+[891.82 --> 893.22]  to the west
+[893.22 --> 893.72]  of here
+[893.72 --> 894.16]  where he
+[894.16 --> 895.22]  was
+[895.22 --> 897.22]  doing some work
+[897.22 --> 897.78]  and some ministry
+[897.78 --> 898.88]  remember he met
+[898.88 --> 899.30]  the woman
+[899.30 --> 899.86]  at the well
+[899.86 --> 900.88]  he told her
+[900.88 --> 901.96]  all about her life
+[901.96 --> 902.28]  and her
+[902.28 --> 903.88]  previous marriages
+[903.88 --> 904.56]  and sin
+[904.56 --> 905.40]  and she was
+[905.40 --> 906.34]  convicted by
+[906.34 --> 907.20]  this encounter
+[907.20 --> 907.66]  with Jesus
+[907.66 --> 908.56]  and a number
+[908.56 --> 908.98]  of people
+[908.98 --> 909.70]  came to believe
+[909.70 --> 910.20]  as a result
+[910.20 --> 910.50]  of that
+[910.50 --> 911.76]  Jesus leaves
+[911.76 --> 912.64]  that experience
+[912.64 --> 913.22]  in Samaria
+[913.22 --> 913.78]  and he comes
+[913.78 --> 914.62]  back to Galilee
+[914.62 --> 915.46]  this is his
+[915.46 --> 916.22]  home region
+[916.22 --> 917.08]  right
+[917.08 --> 917.66]  this is
+[917.66 --> 918.82]  northern Israel
+[918.82 --> 919.48]  he goes back
+[919.48 --> 920.02]  to Canaan
+[920.02 --> 921.20]  where he did
+[921.20 --> 921.90]  his first miracle
+[921.90 --> 922.64]  you know the story
+[922.64 --> 923.14]  right
+[923.14 --> 923.68]  turned water
+[923.68 --> 924.24]  into wine
+[924.24 --> 924.90]  John 2
+[924.90 --> 926.40]  while there
+[926.40 --> 927.20]  in Cana
+[927.20 --> 928.48]  a certain
+[928.48 --> 929.30]  royal official
+[929.30 --> 930.08]  comes to him
+[930.08 --> 931.08]  it's probably
+[931.08 --> 932.02]  a royal official
+[932.02 --> 933.38]  of a gentleman
+[933.38 --> 934.76]  named Herod Antipas
+[934.76 --> 935.86]  who was one
+[935.86 --> 936.86]  of the three sons
+[936.86 --> 937.92]  of Herod the Great
+[937.92 --> 939.62]  who divided
+[939.62 --> 940.44]  his kingdom
+[940.44 --> 942.28]  up to those
+[942.28 --> 943.50]  his three boys
+[943.50 --> 944.56]  that region
+[944.56 --> 945.00]  up there
+[945.00 --> 946.86]  going to Herod Antipas
+[946.86 --> 951.00]  the official
+[951.00 --> 952.40]  has a son
+[952.40 --> 953.98]  who's sick
+[953.98 --> 955.08]  and not just
+[955.08 --> 955.94]  sick
+[955.94 --> 957.00]  he's on his
+[957.00 --> 957.52]  deathbed
+[957.52 --> 960.00]  and he begs
+[960.00 --> 960.34]  Jesus
+[960.34 --> 961.18]  to come
+[961.18 --> 962.04]  to Capernaum
+[962.04 --> 962.70]  to heal
+[962.70 --> 963.12]  the boy
+[963.12 --> 965.40]  how would you
+[965.40 --> 965.82]  feel
+[965.82 --> 967.46]  that was your
+[967.46 --> 967.70]  son
+[967.70 --> 969.86]  how would you
+[969.86 --> 970.28]  feel if that
+[970.28 --> 970.90]  was your child
+[970.90 --> 973.00]  who's sick
+[973.00 --> 973.84]  and close
+[973.84 --> 974.38]  to death
+[974.38 --> 975.98]  right the doctors
+[975.98 --> 976.78]  have done the best
+[976.78 --> 977.28]  they could
+[977.28 --> 978.04]  and are unable
+[978.04 --> 978.78]  to do anything
+[978.78 --> 980.36]  what would be
+[980.36 --> 981.10]  your experience
+[981.10 --> 982.82]  and I know
+[982.82 --> 983.24]  that for some
+[983.24 --> 983.62]  of us
+[983.62 --> 984.38]  this morning
+[984.38 --> 985.08]  that's not
+[985.08 --> 985.38]  just an
+[985.38 --> 985.76]  intellectual
+[985.76 --> 986.34]  question
+[986.34 --> 988.28]  that's a
+[988.28 --> 989.02]  reality lived
+[989.02 --> 993.48]  there's anxiety
+[993.48 --> 995.34]  in the system
+[995.34 --> 997.22]  there's fear
+[997.22 --> 997.92]  and there's
+[997.92 --> 998.46]  worry
+[998.46 --> 1001.06]  there's
+[1001.06 --> 1002.18]  chaos
+[1002.18 --> 1002.96]  at no one
+[1002.96 --> 1003.46]  being in
+[1003.46 --> 1003.88]  control
+[1003.88 --> 1006.20]  this is
+[1006.20 --> 1006.42]  what we
+[1006.42 --> 1007.22]  are encountering
+[1007.22 --> 1008.26]  and there's
+[1008.26 --> 1008.62]  trust
+[1008.62 --> 1009.04]  and there's
+[1009.04 --> 1009.26]  hope
+[1009.26 --> 1009.66]  and there's
+[1009.66 --> 1009.98]  joy
+[1009.98 --> 1010.72]  right
+[1010.72 --> 1011.14]  in moments
+[1011.14 --> 1011.48]  like this
+[1011.48 --> 1011.68]  there's
+[1011.68 --> 1012.42]  this strange
+[1012.42 --> 1012.92]  mix
+[1012.92 --> 1013.46]  of all
+[1013.46 --> 1013.88]  of these
+[1013.88 --> 1014.20]  things
+[1014.20 --> 1014.76]  moving
+[1014.76 --> 1015.18]  around
+[1015.18 --> 1015.90]  inside
+[1015.90 --> 1016.36]  of us
+[1016.36 --> 1017.22]  now
+[1017.22 --> 1017.72]  Jesus
+[1017.72 --> 1018.30]  right
+[1018.30 --> 1018.84]  knows
+[1018.84 --> 1019.26]  the hearts
+[1019.26 --> 1019.84]  and minds
+[1019.84 --> 1020.42]  of people
+[1020.42 --> 1021.08]  we read
+[1021.08 --> 1021.42]  that in
+[1021.42 --> 1021.82]  the gospel
+[1021.82 --> 1022.50]  he knows
+[1022.50 --> 1022.92]  what this
+[1022.92 --> 1023.32]  man is
+[1023.32 --> 1023.64]  feeling
+[1023.64 --> 1024.18]  he knows
+[1024.18 --> 1024.96]  exactly
+[1024.96 --> 1026.20]  the anxiety
+[1026.20 --> 1026.76]  and worry
+[1026.76 --> 1027.06]  that he
+[1027.06 --> 1027.40]  has
+[1027.40 --> 1027.98]  in his
+[1027.98 --> 1028.28]  heart
+[1028.28 --> 1030.12]  and what
+[1030.12 --> 1030.60]  does Jesus
+[1030.60 --> 1031.10]  say to
+[1031.10 --> 1031.32]  him
+[1031.32 --> 1033.86]  can I
+[1033.86 --> 1034.20]  be honest
+[1034.20 --> 1034.52]  with you
+[1034.52 --> 1034.96]  and just
+[1034.96 --> 1035.64]  blunt
+[1035.64 --> 1037.84]  he doesn't
+[1037.84 --> 1038.28]  say to
+[1038.28 --> 1038.74]  this man
+[1038.74 --> 1039.08]  what I
+[1039.08 --> 1039.60]  want Jesus
+[1039.60 --> 1040.10]  to say
+[1040.10 --> 1042.72]  right
+[1042.72 --> 1043.06]  I want
+[1043.06 --> 1043.56]  Jesus to
+[1043.56 --> 1043.88]  get on
+[1043.88 --> 1044.42]  his horse
+[1044.42 --> 1045.02]  and to
+[1045.02 --> 1045.38]  go
+[1045.38 --> 1046.56]  I want
+[1046.56 --> 1047.10]  Jesus to
+[1047.10 --> 1047.36]  say
+[1047.36 --> 1048.30]  yes man
+[1048.30 --> 1048.74]  I hear
+[1048.74 --> 1048.92]  you
+[1048.92 --> 1049.38]  I got
+[1049.38 --> 1049.62]  you
+[1049.62 --> 1050.16]  in my
+[1050.16 --> 1050.52]  hands
+[1050.52 --> 1051.08]  let's
+[1051.08 --> 1051.56]  go heal
+[1051.56 --> 1051.78]  that
+[1051.78 --> 1052.06]  boy
+[1052.06 --> 1054.58]  but he
+[1054.58 --> 1055.16]  doesn't
+[1055.16 --> 1056.44]  he doesn't
+[1056.44 --> 1057.16]  do that
+[1057.16 --> 1059.78]  he says
+[1059.78 --> 1060.42]  unless you
+[1060.42 --> 1061.00]  see signs
+[1061.00 --> 1061.62]  and wonders
+[1061.62 --> 1062.80]  you will
+[1062.80 --> 1062.98]  never
+[1062.98 --> 1063.46]  believe
+[1063.46 --> 1064.44]  what
+[1064.44 --> 1066.32]  what are
+[1066.32 --> 1066.56]  we supposed
+[1066.56 --> 1066.86]  to do
+[1066.86 --> 1067.12]  with the
+[1067.12 --> 1067.40]  Jesus
+[1067.40 --> 1067.88]  who does
+[1067.88 --> 1068.22]  that
+[1068.22 --> 1070.36]  I suggest
+[1070.36 --> 1070.68]  to you
+[1070.68 --> 1071.56]  maybe we
+[1071.56 --> 1071.70]  should
+[1071.70 --> 1072.06]  listen
+[1072.06 --> 1074.70]  I'm going
+[1074.70 --> 1074.90]  to come
+[1074.90 --> 1075.18]  back to
+[1075.18 --> 1075.36]  in a
+[1075.36 --> 1075.60]  moment
+[1075.60 --> 1076.76]  but notice
+[1076.76 --> 1077.04]  what the
+[1077.04 --> 1077.30]  official
+[1077.30 --> 1077.76]  does
+[1077.76 --> 1078.36]  or rather
+[1078.36 --> 1078.66]  what he
+[1078.66 --> 1079.08]  doesn't
+[1079.08 --> 1079.38]  do
+[1079.38 --> 1080.74]  right
+[1080.74 --> 1081.14]  he doesn't
+[1081.14 --> 1081.60]  panic
+[1081.60 --> 1082.52]  he doesn't
+[1082.52 --> 1082.76]  lose
+[1082.76 --> 1083.16]  heart
+[1083.16 --> 1083.78]  he doesn't
+[1083.78 --> 1084.32]  give up
+[1084.32 --> 1085.70]  but I
+[1085.70 --> 1086.16]  imagine in
+[1086.16 --> 1086.56]  that moment
+[1086.56 --> 1086.78]  he
+[1086.78 --> 1087.60]  would take
+[1087.60 --> 1087.92]  a deep
+[1087.92 --> 1088.24]  breath
+[1088.24 --> 1088.58]  he would
+[1088.58 --> 1089.00]  step
+[1089.00 --> 1089.74]  one more
+[1089.74 --> 1090.08]  step
+[1090.08 --> 1090.74]  closer to
+[1090.74 --> 1091.04]  Jesus
+[1091.04 --> 1091.72]  and he
+[1091.72 --> 1092.08]  would say
+[1092.08 --> 1092.52]  sir
+[1092.52 --> 1093.58]  please
+[1093.58 --> 1094.42]  come
+[1094.42 --> 1095.24]  before my
+[1095.24 --> 1096.14]  child dies
+[1096.14 --> 1099.14]  to which
+[1099.14 --> 1099.76]  Jesus then
+[1099.76 --> 1100.22]  says
+[1100.22 --> 1101.26]  go
+[1101.26 --> 1102.76]  your son
+[1102.76 --> 1104.08]  will live
+[1104.08 --> 1106.46]  that's it
+[1106.46 --> 1108.56]  that's all
+[1108.56 --> 1109.16]  he says
+[1109.16 --> 1110.64]  right
+[1110.64 --> 1111.64]  a word
+[1111.64 --> 1112.26]  from Jesus
+[1112.26 --> 1112.54]  right
+[1112.54 --> 1113.12]  five words
+[1113.12 --> 1113.42]  really
+[1113.42 --> 1114.52]  one sentence
+[1114.52 --> 1116.54]  and that's
+[1116.54 --> 1117.04]  the thread
+[1117.04 --> 1117.68]  that I
+[1117.68 --> 1117.88]  want to
+[1117.88 --> 1118.38]  pull on
+[1118.38 --> 1119.38]  for a
+[1119.38 --> 1119.62]  moment
+[1119.62 --> 1121.36]  life
+[1121.36 --> 1122.10]  comes to
+[1122.10 --> 1122.72]  this boy
+[1122.72 --> 1124.64]  from a
+[1124.64 --> 1125.22]  word
+[1125.22 --> 1126.92]  from Jesus
+[1126.92 --> 1128.98]  he doesn't
+[1128.98 --> 1129.44]  do anything
+[1129.44 --> 1129.82]  else
+[1129.82 --> 1130.94]  right
+[1130.94 --> 1131.38]  he simply
+[1131.38 --> 1132.06]  speaks
+[1132.06 --> 1133.32]  it's not
+[1133.32 --> 1133.86]  dramatic
+[1133.86 --> 1134.70]  it might
+[1134.70 --> 1135.10]  even seem
+[1135.10 --> 1135.96]  anticlimactic
+[1135.96 --> 1136.74]  in the midst
+[1136.74 --> 1136.98]  of it
+[1136.98 --> 1137.54]  but the
+[1137.54 --> 1138.04]  reality is
+[1138.04 --> 1138.92]  that's all
+[1138.92 --> 1139.62]  you need
+[1139.62 --> 1141.68]  one word
+[1141.68 --> 1142.96]  from Jesus
+[1142.96 --> 1145.22]  his word
+[1145.22 --> 1146.16]  gives
+[1146.16 --> 1147.00]  you
+[1147.00 --> 1148.20]  life
+[1148.20 --> 1150.52]  and here's
+[1150.52 --> 1150.90]  the thing
+[1150.90 --> 1151.20]  right
+[1151.20 --> 1151.78]  again
+[1151.78 --> 1152.52]  let's be
+[1152.52 --> 1152.80]  honest
+[1152.80 --> 1153.16]  with each
+[1153.16 --> 1153.38]  other
+[1153.38 --> 1154.74]  we kind
+[1154.74 --> 1155.08]  of want
+[1155.08 --> 1155.32]  more
+[1155.32 --> 1155.76]  from him
+[1155.76 --> 1156.64]  am I
+[1156.64 --> 1156.90]  right
+[1156.90 --> 1157.74]  right
+[1157.74 --> 1158.04]  we want
+[1158.04 --> 1158.76]  some display
+[1158.76 --> 1159.38]  of power
+[1159.38 --> 1160.04]  we want
+[1160.04 --> 1160.40]  something
+[1160.40 --> 1160.92]  exciting
+[1160.92 --> 1161.68]  and dramatic
+[1161.68 --> 1162.18]  but all
+[1162.18 --> 1162.74]  he does
+[1162.74 --> 1164.10]  is speak
+[1164.10 --> 1165.66]  it's
+[1165.66 --> 1166.20]  ordinary
+[1166.20 --> 1167.42]  it's
+[1167.42 --> 1167.82]  simple
+[1167.82 --> 1168.64]  it's
+[1168.64 --> 1169.20]  straightforward
+[1169.20 --> 1170.12]  and it
+[1170.12 --> 1170.84]  is filled
+[1170.84 --> 1171.44]  with the
+[1171.44 --> 1171.84]  power
+[1171.84 --> 1172.56]  of the
+[1172.56 --> 1172.90]  life
+[1172.90 --> 1173.44]  of the
+[1173.44 --> 1173.76]  spirit
+[1173.76 --> 1175.32]  it is
+[1175.32 --> 1176.10]  his word
+[1176.10 --> 1176.74]  filled
+[1176.74 --> 1177.08]  with the
+[1177.08 --> 1177.42]  power
+[1177.42 --> 1178.00]  of life
+[1178.00 --> 1178.72]  and his
+[1178.72 --> 1179.12]  word
+[1179.12 --> 1180.08]  is all
+[1180.08 --> 1180.58]  you
+[1180.58 --> 1181.22]  need
+[1181.22 --> 1182.72]  if there
+[1182.72 --> 1183.02]  was one
+[1183.02 --> 1183.34]  theme
+[1183.34 --> 1183.54]  that we
+[1183.54 --> 1183.88]  could take
+[1183.88 --> 1184.12]  home
+[1184.12 --> 1184.44]  kids
+[1184.44 --> 1184.66]  if
+[1184.66 --> 1184.98]  your
+[1184.98 --> 1186.10]  parents
+[1186.10 --> 1186.32]  are going
+[1186.32 --> 1186.64]  to ask
+[1186.64 --> 1186.80]  you
+[1186.80 --> 1187.20]  in a
+[1187.20 --> 1187.38]  few
+[1187.38 --> 1187.74]  hours
+[1187.74 --> 1188.18]  what
+[1188.18 --> 1188.40]  this
+[1188.40 --> 1188.70]  service
+[1188.70 --> 1188.92]  was
+[1188.92 --> 1189.24]  about
+[1189.24 --> 1189.88]  that's
+[1189.88 --> 1190.04]  the
+[1190.04 --> 1190.40]  answer
+[1190.40 --> 1190.94]  his
+[1190.94 --> 1191.32]  word
+[1191.32 --> 1191.64]  is
+[1191.64 --> 1191.86]  all
+[1191.86 --> 1192.06]  you
+[1192.06 --> 1192.34]  need
+[1192.34 --> 1193.76]  that's
+[1193.76 --> 1193.88]  what
+[1193.88 --> 1194.06]  this
+[1194.06 --> 1194.18]  is
+[1194.18 --> 1194.46]  about
+[1194.46 --> 1194.98]  that's
+[1194.98 --> 1195.16]  what's
+[1195.16 --> 1195.38]  going
+[1195.38 --> 1195.66]  on
+[1195.66 --> 1195.86]  here
+[1195.86 --> 1196.56]  ordinary
+[1196.56 --> 1197.24]  simple
+[1197.24 --> 1198.16]  straightforward
+[1198.16 --> 1198.82]  his
+[1198.82 --> 1199.14]  word
+[1199.14 --> 1201.60]  we don't
+[1201.60 --> 1201.90]  need
+[1201.90 --> 1202.60]  smoke
+[1202.60 --> 1203.08]  machines
+[1203.08 --> 1203.70]  we don't
+[1203.70 --> 1203.90]  need
+[1203.90 --> 1204.48]  light
+[1204.48 --> 1204.92]  shows
+[1204.92 --> 1205.90]  or whatever
+[1205.90 --> 1206.22]  else
+[1206.22 --> 1206.94]  people use
+[1206.94 --> 1207.40]  to try
+[1207.40 --> 1207.88]  and jazz
+[1207.88 --> 1208.28]  it up
+[1208.28 --> 1209.88]  we need
+[1209.88 --> 1210.02]  his
+[1210.02 --> 1210.36]  word
+[1210.36 --> 1212.18]  we don't
+[1212.18 --> 1212.32]  need
+[1212.32 --> 1212.84]  spectacle
+[1212.84 --> 1213.48]  we don't
+[1213.48 --> 1213.64]  need
+[1213.64 --> 1214.26]  fanfare
+[1214.26 --> 1214.76]  we don't
+[1214.76 --> 1214.96]  need
+[1214.96 --> 1215.40]  signs
+[1215.40 --> 1215.60]  and
+[1215.60 --> 1216.00]  wonders
+[1216.00 --> 1216.94]  we need
+[1216.94 --> 1217.12]  his
+[1217.12 --> 1217.54]  word
+[1217.54 --> 1219.92]  now how
+[1219.92 --> 1220.18]  many of
+[1220.18 --> 1220.58]  us believe
+[1220.58 --> 1220.94]  that
+[1220.94 --> 1222.44]  that we
+[1222.44 --> 1222.60]  need
+[1222.60 --> 1222.76]  his
+[1222.76 --> 1223.06]  word
+[1223.06 --> 1225.72]  amen
+[1225.72 --> 1227.02]  amen
+[1227.02 --> 1227.30]  amen
+[1227.30 --> 1227.64]  we'll
+[1227.64 --> 1227.78]  get
+[1227.78 --> 1228.00]  there
+[1228.00 --> 1228.20]  we'll
+[1228.20 --> 1228.34]  get
+[1228.34 --> 1228.64]  there
+[1228.64 --> 1230.70]  right
+[1230.70 --> 1231.00]  this
+[1231.00 --> 1231.18]  is
+[1231.18 --> 1231.52]  just
+[1231.52 --> 1231.80]  the
+[1231.80 --> 1232.32]  ordinary
+[1232.32 --> 1233.16]  means
+[1233.16 --> 1233.50]  of
+[1233.50 --> 1234.18]  grace
+[1234.18 --> 1234.56]  his
+[1234.56 --> 1235.30]  word
+[1235.30 --> 1236.08]  alive
+[1236.08 --> 1236.62]  active
+[1236.62 --> 1237.16]  sharper
+[1237.16 --> 1237.40]  than
+[1237.40 --> 1237.62]  any
+[1237.62 --> 1237.94]  double
+[1237.94 --> 1238.46]  edged
+[1238.46 --> 1238.78]  sword
+[1238.78 --> 1239.20]  capable
+[1239.20 --> 1239.56]  of
+[1239.56 --> 1239.98]  separating
+[1239.98 --> 1240.40]  truth
+[1240.40 --> 1240.72]  from
+[1240.72 --> 1241.08]  lies
+[1241.08 --> 1241.66]  bone
+[1241.66 --> 1241.94]  from
+[1241.94 --> 1242.18]  marrow
+[1242.18 --> 1242.42]  his
+[1242.42 --> 1242.96]  word
+[1242.96 --> 1243.74]  speaks
+[1243.74 --> 1244.60]  life
+[1244.60 --> 1246.40]  now
+[1246.40 --> 1246.60]  I'm
+[1246.60 --> 1247.04]  sure
+[1247.04 --> 1247.76]  that
+[1247.76 --> 1248.06]  many
+[1248.06 --> 1248.26]  of
+[1248.26 --> 1248.36]  you
+[1248.36 --> 1248.62]  know
+[1248.62 --> 1248.82]  that
+[1248.82 --> 1249.00]  up
+[1249.00 --> 1249.28]  here
+[1249.28 --> 1252.28]  but
+[1252.28 --> 1252.42]  I
+[1252.42 --> 1252.62]  want
+[1252.62 --> 1252.72]  you
+[1252.72 --> 1252.86]  to
+[1252.86 --> 1253.28]  experience
+[1253.28 --> 1253.66]  that
+[1253.66 --> 1253.98]  here
+[1253.98 --> 1255.92]  I
+[1255.92 --> 1256.04]  want
+[1256.04 --> 1256.14]  you
+[1256.14 --> 1256.26]  to
+[1256.26 --> 1256.68]  experience
+[1256.68 --> 1256.92]  that
+[1256.92 --> 1257.26]  in
+[1257.26 --> 1257.40]  a
+[1257.40 --> 1257.68]  way
+[1257.68 --> 1257.90]  that
+[1257.90 --> 1258.86]  transforms
+[1258.86 --> 1259.58]  every
+[1259.58 --> 1260.20]  single
+[1260.20 --> 1260.82]  aspect
+[1260.82 --> 1261.36]  of
+[1261.36 --> 1261.66]  who
+[1261.66 --> 1261.88]  you
+[1261.88 --> 1262.24]  are
+[1262.24 --> 1262.64]  and
+[1262.64 --> 1262.86]  what
+[1262.86 --> 1263.02]  you
+[1263.02 --> 1263.34]  do
+[1263.34 --> 1263.78]  and
+[1263.78 --> 1264.16]  how
+[1264.16 --> 1264.40]  you
+[1264.40 --> 1264.78]  show
+[1264.78 --> 1265.08]  up
+[1265.08 --> 1265.36]  in
+[1265.36 --> 1265.76]  life
+[1265.76 --> 1268.16]  and
+[1268.16 --> 1268.26]  so
+[1268.26 --> 1268.42]  let's
+[1268.42 --> 1268.56]  do
+[1268.56 --> 1268.82]  that
+[1268.82 --> 1269.50]  just
+[1269.50 --> 1269.60]  a
+[1269.60 --> 1269.80]  moment
+[1269.80 --> 1270.64]  this
+[1270.64 --> 1270.76]  is
+[1270.76 --> 1270.88]  where
+[1270.88 --> 1271.06]  we'll
+[1271.06 --> 1271.34]  land
+[1271.34 --> 1271.46]  the
+[1271.46 --> 1271.68]  plane
+[1271.68 --> 1272.58]  let's
+[1272.58 --> 1273.00]  apply
+[1273.00 --> 1273.32]  the
+[1273.32 --> 1274.22]  word
+[1274.22 --> 1274.54]  of
+[1274.54 --> 1274.92]  life
+[1274.92 --> 1275.20]  his
+[1275.20 --> 1275.56]  word
+[1275.56 --> 1275.82]  of
+[1275.82 --> 1276.20]  life
+[1276.20 --> 1276.64]  to
+[1276.64 --> 1276.86]  the
+[1276.86 --> 1277.38]  anxiety
+[1277.38 --> 1277.74]  and
+[1277.74 --> 1277.88]  to
+[1277.88 --> 1278.02]  the
+[1278.02 --> 1278.30]  fear
+[1278.30 --> 1278.44]  and
+[1278.44 --> 1278.54]  to
+[1278.54 --> 1278.66]  the
+[1278.66 --> 1278.90]  worry
+[1278.90 --> 1279.06]  that
+[1279.06 --> 1279.16]  we
+[1279.16 --> 1279.46]  started
+[1279.46 --> 1279.80]  with
+[1279.80 --> 1281.14]  I
+[1281.14 --> 1281.40]  remember
+[1283.28 --> 1283.56]  is
+[1283.56 --> 1283.82]  rooted
+[1283.82 --> 1284.08]  in
+[1284.08 --> 1284.22]  a
+[1284.22 --> 1284.64]  belief
+[1284.64 --> 1284.98]  or
+[1284.98 --> 1285.18]  an
+[1285.18 --> 1285.84]  unbelief
+[1285.84 --> 1286.78]  that
+[1286.78 --> 1288.12]  we
+[1288.12 --> 1288.56]  need
+[1288.56 --> 1288.80]  to
+[1288.80 --> 1289.08]  then
+[1289.08 --> 1289.58]  preach
+[1289.58 --> 1289.82]  the
+[1289.82 --> 1290.14]  truth
+[1290.14 --> 1290.30]  of
+[1290.30 --> 1290.42]  the
+[1290.42 --> 1290.82]  gospel
+[1290.82 --> 1291.24]  to
+[1291.24 --> 1291.72]  in
+[1291.72 --> 1291.86]  our
+[1291.86 --> 1292.18]  hearts
+[1292.18 --> 1293.72]  so
+[1293.72 --> 1293.86]  what
+[1293.86 --> 1293.94]  do
+[1293.94 --> 1294.04]  I
+[1294.04 --> 1294.40]  believe
+[1294.40 --> 1294.68]  about
+[1294.68 --> 1295.04]  God
+[1295.04 --> 1296.00]  what
+[1296.00 --> 1296.12]  does
+[1296.12 --> 1296.28]  the
+[1296.28 --> 1296.64]  gospel
+[1296.64 --> 1297.12]  say
+[1297.12 --> 1297.96]  about
+[1297.96 --> 1298.30]  God
+[1298.30 --> 1299.98]  I
+[1299.98 --> 1300.26]  believe
+[1300.26 --> 1300.56]  that
+[1300.56 --> 1300.80]  God
+[1300.80 --> 1300.96]  is
+[1300.96 --> 1301.28]  love
+[1301.28 --> 1302.44]  I
+[1302.44 --> 1302.70]  believe
+[1302.70 --> 1303.00]  that
+[1303.00 --> 1303.14]  he
+[1303.14 --> 1303.36]  is
+[1303.36 --> 1303.74]  present
+[1303.74 --> 1304.00]  I
+[1304.00 --> 1304.38]  believe
+[1304.38 --> 1304.54]  that
+[1304.54 --> 1304.66]  he
+[1304.66 --> 1304.84]  is
+[1304.84 --> 1305.30]  active
+[1305.30 --> 1305.98]  in
+[1305.98 --> 1306.22]  this
+[1306.22 --> 1306.46]  world
+[1306.46 --> 1306.64]  I
+[1306.64 --> 1306.96]  believe
+[1306.96 --> 1307.12]  that
+[1307.12 --> 1307.26]  not
+[1307.26 --> 1307.38]  a
+[1307.38 --> 1307.56]  hair
+[1307.56 --> 1307.76]  can
+[1307.76 --> 1308.00]  fall
+[1308.00 --> 1308.20]  from
+[1308.20 --> 1308.36]  my
+[1308.36 --> 1308.58]  head
+[1308.58 --> 1308.80]  without
+[1308.80 --> 1309.04]  the
+[1309.04 --> 1309.24]  will
+[1309.24 --> 1309.36]  of
+[1309.36 --> 1309.52]  my
+[1309.52 --> 1310.16]  father
+[1310.16 --> 1310.40]  in
+[1310.40 --> 1310.62]  heaven
+[1310.62 --> 1311.08]  I
+[1311.08 --> 1311.42]  believe
+[1311.42 --> 1311.60]  that
+[1311.60 --> 1311.68]  he
+[1311.68 --> 1311.80]  will
+[1311.80 --> 1312.02]  never
+[1312.02 --> 1312.46]  leave
+[1312.46 --> 1312.74]  me
+[1312.74 --> 1313.10]  nor
+[1313.10 --> 1313.58]  forsake
+[1313.58 --> 1313.76]  me
+[1313.76 --> 1314.12]  I
+[1314.12 --> 1314.46]  believe
+[1314.46 --> 1314.66]  that
+[1314.66 --> 1314.78]  he
+[1314.78 --> 1314.96]  is
+[1314.96 --> 1315.66]  always
+[1315.66 --> 1315.90]  to
+[1315.90 --> 1316.08]  the
+[1316.08 --> 1316.36]  very
+[1316.36 --> 1316.76]  end
+[1316.76 --> 1316.92]  of
+[1316.92 --> 1317.32]  time
+[1317.32 --> 1317.92]  with
+[1317.92 --> 1318.26]  me
+[1318.26 --> 1320.66]  how
+[1320.66 --> 1320.78]  do
+[1320.78 --> 1320.88]  I
+[1320.88 --> 1321.04]  know
+[1321.04 --> 1321.32]  that
+[1321.32 --> 1322.86]  I
+[1322.86 --> 1323.10]  know
+[1323.10 --> 1323.26]  it
+[1323.26 --> 1323.50]  because
+[1323.50 --> 1323.70]  his
+[1323.70 --> 1324.02]  word
+[1324.02 --> 1324.92]  tells
+[1324.92 --> 1325.20]  me
+[1325.20 --> 1326.34]  and
+[1326.34 --> 1326.50]  his
+[1326.50 --> 1326.72]  word
+[1326.72 --> 1326.88]  is
+[1326.88 --> 1327.32]  life
+[1327.32 --> 1328.24]  I
+[1328.24 --> 1328.44]  know
+[1328.44 --> 1328.56]  it
+[1328.56 --> 1328.80]  because
+[1328.80 --> 1329.00]  I've
+[1329.00 --> 1329.54]  experienced
+[1329.54 --> 1329.96]  it
+[1329.96 --> 1330.20]  right
+[1330.20 --> 1330.86]  I
+[1330.86 --> 1331.06]  know
+[1331.06 --> 1331.20]  it
+[1331.20 --> 1331.44]  because
+[1331.44 --> 1331.76]  his
+[1331.76 --> 1332.24]  love
+[1332.24 --> 1332.50]  has
+[1332.50 --> 1332.84]  made
+[1332.84 --> 1333.10]  him
+[1333.10 --> 1333.42]  come
+[1333.42 --> 1333.76]  into
+[1333.76 --> 1334.02]  this
+[1334.02 --> 1334.28]  world
+[1334.28 --> 1334.66]  I
+[1334.66 --> 1334.86]  know
+[1334.86 --> 1334.98]  it
+[1334.98 --> 1335.22]  because
+[1335.22 --> 1335.62]  while
+[1335.62 --> 1335.86]  we
+[1335.86 --> 1336.04]  were
+[1336.04 --> 1336.30]  yet
+[1336.30 --> 1336.64]  sinners
+[1336.64 --> 1336.90]  God
+[1336.90 --> 1337.26]  showed
+[1337.26 --> 1337.46]  his
+[1337.46 --> 1337.72]  love
+[1337.72 --> 1337.96]  for
+[1337.96 --> 1338.30]  us
+[1338.30 --> 1338.76]  by
+[1338.76 --> 1339.18]  sending
+[1339.18 --> 1339.48]  his
+[1339.48 --> 1339.76]  son
+[1339.76 --> 1340.00]  to
+[1340.00 --> 1340.34]  die
+[1340.34 --> 1340.74]  on
+[1340.74 --> 1340.86]  the
+[1340.86 --> 1341.18]  cross
+[1341.18 --> 1341.56]  I
+[1341.56 --> 1341.80]  know
+[1341.80 --> 1341.92]  it
+[1341.92 --> 1342.16]  because
+[1342.16 --> 1342.52]  God
+[1342.52 --> 1342.70]  is
+[1342.70 --> 1343.04]  so
+[1343.04 --> 1343.52]  active
+[1343.52 --> 1343.96]  in
+[1343.96 --> 1344.10]  the
+[1344.10 --> 1344.38]  world
+[1344.38 --> 1344.54]  that
+[1344.54 --> 1344.66]  he
+[1344.66 --> 1345.12]  created
+[1345.12 --> 1345.50]  that
+[1345.50 --> 1345.66]  he
+[1345.66 --> 1346.18]  came
+[1346.18 --> 1346.76]  into
+[1346.76 --> 1347.14]  this
+[1347.14 --> 1347.50]  world
+[1347.50 --> 1348.84]  I
+[1348.84 --> 1349.10]  know
+[1349.10 --> 1349.28]  it
+[1349.28 --> 1349.54]  because
+[1349.54 --> 1349.96]  Jesus
+[1349.96 --> 1350.42]  lived
+[1350.42 --> 1350.62]  the
+[1350.62 --> 1350.90]  life
+[1350.90 --> 1351.08]  I
+[1351.08 --> 1351.28]  should
+[1351.28 --> 1351.42]  have
+[1351.42 --> 1351.68]  lived
+[1351.68 --> 1351.90]  and
+[1351.90 --> 1352.28]  died
+[1352.28 --> 1352.72]  the
+[1352.72 --> 1353.14]  death
+[1353.14 --> 1353.58]  that
+[1353.58 --> 1353.72]  I
+[1353.72 --> 1354.20]  deserve
+[1354.20 --> 1355.98]  I
+[1355.98 --> 1356.16]  know
+[1356.16 --> 1356.28]  it
+[1356.28 --> 1356.48]  because
+[1356.48 --> 1356.62]  he
+[1356.62 --> 1356.74]  has
+[1356.74 --> 1356.92]  given
+[1356.92 --> 1357.06]  me
+[1357.06 --> 1357.30]  his
+[1357.30 --> 1357.74]  spirit
+[1357.74 --> 1358.98]  to
+[1358.98 --> 1359.40]  live
+[1359.40 --> 1359.66]  in
+[1359.66 --> 1359.94]  me
+[1359.94 --> 1360.38]  and
+[1360.38 --> 1360.54]  to
+[1365.62 --> 1365.70]  the
+[1365.70 --> 1366.18]  foundation
+[1366.18 --> 1366.74]  of
+[1366.74 --> 1366.92]  the
+[1366.92 --> 1367.18]  world
+[1367.18 --> 1367.40]  he
+[1367.40 --> 1367.74]  knew
+[1367.74 --> 1368.08]  me
+[1368.08 --> 1368.48]  and
+[1368.48 --> 1368.78]  in
+[1368.78 --> 1369.00]  the
+[1369.00 --> 1369.28]  world
+[1369.28 --> 1369.54]  he
+[1369.54 --> 1370.76]  lavished
+[1370.76 --> 1371.02]  his
+[1371.02 --> 1371.40]  love
+[1371.40 --> 1371.66]  on
+[1371.66 --> 1371.90]  me
+[1371.90 --> 1372.10]  at
+[1372.10 --> 1372.24]  the
+[1372.24 --> 1372.68]  cross
+[1372.68 --> 1373.12]  and
+[1373.12 --> 1373.30]  in
+[1373.30 --> 1373.48]  my
+[1373.48 --> 1373.84]  life
+[1373.84 --> 1375.98]  and
+[1375.98 --> 1376.10]  I
+[1376.10 --> 1376.32]  know
+[1376.32 --> 1376.56]  it
+[1376.56 --> 1377.70]  because
+[1377.70 --> 1377.92]  I've
+[1377.92 --> 1378.20]  seen
+[1378.20 --> 1378.40]  him
+[1378.40 --> 1378.60]  at
+[1378.60 --> 1378.94]  work
+[1378.94 --> 1380.10]  in
+[1380.10 --> 1380.32]  my
+[1380.32 --> 1380.68]  life
+[1380.68 --> 1381.08]  time
+[1381.08 --> 1381.24]  and
+[1381.24 --> 1381.42]  time
+[1381.42 --> 1381.74]  again
+[1381.74 --> 1382.28]  over
+[1382.28 --> 1382.50]  and
+[1382.50 --> 1382.78]  over
+[1382.78 --> 1382.98]  and
+[1382.98 --> 1383.22]  over
+[1383.22 --> 1383.58]  again
+[1383.58 --> 1384.20]  Jesus
+[1384.20 --> 1384.50]  has
+[1384.50 --> 1385.20]  transformed
+[1385.20 --> 1385.52]  me
+[1385.52 --> 1385.74]  from
+[1385.74 --> 1385.98]  a
+[1385.98 --> 1386.48]  selfish
+[1386.48 --> 1387.18]  smart
+[1387.18 --> 1387.56]  aleck
+[1387.56 --> 1387.84]  young
+[1387.84 --> 1388.20]  punk
+[1388.20 --> 1388.78]  into
+[1388.78 --> 1389.00]  the
+[1389.00 --> 1389.24]  man
+[1389.24 --> 1389.40]  that
+[1389.40 --> 1389.54]  I
+[1389.54 --> 1389.66]  am
+[1389.66 --> 1390.06]  becoming
+[1390.06 --> 1390.46]  in
+[1390.46 --> 1391.02]  him
+[1391.02 --> 1391.20]  and
+[1391.20 --> 1391.36]  he
+[1391.36 --> 1391.56]  has
+[1391.56 --> 1391.80]  done
+[1391.80 --> 1392.02]  the
+[1395.62 --> 1396.00]  for
+[1396.00 --> 1396.16]  you
+[1396.16 --> 1396.36]  if
+[1396.36 --> 1396.50]  you
+[1396.50 --> 1396.70]  have
+[1396.70 --> 1396.94]  yet
+[1396.94 --> 1397.48]  to
+[1397.48 --> 1398.94]  let
+[1398.94 --> 1399.26]  him
+[1399.26 --> 1400.16]  in
+[1400.16 --> 1402.96]  his
+[1402.96 --> 1403.44]  word
+[1403.44 --> 1404.20]  of
+[1404.20 --> 1404.64]  life
+[1404.64 --> 1405.80]  to
+[1405.80 --> 1406.34]  transform
+[1406.34 --> 1409.16]  and
+[1409.16 --> 1409.48]  that
+[1409.48 --> 1410.84]  my
+[1410.84 --> 1411.24]  friends
+[1411.24 --> 1413.02]  is
+[1413.02 --> 1413.16]  the
+[1413.16 --> 1413.58]  gospel
+[1413.58 --> 1414.88]  at
+[1414.88 --> 1415.02]  the
+[1415.02 --> 1415.32]  word
+[1415.32 --> 1415.52]  of
+[1415.52 --> 1415.80]  Jesus
+[1415.80 --> 1416.06]  that
+[1416.06 --> 1416.48]  changes
+[1416.48 --> 1417.16]  your
+[1417.16 --> 1417.54]  life
+[1417.54 --> 1418.00]  instead
+[1418.00 --> 1418.44]  of
+[1418.44 --> 1419.04]  fruit
+[1419.04 --> 1419.36]  of
+[1419.36 --> 1419.82]  fear
+[1419.82 --> 1420.06]  and
+[1420.06 --> 1420.36]  worry
+[1420.36 --> 1420.62]  and
+[1420.62 --> 1421.16]  anxiety
+[1421.16 --> 1421.82]  you
+[1421.82 --> 1421.96]  will
+[1421.96 --> 1422.26]  now
+[1422.26 --> 1422.58]  bear
+[1422.58 --> 1422.82]  out
+[1422.82 --> 1423.00]  a
+[1423.00 --> 1423.48]  completely
+[1423.48 --> 1424.34]  different
+[1424.34 --> 1424.84]  kind
+[1424.84 --> 1425.32]  of
+[1425.32 --> 1425.68]  fruit
+[1425.68 --> 1426.76]  right
+[1426.76 --> 1427.20]  peace
+[1427.20 --> 1427.46]  and
+[1427.46 --> 1428.06]  prayerfulness
+[1428.06 --> 1428.80]  love
+[1428.80 --> 1429.06]  and
+[1429.06 --> 1429.76]  hope
+[1429.76 --> 1430.00]  and
+[1430.00 --> 1430.54]  patience
+[1430.54 --> 1430.84]  and
+[1430.84 --> 1431.16]  joy
+[1431.16 --> 1432.16]  courage
+[1432.16 --> 1432.54]  and
+[1432.54 --> 1433.32]  boldness
+[1433.32 --> 1434.18]  confidence
+[1434.18 --> 1434.74]  and
+[1434.74 --> 1435.30]  humility
+[1435.30 --> 1436.20]  gentleness
+[1436.20 --> 1436.70]  and
+[1436.70 --> 1437.28]  respect
+[1437.28 --> 1438.74]  at
+[1438.74 --> 1438.90]  the
+[1438.90 --> 1439.30]  fruit
+[1439.30 --> 1439.70]  of
+[1439.70 --> 1440.04]  his
+[1440.04 --> 1440.80]  word
+[1440.80 --> 1442.04]  he
+[1442.04 --> 1442.50]  is
+[1442.50 --> 1442.74]  the
+[1442.74 --> 1443.08]  life
+[1443.08 --> 1443.98]  giver
+[1443.98 --> 1444.26]  and
+[1444.26 --> 1444.66]  life
+[1444.66 --> 1445.52]  comes
+[1445.52 --> 1446.68]  from
+[1446.68 --> 1446.84]  his
+[1446.84 --> 1447.10]  word
+[1447.10 --> 1449.30]  we
+[1449.30 --> 1449.42]  don't
+[1449.42 --> 1449.58]  make
+[1449.58 --> 1450.00]  decisions
+[1450.00 --> 1450.30]  based
+[1450.30 --> 1450.48]  on
+[1450.48 --> 1450.88]  fear
+[1450.88 --> 1452.20]  instead
+[1452.20 --> 1452.56]  we
+[1452.56 --> 1452.96]  practice
+[1452.96 --> 1453.52]  wisdom
+[1453.52 --> 1454.66]  and
+[1454.66 --> 1455.12]  prudence
+[1455.12 --> 1456.32]  we
+[1456.32 --> 1456.58]  don't
+[1456.58 --> 1456.84]  rush
+[1456.84 --> 1457.42]  headlong
+[1457.42 --> 1457.80]  into
+[1457.80 --> 1458.26]  worry
+[1458.26 --> 1458.88]  instead
+[1458.88 --> 1459.50]  as
+[1459.50 --> 1459.84]  Christians
+[1459.84 --> 1460.08]  we
+[1460.08 --> 1460.46]  walk
+[1460.46 --> 1461.02]  in
+[1461.02 --> 1461.48]  humility
+[1461.48 --> 1463.58]  we
+[1463.58 --> 1463.82]  don't
+[1463.82 --> 1464.40]  hide
+[1464.40 --> 1465.12]  or run
+[1465.12 --> 1465.58]  away
+[1465.58 --> 1466.28]  instead
+[1466.28 --> 1467.10]  we
+[1467.10 --> 1467.26]  love
+[1467.26 --> 1467.40]  our
+[1467.40 --> 1467.68]  neighbor
+[1467.68 --> 1470.64]  look
+[1470.64 --> 1473.56]  stockpiling
+[1473.56 --> 1473.96]  toilet
+[1473.96 --> 1474.38]  paper
+[1474.38 --> 1475.94]  is an
+[1475.94 --> 1476.38]  attempt
+[1476.38 --> 1477.08]  to
+[1477.08 --> 1477.42]  wrestle
+[1477.42 --> 1478.14]  control
+[1478.14 --> 1478.66]  back
+[1478.66 --> 1479.14]  from a
+[1479.14 --> 1479.66]  circumstance
+[1479.66 --> 1480.46]  that's
+[1480.46 --> 1480.66]  out
+[1480.66 --> 1480.78]  of
+[1480.78 --> 1480.94]  my
+[1480.94 --> 1481.26]  hands
+[1481.26 --> 1483.14]  instead
+[1483.14 --> 1484.52]  let's
+[1484.52 --> 1484.82]  be the
+[1484.82 --> 1485.06]  sort
+[1485.06 --> 1485.20]  of
+[1485.20 --> 1485.56]  people
+[1485.56 --> 1486.20]  who
+[1486.20 --> 1486.58]  hear
+[1486.58 --> 1486.82]  the
+[1486.82 --> 1487.42]  ordinary
+[1487.42 --> 1488.40]  straightforward
+[1488.40 --> 1489.62]  simple
+[1489.62 --> 1490.18]  yet
+[1490.18 --> 1490.66]  filled
+[1490.66 --> 1490.94]  with
+[1490.94 --> 1491.12]  the
+[1491.12 --> 1491.52]  power
+[1491.52 --> 1491.84]  of
+[1491.84 --> 1492.28]  life
+[1492.28 --> 1492.88]  word
+[1492.88 --> 1493.14]  of
+[1493.14 --> 1493.48]  Jesus
+[1493.48 --> 1493.82]  and
+[1493.82 --> 1494.48]  trust
+[1494.48 --> 1495.10]  in
+[1495.10 --> 1495.36]  his
+[1495.36 --> 1495.86]  control
+[1495.86 --> 1497.60]  we
+[1497.60 --> 1497.84]  listen
+[1497.84 --> 1498.00]  to
+[1498.00 --> 1498.12]  the
+[1498.12 --> 1498.38]  word
+[1498.38 --> 1498.54]  and
+[1498.54 --> 1498.66]  we
+[1498.66 --> 1498.98]  live
+[1498.98 --> 1499.74]  the
+[1499.74 --> 1500.14]  gospel
+[1500.14 --> 1501.94]  imagine
+[1501.94 --> 1502.90]  what
+[1502.90 --> 1503.08]  the
+[1503.08 --> 1503.44]  world
+[1503.44 --> 1503.70]  would
+[1503.70 --> 1504.12]  see
+[1504.12 --> 1505.68]  if
+[1505.68 --> 1505.82]  we
+[1505.82 --> 1505.98]  all
+[1505.98 --> 1506.14]  did
+[1506.14 --> 1506.38]  that
+[1506.38 --> 1508.58]  that
+[1508.58 --> 1508.94]  is
+[1508.94 --> 1509.16]  the
+[1509.16 --> 1509.48]  beautiful
+[1509.48 --> 1509.86]  life
+[1509.86 --> 1510.02]  of
+[1510.02 --> 1510.26]  Jesus
+[1510.26 --> 1510.84]  lived
+[1510.84 --> 1511.74]  in
+[1511.74 --> 1511.92]  each
+[1511.92 --> 1512.10]  one
+[1512.10 --> 1512.22]  of
+[1512.22 --> 1512.58]  us
+[1512.58 --> 1514.46]  imagine
+[1514.46 --> 1514.80]  it
+[1514.80 --> 1516.52]  and
+[1516.52 --> 1516.66]  now
+[1516.66 --> 1516.84]  let's
+[1516.84 --> 1516.98]  go
+[1516.98 --> 1517.18]  do
+[1517.18 --> 1517.62]  it
+[1517.62 --> 1518.52]  amen
+[1518.52 --> 1520.00]  amen
+[1520.00 --> 1520.40]  let's
+[1520.40 --> 1520.54]  pray
+[1520.54 --> 1520.94]  together
+[1520.94 --> 1526.28]  Lord
+[1526.28 --> 1526.64]  Jesus
+[1526.64 --> 1527.54]  these
+[1527.54 --> 1528.02]  are
+[1528.02 --> 1528.50]  your
+[1528.50 --> 1529.60]  words
+[1529.60 --> 1531.76]  you
+[1531.76 --> 1531.92]  have
+[1531.92 --> 1532.38]  spoken
+[1532.38 --> 1535.74]  you've
+[1535.74 --> 1535.90]  given
+[1535.90 --> 1536.08]  us
+[1536.08 --> 1536.50]  life
+[1536.50 --> 1538.62]  by
+[1538.62 --> 1538.86]  giving
+[1538.86 --> 1539.12]  up
+[1539.12 --> 1539.30]  your
+[1539.30 --> 1539.60]  own
+[1539.60 --> 1540.20]  life
+[1540.20 --> 1542.16]  now
+[1542.16 --> 1542.30]  in
+[1542.30 --> 1542.42]  the
+[1542.42 --> 1542.68]  power
+[1542.68 --> 1542.88]  of
+[1542.88 --> 1543.04]  the
+[1543.04 --> 1543.40]  spirit
+[1543.40 --> 1544.54]  may
+[1544.54 --> 1544.70]  we
+[1544.70 --> 1544.98]  be
+[1544.98 --> 1545.66]  nourished
+[1545.66 --> 1546.08]  here
+[1546.08 --> 1546.36]  at
+[1546.36 --> 1546.48]  your
+[1546.48 --> 1546.80]  table
+[1546.80 --> 1548.70]  we
+[1548.70 --> 1549.22]  speak
+[1549.22 --> 1549.56]  Lord
+[1549.56 --> 1550.00]  God
+[1550.00 --> 1551.08]  to
+[1551.08 --> 1551.36]  you
+[1551.36 --> 1551.60]  in
+[1551.60 --> 1551.94]  prayer
+[1551.94 --> 1553.50]  because
+[1553.50 --> 1553.90]  you
+[1553.90 --> 1554.68]  speak
+[1554.68 --> 1554.90]  to
+[1554.90 --> 1555.30]  us
+[1555.30 --> 1555.92]  in
+[1555.92 --> 1556.06]  your
+[1556.06 --> 1556.40]  word
+[1556.40 --> 1557.80]  and
+[1557.80 --> 1557.94]  that
+[1557.94 --> 1558.34]  same
+[1558.34 --> 1558.86]  voice
+[1558.86 --> 1559.16]  Lord
+[1559.16 --> 1559.46]  Jesus
+[1559.46 --> 1560.04]  spoken
+[1560.04 --> 1560.34]  in
+[1560.34 --> 1560.50]  your
+[1560.50 --> 1560.78]  word
+[1560.78 --> 1560.98]  that
+[1560.98 --> 1561.22]  same
+[1561.22 --> 1561.68]  grace
+[1561.68 --> 1562.10]  offered
+[1562.10 --> 1562.28]  in
+[1562.28 --> 1562.38]  the
+[1562.38 --> 1562.74]  gospel
+[1562.74 --> 1563.46]  is
+[1563.46 --> 1563.84]  now
+[1563.84 --> 1564.28]  made
+[1564.28 --> 1565.12]  tangible
+[1565.12 --> 1565.36]  that
+[1565.36 --> 1565.44]  we
+[1565.44 --> 1565.60]  can
+[1565.60 --> 1566.02]  taste
+[1566.02 --> 1566.30]  and
+[1566.30 --> 1566.76]  see
+[1566.76 --> 1567.46]  here
+[1567.46 --> 1567.72]  as
+[1567.72 --> 1567.94]  we
+[1567.94 --> 1568.34]  come
+[1568.34 --> 1569.18]  to
+[1569.18 --> 1569.92]  your
+[1569.92 --> 1570.64]  word
+[1570.64 --> 1572.78]  speak
+[1572.78 --> 1574.10]  clearly
+[1574.10 --> 1575.94]  here
+[1575.94 --> 1576.62]  and
+[1576.62 --> 1576.76]  at
+[1576.76 --> 1576.88]  the
+[1576.88 --> 1577.18]  table
+[1577.18 --> 1578.60]  that
+[1578.60 --> 1578.70]  we
+[1578.70 --> 1578.90]  might
+[1578.90 --> 1579.22]  speak
+[1579.22 --> 1579.46]  that
+[1579.46 --> 1579.88]  gospel
+[1579.88 --> 1580.10]  in
+[1580.10 --> 1580.24]  all
+[1580.24 --> 1580.34]  that
+[1580.34 --> 1580.44]  we
+[1580.44 --> 1580.60]  do
+[1580.60 --> 1580.74]  and
+[1580.74 --> 1580.88]  all
+[1580.88 --> 1580.98]  that
+[1580.98 --> 1581.10]  we
+[1581.10 --> 1581.38]  say
+[1581.38 --> 1582.62]  in
+[1582.62 --> 1582.84]  Jesus
+[1582.84 --> 1583.24]  name
+[1583.24 --> 1584.34]  Amen

I Believe… ｜ John 4_43-54_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1882 @@
+[0.00 --> 12.32]  so we're going to spend the next little while in the gospel of john we're going to look at
+[12.32 --> 19.16]  john 4 i'm going to read from verse 43 to the end of that chapter verse 54
+[19.16 --> 26.08]  if you have a bible with you i encourage you to open that up if or turn it on if it's your phone
+[26.08 --> 33.18]  whatever the case just find yourself in john 4 and we're going to start at verse 43
+[33.18 --> 38.54]  before we read together i'd love if we could pray one more time let's pray
+[38.54 --> 49.14]  lord jesus as we have sung we do come now to hear you speak and so speak oh lord
+[49.14 --> 54.06]  renew our minds teach us and transform us
+[54.06 --> 62.86]  open your word to our hearts and souls that it might be for us the word of life
+[62.86 --> 68.62]  that these would be more than words on a page more than words on a screen that these would be
+[68.62 --> 72.12]  to us the very voice of jesus
+[72.12 --> 80.84]  and we might know them and live pray in your name lord jesus amen
+[80.84 --> 87.10]  in john 4 we'll start at verse 43
+[87.10 --> 94.86]  after the two days he that's jesus left for galilee
+[94.86 --> 100.42]  now jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country
+[100.42 --> 104.84]  when he arrived in galilee the galileans welcomed him
+[104.84 --> 111.14]  they'd seen all that he had done in jerusalem at the passover feast for they also had been there
+[111.14 --> 117.76]  once more he visited cana in galilee where he had turned the water into wine
+[117.76 --> 123.72]  and there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at capernaum
+[123.72 --> 128.36]  and when this man heard that jesus had arrived in galilee from judea
+[128.36 --> 134.38]  he went to him and he begged him to come and heal his son who was close to death
+[134.38 --> 142.20]  unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders jesus told them
+[142.20 --> 144.52]  you will never believe
+[144.52 --> 151.44]  the royal official said sir come down before my child dies
+[151.44 --> 159.46]  jesus replied you may go your son will live
+[159.46 --> 163.30]  and the man took jesus at his word and departed
+[163.30 --> 168.58]  and while he was still on his way his servants met him with the news that the boy was living
+[168.58 --> 173.04]  and when he inquired as to the time when his son got better they said to him
+[173.04 --> 176.60]  the fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour
+[176.60 --> 183.88]  then the father realized that this was the exact time at which jesus had said to him
+[183.88 --> 185.78]  your son will live
+[185.78 --> 190.20]  and so he and all his household believed
+[190.20 --> 194.62]  this was the second miraculous sign that jesus performed
+[194.62 --> 197.56]  having come from judea to galilee
+[197.56 --> 199.26]  this is the word of the lord
+[199.26 --> 205.40]  so i don't have to tell you
+[205.40 --> 207.24]  that this is weird
+[207.24 --> 210.48]  right this whole time this whole season
+[210.48 --> 213.66]  is strange and different and abnormal
+[213.66 --> 214.62]  and
+[214.62 --> 217.34]  you probably don't like it
+[217.34 --> 219.56]  now let's be real right of course
+[219.56 --> 221.44]  we found ways to make it work
+[221.44 --> 223.04]  we found simple joys right
+[223.04 --> 225.58]  we found opportunities to find connection
+[225.58 --> 227.56]  and express ourselves and to have that
+[227.56 --> 231.46]  kind of feeling remain in our lives
+[231.46 --> 233.00]  but it's just been weird
+[233.00 --> 238.24]  do you remember way back when this started
+[238.24 --> 242.94]  and you guys are probably better on the west coast than we were back in ontario
+[242.94 --> 243.92]  i'll give you that one
+[243.92 --> 245.56]  but do you remember way back when this started
+[245.56 --> 247.78]  there was a shortage on toilet paper
+[247.78 --> 250.34]  toilet paper
+[250.34 --> 253.68]  right people were stockpiling in case of emergency
+[253.68 --> 256.30]  and for some reason it was toilet paper
+[256.30 --> 258.48]  that made international headlines
+[258.48 --> 263.24]  but then
+[263.24 --> 264.92]  things got really serious
+[264.92 --> 267.42]  schools closed
+[267.42 --> 270.68]  life shut down for many of us
+[270.68 --> 272.40]  and how many
+[272.40 --> 274.04]  how many parents here became
+[274.04 --> 276.54]  unvolunteered homeschool teachers
+[276.54 --> 279.90]  how many of you loved that
+[279.90 --> 282.94]  hands quickly went down right
+[282.94 --> 285.92]  how many of you
+[285.92 --> 286.98]  now believe
+[286.98 --> 288.18]  as a result of all this
+[288.18 --> 288.46]  that
+[288.46 --> 290.40]  your kids teachers deserve a medal
+[290.40 --> 291.82]  i do
+[291.82 --> 294.46]  i would say a pay raise
+[294.46 --> 295.76]  but i know the communities we're in
+[295.76 --> 298.08]  right
+[298.08 --> 299.44]  isolation orders
+[299.44 --> 300.70]  social distancing
+[300.70 --> 302.20]  everything has been cancelled
+[302.20 --> 303.62]  there's travel bans
+[303.62 --> 304.32]  right
+[304.32 --> 304.84]  for a while
+[304.84 --> 305.54]  we were unsure
+[305.54 --> 307.06]  if we were even going to be able to come out here
+[307.06 --> 309.26]  and how we were going to make that happen
+[309.26 --> 311.24]  now
+[311.24 --> 312.46]  again
+[312.46 --> 314.22]  i know that
+[314.22 --> 316.20]  you guys have been pretty good in this
+[316.20 --> 317.72]  and that your church has been kept safe
+[317.72 --> 319.00]  in all of this
+[319.00 --> 319.40]  and i know
+[319.40 --> 320.60]  that for some of us
+[320.60 --> 321.80]  life has changed very
+[321.80 --> 322.60]  little
+[322.60 --> 323.48]  right
+[323.48 --> 323.92]  and again
+[323.92 --> 325.14]  things out here in the west
+[325.14 --> 326.84]  are better than they are back in ontario
+[326.84 --> 328.34]  we're catching up slowly
+[328.34 --> 329.24]  sure
+[329.24 --> 330.62]  and i'm
+[330.62 --> 331.68]  sure that
+[331.68 --> 333.86]  y'all are not the type of people
+[333.86 --> 334.72]  who are running out
+[334.72 --> 336.16]  clearing grocery store shelves
+[336.16 --> 336.96]  of toilet paper
+[336.96 --> 338.52]  right
+[338.52 --> 340.62]  i doubt that if i came to your house later
+[340.62 --> 341.98]  and opened a closet
+[341.98 --> 343.80]  i would have an avalanche of tp
+[343.80 --> 344.72]  falling all over me
+[344.72 --> 346.66]  that's probably not the kind of people
+[346.66 --> 347.60]  you are
+[347.60 --> 348.54]  and yet
+[348.54 --> 351.14]  i'm sure you've noticed
+[351.14 --> 351.94]  that there's
+[351.94 --> 353.06]  an anxiety
+[353.06 --> 354.54]  in the system
+[354.54 --> 356.08]  right
+[356.08 --> 356.52]  there's a
+[356.52 --> 358.22]  a general experience
+[358.22 --> 359.14]  of fear
+[359.14 --> 360.16]  and worry
+[360.16 --> 361.20]  and concern
+[361.20 --> 363.04]  that to the best of our abilities
+[363.04 --> 363.64]  we just
+[363.64 --> 364.84]  can't control
+[364.84 --> 366.98]  we just can't
+[366.98 --> 367.72]  figure it out
+[367.72 --> 369.82]  and let's be real
+[369.82 --> 370.04]  right
+[370.04 --> 370.72]  covid19
+[370.72 --> 372.74]  is just the most recent example
+[372.74 --> 373.22]  of that
+[373.22 --> 374.64]  because there's always fear
+[374.64 --> 375.92]  there's always anxiety
+[375.92 --> 377.04]  there's always worry
+[377.04 --> 378.50]  in the systems of life
+[378.50 --> 380.94]  but that's where i want to start
+[380.94 --> 382.58]  this morning
+[382.58 --> 385.26]  with our feelings of fear
+[385.26 --> 387.18]  and anxiety
+[387.18 --> 388.28]  particularly
+[388.28 --> 389.84]  with the feeling of fear
+[389.84 --> 390.44]  and anxiety
+[390.44 --> 391.04]  that comes
+[391.04 --> 392.26]  when we feel
+[392.26 --> 393.42]  out of control
+[393.42 --> 396.28]  now
+[396.28 --> 398.32]  before i do that
+[398.32 --> 399.68]  here's what i know
+[399.68 --> 400.70]  first let me say that
+[400.70 --> 402.22]  i'm talking here about
+[402.22 --> 403.24]  general anxiety
+[403.24 --> 403.96]  in the system
+[403.96 --> 404.92]  right
+[404.92 --> 405.86]  i'm not talking about
+[405.86 --> 406.84]  clinical anxiety
+[406.84 --> 408.04]  or clinical depression
+[408.04 --> 409.92]  that's a different conversation
+[409.92 --> 411.02]  i would love to sit down
+[411.02 --> 412.36]  if that's your reality
+[412.36 --> 413.14]  and meet you
+[413.14 --> 413.92]  and talk about that
+[413.92 --> 414.94]  but here i'm just talking about
+[414.94 --> 416.40]  general anxiety
+[416.40 --> 418.64]  and i know that
+[418.64 --> 419.82]  everyone's experience
+[419.82 --> 420.98]  of fear and anxiety
+[420.98 --> 421.74]  is different
+[421.74 --> 422.28]  and unique
+[422.28 --> 423.80]  right
+[423.80 --> 424.76]  so for the next
+[424.76 --> 425.82]  couple minutes anyway
+[425.82 --> 427.06]  i'm going to talk about
+[427.06 --> 427.94]  my own experience
+[427.94 --> 428.18]  of that
+[428.18 --> 428.72]  i'm going to talk about
+[428.72 --> 429.24]  myself
+[429.24 --> 430.40]  my own struggles
+[430.40 --> 431.52]  and fear and anxiety
+[431.52 --> 432.24]  and control
+[432.24 --> 433.58]  and i want to do that
+[433.58 --> 433.98]  because
+[433.98 --> 436.12]  i can't do
+[436.12 --> 437.36]  the work of application
+[437.36 --> 437.90]  for you
+[437.90 --> 439.48]  right
+[439.48 --> 440.26]  and so when i think
+[440.26 --> 441.36]  say things like
+[441.36 --> 442.28]  i struggle with
+[442.28 --> 443.40]  or i believe
+[443.40 --> 443.72]  or
+[443.72 --> 445.22]  this is my
+[445.22 --> 446.12]  experience
+[446.12 --> 447.56]  you sitting here
+[447.56 --> 447.86]  right
+[447.86 --> 448.66]  doing your own work
+[448.66 --> 449.24]  of application
+[449.24 --> 450.78]  should ask the question
+[450.78 --> 452.60]  how is this true for me
+[452.60 --> 453.72]  right
+[453.72 --> 454.42]  how do i believe
+[454.42 --> 455.62]  the same or similar
+[455.62 --> 456.28]  things
+[456.28 --> 457.24]  how do i struggle
+[457.24 --> 457.50]  with this
+[457.50 --> 458.72]  what is my heart saying
+[458.72 --> 459.68]  when i believe
+[459.68 --> 460.38]  this
+[460.38 --> 462.54]  and i know that
+[462.54 --> 463.20]  i'm not alone
+[463.20 --> 464.08]  in these struggles
+[464.08 --> 465.90]  right
+[465.90 --> 466.42]  your struggles
+[466.42 --> 467.54]  are unique to you
+[467.54 --> 467.94]  yes
+[467.94 --> 468.92]  but there are themes
+[468.92 --> 469.86]  and there are underlying
+[469.86 --> 470.44]  beliefs
+[470.44 --> 472.14]  in the systems
+[472.14 --> 473.14]  and the lives
+[473.14 --> 474.16]  that we share together
+[474.16 --> 475.34]  right
+[475.34 --> 475.80]  the work
+[475.80 --> 476.94]  of applying this
+[476.94 --> 478.00]  is your own
+[478.00 --> 478.98]  but the journey
+[478.98 --> 479.76]  of doing so
+[479.76 --> 480.68]  is ours together
+[480.68 --> 481.48]  okay
+[481.48 --> 483.10]  can we do that together
+[483.10 --> 485.20]  so i'm going to open
+[485.20 --> 485.66]  the door
+[485.66 --> 486.30]  for the spirit
+[486.30 --> 486.78]  to work
+[486.78 --> 488.14]  but you got to walk
+[488.14 --> 488.78]  through it
+[488.78 --> 489.54]  cool
+[489.54 --> 491.86]  i really appreciate
+[491.86 --> 493.20]  at least facial feedback
+[493.20 --> 493.70]  cool
+[493.70 --> 494.20]  all right
+[494.20 --> 494.50]  good
+[494.50 --> 495.06]  thank you
+[495.06 --> 497.64]  so at times like these
+[497.64 --> 499.24]  it's easy to feel
+[499.24 --> 500.78]  out of control
+[500.78 --> 502.28]  right
+[502.28 --> 502.80]  it feels like
+[502.80 --> 503.88]  everything around me
+[503.88 --> 504.88]  is determining
+[504.88 --> 505.94]  reality
+[505.94 --> 507.04]  for me
+[507.04 --> 507.64]  that i have
+[507.64 --> 508.62]  no agency
+[508.62 --> 509.74]  in what's going
+[509.74 --> 510.10]  on
+[510.10 --> 512.24]  and somewhere
+[512.24 --> 513.08]  in my heart
+[513.08 --> 514.00]  i believe
+[514.00 --> 515.30]  that i should
+[515.30 --> 517.50]  that i should
+[517.50 --> 518.44]  have some control
+[518.44 --> 519.52]  over my reality
+[519.52 --> 520.16]  that i should
+[520.16 --> 520.96]  have some power
+[520.96 --> 521.96]  and agency
+[521.96 --> 523.22]  to affect change
+[523.22 --> 524.92]  right
+[524.92 --> 525.80]  and think about that
+[525.80 --> 526.66]  as we say that
+[526.66 --> 527.40]  because this is important
+[527.40 --> 528.16]  this is the foundation
+[528.16 --> 528.60]  right
+[528.60 --> 530.16]  if we didn't believe
+[530.16 --> 531.20]  that we should
+[531.20 --> 531.84]  have control
+[531.84 --> 533.22]  there would be
+[533.22 --> 533.92]  no anxiety
+[533.92 --> 534.86]  when we don't
+[534.86 --> 535.50]  have control
+[535.50 --> 537.86]  okay
+[537.86 --> 539.02]  but since we believe
+[539.02 --> 539.82]  that we should have
+[539.82 --> 540.80]  control of our lives
+[540.80 --> 541.54]  and of our destiny
+[541.54 --> 543.04]  when things like this
+[543.04 --> 543.44]  happen
+[543.44 --> 545.68]  it challenges
+[545.68 --> 546.50]  that belief
+[546.50 --> 547.62]  right
+[547.62 --> 548.26]  that assumption
+[548.26 --> 549.72]  about my agency
+[549.72 --> 550.34]  and my power
+[550.34 --> 550.84]  in the world
+[550.84 --> 552.78]  and we don't like it
+[552.78 --> 553.74]  or at least
+[553.74 --> 554.72]  i don't
+[554.72 --> 555.28]  like it
+[555.28 --> 557.54]  but i want to take
+[557.54 --> 558.40]  that even one level
+[558.40 --> 558.80]  deeper
+[558.80 --> 560.16]  if you'll go there
+[560.16 --> 560.52]  with me
+[560.52 --> 561.10]  this morning
+[561.10 --> 564.02]  when i start to feel
+[564.02 --> 564.62]  like i don't have
+[564.62 --> 565.06]  power
+[565.06 --> 565.96]  or when i don't
+[565.96 --> 566.70]  have control
+[566.70 --> 569.44]  i begin to wonder
+[569.44 --> 571.42]  does anyone
+[571.42 --> 574.06]  does god
+[574.06 --> 576.34]  right maybe
+[576.34 --> 577.28]  in those moments
+[577.28 --> 578.14]  we really feel
+[578.14 --> 579.10]  like god
+[579.10 --> 580.26]  has lost control
+[580.26 --> 581.50]  like he's left us
+[581.50 --> 582.26]  in this mess
+[582.26 --> 583.34]  like he's forgotten
+[583.34 --> 583.94]  about us
+[583.94 --> 584.90]  maybe it feels
+[584.90 --> 585.34]  like god
+[585.34 --> 586.32]  has abandoned us
+[586.32 --> 587.96]  and before you think
+[587.96 --> 588.42]  i'm a heretic
+[588.42 --> 589.04]  for saying that
+[589.04 --> 589.82]  read the book
+[589.82 --> 590.40]  of psalms
+[590.40 --> 592.00]  and you will know
+[592.00 --> 592.68]  that this is an
+[592.68 --> 593.64]  ordinary christian
+[593.64 --> 594.16]  question
+[594.16 --> 595.78]  an ordinary
+[595.78 --> 596.74]  encounter with god
+[596.74 --> 598.68]  now i get
+[598.68 --> 599.52]  that most of us
+[599.52 --> 600.60]  would never admit
+[600.60 --> 601.36]  that out loud
+[601.36 --> 604.54]  but that's the
+[604.54 --> 605.20]  straight line
+[605.20 --> 606.90]  from feeling
+[606.90 --> 607.94]  fear and anxiety
+[607.94 --> 609.06]  because we've
+[609.06 --> 610.26]  lost control
+[610.26 --> 611.18]  but believe
+[611.18 --> 611.80]  we should be
+[611.80 --> 613.78]  right
+[613.78 --> 614.32]  the straight line
+[614.32 --> 615.20]  ends that no one
+[615.20 --> 615.90]  is in control
+[615.90 --> 616.92]  right
+[616.92 --> 617.54]  in the depths
+[617.54 --> 618.70]  of our hearts
+[618.70 --> 619.72]  and minds
+[619.72 --> 621.46]  pervasively
+[621.46 --> 622.14]  so
+[622.14 --> 623.28]  there's no
+[623.28 --> 624.14]  other alternatives
+[624.14 --> 625.98]  there's no doubt
+[625.98 --> 627.34]  if we didn't have
+[627.34 --> 628.04]  this there would be
+[628.04 --> 628.82]  no room for fear
+[628.82 --> 629.66]  or anxiety
+[629.66 --> 630.08]  so what we're
+[630.08 --> 630.70]  talking about
+[630.70 --> 631.52]  here really
+[631.52 --> 632.16]  in the depths
+[632.16 --> 632.44]  of it
+[632.44 --> 633.48]  is a belief
+[633.48 --> 634.20]  issue
+[634.20 --> 636.36]  a heart issue
+[636.36 --> 637.64]  right this is
+[637.64 --> 638.12]  about what
+[638.12 --> 639.36]  i really believe
+[639.36 --> 639.94]  and what
+[639.94 --> 641.10]  i live out of
+[641.10 --> 641.90]  as a result
+[641.90 --> 644.32]  and so again
+[644.32 --> 646.08]  let's go down
+[646.08 --> 647.24]  one more level
+[647.24 --> 648.32]  deeper
+[648.32 --> 650.72]  when we feel
+[650.72 --> 651.30]  that way
+[651.30 --> 653.66]  what does it
+[653.66 --> 654.02]  mean
+[654.02 --> 655.00]  for who i
+[655.00 --> 656.14]  believe god
+[656.14 --> 656.96]  is
+[656.96 --> 658.70]  right with
+[658.70 --> 659.28]  everything that's
+[659.28 --> 659.92]  going on
+[659.92 --> 660.48]  with everything
+[660.48 --> 661.00]  that i feel
+[661.00 --> 661.42]  with all that
+[661.42 --> 662.26]  fear and anxiety
+[662.26 --> 662.74]  that's in the
+[662.74 --> 663.08]  system
+[663.08 --> 663.56]  right
+[663.56 --> 664.90]  it feels like
+[664.90 --> 665.80]  god is distant
+[665.80 --> 666.82]  it feels like
+[666.82 --> 667.34]  he doesn't really
+[667.34 --> 667.84]  care
+[667.84 --> 668.72]  that he doesn't
+[668.72 --> 669.22]  really have
+[669.22 --> 669.64]  power
+[669.64 --> 671.66]  and so you see
+[671.66 --> 672.32]  what's happening
+[672.32 --> 673.06]  right and again
+[673.06 --> 673.52]  we would never
+[673.52 --> 674.18]  say this out
+[674.18 --> 674.46]  loud
+[674.46 --> 676.84]  but that feeling
+[676.84 --> 677.48]  of fear
+[677.48 --> 678.52]  and anxiety
+[678.52 --> 679.44]  that reacting
+[679.44 --> 680.12]  in fear
+[680.12 --> 680.62]  that we do
+[680.62 --> 681.80]  allowing fear
+[681.80 --> 682.88]  to determine
+[682.88 --> 684.14]  my actions
+[684.14 --> 684.68]  in the world
+[684.68 --> 685.46]  and my belief
+[685.46 --> 686.00]  in god
+[686.00 --> 686.64]  or my belief
+[686.64 --> 687.12]  in the god
+[687.12 --> 687.60]  of the bible
+[687.60 --> 688.74]  comes up to
+[688.74 --> 689.50]  this place
+[689.50 --> 690.54]  that that fear
+[690.54 --> 691.56]  is the fruit
+[691.56 --> 692.44]  of some other
+[692.44 --> 692.94]  belief
+[692.94 --> 694.24]  some other
+[694.24 --> 694.78]  idea
+[694.78 --> 696.80]  right some
+[696.80 --> 697.94]  other concept
+[697.94 --> 698.66]  of what i think
+[698.66 --> 699.24]  is true
+[699.24 --> 700.58]  worry
+[700.58 --> 701.90]  is the fruit
+[701.90 --> 702.54]  of a belief
+[702.54 --> 703.04]  that god
+[703.04 --> 703.82]  really isn't
+[703.82 --> 704.44]  in control
+[704.44 --> 705.60]  that god
+[705.60 --> 706.14]  has abandoned
+[706.14 --> 706.72]  me or
+[706.72 --> 707.72]  or left me
+[707.72 --> 708.44]  to my own
+[708.44 --> 708.96]  devices
+[708.96 --> 710.48]  and the kind
+[710.48 --> 711.12]  of anxiety
+[711.12 --> 712.34]  that rules us
+[712.34 --> 712.98]  and weighs us
+[712.98 --> 713.82]  down is really
+[713.82 --> 714.38]  the fruit
+[714.38 --> 715.20]  of an idea
+[715.20 --> 716.52]  or a claim
+[716.52 --> 717.06]  a belief
+[717.06 --> 717.74]  assumption
+[717.74 --> 718.68]  of god
+[718.68 --> 719.50]  that says
+[719.50 --> 720.30]  he ultimately
+[720.30 --> 721.06]  doesn't have
+[721.06 --> 721.56]  agency
+[721.56 --> 722.64]  in the world
+[722.64 --> 724.08]  and neither
+[724.08 --> 724.44]  do we
+[724.44 --> 727.78]  now again
+[727.78 --> 728.68]  most of us
+[728.68 --> 729.62]  don't really
+[729.62 --> 730.78]  dig this deep
+[730.78 --> 731.58]  into our
+[731.58 --> 732.30]  experiences
+[732.30 --> 733.02]  and emotions
+[733.02 --> 733.54]  and our
+[733.54 --> 733.92]  beliefs
+[733.92 --> 734.88]  regularly
+[734.88 --> 736.48]  right
+[736.48 --> 736.84]  oftentimes
+[736.84 --> 737.68]  we feel
+[737.68 --> 738.30]  that anxiety
+[738.30 --> 738.98]  or fear
+[738.98 --> 739.58]  and we try
+[739.58 --> 739.98]  to push it
+[739.98 --> 740.30]  away
+[740.30 --> 740.82]  we try
+[740.82 --> 741.20]  to ignore
+[741.20 --> 741.38]  it
+[741.38 --> 741.64]  or we
+[741.64 --> 742.12]  project it
+[742.12 --> 742.46]  on someone
+[742.46 --> 742.70]  else
+[742.70 --> 742.98]  we make
+[742.98 --> 743.24]  it someone
+[743.24 --> 743.60]  else's
+[743.60 --> 743.96]  problem
+[743.96 --> 744.26]  and we
+[744.26 --> 744.92]  blame them
+[744.92 --> 746.12]  right
+[746.12 --> 746.72]  we distance
+[746.72 --> 747.14]  ourselves
+[747.14 --> 747.64]  from it
+[747.64 --> 748.88]  but really
+[748.88 --> 749.54]  think about
+[749.54 --> 749.90]  it
+[749.90 --> 751.18]  right
+[751.18 --> 751.98]  I believe
+[751.98 --> 753.16]  that part
+[753.16 --> 753.80]  of Christian
+[753.80 --> 754.64]  discipleship
+[754.64 --> 755.30]  part of
+[755.30 --> 756.10]  my job
+[756.10 --> 756.80]  as pastor
+[756.80 --> 757.66]  is to ask
+[757.66 --> 758.30]  those questions
+[758.30 --> 758.74]  that nobody
+[758.74 --> 759.56]  else will ask
+[759.56 --> 760.24]  in your life
+[760.24 --> 761.14]  and I think
+[761.14 --> 761.56]  that part
+[761.56 --> 761.86]  of that
+[761.86 --> 762.80]  is wondering
+[762.80 --> 763.46]  about
+[763.46 --> 764.16]  and thinking
+[764.16 --> 764.52]  about
+[764.52 --> 765.00]  what does
+[765.00 --> 765.36]  it mean
+[765.36 --> 766.00]  to take
+[766.00 --> 766.92]  every thought
+[766.92 --> 767.34]  captive
+[767.34 --> 768.00]  to Christ
+[768.00 --> 769.06]  right
+[769.06 --> 769.28]  that's
+[769.28 --> 769.86]  2 Corinthians
+[769.86 --> 770.24]  10
+[770.24 --> 771.26]  we have
+[771.26 --> 771.72]  to test
+[771.72 --> 772.48]  every feeling
+[772.48 --> 773.02]  together
+[773.02 --> 773.86]  every fear
+[773.86 --> 774.92]  every anxiety
+[774.92 --> 775.66]  every worry
+[775.66 --> 776.80]  we test
+[776.80 --> 777.50]  these feelings
+[777.50 --> 777.86]  against
+[777.86 --> 778.98]  what we know
+[778.98 --> 779.72]  to be true
+[779.72 --> 780.86]  in the gospel
+[780.86 --> 783.16]  because again
+[783.16 --> 783.54]  right
+[783.54 --> 784.10]  here's the
+[784.10 --> 785.10]  parallel thing
+[785.10 --> 785.90]  in all of this
+[785.90 --> 787.08]  even when I
+[787.08 --> 788.18]  feel fear
+[788.18 --> 788.88]  and anxiety
+[788.88 --> 789.58]  even when I
+[789.58 --> 790.16]  can trace
+[790.16 --> 790.94]  the fruit
+[790.94 --> 791.76]  of that feeling
+[791.76 --> 792.60]  to a belief
+[792.60 --> 793.54]  that it's growing
+[793.54 --> 794.02]  out of
+[794.02 --> 794.82]  that it's rooted
+[794.82 --> 795.02]  in
+[795.02 --> 795.94]  even when I
+[795.94 --> 796.74]  live like
+[796.74 --> 797.42]  God isn't
+[797.42 --> 798.26]  in control
+[798.26 --> 798.82]  when it feels
+[798.82 --> 799.20]  like he's
+[799.20 --> 799.50]  distant
+[799.50 --> 800.14]  or when he's
+[800.14 --> 800.72]  abandoned me
+[800.72 --> 801.32]  it feels
+[801.32 --> 801.86]  like he doesn't
+[801.86 --> 802.06]  care
+[802.06 --> 803.00]  even when
+[803.00 --> 803.66]  I think
+[803.66 --> 804.20]  all of that
+[804.20 --> 804.68]  is true
+[804.68 --> 805.40]  in my head
+[805.40 --> 806.52]  I know
+[806.52 --> 807.60]  in my heart
+[807.60 --> 808.26]  that there is
+[808.26 --> 809.24]  a greater truth
+[809.24 --> 809.96]  I know
+[809.96 --> 810.62]  in my heart
+[810.62 --> 811.08]  that there's
+[811.08 --> 811.42]  a true
+[811.42 --> 811.94]  and better
+[811.94 --> 812.46]  story
+[812.46 --> 813.12]  than the one
+[813.12 --> 813.54]  that I am
+[813.54 --> 814.34]  telling myself
+[814.34 --> 814.72]  right now
+[814.72 --> 815.14]  than the one
+[815.14 --> 815.46]  that I'm
+[815.46 --> 816.28]  living out
+[816.28 --> 816.80]  of right now
+[816.80 --> 817.50]  and so
+[817.50 --> 818.12]  I need to
+[818.12 --> 818.74]  confess
+[818.74 --> 819.56]  the lie
+[819.56 --> 820.00]  that I have
+[820.00 --> 820.70]  been living
+[820.70 --> 821.10]  out of
+[821.10 --> 821.80]  and believing
+[821.80 --> 822.76]  and feeling
+[822.76 --> 823.06]  from
+[823.06 --> 823.44]  and I need
+[823.44 --> 824.02]  to remind
+[824.02 --> 824.60]  myself
+[824.60 --> 825.22]  of that
+[825.22 --> 825.80]  story
+[825.80 --> 828.58]  it's one
+[828.58 --> 828.86]  of the reasons
+[828.86 --> 829.38]  why worship
+[829.38 --> 830.14]  is so important
+[830.14 --> 831.58]  gathering in
+[831.58 --> 832.06]  community
+[832.06 --> 832.52]  together
+[832.52 --> 833.76]  is so critical
+[833.76 --> 835.46]  we've got to
+[835.46 --> 836.44]  preach the gospel
+[836.44 --> 837.96]  to our fears
+[837.96 --> 838.88]  and our worries
+[838.88 --> 839.96]  and anxieties
+[839.96 --> 842.04]  so we've got to
+[842.04 --> 842.56]  ask what does
+[842.56 --> 843.38]  the bible say
+[843.38 --> 844.08]  to my fear
+[844.08 --> 844.98]  what does the bible
+[844.98 --> 846.44]  say to my anxiety
+[846.44 --> 847.94]  what does Jesus say
+[847.94 --> 849.04]  how does the gospel
+[849.04 --> 849.82]  give me something
+[849.82 --> 850.24]  better
+[850.24 --> 852.72]  with that in mind
+[852.72 --> 853.58]  I want to pull
+[853.58 --> 854.98]  on one string
+[854.98 --> 856.32]  from the text
+[856.32 --> 856.98]  that we read
+[856.98 --> 858.42]  together
+[858.42 --> 859.90]  just one
+[859.90 --> 860.62]  string
+[860.62 --> 861.46]  one theme
+[861.46 --> 862.76]  out of that text
+[862.76 --> 864.08]  if your bibles
+[864.08 --> 864.80]  are still in front
+[864.80 --> 865.10]  of you
+[865.10 --> 865.76]  if you have
+[865.76 --> 866.24]  that story
+[866.24 --> 867.36]  verse 46
+[867.36 --> 869.76]  we read
+[869.76 --> 870.46]  once more
+[870.46 --> 871.04]  he visited
+[871.04 --> 871.50]  Cana
+[871.50 --> 872.24]  in Galilee
+[872.24 --> 872.86]  where he had
+[872.86 --> 873.68]  turned the water
+[873.68 --> 874.46]  into wine
+[874.46 --> 874.98]  and there was
+[874.98 --> 875.46]  a certain
+[875.46 --> 876.32]  royal official
+[876.32 --> 877.00]  whose son
+[877.00 --> 877.80]  lay sick
+[877.80 --> 879.16]  at Capernaum
+[879.16 --> 880.68]  and when this
+[880.68 --> 881.22]  man had heard
+[881.22 --> 881.64]  that Jesus
+[881.64 --> 882.18]  had arrived
+[882.18 --> 882.64]  in Galilee
+[882.64 --> 883.20]  from Judea
+[883.20 --> 883.70]  he went
+[883.70 --> 884.12]  to him
+[884.12 --> 885.04]  and begged
+[885.04 --> 885.72]  him to come
+[885.72 --> 886.22]  and heal
+[886.22 --> 886.82]  his son
+[886.82 --> 887.22]  who was
+[887.22 --> 887.72]  close
+[887.72 --> 888.92]  to death
+[888.92 --> 890.88]  so Jesus
+[890.88 --> 891.82]  is in Samaria
+[891.82 --> 893.22]  to the west
+[893.22 --> 893.72]  of here
+[893.72 --> 894.16]  where he
+[894.16 --> 895.22]  was
+[895.22 --> 897.22]  doing some work
+[897.22 --> 897.78]  and some ministry
+[897.78 --> 898.88]  remember he met
+[898.88 --> 899.30]  the woman
+[899.30 --> 899.86]  at the well
+[899.86 --> 900.88]  he told her
+[900.88 --> 901.96]  all about her life
+[901.96 --> 902.28]  and her
+[902.28 --> 903.88]  previous marriages
+[903.88 --> 904.56]  and sin
+[904.56 --> 905.40]  and she was
+[905.40 --> 906.34]  convicted by
+[906.34 --> 907.20]  this encounter
+[907.20 --> 907.66]  with Jesus
+[907.66 --> 908.56]  and a number
+[908.56 --> 908.98]  of people
+[908.98 --> 909.70]  came to believe
+[909.70 --> 910.20]  as a result
+[910.20 --> 910.50]  of that
+[910.50 --> 911.76]  Jesus leaves
+[911.76 --> 912.64]  that experience
+[912.64 --> 913.22]  in Samaria
+[913.22 --> 913.78]  and he comes
+[913.78 --> 914.62]  back to Galilee
+[914.62 --> 915.46]  this is his
+[915.46 --> 916.22]  home region
+[916.22 --> 917.08]  right
+[917.08 --> 917.66]  this is
+[917.66 --> 918.82]  northern Israel
+[918.82 --> 919.48]  he goes back
+[919.48 --> 920.02]  to Canaan
+[920.02 --> 921.20]  where he did
+[921.20 --> 921.90]  his first miracle
+[921.90 --> 922.64]  you know the story
+[922.64 --> 923.14]  right
+[923.14 --> 923.68]  turned water
+[923.68 --> 924.24]  into wine
+[924.24 --> 924.90]  John 2
+[924.90 --> 926.40]  while there
+[926.40 --> 927.20]  in Cana
+[927.20 --> 928.48]  a certain
+[928.48 --> 929.30]  royal official
+[929.30 --> 930.08]  comes to him
+[930.08 --> 931.08]  it's probably
+[931.08 --> 932.02]  a royal official
+[932.02 --> 933.38]  of a gentleman
+[933.38 --> 934.76]  named Herod Antipas
+[934.76 --> 935.86]  who was one
+[935.86 --> 936.86]  of the three sons
+[936.86 --> 937.92]  of Herod the Great
+[937.92 --> 939.62]  who divided
+[939.62 --> 940.44]  his kingdom
+[940.44 --> 942.28]  up to those
+[942.28 --> 943.50]  his three boys
+[943.50 --> 944.56]  that region
+[944.56 --> 945.00]  up there
+[945.00 --> 946.86]  going to Herod Antipas
+[946.86 --> 951.00]  the official
+[951.00 --> 952.40]  has a son
+[952.40 --> 953.98]  who's sick
+[953.98 --> 955.08]  and not just
+[955.08 --> 955.94]  sick
+[955.94 --> 957.00]  he's on his
+[957.00 --> 957.52]  deathbed
+[957.52 --> 960.00]  and he begs
+[960.00 --> 960.34]  Jesus
+[960.34 --> 961.18]  to come
+[961.18 --> 962.04]  to Capernaum
+[962.04 --> 962.70]  to heal
+[962.70 --> 963.12]  the boy
+[963.12 --> 965.40]  how would you
+[965.40 --> 965.82]  feel
+[965.82 --> 967.46]  that was your
+[967.46 --> 967.70]  son
+[967.70 --> 969.86]  how would you
+[969.86 --> 970.28]  feel if that
+[970.28 --> 970.90]  was your child
+[970.90 --> 973.00]  who's sick
+[973.00 --> 973.84]  and close
+[973.84 --> 974.38]  to death
+[974.38 --> 975.98]  right the doctors
+[975.98 --> 976.78]  have done the best
+[976.78 --> 977.28]  they could
+[977.28 --> 978.04]  and are unable
+[978.04 --> 978.78]  to do anything
+[978.78 --> 980.36]  what would be
+[980.36 --> 981.10]  your experience
+[981.10 --> 982.82]  and I know
+[982.82 --> 983.24]  that for some
+[983.24 --> 983.62]  of us
+[983.62 --> 984.38]  this morning
+[984.38 --> 985.08]  that's not
+[985.08 --> 985.38]  just an
+[985.38 --> 985.76]  intellectual
+[985.76 --> 986.34]  question
+[986.34 --> 988.28]  that's a
+[988.28 --> 989.02]  reality lived
+[989.02 --> 993.48]  there's anxiety
+[993.48 --> 995.34]  in the system
+[995.34 --> 997.22]  there's fear
+[997.22 --> 997.92]  and there's
+[997.92 --> 998.46]  worry
+[998.46 --> 1001.06]  there's
+[1001.06 --> 1002.18]  chaos
+[1002.18 --> 1002.96]  at no one
+[1002.96 --> 1003.46]  being in
+[1003.46 --> 1003.88]  control
+[1003.88 --> 1006.20]  this is
+[1006.20 --> 1006.42]  what we
+[1006.42 --> 1007.22]  are encountering
+[1007.22 --> 1008.26]  and there's
+[1008.26 --> 1008.62]  trust
+[1008.62 --> 1009.04]  and there's
+[1009.04 --> 1009.26]  hope
+[1009.26 --> 1009.66]  and there's
+[1009.66 --> 1009.98]  joy
+[1009.98 --> 1010.72]  right
+[1010.72 --> 1011.14]  in moments
+[1011.14 --> 1011.48]  like this
+[1011.48 --> 1011.68]  there's
+[1011.68 --> 1012.42]  this strange
+[1012.42 --> 1012.92]  mix
+[1012.92 --> 1013.46]  of all
+[1013.46 --> 1013.88]  of these
+[1013.88 --> 1014.20]  things
+[1014.20 --> 1014.76]  moving
+[1014.76 --> 1015.18]  around
+[1015.18 --> 1015.90]  inside
+[1015.90 --> 1016.36]  of us
+[1016.36 --> 1017.22]  now
+[1017.22 --> 1017.72]  Jesus
+[1017.72 --> 1018.30]  right
+[1018.30 --> 1018.84]  knows
+[1018.84 --> 1019.26]  the hearts
+[1019.26 --> 1019.84]  and minds
+[1019.84 --> 1020.42]  of people
+[1020.42 --> 1021.08]  we read
+[1021.08 --> 1021.42]  that in
+[1021.42 --> 1021.82]  the gospel
+[1021.82 --> 1022.50]  he knows
+[1022.50 --> 1022.92]  what this
+[1022.92 --> 1023.32]  man is
+[1023.32 --> 1023.64]  feeling
+[1023.64 --> 1024.18]  he knows
+[1024.18 --> 1024.96]  exactly
+[1024.96 --> 1026.20]  the anxiety
+[1026.20 --> 1026.76]  and worry
+[1026.76 --> 1027.06]  that he
+[1027.06 --> 1027.40]  has
+[1027.40 --> 1027.98]  in his
+[1027.98 --> 1028.28]  heart
+[1028.28 --> 1030.12]  and what
+[1030.12 --> 1030.60]  does Jesus
+[1030.60 --> 1031.10]  say to
+[1031.10 --> 1031.32]  him
+[1031.32 --> 1033.86]  can I
+[1033.86 --> 1034.20]  be honest
+[1034.20 --> 1034.52]  with you
+[1034.52 --> 1034.96]  and just
+[1034.96 --> 1035.64]  blunt
+[1035.64 --> 1037.84]  he doesn't
+[1037.84 --> 1038.28]  say to
+[1038.28 --> 1038.74]  this man
+[1038.74 --> 1039.08]  what I
+[1039.08 --> 1039.60]  want Jesus
+[1039.60 --> 1040.10]  to say
+[1040.10 --> 1042.72]  right
+[1042.72 --> 1043.06]  I want
+[1043.06 --> 1043.56]  Jesus to
+[1043.56 --> 1043.88]  get on
+[1043.88 --> 1044.42]  his horse
+[1044.42 --> 1045.02]  and to
+[1045.02 --> 1045.38]  go
+[1045.38 --> 1046.56]  I want
+[1046.56 --> 1047.10]  Jesus to
+[1047.10 --> 1047.36]  say
+[1047.36 --> 1048.30]  yes man
+[1048.30 --> 1048.74]  I hear
+[1048.74 --> 1048.92]  you
+[1048.92 --> 1049.38]  I got
+[1049.38 --> 1049.62]  you
+[1049.62 --> 1050.16]  in my
+[1050.16 --> 1050.52]  hands
+[1050.52 --> 1051.08]  let's
+[1051.08 --> 1051.56]  go heal
+[1051.56 --> 1051.78]  that
+[1051.78 --> 1052.06]  boy
+[1052.06 --> 1054.58]  but he
+[1054.58 --> 1055.16]  doesn't
+[1055.16 --> 1056.44]  he doesn't
+[1056.44 --> 1057.16]  do that
+[1057.16 --> 1059.78]  he says
+[1059.78 --> 1060.42]  unless you
+[1060.42 --> 1061.00]  see signs
+[1061.00 --> 1061.62]  and wonders
+[1061.62 --> 1062.80]  you will
+[1062.80 --> 1062.98]  never
+[1062.98 --> 1063.46]  believe
+[1063.46 --> 1064.44]  what
+[1064.44 --> 1066.32]  what are
+[1066.32 --> 1066.56]  we supposed
+[1066.56 --> 1066.86]  to do
+[1066.86 --> 1067.12]  with the
+[1067.12 --> 1067.40]  Jesus
+[1067.40 --> 1067.88]  who does
+[1067.88 --> 1068.22]  that
+[1068.22 --> 1070.36]  I suggest
+[1070.36 --> 1070.68]  to you
+[1070.68 --> 1071.56]  maybe we
+[1071.56 --> 1071.70]  should
+[1071.70 --> 1072.06]  listen
+[1072.06 --> 1074.70]  I'm going
+[1074.70 --> 1074.90]  to come
+[1074.90 --> 1075.18]  back to
+[1075.18 --> 1075.36]  in a
+[1075.36 --> 1075.60]  moment
+[1075.60 --> 1076.76]  but notice
+[1076.76 --> 1077.04]  what the
+[1077.04 --> 1077.30]  official
+[1077.30 --> 1077.76]  does
+[1077.76 --> 1078.36]  or rather
+[1078.36 --> 1078.66]  what he
+[1078.66 --> 1079.08]  doesn't
+[1079.08 --> 1079.38]  do
+[1079.38 --> 1080.74]  right
+[1080.74 --> 1081.14]  he doesn't
+[1081.14 --> 1081.60]  panic
+[1081.60 --> 1082.52]  he doesn't
+[1082.52 --> 1082.76]  lose
+[1082.76 --> 1083.16]  heart
+[1083.16 --> 1083.78]  he doesn't
+[1083.78 --> 1084.32]  give up
+[1084.32 --> 1085.70]  but I
+[1085.70 --> 1086.16]  imagine in
+[1086.16 --> 1086.56]  that moment
+[1086.56 --> 1086.78]  he
+[1086.78 --> 1087.60]  would take
+[1087.60 --> 1087.92]  a deep
+[1087.92 --> 1088.24]  breath
+[1088.24 --> 1088.58]  he would
+[1088.58 --> 1089.00]  step
+[1089.00 --> 1089.74]  one more
+[1089.74 --> 1090.08]  step
+[1090.08 --> 1090.74]  closer to
+[1090.74 --> 1091.04]  Jesus
+[1091.04 --> 1091.72]  and he
+[1091.72 --> 1092.08]  would say
+[1092.08 --> 1092.52]  sir
+[1092.52 --> 1093.58]  please
+[1093.58 --> 1094.42]  come
+[1094.42 --> 1095.24]  before my
+[1095.24 --> 1096.14]  child dies
+[1096.14 --> 1099.14]  to which
+[1099.14 --> 1099.76]  Jesus then
+[1099.76 --> 1100.22]  says
+[1100.22 --> 1101.26]  go
+[1101.26 --> 1102.76]  your son
+[1102.76 --> 1104.08]  will live
+[1104.08 --> 1106.46]  that's it
+[1106.46 --> 1108.56]  that's all
+[1108.56 --> 1109.16]  he says
+[1109.16 --> 1110.64]  right
+[1110.64 --> 1111.64]  a word
+[1111.64 --> 1112.26]  from Jesus
+[1112.26 --> 1112.54]  right
+[1112.54 --> 1113.12]  five words
+[1113.12 --> 1113.42]  really
+[1113.42 --> 1114.52]  one sentence
+[1114.52 --> 1116.54]  and that's
+[1116.54 --> 1117.04]  the thread
+[1117.04 --> 1117.68]  that I
+[1117.68 --> 1117.88]  want to
+[1117.88 --> 1118.38]  pull on
+[1118.38 --> 1119.38]  for a
+[1119.38 --> 1119.62]  moment
+[1119.62 --> 1121.36]  life
+[1121.36 --> 1122.10]  comes to
+[1122.10 --> 1122.72]  this boy
+[1122.72 --> 1124.64]  from a
+[1124.64 --> 1125.22]  word
+[1125.22 --> 1126.92]  from Jesus
+[1126.92 --> 1128.98]  he doesn't
+[1128.98 --> 1129.44]  do anything
+[1129.44 --> 1129.82]  else
+[1129.82 --> 1130.94]  right
+[1130.94 --> 1131.38]  he simply
+[1131.38 --> 1132.06]  speaks
+[1132.06 --> 1133.32]  it's not
+[1133.32 --> 1133.86]  dramatic
+[1133.86 --> 1134.70]  it might
+[1134.70 --> 1135.10]  even seem
+[1135.10 --> 1135.96]  anticlimactic
+[1135.96 --> 1136.74]  in the midst
+[1136.74 --> 1136.98]  of it
+[1136.98 --> 1137.54]  but the
+[1137.54 --> 1138.04]  reality is
+[1138.04 --> 1138.92]  that's all
+[1138.92 --> 1139.62]  you need
+[1139.62 --> 1141.68]  one word
+[1141.68 --> 1142.96]  from Jesus
+[1142.96 --> 1145.22]  his word
+[1145.22 --> 1146.16]  gives
+[1146.16 --> 1147.00]  you
+[1147.00 --> 1148.20]  life
+[1148.20 --> 1150.52]  and here's
+[1150.52 --> 1150.90]  the thing
+[1150.90 --> 1151.20]  right
+[1151.20 --> 1151.78]  again
+[1151.78 --> 1152.52]  let's be
+[1152.52 --> 1152.80]  honest
+[1152.80 --> 1153.16]  with each
+[1153.16 --> 1153.38]  other
+[1153.38 --> 1154.74]  we kind
+[1154.74 --> 1155.08]  of want
+[1155.08 --> 1155.32]  more
+[1155.32 --> 1155.76]  from him
+[1155.76 --> 1156.64]  am I
+[1156.64 --> 1156.90]  right
+[1156.90 --> 1157.74]  right
+[1157.74 --> 1158.04]  we want
+[1158.04 --> 1158.76]  some display
+[1158.76 --> 1159.38]  of power
+[1159.38 --> 1160.04]  we want
+[1160.04 --> 1160.40]  something
+[1160.40 --> 1160.92]  exciting
+[1160.92 --> 1161.68]  and dramatic
+[1161.68 --> 1162.18]  but all
+[1162.18 --> 1162.74]  he does
+[1162.74 --> 1164.10]  is speak
+[1164.10 --> 1165.66]  it's
+[1165.66 --> 1166.20]  ordinary
+[1166.20 --> 1167.42]  it's
+[1167.42 --> 1167.82]  simple
+[1167.82 --> 1168.64]  it's
+[1168.64 --> 1169.20]  straightforward
+[1169.20 --> 1170.12]  and it
+[1170.12 --> 1170.84]  is filled
+[1170.84 --> 1171.44]  with the
+[1171.44 --> 1171.84]  power
+[1171.84 --> 1172.56]  of the
+[1172.56 --> 1172.90]  life
+[1172.90 --> 1173.44]  of the
+[1173.44 --> 1173.76]  spirit
+[1173.76 --> 1175.32]  it is
+[1175.32 --> 1176.10]  his word
+[1176.10 --> 1176.74]  filled
+[1176.74 --> 1177.08]  with the
+[1177.08 --> 1177.42]  power
+[1177.42 --> 1178.00]  of life
+[1178.00 --> 1178.72]  and his
+[1178.72 --> 1179.12]  word
+[1179.12 --> 1180.08]  is all
+[1180.08 --> 1180.58]  you
+[1180.58 --> 1181.22]  need
+[1181.22 --> 1182.72]  if there
+[1182.72 --> 1183.02]  was one
+[1183.02 --> 1183.34]  theme
+[1183.34 --> 1183.54]  that we
+[1183.54 --> 1183.88]  could take
+[1183.88 --> 1184.12]  home
+[1184.12 --> 1184.44]  kids
+[1184.44 --> 1184.66]  if
+[1184.66 --> 1184.98]  your
+[1184.98 --> 1186.10]  parents
+[1186.10 --> 1186.32]  are going
+[1186.32 --> 1186.64]  to ask
+[1186.64 --> 1186.80]  you
+[1186.80 --> 1187.20]  in a
+[1187.20 --> 1187.38]  few
+[1187.38 --> 1187.74]  hours
+[1187.74 --> 1188.18]  what
+[1188.18 --> 1188.40]  this
+[1188.40 --> 1188.70]  service
+[1188.70 --> 1188.92]  was
+[1188.92 --> 1189.24]  about
+[1189.24 --> 1189.88]  that's
+[1189.88 --> 1190.04]  the
+[1190.04 --> 1190.40]  answer
+[1190.40 --> 1190.94]  his
+[1190.94 --> 1191.32]  word
+[1191.32 --> 1191.64]  is
+[1191.64 --> 1191.86]  all
+[1191.86 --> 1192.06]  you
+[1192.06 --> 1192.34]  need
+[1192.34 --> 1193.76]  that's
+[1193.76 --> 1193.88]  what
+[1193.88 --> 1194.06]  this
+[1194.06 --> 1194.18]  is
+[1194.18 --> 1194.46]  about
+[1194.46 --> 1194.98]  that's
+[1194.98 --> 1195.16]  what's
+[1195.16 --> 1195.38]  going
+[1195.38 --> 1195.66]  on
+[1195.66 --> 1195.86]  here
+[1195.86 --> 1196.56]  ordinary
+[1196.56 --> 1197.24]  simple
+[1197.24 --> 1198.16]  straightforward
+[1198.16 --> 1198.82]  his
+[1198.82 --> 1199.14]  word
+[1199.14 --> 1201.60]  we don't
+[1201.60 --> 1201.90]  need
+[1201.90 --> 1202.60]  smoke
+[1202.60 --> 1203.08]  machines
+[1203.08 --> 1203.70]  we don't
+[1203.70 --> 1203.90]  need
+[1203.90 --> 1204.48]  light
+[1204.48 --> 1204.92]  shows
+[1204.92 --> 1205.90]  or whatever
+[1205.90 --> 1206.22]  else
+[1206.22 --> 1206.94]  people use
+[1206.94 --> 1207.40]  to try
+[1207.40 --> 1207.88]  and jazz
+[1207.88 --> 1208.28]  it up
+[1208.28 --> 1209.88]  we need
+[1209.88 --> 1210.02]  his
+[1210.02 --> 1210.36]  word
+[1210.36 --> 1212.18]  we don't
+[1212.18 --> 1212.32]  need
+[1212.32 --> 1212.84]  spectacle
+[1212.84 --> 1213.48]  we don't
+[1213.48 --> 1213.64]  need
+[1213.64 --> 1214.26]  fanfare
+[1214.26 --> 1214.76]  we don't
+[1214.76 --> 1214.96]  need
+[1214.96 --> 1215.40]  signs
+[1215.40 --> 1215.60]  and
+[1215.60 --> 1216.00]  wonders
+[1216.00 --> 1216.94]  we need
+[1216.94 --> 1217.12]  his
+[1217.12 --> 1217.54]  word
+[1217.54 --> 1219.92]  now how
+[1219.92 --> 1220.18]  many of
+[1220.18 --> 1220.58]  us believe
+[1220.58 --> 1220.94]  that
+[1220.94 --> 1222.44]  that we
+[1222.44 --> 1222.60]  need
+[1222.60 --> 1222.76]  his
+[1222.76 --> 1223.06]  word
+[1223.06 --> 1225.72]  amen
+[1225.72 --> 1227.02]  amen
+[1227.02 --> 1227.30]  amen
+[1227.30 --> 1227.64]  we'll
+[1227.64 --> 1227.78]  get
+[1227.78 --> 1228.00]  there
+[1228.00 --> 1228.20]  we'll
+[1228.20 --> 1228.34]  get
+[1228.34 --> 1228.64]  there
+[1228.64 --> 1230.70]  right
+[1230.70 --> 1231.00]  this
+[1231.00 --> 1231.18]  is
+[1231.18 --> 1231.52]  just
+[1231.52 --> 1231.80]  the
+[1231.80 --> 1232.32]  ordinary
+[1232.32 --> 1233.16]  means
+[1233.16 --> 1233.50]  of
+[1233.50 --> 1234.18]  grace
+[1234.18 --> 1234.56]  his
+[1234.56 --> 1235.30]  word
+[1235.30 --> 1236.08]  alive
+[1236.08 --> 1236.62]  active
+[1236.62 --> 1237.16]  sharper
+[1237.16 --> 1237.40]  than
+[1237.40 --> 1237.62]  any
+[1237.62 --> 1237.94]  double
+[1237.94 --> 1238.46]  edged
+[1238.46 --> 1238.78]  sword
+[1238.78 --> 1239.20]  capable
+[1239.20 --> 1239.56]  of
+[1239.56 --> 1239.98]  separating
+[1239.98 --> 1240.40]  truth
+[1240.40 --> 1240.72]  from
+[1240.72 --> 1241.08]  lies
+[1241.08 --> 1241.66]  bone
+[1241.66 --> 1241.94]  from
+[1241.94 --> 1242.18]  marrow
+[1242.18 --> 1242.42]  his
+[1242.42 --> 1242.96]  word
+[1242.96 --> 1243.74]  speaks
+[1243.74 --> 1244.60]  life
+[1244.60 --> 1246.40]  now
+[1246.40 --> 1246.60]  I'm
+[1246.60 --> 1247.04]  sure
+[1247.04 --> 1247.76]  that
+[1247.76 --> 1248.06]  many
+[1248.06 --> 1248.26]  of
+[1248.26 --> 1248.36]  you
+[1248.36 --> 1248.62]  know
+[1248.62 --> 1248.82]  that
+[1248.82 --> 1249.00]  up
+[1249.00 --> 1249.28]  here
+[1249.28 --> 1252.28]  but
+[1252.28 --> 1252.42]  I
+[1252.42 --> 1252.62]  want
+[1252.62 --> 1252.72]  you
+[1252.72 --> 1252.86]  to
+[1252.86 --> 1253.28]  experience
+[1253.28 --> 1253.66]  that
+[1253.66 --> 1253.98]  here
+[1253.98 --> 1255.92]  I
+[1255.92 --> 1256.04]  want
+[1256.04 --> 1256.14]  you
+[1256.14 --> 1256.26]  to
+[1256.26 --> 1256.68]  experience
+[1256.68 --> 1256.92]  that
+[1256.92 --> 1257.26]  in
+[1257.26 --> 1257.40]  a
+[1257.40 --> 1257.68]  way
+[1257.68 --> 1257.90]  that
+[1257.90 --> 1258.86]  transforms
+[1258.86 --> 1259.58]  every
+[1259.58 --> 1260.20]  single
+[1260.20 --> 1260.82]  aspect
+[1260.82 --> 1261.36]  of
+[1261.36 --> 1261.66]  who
+[1261.66 --> 1261.88]  you
+[1261.88 --> 1262.24]  are
+[1262.24 --> 1262.64]  and
+[1262.64 --> 1262.86]  what
+[1262.86 --> 1263.02]  you
+[1263.02 --> 1263.34]  do
+[1263.34 --> 1263.78]  and
+[1263.78 --> 1264.16]  how
+[1264.16 --> 1264.40]  you
+[1264.40 --> 1264.78]  show
+[1264.78 --> 1265.08]  up
+[1265.08 --> 1265.36]  in
+[1265.36 --> 1265.76]  life
+[1265.76 --> 1268.16]  and
+[1268.16 --> 1268.26]  so
+[1268.26 --> 1268.42]  let's
+[1268.42 --> 1268.56]  do
+[1268.56 --> 1268.82]  that
+[1268.82 --> 1269.50]  just
+[1269.50 --> 1269.60]  a
+[1269.60 --> 1269.80]  moment
+[1269.80 --> 1270.64]  this
+[1270.64 --> 1270.76]  is
+[1270.76 --> 1270.88]  where
+[1270.88 --> 1271.06]  we'll
+[1271.06 --> 1271.34]  land
+[1271.34 --> 1271.46]  the
+[1271.46 --> 1271.68]  plane
+[1271.68 --> 1272.58]  let's
+[1272.58 --> 1273.00]  apply
+[1273.00 --> 1273.32]  the
+[1273.32 --> 1274.22]  word
+[1274.22 --> 1274.54]  of
+[1274.54 --> 1274.92]  life
+[1274.92 --> 1275.20]  his
+[1275.20 --> 1275.56]  word
+[1275.56 --> 1275.82]  of
+[1275.82 --> 1276.20]  life
+[1276.20 --> 1276.64]  to
+[1276.64 --> 1276.86]  the
+[1276.86 --> 1277.38]  anxiety
+[1277.38 --> 1277.74]  and
+[1277.74 --> 1277.88]  to
+[1277.88 --> 1278.02]  the
+[1278.02 --> 1278.30]  fear
+[1278.30 --> 1278.44]  and
+[1278.44 --> 1278.54]  to
+[1278.54 --> 1278.66]  the
+[1278.66 --> 1278.90]  worry
+[1278.90 --> 1279.06]  that
+[1279.06 --> 1279.16]  we
+[1279.16 --> 1279.46]  started
+[1279.46 --> 1279.80]  with
+[1279.80 --> 1281.14]  I
+[1281.14 --> 1281.40]  remember
+[1283.28 --> 1283.56]  is
+[1283.56 --> 1283.82]  rooted
+[1283.82 --> 1284.08]  in
+[1284.08 --> 1284.22]  a
+[1284.22 --> 1284.64]  belief
+[1284.64 --> 1284.98]  or
+[1284.98 --> 1285.18]  an
+[1285.18 --> 1285.84]  unbelief
+[1285.84 --> 1286.78]  that
+[1286.78 --> 1288.12]  we
+[1288.12 --> 1288.56]  need
+[1288.56 --> 1288.80]  to
+[1288.80 --> 1289.08]  then
+[1289.08 --> 1289.58]  preach
+[1289.58 --> 1289.82]  the
+[1289.82 --> 1290.14]  truth
+[1290.14 --> 1290.30]  of
+[1290.30 --> 1290.42]  the
+[1290.42 --> 1290.82]  gospel
+[1290.82 --> 1291.24]  to
+[1291.24 --> 1291.72]  in
+[1291.72 --> 1291.86]  our
+[1291.86 --> 1292.18]  hearts
+[1292.18 --> 1293.72]  so
+[1293.72 --> 1293.86]  what
+[1293.86 --> 1293.94]  do
+[1293.94 --> 1294.04]  I
+[1294.04 --> 1294.40]  believe
+[1294.40 --> 1294.68]  about
+[1294.68 --> 1295.04]  God
+[1295.04 --> 1296.00]  what
+[1296.00 --> 1296.12]  does
+[1296.12 --> 1296.28]  the
+[1296.28 --> 1296.64]  gospel
+[1296.64 --> 1297.12]  say
+[1297.12 --> 1297.96]  about
+[1297.96 --> 1298.30]  God
+[1298.30 --> 1299.98]  I
+[1299.98 --> 1300.26]  believe
+[1300.26 --> 1300.56]  that
+[1300.56 --> 1300.80]  God
+[1300.80 --> 1300.96]  is
+[1300.96 --> 1301.28]  love
+[1301.28 --> 1302.44]  I
+[1302.44 --> 1302.70]  believe
+[1302.70 --> 1303.00]  that
+[1303.00 --> 1303.14]  he
+[1303.14 --> 1303.36]  is
+[1303.36 --> 1303.74]  present
+[1303.74 --> 1304.00]  I
+[1304.00 --> 1304.38]  believe
+[1304.38 --> 1304.54]  that
+[1304.54 --> 1304.66]  he
+[1304.66 --> 1304.84]  is
+[1304.84 --> 1305.30]  active
+[1305.30 --> 1305.98]  in
+[1305.98 --> 1306.22]  this
+[1306.22 --> 1306.46]  world
+[1306.46 --> 1306.64]  I
+[1306.64 --> 1306.96]  believe
+[1306.96 --> 1307.12]  that
+[1307.12 --> 1307.26]  not
+[1307.26 --> 1307.38]  a
+[1307.38 --> 1307.56]  hair
+[1307.56 --> 1307.76]  can
+[1307.76 --> 1308.00]  fall
+[1308.00 --> 1308.20]  from
+[1308.20 --> 1308.36]  my
+[1308.36 --> 1308.58]  head
+[1308.58 --> 1308.80]  without
+[1308.80 --> 1309.04]  the
+[1309.04 --> 1309.24]  will
+[1309.24 --> 1309.36]  of
+[1309.36 --> 1309.52]  my
+[1309.52 --> 1310.16]  father
+[1310.16 --> 1310.40]  in
+[1310.40 --> 1310.62]  heaven
+[1310.62 --> 1311.08]  I
+[1311.08 --> 1311.42]  believe
+[1311.42 --> 1311.60]  that
+[1311.60 --> 1311.68]  he
+[1311.68 --> 1311.80]  will
+[1311.80 --> 1312.02]  never
+[1312.02 --> 1312.46]  leave
+[1312.46 --> 1312.74]  me
+[1312.74 --> 1313.10]  nor
+[1313.10 --> 1313.58]  forsake
+[1313.58 --> 1313.76]  me
+[1313.76 --> 1314.12]  I
+[1314.12 --> 1314.46]  believe
+[1314.46 --> 1314.66]  that
+[1314.66 --> 1314.78]  he
+[1314.78 --> 1314.96]  is
+[1314.96 --> 1315.66]  always
+[1315.66 --> 1315.90]  to
+[1315.90 --> 1316.08]  the
+[1316.08 --> 1316.36]  very
+[1316.36 --> 1316.76]  end
+[1316.76 --> 1316.92]  of
+[1316.92 --> 1317.32]  time
+[1317.32 --> 1317.92]  with
+[1317.92 --> 1318.26]  me
+[1318.26 --> 1320.66]  how
+[1320.66 --> 1320.78]  do
+[1320.78 --> 1320.88]  I
+[1320.88 --> 1321.04]  know
+[1321.04 --> 1321.32]  that
+[1321.32 --> 1322.86]  I
+[1322.86 --> 1323.10]  know
+[1323.10 --> 1323.26]  it
+[1323.26 --> 1323.50]  because
+[1323.50 --> 1323.70]  his
+[1323.70 --> 1324.02]  word
+[1324.02 --> 1324.92]  tells
+[1324.92 --> 1325.20]  me
+[1325.20 --> 1326.34]  and
+[1326.34 --> 1326.50]  his
+[1326.50 --> 1326.72]  word
+[1326.72 --> 1326.88]  is
+[1326.88 --> 1327.32]  life
+[1327.32 --> 1328.24]  I
+[1328.24 --> 1328.44]  know
+[1328.44 --> 1328.56]  it
+[1328.56 --> 1328.80]  because
+[1328.80 --> 1329.00]  I've
+[1329.00 --> 1329.54]  experienced
+[1329.54 --> 1329.96]  it
+[1329.96 --> 1330.20]  right
+[1330.20 --> 1330.86]  I
+[1330.86 --> 1331.06]  know
+[1331.06 --> 1331.20]  it
+[1331.20 --> 1331.44]  because
+[1331.44 --> 1331.76]  his
+[1331.76 --> 1332.24]  love
+[1332.24 --> 1332.50]  has
+[1332.50 --> 1332.84]  made
+[1332.84 --> 1333.10]  him
+[1333.10 --> 1333.42]  come
+[1333.42 --> 1333.76]  into
+[1333.76 --> 1334.02]  this
+[1334.02 --> 1334.28]  world
+[1334.28 --> 1334.66]  I
+[1334.66 --> 1334.86]  know
+[1334.86 --> 1334.98]  it
+[1334.98 --> 1335.22]  because
+[1335.22 --> 1335.62]  while
+[1335.62 --> 1335.86]  we
+[1335.86 --> 1336.04]  were
+[1336.04 --> 1336.30]  yet
+[1336.30 --> 1336.64]  sinners
+[1336.64 --> 1336.90]  God
+[1336.90 --> 1337.26]  showed
+[1337.26 --> 1337.46]  his
+[1337.46 --> 1337.72]  love
+[1337.72 --> 1337.96]  for
+[1337.96 --> 1338.30]  us
+[1338.30 --> 1338.76]  by
+[1338.76 --> 1339.18]  sending
+[1339.18 --> 1339.48]  his
+[1339.48 --> 1339.76]  son
+[1339.76 --> 1340.00]  to
+[1340.00 --> 1340.34]  die
+[1340.34 --> 1340.74]  on
+[1340.74 --> 1340.86]  the
+[1340.86 --> 1341.18]  cross
+[1341.18 --> 1341.56]  I
+[1341.56 --> 1341.80]  know
+[1341.80 --> 1341.92]  it
+[1341.92 --> 1342.16]  because
+[1342.16 --> 1342.52]  God
+[1342.52 --> 1342.70]  is
+[1342.70 --> 1343.04]  so
+[1343.04 --> 1343.52]  active
+[1343.52 --> 1343.96]  in
+[1343.96 --> 1344.10]  the
+[1344.10 --> 1344.38]  world
+[1344.38 --> 1344.54]  that
+[1344.54 --> 1344.66]  he
+[1344.66 --> 1345.12]  created
+[1345.12 --> 1345.50]  that
+[1345.50 --> 1345.66]  he
+[1345.66 --> 1346.18]  came
+[1346.18 --> 1346.76]  into
+[1346.76 --> 1347.14]  this
+[1347.14 --> 1347.50]  world
+[1347.50 --> 1348.84]  I
+[1348.84 --> 1349.10]  know
+[1349.10 --> 1349.28]  it
+[1349.28 --> 1349.54]  because
+[1349.54 --> 1349.96]  Jesus
+[1349.96 --> 1350.42]  lived
+[1350.42 --> 1350.62]  the
+[1350.62 --> 1350.90]  life
+[1350.90 --> 1351.08]  I
+[1351.08 --> 1351.28]  should
+[1351.28 --> 1351.42]  have
+[1351.42 --> 1351.68]  lived
+[1351.68 --> 1351.90]  and
+[1351.90 --> 1352.28]  died
+[1352.28 --> 1352.72]  the
+[1352.72 --> 1353.14]  death
+[1353.14 --> 1353.58]  that
+[1353.58 --> 1353.72]  I
+[1353.72 --> 1354.20]  deserve
+[1354.20 --> 1355.98]  I
+[1355.98 --> 1356.16]  know
+[1356.16 --> 1356.28]  it
+[1356.28 --> 1356.48]  because
+[1356.48 --> 1356.62]  he
+[1356.62 --> 1356.74]  has
+[1356.74 --> 1356.92]  given
+[1356.92 --> 1357.06]  me
+[1357.06 --> 1357.30]  his
+[1357.30 --> 1357.74]  spirit
+[1357.74 --> 1358.98]  to
+[1358.98 --> 1359.40]  live
+[1359.40 --> 1359.66]  in
+[1359.66 --> 1359.94]  me
+[1359.94 --> 1360.38]  and
+[1360.38 --> 1360.54]  to
+[1365.62 --> 1365.70]  the
+[1365.70 --> 1366.18]  foundation
+[1366.18 --> 1366.74]  of
+[1366.74 --> 1366.92]  the
+[1366.92 --> 1367.18]  world
+[1367.18 --> 1367.40]  he
+[1367.40 --> 1367.74]  knew
+[1367.74 --> 1368.08]  me
+[1368.08 --> 1368.48]  and
+[1368.48 --> 1368.78]  in
+[1368.78 --> 1369.00]  the
+[1369.00 --> 1369.28]  world
+[1369.28 --> 1369.54]  he
+[1369.54 --> 1370.76]  lavished
+[1370.76 --> 1371.02]  his
+[1371.02 --> 1371.40]  love
+[1371.40 --> 1371.66]  on
+[1371.66 --> 1371.90]  me
+[1371.90 --> 1372.10]  at
+[1372.10 --> 1372.24]  the
+[1372.24 --> 1372.68]  cross
+[1372.68 --> 1373.12]  and
+[1373.12 --> 1373.30]  in
+[1373.30 --> 1373.48]  my
+[1373.48 --> 1373.84]  life
+[1373.84 --> 1375.98]  and
+[1375.98 --> 1376.10]  I
+[1376.10 --> 1376.32]  know
+[1376.32 --> 1376.56]  it
+[1376.56 --> 1377.70]  because
+[1377.70 --> 1377.92]  I've
+[1377.92 --> 1378.20]  seen
+[1378.20 --> 1378.40]  him
+[1378.40 --> 1378.60]  at
+[1378.60 --> 1378.94]  work
+[1378.94 --> 1380.10]  in
+[1380.10 --> 1380.32]  my
+[1380.32 --> 1380.68]  life
+[1380.68 --> 1381.08]  time
+[1381.08 --> 1381.24]  and
+[1381.24 --> 1381.42]  time
+[1381.42 --> 1381.74]  again
+[1381.74 --> 1382.28]  over
+[1382.28 --> 1382.50]  and
+[1382.50 --> 1382.78]  over
+[1382.78 --> 1382.98]  and
+[1382.98 --> 1383.22]  over
+[1383.22 --> 1383.58]  again
+[1383.58 --> 1384.20]  Jesus
+[1384.20 --> 1384.50]  has
+[1384.50 --> 1385.20]  transformed
+[1385.20 --> 1385.52]  me
+[1385.52 --> 1385.74]  from
+[1385.74 --> 1385.98]  a
+[1385.98 --> 1386.48]  selfish
+[1386.48 --> 1387.18]  smart
+[1387.18 --> 1387.56]  aleck
+[1387.56 --> 1387.84]  young
+[1387.84 --> 1388.20]  punk
+[1388.20 --> 1388.78]  into
+[1388.78 --> 1389.00]  the
+[1389.00 --> 1389.24]  man
+[1389.24 --> 1389.40]  that
+[1389.40 --> 1389.54]  I
+[1389.54 --> 1389.66]  am
+[1389.66 --> 1390.06]  becoming
+[1390.06 --> 1390.46]  in
+[1390.46 --> 1391.02]  him
+[1391.02 --> 1391.20]  and
+[1391.20 --> 1391.36]  he
+[1391.36 --> 1391.56]  has
+[1391.56 --> 1391.80]  done
+[1391.80 --> 1392.02]  the
+[1395.62 --> 1396.00]  for
+[1396.00 --> 1396.16]  you
+[1396.16 --> 1396.36]  if
+[1396.36 --> 1396.50]  you
+[1396.50 --> 1396.70]  have
+[1396.70 --> 1396.94]  yet
+[1396.94 --> 1397.48]  to
+[1397.48 --> 1398.94]  let
+[1398.94 --> 1399.26]  him
+[1399.26 --> 1400.16]  in
+[1400.16 --> 1402.96]  his
+[1402.96 --> 1403.44]  word
+[1403.44 --> 1404.20]  of
+[1404.20 --> 1404.64]  life
+[1404.64 --> 1405.80]  to
+[1405.80 --> 1406.34]  transform
+[1406.34 --> 1409.16]  and
+[1409.16 --> 1409.48]  that
+[1409.48 --> 1410.84]  my
+[1410.84 --> 1411.24]  friends
+[1411.24 --> 1413.02]  is
+[1413.02 --> 1413.16]  the
+[1413.16 --> 1413.58]  gospel
+[1413.58 --> 1414.88]  at
+[1414.88 --> 1415.02]  the
+[1415.02 --> 1415.32]  word
+[1415.32 --> 1415.52]  of
+[1415.52 --> 1415.80]  Jesus
+[1415.80 --> 1416.06]  that
+[1416.06 --> 1416.48]  changes
+[1416.48 --> 1417.16]  your
+[1417.16 --> 1417.54]  life
+[1417.54 --> 1418.00]  instead
+[1418.00 --> 1418.44]  of
+[1418.44 --> 1419.04]  fruit
+[1419.04 --> 1419.36]  of
+[1419.36 --> 1419.82]  fear
+[1419.82 --> 1420.06]  and
+[1420.06 --> 1420.36]  worry
+[1420.36 --> 1420.62]  and
+[1420.62 --> 1421.16]  anxiety
+[1421.16 --> 1421.82]  you
+[1421.82 --> 1421.96]  will
+[1421.96 --> 1422.26]  now
+[1422.26 --> 1422.58]  bear
+[1422.58 --> 1422.82]  out
+[1422.82 --> 1423.00]  a
+[1423.00 --> 1423.48]  completely
+[1423.48 --> 1424.34]  different
+[1424.34 --> 1424.84]  kind
+[1424.84 --> 1425.32]  of
+[1425.32 --> 1425.68]  fruit
+[1425.68 --> 1426.76]  right
+[1426.76 --> 1427.20]  peace
+[1427.20 --> 1427.46]  and
+[1427.46 --> 1428.06]  prayerfulness
+[1428.06 --> 1428.80]  love
+[1428.80 --> 1429.06]  and
+[1429.06 --> 1429.76]  hope
+[1429.76 --> 1430.00]  and
+[1430.00 --> 1430.54]  patience
+[1430.54 --> 1430.84]  and
+[1430.84 --> 1431.16]  joy
+[1431.16 --> 1432.16]  courage
+[1432.16 --> 1432.54]  and
+[1432.54 --> 1433.32]  boldness
+[1433.32 --> 1434.18]  confidence
+[1434.18 --> 1434.74]  and
+[1434.74 --> 1435.30]  humility
+[1435.30 --> 1436.20]  gentleness
+[1436.20 --> 1436.70]  and
+[1436.70 --> 1437.28]  respect
+[1437.28 --> 1438.74]  at
+[1438.74 --> 1438.90]  the
+[1438.90 --> 1439.30]  fruit
+[1439.30 --> 1439.70]  of
+[1439.70 --> 1440.04]  his
+[1440.04 --> 1440.80]  word
+[1440.80 --> 1442.04]  he
+[1442.04 --> 1442.50]  is
+[1442.50 --> 1442.74]  the
+[1442.74 --> 1443.08]  life
+[1443.08 --> 1443.98]  giver
+[1443.98 --> 1444.26]  and
+[1444.26 --> 1444.66]  life
+[1444.66 --> 1445.52]  comes
+[1445.52 --> 1446.68]  from
+[1446.68 --> 1446.84]  his
+[1446.84 --> 1447.10]  word
+[1447.10 --> 1449.30]  we
+[1449.30 --> 1449.42]  don't
+[1449.42 --> 1449.58]  make
+[1449.58 --> 1450.00]  decisions
+[1450.00 --> 1450.30]  based
+[1450.30 --> 1450.48]  on
+[1450.48 --> 1450.88]  fear
+[1450.88 --> 1452.20]  instead
+[1452.20 --> 1452.56]  we
+[1452.56 --> 1452.96]  practice
+[1452.96 --> 1453.52]  wisdom
+[1453.52 --> 1454.66]  and
+[1454.66 --> 1455.12]  prudence
+[1455.12 --> 1456.32]  we
+[1456.32 --> 1456.58]  don't
+[1456.58 --> 1456.84]  rush
+[1456.84 --> 1457.42]  headlong
+[1457.42 --> 1457.80]  into
+[1457.80 --> 1458.26]  worry
+[1458.26 --> 1458.88]  instead
+[1458.88 --> 1459.50]  as
+[1459.50 --> 1459.84]  Christians
+[1459.84 --> 1460.08]  we
+[1460.08 --> 1460.46]  walk
+[1460.46 --> 1461.02]  in
+[1461.02 --> 1461.48]  humility
+[1461.48 --> 1463.58]  we
+[1463.58 --> 1463.82]  don't
+[1463.82 --> 1464.40]  hide
+[1464.40 --> 1465.12]  or run
+[1465.12 --> 1465.58]  away
+[1465.58 --> 1466.28]  instead
+[1466.28 --> 1467.10]  we
+[1467.10 --> 1467.26]  love
+[1467.26 --> 1467.40]  our
+[1467.40 --> 1467.68]  neighbor
+[1467.68 --> 1470.64]  look
+[1470.64 --> 1473.56]  stockpiling
+[1473.56 --> 1473.96]  toilet
+[1473.96 --> 1474.38]  paper
+[1474.38 --> 1475.94]  is an
+[1475.94 --> 1476.38]  attempt
+[1476.38 --> 1477.08]  to
+[1477.08 --> 1477.42]  wrestle
+[1477.42 --> 1478.14]  control
+[1478.14 --> 1478.66]  back
+[1478.66 --> 1479.14]  from a
+[1479.14 --> 1479.66]  circumstance
+[1479.66 --> 1480.46]  that's
+[1480.46 --> 1480.66]  out
+[1480.66 --> 1480.78]  of
+[1480.78 --> 1480.94]  my
+[1480.94 --> 1481.26]  hands
+[1481.26 --> 1483.14]  instead
+[1483.14 --> 1484.52]  let's
+[1484.52 --> 1484.82]  be the
+[1484.82 --> 1485.06]  sort
+[1485.06 --> 1485.20]  of
+[1485.20 --> 1485.56]  people
+[1485.56 --> 1486.20]  who
+[1486.20 --> 1486.58]  hear
+[1486.58 --> 1486.82]  the
+[1486.82 --> 1487.42]  ordinary
+[1487.42 --> 1488.40]  straightforward
+[1488.40 --> 1489.62]  simple
+[1489.62 --> 1490.18]  yet
+[1490.18 --> 1490.66]  filled
+[1490.66 --> 1490.94]  with
+[1490.94 --> 1491.12]  the
+[1491.12 --> 1491.52]  power
+[1491.52 --> 1491.84]  of
+[1491.84 --> 1492.28]  life
+[1492.28 --> 1492.88]  word
+[1492.88 --> 1493.14]  of
+[1493.14 --> 1493.48]  Jesus
+[1493.48 --> 1493.82]  and
+[1493.82 --> 1494.48]  trust
+[1494.48 --> 1495.10]  in
+[1495.10 --> 1495.36]  his
+[1495.36 --> 1495.86]  control
+[1495.86 --> 1497.60]  we
+[1497.60 --> 1497.84]  listen
+[1497.84 --> 1498.00]  to
+[1498.00 --> 1498.12]  the
+[1498.12 --> 1498.38]  word
+[1498.38 --> 1498.54]  and
+[1498.54 --> 1498.66]  we
+[1498.66 --> 1498.98]  live
+[1498.98 --> 1499.74]  the
+[1499.74 --> 1500.14]  gospel
+[1500.14 --> 1501.94]  imagine
+[1501.94 --> 1502.90]  what
+[1502.90 --> 1503.08]  the
+[1503.08 --> 1503.44]  world
+[1503.44 --> 1503.70]  would
+[1503.70 --> 1504.12]  see
+[1504.12 --> 1505.68]  if
+[1505.68 --> 1505.82]  we
+[1505.82 --> 1505.98]  all
+[1505.98 --> 1506.14]  did
+[1506.14 --> 1506.38]  that
+[1506.38 --> 1508.58]  that
+[1508.58 --> 1508.94]  is
+[1508.94 --> 1509.16]  the
+[1509.16 --> 1509.48]  beautiful
+[1509.48 --> 1509.86]  life
+[1509.86 --> 1510.02]  of
+[1510.02 --> 1510.26]  Jesus
+[1510.26 --> 1510.84]  lived
+[1510.84 --> 1511.74]  in
+[1511.74 --> 1511.92]  each
+[1511.92 --> 1512.10]  one
+[1512.10 --> 1512.22]  of
+[1512.22 --> 1512.58]  us
+[1512.58 --> 1514.46]  imagine
+[1514.46 --> 1514.80]  it
+[1514.80 --> 1516.52]  and
+[1516.52 --> 1516.66]  now
+[1516.66 --> 1516.84]  let's
+[1516.84 --> 1516.98]  go
+[1516.98 --> 1517.18]  do
+[1517.18 --> 1517.62]  it
+[1517.62 --> 1518.52]  amen
+[1518.52 --> 1520.00]  amen
+[1520.00 --> 1520.40]  let's
+[1520.40 --> 1520.54]  pray
+[1520.54 --> 1520.94]  together
+[1520.94 --> 1526.28]  Lord
+[1526.28 --> 1526.64]  Jesus
+[1526.64 --> 1527.54]  these
+[1527.54 --> 1528.02]  are
+[1528.02 --> 1528.50]  your
+[1528.50 --> 1529.60]  words
+[1529.60 --> 1531.76]  you
+[1531.76 --> 1531.92]  have
+[1531.92 --> 1532.38]  spoken
+[1532.38 --> 1535.74]  you've
+[1535.74 --> 1535.90]  given
+[1535.90 --> 1536.08]  us
+[1536.08 --> 1536.50]  life
+[1536.50 --> 1538.62]  by
+[1538.62 --> 1538.86]  giving
+[1538.86 --> 1539.12]  up
+[1539.12 --> 1539.30]  your
+[1539.30 --> 1539.60]  own
+[1539.60 --> 1540.20]  life
+[1540.20 --> 1542.16]  now
+[1542.16 --> 1542.30]  in
+[1542.30 --> 1542.42]  the
+[1542.42 --> 1542.68]  power
+[1542.68 --> 1542.88]  of
+[1542.88 --> 1543.04]  the
+[1543.04 --> 1543.40]  spirit
+[1543.40 --> 1544.54]  may
+[1544.54 --> 1544.70]  we
+[1544.70 --> 1544.98]  be
+[1544.98 --> 1545.66]  nourished
+[1545.66 --> 1546.08]  here
+[1546.08 --> 1546.36]  at
+[1546.36 --> 1546.48]  your
+[1546.48 --> 1546.80]  table
+[1546.80 --> 1548.70]  we
+[1548.70 --> 1549.22]  speak
+[1549.22 --> 1549.56]  Lord
+[1549.56 --> 1550.00]  God
+[1550.00 --> 1551.08]  to
+[1551.08 --> 1551.36]  you
+[1551.36 --> 1551.60]  in
+[1551.60 --> 1551.94]  prayer
+[1551.94 --> 1553.50]  because
+[1553.50 --> 1553.90]  you
+[1553.90 --> 1554.68]  speak
+[1554.68 --> 1554.90]  to
+[1554.90 --> 1555.30]  us
+[1555.30 --> 1555.92]  in
+[1555.92 --> 1556.06]  your
+[1556.06 --> 1556.40]  word
+[1556.40 --> 1557.80]  and
+[1557.80 --> 1557.94]  that
+[1557.94 --> 1558.34]  same
+[1558.34 --> 1558.86]  voice
+[1558.86 --> 1559.16]  Lord
+[1559.16 --> 1559.46]  Jesus
+[1559.46 --> 1560.04]  spoken
+[1560.04 --> 1560.34]  in
+[1560.34 --> 1560.50]  your
+[1560.50 --> 1560.78]  word
+[1560.78 --> 1560.98]  that
+[1560.98 --> 1561.22]  same
+[1561.22 --> 1561.68]  grace
+[1561.68 --> 1562.10]  offered
+[1562.10 --> 1562.28]  in
+[1562.28 --> 1562.38]  the
+[1562.38 --> 1562.74]  gospel
+[1562.74 --> 1563.46]  is
+[1563.46 --> 1563.84]  now
+[1563.84 --> 1564.28]  made
+[1564.28 --> 1565.12]  tangible
+[1565.12 --> 1565.36]  that
+[1565.36 --> 1565.44]  we
+[1565.44 --> 1565.60]  can
+[1565.60 --> 1566.02]  taste
+[1566.02 --> 1566.30]  and
+[1566.30 --> 1566.76]  see
+[1566.76 --> 1567.46]  here
+[1567.46 --> 1567.72]  as
+[1567.72 --> 1567.94]  we
+[1567.94 --> 1568.34]  come
+[1568.34 --> 1569.18]  to
+[1569.18 --> 1569.92]  your
+[1569.92 --> 1570.64]  word
+[1570.64 --> 1572.78]  speak
+[1572.78 --> 1574.10]  clearly
+[1574.10 --> 1575.94]  here
+[1575.94 --> 1576.62]  and
+[1576.62 --> 1576.76]  at
+[1576.76 --> 1576.88]  the
+[1576.88 --> 1577.18]  table
+[1577.18 --> 1578.60]  that
+[1578.60 --> 1578.70]  we
+[1578.70 --> 1578.90]  might
+[1578.90 --> 1579.22]  speak
+[1579.22 --> 1579.46]  that
+[1579.46 --> 1579.88]  gospel
+[1579.88 --> 1580.10]  in
+[1580.10 --> 1580.24]  all
+[1580.24 --> 1580.34]  that
+[1580.34 --> 1580.44]  we
+[1580.44 --> 1580.60]  do
+[1580.60 --> 1580.74]  and
+[1580.74 --> 1580.88]  all
+[1580.88 --> 1580.98]  that
+[1580.98 --> 1581.10]  we
+[1581.10 --> 1581.38]  say
+[1581.38 --> 1582.62]  in
+[1582.62 --> 1582.84]  Jesus
+[1582.84 --> 1583.24]  name
+[1583.24 --> 1584.34]  Amen

I Will Wait (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,989 @@
+[0.00 --> 11.30]  there thanks Kevin for leading us in that prayer as Kevin said we're going to open
+[11.30 --> 17.16]  God's word together and I think the text that I'm going to read is on the screen as we go through
+[17.16 --> 23.38]  it but I do really want to encourage everyone especially if you're at home to do two things
+[23.38 --> 30.72]  one grab a bible and read along that way and keep that bible with you and open and two if you're
+[30.72 --> 36.48]  feeling particularly adventurous in your engagement of worship this morning grab a journal or a notebook
+[36.48 --> 43.04]  to write down some notes or some questions or reflections that you have as we go through and
+[43.04 --> 47.90]  think about how you can take those and talk about them in your household afterwards or maybe you can
+[47.90 --> 53.96]  email me or call me this week and we can have a discussion about all of that but a bible and a
+[53.96 --> 60.24]  notebook I think are great ways to just intentionally engage in this time of worship in God's word
+[60.24 --> 69.14]  together we're going to read from Isaiah 9 I'm going to read verse 2 through verse 7 these are really
+[69.14 --> 76.06]  familiar verses for many of us regularly read in the season of advent but we want to try to come at them
+[76.06 --> 82.46]  this morning with fresh eyes and a fresh heart to see what God might say let me read this with you
+[82.46 --> 92.52]  people walking in darkness have seen a great light on those living in the land of the shadow of death
+[92.52 --> 101.24]  a light has dawned you have enlarged the nation and increased their joy they rejoice before you as
+[101.24 --> 108.18]  people rejoice at the harvest as men rejoice when dividing the plunder for as in the day of Midian's
+[108.18 --> 113.72]  defeat you have shattered the yoke that burdens them the bar across their shoulders the rod of their
+[113.72 --> 119.24]  oppressor every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for
+[119.24 --> 129.66]  burning will be fuel for the fire for to us a child is born to us a son is given and the government
+[129.66 --> 136.36]  will be on his shoulders and he will be called wonderful counselor mighty God everlasting father
+[136.36 --> 144.30]  and prince of peace of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end he will reign on
+[144.30 --> 150.72]  David's throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteous from that
+[150.72 --> 159.68]  time on and forever the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this this is the word of the Lord
+[159.68 --> 173.14]  now two weeks ago I was driving across this vast country with my family now you may not know my family
+[173.14 --> 182.56]  yet but let me tell you my kids don't do long distance traveling well so you can imagine what we were
+[182.56 --> 189.84]  feeling as parents before we began that trip together all right I got a five-year-old and a seven-year-old
+[189.84 --> 197.84]  trapped in the van for what ended up being 62 hours and 4,875 kilometers
+[197.84 --> 206.20]  at best we might feel like Harry Potter trapped under the stairs of the Dursley house at 4 Privet Drive
+[206.20 --> 213.46]  at worst we might end up feeling like characters in a Saw movie trying to figure out the only way to survive
+[213.46 --> 227.20]  add to it all while we were driving we learned that Manitoba was closed to visitors
+[227.20 --> 229.70]  and so we had to drive straight through
+[229.70 --> 236.82]  while we were driving we learned the day before that we were scheduled to drive through western
+[236.82 --> 242.48]  Saskatchewan and into southeastern Alberta that they got hit with a 50 centimeter dumping of snow
+[242.48 --> 249.68]  we got to Moose Jaw it was minus 22 degrees celsius
+[249.68 --> 254.52]  we woke up in Medicine Hat it was minus 20 degrees
+[254.52 --> 259.58]  if you don't know me I'm not built for cold
+[259.58 --> 265.90]  I will take the west coast rain any day over the cold
+[265.90 --> 274.62]  and with all of that and with kids who don't drive well unless you throw snacks or an iPad at them
+[274.62 --> 277.68]  how were we gonna survive
+[277.68 --> 282.04]  by the grace of God absolutely amen we counted on that
+[282.04 --> 285.06]  but also by looking ahead
+[285.06 --> 288.38]  right to get across Manitoba
+[288.38 --> 292.48]  we cast a vision for what we would be able to do when we reached Regina
+[292.48 --> 297.12]  right to to get through the prairies and the cold of Alberta
+[297.12 --> 300.36]  we cast a vision for the Royal Tyrell Museum
+[300.36 --> 302.54]  and we called it Dinosaur Day
+[302.54 --> 305.42]  we talked about it with our kids on Dinosaur Day
+[305.42 --> 307.58]  we're gonna see this and we're gonna do this
+[307.58 --> 312.38]  point is we held out a vision for something new and awesome
+[312.38 --> 314.48]  that we could all put our hope in
+[314.48 --> 317.36]  right when the days got long and our bums got sore
+[317.36 --> 319.58]  we looked to a vision of the future
+[319.58 --> 324.88]  when tempers got short and the ability to share became in short supply
+[324.88 --> 327.96]  we held out hope of what was coming
+[327.96 --> 330.22]  right just down the road
+[330.22 --> 331.76]  just around the corner
+[331.76 --> 333.22]  just in the next city
+[333.22 --> 334.74]  and eventually we got to say
+[334.74 --> 337.02]  and look there are the mountains
+[337.02 --> 340.62]  hope for what is coming
+[340.62 --> 343.38]  after the trial
+[343.38 --> 346.20]  makes the trial endurable
+[346.20 --> 349.84]  and that's true in the little things
+[349.84 --> 351.90]  that's true in the middle things
+[351.90 --> 354.56]  and that's true in the biggest things of life
+[354.56 --> 359.92]  now I may not know you yet the way that I want to
+[359.92 --> 362.68]  but I am sure of this
+[362.68 --> 365.42]  we all need a little hope right now
+[365.42 --> 368.24]  let's be real
+[368.24 --> 369.70]  this sucks
+[369.70 --> 373.34]  this isn't how I wanted to start with you
+[373.34 --> 376.42]  this isn't what worship is supposed to look like
+[376.42 --> 377.92]  this isn't what worship is supposed to be
+[377.92 --> 379.18]  now don't get me wrong right
+[379.18 --> 380.34]  we make it work
+[380.34 --> 381.28]  and for some of us even
+[381.28 --> 382.86]  this actually works pretty good
+[382.86 --> 386.10]  right I'm sure there are some of us who like this format
+[386.10 --> 388.90]  I once had a church member say to me
+[388.90 --> 392.40]  I can come to church and hear 50% of what's said
+[392.40 --> 394.40]  or I can stay home and hear it all
+[394.40 --> 396.70]  right this person had hearing difficulties
+[396.70 --> 399.18]  in large groups and in large spaces
+[399.18 --> 401.18]  and so being able to sit in their living room
+[401.18 --> 403.38]  with their TV and everything connected
+[403.38 --> 406.68]  and their hearing aids tuned in to what was going on
+[406.68 --> 408.18]  worked really well for them
+[408.18 --> 411.50]  right and we do our best as leaders
+[411.50 --> 415.30]  to provide a meaningful encounter with God in worship
+[415.30 --> 417.38]  but it's hard when we can't see you
+[417.38 --> 419.70]  right it's hard for you
+[419.70 --> 421.32]  when you're sitting in the same space
+[421.32 --> 423.06]  that you watch football or hockey
+[423.06 --> 424.22]  or The Bachelor in
+[424.22 --> 427.86]  right it's easy to become a passive consumer
+[427.86 --> 430.14]  of a church product when your engagement
+[430.14 --> 431.80]  is through a remote and a screen
+[431.80 --> 434.32]  and we want more than that for you
+[434.32 --> 436.82]  we want more than that for our lives of faith
+[436.82 --> 443.68]  and so really in the the providence of God's hand at work
+[443.68 --> 449.18]  Advent is exactly the time and the season that we need right now
+[449.18 --> 453.46]  Advent is waiting based on hope
+[453.46 --> 457.52]  Advent is expectation of something more
+[457.52 --> 460.04]  when the days get short and the nights get dark
+[460.04 --> 464.18]  Advent is a longing in the human heart to belong
+[464.18 --> 467.04]  Advent is for new beginnings and a new hope
+[467.04 --> 469.66]  Advent is for giving voice to the loneliness
+[469.66 --> 471.50]  that we all feel right now
+[471.50 --> 473.34]  and the longing for something more
+[473.34 --> 474.04]  something greater
+[474.04 --> 474.98]  something truer
+[474.98 --> 476.94]  something deeper and more beautiful
+[476.94 --> 479.54]  than whatever our current reality is
+[479.54 --> 484.02]  because for some of us this current reality sucks
+[484.02 --> 486.82]  and there's no other way to put it
+[486.82 --> 489.28]  or maybe you're in a hospital
+[489.28 --> 491.06]  or you're in a care home
+[491.06 --> 493.40]  and you can't have visitors like you want
+[493.40 --> 495.78]  maybe you're the one who wants to visit
+[495.78 --> 498.66]  and you can't do that like you need to
+[498.66 --> 501.88]  maybe you have other health issues
+[501.88 --> 503.94]  and sure at least you are at home
+[503.94 --> 506.06]  but people can't come and visit anymore
+[506.06 --> 507.18]  and that sucks
+[507.18 --> 510.12]  maybe you're a single parent
+[510.12 --> 512.10]  who counted on community groups
+[512.10 --> 512.88]  and church groups
+[512.88 --> 514.90]  for that important connection
+[514.90 --> 516.92]  and that important experience of community
+[516.92 --> 517.70]  and now that's gone
+[517.70 --> 522.06]  maybe it's as simple as a hug
+[522.06 --> 524.86]  some of us just need a hug
+[524.86 --> 527.62]  but we're told that we shouldn't do that right now
+[527.62 --> 530.36]  and I love to cook
+[530.36 --> 534.16]  and I love sharing that love with others
+[534.16 --> 536.30]  I love hosting dinners and parties
+[536.30 --> 538.52]  and we shouldn't do that right now
+[538.52 --> 540.94]  and look let me be really clear okay
+[540.94 --> 543.20]  I'm not speaking against the restrictions
+[543.20 --> 546.08]  I understand the desire of the medical professionals
+[546.08 --> 546.94]  and of the government
+[546.94 --> 547.86]  I get it
+[547.86 --> 550.66]  and I will submit to the ruling authority
+[550.66 --> 552.06]  as the Bible commands me
+[552.06 --> 553.46]  I will honor the king
+[553.46 --> 554.44]  or the prime minister
+[554.44 --> 555.58]  or the top doctors
+[555.58 --> 559.02]  and I know that if we do this well right now
+[559.02 --> 561.22]  it will be better and shorter for everyone
+[561.22 --> 563.96]  but that doesn't make me like it
+[563.96 --> 566.36]  it doesn't make this any easier
+[566.36 --> 569.90]  right I can know all the rules
+[569.90 --> 571.84]  I can trust the authority
+[571.84 --> 574.60]  and the expertise of those who make the rules
+[574.60 --> 576.82]  and I can know that right now
+[576.82 --> 578.46]  this is exactly what it means
+[578.46 --> 579.44]  to love our neighbors
+[579.44 --> 580.96]  as Jesus has commanded us to
+[580.96 --> 582.70]  I can know all these things
+[582.70 --> 585.72]  and still need more in my heart
+[585.72 --> 587.38]  I need hope
+[587.38 --> 590.20]  we all need hope
+[590.20 --> 592.78]  that's why I like Advent
+[592.78 --> 596.46]  darkness and light
+[596.46 --> 598.72]  chaos and hope
+[598.72 --> 600.68]  need and fulfillment
+[600.68 --> 601.88]  Advent you see
+[601.88 --> 604.10]  isn't too much of an experience
+[604.10 --> 606.46]  of the tension between the polarities
+[606.46 --> 609.46]  as it is knowing that we walk through
+[609.46 --> 611.72]  the valley of the shadow of death
+[611.72 --> 613.02]  it's about knowing that
+[613.02 --> 615.40]  following the dark night of the soul
+[615.40 --> 618.82]  is a morning where God's mercies are new
+[618.82 --> 621.76]  right here's the thing
+[621.76 --> 623.84]  that Advent helps us understand
+[623.84 --> 625.20]  about our humanity
+[625.20 --> 626.98]  about being human
+[626.98 --> 631.90]  what we believe about our future
+[631.90 --> 633.76]  completely controls
+[633.76 --> 636.74]  how we experience our present
+[636.74 --> 640.22]  that's our theme for this morning
+[640.22 --> 642.16]  what we believe about our future
+[642.16 --> 643.38]  completely controls
+[643.38 --> 645.98]  how we experience our present
+[645.98 --> 649.34]  now I read something this week
+[649.34 --> 650.90]  that said
+[650.90 --> 657.16]  we are irreducibly hope-based creatures
+[657.16 --> 659.64]  and I love that language
+[659.64 --> 660.06]  right
+[660.06 --> 664.66]  irreducibly hope-based creatures
+[664.66 --> 668.10]  and since we are hope-based creatures
+[668.10 --> 670.30]  we will always be putting our hope
+[670.30 --> 671.78]  into something
+[671.78 --> 672.84]  into someone
+[672.84 --> 674.78]  we need hope
+[674.78 --> 676.56]  we need a vision of the future
+[676.56 --> 679.06]  that compels us to action
+[679.06 --> 681.50]  that encourages us to endure
+[681.50 --> 682.68]  that carries us
+[682.68 --> 685.40]  when everything else is pushing us down
+[685.40 --> 688.12]  and that's what Isaiah 9
+[688.12 --> 690.06]  is for the people of Israel
+[690.06 --> 691.86]  that's why Isaiah 9
+[691.86 --> 693.18]  is so often picked up
+[693.18 --> 695.10]  in this season of Advent
+[695.10 --> 695.82]  right
+[695.82 --> 697.42]  the verses of Isaiah 9
+[697.42 --> 698.16]  that we read
+[698.16 --> 700.62]  give us a compelling picture
+[700.62 --> 702.50]  of a sustaining hope
+[702.50 --> 703.36]  for the future
+[703.36 --> 705.00]  in the face of trial
+[705.00 --> 708.08]  because of who Isaiah 9
+[708.08 --> 710.28]  is revealing to us
+[710.28 --> 711.52]  and to our hearts
+[711.52 --> 713.48]  look at it with me
+[713.48 --> 715.06]  verse 2 says
+[715.06 --> 717.30]  the people walking in darkness
+[717.30 --> 719.38]  have seen a great light
+[719.38 --> 720.92]  on those living in the land
+[720.92 --> 722.08]  of the shadow of death
+[722.08 --> 724.10]  a light has dawned
+[724.10 --> 727.42]  Isaiah is a prophet
+[727.42 --> 729.66]  in the court of the king
+[729.66 --> 730.60]  in Judah
+[730.60 --> 732.30]  the southern kingdom of Israel
+[732.30 --> 733.58]  after the division
+[733.58 --> 734.80]  in the court of Ahaz
+[734.80 --> 735.66]  and then after him
+[735.66 --> 737.00]  in the court of Hezekiah
+[737.00 --> 740.00]  now at this time
+[740.00 --> 741.86]  the northern kingdom of Israel
+[741.86 --> 744.08]  is facing Assyrian invaders
+[744.08 --> 745.74]  that will eventually destroy
+[745.74 --> 746.66]  that kingdom
+[746.66 --> 747.76]  and that northern
+[747.76 --> 749.28]  those Assyrian invaders
+[749.28 --> 750.60]  are pressing down
+[750.60 --> 751.34]  towards Judah
+[751.34 --> 752.28]  and they are threatening
+[752.28 --> 753.90]  the existence of this kingdom
+[753.90 --> 755.50]  in the south as well
+[755.50 --> 758.02]  now Ahaz is considered
+[758.02 --> 760.50]  in biblical canon
+[760.50 --> 762.08]  to be a wicked king
+[762.08 --> 763.82]  and Hezekiah after him
+[763.82 --> 764.88]  is often considered
+[764.88 --> 765.92]  to be a good king
+[765.92 --> 767.02]  although near the end
+[767.02 --> 768.02]  of Hezekiah's reign
+[768.02 --> 768.66]  you can see
+[768.66 --> 770.88]  a little bit of his selfishness
+[770.88 --> 771.92]  creeping through
+[771.92 --> 773.40]  point is
+[773.40 --> 774.48]  during this time
+[774.48 --> 776.20]  as Isaiah is speaking
+[776.20 --> 777.18]  this prophecy
+[777.18 --> 779.04]  corruption is prevalent
+[779.04 --> 781.50]  destruction is on the horizon
+[781.50 --> 783.24]  and Isaiah adds to that
+[783.24 --> 784.16]  by prophesying
+[784.16 --> 785.56]  about a coming exile
+[785.56 --> 786.60]  that would happen
+[786.60 --> 787.60]  a century later
+[787.60 --> 789.26]  now Isaiah
+[789.26 --> 791.26]  in his whole book
+[791.26 --> 792.42]  addresses some pretty
+[792.42 --> 793.62]  important questions
+[793.62 --> 795.34]  right he asks
+[795.34 --> 796.16]  if God
+[796.16 --> 797.40]  is truly sovereign
+[797.40 --> 798.18]  in history
+[798.18 --> 800.04]  how do we believe that
+[800.04 --> 800.56]  or know that
+[800.56 --> 801.70]  when godless nations
+[801.70 --> 802.42]  are stronger
+[802.42 --> 803.36]  than God's nation
+[803.36 --> 805.10]  or what role
+[805.10 --> 805.84]  do God's people
+[805.84 --> 806.36]  have to play
+[806.36 --> 806.92]  in the world
+[806.92 --> 808.30]  right is judgment
+[808.30 --> 808.88]  from God
+[808.88 --> 809.86]  the same as rejection
+[809.86 --> 810.58]  from God
+[810.58 --> 811.98]  or another way
+[811.98 --> 813.02]  to put all of this
+[813.02 --> 813.76]  right Isaiah
+[813.76 --> 814.92]  is wrestling with the question
+[814.92 --> 816.26]  where is God
+[816.26 --> 817.60]  when bad things happen
+[817.60 --> 820.12]  and that's exactly
+[820.12 --> 821.10]  the kind of questions
+[821.10 --> 822.08]  that so many of us
+[822.08 --> 823.20]  are asking right now
+[823.20 --> 824.64]  right not just
+[824.64 --> 825.76]  with global pandemics
+[825.76 --> 826.80]  like we're in the midst of
+[826.80 --> 828.28]  but in really important
+[828.28 --> 829.34]  conversations about
+[829.34 --> 831.14]  race and justice
+[831.14 --> 831.98]  and poverty
+[831.98 --> 832.72]  and hunger
+[832.72 --> 834.06]  and access to health care
+[834.06 --> 834.92]  or clean water
+[834.92 --> 836.40]  right where is God
+[836.40 --> 837.48]  when it's darkest
+[837.48 --> 840.44]  Isaiah 9
+[840.44 --> 842.26]  comes with a particular
+[842.26 --> 842.96]  answer
+[842.96 --> 845.82]  John Calvin
+[845.82 --> 848.02]  16th century
+[848.02 --> 849.20]  church reformer
+[849.20 --> 850.60]  he summarizes
+[850.60 --> 851.42]  verse 2
+[851.42 --> 852.36]  by saying
+[852.36 --> 854.28]  even in
+[854.28 --> 855.36]  darkness
+[855.36 --> 857.44]  in death itself
+[857.44 --> 858.64]  there is nevertheless
+[858.64 --> 860.66]  good ground of hope
+[860.66 --> 861.70]  for the power
+[861.70 --> 862.32]  of God
+[862.32 --> 863.08]  is more
+[863.08 --> 864.48]  than sufficient
+[864.48 --> 866.46]  the power of God
+[866.46 --> 867.84]  is more than sufficient
+[867.84 --> 870.40]  that's why we can have hope
+[870.40 --> 871.70]  and that's what makes
+[871.70 --> 872.66]  you and me
+[872.66 --> 873.22]  different
+[873.22 --> 874.06]  from people
+[874.06 --> 875.14]  who don't know
+[875.14 --> 876.64]  God in Jesus
+[876.64 --> 877.34]  that's what makes
+[877.34 --> 878.38]  our hope
+[878.38 --> 878.98]  different
+[878.98 --> 879.54]  because you see
+[879.54 --> 880.46]  our hope
+[880.46 --> 881.88]  isn't in a vaccine
+[881.88 --> 883.00]  though that will be
+[883.00 --> 883.84]  a good thing
+[883.84 --> 884.80]  and something to
+[884.80 --> 885.76]  long for
+[885.76 --> 886.56]  our hope
+[886.56 --> 887.58]  isn't in a doctor
+[887.58 --> 888.74]  or a health care
+[888.74 --> 889.96]  or pharma care
+[889.96 --> 890.88]  though those are all
+[890.88 --> 891.94]  good gifts from God
+[891.94 --> 892.62]  and invaluable
+[892.62 --> 893.66]  in times of need
+[893.66 --> 894.54]  our hope
+[894.54 --> 895.72]  isn't in prime ministers
+[895.72 --> 896.58]  or premiers
+[896.58 --> 897.24]  or kings
+[897.24 --> 897.80]  or queens
+[897.80 --> 899.02]  or tech billionaires
+[899.02 --> 900.48]  bent on getting to Mars
+[900.48 --> 901.80]  though we want them
+[901.80 --> 902.36]  to succeed
+[902.36 --> 903.72]  and we will pray for them
+[903.72 --> 905.04]  and for their prosperity
+[905.04 --> 905.82]  and the prosperity
+[905.82 --> 906.52]  of our cities
+[906.52 --> 907.60]  and our countries
+[907.60 --> 909.08]  but our hope
+[909.08 --> 909.92]  is something else
+[909.92 --> 911.26]  and if you're with me
+[911.26 --> 911.98]  in this
+[911.98 --> 912.58]  and you're tracking
+[912.58 --> 913.34]  this morning
+[913.34 --> 913.98]  your heart
+[913.98 --> 915.42]  is starting to tingle
+[915.42 --> 916.88]  because our hope
+[916.88 --> 918.74]  is in a sun
+[918.74 --> 921.34]  for to us
+[921.34 --> 922.60]  a child
+[922.60 --> 923.62]  is born
+[923.62 --> 925.76]  to us
+[925.76 --> 927.32]  a son
+[927.32 --> 928.66]  is given
+[928.66 --> 931.10]  don't miss it
+[931.10 --> 932.16]  don't let
+[932.16 --> 932.94]  the familiarity
+[932.94 --> 934.28]  of this text
+[934.28 --> 935.24]  and this sedum
+[935.24 --> 936.52]  breed boredom
+[936.52 --> 937.48]  a child
+[937.48 --> 938.16]  is born
+[938.16 --> 938.72]  a son
+[938.72 --> 939.56]  is given
+[939.56 --> 940.44]  and the son
+[940.44 --> 941.64]  that the son
+[941.64 --> 942.14]  is given
+[942.14 --> 943.10]  is one of the most
+[943.10 --> 944.50]  important articles
+[944.50 --> 945.72]  of the Christian faith
+[945.72 --> 946.56]  right
+[946.56 --> 947.14]  we know
+[947.14 --> 948.06]  that this child
+[948.06 --> 948.48]  born
+[948.48 --> 949.06]  this son
+[949.06 --> 949.38]  given
+[949.38 --> 950.38]  is Jesus
+[950.38 --> 951.14]  Jesus
+[951.14 --> 952.30]  who was born
+[952.30 --> 953.22]  to be our
+[953.22 --> 954.02]  substitute
+[954.02 --> 954.82]  in obedience
+[954.82 --> 956.16]  and a substitute
+[956.16 --> 956.72]  in bearing
+[956.72 --> 957.38]  the punishment
+[957.38 --> 958.36]  for our sin
+[958.36 --> 959.46]  that's what it means
+[959.46 --> 960.40]  that he is a son
+[960.40 --> 961.10]  given
+[961.10 --> 961.38]  right
+[961.38 --> 962.04]  he's given
+[962.04 --> 962.70]  for you
+[962.70 --> 963.32]  he's given
+[963.32 --> 964.18]  to bear
+[964.18 --> 964.76]  your death
+[964.76 --> 965.30]  he's given
+[965.30 --> 966.24]  in order to give
+[966.24 --> 967.08]  you his
+[967.08 --> 968.00]  righteousness
+[968.00 --> 970.36]  he is our
+[970.36 --> 971.04]  substitute
+[971.04 --> 972.16]  who imputes
+[972.16 --> 973.10]  his perfect
+[973.10 --> 974.04]  obedience
+[974.04 --> 975.42]  he gives us
+[975.42 --> 976.60]  his righteousness
+[976.60 --> 977.58]  as we give
+[977.58 --> 978.42]  our sin
+[978.42 --> 978.92]  to him
+[978.92 --> 979.54]  our sin
+[979.54 --> 980.24]  is imputed
+[980.24 --> 981.18]  on him
+[981.18 --> 982.06]  he who knew
+[982.06 --> 982.60]  no sin
+[982.60 --> 983.48]  became sin
+[983.48 --> 984.06]  for us
+[984.06 --> 984.60]  that we
+[984.60 --> 985.46]  might become
+[985.46 --> 986.54]  the righteousness
+[986.54 --> 987.78]  of God
+[987.78 --> 989.50]  that's hope
+[989.50 --> 991.44]  that while we were
+[991.44 --> 992.16]  yet sinners
+[992.16 --> 993.36]  Christ came
+[993.36 --> 994.42]  and died for us
+[994.42 --> 995.42]  on the cross
+[995.42 --> 996.68]  that's hope
+[996.68 --> 998.06]  that I am not my own
+[998.06 --> 998.66]  but belong
+[998.66 --> 999.60]  body and soul
+[999.60 --> 1000.64]  in life and in death
+[1000.64 --> 1001.84]  to my faithful savior
+[1001.84 --> 1003.00]  Jesus Christ
+[1003.00 --> 1004.26]  that's hope
+[1004.26 --> 1004.86]  that Jesus
+[1004.86 --> 1005.84]  lived the life
+[1005.84 --> 1006.70]  I should have lived
+[1006.70 --> 1007.88]  and died the death
+[1007.88 --> 1008.90]  that I deserve
+[1008.90 --> 1009.88]  that's hope
+[1009.88 --> 1010.54]  that we have
+[1010.54 --> 1011.68]  a wonderful counselor
+[1011.68 --> 1012.80]  mighty God
+[1012.80 --> 1014.24]  everlasting father
+[1014.24 --> 1015.58]  and prince of peace
+[1015.58 --> 1019.04]  I've already quoted him
+[1019.04 --> 1019.40]  once
+[1019.40 --> 1020.68]  this morning
+[1020.68 --> 1021.56]  but you'll forgive me
+[1021.56 --> 1022.72]  because it's just so good
+[1022.72 --> 1023.50]  John Calvin
+[1023.50 --> 1025.04]  again on this point
+[1025.04 --> 1025.68]  he says
+[1025.68 --> 1026.70]  the son
+[1026.70 --> 1027.38]  the son is called
+[1027.38 --> 1028.46]  mighty God
+[1028.46 --> 1030.12]  because our true
+[1030.12 --> 1031.48]  contest is with
+[1031.48 --> 1032.10]  the devil
+[1032.10 --> 1032.92]  and death
+[1032.92 --> 1033.78]  and sin
+[1033.78 --> 1035.48]  enemies too powerful
+[1035.48 --> 1036.60]  and strong
+[1036.60 --> 1037.80]  by whom we would be
+[1037.80 --> 1039.34]  immediately vanquished
+[1039.34 --> 1040.92]  if the might of Christ
+[1040.92 --> 1041.92]  had not rendered
+[1041.92 --> 1042.78]  us
+[1042.78 --> 1044.16]  invincible
+[1044.16 --> 1046.98]  you are more
+[1046.98 --> 1048.06]  than conquerors
+[1048.06 --> 1049.82]  right for our struggle
+[1049.82 --> 1050.74]  is not against flesh
+[1050.74 --> 1051.26]  and blood
+[1051.26 --> 1052.62]  but against the rulers
+[1052.62 --> 1053.62]  and against the authorities
+[1053.62 --> 1055.26]  against the powers
+[1055.26 --> 1056.46]  of this dark world
+[1056.46 --> 1058.10]  and against the spiritual forces
+[1058.10 --> 1058.84]  of evil
+[1058.84 --> 1060.28]  in the heavenly realms
+[1060.28 --> 1061.76]  you are more
+[1061.76 --> 1062.80]  than conquerors
+[1062.80 --> 1064.92]  the life and death
+[1064.92 --> 1065.56]  of Jesus
+[1065.56 --> 1066.96]  his resurrection
+[1066.96 --> 1068.56]  over death
+[1068.56 --> 1069.48]  has secured
+[1069.48 --> 1071.42]  the victory of God
+[1071.42 --> 1072.50]  over sin
+[1072.50 --> 1073.18]  and death
+[1073.18 --> 1073.86]  and that same
+[1073.86 --> 1074.60]  life, death
+[1074.60 --> 1075.26]  and resurrection
+[1075.26 --> 1076.18]  of Jesus
+[1076.18 --> 1077.78]  secures in you
+[1077.78 --> 1078.74]  that victory
+[1078.74 --> 1080.84]  nothing can separate you
+[1080.84 --> 1081.94]  from the love of God
+[1081.94 --> 1082.86]  that is available
+[1082.86 --> 1084.38]  in Christ Jesus
+[1084.38 --> 1086.24]  that's our hope
+[1086.24 --> 1088.98]  and all this
+[1088.98 --> 1090.72]  from the words
+[1090.72 --> 1091.40]  to us
+[1091.40 --> 1092.34]  a son
+[1092.34 --> 1093.40]  is given
+[1093.40 --> 1095.38]  because you see
+[1095.38 --> 1095.82]  given
+[1095.82 --> 1097.32]  means gift
+[1097.32 --> 1099.26]  the gospel
+[1099.26 --> 1100.02]  is
+[1100.02 --> 1100.78]  Jesus
+[1100.78 --> 1101.68]  is your
+[1101.68 --> 1102.52]  gift
+[1102.52 --> 1103.08]  faith
+[1103.08 --> 1104.36]  is your gift
+[1104.36 --> 1105.68]  God's grace
+[1105.68 --> 1106.68]  is your
+[1106.68 --> 1107.44]  gift
+[1107.44 --> 1108.00]  and it is
+[1108.00 --> 1109.10]  freely given
+[1109.10 --> 1111.58]  Christian hope
+[1111.58 --> 1112.56]  doesn't belong
+[1112.56 --> 1113.98]  to good people
+[1113.98 --> 1115.76]  who have it all together
+[1115.76 --> 1117.18]  holy people
+[1117.18 --> 1117.78]  who are better
+[1117.78 --> 1118.56]  than our neighbors
+[1118.56 --> 1120.38]  Christian hope
+[1120.38 --> 1122.14]  belongs to broken people
+[1122.14 --> 1124.10]  people who need it
+[1124.10 --> 1126.10]  our hope is ours
+[1126.10 --> 1127.32]  because we know
+[1127.32 --> 1128.68]  that we aren't good enough
+[1128.68 --> 1129.92]  and that we need a savior
+[1129.92 --> 1133.42]  the son is a gift
+[1133.42 --> 1135.56]  because I don't deserve him
+[1135.56 --> 1137.30]  and yet he gave himself
+[1137.30 --> 1137.76]  for me
+[1137.76 --> 1139.96]  the truth
+[1139.96 --> 1141.02]  of God's promise
+[1141.02 --> 1142.10]  of redemption
+[1142.10 --> 1143.18]  is not just
+[1143.18 --> 1143.92]  in the realm
+[1143.92 --> 1144.54]  of ideas
+[1144.54 --> 1145.74]  and propositions
+[1145.74 --> 1146.56]  right
+[1146.56 --> 1147.06]  the truth
+[1147.06 --> 1147.88]  of God's promise
+[1147.88 --> 1148.36]  of redemption
+[1148.36 --> 1149.10]  ultimately
+[1149.10 --> 1150.42]  needs to be
+[1150.42 --> 1151.32]  incarnated
+[1151.32 --> 1152.66]  to us
+[1152.66 --> 1153.20]  a child
+[1153.20 --> 1153.94]  is born
+[1153.94 --> 1154.86]  to us
+[1154.86 --> 1155.34]  a son
+[1155.34 --> 1156.16]  is given
+[1156.16 --> 1156.38]  right
+[1156.38 --> 1157.62]  there is a straight line
+[1157.62 --> 1158.70]  between these words
+[1158.70 --> 1159.92]  here in Isaiah 9
+[1159.92 --> 1160.56]  and the words
+[1160.56 --> 1161.46]  of John 1
+[1161.46 --> 1162.32]  where we read
+[1162.32 --> 1163.52]  the word became flesh
+[1163.52 --> 1164.42]  and made his dwelling
+[1164.42 --> 1165.36]  among us
+[1165.36 --> 1166.88]  we have seen his glory
+[1166.88 --> 1167.94]  the glory of the one
+[1167.94 --> 1168.30]  and only
+[1168.30 --> 1169.62]  who came from the father
+[1169.62 --> 1170.90]  full of grace
+[1170.90 --> 1171.92]  and truth
+[1171.92 --> 1172.34]  right
+[1172.34 --> 1172.94]  our hope
+[1172.94 --> 1174.28]  isn't ether real
+[1174.28 --> 1175.58]  it isn't intangible
+[1175.58 --> 1176.20]  our hope
+[1176.20 --> 1177.16]  is a person
+[1177.16 --> 1177.96]  our hope
+[1177.96 --> 1179.32]  is enfleshed
+[1179.32 --> 1180.62]  you can touch him
+[1180.62 --> 1181.88]  you can see him
+[1181.88 --> 1183.22]  you can hold him
+[1183.22 --> 1186.98]  and if you are a Christian
+[1186.98 --> 1189.60]  hearing this message
+[1189.60 --> 1190.48]  this morning
+[1190.48 --> 1194.32]  you have that hope
+[1194.32 --> 1196.94]  and if you are a Christian
+[1196.94 --> 1197.76]  hearing this message
+[1197.76 --> 1198.22]  this morning
+[1198.22 --> 1202.78]  you are that hope
+[1202.78 --> 1206.62]  you are sent out
+[1206.62 --> 1208.32]  to incarnate
+[1208.32 --> 1209.32]  God's promise
+[1209.32 --> 1210.66]  of redemption
+[1210.66 --> 1211.98]  you incarnate
+[1211.98 --> 1212.72]  the hope
+[1212.72 --> 1213.34]  of Jesus
+[1213.34 --> 1214.14]  in a hopeless
+[1214.14 --> 1215.14]  age
+[1215.14 --> 1215.66]  right
+[1215.66 --> 1216.92]  it is our purpose
+[1216.92 --> 1218.10]  to be lights
+[1218.10 --> 1219.34]  in this present
+[1219.34 --> 1220.02]  darkness
+[1220.02 --> 1220.74]  to shine
+[1220.74 --> 1221.70]  like stars
+[1221.70 --> 1222.36]  in the universe
+[1222.36 --> 1223.48]  as we hold out
+[1223.48 --> 1224.66]  the word of life
+[1224.66 --> 1225.94]  you are hope
+[1225.94 --> 1226.78]  in the world
+[1226.78 --> 1228.08]  because through you
+[1228.08 --> 1228.70]  the world
+[1228.70 --> 1229.52]  sees
+[1229.52 --> 1230.66]  Jesus
+[1230.66 --> 1233.84]  that's who we are
+[1233.84 --> 1235.18]  that's what hope
+[1235.18 --> 1236.04]  does for us
+[1236.04 --> 1239.24]  now I'll
+[1239.24 --> 1240.88]  end it here
+[1240.88 --> 1242.40]  with this last thing
+[1242.40 --> 1245.02]  careful listeners
+[1245.02 --> 1246.04]  this morning
+[1246.04 --> 1247.64]  will have noticed
+[1247.64 --> 1248.22]  by now
+[1248.22 --> 1249.24]  that not once
+[1249.24 --> 1250.50]  have I said
+[1250.50 --> 1251.32]  that our hope
+[1251.32 --> 1252.16]  as Christians
+[1252.16 --> 1253.50]  is in leaving
+[1253.50 --> 1255.34]  this world behind
+[1255.34 --> 1257.34]  or flying away
+[1257.34 --> 1257.80]  to heaven
+[1257.80 --> 1259.20]  like the old song
+[1259.20 --> 1259.60]  says
+[1259.60 --> 1260.36]  right
+[1260.36 --> 1261.26]  it would be really easy
+[1261.26 --> 1261.64]  to say
+[1261.64 --> 1262.18]  that our hope
+[1262.18 --> 1263.14]  is in ignoring
+[1263.14 --> 1263.72]  this world
+[1263.72 --> 1264.66]  and in this life
+[1264.66 --> 1266.36]  because there's
+[1266.36 --> 1266.68]  something
+[1266.68 --> 1268.18]  like heaven
+[1268.18 --> 1269.08]  afterwards
+[1269.08 --> 1269.82]  the problem
+[1269.82 --> 1270.70]  with thinking
+[1270.70 --> 1271.28]  like that
+[1271.28 --> 1272.18]  is that God
+[1272.18 --> 1272.86]  doesn't think
+[1272.86 --> 1273.38]  like that
+[1273.38 --> 1274.28]  God doesn't
+[1274.28 --> 1275.32]  ignore this world
+[1275.32 --> 1276.20]  or this life
+[1276.20 --> 1276.96]  and so neither
+[1276.96 --> 1277.48]  can we
+[1277.48 --> 1278.22]  right
+[1278.22 --> 1278.74]  our hope
+[1278.74 --> 1279.78]  is so much
+[1279.78 --> 1280.26]  bigger
+[1280.26 --> 1281.42]  so much more
+[1281.42 --> 1282.40]  than heaven
+[1282.40 --> 1283.54]  after you die
+[1283.54 --> 1284.00]  now
+[1284.00 --> 1285.74]  don't hear
+[1285.74 --> 1286.38]  what I'm not saying
+[1286.38 --> 1288.56]  let me be really
+[1288.56 --> 1289.06]  clear
+[1289.06 --> 1290.54]  and let me slow
+[1290.54 --> 1291.28]  right down
+[1291.28 --> 1292.04]  so that we all
+[1292.04 --> 1293.04]  get it
+[1293.04 --> 1294.46]  Christians
+[1294.46 --> 1295.38]  who die
+[1295.38 --> 1297.22]  go to heaven
+[1297.22 --> 1297.86]  to be
+[1297.86 --> 1299.08]  with Jesus
+[1299.08 --> 1299.76]  amen
+[1299.76 --> 1300.84]  and amen
+[1300.84 --> 1301.12]  right
+[1301.12 --> 1302.16]  Jesus confirms
+[1302.16 --> 1303.10]  that when he says
+[1303.10 --> 1303.60]  to the thief
+[1303.60 --> 1304.24]  on the cross
+[1304.24 --> 1305.68]  today you will be
+[1305.68 --> 1306.16]  with me
+[1306.16 --> 1307.04]  in paradise
+[1307.04 --> 1307.66]  Paul
+[1307.66 --> 1308.70]  the apostle Paul
+[1308.70 --> 1309.52]  affirms that
+[1309.52 --> 1310.04]  when he says
+[1310.04 --> 1310.58]  to die
+[1310.58 --> 1311.24]  is gain
+[1311.24 --> 1311.92]  to depart
+[1311.92 --> 1312.72]  and be
+[1312.72 --> 1314.08]  with Christ
+[1314.08 --> 1314.94]  and I cling
+[1314.94 --> 1315.70]  to that truth
+[1315.70 --> 1316.30]  of the gospel
+[1316.30 --> 1316.88]  for life
+[1316.88 --> 1317.62]  and I cling
+[1317.62 --> 1318.42]  to that truth
+[1318.42 --> 1319.06]  of the gospel
+[1319.06 --> 1319.88]  in the face
+[1319.88 --> 1320.48]  of death
+[1320.48 --> 1321.36]  but that
+[1321.36 --> 1322.06]  hope
+[1322.06 --> 1323.32]  is only true
+[1323.32 --> 1324.86]  because of a greater hope
+[1324.86 --> 1327.08]  that isn't just heaven
+[1327.08 --> 1328.18]  but is a person
+[1328.18 --> 1329.48]  a hope
+[1329.48 --> 1330.34]  who is a person
+[1330.34 --> 1331.56]  who is a king
+[1331.56 --> 1332.96]  a king of whom
+[1332.96 --> 1333.72]  the increase
+[1333.72 --> 1334.50]  of his government
+[1334.50 --> 1335.30]  and peace
+[1335.30 --> 1336.62]  there will be no end
+[1336.62 --> 1337.38]  he will reign
+[1337.38 --> 1338.62]  on David's throne
+[1338.62 --> 1339.86]  and over his kingdom
+[1339.86 --> 1340.54]  establishing
+[1340.54 --> 1341.84]  and upholding it
+[1341.84 --> 1342.44]  with justice
+[1342.44 --> 1343.14]  and righteousness
+[1343.14 --> 1344.52]  from that time on
+[1344.52 --> 1345.72]  and forever
+[1345.72 --> 1346.96]  our hope
+[1346.96 --> 1347.92]  is a king
+[1347.92 --> 1349.52]  and his kingdom
+[1349.52 --> 1351.90]  look
+[1351.90 --> 1353.78]  check this out
+[1353.78 --> 1355.24]  in the gospel
+[1355.24 --> 1355.76]  of Mark
+[1355.76 --> 1358.30]  Jesus' first words
+[1358.30 --> 1359.42]  to the people
+[1359.42 --> 1360.06]  when he begins
+[1360.06 --> 1361.10]  his preaching ministry
+[1361.10 --> 1362.10]  is
+[1362.10 --> 1363.92]  the time has come
+[1363.92 --> 1365.06]  the kingdom
+[1365.06 --> 1366.04]  of God
+[1366.04 --> 1367.00]  has come
+[1367.00 --> 1367.64]  near
+[1367.64 --> 1369.36]  right
+[1369.36 --> 1370.30]  you hear it
+[1370.30 --> 1370.74]  right
+[1370.74 --> 1372.06]  Jesus has come
+[1372.06 --> 1373.30]  and so the kingdom
+[1373.30 --> 1374.74]  has come
+[1374.74 --> 1375.70]  and yet
+[1375.70 --> 1377.74]  and I love this
+[1377.74 --> 1378.06]  right
+[1378.06 --> 1379.06]  track with me
+[1379.06 --> 1379.88]  Jesus
+[1379.88 --> 1380.94]  when he teaches
+[1380.94 --> 1381.68]  his disciples
+[1381.68 --> 1382.36]  to pray
+[1382.36 --> 1383.64]  what does he teach them
+[1383.64 --> 1384.44]  right
+[1384.44 --> 1385.14]  he says to pray
+[1385.14 --> 1385.88]  like this
+[1385.88 --> 1387.48]  our father in heaven
+[1387.48 --> 1388.74]  hallowed be
+[1388.74 --> 1390.06]  your name
+[1390.06 --> 1391.62]  your
+[1391.62 --> 1392.84]  kingdom
+[1392.84 --> 1394.02]  come
+[1394.02 --> 1396.04]  and so what is it
+[1396.04 --> 1398.42]  has it already come
+[1398.42 --> 1399.92]  or do we need to pray
+[1399.92 --> 1400.66]  for its coming
+[1400.66 --> 1402.42]  what's the answer
+[1402.42 --> 1404.36]  it's both
+[1404.36 --> 1406.04]  it is both
+[1406.04 --> 1406.70]  it is
+[1406.70 --> 1407.78]  our hope
+[1407.78 --> 1408.12]  hope in
+[1408.12 --> 1409.10]  a person
+[1409.10 --> 1410.06]  and in
+[1410.06 --> 1410.56]  a king
+[1410.56 --> 1411.18]  whose kingdom
+[1411.18 --> 1412.02]  has come
+[1412.02 --> 1413.14]  and is
+[1413.14 --> 1413.90]  coming
+[1413.90 --> 1414.84]  right
+[1414.84 --> 1415.54]  and in these
+[1415.54 --> 1417.00]  in between times
+[1417.00 --> 1417.94]  that we know
+[1417.94 --> 1418.54]  that the devil
+[1418.54 --> 1419.34]  has been defeated
+[1419.34 --> 1420.08]  that sin
+[1420.08 --> 1420.58]  and death
+[1420.58 --> 1421.36]  have been overcome
+[1421.36 --> 1422.64]  but we are waiting
+[1422.64 --> 1423.20]  for them
+[1423.20 --> 1424.24]  to be destroyed
+[1424.24 --> 1424.88]  when the kingdom
+[1424.88 --> 1426.04]  comes in its fullness
+[1426.04 --> 1427.98]  this is advent
+[1427.98 --> 1430.50]  this is our expectation
+[1430.50 --> 1432.32]  and we also know
+[1432.32 --> 1434.00]  that the death throes
+[1434.00 --> 1435.08]  of a trapped animal
+[1435.08 --> 1436.72]  are the most dangerous
+[1436.72 --> 1439.16]  that's the time
+[1439.16 --> 1439.82]  we live in
+[1439.82 --> 1442.40]  now is exactly
+[1442.40 --> 1443.12]  the time
+[1443.12 --> 1444.56]  to be captivated
+[1444.56 --> 1445.44]  by the hope
+[1445.44 --> 1446.38]  of the gospel
+[1446.38 --> 1447.70]  now is exactly
+[1447.70 --> 1448.28]  the time
+[1448.28 --> 1449.32]  to open the eyes
+[1449.32 --> 1449.84]  of our heart
+[1449.84 --> 1450.48]  to the kingdom
+[1450.48 --> 1451.54]  come and the kingdom
+[1451.54 --> 1452.04]  coming
+[1452.04 --> 1454.50]  the apostle Peter
+[1454.50 --> 1456.10]  writes to a group
+[1456.10 --> 1456.58]  of Christians
+[1456.58 --> 1457.26]  who are facing
+[1457.26 --> 1458.64]  trial and hardship
+[1458.64 --> 1459.42]  for their faith
+[1459.42 --> 1460.84]  and he reminds them
+[1460.84 --> 1463.06]  you have been born again
+[1463.06 --> 1465.18]  to a living hope
+[1465.18 --> 1466.64]  through the resurrection
+[1466.64 --> 1467.74]  of Jesus
+[1467.74 --> 1468.86]  from the dead
+[1468.86 --> 1471.16]  your hope
+[1471.16 --> 1472.04]  is fixed
+[1472.04 --> 1473.18]  and sure
+[1473.18 --> 1474.26]  because it is
+[1474.26 --> 1475.12]  in a person
+[1475.12 --> 1476.00]  a man
+[1476.00 --> 1477.10]  named Jesus
+[1477.10 --> 1478.96]  who is God
+[1478.96 --> 1480.18]  your hope
+[1480.18 --> 1480.82]  is guaranteed
+[1480.82 --> 1481.78]  because the kingdom
+[1481.78 --> 1482.64]  has come
+[1482.64 --> 1484.38]  and is coming
+[1484.38 --> 1487.18]  Jesus will make
+[1487.18 --> 1488.16]  all things
+[1488.16 --> 1488.92]  new
+[1488.92 --> 1491.02]  that is
+[1491.02 --> 1491.66]  hope's
+[1491.66 --> 1492.36]  promise
+[1492.36 --> 1494.12]  and with God
+[1494.12 --> 1495.84]  it's a sure thing
+[1495.84 --> 1498.18]  this Advent
+[1498.18 --> 1499.18]  perhaps more than
+[1499.18 --> 1500.24]  any other Advent
+[1500.24 --> 1501.30]  in recent history
+[1501.30 --> 1502.64]  we all need hope
+[1502.64 --> 1504.12]  and you have
+[1504.12 --> 1505.74]  a living hope
+[1505.74 --> 1506.84]  and so go
+[1506.84 --> 1507.62]  and be
+[1507.62 --> 1509.08]  a living hope
+[1509.08 --> 1510.62]  fill your language
+[1510.62 --> 1511.88]  and conversations
+[1511.88 --> 1512.64]  with hope
+[1512.64 --> 1513.72]  not complaining
+[1513.72 --> 1514.46]  right
+[1514.46 --> 1515.46]  live with hope
+[1515.46 --> 1516.38]  work with hope
+[1516.38 --> 1518.00]  play with hope
+[1518.00 --> 1519.12]  that this current
+[1519.12 --> 1519.68]  reality
+[1519.68 --> 1520.52]  isn't the end
+[1520.52 --> 1521.16]  of the story
+[1521.16 --> 1523.20]  we are
+[1523.20 --> 1524.42]  irreducibly
+[1524.42 --> 1524.92]  hope
+[1524.92 --> 1525.86]  based
+[1525.86 --> 1527.04]  creatures
+[1527.04 --> 1528.40]  and what we believe
+[1528.40 --> 1529.02]  about the future
+[1529.02 --> 1530.38]  directly controls
+[1530.38 --> 1532.02]  how we experience
+[1532.02 --> 1532.58]  the present
+[1532.58 --> 1534.16]  I for one
+[1534.16 --> 1535.82]  will have
+[1535.82 --> 1536.34]  hope
+[1536.34 --> 1538.06]  I for one
+[1538.06 --> 1539.00]  will not be
+[1539.00 --> 1539.76]  afraid
+[1539.76 --> 1541.98]  will you join me
+[1541.98 --> 1543.84]  amen
+[1543.84 --> 1545.54]  let's pray together
+[1545.54 --> 1551.32]  Lord Jesus
+[1551.32 --> 1552.88]  fill us
+[1552.88 --> 1553.48]  with
+[1553.48 --> 1554.46]  your
+[1554.46 --> 1555.56]  hope
+[1555.56 --> 1557.44]  captivate
+[1557.44 --> 1558.20]  our hearts
+[1558.20 --> 1559.06]  affections
+[1559.06 --> 1559.70]  this morning
+[1559.70 --> 1560.86]  with who you
+[1560.86 --> 1561.38]  are
+[1561.38 --> 1563.40]  allow us
+[1563.40 --> 1563.98]  to see
+[1563.98 --> 1564.74]  your face
+[1564.74 --> 1565.46]  to hear
+[1565.46 --> 1566.22]  your voice
+[1566.22 --> 1566.96]  in your word
+[1566.96 --> 1567.94]  allow us
+[1567.94 --> 1569.54]  to be open
+[1569.54 --> 1570.64]  to your spirits
+[1570.64 --> 1571.18]  leading
+[1571.18 --> 1571.88]  and guiding
+[1571.88 --> 1572.62]  and directing
+[1572.62 --> 1573.66]  that we may
+[1573.66 --> 1574.78]  reveal you
+[1574.78 --> 1576.04]  to the world
+[1576.04 --> 1579.18]  fill us
+[1579.18 --> 1581.28]  with hope
+[1581.28 --> 1582.54]  I pray
+[1582.54 --> 1585.62]  that we might
+[1585.62 --> 1586.38]  be a people
+[1586.38 --> 1587.80]  filled
+[1587.80 --> 1589.02]  with contagious
+[1589.02 --> 1590.46]  hope
+[1590.46 --> 1591.76]  and love
+[1591.76 --> 1593.38]  that whoever
+[1593.38 --> 1594.26]  sees us
+[1594.26 --> 1595.48]  sees you
+[1595.48 --> 1597.68]  that as we go
+[1597.68 --> 1598.32]  into work
+[1598.32 --> 1599.04]  or school
+[1599.04 --> 1599.78]  or play
+[1599.78 --> 1600.88]  or whatever it is
+[1600.88 --> 1601.44]  that we do
+[1601.44 --> 1602.12]  in these next
+[1602.12 --> 1602.48]  days
+[1602.48 --> 1604.42]  may it be
+[1604.42 --> 1605.30]  that someone
+[1605.30 --> 1606.30]  somewhere
+[1606.30 --> 1607.70]  wonders
+[1607.70 --> 1610.74]  and awes
+[1610.74 --> 1612.74]  because you
+[1612.74 --> 1613.88]  are
+[1613.88 --> 1615.16]  with us
+[1615.16 --> 1618.20]  to us
+[1618.20 --> 1619.68]  a child
+[1619.68 --> 1621.28]  is born
+[1621.28 --> 1622.84]  to us
+[1622.84 --> 1624.06]  a son
+[1624.06 --> 1625.24]  is given
+[1625.24 --> 1626.66]  amen

I Will Wait (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,989 @@
+[0.00 --> 11.30]  there thanks Kevin for leading us in that prayer as Kevin said we're going to open
+[11.30 --> 17.16]  God's word together and I think the text that I'm going to read is on the screen as we go through
+[17.16 --> 23.38]  it but I do really want to encourage everyone especially if you're at home to do two things
+[23.38 --> 30.72]  one grab a bible and read along that way and keep that bible with you and open and two if you're
+[30.72 --> 36.48]  feeling particularly adventurous in your engagement of worship this morning grab a journal or a notebook
+[36.48 --> 43.04]  to write down some notes or some questions or reflections that you have as we go through and
+[43.04 --> 47.90]  think about how you can take those and talk about them in your household afterwards or maybe you can
+[47.90 --> 53.96]  email me or call me this week and we can have a discussion about all of that but a bible and a
+[53.96 --> 60.24]  notebook I think are great ways to just intentionally engage in this time of worship in God's word
+[60.24 --> 69.14]  together we're going to read from Isaiah 9 I'm going to read verse 2 through verse 7 these are really
+[69.14 --> 76.06]  familiar verses for many of us regularly read in the season of advent but we want to try to come at them
+[76.06 --> 82.46]  this morning with fresh eyes and a fresh heart to see what God might say let me read this with you
+[82.46 --> 92.52]  people walking in darkness have seen a great light on those living in the land of the shadow of death
+[92.52 --> 101.24]  a light has dawned you have enlarged the nation and increased their joy they rejoice before you as
+[101.24 --> 108.18]  people rejoice at the harvest as men rejoice when dividing the plunder for as in the day of Midian's
+[108.18 --> 113.72]  defeat you have shattered the yoke that burdens them the bar across their shoulders the rod of their
+[113.72 --> 119.24]  oppressor every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for
+[119.24 --> 129.66]  burning will be fuel for the fire for to us a child is born to us a son is given and the government
+[129.66 --> 136.36]  will be on his shoulders and he will be called wonderful counselor mighty God everlasting father
+[136.36 --> 144.30]  and prince of peace of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end he will reign on
+[144.30 --> 150.72]  David's throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteous from that
+[150.72 --> 159.68]  time on and forever the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this this is the word of the Lord
+[159.68 --> 173.14]  now two weeks ago I was driving across this vast country with my family now you may not know my family
+[173.14 --> 182.56]  yet but let me tell you my kids don't do long distance traveling well so you can imagine what we were
+[182.56 --> 189.84]  feeling as parents before we began that trip together all right I got a five-year-old and a seven-year-old
+[189.84 --> 197.84]  trapped in the van for what ended up being 62 hours and 4,875 kilometers
+[197.84 --> 206.20]  at best we might feel like Harry Potter trapped under the stairs of the Dursley house at 4 Privet Drive
+[206.20 --> 213.46]  at worst we might end up feeling like characters in a Saw movie trying to figure out the only way to survive
+[213.46 --> 227.20]  add to it all while we were driving we learned that Manitoba was closed to visitors
+[227.20 --> 229.70]  and so we had to drive straight through
+[229.70 --> 236.82]  while we were driving we learned the day before that we were scheduled to drive through western
+[236.82 --> 242.48]  Saskatchewan and into southeastern Alberta that they got hit with a 50 centimeter dumping of snow
+[242.48 --> 249.68]  we got to Moose Jaw it was minus 22 degrees celsius
+[249.68 --> 254.52]  we woke up in Medicine Hat it was minus 20 degrees
+[254.52 --> 259.58]  if you don't know me I'm not built for cold
+[259.58 --> 265.90]  I will take the west coast rain any day over the cold
+[265.90 --> 274.62]  and with all of that and with kids who don't drive well unless you throw snacks or an iPad at them
+[274.62 --> 277.68]  how were we gonna survive
+[277.68 --> 282.04]  by the grace of God absolutely amen we counted on that
+[282.04 --> 285.06]  but also by looking ahead
+[285.06 --> 288.38]  right to get across Manitoba
+[288.38 --> 292.48]  we cast a vision for what we would be able to do when we reached Regina
+[292.48 --> 297.12]  right to to get through the prairies and the cold of Alberta
+[297.12 --> 300.36]  we cast a vision for the Royal Tyrell Museum
+[300.36 --> 302.54]  and we called it Dinosaur Day
+[302.54 --> 305.42]  we talked about it with our kids on Dinosaur Day
+[305.42 --> 307.58]  we're gonna see this and we're gonna do this
+[307.58 --> 312.38]  point is we held out a vision for something new and awesome
+[312.38 --> 314.48]  that we could all put our hope in
+[314.48 --> 317.36]  right when the days got long and our bums got sore
+[317.36 --> 319.58]  we looked to a vision of the future
+[319.58 --> 324.88]  when tempers got short and the ability to share became in short supply
+[324.88 --> 327.96]  we held out hope of what was coming
+[327.96 --> 330.22]  right just down the road
+[330.22 --> 331.76]  just around the corner
+[331.76 --> 333.22]  just in the next city
+[333.22 --> 334.74]  and eventually we got to say
+[334.74 --> 337.02]  and look there are the mountains
+[337.02 --> 340.62]  hope for what is coming
+[340.62 --> 343.38]  after the trial
+[343.38 --> 346.20]  makes the trial endurable
+[346.20 --> 349.84]  and that's true in the little things
+[349.84 --> 351.90]  that's true in the middle things
+[351.90 --> 354.56]  and that's true in the biggest things of life
+[354.56 --> 359.92]  now I may not know you yet the way that I want to
+[359.92 --> 362.68]  but I am sure of this
+[362.68 --> 365.42]  we all need a little hope right now
+[365.42 --> 368.24]  let's be real
+[368.24 --> 369.70]  this sucks
+[369.70 --> 373.34]  this isn't how I wanted to start with you
+[373.34 --> 376.42]  this isn't what worship is supposed to look like
+[376.42 --> 377.92]  this isn't what worship is supposed to be
+[377.92 --> 379.18]  now don't get me wrong right
+[379.18 --> 380.34]  we make it work
+[380.34 --> 381.28]  and for some of us even
+[381.28 --> 382.86]  this actually works pretty good
+[382.86 --> 386.10]  right I'm sure there are some of us who like this format
+[386.10 --> 388.90]  I once had a church member say to me
+[388.90 --> 392.40]  I can come to church and hear 50% of what's said
+[392.40 --> 394.40]  or I can stay home and hear it all
+[394.40 --> 396.70]  right this person had hearing difficulties
+[396.70 --> 399.18]  in large groups and in large spaces
+[399.18 --> 401.18]  and so being able to sit in their living room
+[401.18 --> 403.38]  with their TV and everything connected
+[403.38 --> 406.68]  and their hearing aids tuned in to what was going on
+[406.68 --> 408.18]  worked really well for them
+[408.18 --> 411.50]  right and we do our best as leaders
+[411.50 --> 415.30]  to provide a meaningful encounter with God in worship
+[415.30 --> 417.38]  but it's hard when we can't see you
+[417.38 --> 419.70]  right it's hard for you
+[419.70 --> 421.32]  when you're sitting in the same space
+[421.32 --> 423.06]  that you watch football or hockey
+[423.06 --> 424.22]  or The Bachelor in
+[424.22 --> 427.86]  right it's easy to become a passive consumer
+[427.86 --> 430.14]  of a church product when your engagement
+[430.14 --> 431.80]  is through a remote and a screen
+[431.80 --> 434.32]  and we want more than that for you
+[434.32 --> 436.82]  we want more than that for our lives of faith
+[436.82 --> 443.68]  and so really in the the providence of God's hand at work
+[443.68 --> 449.18]  Advent is exactly the time and the season that we need right now
+[449.18 --> 453.46]  Advent is waiting based on hope
+[453.46 --> 457.52]  Advent is expectation of something more
+[457.52 --> 460.04]  when the days get short and the nights get dark
+[460.04 --> 464.18]  Advent is a longing in the human heart to belong
+[464.18 --> 467.04]  Advent is for new beginnings and a new hope
+[467.04 --> 469.66]  Advent is for giving voice to the loneliness
+[469.66 --> 471.50]  that we all feel right now
+[471.50 --> 473.34]  and the longing for something more
+[473.34 --> 474.04]  something greater
+[474.04 --> 474.98]  something truer
+[474.98 --> 476.94]  something deeper and more beautiful
+[476.94 --> 479.54]  than whatever our current reality is
+[479.54 --> 484.02]  because for some of us this current reality sucks
+[484.02 --> 486.82]  and there's no other way to put it
+[486.82 --> 489.28]  or maybe you're in a hospital
+[489.28 --> 491.06]  or you're in a care home
+[491.06 --> 493.40]  and you can't have visitors like you want
+[493.40 --> 495.78]  maybe you're the one who wants to visit
+[495.78 --> 498.66]  and you can't do that like you need to
+[498.66 --> 501.88]  maybe you have other health issues
+[501.88 --> 503.94]  and sure at least you are at home
+[503.94 --> 506.06]  but people can't come and visit anymore
+[506.06 --> 507.18]  and that sucks
+[507.18 --> 510.12]  maybe you're a single parent
+[510.12 --> 512.10]  who counted on community groups
+[512.10 --> 512.88]  and church groups
+[512.88 --> 514.90]  for that important connection
+[514.90 --> 516.92]  and that important experience of community
+[516.92 --> 517.70]  and now that's gone
+[517.70 --> 522.06]  maybe it's as simple as a hug
+[522.06 --> 524.86]  some of us just need a hug
+[524.86 --> 527.62]  but we're told that we shouldn't do that right now
+[527.62 --> 530.36]  and I love to cook
+[530.36 --> 534.16]  and I love sharing that love with others
+[534.16 --> 536.30]  I love hosting dinners and parties
+[536.30 --> 538.52]  and we shouldn't do that right now
+[538.52 --> 540.94]  and look let me be really clear okay
+[540.94 --> 543.20]  I'm not speaking against the restrictions
+[543.20 --> 546.08]  I understand the desire of the medical professionals
+[546.08 --> 546.94]  and of the government
+[546.94 --> 547.86]  I get it
+[547.86 --> 550.66]  and I will submit to the ruling authority
+[550.66 --> 552.06]  as the Bible commands me
+[552.06 --> 553.46]  I will honor the king
+[553.46 --> 554.44]  or the prime minister
+[554.44 --> 555.58]  or the top doctors
+[555.58 --> 559.02]  and I know that if we do this well right now
+[559.02 --> 561.22]  it will be better and shorter for everyone
+[561.22 --> 563.96]  but that doesn't make me like it
+[563.96 --> 566.36]  it doesn't make this any easier
+[566.36 --> 569.90]  right I can know all the rules
+[569.90 --> 571.84]  I can trust the authority
+[571.84 --> 574.60]  and the expertise of those who make the rules
+[574.60 --> 576.82]  and I can know that right now
+[576.82 --> 578.46]  this is exactly what it means
+[578.46 --> 579.44]  to love our neighbors
+[579.44 --> 580.96]  as Jesus has commanded us to
+[580.96 --> 582.70]  I can know all these things
+[582.70 --> 585.72]  and still need more in my heart
+[585.72 --> 587.38]  I need hope
+[587.38 --> 590.20]  we all need hope
+[590.20 --> 592.78]  that's why I like Advent
+[592.78 --> 596.46]  darkness and light
+[596.46 --> 598.72]  chaos and hope
+[598.72 --> 600.68]  need and fulfillment
+[600.68 --> 601.88]  Advent you see
+[601.88 --> 604.10]  isn't too much of an experience
+[604.10 --> 606.46]  of the tension between the polarities
+[606.46 --> 609.46]  as it is knowing that we walk through
+[609.46 --> 611.72]  the valley of the shadow of death
+[611.72 --> 613.02]  it's about knowing that
+[613.02 --> 615.40]  following the dark night of the soul
+[615.40 --> 618.82]  is a morning where God's mercies are new
+[618.82 --> 621.76]  right here's the thing
+[621.76 --> 623.84]  that Advent helps us understand
+[623.84 --> 625.20]  about our humanity
+[625.20 --> 626.98]  about being human
+[626.98 --> 631.90]  what we believe about our future
+[631.90 --> 633.76]  completely controls
+[633.76 --> 636.74]  how we experience our present
+[636.74 --> 640.22]  that's our theme for this morning
+[640.22 --> 642.16]  what we believe about our future
+[642.16 --> 643.38]  completely controls
+[643.38 --> 645.98]  how we experience our present
+[645.98 --> 649.34]  now I read something this week
+[649.34 --> 650.90]  that said
+[650.90 --> 657.16]  we are irreducibly hope-based creatures
+[657.16 --> 659.64]  and I love that language
+[659.64 --> 660.06]  right
+[660.06 --> 664.66]  irreducibly hope-based creatures
+[664.66 --> 668.10]  and since we are hope-based creatures
+[668.10 --> 670.30]  we will always be putting our hope
+[670.30 --> 671.78]  into something
+[671.78 --> 672.84]  into someone
+[672.84 --> 674.78]  we need hope
+[674.78 --> 676.56]  we need a vision of the future
+[676.56 --> 679.06]  that compels us to action
+[679.06 --> 681.50]  that encourages us to endure
+[681.50 --> 682.68]  that carries us
+[682.68 --> 685.40]  when everything else is pushing us down
+[685.40 --> 688.12]  and that's what Isaiah 9
+[688.12 --> 690.06]  is for the people of Israel
+[690.06 --> 691.86]  that's why Isaiah 9
+[691.86 --> 693.18]  is so often picked up
+[693.18 --> 695.10]  in this season of Advent
+[695.10 --> 695.82]  right
+[695.82 --> 697.42]  the verses of Isaiah 9
+[697.42 --> 698.16]  that we read
+[698.16 --> 700.62]  give us a compelling picture
+[700.62 --> 702.50]  of a sustaining hope
+[702.50 --> 703.36]  for the future
+[703.36 --> 705.00]  in the face of trial
+[705.00 --> 708.08]  because of who Isaiah 9
+[708.08 --> 710.28]  is revealing to us
+[710.28 --> 711.52]  and to our hearts
+[711.52 --> 713.48]  look at it with me
+[713.48 --> 715.06]  verse 2 says
+[715.06 --> 717.30]  the people walking in darkness
+[717.30 --> 719.38]  have seen a great light
+[719.38 --> 720.92]  on those living in the land
+[720.92 --> 722.08]  of the shadow of death
+[722.08 --> 724.10]  a light has dawned
+[724.10 --> 727.42]  Isaiah is a prophet
+[727.42 --> 729.66]  in the court of the king
+[729.66 --> 730.60]  in Judah
+[730.60 --> 732.30]  the southern kingdom of Israel
+[732.30 --> 733.58]  after the division
+[733.58 --> 734.80]  in the court of Ahaz
+[734.80 --> 735.66]  and then after him
+[735.66 --> 737.00]  in the court of Hezekiah
+[737.00 --> 740.00]  now at this time
+[740.00 --> 741.86]  the northern kingdom of Israel
+[741.86 --> 744.08]  is facing Assyrian invaders
+[744.08 --> 745.74]  that will eventually destroy
+[745.74 --> 746.66]  that kingdom
+[746.66 --> 747.76]  and that northern
+[747.76 --> 749.28]  those Assyrian invaders
+[749.28 --> 750.60]  are pressing down
+[750.60 --> 751.34]  towards Judah
+[751.34 --> 752.28]  and they are threatening
+[752.28 --> 753.90]  the existence of this kingdom
+[753.90 --> 755.50]  in the south as well
+[755.50 --> 758.02]  now Ahaz is considered
+[758.02 --> 760.50]  in biblical canon
+[760.50 --> 762.08]  to be a wicked king
+[762.08 --> 763.82]  and Hezekiah after him
+[763.82 --> 764.88]  is often considered
+[764.88 --> 765.92]  to be a good king
+[765.92 --> 767.02]  although near the end
+[767.02 --> 768.02]  of Hezekiah's reign
+[768.02 --> 768.66]  you can see
+[768.66 --> 770.88]  a little bit of his selfishness
+[770.88 --> 771.92]  creeping through
+[771.92 --> 773.40]  point is
+[773.40 --> 774.48]  during this time
+[774.48 --> 776.20]  as Isaiah is speaking
+[776.20 --> 777.18]  this prophecy
+[777.18 --> 779.04]  corruption is prevalent
+[779.04 --> 781.50]  destruction is on the horizon
+[781.50 --> 783.24]  and Isaiah adds to that
+[783.24 --> 784.16]  by prophesying
+[784.16 --> 785.56]  about a coming exile
+[785.56 --> 786.60]  that would happen
+[786.60 --> 787.60]  a century later
+[787.60 --> 789.26]  now Isaiah
+[789.26 --> 791.26]  in his whole book
+[791.26 --> 792.42]  addresses some pretty
+[792.42 --> 793.62]  important questions
+[793.62 --> 795.34]  right he asks
+[795.34 --> 796.16]  if God
+[796.16 --> 797.40]  is truly sovereign
+[797.40 --> 798.18]  in history
+[798.18 --> 800.04]  how do we believe that
+[800.04 --> 800.56]  or know that
+[800.56 --> 801.70]  when godless nations
+[801.70 --> 802.42]  are stronger
+[802.42 --> 803.36]  than God's nation
+[803.36 --> 805.10]  or what role
+[805.10 --> 805.84]  do God's people
+[805.84 --> 806.36]  have to play
+[806.36 --> 806.92]  in the world
+[806.92 --> 808.30]  right is judgment
+[808.30 --> 808.88]  from God
+[808.88 --> 809.86]  the same as rejection
+[809.86 --> 810.58]  from God
+[810.58 --> 811.98]  or another way
+[811.98 --> 813.02]  to put all of this
+[813.02 --> 813.76]  right Isaiah
+[813.76 --> 814.92]  is wrestling with the question
+[814.92 --> 816.26]  where is God
+[816.26 --> 817.60]  when bad things happen
+[817.60 --> 820.12]  and that's exactly
+[820.12 --> 821.10]  the kind of questions
+[821.10 --> 822.08]  that so many of us
+[822.08 --> 823.20]  are asking right now
+[823.20 --> 824.64]  right not just
+[824.64 --> 825.76]  with global pandemics
+[825.76 --> 826.80]  like we're in the midst of
+[826.80 --> 828.28]  but in really important
+[828.28 --> 829.34]  conversations about
+[829.34 --> 831.14]  race and justice
+[831.14 --> 831.98]  and poverty
+[831.98 --> 832.72]  and hunger
+[832.72 --> 834.06]  and access to health care
+[834.06 --> 834.92]  or clean water
+[834.92 --> 836.40]  right where is God
+[836.40 --> 837.48]  when it's darkest
+[837.48 --> 840.44]  Isaiah 9
+[840.44 --> 842.26]  comes with a particular
+[842.26 --> 842.96]  answer
+[842.96 --> 845.82]  John Calvin
+[845.82 --> 848.02]  16th century
+[848.02 --> 849.20]  church reformer
+[849.20 --> 850.60]  he summarizes
+[850.60 --> 851.42]  verse 2
+[851.42 --> 852.36]  by saying
+[852.36 --> 854.28]  even in
+[854.28 --> 855.36]  darkness
+[855.36 --> 857.44]  in death itself
+[857.44 --> 858.64]  there is nevertheless
+[858.64 --> 860.66]  good ground of hope
+[860.66 --> 861.70]  for the power
+[861.70 --> 862.32]  of God
+[862.32 --> 863.08]  is more
+[863.08 --> 864.48]  than sufficient
+[864.48 --> 866.46]  the power of God
+[866.46 --> 867.84]  is more than sufficient
+[867.84 --> 870.40]  that's why we can have hope
+[870.40 --> 871.70]  and that's what makes
+[871.70 --> 872.66]  you and me
+[872.66 --> 873.22]  different
+[873.22 --> 874.06]  from people
+[874.06 --> 875.14]  who don't know
+[875.14 --> 876.64]  God in Jesus
+[876.64 --> 877.34]  that's what makes
+[877.34 --> 878.38]  our hope
+[878.38 --> 878.98]  different
+[878.98 --> 879.54]  because you see
+[879.54 --> 880.46]  our hope
+[880.46 --> 881.88]  isn't in a vaccine
+[881.88 --> 883.00]  though that will be
+[883.00 --> 883.84]  a good thing
+[883.84 --> 884.80]  and something to
+[884.80 --> 885.76]  long for
+[885.76 --> 886.56]  our hope
+[886.56 --> 887.58]  isn't in a doctor
+[887.58 --> 888.74]  or a health care
+[888.74 --> 889.96]  or pharma care
+[889.96 --> 890.88]  though those are all
+[890.88 --> 891.94]  good gifts from God
+[891.94 --> 892.62]  and invaluable
+[892.62 --> 893.66]  in times of need
+[893.66 --> 894.54]  our hope
+[894.54 --> 895.72]  isn't in prime ministers
+[895.72 --> 896.58]  or premiers
+[896.58 --> 897.24]  or kings
+[897.24 --> 897.80]  or queens
+[897.80 --> 899.02]  or tech billionaires
+[899.02 --> 900.48]  bent on getting to Mars
+[900.48 --> 901.80]  though we want them
+[901.80 --> 902.36]  to succeed
+[902.36 --> 903.72]  and we will pray for them
+[903.72 --> 905.04]  and for their prosperity
+[905.04 --> 905.82]  and the prosperity
+[905.82 --> 906.52]  of our cities
+[906.52 --> 907.60]  and our countries
+[907.60 --> 909.08]  but our hope
+[909.08 --> 909.92]  is something else
+[909.92 --> 911.26]  and if you're with me
+[911.26 --> 911.98]  in this
+[911.98 --> 912.58]  and you're tracking
+[912.58 --> 913.34]  this morning
+[913.34 --> 913.98]  your heart
+[913.98 --> 915.42]  is starting to tingle
+[915.42 --> 916.88]  because our hope
+[916.88 --> 918.74]  is in a sun
+[918.74 --> 921.34]  for to us
+[921.34 --> 922.60]  a child
+[922.60 --> 923.62]  is born
+[923.62 --> 925.76]  to us
+[925.76 --> 927.32]  a son
+[927.32 --> 928.66]  is given
+[928.66 --> 931.10]  don't miss it
+[931.10 --> 932.16]  don't let
+[932.16 --> 932.94]  the familiarity
+[932.94 --> 934.28]  of this text
+[934.28 --> 935.24]  and this sedum
+[935.24 --> 936.52]  breed boredom
+[936.52 --> 937.48]  a child
+[937.48 --> 938.16]  is born
+[938.16 --> 938.72]  a son
+[938.72 --> 939.56]  is given
+[939.56 --> 940.44]  and the son
+[940.44 --> 941.64]  that the son
+[941.64 --> 942.14]  is given
+[942.14 --> 943.10]  is one of the most
+[943.10 --> 944.50]  important articles
+[944.50 --> 945.72]  of the Christian faith
+[945.72 --> 946.56]  right
+[946.56 --> 947.14]  we know
+[947.14 --> 948.06]  that this child
+[948.06 --> 948.48]  born
+[948.48 --> 949.06]  this son
+[949.06 --> 949.38]  given
+[949.38 --> 950.38]  is Jesus
+[950.38 --> 951.14]  Jesus
+[951.14 --> 952.30]  who was born
+[952.30 --> 953.22]  to be our
+[953.22 --> 954.02]  substitute
+[954.02 --> 954.82]  in obedience
+[954.82 --> 956.16]  and a substitute
+[956.16 --> 956.72]  in bearing
+[956.72 --> 957.38]  the punishment
+[957.38 --> 958.36]  for our sin
+[958.36 --> 959.46]  that's what it means
+[959.46 --> 960.40]  that he is a son
+[960.40 --> 961.10]  given
+[961.10 --> 961.38]  right
+[961.38 --> 962.04]  he's given
+[962.04 --> 962.70]  for you
+[962.70 --> 963.32]  he's given
+[963.32 --> 964.18]  to bear
+[964.18 --> 964.76]  your death
+[964.76 --> 965.30]  he's given
+[965.30 --> 966.24]  in order to give
+[966.24 --> 967.08]  you his
+[967.08 --> 968.00]  righteousness
+[968.00 --> 970.36]  he is our
+[970.36 --> 971.04]  substitute
+[971.04 --> 972.16]  who imputes
+[972.16 --> 973.10]  his perfect
+[973.10 --> 974.04]  obedience
+[974.04 --> 975.42]  he gives us
+[975.42 --> 976.60]  his righteousness
+[976.60 --> 977.58]  as we give
+[977.58 --> 978.42]  our sin
+[978.42 --> 978.92]  to him
+[978.92 --> 979.54]  our sin
+[979.54 --> 980.24]  is imputed
+[980.24 --> 981.18]  on him
+[981.18 --> 982.06]  he who knew
+[982.06 --> 982.60]  no sin
+[982.60 --> 983.48]  became sin
+[983.48 --> 984.06]  for us
+[984.06 --> 984.60]  that we
+[984.60 --> 985.46]  might become
+[985.46 --> 986.54]  the righteousness
+[986.54 --> 987.78]  of God
+[987.78 --> 989.50]  that's hope
+[989.50 --> 991.44]  that while we were
+[991.44 --> 992.16]  yet sinners
+[992.16 --> 993.36]  Christ came
+[993.36 --> 994.42]  and died for us
+[994.42 --> 995.42]  on the cross
+[995.42 --> 996.68]  that's hope
+[996.68 --> 998.06]  that I am not my own
+[998.06 --> 998.66]  but belong
+[998.66 --> 999.60]  body and soul
+[999.60 --> 1000.64]  in life and in death
+[1000.64 --> 1001.84]  to my faithful savior
+[1001.84 --> 1003.00]  Jesus Christ
+[1003.00 --> 1004.26]  that's hope
+[1004.26 --> 1004.86]  that Jesus
+[1004.86 --> 1005.84]  lived the life
+[1005.84 --> 1006.70]  I should have lived
+[1006.70 --> 1007.88]  and died the death
+[1007.88 --> 1008.90]  that I deserve
+[1008.90 --> 1009.88]  that's hope
+[1009.88 --> 1010.54]  that we have
+[1010.54 --> 1011.68]  a wonderful counselor
+[1011.68 --> 1012.80]  mighty God
+[1012.80 --> 1014.24]  everlasting father
+[1014.24 --> 1015.58]  and prince of peace
+[1015.58 --> 1019.04]  I've already quoted him
+[1019.04 --> 1019.40]  once
+[1019.40 --> 1020.68]  this morning
+[1020.68 --> 1021.56]  but you'll forgive me
+[1021.56 --> 1022.72]  because it's just so good
+[1022.72 --> 1023.50]  John Calvin
+[1023.50 --> 1025.04]  again on this point
+[1025.04 --> 1025.68]  he says
+[1025.68 --> 1026.70]  the son
+[1026.70 --> 1027.38]  the son is called
+[1027.38 --> 1028.46]  mighty God
+[1028.46 --> 1030.12]  because our true
+[1030.12 --> 1031.48]  contest is with
+[1031.48 --> 1032.10]  the devil
+[1032.10 --> 1032.92]  and death
+[1032.92 --> 1033.78]  and sin
+[1033.78 --> 1035.48]  enemies too powerful
+[1035.48 --> 1036.60]  and strong
+[1036.60 --> 1037.80]  by whom we would be
+[1037.80 --> 1039.34]  immediately vanquished
+[1039.34 --> 1040.92]  if the might of Christ
+[1040.92 --> 1041.92]  had not rendered
+[1041.92 --> 1042.78]  us
+[1042.78 --> 1044.16]  invincible
+[1044.16 --> 1046.98]  you are more
+[1046.98 --> 1048.06]  than conquerors
+[1048.06 --> 1049.82]  right for our struggle
+[1049.82 --> 1050.74]  is not against flesh
+[1050.74 --> 1051.26]  and blood
+[1051.26 --> 1052.62]  but against the rulers
+[1052.62 --> 1053.62]  and against the authorities
+[1053.62 --> 1055.26]  against the powers
+[1055.26 --> 1056.46]  of this dark world
+[1056.46 --> 1058.10]  and against the spiritual forces
+[1058.10 --> 1058.84]  of evil
+[1058.84 --> 1060.28]  in the heavenly realms
+[1060.28 --> 1061.76]  you are more
+[1061.76 --> 1062.80]  than conquerors
+[1062.80 --> 1064.92]  the life and death
+[1064.92 --> 1065.56]  of Jesus
+[1065.56 --> 1066.96]  his resurrection
+[1066.96 --> 1068.56]  over death
+[1068.56 --> 1069.48]  has secured
+[1069.48 --> 1071.42]  the victory of God
+[1071.42 --> 1072.50]  over sin
+[1072.50 --> 1073.18]  and death
+[1073.18 --> 1073.86]  and that same
+[1073.86 --> 1074.60]  life, death
+[1074.60 --> 1075.26]  and resurrection
+[1075.26 --> 1076.18]  of Jesus
+[1076.18 --> 1077.78]  secures in you
+[1077.78 --> 1078.74]  that victory
+[1078.74 --> 1080.84]  nothing can separate you
+[1080.84 --> 1081.94]  from the love of God
+[1081.94 --> 1082.86]  that is available
+[1082.86 --> 1084.38]  in Christ Jesus
+[1084.38 --> 1086.24]  that's our hope
+[1086.24 --> 1088.98]  and all this
+[1088.98 --> 1090.72]  from the words
+[1090.72 --> 1091.40]  to us
+[1091.40 --> 1092.34]  a son
+[1092.34 --> 1093.40]  is given
+[1093.40 --> 1095.38]  because you see
+[1095.38 --> 1095.82]  given
+[1095.82 --> 1097.32]  means gift
+[1097.32 --> 1099.26]  the gospel
+[1099.26 --> 1100.02]  is
+[1100.02 --> 1100.78]  Jesus
+[1100.78 --> 1101.68]  is your
+[1101.68 --> 1102.52]  gift
+[1102.52 --> 1103.08]  faith
+[1103.08 --> 1104.36]  is your gift
+[1104.36 --> 1105.68]  God's grace
+[1105.68 --> 1106.68]  is your
+[1106.68 --> 1107.44]  gift
+[1107.44 --> 1108.00]  and it is
+[1108.00 --> 1109.10]  freely given
+[1109.10 --> 1111.58]  Christian hope
+[1111.58 --> 1112.56]  doesn't belong
+[1112.56 --> 1113.98]  to good people
+[1113.98 --> 1115.76]  who have it all together
+[1115.76 --> 1117.18]  holy people
+[1117.18 --> 1117.78]  who are better
+[1117.78 --> 1118.56]  than our neighbors
+[1118.56 --> 1120.38]  Christian hope
+[1120.38 --> 1122.14]  belongs to broken people
+[1122.14 --> 1124.10]  people who need it
+[1124.10 --> 1126.10]  our hope is ours
+[1126.10 --> 1127.32]  because we know
+[1127.32 --> 1128.68]  that we aren't good enough
+[1128.68 --> 1129.92]  and that we need a savior
+[1129.92 --> 1133.42]  the son is a gift
+[1133.42 --> 1135.56]  because I don't deserve him
+[1135.56 --> 1137.30]  and yet he gave himself
+[1137.30 --> 1137.76]  for me
+[1137.76 --> 1139.96]  the truth
+[1139.96 --> 1141.02]  of God's promise
+[1141.02 --> 1142.10]  of redemption
+[1142.10 --> 1143.18]  is not just
+[1143.18 --> 1143.92]  in the realm
+[1143.92 --> 1144.54]  of ideas
+[1144.54 --> 1145.74]  and propositions
+[1145.74 --> 1146.56]  right
+[1146.56 --> 1147.06]  the truth
+[1147.06 --> 1147.88]  of God's promise
+[1147.88 --> 1148.36]  of redemption
+[1148.36 --> 1149.10]  ultimately
+[1149.10 --> 1150.42]  needs to be
+[1150.42 --> 1151.32]  incarnated
+[1151.32 --> 1152.66]  to us
+[1152.66 --> 1153.20]  a child
+[1153.20 --> 1153.94]  is born
+[1153.94 --> 1154.86]  to us
+[1154.86 --> 1155.34]  a son
+[1155.34 --> 1156.16]  is given
+[1156.16 --> 1156.38]  right
+[1156.38 --> 1157.62]  there is a straight line
+[1157.62 --> 1158.70]  between these words
+[1158.70 --> 1159.92]  here in Isaiah 9
+[1159.92 --> 1160.56]  and the words
+[1160.56 --> 1161.46]  of John 1
+[1161.46 --> 1162.32]  where we read
+[1162.32 --> 1163.52]  the word became flesh
+[1163.52 --> 1164.42]  and made his dwelling
+[1164.42 --> 1165.36]  among us
+[1165.36 --> 1166.88]  we have seen his glory
+[1166.88 --> 1167.94]  the glory of the one
+[1167.94 --> 1168.30]  and only
+[1168.30 --> 1169.62]  who came from the father
+[1169.62 --> 1170.90]  full of grace
+[1170.90 --> 1171.92]  and truth
+[1171.92 --> 1172.34]  right
+[1172.34 --> 1172.94]  our hope
+[1172.94 --> 1174.28]  isn't ether real
+[1174.28 --> 1175.58]  it isn't intangible
+[1175.58 --> 1176.20]  our hope
+[1176.20 --> 1177.16]  is a person
+[1177.16 --> 1177.96]  our hope
+[1177.96 --> 1179.32]  is enfleshed
+[1179.32 --> 1180.62]  you can touch him
+[1180.62 --> 1181.88]  you can see him
+[1181.88 --> 1183.22]  you can hold him
+[1183.22 --> 1186.98]  and if you are a Christian
+[1186.98 --> 1189.60]  hearing this message
+[1189.60 --> 1190.48]  this morning
+[1190.48 --> 1194.32]  you have that hope
+[1194.32 --> 1196.94]  and if you are a Christian
+[1196.94 --> 1197.76]  hearing this message
+[1197.76 --> 1198.22]  this morning
+[1198.22 --> 1202.78]  you are that hope
+[1202.78 --> 1206.62]  you are sent out
+[1206.62 --> 1208.32]  to incarnate
+[1208.32 --> 1209.32]  God's promise
+[1209.32 --> 1210.66]  of redemption
+[1210.66 --> 1211.98]  you incarnate
+[1211.98 --> 1212.72]  the hope
+[1212.72 --> 1213.34]  of Jesus
+[1213.34 --> 1214.14]  in a hopeless
+[1214.14 --> 1215.14]  age
+[1215.14 --> 1215.66]  right
+[1215.66 --> 1216.92]  it is our purpose
+[1216.92 --> 1218.10]  to be lights
+[1218.10 --> 1219.34]  in this present
+[1219.34 --> 1220.02]  darkness
+[1220.02 --> 1220.74]  to shine
+[1220.74 --> 1221.70]  like stars
+[1221.70 --> 1222.36]  in the universe
+[1222.36 --> 1223.48]  as we hold out
+[1223.48 --> 1224.66]  the word of life
+[1224.66 --> 1225.94]  you are hope
+[1225.94 --> 1226.78]  in the world
+[1226.78 --> 1228.08]  because through you
+[1228.08 --> 1228.70]  the world
+[1228.70 --> 1229.52]  sees
+[1229.52 --> 1230.66]  Jesus
+[1230.66 --> 1233.84]  that's who we are
+[1233.84 --> 1235.18]  that's what hope
+[1235.18 --> 1236.04]  does for us
+[1236.04 --> 1239.24]  now I'll
+[1239.24 --> 1240.88]  end it here
+[1240.88 --> 1242.40]  with this last thing
+[1242.40 --> 1245.02]  careful listeners
+[1245.02 --> 1246.04]  this morning
+[1246.04 --> 1247.64]  will have noticed
+[1247.64 --> 1248.22]  by now
+[1248.22 --> 1249.24]  that not once
+[1249.24 --> 1250.50]  have I said
+[1250.50 --> 1251.32]  that our hope
+[1251.32 --> 1252.16]  as Christians
+[1252.16 --> 1253.50]  is in leaving
+[1253.50 --> 1255.34]  this world behind
+[1255.34 --> 1257.34]  or flying away
+[1257.34 --> 1257.80]  to heaven
+[1257.80 --> 1259.20]  like the old song
+[1259.20 --> 1259.60]  says
+[1259.60 --> 1260.36]  right
+[1260.36 --> 1261.26]  it would be really easy
+[1261.26 --> 1261.64]  to say
+[1261.64 --> 1262.18]  that our hope
+[1262.18 --> 1263.14]  is in ignoring
+[1263.14 --> 1263.72]  this world
+[1263.72 --> 1264.66]  and in this life
+[1264.66 --> 1266.36]  because there's
+[1266.36 --> 1266.68]  something
+[1266.68 --> 1268.18]  like heaven
+[1268.18 --> 1269.08]  afterwards
+[1269.08 --> 1269.82]  the problem
+[1269.82 --> 1270.70]  with thinking
+[1270.70 --> 1271.28]  like that
+[1271.28 --> 1272.18]  is that God
+[1272.18 --> 1272.86]  doesn't think
+[1272.86 --> 1273.38]  like that
+[1273.38 --> 1274.28]  God doesn't
+[1274.28 --> 1275.32]  ignore this world
+[1275.32 --> 1276.20]  or this life
+[1276.20 --> 1276.96]  and so neither
+[1276.96 --> 1277.48]  can we
+[1277.48 --> 1278.22]  right
+[1278.22 --> 1278.74]  our hope
+[1278.74 --> 1279.78]  is so much
+[1279.78 --> 1280.26]  bigger
+[1280.26 --> 1281.42]  so much more
+[1281.42 --> 1282.40]  than heaven
+[1282.40 --> 1283.54]  after you die
+[1283.54 --> 1284.00]  now
+[1284.00 --> 1285.74]  don't hear
+[1285.74 --> 1286.38]  what I'm not saying
+[1286.38 --> 1288.56]  let me be really
+[1288.56 --> 1289.06]  clear
+[1289.06 --> 1290.54]  and let me slow
+[1290.54 --> 1291.28]  right down
+[1291.28 --> 1292.04]  so that we all
+[1292.04 --> 1293.04]  get it
+[1293.04 --> 1294.46]  Christians
+[1294.46 --> 1295.38]  who die
+[1295.38 --> 1297.22]  go to heaven
+[1297.22 --> 1297.86]  to be
+[1297.86 --> 1299.08]  with Jesus
+[1299.08 --> 1299.76]  amen
+[1299.76 --> 1300.84]  and amen
+[1300.84 --> 1301.12]  right
+[1301.12 --> 1302.16]  Jesus confirms
+[1302.16 --> 1303.10]  that when he says
+[1303.10 --> 1303.60]  to the thief
+[1303.60 --> 1304.24]  on the cross
+[1304.24 --> 1305.68]  today you will be
+[1305.68 --> 1306.16]  with me
+[1306.16 --> 1307.04]  in paradise
+[1307.04 --> 1307.66]  Paul
+[1307.66 --> 1308.70]  the apostle Paul
+[1308.70 --> 1309.52]  affirms that
+[1309.52 --> 1310.04]  when he says
+[1310.04 --> 1310.58]  to die
+[1310.58 --> 1311.24]  is gain
+[1311.24 --> 1311.92]  to depart
+[1311.92 --> 1312.72]  and be
+[1312.72 --> 1314.08]  with Christ
+[1314.08 --> 1314.94]  and I cling
+[1314.94 --> 1315.70]  to that truth
+[1315.70 --> 1316.30]  of the gospel
+[1316.30 --> 1316.88]  for life
+[1316.88 --> 1317.62]  and I cling
+[1317.62 --> 1318.42]  to that truth
+[1318.42 --> 1319.06]  of the gospel
+[1319.06 --> 1319.88]  in the face
+[1319.88 --> 1320.48]  of death
+[1320.48 --> 1321.36]  but that
+[1321.36 --> 1322.06]  hope
+[1322.06 --> 1323.32]  is only true
+[1323.32 --> 1324.86]  because of a greater hope
+[1324.86 --> 1327.08]  that isn't just heaven
+[1327.08 --> 1328.18]  but is a person
+[1328.18 --> 1329.48]  a hope
+[1329.48 --> 1330.34]  who is a person
+[1330.34 --> 1331.56]  who is a king
+[1331.56 --> 1332.96]  a king of whom
+[1332.96 --> 1333.72]  the increase
+[1333.72 --> 1334.50]  of his government
+[1334.50 --> 1335.30]  and peace
+[1335.30 --> 1336.62]  there will be no end
+[1336.62 --> 1337.38]  he will reign
+[1337.38 --> 1338.62]  on David's throne
+[1338.62 --> 1339.86]  and over his kingdom
+[1339.86 --> 1340.54]  establishing
+[1340.54 --> 1341.84]  and upholding it
+[1341.84 --> 1342.44]  with justice
+[1342.44 --> 1343.14]  and righteousness
+[1343.14 --> 1344.52]  from that time on
+[1344.52 --> 1345.72]  and forever
+[1345.72 --> 1346.96]  our hope
+[1346.96 --> 1347.92]  is a king
+[1347.92 --> 1349.52]  and his kingdom
+[1349.52 --> 1351.90]  look
+[1351.90 --> 1353.78]  check this out
+[1353.78 --> 1355.24]  in the gospel
+[1355.24 --> 1355.76]  of Mark
+[1355.76 --> 1358.30]  Jesus' first words
+[1358.30 --> 1359.42]  to the people
+[1359.42 --> 1360.06]  when he begins
+[1360.06 --> 1361.10]  his preaching ministry
+[1361.10 --> 1362.10]  is
+[1362.10 --> 1363.92]  the time has come
+[1363.92 --> 1365.06]  the kingdom
+[1365.06 --> 1366.04]  of God
+[1366.04 --> 1367.00]  has come
+[1367.00 --> 1367.64]  near
+[1367.64 --> 1369.36]  right
+[1369.36 --> 1370.30]  you hear it
+[1370.30 --> 1370.74]  right
+[1370.74 --> 1372.06]  Jesus has come
+[1372.06 --> 1373.30]  and so the kingdom
+[1373.30 --> 1374.74]  has come
+[1374.74 --> 1375.70]  and yet
+[1375.70 --> 1377.74]  and I love this
+[1377.74 --> 1378.06]  right
+[1378.06 --> 1379.06]  track with me
+[1379.06 --> 1379.88]  Jesus
+[1379.88 --> 1380.94]  when he teaches
+[1380.94 --> 1381.68]  his disciples
+[1381.68 --> 1382.36]  to pray
+[1382.36 --> 1383.64]  what does he teach them
+[1383.64 --> 1384.44]  right
+[1384.44 --> 1385.14]  he says to pray
+[1385.14 --> 1385.88]  like this
+[1385.88 --> 1387.48]  our father in heaven
+[1387.48 --> 1388.74]  hallowed be
+[1388.74 --> 1390.06]  your name
+[1390.06 --> 1391.62]  your
+[1391.62 --> 1392.84]  kingdom
+[1392.84 --> 1394.02]  come
+[1394.02 --> 1396.04]  and so what is it
+[1396.04 --> 1398.42]  has it already come
+[1398.42 --> 1399.92]  or do we need to pray
+[1399.92 --> 1400.66]  for its coming
+[1400.66 --> 1402.42]  what's the answer
+[1402.42 --> 1404.36]  it's both
+[1404.36 --> 1406.04]  it is both
+[1406.04 --> 1406.70]  it is
+[1406.70 --> 1407.78]  our hope
+[1407.78 --> 1408.12]  hope in
+[1408.12 --> 1409.10]  a person
+[1409.10 --> 1410.06]  and in
+[1410.06 --> 1410.56]  a king
+[1410.56 --> 1411.18]  whose kingdom
+[1411.18 --> 1412.02]  has come
+[1412.02 --> 1413.14]  and is
+[1413.14 --> 1413.90]  coming
+[1413.90 --> 1414.84]  right
+[1414.84 --> 1415.54]  and in these
+[1415.54 --> 1417.00]  in between times
+[1417.00 --> 1417.94]  that we know
+[1417.94 --> 1418.54]  that the devil
+[1418.54 --> 1419.34]  has been defeated
+[1419.34 --> 1420.08]  that sin
+[1420.08 --> 1420.58]  and death
+[1420.58 --> 1421.36]  have been overcome
+[1421.36 --> 1422.64]  but we are waiting
+[1422.64 --> 1423.20]  for them
+[1423.20 --> 1424.24]  to be destroyed
+[1424.24 --> 1424.88]  when the kingdom
+[1424.88 --> 1426.04]  comes in its fullness
+[1426.04 --> 1427.98]  this is advent
+[1427.98 --> 1430.50]  this is our expectation
+[1430.50 --> 1432.32]  and we also know
+[1432.32 --> 1434.00]  that the death throes
+[1434.00 --> 1435.08]  of a trapped animal
+[1435.08 --> 1436.72]  are the most dangerous
+[1436.72 --> 1439.16]  that's the time
+[1439.16 --> 1439.82]  we live in
+[1439.82 --> 1442.40]  now is exactly
+[1442.40 --> 1443.12]  the time
+[1443.12 --> 1444.56]  to be captivated
+[1444.56 --> 1445.44]  by the hope
+[1445.44 --> 1446.38]  of the gospel
+[1446.38 --> 1447.70]  now is exactly
+[1447.70 --> 1448.28]  the time
+[1448.28 --> 1449.32]  to open the eyes
+[1449.32 --> 1449.84]  of our heart
+[1449.84 --> 1450.48]  to the kingdom
+[1450.48 --> 1451.54]  come and the kingdom
+[1451.54 --> 1452.04]  coming
+[1452.04 --> 1454.50]  the apostle Peter
+[1454.50 --> 1456.10]  writes to a group
+[1456.10 --> 1456.58]  of Christians
+[1456.58 --> 1457.26]  who are facing
+[1457.26 --> 1458.64]  trial and hardship
+[1458.64 --> 1459.42]  for their faith
+[1459.42 --> 1460.84]  and he reminds them
+[1460.84 --> 1463.06]  you have been born again
+[1463.06 --> 1465.18]  to a living hope
+[1465.18 --> 1466.64]  through the resurrection
+[1466.64 --> 1467.74]  of Jesus
+[1467.74 --> 1468.86]  from the dead
+[1468.86 --> 1471.16]  your hope
+[1471.16 --> 1472.04]  is fixed
+[1472.04 --> 1473.18]  and sure
+[1473.18 --> 1474.26]  because it is
+[1474.26 --> 1475.12]  in a person
+[1475.12 --> 1476.00]  a man
+[1476.00 --> 1477.10]  named Jesus
+[1477.10 --> 1478.96]  who is God
+[1478.96 --> 1480.18]  your hope
+[1480.18 --> 1480.82]  is guaranteed
+[1480.82 --> 1481.78]  because the kingdom
+[1481.78 --> 1482.64]  has come
+[1482.64 --> 1484.38]  and is coming
+[1484.38 --> 1487.18]  Jesus will make
+[1487.18 --> 1488.16]  all things
+[1488.16 --> 1488.92]  new
+[1488.92 --> 1491.02]  that is
+[1491.02 --> 1491.66]  hope's
+[1491.66 --> 1492.36]  promise
+[1492.36 --> 1494.12]  and with God
+[1494.12 --> 1495.84]  it's a sure thing
+[1495.84 --> 1498.18]  this Advent
+[1498.18 --> 1499.18]  perhaps more than
+[1499.18 --> 1500.24]  any other Advent
+[1500.24 --> 1501.30]  in recent history
+[1501.30 --> 1502.64]  we all need hope
+[1502.64 --> 1504.12]  and you have
+[1504.12 --> 1505.74]  a living hope
+[1505.74 --> 1506.84]  and so go
+[1506.84 --> 1507.62]  and be
+[1507.62 --> 1509.08]  a living hope
+[1509.08 --> 1510.62]  fill your language
+[1510.62 --> 1511.88]  and conversations
+[1511.88 --> 1512.64]  with hope
+[1512.64 --> 1513.72]  not complaining
+[1513.72 --> 1514.46]  right
+[1514.46 --> 1515.46]  live with hope
+[1515.46 --> 1516.38]  work with hope
+[1516.38 --> 1518.00]  play with hope
+[1518.00 --> 1519.12]  that this current
+[1519.12 --> 1519.68]  reality
+[1519.68 --> 1520.52]  isn't the end
+[1520.52 --> 1521.16]  of the story
+[1521.16 --> 1523.20]  we are
+[1523.20 --> 1524.42]  irreducibly
+[1524.42 --> 1524.92]  hope
+[1524.92 --> 1525.86]  based
+[1525.86 --> 1527.04]  creatures
+[1527.04 --> 1528.40]  and what we believe
+[1528.40 --> 1529.02]  about the future
+[1529.02 --> 1530.38]  directly controls
+[1530.38 --> 1532.02]  how we experience
+[1532.02 --> 1532.58]  the present
+[1532.58 --> 1534.16]  I for one
+[1534.16 --> 1535.82]  will have
+[1535.82 --> 1536.34]  hope
+[1536.34 --> 1538.06]  I for one
+[1538.06 --> 1539.00]  will not be
+[1539.00 --> 1539.76]  afraid
+[1539.76 --> 1541.98]  will you join me
+[1541.98 --> 1543.84]  amen
+[1543.84 --> 1545.54]  let's pray together
+[1545.54 --> 1551.32]  Lord Jesus
+[1551.32 --> 1552.88]  fill us
+[1552.88 --> 1553.48]  with
+[1553.48 --> 1554.46]  your
+[1554.46 --> 1555.56]  hope
+[1555.56 --> 1557.44]  captivate
+[1557.44 --> 1558.20]  our hearts
+[1558.20 --> 1559.06]  affections
+[1559.06 --> 1559.70]  this morning
+[1559.70 --> 1560.86]  with who you
+[1560.86 --> 1561.38]  are
+[1561.38 --> 1563.40]  allow us
+[1563.40 --> 1563.98]  to see
+[1563.98 --> 1564.74]  your face
+[1564.74 --> 1565.46]  to hear
+[1565.46 --> 1566.22]  your voice
+[1566.22 --> 1566.96]  in your word
+[1566.96 --> 1567.94]  allow us
+[1567.94 --> 1569.54]  to be open
+[1569.54 --> 1570.64]  to your spirits
+[1570.64 --> 1571.18]  leading
+[1571.18 --> 1571.88]  and guiding
+[1571.88 --> 1572.62]  and directing
+[1572.62 --> 1573.66]  that we may
+[1573.66 --> 1574.78]  reveal you
+[1574.78 --> 1576.04]  to the world
+[1576.04 --> 1579.18]  fill us
+[1579.18 --> 1581.28]  with hope
+[1581.28 --> 1582.54]  I pray
+[1582.54 --> 1585.62]  that we might
+[1585.62 --> 1586.38]  be a people
+[1586.38 --> 1587.80]  filled
+[1587.80 --> 1589.02]  with contagious
+[1589.02 --> 1590.46]  hope
+[1590.46 --> 1591.76]  and love
+[1591.76 --> 1593.38]  that whoever
+[1593.38 --> 1594.26]  sees us
+[1594.26 --> 1595.48]  sees you
+[1595.48 --> 1597.68]  that as we go
+[1597.68 --> 1598.32]  into work
+[1598.32 --> 1599.04]  or school
+[1599.04 --> 1599.78]  or play
+[1599.78 --> 1600.88]  or whatever it is
+[1600.88 --> 1601.44]  that we do
+[1601.44 --> 1602.12]  in these next
+[1602.12 --> 1602.48]  days
+[1602.48 --> 1604.42]  may it be
+[1604.42 --> 1605.30]  that someone
+[1605.30 --> 1606.30]  somewhere
+[1606.30 --> 1607.70]  wonders
+[1607.70 --> 1610.74]  and awes
+[1610.74 --> 1612.74]  because you
+[1612.74 --> 1613.88]  are
+[1613.88 --> 1615.16]  with us
+[1615.16 --> 1618.20]  to us
+[1618.20 --> 1619.68]  a child
+[1619.68 --> 1621.28]  is born
+[1621.28 --> 1622.84]  to us
+[1622.84 --> 1624.06]  a son
+[1624.06 --> 1625.24]  is given
+[1625.24 --> 1626.66]  amen

I Will Wait - A Faith Given (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,369 @@
+[0.00 --> 4.42]  As John has prayed, we're going to spend some time opening up God's Word together.
+[4.90 --> 11.14]  This morning, we're going to do that in Luke 1. We're going to start at verse 26, and then we'll
+[11.14 --> 18.12]  read through verse 45. That will be on the screen as we go through it, but I do encourage you at
+[18.12 --> 23.98]  home, especially if you've got a Bible handy, to grab one, open it up, turn to Luke 1, and read
+[23.98 --> 31.14]  along with us. And maybe even, if you're feeling extra engaged or engaging this morning, grab a pen
+[31.14 --> 35.34]  and some paper, take some notes, jot down some questions, and feel free to reach out to me
+[35.34 --> 39.48]  throughout the week with any thoughts, ideas, or questions you might have as we go through this
+[39.48 --> 41.98]  together. Let's read from Luke 1.
+[41.98 --> 56.28]  In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged
+[56.28 --> 64.14]  to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel
+[64.14 --> 71.18]  went to her and said, Greetings, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you. Mary was greatly
+[71.18 --> 77.40]  troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her,
+[77.80 --> 85.12]  Do not be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son,
+[85.34 --> 92.56]  and you are to give him the name Jesus. And he will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.
+[93.10 --> 99.06]  The Lord your God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of
+[99.06 --> 108.24]  Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end. How can this be? Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin.
+[109.36 --> 115.48]  The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will
+[115.48 --> 123.50]  overshadow you. And so the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth,
+[123.50 --> 128.38]  your relative, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be
+[128.38 --> 137.06]  barren is in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible with God. I am the Lord's servant,
+[137.44 --> 145.30]  Mary said. May it be to me as you have said. Then the angel left her. And at that time,
+[145.68 --> 151.24]  Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zachariah's home
+[151.24 --> 157.36]  and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb,
+[157.50 --> 164.02]  and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice, she exclaimed, Blessed are you among
+[164.02 --> 171.20]  women, and blessed is the child you will bear. But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord
+[171.20 --> 178.82]  should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb
+[178.82 --> 187.86]  leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.
+[188.82 --> 190.12]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[195.60 --> 202.88]  Now, as many of you watching this will know, that this was a particularly hard week in the life of
+[202.88 --> 210.42]  our church and in the broader community of those who we know and love. We said goodbye to a husband,
+[210.74 --> 218.90]  a father, a teacher, and a friend. Dave was known by so many, and he was loved by everyone who knew him.
+[219.92 --> 226.16]  And that was a huge part of our experience this past week, and it was a defining experience for us,
+[226.30 --> 232.62]  for sure. But as John has already indicated in his prayer, there's also so much more that we lift up
+[232.62 --> 237.82]  before the Lord. There's so much more that causes us to cry out and to wonder. There's so much more
+[237.82 --> 241.10]  that makes us just fall down and cry.
+[243.78 --> 250.70]  There's so much more that for many of us this past week was just an emotional disaster.
+[252.22 --> 258.44]  Add to that everything else bigger than us going on, right? COVID cases continue to climb.
+[258.44 --> 265.28]  We have new diagnoses of COVID in our community as we prayed. Families are strained, and relationships
+[265.28 --> 271.28]  are cracking under the weight of everything that's going on. Unemployment continues to sit at around
+[271.28 --> 278.24]  8.5 percent, and that's down from a record high just a few months ago. Youth unemployment still sits
+[278.24 --> 287.82]  at 20 percent, plus whatever you've got going on personally. It's so hard right now. And yet,
+[288.02 --> 297.86]  by the grace of God, as I've been walking and talking and connecting with so many people over
+[297.86 --> 306.94]  these past couple weeks of my starting here, so many of you just seem to be buoyed in the midst of all of
+[306.94 --> 315.44]  this, right? You continue to be encouraged, and you continue to be encouraging. Somehow, you are so much
+[315.44 --> 322.16]  more than your struggle or hardship. And now, don't get me wrong, all right? I want to be really clear
+[322.16 --> 328.76]  here. I'm not saying that we walk above the fray, right? Some of us are living in it day by day, and
+[328.76 --> 335.12]  really that's all we can do is go day by day, moment by moment. Some of us have been in the stuff of this
+[335.12 --> 342.66]  chaos and life for weeks and months and years, even before this global pandemic, right? I'm not saying
+[342.66 --> 349.08]  that life has been easy or that life should be easy. I'm not saying that we pretend that life is easy.
+[350.22 --> 357.72]  What I'm saying is that there's something in you, there's something about you and available to you
+[357.72 --> 364.50]  that makes you able to push through, that makes you able to stand, that makes you able to endure
+[364.50 --> 378.32]  and persevere. And somehow, often, that thing that makes you able to stand doesn't make sense.
+[378.86 --> 385.14]  It doesn't make sense to the people around you who don't know what it is, the people who don't have it,
+[385.14 --> 390.88]  who don't understand it, but when they see it in you and when they see it active in your life,
+[390.98 --> 396.98]  they want something of it or something like it. Sometimes you can't put that into words, right?
+[397.10 --> 404.78]  Even when you try. Sometimes it doesn't make sense to you, and yet there it is, spurring you along,
+[405.16 --> 410.58]  holding you up, whispering to your heart words of encouragement and hope.
+[410.58 --> 418.56]  Do you know what I'm talking about? Have you figured out what I'm referring to?
+[420.36 --> 428.06]  I'm talking about faith, right? As Christians, we have faith. Faith in God, faith in Jesus,
+[428.28 --> 434.72]  faith in His plan, faith in His rule, faith in His word, faith in His power. As Christians,
+[434.72 --> 443.94]  you have a gift, a way of seeing and being in the world that isn't of this world but is so for this
+[443.94 --> 451.26]  world that He came into it to save it for Himself. That's what I want us to talk about this morning,
+[452.34 --> 460.66]  right? The nature and the gift of faith for us as Christians. And to do that, we're going to use
+[460.66 --> 470.06]  this amazing story about two women from Luke 1, Mary and Elizabeth. These two women are examples of
+[470.06 --> 478.00]  faith in the face of the impossible, right? Not just in the face of the unlikely, not just in the face of
+[478.00 --> 484.18]  the improbable, but in the face of the impossible, right? And what we begin to see is that faith is more
+[484.18 --> 491.34]  than a set of propositions we assent to, but faith is a way of living and being in the world that is
+[491.34 --> 499.02]  full of conviction and purpose and power and confidence in God, even when it doesn't necessarily
+[499.02 --> 510.14]  make sense. There's a 17th century French mathematician and scientist and philosopher by the
+[510.14 --> 517.48]  name of Pascal. And Pascal, in his famous collection of thoughts, it's really the magnum opus of his
+[517.48 --> 526.48]  work and life as he collected these sayings over the course of that life, he has a phrase that just rings
+[526.48 --> 533.20]  true to me in this moment and for this. And he talks about, in his thoughts, reasons of the heart.
+[533.20 --> 540.30]  Right? It comes out of his, uh, pensies number 277, if you want to look it up. It says,
+[540.68 --> 548.00]  the heart has its reasons which reason does not understand. The heart has its reasons which reason
+[548.00 --> 554.54]  does not understand. And by reasons from the heart, what he means is, and this is from 282,
+[554.54 --> 563.90]  thought 282, we know the truth not only by reason but also by the heart. Right? Reasons from the heart
+[563.90 --> 570.32]  are not irrational feelings nor are they simply logical propositions. Instead, reasons from the heart
+[570.32 --> 578.04]  not only give some light to the mind but are also existentially comforting and also satisfying
+[578.04 --> 587.52]  to our souls. A reason from the heart affects and changes attitudes and actions. And when I think of
+[587.52 --> 594.84]  Christian faith, I think of it in that sort of manner. Right? Not just the faith, kind of referring
+[594.84 --> 601.32]  to a set of ideas or traditions that are handed down, although that's part of it and that's what makes
+[601.32 --> 608.82]  up some parts and informs our understanding of faith, but it's also a conviction of the heart.
+[609.14 --> 615.08]  Right? Faith isn't irrational or faith isn't a suspension of the critical faculties, but faith is
+[615.08 --> 621.50]  alongside of reason and informed by reason and in many ways undergirded by reason, but ultimately,
+[622.10 --> 624.58]  faith transcends reason.
+[624.58 --> 632.90]  faith transcends reason. The rationality of God, the creator of the world, coming into the world by
+[632.90 --> 641.90]  being born as a baby to an unwed teenage girl doesn't make sense. It's not rational. And yet,
+[641.90 --> 651.56]  in the drama of redemption, it's the only thing that does make sense. And Mary and Elizabeth help us see
+[651.56 --> 660.52]  that. Now, the first reason that I love Mary and Elizabeth as an example of faith is because of the
+[660.52 --> 669.56]  contrast that exists between who they are. Now, Mary is young, probably just a teenager. She's unmarried.
+[670.32 --> 678.92]  She's effectively a little girl. She lives in Nazareth, which has a reputation for being that town.
+[678.92 --> 686.92]  Now, everywhere you live around the world, there's always one of those towns or cities that you think
+[686.92 --> 692.26]  of as that place, right, where the people are just a little bit strange. They're a little bit outside.
+[692.38 --> 697.60]  I haven't learned what that is yet here for us in Langley, but I'm sure there is one, and I'm sure
+[697.60 --> 705.08]  you're thinking it right now. Nazareth is that town, right? Has anything good ever come from Nazareth?
+[705.08 --> 713.72]  Contrast Mary from Nazareth with Elizabeth, who is old, well beyond childbearing years, we read.
+[714.68 --> 722.28]  And she is the wife of a prominent priest, right? Both her and Zachariah, her husband, are descendants of
+[722.28 --> 731.42]  Aaron, right, giving them a strong lineage and a prominent place in society. Luke 1, before what we
+[731.42 --> 737.40]  read, actually tells us that both her and Zachariah are, quote, upright in the sight of God, observing
+[737.40 --> 741.28]  all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly.
+[744.22 --> 752.70]  She lives in the hill country of Judea, which is a kind of way of saying in the area around Jerusalem,
+[753.42 --> 760.36]  right? Maybe she even lives in the priestly city of Hebron. Point is, she is close to the religious
+[760.36 --> 766.54]  and political center of it all. The contrast between these two women can't be more stark,
+[767.14 --> 778.00]  and yet they are each a picture of faith in the moment. Mary trusts God's word and submits herself
+[778.00 --> 785.72]  to it. She says, may it be to me as you have said. And Elizabeth, and catch this, Elizabeth submits
+[785.72 --> 793.84]  herself to Mary's privilege over her. Don't miss the power in that inversion, right? When Elizabeth says,
+[794.00 --> 801.16]  blessed are you among women, but why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? And
+[801.16 --> 810.22]  then the baby in her leaps for joy at the relation to the just-conceived Jesus. Now, in these two women,
+[810.22 --> 818.22]  there is a picture of community, a picture, I think, of the church, right? Inclusive of all God's chosen
+[818.22 --> 826.46]  children, from the single, outcast, probably poor mom-to-be, to the matriarch of a community deferring her privilege
+[826.46 --> 840.58]  to this young girl. Faith looks like an inclusive community full of humility, and God uses both of
+[840.58 --> 851.32]  these women. Latin American Bible scholar and teacher, Justo Gonzalez, holds up Elizabeth as an example of
+[851.32 --> 858.82]  the faithfulness to God's mission, because when she comes face to face with a marginalized, pregnant,
+[859.24 --> 867.30]  young, unwed woman, she recognizes in her God at work. And instead of judgment, instead of moral
+[867.30 --> 872.26]  posturing, instead of virtue signaling, which she could have done because she is morally blameless and
+[872.26 --> 879.26]  part of the priestly class, instead of all that, she rejoices in humility, and she welcomes this mother-to-be.
+[881.32 --> 887.08]  Now, if that's not a picture of faith in the church, I don't know what is, and it comes from these two
+[887.08 --> 895.70]  women. Now, Gonzalez will actually take this idea further and says that in the world today, one of the
+[895.70 --> 904.18]  main obstacles to evangelism, to talking about Jesus and sharing the gospel and increasing the number of
+[904.18 --> 909.94]  those who believe, one of the main obstacles to evangelism in the world, Gonzalez says, is Christians.
+[909.94 --> 918.40]  Christians, who instead of announcing good news of grace and salvation, focus on the bad news of
+[918.40 --> 927.72]  condemnation and eternal damnation, which is perhaps what James means when he says in chapter 1, verse 20 of
+[927.72 --> 934.08]  his little letter, the wrath of God does not produce, or the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness
+[934.08 --> 944.64]  of God. And Elizabeth paints for us a different picture of what could be. And maybe even, as we pull out from that,
+[944.96 --> 951.58]  mothers generally give us a good picture of what faith and humility could be.
+[953.20 --> 959.62]  God seems to think that that's true, because there's a bunch of times throughout Scripture that he likens his love
+[959.62 --> 963.28]  and his action in the world to that of a mother for her children.
+[966.30 --> 971.92]  Maybe as you hear that, what you're thinking is that after the service today, you need to talk to your mom,
+[972.94 --> 978.64]  and you need to thank her for the ways that she revealed God to you. Maybe you need to turn to her
+[978.64 --> 984.78]  right now and just say, I love you. But what we see in Mary and Elizabeth, what we see in Elizabeth
+[984.78 --> 994.18]  welcoming Mary is a picture for us of faith given. The second reason that I love Mary and Elizabeth as
+[994.18 --> 1002.40]  examples of faith is because of where they are ultimately putting their faith. Notice in verse 37,
+[1002.52 --> 1008.96]  right, we read, for nothing is impossible with God. Now, if you have another translation of the Bible,
+[1008.96 --> 1016.20]  it might say something like, no word of God will ever fail in that moment. And it's because it's a bit
+[1016.20 --> 1021.58]  of a complicated sentence in the original Greek. The way that I would translate that more literally
+[1021.58 --> 1030.94]  is to say, for nothing will be impossible from God's every word. Right, they're rooting their faith
+[1030.94 --> 1038.20]  in the very words of God himself. Right, and the word of God here given to us in the Bible,
+[1038.20 --> 1044.88]  and the word of God spoken at the formation of the world has the power to say to nothing and out into
+[1044.88 --> 1054.06]  darkness, let there be light. And there was light. God speaks and the world is created. God speaks
+[1054.06 --> 1066.42]  and your heart is recreated. It is the word of God that gives promise and authority and is absolutely
+[1066.42 --> 1078.90]  true. Mary puts her faith in the word of God, which will accomplish exactly what God sends it out for.
+[1079.16 --> 1085.98]  It will not return to him empty, says Isaiah. And Elizabeth does the same, and she confirms it for us
+[1085.98 --> 1092.90]  when she says, right, in verse 45, blessed is she who has believed what the Lord has said to her
+[1092.90 --> 1098.64]  will be accomplished. Again, in another translation, in a different way of translating that, it says,
+[1098.92 --> 1105.02]  blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.
+[1106.16 --> 1113.16]  Right, the promises here are not just what the angel Gabriel speaks to Mary or has spoken to Zechariah,
+[1113.26 --> 1120.16]  but the entire Old Testament as it anticipates the coming of the Messiah King, the suffering servant.
+[1120.16 --> 1128.02]  Right, the promises that Elizabeth is resting her faith on are the same promises that God now speaks to our hearts.
+[1130.08 --> 1138.00]  The promises of God, the word of God, might just turn out to be the reasons of the heart
+[1138.00 --> 1142.92]  for why you believe what you believe, why you endure what you can endure.
+[1142.92 --> 1152.30]  Why, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
+[1153.34 --> 1158.68]  we can fear no evil, for we know that God is with us.
+[1159.84 --> 1164.54]  Why, even when in this world, like Jesus says, we will have trouble, we can take heart,
+[1164.90 --> 1169.18]  we can be strong and courageous because Jesus has overcome the world.
+[1169.18 --> 1173.46]  Why, even though we may have suffered for a little time,
+[1174.10 --> 1180.88]  we can persevere because we're born again into a living hope.
+[1180.88 --> 1184.88]  The promise of God's word.
+[1185.78 --> 1190.12]  The promise of God's word that spoke all creation into being,
+[1190.18 --> 1194.32]  the promise of God's word which takes your heart dead in sin
+[1194.32 --> 1201.16]  and breathes new life into it and transforms you now into the image of his son, Jesus Christ,
+[1201.22 --> 1204.36]  as he has won for us the victory over sin and death.
+[1204.36 --> 1209.06]  The promise of God's word applied to you as a gift in the work of the Holy Spirit
+[1209.06 --> 1213.50]  for Jesus who lived the life I should have lived and died the death that I deserve
+[1213.50 --> 1217.86]  has called me his own, has united me to the Father
+[1217.86 --> 1222.86]  that I may be a child of God and a co-heir with Christ.
+[1223.92 --> 1229.68]  The promise of God in his word applied by the Holy Spirit
+[1229.68 --> 1236.12]  is the reason of the heart for why I endure, for why you endure.
+[1238.90 --> 1248.20]  There is a lie that has been perpetuated in certain Christian circles and traditions
+[1248.20 --> 1252.82]  that says, if you have enough faith, you will be healed.
+[1253.34 --> 1257.50]  If you have enough faith, God will bless you with material blessing.
+[1257.50 --> 1262.56]  That if you have enough faith, you will get everything that you want
+[1262.56 --> 1266.84]  and all your heart's desire will be yours if you just claim it by faith.
+[1269.66 --> 1274.28]  That is a lie of the devil.
+[1278.32 --> 1282.50]  Faith is ultimately not about how much you have,
+[1282.50 --> 1286.90]  but it's about who it is in.
+[1289.60 --> 1294.00]  There's a story in Luke 17 where the disciples come to Jesus
+[1294.00 --> 1296.88]  and they say, Lord, increase our faith.
+[1298.34 --> 1300.98]  And Jesus turns to them, and do you remember what he says?
+[1301.14 --> 1304.64]  He says, if you had faith the size of a mustard seed,
+[1304.84 --> 1306.44]  you could say to this small bear tree,
+[1306.68 --> 1309.24]  be pulled up by its roots and be planted in the sea,
+[1309.24 --> 1310.58]  and it would obey you.
+[1311.62 --> 1314.32]  Now, I don't know if you've ever seen a mustard seed,
+[1315.28 --> 1319.26]  but maybe go to your pepper shaker
+[1319.26 --> 1322.42]  and pour out some pepper into your hand.
+[1324.00 --> 1328.40]  One grain of ground pepper
+[1328.40 --> 1331.52]  is the size of a mustard seed.
+[1331.52 --> 1336.44]  You see, it's not ultimately about how much faith you have,
+[1336.56 --> 1339.02]  it's about who your faith is in.
+[1340.14 --> 1342.30]  It's not even about the content of your faith,
+[1342.36 --> 1345.16]  so much as it is about the object of your faith.
+[1348.08 --> 1351.82]  There's an illustration that's used by Tim Keller.
+[1352.70 --> 1356.22]  He says, if you are falling down the face of a cliff
+[1356.22 --> 1360.20]  and the only thing jutting out from that faith is a branch,
+[1360.58 --> 1363.00]  an old tree that has somehow found root
+[1363.00 --> 1365.30]  and grabbed itself on the side of this cliff faith,
+[1365.38 --> 1366.18]  and you are falling,
+[1366.42 --> 1368.88]  and the only way to save yourself from falling
+[1368.88 --> 1370.32]  is to grab onto that branch,
+[1370.46 --> 1373.46]  it doesn't matter how much faith you have in the branch.
+[1374.50 --> 1375.74]  What matters is the branch.
+[1377.48 --> 1380.22]  So it is with us as Christians.
+[1381.40 --> 1383.46]  It doesn't matter how much faith we have,
+[1383.46 --> 1386.00]  it matters who our faith is in.
+[1386.32 --> 1388.54]  That's why we call faith a gift,
+[1388.60 --> 1391.94]  because it comes from the one in whom our faith is.
+[1392.68 --> 1396.34]  That's why we can read, right, in Timothy,
+[1396.50 --> 1397.98]  that when we are faithless,
+[1398.10 --> 1400.98]  he is faithful because he cannot disown himself.
+[1401.32 --> 1402.74]  That is the promise of faith.
+[1403.00 --> 1404.48]  That is the promise of God's Word.
+[1405.94 --> 1408.58]  That Jesus holds you fast.
+[1409.64 --> 1412.96]  That Jesus carries you through.
+[1413.46 --> 1419.06]  That Jesus will make you persevere.
+[1421.32 --> 1423.64]  In the Reformed Church,
+[1423.80 --> 1426.86]  we call ourselves a confessional church.
+[1427.66 --> 1428.94]  And what we mean by that
+[1428.94 --> 1431.28]  is we have a certain number of documents
+[1431.28 --> 1433.96]  that we hold out as accurate
+[1433.96 --> 1437.12]  and succinct summaries of the Christian faith.
+[1437.12 --> 1440.78]  And one of those that has emerged to the fore for us
+[1440.78 --> 1443.92]  as part of our binding and confessional identity
+[1443.92 --> 1445.68]  is the Heidelberg Catechism.
+[1446.68 --> 1449.78]  Question and answer 21 of the Heidelberg Catechism asks,
+[1450.04 --> 1452.04]  what is true faith?
+[1452.08 --> 1453.98]  And it gives this beautiful answer.
+[1455.06 --> 1455.44]  It says,
+[1455.58 --> 1458.58]  true faith is not only a sure knowledge
+[1458.58 --> 1460.44]  by which I hold as true
+[1460.44 --> 1462.74]  all that God has revealed to us in Scripture.
+[1462.74 --> 1465.40]  And so that's the part of faith that is content,
+[1465.62 --> 1466.52]  that is tradition,
+[1466.64 --> 1467.26]  that is doctrine,
+[1467.38 --> 1468.20]  that is teaching.
+[1468.42 --> 1470.04]  But the Catechism continues,
+[1470.54 --> 1474.70]  it is also a wholehearted trust.
+[1476.08 --> 1479.04]  Now that reads to me like the language of Pascal,
+[1479.92 --> 1481.68]  a reason of the heart.
+[1481.68 --> 1485.44]  It is also a reason of the heart,
+[1485.80 --> 1488.98]  which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel,
+[1489.38 --> 1491.68]  that God has freely granted,
+[1491.82 --> 1492.66]  not only others,
+[1492.78 --> 1495.36]  but to me also forgiveness of sins,
+[1495.54 --> 1496.36]  eternal righteousness,
+[1496.68 --> 1497.46]  and salvation.
+[1497.84 --> 1499.84]  And then the Catechism ends in saying,
+[1500.32 --> 1503.44]  these are gifts of sheer grace,
+[1503.88 --> 1507.48]  granted solely by Christ's merit.
+[1507.48 --> 1511.70]  Faith is a gift.
+[1513.30 --> 1514.90]  Belief in the gospel
+[1514.90 --> 1517.02]  and the strength to endure
+[1517.02 --> 1520.10]  is a gift of God.
+[1520.94 --> 1524.56]  Mary and Elizabeth show us
+[1524.56 --> 1527.64]  that gift in practice.
+[1529.94 --> 1532.14]  There are so many people in your lives
+[1532.14 --> 1534.92]  who have revealed the gift of faith,
+[1534.92 --> 1537.80]  who have spoken and lived
+[1537.80 --> 1539.44]  and been present in times
+[1539.44 --> 1541.68]  and situations and circumstances
+[1541.68 --> 1543.22]  where you would have,
+[1543.36 --> 1544.06]  on your own,
+[1544.22 --> 1544.82]  fallen apart.
+[1545.88 --> 1547.72]  But they have been
+[1547.72 --> 1551.84]  part of your faith story.
+[1553.10 --> 1554.40]  So as we go today,
+[1554.54 --> 1557.60]  as we wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus
+[1557.60 --> 1558.72]  in this Christmas season,
+[1559.06 --> 1560.72]  I want to leave you with this.
+[1562.76 --> 1564.22]  Think about those people.
+[1564.92 --> 1566.12]  Think about those people
+[1566.12 --> 1567.22]  who have been Mary and Elizabeth
+[1567.22 --> 1569.06]  to you in your life,
+[1569.12 --> 1570.58]  who have led you
+[1570.58 --> 1572.62]  and revealed faith to you.
+[1573.26 --> 1574.24]  And thank God for them.
+[1575.16 --> 1575.64]  And maybe,
+[1575.86 --> 1576.56]  if you have the courage,
+[1576.68 --> 1578.14]  thank them for them.
+[1579.20 --> 1579.72]  Text them.
+[1580.22 --> 1580.70]  Call them.
+[1581.18 --> 1581.92]  Connect with them.
+[1582.62 --> 1582.94]  And say,
+[1583.06 --> 1586.26]  thank you for revealing faith to me.
+[1586.58 --> 1588.46]  Thank you for having faith in me
+[1588.46 --> 1589.98]  when I had none in myself.
+[1590.18 --> 1593.18]  Thank you for revealing Jesus to me
+[1593.18 --> 1595.68]  when I was in the dark night of the soul,
+[1595.98 --> 1597.84]  when I was in the valley of the shadow.
+[1597.98 --> 1599.94]  Thank you for being a reason
+[1599.94 --> 1601.82]  from the heart.
+[1602.94 --> 1604.16]  And then as you go
+[1604.16 --> 1605.52]  and as you think about those people,
+[1605.64 --> 1606.40]  ask yourselves,
+[1606.70 --> 1608.66]  for whom are you
+[1608.66 --> 1612.06]  that reason from the heart?
+[1613.38 --> 1614.52]  Who are you impacting
+[1614.52 --> 1616.44]  with the life of faith?
+[1616.44 --> 1620.90]  And who will you be God's messenger for?
+[1622.60 --> 1624.64]  Because as we go together in community,
+[1624.78 --> 1626.82]  even though we are distant and apart,
+[1626.92 --> 1628.94]  even though we can't sit in proximity
+[1628.94 --> 1630.10]  in the way that we like,
+[1630.38 --> 1631.88]  even though we can't hug each other
+[1631.88 --> 1632.54]  as we would want
+[1632.54 --> 1633.46]  or share a meal
+[1633.46 --> 1636.30]  as we might so deeply desire,
+[1636.68 --> 1638.72]  even though none of those things are true,
+[1638.72 --> 1640.26]  what remains true
+[1640.26 --> 1643.74]  is that the object of our faith
+[1643.74 --> 1646.56]  has overcome the world.
+[1647.88 --> 1648.90]  And in him,
+[1649.54 --> 1651.54]  we can trust.
+[1652.32 --> 1654.06]  He is our reason
+[1654.06 --> 1655.38]  from the heart.
+[1656.08 --> 1656.82]  Let's pray together.
+[1660.42 --> 1661.44]  Lord Jesus,
+[1662.04 --> 1663.70]  we thank you
+[1663.70 --> 1666.10]  for speaking so clearly
+[1666.10 --> 1668.40]  to us today.
+[1669.06 --> 1669.82]  We thank you
+[1669.82 --> 1671.34]  for being in us
+[1671.34 --> 1672.20]  and for us
+[1672.20 --> 1672.98]  the reason
+[1672.98 --> 1674.22]  from the heart.
+[1675.48 --> 1676.42]  We thank you
+[1676.42 --> 1677.54]  for the gift of faith.
+[1678.78 --> 1679.26]  And today,
+[1679.38 --> 1679.84]  in particular,
+[1680.02 --> 1680.56]  we thank you
+[1680.56 --> 1681.24]  for those people
+[1681.24 --> 1682.84]  who have been for us
+[1682.84 --> 1684.16]  a gift in faith.
+[1685.04 --> 1685.60]  Those people
+[1685.60 --> 1686.44]  who have drawn near
+[1686.44 --> 1687.34]  and surrounded us
+[1687.34 --> 1687.90]  with love
+[1687.90 --> 1689.34]  when we felt alone
+[1689.34 --> 1689.74]  and empty.
+[1689.84 --> 1690.38]  For those people
+[1690.38 --> 1692.24]  who have lifted us up
+[1692.24 --> 1694.44]  when we couldn't
+[1694.44 --> 1695.14]  carry ourselves.
+[1696.10 --> 1697.92]  for those
+[1697.92 --> 1698.76]  who have been Mary
+[1698.76 --> 1699.72]  and those who have been
+[1699.72 --> 1701.22]  Elizabeth in our lives.
+[1701.72 --> 1702.74]  We thank you.
+[1704.06 --> 1704.52]  And so,
+[1704.66 --> 1705.24]  may we go
+[1705.24 --> 1705.76]  together
+[1705.76 --> 1706.64]  into this week
+[1706.64 --> 1707.22]  to live
+[1707.22 --> 1708.64]  by faith.
+[1710.22 --> 1711.58]  That as we look back,
+[1711.86 --> 1712.74]  we can be assured
+[1712.74 --> 1715.08]  so that we may go forward
+[1715.08 --> 1716.04]  in confidence
+[1716.04 --> 1716.76]  and conviction
+[1716.76 --> 1717.70]  that you
+[1717.70 --> 1718.78]  are God alone
+[1718.78 --> 1719.62]  and that you,
+[1720.16 --> 1720.58]  Lord Jesus,
+[1720.76 --> 1721.92]  will never leave us
+[1721.92 --> 1723.32]  nor forsake us.
+[1723.32 --> 1726.70]  in Christ alone
+[1726.70 --> 1727.28]  we pray.
+[1728.72 --> 1729.06]  Amen.
+[1729.06 --> 1729.20]  Amen.
+[1730.20 --> 1730.58]  Amen.

I Will Wait - A Faith Given (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,369 @@
+[0.00 --> 4.42]  As John has prayed, we're going to spend some time opening up God's Word together.
+[4.90 --> 11.14]  This morning, we're going to do that in Luke 1. We're going to start at verse 26, and then we'll
+[11.14 --> 18.12]  read through verse 45. That will be on the screen as we go through it, but I do encourage you at
+[18.12 --> 23.98]  home, especially if you've got a Bible handy, to grab one, open it up, turn to Luke 1, and read
+[23.98 --> 31.14]  along with us. And maybe even, if you're feeling extra engaged or engaging this morning, grab a pen
+[31.14 --> 35.34]  and some paper, take some notes, jot down some questions, and feel free to reach out to me
+[35.34 --> 39.48]  throughout the week with any thoughts, ideas, or questions you might have as we go through this
+[39.48 --> 41.98]  together. Let's read from Luke 1.
+[41.98 --> 56.28]  In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged
+[56.28 --> 64.14]  to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel
+[64.14 --> 71.18]  went to her and said, Greetings, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you. Mary was greatly
+[71.18 --> 77.40]  troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her,
+[77.80 --> 85.12]  Do not be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son,
+[85.34 --> 92.56]  and you are to give him the name Jesus. And he will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.
+[93.10 --> 99.06]  The Lord your God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of
+[99.06 --> 108.24]  Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end. How can this be? Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin.
+[109.36 --> 115.48]  The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will
+[115.48 --> 123.50]  overshadow you. And so the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth,
+[123.50 --> 128.38]  your relative, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be
+[128.38 --> 137.06]  barren is in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible with God. I am the Lord's servant,
+[137.44 --> 145.30]  Mary said. May it be to me as you have said. Then the angel left her. And at that time,
+[145.68 --> 151.24]  Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zachariah's home
+[151.24 --> 157.36]  and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb,
+[157.50 --> 164.02]  and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice, she exclaimed, Blessed are you among
+[164.02 --> 171.20]  women, and blessed is the child you will bear. But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord
+[171.20 --> 178.82]  should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb
+[178.82 --> 187.86]  leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.
+[188.82 --> 190.12]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[195.60 --> 202.88]  Now, as many of you watching this will know, that this was a particularly hard week in the life of
+[202.88 --> 210.42]  our church and in the broader community of those who we know and love. We said goodbye to a husband,
+[210.74 --> 218.90]  a father, a teacher, and a friend. Dave was known by so many, and he was loved by everyone who knew him.
+[219.92 --> 226.16]  And that was a huge part of our experience this past week, and it was a defining experience for us,
+[226.30 --> 232.62]  for sure. But as John has already indicated in his prayer, there's also so much more that we lift up
+[232.62 --> 237.82]  before the Lord. There's so much more that causes us to cry out and to wonder. There's so much more
+[237.82 --> 241.10]  that makes us just fall down and cry.
+[243.78 --> 250.70]  There's so much more that for many of us this past week was just an emotional disaster.
+[252.22 --> 258.44]  Add to that everything else bigger than us going on, right? COVID cases continue to climb.
+[258.44 --> 265.28]  We have new diagnoses of COVID in our community as we prayed. Families are strained, and relationships
+[265.28 --> 271.28]  are cracking under the weight of everything that's going on. Unemployment continues to sit at around
+[271.28 --> 278.24]  8.5 percent, and that's down from a record high just a few months ago. Youth unemployment still sits
+[278.24 --> 287.82]  at 20 percent, plus whatever you've got going on personally. It's so hard right now. And yet,
+[288.02 --> 297.86]  by the grace of God, as I've been walking and talking and connecting with so many people over
+[297.86 --> 306.94]  these past couple weeks of my starting here, so many of you just seem to be buoyed in the midst of all of
+[306.94 --> 315.44]  this, right? You continue to be encouraged, and you continue to be encouraging. Somehow, you are so much
+[315.44 --> 322.16]  more than your struggle or hardship. And now, don't get me wrong, all right? I want to be really clear
+[322.16 --> 328.76]  here. I'm not saying that we walk above the fray, right? Some of us are living in it day by day, and
+[328.76 --> 335.12]  really that's all we can do is go day by day, moment by moment. Some of us have been in the stuff of this
+[335.12 --> 342.66]  chaos and life for weeks and months and years, even before this global pandemic, right? I'm not saying
+[342.66 --> 349.08]  that life has been easy or that life should be easy. I'm not saying that we pretend that life is easy.
+[350.22 --> 357.72]  What I'm saying is that there's something in you, there's something about you and available to you
+[357.72 --> 364.50]  that makes you able to push through, that makes you able to stand, that makes you able to endure
+[364.50 --> 378.32]  and persevere. And somehow, often, that thing that makes you able to stand doesn't make sense.
+[378.86 --> 385.14]  It doesn't make sense to the people around you who don't know what it is, the people who don't have it,
+[385.14 --> 390.88]  who don't understand it, but when they see it in you and when they see it active in your life,
+[390.98 --> 396.98]  they want something of it or something like it. Sometimes you can't put that into words, right?
+[397.10 --> 404.78]  Even when you try. Sometimes it doesn't make sense to you, and yet there it is, spurring you along,
+[405.16 --> 410.58]  holding you up, whispering to your heart words of encouragement and hope.
+[410.58 --> 418.56]  Do you know what I'm talking about? Have you figured out what I'm referring to?
+[420.36 --> 428.06]  I'm talking about faith, right? As Christians, we have faith. Faith in God, faith in Jesus,
+[428.28 --> 434.72]  faith in His plan, faith in His rule, faith in His word, faith in His power. As Christians,
+[434.72 --> 443.94]  you have a gift, a way of seeing and being in the world that isn't of this world but is so for this
+[443.94 --> 451.26]  world that He came into it to save it for Himself. That's what I want us to talk about this morning,
+[452.34 --> 460.66]  right? The nature and the gift of faith for us as Christians. And to do that, we're going to use
+[460.66 --> 470.06]  this amazing story about two women from Luke 1, Mary and Elizabeth. These two women are examples of
+[470.06 --> 478.00]  faith in the face of the impossible, right? Not just in the face of the unlikely, not just in the face of
+[478.00 --> 484.18]  the improbable, but in the face of the impossible, right? And what we begin to see is that faith is more
+[484.18 --> 491.34]  than a set of propositions we assent to, but faith is a way of living and being in the world that is
+[491.34 --> 499.02]  full of conviction and purpose and power and confidence in God, even when it doesn't necessarily
+[499.02 --> 510.14]  make sense. There's a 17th century French mathematician and scientist and philosopher by the
+[510.14 --> 517.48]  name of Pascal. And Pascal, in his famous collection of thoughts, it's really the magnum opus of his
+[517.48 --> 526.48]  work and life as he collected these sayings over the course of that life, he has a phrase that just rings
+[526.48 --> 533.20]  true to me in this moment and for this. And he talks about, in his thoughts, reasons of the heart.
+[533.20 --> 540.30]  Right? It comes out of his, uh, pensies number 277, if you want to look it up. It says,
+[540.68 --> 548.00]  the heart has its reasons which reason does not understand. The heart has its reasons which reason
+[548.00 --> 554.54]  does not understand. And by reasons from the heart, what he means is, and this is from 282,
+[554.54 --> 563.90]  thought 282, we know the truth not only by reason but also by the heart. Right? Reasons from the heart
+[563.90 --> 570.32]  are not irrational feelings nor are they simply logical propositions. Instead, reasons from the heart
+[570.32 --> 578.04]  not only give some light to the mind but are also existentially comforting and also satisfying
+[578.04 --> 587.52]  to our souls. A reason from the heart affects and changes attitudes and actions. And when I think of
+[587.52 --> 594.84]  Christian faith, I think of it in that sort of manner. Right? Not just the faith, kind of referring
+[594.84 --> 601.32]  to a set of ideas or traditions that are handed down, although that's part of it and that's what makes
+[601.32 --> 608.82]  up some parts and informs our understanding of faith, but it's also a conviction of the heart.
+[609.14 --> 615.08]  Right? Faith isn't irrational or faith isn't a suspension of the critical faculties, but faith is
+[615.08 --> 621.50]  alongside of reason and informed by reason and in many ways undergirded by reason, but ultimately,
+[622.10 --> 624.58]  faith transcends reason.
+[624.58 --> 632.90]  faith transcends reason. The rationality of God, the creator of the world, coming into the world by
+[632.90 --> 641.90]  being born as a baby to an unwed teenage girl doesn't make sense. It's not rational. And yet,
+[641.90 --> 651.56]  in the drama of redemption, it's the only thing that does make sense. And Mary and Elizabeth help us see
+[651.56 --> 660.52]  that. Now, the first reason that I love Mary and Elizabeth as an example of faith is because of the
+[660.52 --> 669.56]  contrast that exists between who they are. Now, Mary is young, probably just a teenager. She's unmarried.
+[670.32 --> 678.92]  She's effectively a little girl. She lives in Nazareth, which has a reputation for being that town.
+[678.92 --> 686.92]  Now, everywhere you live around the world, there's always one of those towns or cities that you think
+[686.92 --> 692.26]  of as that place, right, where the people are just a little bit strange. They're a little bit outside.
+[692.38 --> 697.60]  I haven't learned what that is yet here for us in Langley, but I'm sure there is one, and I'm sure
+[697.60 --> 705.08]  you're thinking it right now. Nazareth is that town, right? Has anything good ever come from Nazareth?
+[705.08 --> 713.72]  Contrast Mary from Nazareth with Elizabeth, who is old, well beyond childbearing years, we read.
+[714.68 --> 722.28]  And she is the wife of a prominent priest, right? Both her and Zachariah, her husband, are descendants of
+[722.28 --> 731.42]  Aaron, right, giving them a strong lineage and a prominent place in society. Luke 1, before what we
+[731.42 --> 737.40]  read, actually tells us that both her and Zachariah are, quote, upright in the sight of God, observing
+[737.40 --> 741.28]  all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly.
+[744.22 --> 752.70]  She lives in the hill country of Judea, which is a kind of way of saying in the area around Jerusalem,
+[753.42 --> 760.36]  right? Maybe she even lives in the priestly city of Hebron. Point is, she is close to the religious
+[760.36 --> 766.54]  and political center of it all. The contrast between these two women can't be more stark,
+[767.14 --> 778.00]  and yet they are each a picture of faith in the moment. Mary trusts God's word and submits herself
+[778.00 --> 785.72]  to it. She says, may it be to me as you have said. And Elizabeth, and catch this, Elizabeth submits
+[785.72 --> 793.84]  herself to Mary's privilege over her. Don't miss the power in that inversion, right? When Elizabeth says,
+[794.00 --> 801.16]  blessed are you among women, but why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? And
+[801.16 --> 810.22]  then the baby in her leaps for joy at the relation to the just-conceived Jesus. Now, in these two women,
+[810.22 --> 818.22]  there is a picture of community, a picture, I think, of the church, right? Inclusive of all God's chosen
+[818.22 --> 826.46]  children, from the single, outcast, probably poor mom-to-be, to the matriarch of a community deferring her privilege
+[826.46 --> 840.58]  to this young girl. Faith looks like an inclusive community full of humility, and God uses both of
+[840.58 --> 851.32]  these women. Latin American Bible scholar and teacher, Justo Gonzalez, holds up Elizabeth as an example of
+[851.32 --> 858.82]  the faithfulness to God's mission, because when she comes face to face with a marginalized, pregnant,
+[859.24 --> 867.30]  young, unwed woman, she recognizes in her God at work. And instead of judgment, instead of moral
+[867.30 --> 872.26]  posturing, instead of virtue signaling, which she could have done because she is morally blameless and
+[872.26 --> 879.26]  part of the priestly class, instead of all that, she rejoices in humility, and she welcomes this mother-to-be.
+[881.32 --> 887.08]  Now, if that's not a picture of faith in the church, I don't know what is, and it comes from these two
+[887.08 --> 895.70]  women. Now, Gonzalez will actually take this idea further and says that in the world today, one of the
+[895.70 --> 904.18]  main obstacles to evangelism, to talking about Jesus and sharing the gospel and increasing the number of
+[904.18 --> 909.94]  those who believe, one of the main obstacles to evangelism in the world, Gonzalez says, is Christians.
+[909.94 --> 918.40]  Christians, who instead of announcing good news of grace and salvation, focus on the bad news of
+[918.40 --> 927.72]  condemnation and eternal damnation, which is perhaps what James means when he says in chapter 1, verse 20 of
+[927.72 --> 934.08]  his little letter, the wrath of God does not produce, or the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness
+[934.08 --> 944.64]  of God. And Elizabeth paints for us a different picture of what could be. And maybe even, as we pull out from that,
+[944.96 --> 951.58]  mothers generally give us a good picture of what faith and humility could be.
+[953.20 --> 959.62]  God seems to think that that's true, because there's a bunch of times throughout Scripture that he likens his love
+[959.62 --> 963.28]  and his action in the world to that of a mother for her children.
+[966.30 --> 971.92]  Maybe as you hear that, what you're thinking is that after the service today, you need to talk to your mom,
+[972.94 --> 978.64]  and you need to thank her for the ways that she revealed God to you. Maybe you need to turn to her
+[978.64 --> 984.78]  right now and just say, I love you. But what we see in Mary and Elizabeth, what we see in Elizabeth
+[984.78 --> 994.18]  welcoming Mary is a picture for us of faith given. The second reason that I love Mary and Elizabeth as
+[994.18 --> 1002.40]  examples of faith is because of where they are ultimately putting their faith. Notice in verse 37,
+[1002.52 --> 1008.96]  right, we read, for nothing is impossible with God. Now, if you have another translation of the Bible,
+[1008.96 --> 1016.20]  it might say something like, no word of God will ever fail in that moment. And it's because it's a bit
+[1016.20 --> 1021.58]  of a complicated sentence in the original Greek. The way that I would translate that more literally
+[1021.58 --> 1030.94]  is to say, for nothing will be impossible from God's every word. Right, they're rooting their faith
+[1030.94 --> 1038.20]  in the very words of God himself. Right, and the word of God here given to us in the Bible,
+[1038.20 --> 1044.88]  and the word of God spoken at the formation of the world has the power to say to nothing and out into
+[1044.88 --> 1054.06]  darkness, let there be light. And there was light. God speaks and the world is created. God speaks
+[1054.06 --> 1066.42]  and your heart is recreated. It is the word of God that gives promise and authority and is absolutely
+[1066.42 --> 1078.90]  true. Mary puts her faith in the word of God, which will accomplish exactly what God sends it out for.
+[1079.16 --> 1085.98]  It will not return to him empty, says Isaiah. And Elizabeth does the same, and she confirms it for us
+[1085.98 --> 1092.90]  when she says, right, in verse 45, blessed is she who has believed what the Lord has said to her
+[1092.90 --> 1098.64]  will be accomplished. Again, in another translation, in a different way of translating that, it says,
+[1098.92 --> 1105.02]  blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.
+[1106.16 --> 1113.16]  Right, the promises here are not just what the angel Gabriel speaks to Mary or has spoken to Zechariah,
+[1113.26 --> 1120.16]  but the entire Old Testament as it anticipates the coming of the Messiah King, the suffering servant.
+[1120.16 --> 1128.02]  Right, the promises that Elizabeth is resting her faith on are the same promises that God now speaks to our hearts.
+[1130.08 --> 1138.00]  The promises of God, the word of God, might just turn out to be the reasons of the heart
+[1138.00 --> 1142.92]  for why you believe what you believe, why you endure what you can endure.
+[1142.92 --> 1152.30]  Why, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
+[1153.34 --> 1158.68]  we can fear no evil, for we know that God is with us.
+[1159.84 --> 1164.54]  Why, even when in this world, like Jesus says, we will have trouble, we can take heart,
+[1164.90 --> 1169.18]  we can be strong and courageous because Jesus has overcome the world.
+[1169.18 --> 1173.46]  Why, even though we may have suffered for a little time,
+[1174.10 --> 1180.88]  we can persevere because we're born again into a living hope.
+[1180.88 --> 1184.88]  The promise of God's word.
+[1185.78 --> 1190.12]  The promise of God's word that spoke all creation into being,
+[1190.18 --> 1194.32]  the promise of God's word which takes your heart dead in sin
+[1194.32 --> 1201.16]  and breathes new life into it and transforms you now into the image of his son, Jesus Christ,
+[1201.22 --> 1204.36]  as he has won for us the victory over sin and death.
+[1204.36 --> 1209.06]  The promise of God's word applied to you as a gift in the work of the Holy Spirit
+[1209.06 --> 1213.50]  for Jesus who lived the life I should have lived and died the death that I deserve
+[1213.50 --> 1217.86]  has called me his own, has united me to the Father
+[1217.86 --> 1222.86]  that I may be a child of God and a co-heir with Christ.
+[1223.92 --> 1229.68]  The promise of God in his word applied by the Holy Spirit
+[1229.68 --> 1236.12]  is the reason of the heart for why I endure, for why you endure.
+[1238.90 --> 1248.20]  There is a lie that has been perpetuated in certain Christian circles and traditions
+[1248.20 --> 1252.82]  that says, if you have enough faith, you will be healed.
+[1253.34 --> 1257.50]  If you have enough faith, God will bless you with material blessing.
+[1257.50 --> 1262.56]  That if you have enough faith, you will get everything that you want
+[1262.56 --> 1266.84]  and all your heart's desire will be yours if you just claim it by faith.
+[1269.66 --> 1274.28]  That is a lie of the devil.
+[1278.32 --> 1282.50]  Faith is ultimately not about how much you have,
+[1282.50 --> 1286.90]  but it's about who it is in.
+[1289.60 --> 1294.00]  There's a story in Luke 17 where the disciples come to Jesus
+[1294.00 --> 1296.88]  and they say, Lord, increase our faith.
+[1298.34 --> 1300.98]  And Jesus turns to them, and do you remember what he says?
+[1301.14 --> 1304.64]  He says, if you had faith the size of a mustard seed,
+[1304.84 --> 1306.44]  you could say to this small bear tree,
+[1306.68 --> 1309.24]  be pulled up by its roots and be planted in the sea,
+[1309.24 --> 1310.58]  and it would obey you.
+[1311.62 --> 1314.32]  Now, I don't know if you've ever seen a mustard seed,
+[1315.28 --> 1319.26]  but maybe go to your pepper shaker
+[1319.26 --> 1322.42]  and pour out some pepper into your hand.
+[1324.00 --> 1328.40]  One grain of ground pepper
+[1328.40 --> 1331.52]  is the size of a mustard seed.
+[1331.52 --> 1336.44]  You see, it's not ultimately about how much faith you have,
+[1336.56 --> 1339.02]  it's about who your faith is in.
+[1340.14 --> 1342.30]  It's not even about the content of your faith,
+[1342.36 --> 1345.16]  so much as it is about the object of your faith.
+[1348.08 --> 1351.82]  There's an illustration that's used by Tim Keller.
+[1352.70 --> 1356.22]  He says, if you are falling down the face of a cliff
+[1356.22 --> 1360.20]  and the only thing jutting out from that faith is a branch,
+[1360.58 --> 1363.00]  an old tree that has somehow found root
+[1363.00 --> 1365.30]  and grabbed itself on the side of this cliff faith,
+[1365.38 --> 1366.18]  and you are falling,
+[1366.42 --> 1368.88]  and the only way to save yourself from falling
+[1368.88 --> 1370.32]  is to grab onto that branch,
+[1370.46 --> 1373.46]  it doesn't matter how much faith you have in the branch.
+[1374.50 --> 1375.74]  What matters is the branch.
+[1377.48 --> 1380.22]  So it is with us as Christians.
+[1381.40 --> 1383.46]  It doesn't matter how much faith we have,
+[1383.46 --> 1386.00]  it matters who our faith is in.
+[1386.32 --> 1388.54]  That's why we call faith a gift,
+[1388.60 --> 1391.94]  because it comes from the one in whom our faith is.
+[1392.68 --> 1396.34]  That's why we can read, right, in Timothy,
+[1396.50 --> 1397.98]  that when we are faithless,
+[1398.10 --> 1400.98]  he is faithful because he cannot disown himself.
+[1401.32 --> 1402.74]  That is the promise of faith.
+[1403.00 --> 1404.48]  That is the promise of God's Word.
+[1405.94 --> 1408.58]  That Jesus holds you fast.
+[1409.64 --> 1412.96]  That Jesus carries you through.
+[1413.46 --> 1419.06]  That Jesus will make you persevere.
+[1421.32 --> 1423.64]  In the Reformed Church,
+[1423.80 --> 1426.86]  we call ourselves a confessional church.
+[1427.66 --> 1428.94]  And what we mean by that
+[1428.94 --> 1431.28]  is we have a certain number of documents
+[1431.28 --> 1433.96]  that we hold out as accurate
+[1433.96 --> 1437.12]  and succinct summaries of the Christian faith.
+[1437.12 --> 1440.78]  And one of those that has emerged to the fore for us
+[1440.78 --> 1443.92]  as part of our binding and confessional identity
+[1443.92 --> 1445.68]  is the Heidelberg Catechism.
+[1446.68 --> 1449.78]  Question and answer 21 of the Heidelberg Catechism asks,
+[1450.04 --> 1452.04]  what is true faith?
+[1452.08 --> 1453.98]  And it gives this beautiful answer.
+[1455.06 --> 1455.44]  It says,
+[1455.58 --> 1458.58]  true faith is not only a sure knowledge
+[1458.58 --> 1460.44]  by which I hold as true
+[1460.44 --> 1462.74]  all that God has revealed to us in Scripture.
+[1462.74 --> 1465.40]  And so that's the part of faith that is content,
+[1465.62 --> 1466.52]  that is tradition,
+[1466.64 --> 1467.26]  that is doctrine,
+[1467.38 --> 1468.20]  that is teaching.
+[1468.42 --> 1470.04]  But the Catechism continues,
+[1470.54 --> 1474.70]  it is also a wholehearted trust.
+[1476.08 --> 1479.04]  Now that reads to me like the language of Pascal,
+[1479.92 --> 1481.68]  a reason of the heart.
+[1481.68 --> 1485.44]  It is also a reason of the heart,
+[1485.80 --> 1488.98]  which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel,
+[1489.38 --> 1491.68]  that God has freely granted,
+[1491.82 --> 1492.66]  not only others,
+[1492.78 --> 1495.36]  but to me also forgiveness of sins,
+[1495.54 --> 1496.36]  eternal righteousness,
+[1496.68 --> 1497.46]  and salvation.
+[1497.84 --> 1499.84]  And then the Catechism ends in saying,
+[1500.32 --> 1503.44]  these are gifts of sheer grace,
+[1503.88 --> 1507.48]  granted solely by Christ's merit.
+[1507.48 --> 1511.70]  Faith is a gift.
+[1513.30 --> 1514.90]  Belief in the gospel
+[1514.90 --> 1517.02]  and the strength to endure
+[1517.02 --> 1520.10]  is a gift of God.
+[1520.94 --> 1524.56]  Mary and Elizabeth show us
+[1524.56 --> 1527.64]  that gift in practice.
+[1529.94 --> 1532.14]  There are so many people in your lives
+[1532.14 --> 1534.92]  who have revealed the gift of faith,
+[1534.92 --> 1537.80]  who have spoken and lived
+[1537.80 --> 1539.44]  and been present in times
+[1539.44 --> 1541.68]  and situations and circumstances
+[1541.68 --> 1543.22]  where you would have,
+[1543.36 --> 1544.06]  on your own,
+[1544.22 --> 1544.82]  fallen apart.
+[1545.88 --> 1547.72]  But they have been
+[1547.72 --> 1551.84]  part of your faith story.
+[1553.10 --> 1554.40]  So as we go today,
+[1554.54 --> 1557.60]  as we wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus
+[1557.60 --> 1558.72]  in this Christmas season,
+[1559.06 --> 1560.72]  I want to leave you with this.
+[1562.76 --> 1564.22]  Think about those people.
+[1564.92 --> 1566.12]  Think about those people
+[1566.12 --> 1567.22]  who have been Mary and Elizabeth
+[1567.22 --> 1569.06]  to you in your life,
+[1569.12 --> 1570.58]  who have led you
+[1570.58 --> 1572.62]  and revealed faith to you.
+[1573.26 --> 1574.24]  And thank God for them.
+[1575.16 --> 1575.64]  And maybe,
+[1575.86 --> 1576.56]  if you have the courage,
+[1576.68 --> 1578.14]  thank them for them.
+[1579.20 --> 1579.72]  Text them.
+[1580.22 --> 1580.70]  Call them.
+[1581.18 --> 1581.92]  Connect with them.
+[1582.62 --> 1582.94]  And say,
+[1583.06 --> 1586.26]  thank you for revealing faith to me.
+[1586.58 --> 1588.46]  Thank you for having faith in me
+[1588.46 --> 1589.98]  when I had none in myself.
+[1590.18 --> 1593.18]  Thank you for revealing Jesus to me
+[1593.18 --> 1595.68]  when I was in the dark night of the soul,
+[1595.98 --> 1597.84]  when I was in the valley of the shadow.
+[1597.98 --> 1599.94]  Thank you for being a reason
+[1599.94 --> 1601.82]  from the heart.
+[1602.94 --> 1604.16]  And then as you go
+[1604.16 --> 1605.52]  and as you think about those people,
+[1605.64 --> 1606.40]  ask yourselves,
+[1606.70 --> 1608.66]  for whom are you
+[1608.66 --> 1612.06]  that reason from the heart?
+[1613.38 --> 1614.52]  Who are you impacting
+[1614.52 --> 1616.44]  with the life of faith?
+[1616.44 --> 1620.90]  And who will you be God's messenger for?
+[1622.60 --> 1624.64]  Because as we go together in community,
+[1624.78 --> 1626.82]  even though we are distant and apart,
+[1626.92 --> 1628.94]  even though we can't sit in proximity
+[1628.94 --> 1630.10]  in the way that we like,
+[1630.38 --> 1631.88]  even though we can't hug each other
+[1631.88 --> 1632.54]  as we would want
+[1632.54 --> 1633.46]  or share a meal
+[1633.46 --> 1636.30]  as we might so deeply desire,
+[1636.68 --> 1638.72]  even though none of those things are true,
+[1638.72 --> 1640.26]  what remains true
+[1640.26 --> 1643.74]  is that the object of our faith
+[1643.74 --> 1646.56]  has overcome the world.
+[1647.88 --> 1648.90]  And in him,
+[1649.54 --> 1651.54]  we can trust.
+[1652.32 --> 1654.06]  He is our reason
+[1654.06 --> 1655.38]  from the heart.
+[1656.08 --> 1656.82]  Let's pray together.
+[1660.42 --> 1661.44]  Lord Jesus,
+[1662.04 --> 1663.70]  we thank you
+[1663.70 --> 1666.10]  for speaking so clearly
+[1666.10 --> 1668.40]  to us today.
+[1669.06 --> 1669.82]  We thank you
+[1669.82 --> 1671.34]  for being in us
+[1671.34 --> 1672.20]  and for us
+[1672.20 --> 1672.98]  the reason
+[1672.98 --> 1674.22]  from the heart.
+[1675.48 --> 1676.42]  We thank you
+[1676.42 --> 1677.54]  for the gift of faith.
+[1678.78 --> 1679.26]  And today,
+[1679.38 --> 1679.84]  in particular,
+[1680.02 --> 1680.56]  we thank you
+[1680.56 --> 1681.24]  for those people
+[1681.24 --> 1682.84]  who have been for us
+[1682.84 --> 1684.16]  a gift in faith.
+[1685.04 --> 1685.60]  Those people
+[1685.60 --> 1686.44]  who have drawn near
+[1686.44 --> 1687.34]  and surrounded us
+[1687.34 --> 1687.90]  with love
+[1687.90 --> 1689.34]  when we felt alone
+[1689.34 --> 1689.74]  and empty.
+[1689.84 --> 1690.38]  For those people
+[1690.38 --> 1692.24]  who have lifted us up
+[1692.24 --> 1694.44]  when we couldn't
+[1694.44 --> 1695.14]  carry ourselves.
+[1696.10 --> 1697.92]  for those
+[1697.92 --> 1698.76]  who have been Mary
+[1698.76 --> 1699.72]  and those who have been
+[1699.72 --> 1701.22]  Elizabeth in our lives.
+[1701.72 --> 1702.74]  We thank you.
+[1704.06 --> 1704.52]  And so,
+[1704.66 --> 1705.24]  may we go
+[1705.24 --> 1705.76]  together
+[1705.76 --> 1706.64]  into this week
+[1706.64 --> 1707.22]  to live
+[1707.22 --> 1708.64]  by faith.
+[1710.22 --> 1711.58]  That as we look back,
+[1711.86 --> 1712.74]  we can be assured
+[1712.74 --> 1715.08]  so that we may go forward
+[1715.08 --> 1716.04]  in confidence
+[1716.04 --> 1716.76]  and conviction
+[1716.76 --> 1717.70]  that you
+[1717.70 --> 1718.78]  are God alone
+[1718.78 --> 1719.62]  and that you,
+[1720.16 --> 1720.58]  Lord Jesus,
+[1720.76 --> 1721.92]  will never leave us
+[1721.92 --> 1723.32]  nor forsake us.
+[1723.32 --> 1726.70]  in Christ alone
+[1726.70 --> 1727.28]  we pray.
+[1728.72 --> 1729.06]  Amen.
+[1729.06 --> 1729.20]  Amen.
+[1730.20 --> 1730.58]  Amen.

I Will Wait - A Joy Found (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,929 @@
+[0.00 --> 6.38]  This morning our scripture reading is going to be from Isaiah 60.
+[6.88 --> 12.80]  We're going to read the first five verses of Isaiah 60, just the first five verses.
+[13.30 --> 17.36]  If you have a Bible handy in front of you or with you or on your phone or whatever the
+[17.36 --> 24.08]  case may be, I encourage you to open that up, turn it on, and read along with Isaiah 60.
+[25.40 --> 26.64]  Hear the word of the Lord.
+[26.64 --> 34.54]  Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
+[34.94 --> 40.04]  See, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord
+[40.04 --> 44.22]  rises upon you, and his glory appears over you.
+[45.86 --> 50.40]  Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
+[51.60 --> 54.64]  Lift up your eyes and look about you.
+[54.64 --> 57.26]  All assemble and come to you.
+[57.36 --> 61.28]  Your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm.
+[62.68 --> 65.16]  Then you will look and be radiant.
+[65.90 --> 69.76]  Your heart will throb and swell with joy.
+[70.64 --> 71.84]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[71.84 --> 82.04]  As we come to God's word, I thought I would begin this morning by throwing out the rules
+[82.04 --> 90.04]  of what it means to be a new pastor in a new community, and to start with something incredibly
+[90.04 --> 91.10]  controversial.
+[91.10 --> 98.72]  I want to start this morning and talk to you about Christmas inflatables.
+[101.26 --> 106.60]  Now, a number of years ago, when Christmas inflatables were just becoming a thing, they seem to have
+[106.60 --> 111.64]  proliferated everywhere now, but when they were just becoming a thing, I remember in the weeks
+[111.64 --> 116.94]  leading up to Christmas, I was walking through one of those big box stores with my family,
+[116.94 --> 124.06]  and in the distance, I saw a kid come around the corner, and he looked up at the Christmas display,
+[124.42 --> 125.30]  and he shouted,
+[125.76 --> 126.24]  Mom!
+[126.80 --> 128.84]  They have inflatables!
+[128.84 --> 138.20]  And he ran straight over, and he just took them all in, glorying in the awe of a 10-foot-tall
+[138.20 --> 144.92]  Santa standing beneath what would otherwise be a very dangerous thing to do, a giant reindeer,
+[146.02 --> 150.60]  and just marveling and taking joy in that moment.
+[150.60 --> 157.84]  Now, I get that Christmas inflatables may be divisive, and you probably have an opinion on them,
+[157.90 --> 162.86]  but in that moment, that kid experienced pure joy.
+[164.42 --> 169.04]  Now, fast forward a few years, and you see Christmas inflatables everywhere.
+[170.10 --> 171.28]  It's almost old hat.
+[172.34 --> 177.34]  I haven't seen someone get as excited as that kid did in that moment for quite some time,
+[177.34 --> 182.42]  even when you go to the places that are absolutely over the top, and there's a few just around the corner from here.
+[184.20 --> 187.62]  It just is what it is.
+[188.98 --> 194.42]  I suspect for that kid, and for most of us, the joy of Christmas inflatables
+[194.42 --> 197.14]  is a joy that fades,
+[198.14 --> 201.74]  that eventually washes away.
+[201.74 --> 208.14]  But on this third Sunday of Advent, I want us to think about a greater joy
+[208.14 --> 210.86]  that all those lesser joys point to,
+[211.10 --> 214.24]  a greater joy that will not spoil or fade.
+[215.74 --> 218.32]  I want us to talk about what it means to have joy
+[218.32 --> 220.12]  as Christians,
+[220.86 --> 222.52]  especially in this season
+[222.52 --> 225.28]  of darkness and trial.
+[226.06 --> 228.18]  Now, here's what I want to suggest to you this morning,
+[228.18 --> 231.86]  and I hope we can follow this line of thought through.
+[232.62 --> 233.70]  For the Christian,
+[233.88 --> 235.90]  that is for you and me who believe
+[235.90 --> 237.02]  by grace through faith,
+[237.16 --> 237.98]  for the Christian,
+[238.56 --> 240.58]  joy is so much more
+[240.58 --> 241.90]  than feeling happy
+[241.90 --> 244.74]  or jolly or however it is you want to describe it.
+[245.00 --> 245.78]  For the Christian,
+[246.20 --> 248.14]  joy, and what I want to suggest to you,
+[248.26 --> 249.82]  is best understood
+[249.82 --> 251.96]  as deep down
+[251.96 --> 254.06]  in the depths of your being
+[254.06 --> 255.36]  satisfaction.
+[255.36 --> 255.80]  Right?
+[257.88 --> 260.04]  Even, actually, as we see it in Scripture,
+[260.24 --> 262.36]  right, in those famous sort of rejoicing passages
+[262.36 --> 263.60]  of Philippians 4
+[263.60 --> 265.08]  or 1 Thessalonians 5,
+[265.34 --> 267.38]  right, where we are told to rejoice always.
+[268.50 --> 268.78]  Right?
+[268.82 --> 270.02]  Even that phrase
+[270.02 --> 271.62]  or the word there for rejoice
+[271.62 --> 274.28]  can mean sort of calmly happy
+[274.28 --> 275.44]  or serene.
+[276.48 --> 276.74]  Right?
+[276.76 --> 278.80]  The kind of joy that I'm talking about
+[278.80 --> 280.70]  is one that you may be familiar with.
+[281.36 --> 281.78]  Right?
+[281.84 --> 282.32]  It's the
+[282.32 --> 284.96]  when sorrows like sea billows roll,
+[284.96 --> 285.72]  it's the
+[285.72 --> 287.24]  though Satan should buffet,
+[287.38 --> 288.88]  though trials should come,
+[289.42 --> 291.32]  it is well
+[291.32 --> 293.24]  with my soul.
+[293.80 --> 295.34]  That's the kind of joy
+[295.34 --> 297.28]  that I'm talking about.
+[297.54 --> 297.70]  Right?
+[297.82 --> 299.54]  Joy is more than peace,
+[299.60 --> 301.20]  though that's inclusive of it,
+[301.24 --> 302.18]  and we will actually return
+[302.18 --> 303.22]  to the theme of peace
+[303.22 --> 304.48]  in our worship together
+[304.48 --> 305.34]  next week.
+[305.48 --> 307.24]  But joy is contentment,
+[307.36 --> 308.78]  it is satisfaction.
+[309.40 --> 310.50]  Joy for the Christian
+[310.50 --> 310.98]  is an
+[310.98 --> 312.04]  it is well
+[312.04 --> 313.02]  rejoicing.
+[313.02 --> 316.32]  And then here's the bigger point.
+[317.60 --> 319.26]  Joy comes fully
+[319.26 --> 321.76]  or joy only comes
+[321.76 --> 323.84]  in relation to Jesus.
+[323.84 --> 326.18]  That kind of deep soul satisfaction
+[326.18 --> 327.86]  comes in relation
+[327.86 --> 329.14]  to Jesus.
+[329.56 --> 329.84]  Right?
+[329.96 --> 330.06]  To
+[330.06 --> 330.60]  to
+[330.60 --> 333.68]  Jesus in being known
+[333.68 --> 335.04]  and knowing
+[335.04 --> 335.86]  him.
+[336.82 --> 337.56]  Now you can see this
+[337.56 --> 338.34]  all over the Bible,
+[338.34 --> 339.98]  but we're going to see it
+[339.98 --> 340.84]  specifically here
+[340.84 --> 342.52]  from Isaiah 60.
+[342.60 --> 343.22]  This is a pretty
+[343.22 --> 345.00]  traditional Advent text
+[345.00 --> 346.54]  with anything
+[346.54 --> 347.70]  but boring
+[347.70 --> 348.46]  implications
+[348.46 --> 349.70]  for your life
+[349.70 --> 350.40]  and my life
+[350.40 --> 350.74]  together.
+[351.50 --> 352.10]  Let me outline
+[352.10 --> 352.76]  the structure
+[352.76 --> 354.06]  of the
+[354.06 --> 354.74]  arguments
+[354.74 --> 355.50]  and then
+[355.50 --> 356.64]  we'll get into it.
+[357.34 --> 358.24]  Text begins
+[358.24 --> 358.98]  in verse 1
+[358.98 --> 359.56]  saying,
+[359.70 --> 360.24]  Arise,
+[360.52 --> 360.92]  shine,
+[361.06 --> 361.72]  for your light
+[361.72 --> 362.34]  has come
+[362.34 --> 363.44]  and the glory
+[363.44 --> 364.32]  of the Lord
+[364.32 --> 365.50]  rises upon you.
+[365.50 --> 367.84]  Now the prophet Isaiah
+[367.84 --> 369.40]  is speaking these words
+[369.40 --> 370.30]  to Israel
+[370.30 --> 371.20]  and to Judah
+[371.20 --> 372.54]  very likely
+[372.54 --> 373.86]  he speaks them
+[373.86 --> 375.40]  as from his position
+[375.40 --> 376.28]  as advisor
+[376.28 --> 377.12]  to the king
+[377.12 --> 378.12]  in Jerusalem.
+[379.18 --> 379.70]  So at this time
+[379.70 --> 380.12]  in history
+[380.12 --> 381.14]  the Assyrians
+[381.14 --> 381.94]  and empire
+[381.94 --> 383.16]  to the north
+[383.16 --> 384.10]  have taken
+[384.10 --> 385.36]  the northern parts
+[385.36 --> 385.96]  of Israel
+[385.96 --> 386.86]  and they're threatening
+[386.86 --> 387.60]  to come in
+[387.60 --> 388.78]  and attack Judah
+[388.78 --> 389.46]  and
+[389.46 --> 391.14]  distance in the future
+[391.14 --> 391.92]  not so distant
+[391.92 --> 392.38]  anymore
+[392.38 --> 393.06]  in the future
+[393.06 --> 394.54]  is the Babylonian empire
+[394.54 --> 395.68]  looming to
+[395.68 --> 396.74]  take it all
+[396.74 --> 398.72]  and to carry away
+[398.72 --> 399.56]  the Israelites
+[399.56 --> 400.38]  into exile.
+[401.50 --> 402.18]  This time
+[402.18 --> 403.46]  in Israel
+[403.46 --> 404.38]  and Judah's history
+[404.38 --> 405.20]  is one of
+[405.20 --> 406.62]  a few good kings
+[406.62 --> 407.78]  but lots
+[407.78 --> 408.52]  and lots
+[408.52 --> 410.20]  of bad ones.
+[411.38 --> 412.00]  But Isaiah
+[412.00 --> 413.96]  has a message
+[413.96 --> 415.16]  of hope
+[415.16 --> 416.52]  and it's hope
+[416.52 --> 417.72]  that leads
+[417.72 --> 418.86]  to joy.
+[419.96 --> 420.68]  Your light
+[420.68 --> 421.40]  has come
+[421.40 --> 422.20]  the Lord
+[422.20 --> 422.88]  rises
+[422.88 --> 424.18]  upon you
+[424.18 --> 425.46]  and he's speaking
+[425.46 --> 426.18]  to the people
+[426.18 --> 427.18]  in Jerusalem
+[427.18 --> 427.96]  and of Jerusalem
+[427.96 --> 428.62]  and Judea
+[428.62 --> 429.28]  a promise
+[429.28 --> 430.24]  of salvation
+[430.24 --> 431.34]  but not just
+[431.34 --> 431.94]  salvation
+[431.94 --> 432.90]  from Assyria
+[432.90 --> 434.20]  or from Babylon
+[434.20 --> 435.76]  not only salvation
+[435.76 --> 436.68]  even from the guilt
+[436.68 --> 437.34]  of sin
+[437.34 --> 438.56]  Isaiah's promise
+[438.56 --> 439.60]  is even bigger
+[439.60 --> 440.22]  than that
+[440.22 --> 440.40]  right?
+[440.70 --> 441.82]  God is speaking
+[441.82 --> 442.56]  to his people
+[442.56 --> 444.06]  a word of deliverance
+[444.06 --> 445.14]  into new life
+[445.14 --> 445.68]  empowered
+[445.68 --> 447.18]  by the Holy Spirit
+[447.18 --> 448.44]  in which the light
+[448.44 --> 449.36]  of God
+[449.36 --> 450.66]  his own glory
+[450.66 --> 452.14]  shines out
+[452.14 --> 452.84]  from the people
+[452.84 --> 453.34]  of God.
+[454.92 --> 455.50]  Isaiah's talking
+[455.50 --> 456.22]  about life
+[456.22 --> 457.18]  in the spirit
+[457.18 --> 458.34]  that reflects
+[458.34 --> 459.22]  the life
+[459.22 --> 460.60]  of God's
+[460.60 --> 461.24]  spirit.
+[462.58 --> 463.62]  Like one writer
+[463.62 --> 464.40]  has put it
+[464.40 --> 465.90]  like a city
+[465.90 --> 466.40]  gleaming
+[466.40 --> 467.16]  in the light
+[467.16 --> 467.78]  of a newly
+[467.78 --> 468.56]  risen sun
+[468.56 --> 469.24]  they shine
+[469.24 --> 469.92]  with a beauty
+[469.92 --> 470.64]  that is not
+[470.64 --> 471.20]  their own.
+[471.88 --> 472.22]  Right?
+[472.30 --> 473.00]  They shine
+[473.00 --> 474.06]  with a beauty
+[474.06 --> 475.08]  that is not
+[475.08 --> 475.62]  their own.
+[476.82 --> 477.30]  Darkness
+[477.30 --> 478.48]  covers the earth
+[478.48 --> 479.40]  a thick darkness
+[479.40 --> 480.76]  is over the people
+[480.76 --> 481.72]  that's the situation
+[481.72 --> 482.66]  that they find
+[482.66 --> 483.18]  themselves in
+[483.18 --> 483.70]  that's their
+[483.70 --> 484.92]  current reality
+[484.92 --> 485.76]  but God
+[485.76 --> 486.36]  has a promised
+[486.36 --> 487.22]  future for them
+[487.22 --> 487.84]  a future
+[487.84 --> 489.06]  that is emerging
+[489.06 --> 490.24]  in them already
+[490.24 --> 491.48]  in this promise
+[491.48 --> 491.76]  right?
+[491.88 --> 492.40]  A future
+[492.40 --> 492.88]  that we
+[492.88 --> 493.38]  today
+[493.38 --> 494.48]  as Christians
+[494.48 --> 495.30]  in Christmas
+[495.30 --> 496.74]  know all about
+[496.74 --> 497.40]  and a future
+[497.40 --> 497.90]  that we
+[497.90 --> 498.82]  are also
+[498.82 --> 499.52]  waiting
+[499.52 --> 500.24]  for the fullness
+[500.24 --> 500.72]  of.
+[501.66 --> 501.76]  Right?
+[501.92 --> 502.26]  Advent
+[502.26 --> 503.20]  is that
+[503.20 --> 504.22]  season
+[504.22 --> 505.74]  the darkness
+[505.74 --> 506.52]  is increasing
+[506.52 --> 508.42]  at its peak
+[508.42 --> 509.22]  maybe.
+[510.64 --> 511.42]  Sunrise this
+[511.42 --> 512.08]  morning was
+[512.08 --> 513.04]  at 8 o'clock
+[513.04 --> 513.64]  and it's
+[513.64 --> 514.38]  going to set
+[514.38 --> 515.14]  at just after
+[515.14 --> 515.46]  4.
+[516.50 --> 517.30]  That's not a
+[517.30 --> 518.00]  whole lot of sun
+[518.00 --> 518.60]  even if you
+[518.60 --> 519.12]  can find it
+[519.12 --> 519.60]  and see it.
+[522.28 --> 523.26]  The loneliness
+[523.26 --> 524.02]  of our
+[524.02 --> 524.76]  circumstances
+[524.76 --> 526.68]  are exacerbated.
+[527.40 --> 528.34]  The emptiness
+[528.34 --> 529.30]  of our
+[529.30 --> 530.04]  longings
+[530.04 --> 531.06]  are palpable
+[531.06 --> 532.90]  and yet
+[532.90 --> 535.18]  and yet
+[535.18 --> 536.24]  the Lord
+[536.24 --> 537.58]  rises upon
+[537.58 --> 538.20]  you and
+[538.20 --> 538.98]  His glory
+[538.98 --> 539.64]  appears
+[539.64 --> 540.38]  over you
+[540.38 --> 541.10]  says Isaiah.
+[541.46 --> 542.12]  They shine
+[542.12 --> 542.82]  with a beauty
+[542.82 --> 543.66]  not their own
+[543.66 --> 544.40]  track that
+[544.40 --> 544.76]  but whose
+[544.76 --> 545.14]  beauty
+[545.14 --> 545.68]  is it?
+[545.76 --> 546.66]  Whose beauty
+[546.66 --> 547.76]  do you shine
+[547.76 --> 548.22]  with?
+[548.76 --> 549.10]  You shine
+[549.10 --> 549.72]  with God's
+[549.72 --> 550.06]  beauty
+[550.06 --> 550.60]  right?
+[550.66 --> 551.22]  The beauty
+[551.22 --> 552.04]  of the glory
+[552.04 --> 552.68]  of God
+[552.68 --> 553.36]  the word
+[553.36 --> 554.00]  made flesh
+[554.00 --> 554.58]  the lamb
+[554.58 --> 555.44]  who was slain
+[555.44 --> 556.16]  and the lion
+[556.16 --> 556.76]  of Judah
+[556.76 --> 557.78]  you shine
+[557.78 --> 558.62]  with the radiance
+[558.62 --> 559.58]  of he who
+[559.58 --> 560.14]  is true
+[560.14 --> 560.52]  light
+[560.52 --> 561.06]  of true
+[561.06 --> 561.38]  light
+[561.38 --> 561.92]  come from
+[561.92 --> 562.34]  the father
+[562.34 --> 562.78]  full
+[562.78 --> 563.54]  of grace
+[563.54 --> 564.30]  and truth
+[564.30 --> 565.46]  and people
+[565.46 --> 566.50]  see that
+[566.50 --> 567.28]  light shining
+[567.28 --> 567.94]  in the world
+[567.94 --> 569.08]  people long
+[569.08 --> 569.64]  for that
+[569.64 --> 570.92]  light radiating
+[570.92 --> 571.58]  out of you
+[571.58 --> 572.38]  people want
+[572.38 --> 573.04]  to shine
+[573.04 --> 573.90]  in the same
+[573.90 --> 574.22]  way
+[574.22 --> 575.40]  it's infectious
+[575.40 --> 576.52]  right?
+[576.58 --> 577.14]  There's something
+[577.14 --> 578.06]  about Christians
+[578.06 --> 579.24]  in the world
+[579.24 --> 580.00]  that should be
+[580.00 --> 580.54]  compelling
+[580.54 --> 581.84]  and winsome
+[581.84 --> 582.76]  right?
+[582.88 --> 583.80]  Even as the
+[583.80 --> 584.20]  darkness
+[584.20 --> 585.22]  rises
+[585.22 --> 586.26]  even when
+[586.26 --> 586.70]  there is a
+[586.70 --> 587.76]  global pandemic
+[587.76 --> 588.90]  even when
+[588.90 --> 589.46]  we can't
+[589.46 --> 590.16]  gather in
+[590.16 --> 590.70]  ways that
+[590.70 --> 591.12]  we want
+[591.12 --> 591.32]  to
+[591.32 --> 592.18]  even if
+[592.18 --> 592.76]  your Christmas
+[592.76 --> 593.48]  and your
+[593.48 --> 593.92]  New Year's
+[593.92 --> 594.34]  celebrations
+[594.34 --> 594.76]  are going
+[594.76 --> 594.98]  to look
+[594.98 --> 595.40]  like two
+[595.40 --> 595.80]  people
+[595.80 --> 596.52]  or three
+[596.52 --> 596.86]  people
+[596.86 --> 597.34]  rather than
+[597.34 --> 597.72]  the 10
+[597.72 --> 598.24]  or 12
+[598.24 --> 598.84]  or 30
+[598.84 --> 599.34]  that you
+[599.34 --> 599.74]  would like
+[599.74 --> 600.70]  it to be
+[600.70 --> 601.50]  even in
+[601.50 --> 602.16]  that moment
+[602.16 --> 604.62]  you can
+[604.62 --> 605.08]  shine
+[605.08 --> 608.60]  I've been
+[608.60 --> 609.08]  saying all
+[609.08 --> 609.44]  along
+[609.44 --> 610.20]  in the midst
+[610.20 --> 610.58]  of this
+[610.58 --> 611.50]  that your
+[611.50 --> 611.94]  attitude
+[611.94 --> 613.20]  tells a
+[613.20 --> 613.60]  story
+[613.60 --> 614.82]  right?
+[614.84 --> 615.18]  The way
+[615.18 --> 616.16]  you engage
+[616.16 --> 617.18]  our present
+[617.18 --> 618.16]  situation
+[618.16 --> 618.88]  our current
+[618.88 --> 619.40]  reality
+[619.40 --> 620.26]  reveals
+[620.26 --> 621.42]  something about
+[621.42 --> 622.08]  you and
+[622.08 --> 622.80]  your heart
+[622.80 --> 623.42]  and your
+[623.42 --> 623.90]  loves
+[623.90 --> 624.52]  and your
+[624.52 --> 624.94]  joys
+[624.94 --> 626.32]  life
+[626.32 --> 626.98]  is telling
+[626.98 --> 628.00]  a story
+[628.00 --> 628.74]  your attitude
+[628.74 --> 629.74]  about COVID
+[629.74 --> 630.56]  right?
+[630.66 --> 631.28]  About church
+[631.28 --> 631.98]  about work
+[631.98 --> 633.04]  about parenting
+[633.04 --> 633.82]  or hockey
+[633.82 --> 634.38]  practice
+[634.38 --> 635.18]  or homework
+[635.18 --> 636.16]  all of that
+[636.16 --> 637.20]  tells a story
+[637.20 --> 637.96]  about you
+[637.96 --> 639.10]  and your
+[639.10 --> 639.90]  heart
+[639.90 --> 644.02]  is the story
+[644.02 --> 644.64]  your life
+[644.64 --> 645.28]  is telling
+[645.28 --> 646.72]  is the story
+[646.72 --> 647.72]  your conversation
+[647.72 --> 649.36]  is revealing
+[649.36 --> 650.84]  the compelling
+[650.84 --> 652.10]  story of God's
+[652.10 --> 652.60]  glory
+[652.60 --> 655.18]  or
+[655.18 --> 657.28]  is it
+[657.28 --> 658.58]  the convicting
+[658.58 --> 659.66]  story of our
+[659.66 --> 660.68]  own selfishness
+[660.68 --> 663.06]  nations
+[663.06 --> 663.96]  will come
+[663.96 --> 664.88]  to your light
+[664.88 --> 666.04]  and kings
+[666.04 --> 667.28]  to the brightness
+[667.28 --> 668.26]  of your dawn
+[668.26 --> 669.42]  right?
+[669.48 --> 670.26]  Isaiah's promise
+[670.26 --> 671.14]  to us
+[671.14 --> 671.96]  is that when you
+[671.96 --> 673.20]  reveal God
+[673.20 --> 674.10]  when you tell
+[674.10 --> 675.36]  his story
+[675.36 --> 676.32]  when you live
+[676.32 --> 677.10]  your life
+[677.10 --> 677.74]  with Jesus
+[677.74 --> 678.62]  at the center
+[678.62 --> 679.90]  people will
+[679.90 --> 680.78]  come to you
+[680.78 --> 681.86]  they will be drawn
+[681.86 --> 682.74]  to the beauty
+[682.74 --> 683.64]  that is not
+[683.64 --> 684.24]  your own
+[684.24 --> 685.88]  because our
+[685.88 --> 686.44]  hearts
+[686.44 --> 687.68]  long
+[687.68 --> 688.70]  for Jesus
+[688.70 --> 689.86]  we long
+[689.86 --> 690.60]  for the one
+[690.60 --> 691.56]  for whom
+[691.56 --> 692.44]  we were
+[692.44 --> 693.20]  created
+[693.20 --> 695.66]  there's a
+[695.66 --> 696.70]  fourth century
+[696.70 --> 697.78]  church father
+[697.78 --> 698.24]  by the name
+[698.24 --> 698.86]  of Augustine
+[698.86 --> 700.52]  and rather famously
+[700.52 --> 701.70]  he once said
+[701.70 --> 703.02]  you have created
+[703.02 --> 704.22]  us for yourself
+[704.22 --> 704.88]  oh Lord
+[704.88 --> 705.84]  and our hearts
+[705.84 --> 706.58]  are restless
+[706.58 --> 708.28]  until they rest
+[708.28 --> 709.48]  in you
+[709.48 --> 711.28]  C.S. Lewis
+[711.28 --> 712.90]  in the 20th century
+[712.90 --> 714.30]  just a few years ago
+[714.30 --> 715.14]  put it this way
+[715.14 --> 715.62]  he says
+[715.62 --> 716.88]  if we find
+[716.88 --> 717.72]  ourselves
+[717.72 --> 719.10]  with a desire
+[719.10 --> 719.88]  that nothing
+[719.88 --> 720.86]  in this world
+[720.86 --> 721.70]  can satisfy
+[721.70 --> 723.16]  the most probable
+[723.16 --> 724.02]  explanation
+[724.02 --> 725.14]  is that we were
+[725.14 --> 725.96]  made for another
+[725.96 --> 726.40]  world
+[726.40 --> 727.82]  and Lewis
+[727.82 --> 728.74]  actually will build
+[728.74 --> 729.12]  on that
+[729.12 --> 729.98]  he will expand
+[729.98 --> 730.46]  on that
+[730.46 --> 731.06]  and I don't want
+[731.06 --> 731.56]  to lose you
+[731.56 --> 732.16]  in the weeds
+[732.16 --> 732.90]  of an exegesis
+[732.90 --> 733.66]  of C.S. Lewis
+[733.66 --> 734.42]  that's not what
+[734.42 --> 734.88]  we're here for
+[734.88 --> 735.56]  but just one more
+[735.56 --> 736.32]  quote because I think
+[736.32 --> 737.44]  it is really helpful
+[737.44 --> 738.42]  for Lewis
+[738.42 --> 739.84]  desire and joy
+[739.84 --> 741.76]  are sort of
+[741.76 --> 742.70]  synonymous terms
+[742.70 --> 744.32]  and he will go on
+[744.32 --> 745.58]  to define joy
+[745.58 --> 748.06]  as an unsatisfied desire
+[748.06 --> 749.10]  which is itself
+[749.10 --> 750.06]  more desirable
+[750.06 --> 751.24]  than any other
+[751.24 --> 751.96]  satisfaction
+[751.96 --> 754.28]  I call it joy
+[754.28 --> 755.10]  Lewis continues
+[755.10 --> 756.16]  which is here
+[756.16 --> 757.18]  a technical term
+[757.18 --> 757.82]  and must be
+[757.82 --> 758.64]  sharply distinguished
+[758.64 --> 759.76]  from both happiness
+[759.76 --> 761.36]  and from pleasure
+[761.36 --> 762.60]  which is exactly
+[762.60 --> 763.08]  the point
+[763.08 --> 764.04]  that we started with
+[764.04 --> 764.48]  right
+[764.48 --> 766.60]  that Christian joy
+[766.60 --> 767.82]  is more than
+[767.82 --> 768.70]  feeling happy
+[768.70 --> 769.58]  or jolly
+[769.58 --> 771.00]  or whatever it is
+[771.00 --> 771.42]  right
+[771.42 --> 772.74]  joy for us
+[772.74 --> 773.72]  is understood
+[773.72 --> 774.64]  as deep
+[774.64 --> 775.56]  down
+[775.56 --> 776.72]  satisfaction
+[776.72 --> 779.92]  God is
+[779.92 --> 780.92]  speaking
+[780.92 --> 781.64]  this morning
+[781.64 --> 783.74]  and he is saying
+[783.74 --> 785.24]  lift your eyes
+[785.24 --> 785.62]  up
+[785.62 --> 786.50]  and look
+[786.50 --> 787.34]  about you
+[787.34 --> 789.36]  come and see
+[789.36 --> 790.10]  what the Lord
+[790.10 --> 791.08]  has done
+[791.08 --> 793.96]  look at the story
+[793.96 --> 795.02]  of your life
+[795.02 --> 796.26]  and see how
+[796.26 --> 797.32]  Jesus is
+[797.32 --> 798.22]  the hero
+[798.22 --> 799.54]  tell the story
+[799.54 --> 800.50]  of your life
+[800.50 --> 801.40]  with Jesus
+[801.40 --> 802.56]  as the hero
+[802.56 --> 803.18]  and see
+[803.18 --> 804.16]  how God
+[804.16 --> 805.24]  honors that
+[805.24 --> 807.56]  and when you
+[807.56 --> 808.30]  lift your eyes
+[808.30 --> 809.88]  and you see
+[809.88 --> 810.30]  God
+[810.30 --> 810.92]  and you see
+[810.92 --> 812.02]  his beauty
+[812.02 --> 813.16]  and his beauty
+[813.16 --> 813.92]  made manifest
+[813.92 --> 814.82]  in the lives
+[814.82 --> 815.44]  of the believers
+[815.44 --> 816.54]  around you
+[816.54 --> 817.86]  when Christian
+[817.86 --> 818.66]  living
+[818.66 --> 819.74]  tells
+[819.74 --> 820.98]  the Advent
+[820.98 --> 821.88]  joy
+[821.88 --> 822.94]  story
+[822.94 --> 824.56]  look at verse 5
+[824.56 --> 825.50]  then
+[825.50 --> 827.18]  you will be radiant
+[827.18 --> 828.84]  and your heart
+[828.84 --> 829.64]  will throb
+[829.64 --> 830.90]  and swell
+[830.90 --> 832.18]  with joy
+[832.18 --> 834.98]  you were created
+[834.98 --> 836.60]  for joy
+[836.60 --> 838.48]  even in this
+[838.48 --> 839.64]  present darkness
+[839.64 --> 840.76]  you are
+[840.76 --> 842.00]  for joy
+[842.00 --> 843.24]  and a joy
+[843.24 --> 843.96]  that is so much
+[843.96 --> 844.86]  more than happy
+[844.86 --> 845.52]  clappy
+[845.52 --> 846.28]  platitudes
+[846.28 --> 846.94]  right
+[846.94 --> 848.22]  right here
+[848.22 --> 849.26]  this deep
+[849.26 --> 850.08]  down
+[850.08 --> 850.96]  it is well
+[850.96 --> 852.14]  with my soul
+[852.14 --> 853.10]  joy
+[853.10 --> 855.58]  I love the way
+[855.58 --> 856.56]  that the Westminster
+[856.56 --> 857.20]  shorter
+[857.20 --> 858.54]  catechism puts it
+[858.54 --> 859.64]  it asks the question
+[859.64 --> 860.58]  what is the chief
+[860.58 --> 861.64]  end of humanity
+[861.64 --> 862.22]  right
+[862.22 --> 863.20]  what is your purpose
+[863.20 --> 864.34]  that you were created
+[864.34 --> 864.78]  for
+[864.78 --> 865.50]  and the answer
+[865.50 --> 866.04]  that it gives
+[866.04 --> 866.86]  is to worship
+[866.86 --> 867.52]  God
+[867.52 --> 869.34]  and enjoy
+[869.34 --> 870.00]  him
+[870.00 --> 871.30]  forever
+[871.30 --> 874.56]  Jonathan Edwards
+[874.56 --> 875.84]  is a Puritan
+[875.84 --> 876.30]  pastor
+[876.30 --> 876.34]  pastor
+[876.34 --> 877.12]  and theologian
+[877.12 --> 877.82]  from some
+[877.82 --> 878.84]  300 years ago
+[878.84 --> 880.54]  and he has
+[880.54 --> 881.68]  a beautiful thesis
+[881.68 --> 882.64]  in a treatise
+[882.64 --> 883.16]  that he calls
+[883.16 --> 884.34]  religious affections
+[884.34 --> 885.50]  he writes
+[885.50 --> 887.04]  that true religion
+[887.04 --> 888.82]  in large part
+[888.82 --> 889.58]  consists
+[889.58 --> 890.70]  of holy
+[890.70 --> 891.78]  affections
+[891.78 --> 893.42]  and in that work
+[893.42 --> 894.44]  he goes on
+[894.44 --> 895.48]  to focus out
+[895.48 --> 896.12]  joy
+[896.12 --> 897.26]  as one of
+[897.26 --> 898.32]  the holy
+[898.32 --> 899.18]  affections
+[899.18 --> 900.38]  and then
+[900.38 --> 901.16]  of joy
+[901.16 --> 901.90]  he says
+[901.90 --> 902.70]  the nature
+[902.70 --> 903.38]  of Christian
+[903.38 --> 903.76]  joy
+[903.76 --> 905.24]  is unspeakable
+[905.24 --> 906.54]  because it is
+[906.54 --> 907.08]  purer
+[907.08 --> 908.20]  and more sublime
+[908.20 --> 908.88]  and heavenly
+[908.88 --> 909.82]  because it is
+[909.82 --> 910.38]  supernatural
+[910.38 --> 911.70]  truly divine
+[911.70 --> 913.10]  and so ineffably
+[913.10 --> 913.82]  excellent
+[913.82 --> 915.26]  no words
+[915.26 --> 916.04]  can describe
+[916.04 --> 917.34]  the sublimity
+[917.34 --> 918.28]  and exquisite
+[918.28 --> 918.88]  sweetness
+[918.88 --> 919.74]  of joy
+[919.74 --> 920.90]  in Christ
+[920.90 --> 921.82]  end quote
+[921.82 --> 923.52]  now the irony
+[923.52 --> 924.36]  is not lost
+[924.36 --> 924.90]  on me
+[924.90 --> 925.70]  that he says
+[925.70 --> 926.26]  no words
+[926.26 --> 926.90]  can describe
+[926.90 --> 927.62]  the sublimity
+[927.62 --> 928.14]  and exquisite
+[928.14 --> 928.48]  sweetness
+[928.48 --> 928.92]  of Christ
+[928.92 --> 929.78]  and then he goes
+[929.78 --> 930.38]  on for pages
+[930.38 --> 930.94]  and chapters
+[930.94 --> 931.50]  and chapters
+[931.50 --> 932.42]  to try to do
+[932.42 --> 933.16]  just that
+[933.16 --> 935.08]  but I love
+[935.08 --> 935.88]  what he says
+[935.88 --> 936.84]  and he writes
+[936.84 --> 937.40]  in sort of
+[937.40 --> 937.94]  the conclusion
+[937.94 --> 938.54]  of that
+[938.54 --> 939.44]  is that Christ
+[939.44 --> 940.72]  by faith
+[940.72 --> 941.96]  is the foundation
+[941.96 --> 944.18]  of all joy
+[944.18 --> 946.76]  you were created
+[946.76 --> 948.40]  for joy
+[948.40 --> 950.72]  and the gospel
+[950.72 --> 951.42]  secures that
+[951.42 --> 951.90]  for you
+[951.90 --> 953.88]  right Christ
+[953.88 --> 954.38]  himself
+[954.38 --> 955.32]  who lived
+[955.32 --> 955.82]  the life
+[955.82 --> 956.34]  I should have
+[956.34 --> 956.60]  lived
+[956.60 --> 957.54]  who died
+[957.54 --> 958.18]  the death
+[958.18 --> 958.70]  that I
+[958.70 --> 959.56]  deserved
+[959.56 --> 960.58]  right
+[960.58 --> 961.52]  of Jesus
+[961.52 --> 962.30]  we can read
+[962.30 --> 962.92]  that it was
+[962.92 --> 963.74]  for the joy
+[963.74 --> 964.90]  set before him
+[964.90 --> 966.08]  that he endured
+[966.08 --> 966.68]  the cross
+[966.68 --> 967.30]  and scorned
+[967.30 --> 967.76]  its shame
+[967.76 --> 968.68]  right
+[968.68 --> 970.22]  Jesus is for joy
+[970.22 --> 970.96]  and he is
+[970.96 --> 972.18]  for your joy
+[972.18 --> 973.32]  and the gospel
+[973.32 --> 974.36]  secures you
+[974.36 --> 975.28]  in the joy
+[975.28 --> 976.24]  of the beauty
+[976.24 --> 977.52]  of being known
+[977.52 --> 978.76]  and knowing
+[978.76 --> 980.22]  God
+[980.22 --> 983.54]  that's advent joy
+[983.54 --> 985.58]  that's the light
+[985.58 --> 985.60]  that's the light
+[985.60 --> 986.46]  that pierces
+[986.46 --> 987.86]  the darkness
+[987.86 --> 990.36]  Peter writes
+[990.36 --> 991.52]  in his first epistle
+[991.52 --> 991.94]  he says
+[991.94 --> 993.12]  though you have not
+[993.12 --> 993.74]  seen him
+[993.74 --> 994.54]  that's Jesus
+[994.54 --> 995.60]  though you have not
+[995.60 --> 996.18]  seen Jesus
+[996.18 --> 996.96]  you love him
+[996.96 --> 997.90]  and even though
+[997.90 --> 999.10]  you do not see him
+[999.10 --> 999.48]  now
+[999.48 --> 1000.66]  you believe in him
+[1000.66 --> 1001.46]  and are filled
+[1001.46 --> 1003.18]  with inexpressible
+[1003.18 --> 1005.06]  glorious joy
+[1005.06 --> 1005.86]  for you
+[1005.86 --> 1006.90]  are receiving
+[1006.90 --> 1008.58]  the end result
+[1008.58 --> 1009.40]  of your faith
+[1009.40 --> 1010.14]  the salvation
+[1010.14 --> 1011.36]  of your souls
+[1011.36 --> 1012.32]  are you
+[1012.32 --> 1013.26]  filled with
+[1013.26 --> 1014.66]  inexpressible
+[1014.66 --> 1015.60]  and glorious
+[1015.60 --> 1016.70]  joy
+[1016.70 --> 1019.92]  when trials come
+[1019.92 --> 1021.56]  when Satan
+[1021.56 --> 1022.06]  buffets
+[1022.06 --> 1022.98]  and sea billows
+[1022.98 --> 1023.32]  roll
+[1023.32 --> 1024.62]  can you sing
+[1024.62 --> 1026.04]  it is well
+[1026.04 --> 1027.44]  with my soul
+[1027.44 --> 1029.46]  your life
+[1029.46 --> 1030.02]  is telling
+[1030.02 --> 1031.08]  a story
+[1031.08 --> 1032.34]  make it
+[1032.34 --> 1032.74]  Jesus
+[1032.74 --> 1034.04]  story
+[1034.04 --> 1034.80]  right
+[1034.80 --> 1035.08]  do your
+[1035.08 --> 1035.90]  do your neighbors
+[1035.90 --> 1036.94]  hear Jesus
+[1036.94 --> 1038.12]  when they talk
+[1038.12 --> 1038.58]  to you
+[1038.58 --> 1040.40]  do your Facebook
+[1040.40 --> 1041.10]  or Instagram
+[1041.10 --> 1042.06]  or Snap
+[1042.06 --> 1042.82]  or TikTok
+[1042.82 --> 1043.88]  or whatever
+[1043.88 --> 1045.44]  platform that you are on
+[1045.44 --> 1047.00]  do your online comments
+[1047.00 --> 1048.66]  reveal that you are created
+[1048.66 --> 1049.96]  for so much more
+[1049.96 --> 1051.82]  than this present darkness
+[1051.82 --> 1055.62]  the joy of Jesus
+[1055.62 --> 1056.52]  doesn't fade
+[1056.52 --> 1057.86]  or spoil
+[1057.86 --> 1059.30]  or perish
+[1059.30 --> 1061.32]  the joy of Jesus
+[1061.32 --> 1062.82]  is eternal
+[1062.82 --> 1064.02]  because Jesus
+[1064.02 --> 1065.40]  is eternal
+[1065.40 --> 1066.70]  and imagine
+[1066.70 --> 1068.36]  what your life
+[1068.36 --> 1069.68]  would look like
+[1069.68 --> 1071.36]  with eternal joy
+[1071.36 --> 1072.04]  in Jesus
+[1072.04 --> 1074.02]  because really
+[1074.02 --> 1075.74]  if you believe
+[1075.74 --> 1077.82]  you already have it
+[1077.82 --> 1080.68]  today is the day
+[1080.68 --> 1082.48]  to live it
+[1082.48 --> 1085.14]  let's live
+[1085.14 --> 1086.08]  the joy
+[1086.08 --> 1087.38]  of knowing
+[1087.38 --> 1088.78]  and being known
+[1088.78 --> 1089.86]  by God
+[1089.86 --> 1091.40]  let's reflect
+[1091.40 --> 1092.22]  the beauty
+[1092.22 --> 1093.48]  of his glory
+[1093.48 --> 1094.32]  as we
+[1094.32 --> 1095.06]  together
+[1095.06 --> 1095.76]  live
+[1095.76 --> 1096.74]  lives
+[1096.74 --> 1097.50]  of joy
+[1097.50 --> 1099.22]  you were
+[1099.22 --> 1100.80]  created for joy
+[1100.80 --> 1103.08]  you were created
+[1103.08 --> 1106.18]  to bask
+[1106.18 --> 1107.48]  in the glory
+[1107.48 --> 1109.32]  of our good God
+[1109.32 --> 1112.04]  may you
+[1112.04 --> 1112.78]  know
+[1112.78 --> 1114.46]  the reason
+[1114.46 --> 1116.02]  you are here
+[1116.02 --> 1116.86]  today
+[1116.86 --> 1119.10]  may you know
+[1119.10 --> 1119.64]  the joy
+[1119.64 --> 1120.82]  of Jesus
+[1120.82 --> 1121.82]  amen
+[1121.82 --> 1123.46]  let me lead you
+[1123.46 --> 1123.84]  in prayer
+[1123.84 --> 1129.62]  Lord Jesus
+[1129.62 --> 1130.64]  fill us
+[1130.64 --> 1132.36]  with joy
+[1132.36 --> 1133.68]  inexpressible
+[1133.68 --> 1134.56]  and glorious
+[1134.56 --> 1135.12]  today
+[1135.12 --> 1137.54]  fill us
+[1137.54 --> 1138.10]  with the
+[1138.10 --> 1138.80]  the sure
+[1138.80 --> 1139.30]  hope
+[1139.30 --> 1140.08]  and knowledge
+[1140.08 --> 1140.68]  of knowing
+[1140.68 --> 1140.96]  you
+[1140.96 --> 1141.50]  and being
+[1141.50 --> 1141.86]  known
+[1141.86 --> 1142.54]  by you
+[1142.54 --> 1144.54]  fill us
+[1144.54 --> 1145.58]  with a joy
+[1145.58 --> 1146.22]  that cannot
+[1146.22 --> 1147.18]  be contained
+[1147.18 --> 1148.32]  fill us
+[1148.32 --> 1149.02]  with a joy
+[1149.02 --> 1149.98]  that even
+[1149.98 --> 1151.14]  when Satan
+[1151.14 --> 1152.38]  is buffeting
+[1152.38 --> 1152.78]  even
+[1152.78 --> 1153.44]  when sea
+[1153.44 --> 1153.88]  billows
+[1153.88 --> 1154.82]  are rolling
+[1154.82 --> 1155.92]  we can sing
+[1155.92 --> 1156.56]  together
+[1156.56 --> 1158.26]  it is
+[1158.26 --> 1159.14]  well
+[1159.14 --> 1161.58]  may we know
+[1161.58 --> 1161.92]  the joy
+[1161.92 --> 1162.30]  of Jesus
+[1162.30 --> 1163.74]  and may we
+[1163.74 --> 1164.96]  be a people
+[1164.96 --> 1165.86]  whose lives
+[1165.86 --> 1167.24]  tell the good
+[1167.24 --> 1168.10]  story
+[1168.10 --> 1169.46]  of Jesus
+[1169.46 --> 1169.92]  come
+[1169.92 --> 1170.48]  from the
+[1170.48 --> 1170.80]  Father
+[1170.80 --> 1171.48]  full of
+[1171.48 --> 1171.82]  grace
+[1171.82 --> 1172.74]  and truth
+[1172.74 --> 1174.52]  in your name
+[1174.52 --> 1175.00]  we pray
+[1175.00 --> 1175.72]  Lord Jesus
+[1175.72 --> 1177.26]  amen
+[1177.26 --> 1187.18]  ye
+[1187.18 --> 1191.02]  how
+[1191.02 --> 1193.10]  are you
+[1195.78 --> 1197.02]  them
+[1199.02 --> 1199.42]  you
+[1199.42 --> 1199.56]  and
+[1199.56 --> 1200.00]  out

I Will Wait - A Joy Found (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,929 @@
+[0.00 --> 6.38]  This morning our scripture reading is going to be from Isaiah 60.
+[6.88 --> 12.80]  We're going to read the first five verses of Isaiah 60, just the first five verses.
+[13.30 --> 17.36]  If you have a Bible handy in front of you or with you or on your phone or whatever the
+[17.36 --> 24.08]  case may be, I encourage you to open that up, turn it on, and read along with Isaiah 60.
+[25.40 --> 26.64]  Hear the word of the Lord.
+[26.64 --> 34.54]  Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
+[34.94 --> 40.04]  See, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord
+[40.04 --> 44.22]  rises upon you, and his glory appears over you.
+[45.86 --> 50.40]  Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
+[51.60 --> 54.64]  Lift up your eyes and look about you.
+[54.64 --> 57.26]  All assemble and come to you.
+[57.36 --> 61.28]  Your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm.
+[62.68 --> 65.16]  Then you will look and be radiant.
+[65.90 --> 69.76]  Your heart will throb and swell with joy.
+[70.64 --> 71.84]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[71.84 --> 82.04]  As we come to God's word, I thought I would begin this morning by throwing out the rules
+[82.04 --> 90.04]  of what it means to be a new pastor in a new community, and to start with something incredibly
+[90.04 --> 91.10]  controversial.
+[91.10 --> 98.72]  I want to start this morning and talk to you about Christmas inflatables.
+[101.26 --> 106.60]  Now, a number of years ago, when Christmas inflatables were just becoming a thing, they seem to have
+[106.60 --> 111.64]  proliferated everywhere now, but when they were just becoming a thing, I remember in the weeks
+[111.64 --> 116.94]  leading up to Christmas, I was walking through one of those big box stores with my family,
+[116.94 --> 124.06]  and in the distance, I saw a kid come around the corner, and he looked up at the Christmas display,
+[124.42 --> 125.30]  and he shouted,
+[125.76 --> 126.24]  Mom!
+[126.80 --> 128.84]  They have inflatables!
+[128.84 --> 138.20]  And he ran straight over, and he just took them all in, glorying in the awe of a 10-foot-tall
+[138.20 --> 144.92]  Santa standing beneath what would otherwise be a very dangerous thing to do, a giant reindeer,
+[146.02 --> 150.60]  and just marveling and taking joy in that moment.
+[150.60 --> 157.84]  Now, I get that Christmas inflatables may be divisive, and you probably have an opinion on them,
+[157.90 --> 162.86]  but in that moment, that kid experienced pure joy.
+[164.42 --> 169.04]  Now, fast forward a few years, and you see Christmas inflatables everywhere.
+[170.10 --> 171.28]  It's almost old hat.
+[172.34 --> 177.34]  I haven't seen someone get as excited as that kid did in that moment for quite some time,
+[177.34 --> 182.42]  even when you go to the places that are absolutely over the top, and there's a few just around the corner from here.
+[184.20 --> 187.62]  It just is what it is.
+[188.98 --> 194.42]  I suspect for that kid, and for most of us, the joy of Christmas inflatables
+[194.42 --> 197.14]  is a joy that fades,
+[198.14 --> 201.74]  that eventually washes away.
+[201.74 --> 208.14]  But on this third Sunday of Advent, I want us to think about a greater joy
+[208.14 --> 210.86]  that all those lesser joys point to,
+[211.10 --> 214.24]  a greater joy that will not spoil or fade.
+[215.74 --> 218.32]  I want us to talk about what it means to have joy
+[218.32 --> 220.12]  as Christians,
+[220.86 --> 222.52]  especially in this season
+[222.52 --> 225.28]  of darkness and trial.
+[226.06 --> 228.18]  Now, here's what I want to suggest to you this morning,
+[228.18 --> 231.86]  and I hope we can follow this line of thought through.
+[232.62 --> 233.70]  For the Christian,
+[233.88 --> 235.90]  that is for you and me who believe
+[235.90 --> 237.02]  by grace through faith,
+[237.16 --> 237.98]  for the Christian,
+[238.56 --> 240.58]  joy is so much more
+[240.58 --> 241.90]  than feeling happy
+[241.90 --> 244.74]  or jolly or however it is you want to describe it.
+[245.00 --> 245.78]  For the Christian,
+[246.20 --> 248.14]  joy, and what I want to suggest to you,
+[248.26 --> 249.82]  is best understood
+[249.82 --> 251.96]  as deep down
+[251.96 --> 254.06]  in the depths of your being
+[254.06 --> 255.36]  satisfaction.
+[255.36 --> 255.80]  Right?
+[257.88 --> 260.04]  Even, actually, as we see it in Scripture,
+[260.24 --> 262.36]  right, in those famous sort of rejoicing passages
+[262.36 --> 263.60]  of Philippians 4
+[263.60 --> 265.08]  or 1 Thessalonians 5,
+[265.34 --> 267.38]  right, where we are told to rejoice always.
+[268.50 --> 268.78]  Right?
+[268.82 --> 270.02]  Even that phrase
+[270.02 --> 271.62]  or the word there for rejoice
+[271.62 --> 274.28]  can mean sort of calmly happy
+[274.28 --> 275.44]  or serene.
+[276.48 --> 276.74]  Right?
+[276.76 --> 278.80]  The kind of joy that I'm talking about
+[278.80 --> 280.70]  is one that you may be familiar with.
+[281.36 --> 281.78]  Right?
+[281.84 --> 282.32]  It's the
+[282.32 --> 284.96]  when sorrows like sea billows roll,
+[284.96 --> 285.72]  it's the
+[285.72 --> 287.24]  though Satan should buffet,
+[287.38 --> 288.88]  though trials should come,
+[289.42 --> 291.32]  it is well
+[291.32 --> 293.24]  with my soul.
+[293.80 --> 295.34]  That's the kind of joy
+[295.34 --> 297.28]  that I'm talking about.
+[297.54 --> 297.70]  Right?
+[297.82 --> 299.54]  Joy is more than peace,
+[299.60 --> 301.20]  though that's inclusive of it,
+[301.24 --> 302.18]  and we will actually return
+[302.18 --> 303.22]  to the theme of peace
+[303.22 --> 304.48]  in our worship together
+[304.48 --> 305.34]  next week.
+[305.48 --> 307.24]  But joy is contentment,
+[307.36 --> 308.78]  it is satisfaction.
+[309.40 --> 310.50]  Joy for the Christian
+[310.50 --> 310.98]  is an
+[310.98 --> 312.04]  it is well
+[312.04 --> 313.02]  rejoicing.
+[313.02 --> 316.32]  And then here's the bigger point.
+[317.60 --> 319.26]  Joy comes fully
+[319.26 --> 321.76]  or joy only comes
+[321.76 --> 323.84]  in relation to Jesus.
+[323.84 --> 326.18]  That kind of deep soul satisfaction
+[326.18 --> 327.86]  comes in relation
+[327.86 --> 329.14]  to Jesus.
+[329.56 --> 329.84]  Right?
+[329.96 --> 330.06]  To
+[330.06 --> 330.60]  to
+[330.60 --> 333.68]  Jesus in being known
+[333.68 --> 335.04]  and knowing
+[335.04 --> 335.86]  him.
+[336.82 --> 337.56]  Now you can see this
+[337.56 --> 338.34]  all over the Bible,
+[338.34 --> 339.98]  but we're going to see it
+[339.98 --> 340.84]  specifically here
+[340.84 --> 342.52]  from Isaiah 60.
+[342.60 --> 343.22]  This is a pretty
+[343.22 --> 345.00]  traditional Advent text
+[345.00 --> 346.54]  with anything
+[346.54 --> 347.70]  but boring
+[347.70 --> 348.46]  implications
+[348.46 --> 349.70]  for your life
+[349.70 --> 350.40]  and my life
+[350.40 --> 350.74]  together.
+[351.50 --> 352.10]  Let me outline
+[352.10 --> 352.76]  the structure
+[352.76 --> 354.06]  of the
+[354.06 --> 354.74]  arguments
+[354.74 --> 355.50]  and then
+[355.50 --> 356.64]  we'll get into it.
+[357.34 --> 358.24]  Text begins
+[358.24 --> 358.98]  in verse 1
+[358.98 --> 359.56]  saying,
+[359.70 --> 360.24]  Arise,
+[360.52 --> 360.92]  shine,
+[361.06 --> 361.72]  for your light
+[361.72 --> 362.34]  has come
+[362.34 --> 363.44]  and the glory
+[363.44 --> 364.32]  of the Lord
+[364.32 --> 365.50]  rises upon you.
+[365.50 --> 367.84]  Now the prophet Isaiah
+[367.84 --> 369.40]  is speaking these words
+[369.40 --> 370.30]  to Israel
+[370.30 --> 371.20]  and to Judah
+[371.20 --> 372.54]  very likely
+[372.54 --> 373.86]  he speaks them
+[373.86 --> 375.40]  as from his position
+[375.40 --> 376.28]  as advisor
+[376.28 --> 377.12]  to the king
+[377.12 --> 378.12]  in Jerusalem.
+[379.18 --> 379.70]  So at this time
+[379.70 --> 380.12]  in history
+[380.12 --> 381.14]  the Assyrians
+[381.14 --> 381.94]  and empire
+[381.94 --> 383.16]  to the north
+[383.16 --> 384.10]  have taken
+[384.10 --> 385.36]  the northern parts
+[385.36 --> 385.96]  of Israel
+[385.96 --> 386.86]  and they're threatening
+[386.86 --> 387.60]  to come in
+[387.60 --> 388.78]  and attack Judah
+[388.78 --> 389.46]  and
+[389.46 --> 391.14]  distance in the future
+[391.14 --> 391.92]  not so distant
+[391.92 --> 392.38]  anymore
+[392.38 --> 393.06]  in the future
+[393.06 --> 394.54]  is the Babylonian empire
+[394.54 --> 395.68]  looming to
+[395.68 --> 396.74]  take it all
+[396.74 --> 398.72]  and to carry away
+[398.72 --> 399.56]  the Israelites
+[399.56 --> 400.38]  into exile.
+[401.50 --> 402.18]  This time
+[402.18 --> 403.46]  in Israel
+[403.46 --> 404.38]  and Judah's history
+[404.38 --> 405.20]  is one of
+[405.20 --> 406.62]  a few good kings
+[406.62 --> 407.78]  but lots
+[407.78 --> 408.52]  and lots
+[408.52 --> 410.20]  of bad ones.
+[411.38 --> 412.00]  But Isaiah
+[412.00 --> 413.96]  has a message
+[413.96 --> 415.16]  of hope
+[415.16 --> 416.52]  and it's hope
+[416.52 --> 417.72]  that leads
+[417.72 --> 418.86]  to joy.
+[419.96 --> 420.68]  Your light
+[420.68 --> 421.40]  has come
+[421.40 --> 422.20]  the Lord
+[422.20 --> 422.88]  rises
+[422.88 --> 424.18]  upon you
+[424.18 --> 425.46]  and he's speaking
+[425.46 --> 426.18]  to the people
+[426.18 --> 427.18]  in Jerusalem
+[427.18 --> 427.96]  and of Jerusalem
+[427.96 --> 428.62]  and Judea
+[428.62 --> 429.28]  a promise
+[429.28 --> 430.24]  of salvation
+[430.24 --> 431.34]  but not just
+[431.34 --> 431.94]  salvation
+[431.94 --> 432.90]  from Assyria
+[432.90 --> 434.20]  or from Babylon
+[434.20 --> 435.76]  not only salvation
+[435.76 --> 436.68]  even from the guilt
+[436.68 --> 437.34]  of sin
+[437.34 --> 438.56]  Isaiah's promise
+[438.56 --> 439.60]  is even bigger
+[439.60 --> 440.22]  than that
+[440.22 --> 440.40]  right?
+[440.70 --> 441.82]  God is speaking
+[441.82 --> 442.56]  to his people
+[442.56 --> 444.06]  a word of deliverance
+[444.06 --> 445.14]  into new life
+[445.14 --> 445.68]  empowered
+[445.68 --> 447.18]  by the Holy Spirit
+[447.18 --> 448.44]  in which the light
+[448.44 --> 449.36]  of God
+[449.36 --> 450.66]  his own glory
+[450.66 --> 452.14]  shines out
+[452.14 --> 452.84]  from the people
+[452.84 --> 453.34]  of God.
+[454.92 --> 455.50]  Isaiah's talking
+[455.50 --> 456.22]  about life
+[456.22 --> 457.18]  in the spirit
+[457.18 --> 458.34]  that reflects
+[458.34 --> 459.22]  the life
+[459.22 --> 460.60]  of God's
+[460.60 --> 461.24]  spirit.
+[462.58 --> 463.62]  Like one writer
+[463.62 --> 464.40]  has put it
+[464.40 --> 465.90]  like a city
+[465.90 --> 466.40]  gleaming
+[466.40 --> 467.16]  in the light
+[467.16 --> 467.78]  of a newly
+[467.78 --> 468.56]  risen sun
+[468.56 --> 469.24]  they shine
+[469.24 --> 469.92]  with a beauty
+[469.92 --> 470.64]  that is not
+[470.64 --> 471.20]  their own.
+[471.88 --> 472.22]  Right?
+[472.30 --> 473.00]  They shine
+[473.00 --> 474.06]  with a beauty
+[474.06 --> 475.08]  that is not
+[475.08 --> 475.62]  their own.
+[476.82 --> 477.30]  Darkness
+[477.30 --> 478.48]  covers the earth
+[478.48 --> 479.40]  a thick darkness
+[479.40 --> 480.76]  is over the people
+[480.76 --> 481.72]  that's the situation
+[481.72 --> 482.66]  that they find
+[482.66 --> 483.18]  themselves in
+[483.18 --> 483.70]  that's their
+[483.70 --> 484.92]  current reality
+[484.92 --> 485.76]  but God
+[485.76 --> 486.36]  has a promised
+[486.36 --> 487.22]  future for them
+[487.22 --> 487.84]  a future
+[487.84 --> 489.06]  that is emerging
+[489.06 --> 490.24]  in them already
+[490.24 --> 491.48]  in this promise
+[491.48 --> 491.76]  right?
+[491.88 --> 492.40]  A future
+[492.40 --> 492.88]  that we
+[492.88 --> 493.38]  today
+[493.38 --> 494.48]  as Christians
+[494.48 --> 495.30]  in Christmas
+[495.30 --> 496.74]  know all about
+[496.74 --> 497.40]  and a future
+[497.40 --> 497.90]  that we
+[497.90 --> 498.82]  are also
+[498.82 --> 499.52]  waiting
+[499.52 --> 500.24]  for the fullness
+[500.24 --> 500.72]  of.
+[501.66 --> 501.76]  Right?
+[501.92 --> 502.26]  Advent
+[502.26 --> 503.20]  is that
+[503.20 --> 504.22]  season
+[504.22 --> 505.74]  the darkness
+[505.74 --> 506.52]  is increasing
+[506.52 --> 508.42]  at its peak
+[508.42 --> 509.22]  maybe.
+[510.64 --> 511.42]  Sunrise this
+[511.42 --> 512.08]  morning was
+[512.08 --> 513.04]  at 8 o'clock
+[513.04 --> 513.64]  and it's
+[513.64 --> 514.38]  going to set
+[514.38 --> 515.14]  at just after
+[515.14 --> 515.46]  4.
+[516.50 --> 517.30]  That's not a
+[517.30 --> 518.00]  whole lot of sun
+[518.00 --> 518.60]  even if you
+[518.60 --> 519.12]  can find it
+[519.12 --> 519.60]  and see it.
+[522.28 --> 523.26]  The loneliness
+[523.26 --> 524.02]  of our
+[524.02 --> 524.76]  circumstances
+[524.76 --> 526.68]  are exacerbated.
+[527.40 --> 528.34]  The emptiness
+[528.34 --> 529.30]  of our
+[529.30 --> 530.04]  longings
+[530.04 --> 531.06]  are palpable
+[531.06 --> 532.90]  and yet
+[532.90 --> 535.18]  and yet
+[535.18 --> 536.24]  the Lord
+[536.24 --> 537.58]  rises upon
+[537.58 --> 538.20]  you and
+[538.20 --> 538.98]  His glory
+[538.98 --> 539.64]  appears
+[539.64 --> 540.38]  over you
+[540.38 --> 541.10]  says Isaiah.
+[541.46 --> 542.12]  They shine
+[542.12 --> 542.82]  with a beauty
+[542.82 --> 543.66]  not their own
+[543.66 --> 544.40]  track that
+[544.40 --> 544.76]  but whose
+[544.76 --> 545.14]  beauty
+[545.14 --> 545.68]  is it?
+[545.76 --> 546.66]  Whose beauty
+[546.66 --> 547.76]  do you shine
+[547.76 --> 548.22]  with?
+[548.76 --> 549.10]  You shine
+[549.10 --> 549.72]  with God's
+[549.72 --> 550.06]  beauty
+[550.06 --> 550.60]  right?
+[550.66 --> 551.22]  The beauty
+[551.22 --> 552.04]  of the glory
+[552.04 --> 552.68]  of God
+[552.68 --> 553.36]  the word
+[553.36 --> 554.00]  made flesh
+[554.00 --> 554.58]  the lamb
+[554.58 --> 555.44]  who was slain
+[555.44 --> 556.16]  and the lion
+[556.16 --> 556.76]  of Judah
+[556.76 --> 557.78]  you shine
+[557.78 --> 558.62]  with the radiance
+[558.62 --> 559.58]  of he who
+[559.58 --> 560.14]  is true
+[560.14 --> 560.52]  light
+[560.52 --> 561.06]  of true
+[561.06 --> 561.38]  light
+[561.38 --> 561.92]  come from
+[561.92 --> 562.34]  the father
+[562.34 --> 562.78]  full
+[562.78 --> 563.54]  of grace
+[563.54 --> 564.30]  and truth
+[564.30 --> 565.46]  and people
+[565.46 --> 566.50]  see that
+[566.50 --> 567.28]  light shining
+[567.28 --> 567.94]  in the world
+[567.94 --> 569.08]  people long
+[569.08 --> 569.64]  for that
+[569.64 --> 570.92]  light radiating
+[570.92 --> 571.58]  out of you
+[571.58 --> 572.38]  people want
+[572.38 --> 573.04]  to shine
+[573.04 --> 573.90]  in the same
+[573.90 --> 574.22]  way
+[574.22 --> 575.40]  it's infectious
+[575.40 --> 576.52]  right?
+[576.58 --> 577.14]  There's something
+[577.14 --> 578.06]  about Christians
+[578.06 --> 579.24]  in the world
+[579.24 --> 580.00]  that should be
+[580.00 --> 580.54]  compelling
+[580.54 --> 581.84]  and winsome
+[581.84 --> 582.76]  right?
+[582.88 --> 583.80]  Even as the
+[583.80 --> 584.20]  darkness
+[584.20 --> 585.22]  rises
+[585.22 --> 586.26]  even when
+[586.26 --> 586.70]  there is a
+[586.70 --> 587.76]  global pandemic
+[587.76 --> 588.90]  even when
+[588.90 --> 589.46]  we can't
+[589.46 --> 590.16]  gather in
+[590.16 --> 590.70]  ways that
+[590.70 --> 591.12]  we want
+[591.12 --> 591.32]  to
+[591.32 --> 592.18]  even if
+[592.18 --> 592.76]  your Christmas
+[592.76 --> 593.48]  and your
+[593.48 --> 593.92]  New Year's
+[593.92 --> 594.34]  celebrations
+[594.34 --> 594.76]  are going
+[594.76 --> 594.98]  to look
+[594.98 --> 595.40]  like two
+[595.40 --> 595.80]  people
+[595.80 --> 596.52]  or three
+[596.52 --> 596.86]  people
+[596.86 --> 597.34]  rather than
+[597.34 --> 597.72]  the 10
+[597.72 --> 598.24]  or 12
+[598.24 --> 598.84]  or 30
+[598.84 --> 599.34]  that you
+[599.34 --> 599.74]  would like
+[599.74 --> 600.70]  it to be
+[600.70 --> 601.50]  even in
+[601.50 --> 602.16]  that moment
+[602.16 --> 604.62]  you can
+[604.62 --> 605.08]  shine
+[605.08 --> 608.60]  I've been
+[608.60 --> 609.08]  saying all
+[609.08 --> 609.44]  along
+[609.44 --> 610.20]  in the midst
+[610.20 --> 610.58]  of this
+[610.58 --> 611.50]  that your
+[611.50 --> 611.94]  attitude
+[611.94 --> 613.20]  tells a
+[613.20 --> 613.60]  story
+[613.60 --> 614.82]  right?
+[614.84 --> 615.18]  The way
+[615.18 --> 616.16]  you engage
+[616.16 --> 617.18]  our present
+[617.18 --> 618.16]  situation
+[618.16 --> 618.88]  our current
+[618.88 --> 619.40]  reality
+[619.40 --> 620.26]  reveals
+[620.26 --> 621.42]  something about
+[621.42 --> 622.08]  you and
+[622.08 --> 622.80]  your heart
+[622.80 --> 623.42]  and your
+[623.42 --> 623.90]  loves
+[623.90 --> 624.52]  and your
+[624.52 --> 624.94]  joys
+[624.94 --> 626.32]  life
+[626.32 --> 626.98]  is telling
+[626.98 --> 628.00]  a story
+[628.00 --> 628.74]  your attitude
+[628.74 --> 629.74]  about COVID
+[629.74 --> 630.56]  right?
+[630.66 --> 631.28]  About church
+[631.28 --> 631.98]  about work
+[631.98 --> 633.04]  about parenting
+[633.04 --> 633.82]  or hockey
+[633.82 --> 634.38]  practice
+[634.38 --> 635.18]  or homework
+[635.18 --> 636.16]  all of that
+[636.16 --> 637.20]  tells a story
+[637.20 --> 637.96]  about you
+[637.96 --> 639.10]  and your
+[639.10 --> 639.90]  heart
+[639.90 --> 644.02]  is the story
+[644.02 --> 644.64]  your life
+[644.64 --> 645.28]  is telling
+[645.28 --> 646.72]  is the story
+[646.72 --> 647.72]  your conversation
+[647.72 --> 649.36]  is revealing
+[649.36 --> 650.84]  the compelling
+[650.84 --> 652.10]  story of God's
+[652.10 --> 652.60]  glory
+[652.60 --> 655.18]  or
+[655.18 --> 657.28]  is it
+[657.28 --> 658.58]  the convicting
+[658.58 --> 659.66]  story of our
+[659.66 --> 660.68]  own selfishness
+[660.68 --> 663.06]  nations
+[663.06 --> 663.96]  will come
+[663.96 --> 664.88]  to your light
+[664.88 --> 666.04]  and kings
+[666.04 --> 667.28]  to the brightness
+[667.28 --> 668.26]  of your dawn
+[668.26 --> 669.42]  right?
+[669.48 --> 670.26]  Isaiah's promise
+[670.26 --> 671.14]  to us
+[671.14 --> 671.96]  is that when you
+[671.96 --> 673.20]  reveal God
+[673.20 --> 674.10]  when you tell
+[674.10 --> 675.36]  his story
+[675.36 --> 676.32]  when you live
+[676.32 --> 677.10]  your life
+[677.10 --> 677.74]  with Jesus
+[677.74 --> 678.62]  at the center
+[678.62 --> 679.90]  people will
+[679.90 --> 680.78]  come to you
+[680.78 --> 681.86]  they will be drawn
+[681.86 --> 682.74]  to the beauty
+[682.74 --> 683.64]  that is not
+[683.64 --> 684.24]  your own
+[684.24 --> 685.88]  because our
+[685.88 --> 686.44]  hearts
+[686.44 --> 687.68]  long
+[687.68 --> 688.70]  for Jesus
+[688.70 --> 689.86]  we long
+[689.86 --> 690.60]  for the one
+[690.60 --> 691.56]  for whom
+[691.56 --> 692.44]  we were
+[692.44 --> 693.20]  created
+[693.20 --> 695.66]  there's a
+[695.66 --> 696.70]  fourth century
+[696.70 --> 697.78]  church father
+[697.78 --> 698.24]  by the name
+[698.24 --> 698.86]  of Augustine
+[698.86 --> 700.52]  and rather famously
+[700.52 --> 701.70]  he once said
+[701.70 --> 703.02]  you have created
+[703.02 --> 704.22]  us for yourself
+[704.22 --> 704.88]  oh Lord
+[704.88 --> 705.84]  and our hearts
+[705.84 --> 706.58]  are restless
+[706.58 --> 708.28]  until they rest
+[708.28 --> 709.48]  in you
+[709.48 --> 711.28]  C.S. Lewis
+[711.28 --> 712.90]  in the 20th century
+[712.90 --> 714.30]  just a few years ago
+[714.30 --> 715.14]  put it this way
+[715.14 --> 715.62]  he says
+[715.62 --> 716.88]  if we find
+[716.88 --> 717.72]  ourselves
+[717.72 --> 719.10]  with a desire
+[719.10 --> 719.88]  that nothing
+[719.88 --> 720.86]  in this world
+[720.86 --> 721.70]  can satisfy
+[721.70 --> 723.16]  the most probable
+[723.16 --> 724.02]  explanation
+[724.02 --> 725.14]  is that we were
+[725.14 --> 725.96]  made for another
+[725.96 --> 726.40]  world
+[726.40 --> 727.82]  and Lewis
+[727.82 --> 728.74]  actually will build
+[728.74 --> 729.12]  on that
+[729.12 --> 729.98]  he will expand
+[729.98 --> 730.46]  on that
+[730.46 --> 731.06]  and I don't want
+[731.06 --> 731.56]  to lose you
+[731.56 --> 732.16]  in the weeds
+[732.16 --> 732.90]  of an exegesis
+[732.90 --> 733.66]  of C.S. Lewis
+[733.66 --> 734.42]  that's not what
+[734.42 --> 734.88]  we're here for
+[734.88 --> 735.56]  but just one more
+[735.56 --> 736.32]  quote because I think
+[736.32 --> 737.44]  it is really helpful
+[737.44 --> 738.42]  for Lewis
+[738.42 --> 739.84]  desire and joy
+[739.84 --> 741.76]  are sort of
+[741.76 --> 742.70]  synonymous terms
+[742.70 --> 744.32]  and he will go on
+[744.32 --> 745.58]  to define joy
+[745.58 --> 748.06]  as an unsatisfied desire
+[748.06 --> 749.10]  which is itself
+[749.10 --> 750.06]  more desirable
+[750.06 --> 751.24]  than any other
+[751.24 --> 751.96]  satisfaction
+[751.96 --> 754.28]  I call it joy
+[754.28 --> 755.10]  Lewis continues
+[755.10 --> 756.16]  which is here
+[756.16 --> 757.18]  a technical term
+[757.18 --> 757.82]  and must be
+[757.82 --> 758.64]  sharply distinguished
+[758.64 --> 759.76]  from both happiness
+[759.76 --> 761.36]  and from pleasure
+[761.36 --> 762.60]  which is exactly
+[762.60 --> 763.08]  the point
+[763.08 --> 764.04]  that we started with
+[764.04 --> 764.48]  right
+[764.48 --> 766.60]  that Christian joy
+[766.60 --> 767.82]  is more than
+[767.82 --> 768.70]  feeling happy
+[768.70 --> 769.58]  or jolly
+[769.58 --> 771.00]  or whatever it is
+[771.00 --> 771.42]  right
+[771.42 --> 772.74]  joy for us
+[772.74 --> 773.72]  is understood
+[773.72 --> 774.64]  as deep
+[774.64 --> 775.56]  down
+[775.56 --> 776.72]  satisfaction
+[776.72 --> 779.92]  God is
+[779.92 --> 780.92]  speaking
+[780.92 --> 781.64]  this morning
+[781.64 --> 783.74]  and he is saying
+[783.74 --> 785.24]  lift your eyes
+[785.24 --> 785.62]  up
+[785.62 --> 786.50]  and look
+[786.50 --> 787.34]  about you
+[787.34 --> 789.36]  come and see
+[789.36 --> 790.10]  what the Lord
+[790.10 --> 791.08]  has done
+[791.08 --> 793.96]  look at the story
+[793.96 --> 795.02]  of your life
+[795.02 --> 796.26]  and see how
+[796.26 --> 797.32]  Jesus is
+[797.32 --> 798.22]  the hero
+[798.22 --> 799.54]  tell the story
+[799.54 --> 800.50]  of your life
+[800.50 --> 801.40]  with Jesus
+[801.40 --> 802.56]  as the hero
+[802.56 --> 803.18]  and see
+[803.18 --> 804.16]  how God
+[804.16 --> 805.24]  honors that
+[805.24 --> 807.56]  and when you
+[807.56 --> 808.30]  lift your eyes
+[808.30 --> 809.88]  and you see
+[809.88 --> 810.30]  God
+[810.30 --> 810.92]  and you see
+[810.92 --> 812.02]  his beauty
+[812.02 --> 813.16]  and his beauty
+[813.16 --> 813.92]  made manifest
+[813.92 --> 814.82]  in the lives
+[814.82 --> 815.44]  of the believers
+[815.44 --> 816.54]  around you
+[816.54 --> 817.86]  when Christian
+[817.86 --> 818.66]  living
+[818.66 --> 819.74]  tells
+[819.74 --> 820.98]  the Advent
+[820.98 --> 821.88]  joy
+[821.88 --> 822.94]  story
+[822.94 --> 824.56]  look at verse 5
+[824.56 --> 825.50]  then
+[825.50 --> 827.18]  you will be radiant
+[827.18 --> 828.84]  and your heart
+[828.84 --> 829.64]  will throb
+[829.64 --> 830.90]  and swell
+[830.90 --> 832.18]  with joy
+[832.18 --> 834.98]  you were created
+[834.98 --> 836.60]  for joy
+[836.60 --> 838.48]  even in this
+[838.48 --> 839.64]  present darkness
+[839.64 --> 840.76]  you are
+[840.76 --> 842.00]  for joy
+[842.00 --> 843.24]  and a joy
+[843.24 --> 843.96]  that is so much
+[843.96 --> 844.86]  more than happy
+[844.86 --> 845.52]  clappy
+[845.52 --> 846.28]  platitudes
+[846.28 --> 846.94]  right
+[846.94 --> 848.22]  right here
+[848.22 --> 849.26]  this deep
+[849.26 --> 850.08]  down
+[850.08 --> 850.96]  it is well
+[850.96 --> 852.14]  with my soul
+[852.14 --> 853.10]  joy
+[853.10 --> 855.58]  I love the way
+[855.58 --> 856.56]  that the Westminster
+[856.56 --> 857.20]  shorter
+[857.20 --> 858.54]  catechism puts it
+[858.54 --> 859.64]  it asks the question
+[859.64 --> 860.58]  what is the chief
+[860.58 --> 861.64]  end of humanity
+[861.64 --> 862.22]  right
+[862.22 --> 863.20]  what is your purpose
+[863.20 --> 864.34]  that you were created
+[864.34 --> 864.78]  for
+[864.78 --> 865.50]  and the answer
+[865.50 --> 866.04]  that it gives
+[866.04 --> 866.86]  is to worship
+[866.86 --> 867.52]  God
+[867.52 --> 869.34]  and enjoy
+[869.34 --> 870.00]  him
+[870.00 --> 871.30]  forever
+[871.30 --> 874.56]  Jonathan Edwards
+[874.56 --> 875.84]  is a Puritan
+[875.84 --> 876.30]  pastor
+[876.30 --> 876.34]  pastor
+[876.34 --> 877.12]  and theologian
+[877.12 --> 877.82]  from some
+[877.82 --> 878.84]  300 years ago
+[878.84 --> 880.54]  and he has
+[880.54 --> 881.68]  a beautiful thesis
+[881.68 --> 882.64]  in a treatise
+[882.64 --> 883.16]  that he calls
+[883.16 --> 884.34]  religious affections
+[884.34 --> 885.50]  he writes
+[885.50 --> 887.04]  that true religion
+[887.04 --> 888.82]  in large part
+[888.82 --> 889.58]  consists
+[889.58 --> 890.70]  of holy
+[890.70 --> 891.78]  affections
+[891.78 --> 893.42]  and in that work
+[893.42 --> 894.44]  he goes on
+[894.44 --> 895.48]  to focus out
+[895.48 --> 896.12]  joy
+[896.12 --> 897.26]  as one of
+[897.26 --> 898.32]  the holy
+[898.32 --> 899.18]  affections
+[899.18 --> 900.38]  and then
+[900.38 --> 901.16]  of joy
+[901.16 --> 901.90]  he says
+[901.90 --> 902.70]  the nature
+[902.70 --> 903.38]  of Christian
+[903.38 --> 903.76]  joy
+[903.76 --> 905.24]  is unspeakable
+[905.24 --> 906.54]  because it is
+[906.54 --> 907.08]  purer
+[907.08 --> 908.20]  and more sublime
+[908.20 --> 908.88]  and heavenly
+[908.88 --> 909.82]  because it is
+[909.82 --> 910.38]  supernatural
+[910.38 --> 911.70]  truly divine
+[911.70 --> 913.10]  and so ineffably
+[913.10 --> 913.82]  excellent
+[913.82 --> 915.26]  no words
+[915.26 --> 916.04]  can describe
+[916.04 --> 917.34]  the sublimity
+[917.34 --> 918.28]  and exquisite
+[918.28 --> 918.88]  sweetness
+[918.88 --> 919.74]  of joy
+[919.74 --> 920.90]  in Christ
+[920.90 --> 921.82]  end quote
+[921.82 --> 923.52]  now the irony
+[923.52 --> 924.36]  is not lost
+[924.36 --> 924.90]  on me
+[924.90 --> 925.70]  that he says
+[925.70 --> 926.26]  no words
+[926.26 --> 926.90]  can describe
+[926.90 --> 927.62]  the sublimity
+[927.62 --> 928.14]  and exquisite
+[928.14 --> 928.48]  sweetness
+[928.48 --> 928.92]  of Christ
+[928.92 --> 929.78]  and then he goes
+[929.78 --> 930.38]  on for pages
+[930.38 --> 930.94]  and chapters
+[930.94 --> 931.50]  and chapters
+[931.50 --> 932.42]  to try to do
+[932.42 --> 933.16]  just that
+[933.16 --> 935.08]  but I love
+[935.08 --> 935.88]  what he says
+[935.88 --> 936.84]  and he writes
+[936.84 --> 937.40]  in sort of
+[937.40 --> 937.94]  the conclusion
+[937.94 --> 938.54]  of that
+[938.54 --> 939.44]  is that Christ
+[939.44 --> 940.72]  by faith
+[940.72 --> 941.96]  is the foundation
+[941.96 --> 944.18]  of all joy
+[944.18 --> 946.76]  you were created
+[946.76 --> 948.40]  for joy
+[948.40 --> 950.72]  and the gospel
+[950.72 --> 951.42]  secures that
+[951.42 --> 951.90]  for you
+[951.90 --> 953.88]  right Christ
+[953.88 --> 954.38]  himself
+[954.38 --> 955.32]  who lived
+[955.32 --> 955.82]  the life
+[955.82 --> 956.34]  I should have
+[956.34 --> 956.60]  lived
+[956.60 --> 957.54]  who died
+[957.54 --> 958.18]  the death
+[958.18 --> 958.70]  that I
+[958.70 --> 959.56]  deserved
+[959.56 --> 960.58]  right
+[960.58 --> 961.52]  of Jesus
+[961.52 --> 962.30]  we can read
+[962.30 --> 962.92]  that it was
+[962.92 --> 963.74]  for the joy
+[963.74 --> 964.90]  set before him
+[964.90 --> 966.08]  that he endured
+[966.08 --> 966.68]  the cross
+[966.68 --> 967.30]  and scorned
+[967.30 --> 967.76]  its shame
+[967.76 --> 968.68]  right
+[968.68 --> 970.22]  Jesus is for joy
+[970.22 --> 970.96]  and he is
+[970.96 --> 972.18]  for your joy
+[972.18 --> 973.32]  and the gospel
+[973.32 --> 974.36]  secures you
+[974.36 --> 975.28]  in the joy
+[975.28 --> 976.24]  of the beauty
+[976.24 --> 977.52]  of being known
+[977.52 --> 978.76]  and knowing
+[978.76 --> 980.22]  God
+[980.22 --> 983.54]  that's advent joy
+[983.54 --> 985.58]  that's the light
+[985.58 --> 985.60]  that's the light
+[985.60 --> 986.46]  that pierces
+[986.46 --> 987.86]  the darkness
+[987.86 --> 990.36]  Peter writes
+[990.36 --> 991.52]  in his first epistle
+[991.52 --> 991.94]  he says
+[991.94 --> 993.12]  though you have not
+[993.12 --> 993.74]  seen him
+[993.74 --> 994.54]  that's Jesus
+[994.54 --> 995.60]  though you have not
+[995.60 --> 996.18]  seen Jesus
+[996.18 --> 996.96]  you love him
+[996.96 --> 997.90]  and even though
+[997.90 --> 999.10]  you do not see him
+[999.10 --> 999.48]  now
+[999.48 --> 1000.66]  you believe in him
+[1000.66 --> 1001.46]  and are filled
+[1001.46 --> 1003.18]  with inexpressible
+[1003.18 --> 1005.06]  glorious joy
+[1005.06 --> 1005.86]  for you
+[1005.86 --> 1006.90]  are receiving
+[1006.90 --> 1008.58]  the end result
+[1008.58 --> 1009.40]  of your faith
+[1009.40 --> 1010.14]  the salvation
+[1010.14 --> 1011.36]  of your souls
+[1011.36 --> 1012.32]  are you
+[1012.32 --> 1013.26]  filled with
+[1013.26 --> 1014.66]  inexpressible
+[1014.66 --> 1015.60]  and glorious
+[1015.60 --> 1016.70]  joy
+[1016.70 --> 1019.92]  when trials come
+[1019.92 --> 1021.56]  when Satan
+[1021.56 --> 1022.06]  buffets
+[1022.06 --> 1022.98]  and sea billows
+[1022.98 --> 1023.32]  roll
+[1023.32 --> 1024.62]  can you sing
+[1024.62 --> 1026.04]  it is well
+[1026.04 --> 1027.44]  with my soul
+[1027.44 --> 1029.46]  your life
+[1029.46 --> 1030.02]  is telling
+[1030.02 --> 1031.08]  a story
+[1031.08 --> 1032.34]  make it
+[1032.34 --> 1032.74]  Jesus
+[1032.74 --> 1034.04]  story
+[1034.04 --> 1034.80]  right
+[1034.80 --> 1035.08]  do your
+[1035.08 --> 1035.90]  do your neighbors
+[1035.90 --> 1036.94]  hear Jesus
+[1036.94 --> 1038.12]  when they talk
+[1038.12 --> 1038.58]  to you
+[1038.58 --> 1040.40]  do your Facebook
+[1040.40 --> 1041.10]  or Instagram
+[1041.10 --> 1042.06]  or Snap
+[1042.06 --> 1042.82]  or TikTok
+[1042.82 --> 1043.88]  or whatever
+[1043.88 --> 1045.44]  platform that you are on
+[1045.44 --> 1047.00]  do your online comments
+[1047.00 --> 1048.66]  reveal that you are created
+[1048.66 --> 1049.96]  for so much more
+[1049.96 --> 1051.82]  than this present darkness
+[1051.82 --> 1055.62]  the joy of Jesus
+[1055.62 --> 1056.52]  doesn't fade
+[1056.52 --> 1057.86]  or spoil
+[1057.86 --> 1059.30]  or perish
+[1059.30 --> 1061.32]  the joy of Jesus
+[1061.32 --> 1062.82]  is eternal
+[1062.82 --> 1064.02]  because Jesus
+[1064.02 --> 1065.40]  is eternal
+[1065.40 --> 1066.70]  and imagine
+[1066.70 --> 1068.36]  what your life
+[1068.36 --> 1069.68]  would look like
+[1069.68 --> 1071.36]  with eternal joy
+[1071.36 --> 1072.04]  in Jesus
+[1072.04 --> 1074.02]  because really
+[1074.02 --> 1075.74]  if you believe
+[1075.74 --> 1077.82]  you already have it
+[1077.82 --> 1080.68]  today is the day
+[1080.68 --> 1082.48]  to live it
+[1082.48 --> 1085.14]  let's live
+[1085.14 --> 1086.08]  the joy
+[1086.08 --> 1087.38]  of knowing
+[1087.38 --> 1088.78]  and being known
+[1088.78 --> 1089.86]  by God
+[1089.86 --> 1091.40]  let's reflect
+[1091.40 --> 1092.22]  the beauty
+[1092.22 --> 1093.48]  of his glory
+[1093.48 --> 1094.32]  as we
+[1094.32 --> 1095.06]  together
+[1095.06 --> 1095.76]  live
+[1095.76 --> 1096.74]  lives
+[1096.74 --> 1097.50]  of joy
+[1097.50 --> 1099.22]  you were
+[1099.22 --> 1100.80]  created for joy
+[1100.80 --> 1103.08]  you were created
+[1103.08 --> 1106.18]  to bask
+[1106.18 --> 1107.48]  in the glory
+[1107.48 --> 1109.32]  of our good God
+[1109.32 --> 1112.04]  may you
+[1112.04 --> 1112.78]  know
+[1112.78 --> 1114.46]  the reason
+[1114.46 --> 1116.02]  you are here
+[1116.02 --> 1116.86]  today
+[1116.86 --> 1119.10]  may you know
+[1119.10 --> 1119.64]  the joy
+[1119.64 --> 1120.82]  of Jesus
+[1120.82 --> 1121.82]  amen
+[1121.82 --> 1123.46]  let me lead you
+[1123.46 --> 1123.84]  in prayer
+[1123.84 --> 1129.62]  Lord Jesus
+[1129.62 --> 1130.64]  fill us
+[1130.64 --> 1132.36]  with joy
+[1132.36 --> 1133.68]  inexpressible
+[1133.68 --> 1134.56]  and glorious
+[1134.56 --> 1135.12]  today
+[1135.12 --> 1137.54]  fill us
+[1137.54 --> 1138.10]  with the
+[1138.10 --> 1138.80]  the sure
+[1138.80 --> 1139.30]  hope
+[1139.30 --> 1140.08]  and knowledge
+[1140.08 --> 1140.68]  of knowing
+[1140.68 --> 1140.96]  you
+[1140.96 --> 1141.50]  and being
+[1141.50 --> 1141.86]  known
+[1141.86 --> 1142.54]  by you
+[1142.54 --> 1144.54]  fill us
+[1144.54 --> 1145.58]  with a joy
+[1145.58 --> 1146.22]  that cannot
+[1146.22 --> 1147.18]  be contained
+[1147.18 --> 1148.32]  fill us
+[1148.32 --> 1149.02]  with a joy
+[1149.02 --> 1149.98]  that even
+[1149.98 --> 1151.14]  when Satan
+[1151.14 --> 1152.38]  is buffeting
+[1152.38 --> 1152.78]  even
+[1152.78 --> 1153.44]  when sea
+[1153.44 --> 1153.88]  billows
+[1153.88 --> 1154.82]  are rolling
+[1154.82 --> 1155.92]  we can sing
+[1155.92 --> 1156.56]  together
+[1156.56 --> 1158.26]  it is
+[1158.26 --> 1159.14]  well
+[1159.14 --> 1161.58]  may we know
+[1161.58 --> 1161.92]  the joy
+[1161.92 --> 1162.30]  of Jesus
+[1162.30 --> 1163.74]  and may we
+[1163.74 --> 1164.96]  be a people
+[1164.96 --> 1165.86]  whose lives
+[1165.86 --> 1167.24]  tell the good
+[1167.24 --> 1168.10]  story
+[1168.10 --> 1169.46]  of Jesus
+[1169.46 --> 1169.92]  come
+[1169.92 --> 1170.48]  from the
+[1170.48 --> 1170.80]  Father
+[1170.80 --> 1171.48]  full of
+[1171.48 --> 1171.82]  grace
+[1171.82 --> 1172.74]  and truth
+[1172.74 --> 1174.52]  in your name
+[1174.52 --> 1175.00]  we pray
+[1175.00 --> 1175.72]  Lord Jesus
+[1175.72 --> 1177.26]  amen
+[1177.26 --> 1187.18]  ye
+[1187.18 --> 1191.02]  how
+[1191.02 --> 1193.10]  are you
+[1195.78 --> 1197.02]  them
+[1199.02 --> 1199.42]  you
+[1199.42 --> 1199.56]  and
+[1199.56 --> 1200.00]  out

I Will Wait - A Peace Provided (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,988 @@
+[0.00 --> 13.02]  this morning together we're going to read from luke 1 we're going to read verse 67 through 79
+[13.02 --> 20.38]  i invite you to grab your bible grab a notebook whatever it is that will help you engage in this
+[20.38 --> 26.82]  process we will have the text on the screen and i also just want to say personally i really
+[26.82 --> 34.12]  appreciate everyone's feedback and emails and touching base with me at some point throughout
+[34.12 --> 42.34]  the week preaching in this way to an almost empty sanctuary is difficult because you don't get that
+[42.34 --> 48.18]  same interaction over coffee after church or whatever the case may be and so those ways that
+[48.18 --> 54.70]  we do experience that are meaningful to me and so thank you for that now that you found luke 1 let's
+[54.70 --> 56.68]  read together starting at verse 67
+[56.68 --> 71.54]  his father zachariah was filled with the holy spirit and prophesied praise be to the lord the god of
+[71.54 --> 79.14]  israel because he has come and has redeemed his people he has raised up a horn of salvation for
+[79.14 --> 86.98]  us in the house of his servant david as he said through his holy prophets long ago salvation from
+[86.98 --> 93.22]  our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy
+[93.22 --> 100.32]  covenant the oath he swore to our father abraham to rescue us from the hand of our enemies and to enable
+[100.32 --> 108.56]  us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days and you
+[108.56 --> 115.66]  my child will be called a prophet of the most high for you will go on before the lord to prepare the way
+[115.66 --> 122.60]  for him to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins because of
+[122.60 --> 129.76]  the tender mercy of our god by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living
+[129.76 --> 138.74]  in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet into the path of peace this is the word of the lord
+[138.74 --> 151.88]  as many of you listening will know my family recently traveled across the country in our move here we had an 11
+[151.88 --> 160.56]  day long trip from ontario to here in langley and on the last day of that trip we had just from
+[160.56 --> 171.12]  colonna to langley left that's 350 kilometers that's all that was left of our 11 day journey we were so
+[171.12 --> 178.96]  excited to get here and so excited to get going in the morning that we packed everything up and we
+[178.96 --> 186.72]  were on the road and ready to go because we were coming to our new city our new home
+[186.72 --> 194.90]  but if you know that trip you know that we also had one obstacle left right you probably know it
+[194.90 --> 203.40]  the coquihalla highway the highway through hell as the discovery channel show calls it and the further
+[203.40 --> 210.92]  up the pass we got the worse the weather became this is mid-november now and by the time we reached
+[210.92 --> 216.70]  the summit we were no longer actually driving on roads but driving on compacted ice and snow
+[216.70 --> 223.80]  with the car rumbling all around the last five kilometers to the summit in fact we got stuck
+[223.80 --> 231.50]  behind two snow plows one in each lane and so all of that excitement all of that hurry all of that
+[231.50 --> 238.32]  anticipation and all of that energy to get going and to get to where we were going stopped well maybe
+[238.32 --> 244.76]  not stopped but crawling at five kilometers per hour behind two big machines that you can't see around
+[244.76 --> 247.62]  and to make matters worse i was the first car behind them
+[247.62 --> 255.10]  we wanted to get here so badly we had so much energy and excitement for that trip
+[255.10 --> 259.40]  but there we are stuck behind two snow plows
+[259.40 --> 267.12]  another example even more recently than that the other day we were trying to get out of our house
+[267.12 --> 274.02]  in the morning to get the kids off to school now that morning in particular we really struggled to get out the door
+[274.02 --> 281.12]  at first right the the agenda wasn't in the school bag and we couldn't find it
+[281.12 --> 288.92]  second the boots or the right boots weren't at the door and we couldn't find them in the chaos of a newly moved house
+[288.92 --> 295.82]  and third i forgot to pack the all-important water bottle in one of my kids bags and we couldn't find that
+[295.82 --> 301.16]  needless to say by the time we actually got everything ready we were rushing out the door
+[301.16 --> 307.46]  we quickly threw everything in the back of my little car started it up backed out of the driveway threw it into first gear
+[307.46 --> 308.68]  whipped around the corner went
+[308.68 --> 313.72]  stopped there's a garbage truck
+[313.72 --> 320.78]  now i don't know about garbage collection on your streets and i don't know if this is just a langley thing or what i'm just learning
+[320.78 --> 328.46]  but the garbage collection on our street has this special way of driving down the road going from side to side to side
+[328.46 --> 333.08]  lollygagging their way to the journey one side of the street to the other so when we were in that hurry
+[333.08 --> 334.42]  there i am stopped
+[334.42 --> 336.34]  watching the garbage truck
+[336.34 --> 338.12]  do its little dance
+[338.12 --> 340.48]  and i couldn't go anywhere
+[340.48 --> 343.86]  stuck behind a big green
+[343.86 --> 345.36]  garbage truck
+[345.36 --> 348.30]  now i shared these two stories
+[348.30 --> 352.58]  because i think they can actually function for us kind of as parables
+[352.58 --> 354.08]  for right now
+[354.08 --> 360.76]  right not just in covid times right where yes in these days we want to hurry up and we want to get through it
+[360.76 --> 362.24]  right we're tired of waiting
+[362.24 --> 367.36]  we've got the good news of vaccines that has just come and is starting to be distributed
+[367.36 --> 371.56]  and now we want to get back to normal whatever that means
+[371.56 --> 373.74]  but we can't
+[373.74 --> 377.06]  right we're stuck behind the big green truck of procedure
+[377.06 --> 381.38]  of dispensing of refrigeration technology requirements
+[381.38 --> 383.18]  we're stuck behind the
+[383.18 --> 387.32]  supply being dwarfed by the demand
+[387.32 --> 391.12]  we're stuck behind months more of waiting
+[391.12 --> 396.04]  but like i said not just in covid times but generally
+[396.04 --> 399.16]  right this is the the last week of advent
+[399.16 --> 401.62]  right it's the final days before christmas
+[401.62 --> 403.42]  and we just want to get there
+[403.42 --> 405.38]  right we just want to open our presents
+[405.38 --> 407.16]  we just want to cook that turkey or
+[407.16 --> 409.08]  small chicken maybe this year
+[409.08 --> 410.22]  whatever it may be
+[410.22 --> 412.12]  right we just want to get there
+[412.12 --> 414.12]  we've waited long enough
+[414.12 --> 417.80]  but there are two snow plows in front of us
+[417.80 --> 420.46]  stopping us from getting where we want to go
+[420.46 --> 422.40]  at the speed we want to get there
+[422.40 --> 426.76]  patience for everything is running thin
+[426.76 --> 428.26]  we've got places to be
+[428.26 --> 429.50]  and people to see
+[429.50 --> 431.58]  and we've had just about enough
+[431.58 --> 432.78]  of this waiting
+[432.78 --> 437.94]  and it's exactly into that moment
+[437.94 --> 439.88]  that i want to speak
+[439.88 --> 444.88]  precisely when we've run out of patience
+[444.88 --> 450.38]  precisely when we are rushing from one thing to the next to the next to the next
+[450.38 --> 452.32]  and then we get stopped
+[452.32 --> 458.30]  now we read this morning zachariah's song
+[458.30 --> 460.14]  it's sometimes called the benedictus
+[460.14 --> 463.96]  but let me remind you of zachariah's story
+[463.96 --> 466.98]  now zachariah is husband to elizabeth
+[466.98 --> 470.72]  and he is a priest serving in the temple at jerusalem
+[470.72 --> 473.54]  and one night while he's serving in the temple
+[473.54 --> 476.08]  the angel gabriel appears to him
+[476.08 --> 478.44]  and tells him that his wife will have a baby
+[478.44 --> 480.84]  now zachariah is a pretty old man
+[480.84 --> 483.36]  his wife is also no longer a young woman
+[483.36 --> 485.30]  and so he struggles to believe that
+[485.30 --> 487.80]  she has been barren for their entire marriage together
+[487.80 --> 490.94]  and he doesn't believe that this is possible
+[490.94 --> 494.50]  and so gabriel
+[494.50 --> 497.86]  in a real awesome sort of power move
+[497.86 --> 498.74]  actually says
+[498.74 --> 500.30]  i am gabriel
+[500.30 --> 502.72]  i stand in the presence of god
+[502.72 --> 505.54]  i have been sent here to speak this message to you
+[505.54 --> 507.46]  and because you didn't believe me
+[507.46 --> 509.62]  you will not be able to speak
+[509.62 --> 512.04]  until the child is born
+[512.04 --> 514.44]  and zachariah fell mute
+[514.44 --> 517.30]  fast forward nine months
+[517.30 --> 519.34]  zachariah has finished
+[519.34 --> 521.94]  at the end of his time in the temple
+[521.94 --> 523.54]  he goes back home to elizabeth
+[523.54 --> 524.66]  nine months later
+[524.66 --> 525.80]  they have a son
+[525.80 --> 526.84]  and he is born
+[526.84 --> 528.16]  and on the eighth day
+[528.16 --> 529.20]  their child
+[529.20 --> 530.82]  is taken
+[530.82 --> 533.20]  to be circumcised
+[533.20 --> 535.18]  now this is normal for jewish boys
+[535.18 --> 536.30]  to do on the eighth day
+[536.30 --> 537.36]  the eighth day
+[537.36 --> 538.26]  the day of circumcision
+[538.26 --> 540.48]  is also the official naming day
+[540.48 --> 542.50]  and so you didn't release the name of the child
+[542.50 --> 543.26]  out into the public
+[543.26 --> 544.28]  until that day
+[544.28 --> 546.92]  he was going to be named after his father
+[546.92 --> 548.36]  or so everyone assumed
+[548.36 --> 549.92]  but the angel gabriel
+[549.92 --> 552.10]  gabriel had told zachariah
+[552.10 --> 554.06]  that he should be called john
+[554.06 --> 556.18]  and so when people come and say
+[556.18 --> 557.74]  what name will this child be given
+[557.74 --> 559.76]  zachariah takes his writing tablet
+[559.76 --> 560.36]  because remember
+[560.36 --> 561.34]  he hasn't been able to speak
+[561.34 --> 562.18]  for these nine months
+[562.18 --> 563.42]  and he is about to
+[563.42 --> 565.08]  and he writes on that tablet
+[565.08 --> 567.36]  his name is john
+[567.36 --> 569.02]  and as soon as he does that
+[569.02 --> 570.66]  his mouth is opened
+[570.66 --> 572.00]  and he can speak again
+[572.00 --> 574.54]  and he begins praising god
+[574.54 --> 578.00]  what we read
+[578.00 --> 579.88]  is his song of praise
+[579.88 --> 582.14]  now look at it with me
+[582.14 --> 583.04]  have it in front of you
+[583.04 --> 583.74]  hopefully right
+[583.74 --> 585.34]  the first part of that song
+[585.34 --> 586.92]  verse 68 through 75
+[586.92 --> 588.16]  is about
+[588.16 --> 589.96]  what who zachariah calls
+[589.96 --> 592.28]  the lord coming to redeem his people
+[592.28 --> 593.14]  right
+[593.14 --> 594.78]  this part is about a son
+[594.78 --> 595.96]  who would be in the house
+[595.96 --> 597.18]  and line of david
+[597.18 --> 598.48]  who zachariah calls
+[598.48 --> 599.82]  a horn of salvation
+[599.82 --> 600.80]  right
+[600.80 --> 602.74]  he will bring salvation from enemies
+[602.74 --> 604.22]  and bring mercy to fathers
+[604.22 --> 606.06]  by remembering his covenant
+[606.06 --> 607.28]  his promise
+[607.28 --> 607.80]  right
+[607.80 --> 608.62]  this son
+[608.62 --> 609.90]  king and lord
+[609.90 --> 612.16]  will make people able to serve
+[612.16 --> 613.82]  god without fear
+[613.82 --> 614.58]  in holiness
+[614.58 --> 615.60]  and in righteousness
+[615.60 --> 618.84]  now zachariah may not have known it
+[618.84 --> 620.08]  but the holy spirit
+[620.08 --> 621.34]  who gave him this song
+[621.34 --> 622.14]  sure did
+[622.14 --> 622.86]  and we do
+[622.86 --> 624.44]  standing on this side of history
+[624.44 --> 625.44]  this side of jesus
+[625.44 --> 627.64]  we know that he is talking about
+[627.64 --> 628.48]  jesus
+[628.48 --> 630.20]  the son to be born to mary
+[630.20 --> 630.76]  in fact
+[630.76 --> 632.28]  elizabeth's relative
+[632.28 --> 633.26]  of some sort
+[633.26 --> 633.80]  right
+[633.80 --> 634.94]  zachariah's boy
+[634.94 --> 635.56]  john
+[635.56 --> 636.60]  and that boy
+[636.60 --> 637.16]  jesus
+[637.16 --> 638.60]  will be related
+[638.60 --> 639.38]  and jesus
+[639.38 --> 640.28]  we know
+[640.28 --> 641.22]  is the god
+[641.22 --> 642.78]  man promised of ages
+[642.78 --> 644.10]  who will take away
+[644.10 --> 645.22]  the sin of the world
+[645.22 --> 648.08]  and in the next part of the song
+[648.08 --> 648.60]  you see it
+[648.60 --> 650.16]  beginning in verse 76
+[650.16 --> 651.78]  zachariah turns
+[651.78 --> 652.84]  his focus
+[652.84 --> 654.18]  to his son
+[654.18 --> 656.70]  and the prophecy says
+[656.70 --> 657.22]  and you
+[657.22 --> 658.02]  my child
+[658.02 --> 658.72]  will be called
+[658.72 --> 659.26]  a prophet
+[659.26 --> 660.48]  prophet of the most high
+[660.48 --> 661.20]  for you
+[661.20 --> 662.58]  will go before the lord
+[662.58 --> 664.06]  to prepare the way for him
+[664.06 --> 665.90]  and here's the focus
+[665.90 --> 666.92]  that i want us to
+[666.92 --> 668.32]  zero in on
+[668.32 --> 669.08]  this morning
+[669.08 --> 670.10]  right
+[670.10 --> 671.08]  look at verse 76
+[671.08 --> 672.80]  and and track through
+[672.80 --> 674.18]  how zachariah
+[674.18 --> 674.90]  builds
+[674.90 --> 675.18]  right
+[675.18 --> 676.52]  john will grow up
+[676.52 --> 677.80]  to be a prophet
+[677.80 --> 679.30]  preparing the way
+[679.30 --> 680.00]  for jesus
+[680.00 --> 681.34]  by teaching salvation
+[681.34 --> 682.70]  through the forgiveness
+[682.70 --> 683.40]  of sins
+[683.40 --> 685.02]  because of the
+[685.02 --> 686.04]  tender
+[686.04 --> 687.96]  mercy of god
+[687.96 --> 689.94]  and then notice
+[689.94 --> 690.94]  the the tender
+[690.94 --> 691.86]  mercy of god
+[691.86 --> 692.30]  at the beginning
+[692.30 --> 693.22]  of verse 78
+[693.22 --> 694.78]  is connected
+[694.78 --> 696.38]  by a straight line
+[696.38 --> 697.70]  to those living
+[697.70 --> 698.32]  in darkness
+[698.32 --> 699.24]  to those living
+[699.24 --> 699.84]  in the shadow
+[699.84 --> 700.32]  of death
+[700.32 --> 702.00]  to guide our feet
+[702.00 --> 702.88]  and here it is
+[702.88 --> 705.14]  into the path
+[705.14 --> 706.48]  of peace
+[706.48 --> 708.36]  right the mercy
+[708.36 --> 709.00]  of god
+[709.00 --> 711.08]  has a straight line
+[711.08 --> 712.86]  to peace
+[712.86 --> 714.58]  in your life
+[714.58 --> 717.18]  when you've experienced
+[717.18 --> 717.90]  the mercy
+[717.90 --> 719.06]  of god
+[719.06 --> 721.58]  it's made manifest
+[721.58 --> 723.26]  in peace
+[723.26 --> 725.70]  when you know
+[725.70 --> 726.48]  mercy
+[726.48 --> 729.14]  it's made tangible
+[729.14 --> 731.44]  in peace
+[731.44 --> 733.46]  when the mercy
+[733.46 --> 734.12]  that god
+[734.12 --> 735.34]  has the mercy
+[735.34 --> 735.82]  of god
+[735.82 --> 736.92]  has made its way
+[736.92 --> 738.28]  into here
+[738.28 --> 739.70]  that is into the throne
+[739.70 --> 740.46]  of your heart
+[740.46 --> 741.82]  there will be peace
+[741.82 --> 742.82]  in here
+[742.82 --> 743.72]  right that's in the
+[743.72 --> 744.68]  movements of your mind
+[744.68 --> 746.10]  and there will be peace
+[746.10 --> 746.92]  out here
+[746.92 --> 747.84]  in the makings
+[747.84 --> 748.72]  of your hands
+[748.72 --> 750.56]  right as the mercy
+[750.56 --> 751.46]  of god
+[751.46 --> 752.50]  makes its way
+[752.50 --> 753.36]  to the throne
+[753.36 --> 754.36]  of your heart
+[754.36 --> 755.88]  there will be peace
+[755.88 --> 756.62]  in the movements
+[756.62 --> 757.32]  of your mind
+[757.32 --> 757.96]  and peace
+[757.96 --> 759.00]  in the makings
+[759.00 --> 760.12]  of your hands
+[760.12 --> 763.06]  and just
+[763.06 --> 763.90]  like
+[763.90 --> 764.74]  god's
+[764.74 --> 765.62]  mercy
+[765.62 --> 766.68]  and grace
+[766.68 --> 767.52]  is a gift
+[767.52 --> 769.84]  so is the peace
+[769.84 --> 770.56]  that he
+[770.56 --> 771.50]  offers
+[771.50 --> 773.16]  think about
+[773.16 --> 774.20]  what the angels
+[774.20 --> 775.34]  say to the shepherds
+[775.34 --> 776.40]  and we've been saying it
+[776.40 --> 777.66]  every week
+[777.66 --> 778.20]  in the month
+[778.20 --> 779.34]  of december
+[779.34 --> 779.96]  because it's the
+[779.96 --> 780.80]  emmanuel kids
+[780.80 --> 781.80]  memory verse
+[781.80 --> 783.22]  glory to god
+[783.22 --> 783.92]  in the highest
+[783.92 --> 784.90]  and on earth
+[784.90 --> 786.74]  peace
+[786.74 --> 788.46]  peace to those
+[788.46 --> 789.08]  on whom
+[789.08 --> 790.36]  his favor
+[790.36 --> 791.42]  rests
+[791.42 --> 793.48]  and again
+[793.48 --> 794.44]  right
+[794.44 --> 794.96]  when jesus
+[794.96 --> 795.70]  is preaching
+[795.70 --> 796.36]  and teaching
+[796.36 --> 798.04]  he says to his disciples
+[798.04 --> 799.34]  in john 14
+[799.34 --> 799.76]  he says
+[799.76 --> 800.34]  peace
+[800.34 --> 800.78]  i
+[800.78 --> 802.72]  leave with you
+[802.72 --> 803.78]  my peace
+[803.78 --> 804.86]  i give to you
+[804.86 --> 805.76]  i do not give
+[805.76 --> 806.88]  as the world gives
+[806.88 --> 808.12]  do not let your hearts
+[808.12 --> 808.66]  be troubled
+[808.66 --> 810.82]  and do not be afraid
+[810.82 --> 812.34]  right
+[812.34 --> 812.84]  paul
+[812.84 --> 813.52]  says
+[813.52 --> 814.56]  the mind
+[814.56 --> 815.00]  governed
+[815.00 --> 816.08]  by the spirit
+[816.08 --> 816.96]  is life
+[816.96 --> 817.90]  and
+[817.90 --> 818.88]  peace
+[818.88 --> 820.26]  right
+[820.26 --> 821.14]  or think of the fruit
+[821.14 --> 821.84]  of the spirit
+[821.84 --> 822.32]  right
+[822.32 --> 823.24]  the fruit of the spirit
+[823.24 --> 823.60]  again
+[823.60 --> 824.78]  a new reality
+[824.78 --> 825.34]  in you
+[825.34 --> 826.30]  because of the gift
+[826.30 --> 827.46]  of the holy spirit
+[827.46 --> 828.82]  right the fruit of the spirit
+[828.82 --> 830.04]  in galatians 5 22
+[830.04 --> 831.54]  but the fruit of the spirit
+[831.54 --> 832.90]  is love
+[832.90 --> 834.04]  joy
+[834.04 --> 835.94]  peace
+[835.94 --> 839.26]  jesus has come
+[839.26 --> 841.36]  and there is a straight line
+[841.36 --> 842.78]  from the mercy of god
+[842.78 --> 845.00]  given to the peace of god
+[845.00 --> 846.06]  experienced
+[846.06 --> 847.38]  in your life
+[847.38 --> 850.16]  and let me be really
+[850.16 --> 851.04]  clear
+[851.04 --> 853.22]  the peace
+[853.22 --> 854.14]  that jesus
+[854.14 --> 854.78]  brings
+[854.78 --> 856.16]  is so much
+[856.16 --> 856.88]  more
+[856.88 --> 857.30]  than
+[857.30 --> 858.60]  not war
+[858.60 --> 859.58]  right
+[859.58 --> 860.98]  it's even more
+[860.98 --> 861.92]  than a sense of
+[861.92 --> 862.50]  calm
+[862.50 --> 863.76]  in chaos
+[863.76 --> 864.54]  the peace
+[864.54 --> 865.46]  that jesus
+[865.46 --> 865.82]  brings
+[865.82 --> 867.02]  is even more
+[867.02 --> 867.84]  than the forgiveness
+[867.84 --> 868.60]  of sins
+[868.60 --> 869.62]  now it is that
+[869.62 --> 870.18]  of course
+[870.18 --> 871.36]  but it's also more
+[871.36 --> 872.30]  the peace
+[872.30 --> 873.26]  of jesus
+[873.26 --> 875.08]  is whole life
+[875.08 --> 875.76]  restoration
+[875.76 --> 877.30]  to the design
+[877.30 --> 878.36]  and intent
+[878.36 --> 879.42]  of god
+[879.42 --> 880.26]  for you
+[880.26 --> 882.68]  the peace
+[882.68 --> 883.18]  of jesus
+[883.18 --> 884.22]  is whole life
+[884.22 --> 884.66]  restoration
+[884.66 --> 885.74]  to the design
+[885.74 --> 886.62]  and intent
+[886.62 --> 887.40]  of god
+[887.40 --> 888.60]  for you
+[888.60 --> 890.42]  and for your life
+[890.42 --> 892.00]  for your neighborhood
+[892.00 --> 893.70]  and community
+[893.70 --> 895.42]  now the word
+[895.42 --> 895.98]  peace
+[895.98 --> 897.58]  in the bible
+[897.58 --> 898.96]  is really built
+[898.96 --> 900.14]  on the hebrew
+[900.14 --> 900.64]  concept
+[900.64 --> 901.44]  of the word
+[901.44 --> 902.02]  shalom
+[902.02 --> 903.64]  now maybe you've heard
+[903.64 --> 904.38]  that word before
+[904.38 --> 905.18]  and today
+[905.18 --> 906.36]  in modern day
+[906.36 --> 907.22]  israel
+[907.22 --> 909.04]  the word shalom
+[909.04 --> 909.76]  is used
+[909.76 --> 910.44]  as a greeting
+[910.44 --> 910.96]  right
+[910.96 --> 912.00]  people will walk around
+[912.00 --> 912.46]  and they'll see
+[912.46 --> 912.90]  their neighbor
+[912.90 --> 913.94]  or someone in the streets
+[913.94 --> 914.58]  and they will say
+[914.58 --> 915.12]  shalom
+[915.12 --> 916.22]  boker tov
+[916.22 --> 917.30]  which just means
+[917.30 --> 917.84]  peace
+[917.84 --> 918.84]  good morning
+[918.84 --> 921.42]  in the bible
+[921.42 --> 921.84]  though
+[921.84 --> 922.72]  shalom
+[922.72 --> 923.78]  is so
+[923.78 --> 924.68]  much
+[924.68 --> 925.44]  more
+[925.44 --> 926.56]  right
+[926.56 --> 927.08]  shalom
+[927.08 --> 927.36]  is
+[927.36 --> 928.46]  wholeness
+[928.46 --> 929.12]  restored
+[929.12 --> 930.98]  in fact
+[930.98 --> 931.62]  I really love
+[931.62 --> 931.98]  the way
+[931.98 --> 932.28]  that
+[932.28 --> 932.98]  cornelius
+[932.98 --> 933.58]  plantiga
+[933.58 --> 934.08]  jr
+[934.08 --> 935.02]  puts it
+[935.02 --> 936.40]  he says
+[936.40 --> 937.84]  in the bible
+[937.84 --> 938.88]  shalom
+[938.88 --> 939.66]  means
+[939.66 --> 940.56]  universal
+[940.56 --> 941.44]  flourishing
+[941.44 --> 942.40]  wholeness
+[942.40 --> 943.16]  and delight
+[943.16 --> 944.00]  a rich
+[944.00 --> 944.98]  state of affairs
+[944.98 --> 945.52]  in which
+[945.52 --> 946.78]  natural needs
+[946.78 --> 947.52]  are satisfied
+[947.52 --> 948.42]  and natural
+[948.42 --> 948.88]  gifts
+[948.88 --> 949.70]  fruitfully
+[949.70 --> 950.38]  employed
+[950.38 --> 951.18]  a state
+[951.18 --> 951.70]  of affairs
+[951.70 --> 952.42]  that inspires
+[952.42 --> 953.52]  joyful wonder
+[953.52 --> 954.72]  as its creator
+[954.72 --> 955.30]  and savior
+[955.30 --> 956.24]  opens doors
+[956.24 --> 956.96]  and welcomes
+[956.96 --> 957.64]  the creatures
+[957.64 --> 958.44]  in whom
+[958.44 --> 959.24]  he delights
+[959.24 --> 960.62]  shalom
+[960.62 --> 962.20]  in other words
+[962.20 --> 963.26]  is the way
+[963.26 --> 964.18]  things ought
+[964.18 --> 964.80]  to be
+[964.80 --> 967.28]  the peace
+[967.28 --> 968.18]  of advent
+[968.18 --> 969.86]  the peace
+[969.86 --> 971.12]  of christmas
+[971.12 --> 972.04]  the peace
+[972.04 --> 972.64]  that we are
+[972.64 --> 973.40]  all longing
+[973.40 --> 973.78]  for
+[973.78 --> 974.80]  is being
+[974.80 --> 975.60]  restored
+[975.60 --> 976.44]  to god's
+[976.44 --> 976.98]  intention
+[976.98 --> 978.08]  and god's
+[978.08 --> 978.56]  design
+[978.56 --> 980.16]  the things
+[980.16 --> 981.14]  that are wrong
+[981.14 --> 981.94]  in the world
+[981.94 --> 982.86]  or when things
+[982.86 --> 983.44]  go wrong
+[983.44 --> 984.32]  in your life
+[984.32 --> 985.24]  are really
+[985.24 --> 986.04]  the consequence
+[986.04 --> 986.88]  of shalom
+[986.88 --> 987.60]  breaking
+[987.60 --> 989.98]  the gospel
+[989.98 --> 991.46]  of jesus
+[991.46 --> 992.46]  living the life
+[992.46 --> 993.48]  i should have lived
+[993.48 --> 994.48]  and dying
+[994.48 --> 995.06]  the death
+[995.06 --> 995.88]  that i deserved
+[995.88 --> 997.02]  that gospel
+[997.02 --> 997.82]  means
+[997.82 --> 999.20]  is the means
+[999.20 --> 999.78]  by which
+[999.78 --> 1000.92]  i am restored
+[1000.92 --> 1001.74]  right
+[1001.74 --> 1002.34]  not just to
+[1002.34 --> 1002.88]  relationship
+[1002.88 --> 1003.46]  with god
+[1003.46 --> 1004.44]  my heavenly father
+[1004.44 --> 1005.54]  but the means
+[1005.54 --> 1006.50]  by which i am
+[1006.50 --> 1006.96]  restored
+[1006.96 --> 1007.76]  to everything
+[1007.76 --> 1008.56]  that god had
+[1008.56 --> 1009.02]  in mind
+[1009.02 --> 1009.68]  for humanity
+[1009.68 --> 1010.94]  when he said
+[1010.94 --> 1012.00]  let us make
+[1012.00 --> 1012.56]  humanity
+[1012.56 --> 1014.04]  in our
+[1014.04 --> 1014.78]  image
+[1014.78 --> 1017.54]  and look
+[1017.54 --> 1018.80]  it's not easy
+[1018.80 --> 1019.88]  right
+[1019.88 --> 1021.44]  sin still has
+[1021.44 --> 1022.24]  a hold
+[1022.24 --> 1023.00]  on parts
+[1023.00 --> 1023.48]  of me
+[1023.48 --> 1024.74]  right
+[1024.74 --> 1025.46]  and just because
+[1025.46 --> 1026.10]  i believe
+[1026.10 --> 1026.80]  this doctrine
+[1026.80 --> 1027.56]  to be true
+[1027.56 --> 1028.46]  doesn't mean
+[1028.46 --> 1029.14]  that my life
+[1029.14 --> 1029.70]  is totally
+[1029.70 --> 1030.32]  transformed
+[1030.32 --> 1030.72]  and that i'm
+[1030.72 --> 1031.40]  a picture
+[1031.40 --> 1032.20]  perfect saint
+[1032.20 --> 1032.82]  of peace
+[1032.82 --> 1033.34]  and calm
+[1033.34 --> 1034.06]  and restoration
+[1034.06 --> 1035.54]  just ask my kids
+[1035.54 --> 1036.26]  they will tell you
+[1036.26 --> 1036.92]  that's not true
+[1036.92 --> 1039.08]  but it
+[1039.08 --> 1040.42]  does mean
+[1040.42 --> 1042.02]  i am being
+[1042.02 --> 1042.90]  transformed
+[1042.90 --> 1044.14]  it does mean
+[1044.14 --> 1044.74]  i am in the
+[1044.74 --> 1045.30]  midst of
+[1045.30 --> 1046.20]  restoration
+[1046.20 --> 1046.66]  right
+[1046.66 --> 1047.16]  i have
+[1047.16 --> 1047.80]  the peace
+[1047.80 --> 1048.40]  that jesus
+[1048.40 --> 1048.88]  offers
+[1048.88 --> 1049.84]  because i have
+[1049.84 --> 1050.44]  by grace
+[1050.44 --> 1051.00]  through faith
+[1051.00 --> 1052.10]  being the object
+[1052.10 --> 1052.98]  of god's
+[1052.98 --> 1053.50]  mercy
+[1053.50 --> 1054.48]  and the line
+[1054.48 --> 1055.12]  from god's
+[1055.12 --> 1055.46]  mercy
+[1055.46 --> 1056.40]  goes straight
+[1056.40 --> 1057.12]  through
+[1057.12 --> 1057.94]  right through
+[1057.94 --> 1058.48]  me
+[1058.48 --> 1059.62]  and to me
+[1059.62 --> 1060.60]  and everything
+[1060.60 --> 1061.20]  i do
+[1061.20 --> 1062.06]  right
+[1062.06 --> 1062.78]  in theological
+[1062.78 --> 1063.54]  terms
+[1063.54 --> 1064.64]  i am justified
+[1064.64 --> 1065.48]  by the gospel
+[1065.48 --> 1066.26]  and i am being
+[1066.26 --> 1067.20]  sanctified
+[1067.20 --> 1068.42]  by the gospel
+[1068.42 --> 1070.24]  and my mission
+[1070.24 --> 1070.60]  now
+[1070.60 --> 1071.38]  our mission
+[1071.38 --> 1071.74]  now
+[1071.74 --> 1072.54]  as christians
+[1072.54 --> 1073.24]  in the world
+[1073.24 --> 1074.10]  with this message
+[1074.10 --> 1074.54]  of peace
+[1074.54 --> 1075.60]  is to live
+[1075.60 --> 1076.72]  in its
+[1076.72 --> 1077.46]  truth
+[1077.46 --> 1080.20]  and in fact
+[1080.20 --> 1081.92]  there's a
+[1081.92 --> 1083.68]  generation of christians
+[1083.68 --> 1084.16]  really
+[1084.16 --> 1085.06]  who are leading
+[1085.06 --> 1085.94]  the way in this
+[1085.94 --> 1087.98]  a few years ago
+[1087.98 --> 1089.62]  bethany hoang
+[1089.62 --> 1090.38]  wrote an article
+[1090.38 --> 1091.26]  for a leadership
+[1091.26 --> 1091.72]  journal
+[1091.72 --> 1092.96]  under the umbrella
+[1092.96 --> 1094.10]  of christianity today
+[1094.10 --> 1095.32]  and in that article
+[1095.32 --> 1096.00]  she writes
+[1096.00 --> 1098.62]  the rising concern
+[1098.62 --> 1099.60]  for justice
+[1099.60 --> 1100.38]  is seen
+[1100.38 --> 1101.60]  most dramatically
+[1101.60 --> 1103.02]  among the younger
+[1103.02 --> 1103.68]  generation
+[1103.68 --> 1104.92]  in the church
+[1104.92 --> 1107.00]  christians in college
+[1107.00 --> 1108.08]  in high school
+[1108.08 --> 1109.32]  and even middle school
+[1109.32 --> 1110.22]  and elementary school
+[1110.22 --> 1110.92]  are putting
+[1110.92 --> 1112.48]  extraordinary emphasis
+[1112.48 --> 1113.30]  on justice
+[1113.30 --> 1114.38]  as part of their
+[1114.38 --> 1115.10]  christian witness
+[1115.10 --> 1116.70]  and established churches
+[1116.70 --> 1117.42]  and ministries
+[1117.42 --> 1118.48]  are taking notice
+[1118.48 --> 1120.76]  scores of church
+[1120.76 --> 1121.56]  youth ministries
+[1121.56 --> 1122.54]  are now leading
+[1122.54 --> 1123.04]  the way
+[1123.04 --> 1123.90]  in mobilizing
+[1123.90 --> 1124.36]  students
+[1124.36 --> 1124.86]  not only
+[1124.86 --> 1125.46]  to proclaim
+[1125.46 --> 1126.06]  the gospel
+[1126.06 --> 1127.06]  but to work
+[1127.06 --> 1128.12]  for justice
+[1128.12 --> 1129.38]  in the world
+[1129.38 --> 1131.46]  in the world
+[1131.46 --> 1132.76]  we have
+[1132.76 --> 1133.62]  malala
+[1133.62 --> 1134.32]  and we have
+[1134.32 --> 1134.68]  greta
+[1134.68 --> 1135.68]  leading different
+[1135.68 --> 1136.10]  charges
+[1136.10 --> 1136.68]  and different
+[1136.68 --> 1137.16]  changes
+[1137.16 --> 1138.28]  but who will
+[1138.28 --> 1139.02]  the church's
+[1139.02 --> 1140.20]  version of that
+[1140.20 --> 1140.44]  be
+[1140.44 --> 1141.72]  who will our
+[1141.72 --> 1142.48]  church's version
+[1142.48 --> 1143.74]  of that be
+[1143.74 --> 1145.56]  maybe it's you
+[1145.56 --> 1148.00]  out of the peace
+[1148.00 --> 1149.42]  jesus provides
+[1149.42 --> 1150.80]  how will you
+[1150.80 --> 1151.72]  fight
+[1151.72 --> 1152.88]  for shalom
+[1152.88 --> 1156.98]  and finally
+[1156.98 --> 1158.82]  and i'll end
+[1158.82 --> 1159.28]  it here
+[1159.28 --> 1160.54]  this morning
+[1160.54 --> 1161.90]  as we have
+[1161.90 --> 1162.38]  drawn
+[1162.38 --> 1163.68]  the line
+[1163.68 --> 1164.60]  from god's
+[1164.60 --> 1164.98]  mercy
+[1164.98 --> 1166.16]  to experiencing
+[1166.16 --> 1166.92]  peace
+[1166.92 --> 1167.80]  and shalom
+[1167.80 --> 1168.48]  in life
+[1168.48 --> 1169.76]  i want to go
+[1169.76 --> 1170.28]  back to the
+[1170.28 --> 1171.24]  illustrations that i
+[1171.24 --> 1171.86]  opened with
+[1171.86 --> 1172.96]  that i said are
+[1172.96 --> 1173.62]  sort of parable
+[1173.62 --> 1174.46]  for our experience
+[1174.46 --> 1174.92]  right now
+[1174.92 --> 1176.74]  first
+[1176.74 --> 1177.94]  knowing this
+[1177.94 --> 1178.54]  peace
+[1178.54 --> 1179.32]  that comes
+[1179.32 --> 1179.98]  from god's
+[1179.98 --> 1180.50]  mercy
+[1180.50 --> 1181.72]  maybe we
+[1181.72 --> 1182.36]  don't have
+[1182.36 --> 1183.12]  to rush
+[1183.12 --> 1185.00]  maybe we
+[1185.00 --> 1185.22]  don't have
+[1185.22 --> 1185.58]  to rush
+[1185.58 --> 1185.96]  through
+[1185.96 --> 1186.94]  the waiting
+[1186.94 --> 1187.72]  maybe the
+[1187.72 --> 1188.62]  peace of god
+[1188.62 --> 1189.00]  given
+[1189.00 --> 1190.24]  in mercy
+[1190.24 --> 1191.00]  is enough
+[1191.00 --> 1191.90]  to sustain
+[1191.90 --> 1192.34]  us
+[1192.34 --> 1193.46]  in that
+[1193.46 --> 1193.76]  waiting
+[1193.76 --> 1195.42]  second
+[1195.42 --> 1197.10]  maybe
+[1197.10 --> 1198.56]  the waiting
+[1198.56 --> 1200.46]  is actually
+[1200.46 --> 1201.36]  sustaining you
+[1201.36 --> 1203.00]  or maybe it's
+[1203.00 --> 1204.22]  preparing you
+[1204.22 --> 1204.80]  for something
+[1204.80 --> 1206.50]  right i was
+[1206.50 --> 1207.60]  frustrated when i
+[1207.60 --> 1208.36]  got stopped
+[1208.36 --> 1209.24]  behind those
+[1209.24 --> 1210.16]  two snowplows
+[1210.16 --> 1211.02]  crawling along
+[1211.02 --> 1211.82]  right i had
+[1211.82 --> 1212.80]  places to be
+[1212.80 --> 1214.18]  and places i
+[1214.18 --> 1214.88]  wanted to go
+[1214.88 --> 1215.66]  and get to
+[1215.66 --> 1216.36]  and they were
+[1216.36 --> 1216.94]  slowing me
+[1216.94 --> 1217.28]  down
+[1217.28 --> 1218.84]  but maybe
+[1218.84 --> 1221.52]  maybe
+[1221.52 --> 1222.52]  without them
+[1222.52 --> 1224.28]  i would have
+[1224.28 --> 1224.78]  learned the real
+[1224.78 --> 1225.46]  reason why they
+[1225.46 --> 1225.96]  call it the
+[1225.96 --> 1226.62]  highway from hell
+[1226.62 --> 1228.30]  now i don't know
+[1228.30 --> 1228.82]  for sure
+[1228.82 --> 1230.56]  but maybe
+[1230.56 --> 1233.10]  the moderate
+[1233.10 --> 1234.38]  inconvenience
+[1234.38 --> 1235.40]  that god
+[1235.40 --> 1236.40]  god has
+[1236.40 --> 1236.88]  brought
+[1236.88 --> 1238.32]  may be used
+[1238.32 --> 1239.00]  by god
+[1239.00 --> 1240.10]  to protect us
+[1240.10 --> 1240.70]  from something
+[1240.70 --> 1241.02]  more
+[1241.02 --> 1243.48]  and yet
+[1243.48 --> 1245.30]  here's where it
+[1245.30 --> 1245.94]  gets really hard
+[1245.94 --> 1248.90]  this will also
+[1248.90 --> 1249.46]  be true
+[1249.46 --> 1251.12]  of the more
+[1251.12 --> 1251.66]  than moderate
+[1251.66 --> 1252.62]  inconveniences
+[1252.62 --> 1255.06]  right if god
+[1255.06 --> 1255.66]  is sovereign
+[1255.66 --> 1256.36]  over all
+[1256.36 --> 1256.92]  creation
+[1256.92 --> 1258.38]  it must be
+[1258.38 --> 1258.98]  true in
+[1258.98 --> 1260.14]  every circumstance
+[1260.14 --> 1261.52]  right for
+[1261.52 --> 1262.62]  any suffering
+[1262.62 --> 1263.50]  or trial
+[1263.50 --> 1264.30]  or tribulation
+[1264.30 --> 1265.44]  in this life
+[1265.44 --> 1266.38]  to have any
+[1266.38 --> 1267.48]  meaning god
+[1267.48 --> 1268.24]  must have a
+[1268.24 --> 1268.96]  purpose for it
+[1268.96 --> 1269.80]  and a plan
+[1269.80 --> 1270.60]  that connects
+[1270.60 --> 1271.50]  to his mercy
+[1271.50 --> 1272.52]  he must
+[1272.52 --> 1275.36]  and we believe
+[1275.36 --> 1275.92]  he does
+[1275.92 --> 1279.56]  there's an
+[1279.56 --> 1280.62]  autobiographical
+[1280.62 --> 1281.92]  book by a man
+[1281.92 --> 1282.68]  named sheldon
+[1282.68 --> 1283.24]  van alken
+[1283.24 --> 1283.96]  he was a friend
+[1283.96 --> 1284.50]  of c.s.
+[1284.58 --> 1284.84]  lewis
+[1284.84 --> 1285.96]  and he wrote
+[1285.96 --> 1286.96]  a man
+[1286.96 --> 1287.20]  after his
+[1287.20 --> 1288.54]  wife passed
+[1288.54 --> 1288.80]  away
+[1288.80 --> 1290.38]  and that book
+[1290.38 --> 1291.06]  was called
+[1291.06 --> 1292.98]  severe mercies
+[1292.98 --> 1294.86]  severe mercies
+[1294.86 --> 1295.72]  has become a
+[1295.72 --> 1296.56]  sort of theological
+[1296.56 --> 1297.72]  term for what
+[1297.72 --> 1298.16]  we're talking
+[1298.16 --> 1298.50]  about
+[1298.50 --> 1299.48]  these sort of
+[1299.48 --> 1300.78]  extreme and
+[1300.78 --> 1301.56]  tragic events
+[1301.56 --> 1302.54]  that god uses
+[1302.54 --> 1303.98]  to reveal his
+[1303.98 --> 1305.00]  mercy and peace
+[1305.00 --> 1305.86]  to us
+[1305.86 --> 1306.68]  right we call
+[1306.68 --> 1307.34]  these god's
+[1307.34 --> 1308.60]  severe mercies
+[1308.60 --> 1309.74]  jonah for instance
+[1309.74 --> 1310.46]  knew them
+[1310.46 --> 1311.96]  right god used
+[1311.96 --> 1312.76]  the deathly
+[1312.76 --> 1313.42]  experience
+[1313.42 --> 1313.76]  of being
+[1313.76 --> 1314.38]  caught up
+[1314.38 --> 1315.10]  in the belly
+[1315.10 --> 1315.64]  of a great
+[1315.64 --> 1316.00]  fish
+[1316.00 --> 1316.82]  to correct
+[1316.82 --> 1317.10]  him
+[1317.10 --> 1318.16]  right
+[1318.16 --> 1318.94]  naaman's
+[1318.94 --> 1319.76]  leprosy
+[1319.76 --> 1320.68]  was used
+[1320.68 --> 1321.14]  to bring
+[1321.14 --> 1321.94]  glory to god
+[1321.94 --> 1323.74]  there's a podcast
+[1323.74 --> 1324.80]  that i listened to
+[1324.80 --> 1325.30]  that said
+[1325.30 --> 1326.08]  quote
+[1326.08 --> 1327.26]  in god's
+[1327.26 --> 1328.46]  severe mercy
+[1328.46 --> 1329.58]  he may deal
+[1329.58 --> 1330.00]  with us
+[1330.00 --> 1330.48]  in ways
+[1330.48 --> 1331.22]  that bring us
+[1331.22 --> 1331.84]  to the end
+[1331.84 --> 1332.66]  of ourselves
+[1332.66 --> 1334.12]  and we might
+[1334.12 --> 1334.56]  hate him
+[1334.56 --> 1335.04]  for it
+[1335.04 --> 1337.50]  but the paradox
+[1337.50 --> 1338.20]  of god's
+[1338.20 --> 1338.92]  severe mercy
+[1338.92 --> 1339.70]  is this
+[1339.70 --> 1340.92]  it's that it
+[1340.92 --> 1341.40]  could be the
+[1341.40 --> 1342.28]  best thing
+[1342.28 --> 1342.68]  that ever
+[1342.68 --> 1343.46]  happens to us
+[1343.46 --> 1344.28]  because we
+[1344.28 --> 1345.02]  discover the
+[1345.02 --> 1345.74]  truth of how
+[1345.74 --> 1346.78]  broken and
+[1346.78 --> 1347.80]  selfish we are
+[1347.80 --> 1348.66]  we discover the
+[1348.66 --> 1349.56]  truth of how
+[1349.56 --> 1350.40]  i've been taking
+[1350.40 --> 1351.24]  my life for
+[1351.24 --> 1352.28]  granted as if
+[1352.28 --> 1353.14]  i can do just
+[1353.14 --> 1353.96]  whatever i want
+[1353.96 --> 1354.70]  and the only
+[1354.70 --> 1355.58]  reason i exist
+[1355.58 --> 1356.28]  is because
+[1356.28 --> 1357.12]  someone else
+[1357.12 --> 1358.12]  has made me
+[1358.12 --> 1360.80]  here's what i
+[1360.80 --> 1361.02]  know
+[1361.02 --> 1362.84]  whether it's
+[1362.84 --> 1363.58]  saving you
+[1363.58 --> 1364.42]  or preparing
+[1364.42 --> 1364.88]  you
+[1364.88 --> 1366.26]  or it's
+[1366.26 --> 1366.80]  something else
+[1366.80 --> 1367.32]  altogether
+[1367.32 --> 1369.04]  whatever you
+[1369.04 --> 1369.90]  are facing
+[1369.90 --> 1371.28]  right now
+[1371.28 --> 1372.62]  will be used
+[1372.62 --> 1374.06]  for your good
+[1374.06 --> 1375.22]  and god's
+[1375.22 --> 1375.78]  glory
+[1375.78 --> 1377.38]  right this
+[1377.38 --> 1378.50]  is his promise
+[1378.50 --> 1379.48]  that our present
+[1379.48 --> 1380.36]  sufferings are not
+[1380.36 --> 1381.12]  worth comparing
+[1381.12 --> 1381.96]  to the glory
+[1381.96 --> 1382.48]  that will be
+[1382.48 --> 1383.32]  revealed in us
+[1383.32 --> 1384.42]  this is god's
+[1384.42 --> 1385.26]  promise that
+[1385.26 --> 1386.02]  that we know
+[1386.02 --> 1386.56]  that in all
+[1386.56 --> 1387.46]  things god works
+[1387.46 --> 1387.96]  for the good
+[1387.96 --> 1388.56]  of those who
+[1388.56 --> 1388.98]  love him
+[1388.98 --> 1389.62]  of those who
+[1389.62 --> 1390.18]  have been called
+[1390.18 --> 1390.98]  according to his
+[1390.98 --> 1391.42]  purpose
+[1391.42 --> 1393.52]  the truth is
+[1393.52 --> 1394.38]  the trouble is
+[1394.38 --> 1395.60]  perhaps that on
+[1395.60 --> 1396.32]  this side of
+[1396.32 --> 1397.56]  heaven you may
+[1397.56 --> 1399.04]  never know that
+[1399.04 --> 1401.56]  purpose and
+[1401.56 --> 1403.18]  truthfully once we
+[1403.18 --> 1404.04]  get there or once
+[1404.04 --> 1404.88]  jesus comes back
+[1404.88 --> 1406.16]  here i don't think
+[1406.16 --> 1409.08]  we'll even care but
+[1409.08 --> 1411.70]  he has one and
+[1411.70 --> 1418.34]  maybe peace shalom is
+[1418.34 --> 1421.12]  at times just living
+[1421.12 --> 1423.68]  like we know that to
+[1423.68 --> 1424.12]  be true
+[1424.12 --> 1427.00]  because it is
+[1427.00 --> 1428.78]  amen
+[1428.78 --> 1431.56]  let me pray with you
+[1431.56 --> 1438.56]  lord jesus grant us
+[1438.56 --> 1439.46]  your
+[1439.46 --> 1441.04]  peace
+[1441.04 --> 1443.88]  reveal to us the gift
+[1443.88 --> 1446.18]  of your mercy that
+[1446.18 --> 1447.34]  has a straight line
+[1447.34 --> 1449.02]  to peace here and
+[1449.02 --> 1450.26]  now in this life
+[1450.26 --> 1452.22]  life restored and
+[1452.22 --> 1453.48]  being restored ever
+[1453.48 --> 1455.56]  more to your intent
+[1455.56 --> 1456.62]  and design
+[1456.62 --> 1460.28]  may we be fully
+[1460.28 --> 1462.40]  human fully alive to
+[1462.40 --> 1464.38]  the glory of our god
+[1464.38 --> 1467.32]  god send us out in the
+[1467.32 --> 1469.04]  power of this truth
+[1469.04 --> 1470.82]  today that no matter
+[1470.82 --> 1472.56]  what we face whether
+[1472.56 --> 1473.18]  it's a moderate
+[1473.18 --> 1475.66]  inconvenience or it
+[1475.66 --> 1476.50]  is an incredible
+[1476.50 --> 1478.86]  life altering trial
+[1478.86 --> 1481.20]  that we would do so
+[1481.20 --> 1483.12]  with the confidence
+[1483.12 --> 1484.48]  that you are good
+[1484.48 --> 1487.26]  you are god and you
+[1487.26 --> 1487.90]  have a plan
+[1487.90 --> 1492.04]  we pray this in jesus name
+[1492.04 --> 1493.64]  amen
+[1493.64 --> 1503.52]  would we pray this
+[1516.36 --> 1516.64]  how topel
+[1516.64 --> 1517.30]  how topel
+[1517.30 --> 1517.80]  been
+[1517.80 --> 1518.44]  when
+[1518.44 --> 1519.30]  he
+[1519.30 --> 1519.56]  he
+[1519.56 --> 1519.96]  he
+[1519.96 --> 1520.62]  he
+[1520.62 --> 1521.46]  in

I Will Wait - A Peace Provided (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,988 @@
+[0.00 --> 13.02]  this morning together we're going to read from luke 1 we're going to read verse 67 through 79
+[13.02 --> 20.38]  i invite you to grab your bible grab a notebook whatever it is that will help you engage in this
+[20.38 --> 26.82]  process we will have the text on the screen and i also just want to say personally i really
+[26.82 --> 34.12]  appreciate everyone's feedback and emails and touching base with me at some point throughout
+[34.12 --> 42.34]  the week preaching in this way to an almost empty sanctuary is difficult because you don't get that
+[42.34 --> 48.18]  same interaction over coffee after church or whatever the case may be and so those ways that
+[48.18 --> 54.70]  we do experience that are meaningful to me and so thank you for that now that you found luke 1 let's
+[54.70 --> 56.68]  read together starting at verse 67
+[56.68 --> 71.54]  his father zachariah was filled with the holy spirit and prophesied praise be to the lord the god of
+[71.54 --> 79.14]  israel because he has come and has redeemed his people he has raised up a horn of salvation for
+[79.14 --> 86.98]  us in the house of his servant david as he said through his holy prophets long ago salvation from
+[86.98 --> 93.22]  our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy
+[93.22 --> 100.32]  covenant the oath he swore to our father abraham to rescue us from the hand of our enemies and to enable
+[100.32 --> 108.56]  us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days and you
+[108.56 --> 115.66]  my child will be called a prophet of the most high for you will go on before the lord to prepare the way
+[115.66 --> 122.60]  for him to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins because of
+[122.60 --> 129.76]  the tender mercy of our god by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living
+[129.76 --> 138.74]  in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet into the path of peace this is the word of the lord
+[138.74 --> 151.88]  as many of you listening will know my family recently traveled across the country in our move here we had an 11
+[151.88 --> 160.56]  day long trip from ontario to here in langley and on the last day of that trip we had just from
+[160.56 --> 171.12]  colonna to langley left that's 350 kilometers that's all that was left of our 11 day journey we were so
+[171.12 --> 178.96]  excited to get here and so excited to get going in the morning that we packed everything up and we
+[178.96 --> 186.72]  were on the road and ready to go because we were coming to our new city our new home
+[186.72 --> 194.90]  but if you know that trip you know that we also had one obstacle left right you probably know it
+[194.90 --> 203.40]  the coquihalla highway the highway through hell as the discovery channel show calls it and the further
+[203.40 --> 210.92]  up the pass we got the worse the weather became this is mid-november now and by the time we reached
+[210.92 --> 216.70]  the summit we were no longer actually driving on roads but driving on compacted ice and snow
+[216.70 --> 223.80]  with the car rumbling all around the last five kilometers to the summit in fact we got stuck
+[223.80 --> 231.50]  behind two snow plows one in each lane and so all of that excitement all of that hurry all of that
+[231.50 --> 238.32]  anticipation and all of that energy to get going and to get to where we were going stopped well maybe
+[238.32 --> 244.76]  not stopped but crawling at five kilometers per hour behind two big machines that you can't see around
+[244.76 --> 247.62]  and to make matters worse i was the first car behind them
+[247.62 --> 255.10]  we wanted to get here so badly we had so much energy and excitement for that trip
+[255.10 --> 259.40]  but there we are stuck behind two snow plows
+[259.40 --> 267.12]  another example even more recently than that the other day we were trying to get out of our house
+[267.12 --> 274.02]  in the morning to get the kids off to school now that morning in particular we really struggled to get out the door
+[274.02 --> 281.12]  at first right the the agenda wasn't in the school bag and we couldn't find it
+[281.12 --> 288.92]  second the boots or the right boots weren't at the door and we couldn't find them in the chaos of a newly moved house
+[288.92 --> 295.82]  and third i forgot to pack the all-important water bottle in one of my kids bags and we couldn't find that
+[295.82 --> 301.16]  needless to say by the time we actually got everything ready we were rushing out the door
+[301.16 --> 307.46]  we quickly threw everything in the back of my little car started it up backed out of the driveway threw it into first gear
+[307.46 --> 308.68]  whipped around the corner went
+[308.68 --> 313.72]  stopped there's a garbage truck
+[313.72 --> 320.78]  now i don't know about garbage collection on your streets and i don't know if this is just a langley thing or what i'm just learning
+[320.78 --> 328.46]  but the garbage collection on our street has this special way of driving down the road going from side to side to side
+[328.46 --> 333.08]  lollygagging their way to the journey one side of the street to the other so when we were in that hurry
+[333.08 --> 334.42]  there i am stopped
+[334.42 --> 336.34]  watching the garbage truck
+[336.34 --> 338.12]  do its little dance
+[338.12 --> 340.48]  and i couldn't go anywhere
+[340.48 --> 343.86]  stuck behind a big green
+[343.86 --> 345.36]  garbage truck
+[345.36 --> 348.30]  now i shared these two stories
+[348.30 --> 352.58]  because i think they can actually function for us kind of as parables
+[352.58 --> 354.08]  for right now
+[354.08 --> 360.76]  right not just in covid times right where yes in these days we want to hurry up and we want to get through it
+[360.76 --> 362.24]  right we're tired of waiting
+[362.24 --> 367.36]  we've got the good news of vaccines that has just come and is starting to be distributed
+[367.36 --> 371.56]  and now we want to get back to normal whatever that means
+[371.56 --> 373.74]  but we can't
+[373.74 --> 377.06]  right we're stuck behind the big green truck of procedure
+[377.06 --> 381.38]  of dispensing of refrigeration technology requirements
+[381.38 --> 383.18]  we're stuck behind the
+[383.18 --> 387.32]  supply being dwarfed by the demand
+[387.32 --> 391.12]  we're stuck behind months more of waiting
+[391.12 --> 396.04]  but like i said not just in covid times but generally
+[396.04 --> 399.16]  right this is the the last week of advent
+[399.16 --> 401.62]  right it's the final days before christmas
+[401.62 --> 403.42]  and we just want to get there
+[403.42 --> 405.38]  right we just want to open our presents
+[405.38 --> 407.16]  we just want to cook that turkey or
+[407.16 --> 409.08]  small chicken maybe this year
+[409.08 --> 410.22]  whatever it may be
+[410.22 --> 412.12]  right we just want to get there
+[412.12 --> 414.12]  we've waited long enough
+[414.12 --> 417.80]  but there are two snow plows in front of us
+[417.80 --> 420.46]  stopping us from getting where we want to go
+[420.46 --> 422.40]  at the speed we want to get there
+[422.40 --> 426.76]  patience for everything is running thin
+[426.76 --> 428.26]  we've got places to be
+[428.26 --> 429.50]  and people to see
+[429.50 --> 431.58]  and we've had just about enough
+[431.58 --> 432.78]  of this waiting
+[432.78 --> 437.94]  and it's exactly into that moment
+[437.94 --> 439.88]  that i want to speak
+[439.88 --> 444.88]  precisely when we've run out of patience
+[444.88 --> 450.38]  precisely when we are rushing from one thing to the next to the next to the next
+[450.38 --> 452.32]  and then we get stopped
+[452.32 --> 458.30]  now we read this morning zachariah's song
+[458.30 --> 460.14]  it's sometimes called the benedictus
+[460.14 --> 463.96]  but let me remind you of zachariah's story
+[463.96 --> 466.98]  now zachariah is husband to elizabeth
+[466.98 --> 470.72]  and he is a priest serving in the temple at jerusalem
+[470.72 --> 473.54]  and one night while he's serving in the temple
+[473.54 --> 476.08]  the angel gabriel appears to him
+[476.08 --> 478.44]  and tells him that his wife will have a baby
+[478.44 --> 480.84]  now zachariah is a pretty old man
+[480.84 --> 483.36]  his wife is also no longer a young woman
+[483.36 --> 485.30]  and so he struggles to believe that
+[485.30 --> 487.80]  she has been barren for their entire marriage together
+[487.80 --> 490.94]  and he doesn't believe that this is possible
+[490.94 --> 494.50]  and so gabriel
+[494.50 --> 497.86]  in a real awesome sort of power move
+[497.86 --> 498.74]  actually says
+[498.74 --> 500.30]  i am gabriel
+[500.30 --> 502.72]  i stand in the presence of god
+[502.72 --> 505.54]  i have been sent here to speak this message to you
+[505.54 --> 507.46]  and because you didn't believe me
+[507.46 --> 509.62]  you will not be able to speak
+[509.62 --> 512.04]  until the child is born
+[512.04 --> 514.44]  and zachariah fell mute
+[514.44 --> 517.30]  fast forward nine months
+[517.30 --> 519.34]  zachariah has finished
+[519.34 --> 521.94]  at the end of his time in the temple
+[521.94 --> 523.54]  he goes back home to elizabeth
+[523.54 --> 524.66]  nine months later
+[524.66 --> 525.80]  they have a son
+[525.80 --> 526.84]  and he is born
+[526.84 --> 528.16]  and on the eighth day
+[528.16 --> 529.20]  their child
+[529.20 --> 530.82]  is taken
+[530.82 --> 533.20]  to be circumcised
+[533.20 --> 535.18]  now this is normal for jewish boys
+[535.18 --> 536.30]  to do on the eighth day
+[536.30 --> 537.36]  the eighth day
+[537.36 --> 538.26]  the day of circumcision
+[538.26 --> 540.48]  is also the official naming day
+[540.48 --> 542.50]  and so you didn't release the name of the child
+[542.50 --> 543.26]  out into the public
+[543.26 --> 544.28]  until that day
+[544.28 --> 546.92]  he was going to be named after his father
+[546.92 --> 548.36]  or so everyone assumed
+[548.36 --> 549.92]  but the angel gabriel
+[549.92 --> 552.10]  gabriel had told zachariah
+[552.10 --> 554.06]  that he should be called john
+[554.06 --> 556.18]  and so when people come and say
+[556.18 --> 557.74]  what name will this child be given
+[557.74 --> 559.76]  zachariah takes his writing tablet
+[559.76 --> 560.36]  because remember
+[560.36 --> 561.34]  he hasn't been able to speak
+[561.34 --> 562.18]  for these nine months
+[562.18 --> 563.42]  and he is about to
+[563.42 --> 565.08]  and he writes on that tablet
+[565.08 --> 567.36]  his name is john
+[567.36 --> 569.02]  and as soon as he does that
+[569.02 --> 570.66]  his mouth is opened
+[570.66 --> 572.00]  and he can speak again
+[572.00 --> 574.54]  and he begins praising god
+[574.54 --> 578.00]  what we read
+[578.00 --> 579.88]  is his song of praise
+[579.88 --> 582.14]  now look at it with me
+[582.14 --> 583.04]  have it in front of you
+[583.04 --> 583.74]  hopefully right
+[583.74 --> 585.34]  the first part of that song
+[585.34 --> 586.92]  verse 68 through 75
+[586.92 --> 588.16]  is about
+[588.16 --> 589.96]  what who zachariah calls
+[589.96 --> 592.28]  the lord coming to redeem his people
+[592.28 --> 593.14]  right
+[593.14 --> 594.78]  this part is about a son
+[594.78 --> 595.96]  who would be in the house
+[595.96 --> 597.18]  and line of david
+[597.18 --> 598.48]  who zachariah calls
+[598.48 --> 599.82]  a horn of salvation
+[599.82 --> 600.80]  right
+[600.80 --> 602.74]  he will bring salvation from enemies
+[602.74 --> 604.22]  and bring mercy to fathers
+[604.22 --> 606.06]  by remembering his covenant
+[606.06 --> 607.28]  his promise
+[607.28 --> 607.80]  right
+[607.80 --> 608.62]  this son
+[608.62 --> 609.90]  king and lord
+[609.90 --> 612.16]  will make people able to serve
+[612.16 --> 613.82]  god without fear
+[613.82 --> 614.58]  in holiness
+[614.58 --> 615.60]  and in righteousness
+[615.60 --> 618.84]  now zachariah may not have known it
+[618.84 --> 620.08]  but the holy spirit
+[620.08 --> 621.34]  who gave him this song
+[621.34 --> 622.14]  sure did
+[622.14 --> 622.86]  and we do
+[622.86 --> 624.44]  standing on this side of history
+[624.44 --> 625.44]  this side of jesus
+[625.44 --> 627.64]  we know that he is talking about
+[627.64 --> 628.48]  jesus
+[628.48 --> 630.20]  the son to be born to mary
+[630.20 --> 630.76]  in fact
+[630.76 --> 632.28]  elizabeth's relative
+[632.28 --> 633.26]  of some sort
+[633.26 --> 633.80]  right
+[633.80 --> 634.94]  zachariah's boy
+[634.94 --> 635.56]  john
+[635.56 --> 636.60]  and that boy
+[636.60 --> 637.16]  jesus
+[637.16 --> 638.60]  will be related
+[638.60 --> 639.38]  and jesus
+[639.38 --> 640.28]  we know
+[640.28 --> 641.22]  is the god
+[641.22 --> 642.78]  man promised of ages
+[642.78 --> 644.10]  who will take away
+[644.10 --> 645.22]  the sin of the world
+[645.22 --> 648.08]  and in the next part of the song
+[648.08 --> 648.60]  you see it
+[648.60 --> 650.16]  beginning in verse 76
+[650.16 --> 651.78]  zachariah turns
+[651.78 --> 652.84]  his focus
+[652.84 --> 654.18]  to his son
+[654.18 --> 656.70]  and the prophecy says
+[656.70 --> 657.22]  and you
+[657.22 --> 658.02]  my child
+[658.02 --> 658.72]  will be called
+[658.72 --> 659.26]  a prophet
+[659.26 --> 660.48]  prophet of the most high
+[660.48 --> 661.20]  for you
+[661.20 --> 662.58]  will go before the lord
+[662.58 --> 664.06]  to prepare the way for him
+[664.06 --> 665.90]  and here's the focus
+[665.90 --> 666.92]  that i want us to
+[666.92 --> 668.32]  zero in on
+[668.32 --> 669.08]  this morning
+[669.08 --> 670.10]  right
+[670.10 --> 671.08]  look at verse 76
+[671.08 --> 672.80]  and and track through
+[672.80 --> 674.18]  how zachariah
+[674.18 --> 674.90]  builds
+[674.90 --> 675.18]  right
+[675.18 --> 676.52]  john will grow up
+[676.52 --> 677.80]  to be a prophet
+[677.80 --> 679.30]  preparing the way
+[679.30 --> 680.00]  for jesus
+[680.00 --> 681.34]  by teaching salvation
+[681.34 --> 682.70]  through the forgiveness
+[682.70 --> 683.40]  of sins
+[683.40 --> 685.02]  because of the
+[685.02 --> 686.04]  tender
+[686.04 --> 687.96]  mercy of god
+[687.96 --> 689.94]  and then notice
+[689.94 --> 690.94]  the the tender
+[690.94 --> 691.86]  mercy of god
+[691.86 --> 692.30]  at the beginning
+[692.30 --> 693.22]  of verse 78
+[693.22 --> 694.78]  is connected
+[694.78 --> 696.38]  by a straight line
+[696.38 --> 697.70]  to those living
+[697.70 --> 698.32]  in darkness
+[698.32 --> 699.24]  to those living
+[699.24 --> 699.84]  in the shadow
+[699.84 --> 700.32]  of death
+[700.32 --> 702.00]  to guide our feet
+[702.00 --> 702.88]  and here it is
+[702.88 --> 705.14]  into the path
+[705.14 --> 706.48]  of peace
+[706.48 --> 708.36]  right the mercy
+[708.36 --> 709.00]  of god
+[709.00 --> 711.08]  has a straight line
+[711.08 --> 712.86]  to peace
+[712.86 --> 714.58]  in your life
+[714.58 --> 717.18]  when you've experienced
+[717.18 --> 717.90]  the mercy
+[717.90 --> 719.06]  of god
+[719.06 --> 721.58]  it's made manifest
+[721.58 --> 723.26]  in peace
+[723.26 --> 725.70]  when you know
+[725.70 --> 726.48]  mercy
+[726.48 --> 729.14]  it's made tangible
+[729.14 --> 731.44]  in peace
+[731.44 --> 733.46]  when the mercy
+[733.46 --> 734.12]  that god
+[734.12 --> 735.34]  has the mercy
+[735.34 --> 735.82]  of god
+[735.82 --> 736.92]  has made its way
+[736.92 --> 738.28]  into here
+[738.28 --> 739.70]  that is into the throne
+[739.70 --> 740.46]  of your heart
+[740.46 --> 741.82]  there will be peace
+[741.82 --> 742.82]  in here
+[742.82 --> 743.72]  right that's in the
+[743.72 --> 744.68]  movements of your mind
+[744.68 --> 746.10]  and there will be peace
+[746.10 --> 746.92]  out here
+[746.92 --> 747.84]  in the makings
+[747.84 --> 748.72]  of your hands
+[748.72 --> 750.56]  right as the mercy
+[750.56 --> 751.46]  of god
+[751.46 --> 752.50]  makes its way
+[752.50 --> 753.36]  to the throne
+[753.36 --> 754.36]  of your heart
+[754.36 --> 755.88]  there will be peace
+[755.88 --> 756.62]  in the movements
+[756.62 --> 757.32]  of your mind
+[757.32 --> 757.96]  and peace
+[757.96 --> 759.00]  in the makings
+[759.00 --> 760.12]  of your hands
+[760.12 --> 763.06]  and just
+[763.06 --> 763.90]  like
+[763.90 --> 764.74]  god's
+[764.74 --> 765.62]  mercy
+[765.62 --> 766.68]  and grace
+[766.68 --> 767.52]  is a gift
+[767.52 --> 769.84]  so is the peace
+[769.84 --> 770.56]  that he
+[770.56 --> 771.50]  offers
+[771.50 --> 773.16]  think about
+[773.16 --> 774.20]  what the angels
+[774.20 --> 775.34]  say to the shepherds
+[775.34 --> 776.40]  and we've been saying it
+[776.40 --> 777.66]  every week
+[777.66 --> 778.20]  in the month
+[778.20 --> 779.34]  of december
+[779.34 --> 779.96]  because it's the
+[779.96 --> 780.80]  emmanuel kids
+[780.80 --> 781.80]  memory verse
+[781.80 --> 783.22]  glory to god
+[783.22 --> 783.92]  in the highest
+[783.92 --> 784.90]  and on earth
+[784.90 --> 786.74]  peace
+[786.74 --> 788.46]  peace to those
+[788.46 --> 789.08]  on whom
+[789.08 --> 790.36]  his favor
+[790.36 --> 791.42]  rests
+[791.42 --> 793.48]  and again
+[793.48 --> 794.44]  right
+[794.44 --> 794.96]  when jesus
+[794.96 --> 795.70]  is preaching
+[795.70 --> 796.36]  and teaching
+[796.36 --> 798.04]  he says to his disciples
+[798.04 --> 799.34]  in john 14
+[799.34 --> 799.76]  he says
+[799.76 --> 800.34]  peace
+[800.34 --> 800.78]  i
+[800.78 --> 802.72]  leave with you
+[802.72 --> 803.78]  my peace
+[803.78 --> 804.86]  i give to you
+[804.86 --> 805.76]  i do not give
+[805.76 --> 806.88]  as the world gives
+[806.88 --> 808.12]  do not let your hearts
+[808.12 --> 808.66]  be troubled
+[808.66 --> 810.82]  and do not be afraid
+[810.82 --> 812.34]  right
+[812.34 --> 812.84]  paul
+[812.84 --> 813.52]  says
+[813.52 --> 814.56]  the mind
+[814.56 --> 815.00]  governed
+[815.00 --> 816.08]  by the spirit
+[816.08 --> 816.96]  is life
+[816.96 --> 817.90]  and
+[817.90 --> 818.88]  peace
+[818.88 --> 820.26]  right
+[820.26 --> 821.14]  or think of the fruit
+[821.14 --> 821.84]  of the spirit
+[821.84 --> 822.32]  right
+[822.32 --> 823.24]  the fruit of the spirit
+[823.24 --> 823.60]  again
+[823.60 --> 824.78]  a new reality
+[824.78 --> 825.34]  in you
+[825.34 --> 826.30]  because of the gift
+[826.30 --> 827.46]  of the holy spirit
+[827.46 --> 828.82]  right the fruit of the spirit
+[828.82 --> 830.04]  in galatians 5 22
+[830.04 --> 831.54]  but the fruit of the spirit
+[831.54 --> 832.90]  is love
+[832.90 --> 834.04]  joy
+[834.04 --> 835.94]  peace
+[835.94 --> 839.26]  jesus has come
+[839.26 --> 841.36]  and there is a straight line
+[841.36 --> 842.78]  from the mercy of god
+[842.78 --> 845.00]  given to the peace of god
+[845.00 --> 846.06]  experienced
+[846.06 --> 847.38]  in your life
+[847.38 --> 850.16]  and let me be really
+[850.16 --> 851.04]  clear
+[851.04 --> 853.22]  the peace
+[853.22 --> 854.14]  that jesus
+[854.14 --> 854.78]  brings
+[854.78 --> 856.16]  is so much
+[856.16 --> 856.88]  more
+[856.88 --> 857.30]  than
+[857.30 --> 858.60]  not war
+[858.60 --> 859.58]  right
+[859.58 --> 860.98]  it's even more
+[860.98 --> 861.92]  than a sense of
+[861.92 --> 862.50]  calm
+[862.50 --> 863.76]  in chaos
+[863.76 --> 864.54]  the peace
+[864.54 --> 865.46]  that jesus
+[865.46 --> 865.82]  brings
+[865.82 --> 867.02]  is even more
+[867.02 --> 867.84]  than the forgiveness
+[867.84 --> 868.60]  of sins
+[868.60 --> 869.62]  now it is that
+[869.62 --> 870.18]  of course
+[870.18 --> 871.36]  but it's also more
+[871.36 --> 872.30]  the peace
+[872.30 --> 873.26]  of jesus
+[873.26 --> 875.08]  is whole life
+[875.08 --> 875.76]  restoration
+[875.76 --> 877.30]  to the design
+[877.30 --> 878.36]  and intent
+[878.36 --> 879.42]  of god
+[879.42 --> 880.26]  for you
+[880.26 --> 882.68]  the peace
+[882.68 --> 883.18]  of jesus
+[883.18 --> 884.22]  is whole life
+[884.22 --> 884.66]  restoration
+[884.66 --> 885.74]  to the design
+[885.74 --> 886.62]  and intent
+[886.62 --> 887.40]  of god
+[887.40 --> 888.60]  for you
+[888.60 --> 890.42]  and for your life
+[890.42 --> 892.00]  for your neighborhood
+[892.00 --> 893.70]  and community
+[893.70 --> 895.42]  now the word
+[895.42 --> 895.98]  peace
+[895.98 --> 897.58]  in the bible
+[897.58 --> 898.96]  is really built
+[898.96 --> 900.14]  on the hebrew
+[900.14 --> 900.64]  concept
+[900.64 --> 901.44]  of the word
+[901.44 --> 902.02]  shalom
+[902.02 --> 903.64]  now maybe you've heard
+[903.64 --> 904.38]  that word before
+[904.38 --> 905.18]  and today
+[905.18 --> 906.36]  in modern day
+[906.36 --> 907.22]  israel
+[907.22 --> 909.04]  the word shalom
+[909.04 --> 909.76]  is used
+[909.76 --> 910.44]  as a greeting
+[910.44 --> 910.96]  right
+[910.96 --> 912.00]  people will walk around
+[912.00 --> 912.46]  and they'll see
+[912.46 --> 912.90]  their neighbor
+[912.90 --> 913.94]  or someone in the streets
+[913.94 --> 914.58]  and they will say
+[914.58 --> 915.12]  shalom
+[915.12 --> 916.22]  boker tov
+[916.22 --> 917.30]  which just means
+[917.30 --> 917.84]  peace
+[917.84 --> 918.84]  good morning
+[918.84 --> 921.42]  in the bible
+[921.42 --> 921.84]  though
+[921.84 --> 922.72]  shalom
+[922.72 --> 923.78]  is so
+[923.78 --> 924.68]  much
+[924.68 --> 925.44]  more
+[925.44 --> 926.56]  right
+[926.56 --> 927.08]  shalom
+[927.08 --> 927.36]  is
+[927.36 --> 928.46]  wholeness
+[928.46 --> 929.12]  restored
+[929.12 --> 930.98]  in fact
+[930.98 --> 931.62]  I really love
+[931.62 --> 931.98]  the way
+[931.98 --> 932.28]  that
+[932.28 --> 932.98]  cornelius
+[932.98 --> 933.58]  plantiga
+[933.58 --> 934.08]  jr
+[934.08 --> 935.02]  puts it
+[935.02 --> 936.40]  he says
+[936.40 --> 937.84]  in the bible
+[937.84 --> 938.88]  shalom
+[938.88 --> 939.66]  means
+[939.66 --> 940.56]  universal
+[940.56 --> 941.44]  flourishing
+[941.44 --> 942.40]  wholeness
+[942.40 --> 943.16]  and delight
+[943.16 --> 944.00]  a rich
+[944.00 --> 944.98]  state of affairs
+[944.98 --> 945.52]  in which
+[945.52 --> 946.78]  natural needs
+[946.78 --> 947.52]  are satisfied
+[947.52 --> 948.42]  and natural
+[948.42 --> 948.88]  gifts
+[948.88 --> 949.70]  fruitfully
+[949.70 --> 950.38]  employed
+[950.38 --> 951.18]  a state
+[951.18 --> 951.70]  of affairs
+[951.70 --> 952.42]  that inspires
+[952.42 --> 953.52]  joyful wonder
+[953.52 --> 954.72]  as its creator
+[954.72 --> 955.30]  and savior
+[955.30 --> 956.24]  opens doors
+[956.24 --> 956.96]  and welcomes
+[956.96 --> 957.64]  the creatures
+[957.64 --> 958.44]  in whom
+[958.44 --> 959.24]  he delights
+[959.24 --> 960.62]  shalom
+[960.62 --> 962.20]  in other words
+[962.20 --> 963.26]  is the way
+[963.26 --> 964.18]  things ought
+[964.18 --> 964.80]  to be
+[964.80 --> 967.28]  the peace
+[967.28 --> 968.18]  of advent
+[968.18 --> 969.86]  the peace
+[969.86 --> 971.12]  of christmas
+[971.12 --> 972.04]  the peace
+[972.04 --> 972.64]  that we are
+[972.64 --> 973.40]  all longing
+[973.40 --> 973.78]  for
+[973.78 --> 974.80]  is being
+[974.80 --> 975.60]  restored
+[975.60 --> 976.44]  to god's
+[976.44 --> 976.98]  intention
+[976.98 --> 978.08]  and god's
+[978.08 --> 978.56]  design
+[978.56 --> 980.16]  the things
+[980.16 --> 981.14]  that are wrong
+[981.14 --> 981.94]  in the world
+[981.94 --> 982.86]  or when things
+[982.86 --> 983.44]  go wrong
+[983.44 --> 984.32]  in your life
+[984.32 --> 985.24]  are really
+[985.24 --> 986.04]  the consequence
+[986.04 --> 986.88]  of shalom
+[986.88 --> 987.60]  breaking
+[987.60 --> 989.98]  the gospel
+[989.98 --> 991.46]  of jesus
+[991.46 --> 992.46]  living the life
+[992.46 --> 993.48]  i should have lived
+[993.48 --> 994.48]  and dying
+[994.48 --> 995.06]  the death
+[995.06 --> 995.88]  that i deserved
+[995.88 --> 997.02]  that gospel
+[997.02 --> 997.82]  means
+[997.82 --> 999.20]  is the means
+[999.20 --> 999.78]  by which
+[999.78 --> 1000.92]  i am restored
+[1000.92 --> 1001.74]  right
+[1001.74 --> 1002.34]  not just to
+[1002.34 --> 1002.88]  relationship
+[1002.88 --> 1003.46]  with god
+[1003.46 --> 1004.44]  my heavenly father
+[1004.44 --> 1005.54]  but the means
+[1005.54 --> 1006.50]  by which i am
+[1006.50 --> 1006.96]  restored
+[1006.96 --> 1007.76]  to everything
+[1007.76 --> 1008.56]  that god had
+[1008.56 --> 1009.02]  in mind
+[1009.02 --> 1009.68]  for humanity
+[1009.68 --> 1010.94]  when he said
+[1010.94 --> 1012.00]  let us make
+[1012.00 --> 1012.56]  humanity
+[1012.56 --> 1014.04]  in our
+[1014.04 --> 1014.78]  image
+[1014.78 --> 1017.54]  and look
+[1017.54 --> 1018.80]  it's not easy
+[1018.80 --> 1019.88]  right
+[1019.88 --> 1021.44]  sin still has
+[1021.44 --> 1022.24]  a hold
+[1022.24 --> 1023.00]  on parts
+[1023.00 --> 1023.48]  of me
+[1023.48 --> 1024.74]  right
+[1024.74 --> 1025.46]  and just because
+[1025.46 --> 1026.10]  i believe
+[1026.10 --> 1026.80]  this doctrine
+[1026.80 --> 1027.56]  to be true
+[1027.56 --> 1028.46]  doesn't mean
+[1028.46 --> 1029.14]  that my life
+[1029.14 --> 1029.70]  is totally
+[1029.70 --> 1030.32]  transformed
+[1030.32 --> 1030.72]  and that i'm
+[1030.72 --> 1031.40]  a picture
+[1031.40 --> 1032.20]  perfect saint
+[1032.20 --> 1032.82]  of peace
+[1032.82 --> 1033.34]  and calm
+[1033.34 --> 1034.06]  and restoration
+[1034.06 --> 1035.54]  just ask my kids
+[1035.54 --> 1036.26]  they will tell you
+[1036.26 --> 1036.92]  that's not true
+[1036.92 --> 1039.08]  but it
+[1039.08 --> 1040.42]  does mean
+[1040.42 --> 1042.02]  i am being
+[1042.02 --> 1042.90]  transformed
+[1042.90 --> 1044.14]  it does mean
+[1044.14 --> 1044.74]  i am in the
+[1044.74 --> 1045.30]  midst of
+[1045.30 --> 1046.20]  restoration
+[1046.20 --> 1046.66]  right
+[1046.66 --> 1047.16]  i have
+[1047.16 --> 1047.80]  the peace
+[1047.80 --> 1048.40]  that jesus
+[1048.40 --> 1048.88]  offers
+[1048.88 --> 1049.84]  because i have
+[1049.84 --> 1050.44]  by grace
+[1050.44 --> 1051.00]  through faith
+[1051.00 --> 1052.10]  being the object
+[1052.10 --> 1052.98]  of god's
+[1052.98 --> 1053.50]  mercy
+[1053.50 --> 1054.48]  and the line
+[1054.48 --> 1055.12]  from god's
+[1055.12 --> 1055.46]  mercy
+[1055.46 --> 1056.40]  goes straight
+[1056.40 --> 1057.12]  through
+[1057.12 --> 1057.94]  right through
+[1057.94 --> 1058.48]  me
+[1058.48 --> 1059.62]  and to me
+[1059.62 --> 1060.60]  and everything
+[1060.60 --> 1061.20]  i do
+[1061.20 --> 1062.06]  right
+[1062.06 --> 1062.78]  in theological
+[1062.78 --> 1063.54]  terms
+[1063.54 --> 1064.64]  i am justified
+[1064.64 --> 1065.48]  by the gospel
+[1065.48 --> 1066.26]  and i am being
+[1066.26 --> 1067.20]  sanctified
+[1067.20 --> 1068.42]  by the gospel
+[1068.42 --> 1070.24]  and my mission
+[1070.24 --> 1070.60]  now
+[1070.60 --> 1071.38]  our mission
+[1071.38 --> 1071.74]  now
+[1071.74 --> 1072.54]  as christians
+[1072.54 --> 1073.24]  in the world
+[1073.24 --> 1074.10]  with this message
+[1074.10 --> 1074.54]  of peace
+[1074.54 --> 1075.60]  is to live
+[1075.60 --> 1076.72]  in its
+[1076.72 --> 1077.46]  truth
+[1077.46 --> 1080.20]  and in fact
+[1080.20 --> 1081.92]  there's a
+[1081.92 --> 1083.68]  generation of christians
+[1083.68 --> 1084.16]  really
+[1084.16 --> 1085.06]  who are leading
+[1085.06 --> 1085.94]  the way in this
+[1085.94 --> 1087.98]  a few years ago
+[1087.98 --> 1089.62]  bethany hoang
+[1089.62 --> 1090.38]  wrote an article
+[1090.38 --> 1091.26]  for a leadership
+[1091.26 --> 1091.72]  journal
+[1091.72 --> 1092.96]  under the umbrella
+[1092.96 --> 1094.10]  of christianity today
+[1094.10 --> 1095.32]  and in that article
+[1095.32 --> 1096.00]  she writes
+[1096.00 --> 1098.62]  the rising concern
+[1098.62 --> 1099.60]  for justice
+[1099.60 --> 1100.38]  is seen
+[1100.38 --> 1101.60]  most dramatically
+[1101.60 --> 1103.02]  among the younger
+[1103.02 --> 1103.68]  generation
+[1103.68 --> 1104.92]  in the church
+[1104.92 --> 1107.00]  christians in college
+[1107.00 --> 1108.08]  in high school
+[1108.08 --> 1109.32]  and even middle school
+[1109.32 --> 1110.22]  and elementary school
+[1110.22 --> 1110.92]  are putting
+[1110.92 --> 1112.48]  extraordinary emphasis
+[1112.48 --> 1113.30]  on justice
+[1113.30 --> 1114.38]  as part of their
+[1114.38 --> 1115.10]  christian witness
+[1115.10 --> 1116.70]  and established churches
+[1116.70 --> 1117.42]  and ministries
+[1117.42 --> 1118.48]  are taking notice
+[1118.48 --> 1120.76]  scores of church
+[1120.76 --> 1121.56]  youth ministries
+[1121.56 --> 1122.54]  are now leading
+[1122.54 --> 1123.04]  the way
+[1123.04 --> 1123.90]  in mobilizing
+[1123.90 --> 1124.36]  students
+[1124.36 --> 1124.86]  not only
+[1124.86 --> 1125.46]  to proclaim
+[1125.46 --> 1126.06]  the gospel
+[1126.06 --> 1127.06]  but to work
+[1127.06 --> 1128.12]  for justice
+[1128.12 --> 1129.38]  in the world
+[1129.38 --> 1131.46]  in the world
+[1131.46 --> 1132.76]  we have
+[1132.76 --> 1133.62]  malala
+[1133.62 --> 1134.32]  and we have
+[1134.32 --> 1134.68]  greta
+[1134.68 --> 1135.68]  leading different
+[1135.68 --> 1136.10]  charges
+[1136.10 --> 1136.68]  and different
+[1136.68 --> 1137.16]  changes
+[1137.16 --> 1138.28]  but who will
+[1138.28 --> 1139.02]  the church's
+[1139.02 --> 1140.20]  version of that
+[1140.20 --> 1140.44]  be
+[1140.44 --> 1141.72]  who will our
+[1141.72 --> 1142.48]  church's version
+[1142.48 --> 1143.74]  of that be
+[1143.74 --> 1145.56]  maybe it's you
+[1145.56 --> 1148.00]  out of the peace
+[1148.00 --> 1149.42]  jesus provides
+[1149.42 --> 1150.80]  how will you
+[1150.80 --> 1151.72]  fight
+[1151.72 --> 1152.88]  for shalom
+[1152.88 --> 1156.98]  and finally
+[1156.98 --> 1158.82]  and i'll end
+[1158.82 --> 1159.28]  it here
+[1159.28 --> 1160.54]  this morning
+[1160.54 --> 1161.90]  as we have
+[1161.90 --> 1162.38]  drawn
+[1162.38 --> 1163.68]  the line
+[1163.68 --> 1164.60]  from god's
+[1164.60 --> 1164.98]  mercy
+[1164.98 --> 1166.16]  to experiencing
+[1166.16 --> 1166.92]  peace
+[1166.92 --> 1167.80]  and shalom
+[1167.80 --> 1168.48]  in life
+[1168.48 --> 1169.76]  i want to go
+[1169.76 --> 1170.28]  back to the
+[1170.28 --> 1171.24]  illustrations that i
+[1171.24 --> 1171.86]  opened with
+[1171.86 --> 1172.96]  that i said are
+[1172.96 --> 1173.62]  sort of parable
+[1173.62 --> 1174.46]  for our experience
+[1174.46 --> 1174.92]  right now
+[1174.92 --> 1176.74]  first
+[1176.74 --> 1177.94]  knowing this
+[1177.94 --> 1178.54]  peace
+[1178.54 --> 1179.32]  that comes
+[1179.32 --> 1179.98]  from god's
+[1179.98 --> 1180.50]  mercy
+[1180.50 --> 1181.72]  maybe we
+[1181.72 --> 1182.36]  don't have
+[1182.36 --> 1183.12]  to rush
+[1183.12 --> 1185.00]  maybe we
+[1185.00 --> 1185.22]  don't have
+[1185.22 --> 1185.58]  to rush
+[1185.58 --> 1185.96]  through
+[1185.96 --> 1186.94]  the waiting
+[1186.94 --> 1187.72]  maybe the
+[1187.72 --> 1188.62]  peace of god
+[1188.62 --> 1189.00]  given
+[1189.00 --> 1190.24]  in mercy
+[1190.24 --> 1191.00]  is enough
+[1191.00 --> 1191.90]  to sustain
+[1191.90 --> 1192.34]  us
+[1192.34 --> 1193.46]  in that
+[1193.46 --> 1193.76]  waiting
+[1193.76 --> 1195.42]  second
+[1195.42 --> 1197.10]  maybe
+[1197.10 --> 1198.56]  the waiting
+[1198.56 --> 1200.46]  is actually
+[1200.46 --> 1201.36]  sustaining you
+[1201.36 --> 1203.00]  or maybe it's
+[1203.00 --> 1204.22]  preparing you
+[1204.22 --> 1204.80]  for something
+[1204.80 --> 1206.50]  right i was
+[1206.50 --> 1207.60]  frustrated when i
+[1207.60 --> 1208.36]  got stopped
+[1208.36 --> 1209.24]  behind those
+[1209.24 --> 1210.16]  two snowplows
+[1210.16 --> 1211.02]  crawling along
+[1211.02 --> 1211.82]  right i had
+[1211.82 --> 1212.80]  places to be
+[1212.80 --> 1214.18]  and places i
+[1214.18 --> 1214.88]  wanted to go
+[1214.88 --> 1215.66]  and get to
+[1215.66 --> 1216.36]  and they were
+[1216.36 --> 1216.94]  slowing me
+[1216.94 --> 1217.28]  down
+[1217.28 --> 1218.84]  but maybe
+[1218.84 --> 1221.52]  maybe
+[1221.52 --> 1222.52]  without them
+[1222.52 --> 1224.28]  i would have
+[1224.28 --> 1224.78]  learned the real
+[1224.78 --> 1225.46]  reason why they
+[1225.46 --> 1225.96]  call it the
+[1225.96 --> 1226.62]  highway from hell
+[1226.62 --> 1228.30]  now i don't know
+[1228.30 --> 1228.82]  for sure
+[1228.82 --> 1230.56]  but maybe
+[1230.56 --> 1233.10]  the moderate
+[1233.10 --> 1234.38]  inconvenience
+[1234.38 --> 1235.40]  that god
+[1235.40 --> 1236.40]  god has
+[1236.40 --> 1236.88]  brought
+[1236.88 --> 1238.32]  may be used
+[1238.32 --> 1239.00]  by god
+[1239.00 --> 1240.10]  to protect us
+[1240.10 --> 1240.70]  from something
+[1240.70 --> 1241.02]  more
+[1241.02 --> 1243.48]  and yet
+[1243.48 --> 1245.30]  here's where it
+[1245.30 --> 1245.94]  gets really hard
+[1245.94 --> 1248.90]  this will also
+[1248.90 --> 1249.46]  be true
+[1249.46 --> 1251.12]  of the more
+[1251.12 --> 1251.66]  than moderate
+[1251.66 --> 1252.62]  inconveniences
+[1252.62 --> 1255.06]  right if god
+[1255.06 --> 1255.66]  is sovereign
+[1255.66 --> 1256.36]  over all
+[1256.36 --> 1256.92]  creation
+[1256.92 --> 1258.38]  it must be
+[1258.38 --> 1258.98]  true in
+[1258.98 --> 1260.14]  every circumstance
+[1260.14 --> 1261.52]  right for
+[1261.52 --> 1262.62]  any suffering
+[1262.62 --> 1263.50]  or trial
+[1263.50 --> 1264.30]  or tribulation
+[1264.30 --> 1265.44]  in this life
+[1265.44 --> 1266.38]  to have any
+[1266.38 --> 1267.48]  meaning god
+[1267.48 --> 1268.24]  must have a
+[1268.24 --> 1268.96]  purpose for it
+[1268.96 --> 1269.80]  and a plan
+[1269.80 --> 1270.60]  that connects
+[1270.60 --> 1271.50]  to his mercy
+[1271.50 --> 1272.52]  he must
+[1272.52 --> 1275.36]  and we believe
+[1275.36 --> 1275.92]  he does
+[1275.92 --> 1279.56]  there's an
+[1279.56 --> 1280.62]  autobiographical
+[1280.62 --> 1281.92]  book by a man
+[1281.92 --> 1282.68]  named sheldon
+[1282.68 --> 1283.24]  van alken
+[1283.24 --> 1283.96]  he was a friend
+[1283.96 --> 1284.50]  of c.s.
+[1284.58 --> 1284.84]  lewis
+[1284.84 --> 1285.96]  and he wrote
+[1285.96 --> 1286.96]  a man
+[1286.96 --> 1287.20]  after his
+[1287.20 --> 1288.54]  wife passed
+[1288.54 --> 1288.80]  away
+[1288.80 --> 1290.38]  and that book
+[1290.38 --> 1291.06]  was called
+[1291.06 --> 1292.98]  severe mercies
+[1292.98 --> 1294.86]  severe mercies
+[1294.86 --> 1295.72]  has become a
+[1295.72 --> 1296.56]  sort of theological
+[1296.56 --> 1297.72]  term for what
+[1297.72 --> 1298.16]  we're talking
+[1298.16 --> 1298.50]  about
+[1298.50 --> 1299.48]  these sort of
+[1299.48 --> 1300.78]  extreme and
+[1300.78 --> 1301.56]  tragic events
+[1301.56 --> 1302.54]  that god uses
+[1302.54 --> 1303.98]  to reveal his
+[1303.98 --> 1305.00]  mercy and peace
+[1305.00 --> 1305.86]  to us
+[1305.86 --> 1306.68]  right we call
+[1306.68 --> 1307.34]  these god's
+[1307.34 --> 1308.60]  severe mercies
+[1308.60 --> 1309.74]  jonah for instance
+[1309.74 --> 1310.46]  knew them
+[1310.46 --> 1311.96]  right god used
+[1311.96 --> 1312.76]  the deathly
+[1312.76 --> 1313.42]  experience
+[1313.42 --> 1313.76]  of being
+[1313.76 --> 1314.38]  caught up
+[1314.38 --> 1315.10]  in the belly
+[1315.10 --> 1315.64]  of a great
+[1315.64 --> 1316.00]  fish
+[1316.00 --> 1316.82]  to correct
+[1316.82 --> 1317.10]  him
+[1317.10 --> 1318.16]  right
+[1318.16 --> 1318.94]  naaman's
+[1318.94 --> 1319.76]  leprosy
+[1319.76 --> 1320.68]  was used
+[1320.68 --> 1321.14]  to bring
+[1321.14 --> 1321.94]  glory to god
+[1321.94 --> 1323.74]  there's a podcast
+[1323.74 --> 1324.80]  that i listened to
+[1324.80 --> 1325.30]  that said
+[1325.30 --> 1326.08]  quote
+[1326.08 --> 1327.26]  in god's
+[1327.26 --> 1328.46]  severe mercy
+[1328.46 --> 1329.58]  he may deal
+[1329.58 --> 1330.00]  with us
+[1330.00 --> 1330.48]  in ways
+[1330.48 --> 1331.22]  that bring us
+[1331.22 --> 1331.84]  to the end
+[1331.84 --> 1332.66]  of ourselves
+[1332.66 --> 1334.12]  and we might
+[1334.12 --> 1334.56]  hate him
+[1334.56 --> 1335.04]  for it
+[1335.04 --> 1337.50]  but the paradox
+[1337.50 --> 1338.20]  of god's
+[1338.20 --> 1338.92]  severe mercy
+[1338.92 --> 1339.70]  is this
+[1339.70 --> 1340.92]  it's that it
+[1340.92 --> 1341.40]  could be the
+[1341.40 --> 1342.28]  best thing
+[1342.28 --> 1342.68]  that ever
+[1342.68 --> 1343.46]  happens to us
+[1343.46 --> 1344.28]  because we
+[1344.28 --> 1345.02]  discover the
+[1345.02 --> 1345.74]  truth of how
+[1345.74 --> 1346.78]  broken and
+[1346.78 --> 1347.80]  selfish we are
+[1347.80 --> 1348.66]  we discover the
+[1348.66 --> 1349.56]  truth of how
+[1349.56 --> 1350.40]  i've been taking
+[1350.40 --> 1351.24]  my life for
+[1351.24 --> 1352.28]  granted as if
+[1352.28 --> 1353.14]  i can do just
+[1353.14 --> 1353.96]  whatever i want
+[1353.96 --> 1354.70]  and the only
+[1354.70 --> 1355.58]  reason i exist
+[1355.58 --> 1356.28]  is because
+[1356.28 --> 1357.12]  someone else
+[1357.12 --> 1358.12]  has made me
+[1358.12 --> 1360.80]  here's what i
+[1360.80 --> 1361.02]  know
+[1361.02 --> 1362.84]  whether it's
+[1362.84 --> 1363.58]  saving you
+[1363.58 --> 1364.42]  or preparing
+[1364.42 --> 1364.88]  you
+[1364.88 --> 1366.26]  or it's
+[1366.26 --> 1366.80]  something else
+[1366.80 --> 1367.32]  altogether
+[1367.32 --> 1369.04]  whatever you
+[1369.04 --> 1369.90]  are facing
+[1369.90 --> 1371.28]  right now
+[1371.28 --> 1372.62]  will be used
+[1372.62 --> 1374.06]  for your good
+[1374.06 --> 1375.22]  and god's
+[1375.22 --> 1375.78]  glory
+[1375.78 --> 1377.38]  right this
+[1377.38 --> 1378.50]  is his promise
+[1378.50 --> 1379.48]  that our present
+[1379.48 --> 1380.36]  sufferings are not
+[1380.36 --> 1381.12]  worth comparing
+[1381.12 --> 1381.96]  to the glory
+[1381.96 --> 1382.48]  that will be
+[1382.48 --> 1383.32]  revealed in us
+[1383.32 --> 1384.42]  this is god's
+[1384.42 --> 1385.26]  promise that
+[1385.26 --> 1386.02]  that we know
+[1386.02 --> 1386.56]  that in all
+[1386.56 --> 1387.46]  things god works
+[1387.46 --> 1387.96]  for the good
+[1387.96 --> 1388.56]  of those who
+[1388.56 --> 1388.98]  love him
+[1388.98 --> 1389.62]  of those who
+[1389.62 --> 1390.18]  have been called
+[1390.18 --> 1390.98]  according to his
+[1390.98 --> 1391.42]  purpose
+[1391.42 --> 1393.52]  the truth is
+[1393.52 --> 1394.38]  the trouble is
+[1394.38 --> 1395.60]  perhaps that on
+[1395.60 --> 1396.32]  this side of
+[1396.32 --> 1397.56]  heaven you may
+[1397.56 --> 1399.04]  never know that
+[1399.04 --> 1401.56]  purpose and
+[1401.56 --> 1403.18]  truthfully once we
+[1403.18 --> 1404.04]  get there or once
+[1404.04 --> 1404.88]  jesus comes back
+[1404.88 --> 1406.16]  here i don't think
+[1406.16 --> 1409.08]  we'll even care but
+[1409.08 --> 1411.70]  he has one and
+[1411.70 --> 1418.34]  maybe peace shalom is
+[1418.34 --> 1421.12]  at times just living
+[1421.12 --> 1423.68]  like we know that to
+[1423.68 --> 1424.12]  be true
+[1424.12 --> 1427.00]  because it is
+[1427.00 --> 1428.78]  amen
+[1428.78 --> 1431.56]  let me pray with you
+[1431.56 --> 1438.56]  lord jesus grant us
+[1438.56 --> 1439.46]  your
+[1439.46 --> 1441.04]  peace
+[1441.04 --> 1443.88]  reveal to us the gift
+[1443.88 --> 1446.18]  of your mercy that
+[1446.18 --> 1447.34]  has a straight line
+[1447.34 --> 1449.02]  to peace here and
+[1449.02 --> 1450.26]  now in this life
+[1450.26 --> 1452.22]  life restored and
+[1452.22 --> 1453.48]  being restored ever
+[1453.48 --> 1455.56]  more to your intent
+[1455.56 --> 1456.62]  and design
+[1456.62 --> 1460.28]  may we be fully
+[1460.28 --> 1462.40]  human fully alive to
+[1462.40 --> 1464.38]  the glory of our god
+[1464.38 --> 1467.32]  god send us out in the
+[1467.32 --> 1469.04]  power of this truth
+[1469.04 --> 1470.82]  today that no matter
+[1470.82 --> 1472.56]  what we face whether
+[1472.56 --> 1473.18]  it's a moderate
+[1473.18 --> 1475.66]  inconvenience or it
+[1475.66 --> 1476.50]  is an incredible
+[1476.50 --> 1478.86]  life altering trial
+[1478.86 --> 1481.20]  that we would do so
+[1481.20 --> 1483.12]  with the confidence
+[1483.12 --> 1484.48]  that you are good
+[1484.48 --> 1487.26]  you are god and you
+[1487.26 --> 1487.90]  have a plan
+[1487.90 --> 1492.04]  we pray this in jesus name
+[1492.04 --> 1493.64]  amen
+[1493.64 --> 1503.52]  would we pray this
+[1516.36 --> 1516.64]  how topel
+[1516.64 --> 1517.30]  how topel
+[1517.30 --> 1517.80]  been
+[1517.80 --> 1518.44]  when
+[1518.44 --> 1519.30]  he
+[1519.30 --> 1519.56]  he
+[1519.56 --> 1519.96]  he
+[1519.96 --> 1520.62]  he
+[1520.62 --> 1521.46]  in

It Ain't Over Yet (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,703 @@
+[1.00 --> 11.22]  We're going to continue our worship by reading together from Psalm 148 and then spending some time in that text.
+[11.32 --> 17.34]  If you have a Bible handy, I would invite you to open that up to Psalm 148 or on your phone or device
+[17.34 --> 24.30]  and have that in front of you as we will look pretty closely at a few verses going through that psalm.
+[24.30 --> 31.46]  With Psalm 148 open before us, let me pray before I read.
+[34.60 --> 43.16]  Lord God, we come to your word and we cry out saying, speak to us today.
+[44.28 --> 48.26]  Speak to our hearts with the beauty of your glory.
+[48.26 --> 55.40]  Make much of yourself in our midst through your word that our hearts might sing.
+[56.70 --> 62.10]  May we join with all of creation and all the angels in singing your praises today.
+[62.30 --> 66.10]  In Christ Jesus alone we pray. Amen.
+[69.08 --> 72.10]  This is Psalm 148.
+[72.10 --> 75.56]  Praise the Lord.
+[76.24 --> 77.90]  Praise the Lord from the heavens.
+[78.22 --> 80.24]  Praise him from the heights above.
+[81.18 --> 82.80]  Praise him, all his angels.
+[83.06 --> 85.12]  Praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
+[85.66 --> 87.32]  Praise him, sun and moon.
+[88.04 --> 89.92]  Praise him, all you shining stars.
+[90.60 --> 95.16]  Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
+[95.58 --> 100.20]  Let them praise the name of the Lord for he commanded and they were created.
+[100.20 --> 103.90]  He set them in place forever and ever.
+[104.34 --> 106.94]  He gave a decree that will never pass away.
+[108.00 --> 112.62]  Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
+[113.24 --> 118.38]  lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding,
+[118.80 --> 122.28]  you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,
+[122.72 --> 126.06]  wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds,
+[126.48 --> 128.40]  kings of the earth and all nations,
+[128.40 --> 135.14]  you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maiden, old men and children.
+[136.14 --> 143.14]  Let them praise the name of the Lord for his name alone is exalted.
+[144.36 --> 147.54]  His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
+[147.54 --> 151.50]  He has raised up for his people a horn.
+[152.50 --> 158.70]  The praise of all his saints of Israel, the people close to his heart.
+[159.56 --> 161.28]  Praise the Lord.
+[162.04 --> 163.40]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[163.40 --> 173.16]  In many ways, I love the Sunday after Christmas.
+[174.04 --> 180.66]  Quickly, the rest of our culture and society sort of moves on to the next thing, right?
+[181.04 --> 185.14]  Immediately after Christmas, Boxing Day appears for a blip,
+[185.26 --> 186.66]  although it used to be Boxing Day.
+[186.66 --> 188.86]  Now it's Boxing Week, it seems.
+[190.06 --> 195.66]  But even quickly after that, we move into New Year's Eve celebrations and the like.
+[195.74 --> 200.24]  People leave Christmas behind almost as fast as it appears after Thanksgiving.
+[201.82 --> 206.74]  Or maybe Halloween, depending on your order of life together.
+[206.74 --> 215.42]  I have a friend back home in Ontario who makes much every week or every year on Boxing Day
+[215.42 --> 220.14]  of taking the Christmas tree out, bringing it to the back 40, and burning it as quickly as he can.
+[220.98 --> 223.08]  Christmas comes and it leaves.
+[223.96 --> 225.22]  But not in the church.
+[226.46 --> 231.98]  Technically speaking, if we follow the liturgical calendar, the common lectionary,
+[231.98 --> 236.82]  Christmas lasts for the two Sundays that follow December 25,
+[237.12 --> 239.62]  whatever that happens to be in that calendar year.
+[239.72 --> 241.98]  And so this year, that's through January 3rd.
+[242.98 --> 248.62]  Now Christmas works out to a roughly two-week season that follows the season of Advent.
+[248.92 --> 254.46]  As Mike was saying earlier, Advent is that season full of expectation and longing and waiting.
+[254.92 --> 257.68]  And then you have Christmas, which lasts for about two weeks,
+[257.68 --> 261.04]  and that's followed by the season of Epiphany, right?
+[261.04 --> 265.14]  It's the season of the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles.
+[265.18 --> 268.92]  And that traditionally starts with the visit of the Magi, right?
+[268.98 --> 271.90]  Epiphany means to reveal or to display.
+[272.74 --> 278.66]  My point is, theologically or liturgically, it's still Christmas around here.
+[279.88 --> 288.16]  And that means that we can be extra intentional in our marveling at the majesty of the incarnation, right?
+[288.16 --> 293.50]  To be still amazed at the beauty of Emmanuel, God with us.
+[295.20 --> 302.04]  If you joined us for our Christmas Day service, the last words that I spoke in that service are,
+[302.22 --> 308.28]  in fact, the last words that we heard and have been hearing from the angels spoken to the shepherds,
+[308.38 --> 311.04]  our Emmanuel kids' memory work all month long.
+[311.04 --> 315.40]  And the last song that we sang was glory to God, right?
+[315.44 --> 318.88]  We sang the song of the angels at the birth of Jesus.
+[319.10 --> 326.48]  This morning, using Psalm 148, we're going to continue singing praise.
+[326.48 --> 330.64]  Now, if you read along with me there, you saw it on the screen.
+[330.78 --> 335.38]  Psalm 148 is pretty simple in its main theme, right?
+[335.42 --> 339.58]  It's easy enough to see if you just look quickly at the verses.
+[339.84 --> 345.36]  Ten times you get the imperative, you get the command to praise the Lord in the text.
+[345.44 --> 347.36]  In Hebrew, that's hallelujah.
+[348.18 --> 349.30]  Sounds familiar, right?
+[349.30 --> 352.12]  Most of us know the word hallelujah, right?
+[352.28 --> 356.92]  And then in addition to that, there are two more instances of incomplete verbs,
+[356.98 --> 360.20]  of future tense verbs that will say they will praise the name of the Lord.
+[360.52 --> 363.66]  Now, obviously, this psalm then is a call to praise.
+[363.82 --> 364.86]  It's a command to sing.
+[364.94 --> 365.86]  It's a call to worship.
+[366.02 --> 372.90]  And so as we go through Psalm 148, we're going to see three distinct things.
+[372.90 --> 381.96]  First, we will see that all creation is and will praise the Lord God for who he is, right?
+[382.06 --> 386.62]  And as a result of that, we are commanded to do so.
+[387.76 --> 394.70]  At the crown of creation then, number two, humanity has a special call to praise the Lord.
+[394.70 --> 405.20]  But the jewel in that crown, that's God's chosen people, his church, have an extra special call to worship God.
+[405.88 --> 414.14]  And then finally, we will land with this ladder, this call to worship God is made truly and obediently possible
+[414.14 --> 418.98]  because God will raise up a horn for his people.
+[418.98 --> 425.70]  And a horn that we know is not a trumpet, but it is Jesus.
+[426.94 --> 428.36]  And so let's start with the first.
+[429.32 --> 433.38]  That all creation is called to praise God.
+[434.40 --> 438.26]  Now look at the whole text, and this is why I wanted you to have it in front of you.
+[438.50 --> 447.98]  There is a clear and sporadic structure, or clear and specific structure, to the whole of the text here.
+[447.98 --> 451.60]  There are four verses and then a chorus that begins with,
+[452.04 --> 454.48]  let them praise the name of the Lord for two verses.
+[454.88 --> 459.02]  And then there are another section of six verses and a chorus that begins,
+[459.20 --> 460.86]  let them praise the name of the Lord.
+[461.48 --> 467.86]  Now in each major section, you get every day of the creation story.
+[469.04 --> 474.00]  I want to suggest to you this morning that the psalmist has in mind,
+[474.00 --> 481.56]  when he writes this call to praise, he has in mind the story of creation from Genesis 1.
+[482.22 --> 484.44]  Now there's some pretty clear parallels here, and let me show you.
+[484.48 --> 488.06]  If you have Bibles in front of you, you can quickly jump to Genesis 1.
+[488.44 --> 490.38]  That's the very first chapter in the Bible.
+[490.52 --> 492.40]  It's the story of God creating the world.
+[493.12 --> 496.10]  If you don't have a Bible, or if you want to just see the connections explicitly,
+[496.10 --> 499.58]  we've put together a graphic to help us see that,
+[499.66 --> 503.50]  and that will appear on your screens right now, or in a second or so,
+[504.30 --> 505.26]  and we can see it.
+[506.14 --> 507.72]  Genesis 1 begins,
+[507.72 --> 512.28]  In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
+[513.00 --> 517.14]  Now the earth was formless and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the deep,
+[517.20 --> 520.46]  and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
+[521.38 --> 522.54]  And God said,
+[522.90 --> 525.28]  Let there be light, and there was light.
+[525.72 --> 529.28]  And God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.
+[529.74 --> 533.40]  God called the light day, and the darkness he called night.
+[533.80 --> 537.14]  And there was evening, and there was morning, the first day.
+[538.54 --> 545.54]  Now that story of creation starts with a sort of nebulous unknown of chaos churning, right?
+[545.56 --> 547.52]  It's formless and empty.
+[547.52 --> 552.94]  There's a darkness that is over the deep, and the Spirit of God is over the waters.
+[553.62 --> 555.28]  Now I don't know exactly what that is.
+[555.32 --> 557.04]  I don't think anyone really does.
+[557.32 --> 563.34]  But into that formless and void chaos, God speaks, and creation is born.
+[564.52 --> 567.66]  Now verse 1 of Psalm 148 says,
+[567.72 --> 570.52]  Praise Him from the heavens, or sky.
+[570.98 --> 574.78]  Praise Him in the heights above, or another way to translate that is high places.
+[575.18 --> 580.54]  The Spirit of God is hovering over whatever that is in the heights above.
+[581.38 --> 587.66]  And in this story, you even get prehistory, still created, but prehistory being called to praise God.
+[588.22 --> 588.86]  The psalm says,
+[588.86 --> 590.66]  Praise Him, all His angels.
+[591.40 --> 596.18]  But the point is that everything that is not God is created, even the angels,
+[596.18 --> 601.86]  and everything that is not God is called to worship or praise God.
+[603.58 --> 606.78]  Now in the Genesis story, on day two, you read,
+[606.78 --> 611.74]  Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.
+[612.54 --> 618.52]  So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it.
+[618.88 --> 619.64]  And it was so.
+[620.38 --> 624.84]  God called the expanse sky, and there was evening, and there was morning the second day.
+[625.54 --> 628.48]  So you have water above and water below.
+[628.48 --> 631.86]  And verse 4 of Psalm 148 says,
+[632.24 --> 636.32]  Praise Him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the skies.
+[637.26 --> 643.66]  Now waters above the skies is sometimes called the firmament in ancient Near Eastern cosmogony.
+[644.00 --> 648.78]  And it's what comes crashing down in the flood story of Genesis 6 through 9.
+[649.08 --> 652.72]  And in Genesis 7, verse 11, it says,
+[652.90 --> 654.88]  The floodgates of the heavens opened.
+[655.16 --> 656.56]  That's what we're talking about here.
+[656.56 --> 664.66]  Thomas LeBlanc said that the ancients thought there was an ethereal and lofty ocean
+[664.66 --> 667.86]  in which the worlds floated like ships on a sea.
+[668.22 --> 669.76]  This is what crashes down.
+[669.84 --> 673.52]  And this too is what is called to worship God.
+[674.58 --> 677.26]  And then day three, right, in the Genesis story,
+[677.32 --> 679.94]  the waters are gathered and you get dry ground.
+[680.02 --> 682.30]  And that ground is populated with vegetation.
+[683.44 --> 684.74]  Verse 7 of our psalm says,
+[684.74 --> 686.26]  Praise the Lord from the earth.
+[686.26 --> 686.98]  And verse 9,
+[687.54 --> 691.12]  You mountains and hills, all fruit trees and cedars.
+[691.72 --> 694.32]  Right down through the days of creation we can go.
+[694.44 --> 697.38]  Day four is the creation of the sun and the moon and the stars,
+[697.54 --> 700.14]  which we read in verse 3 of Psalm 148.
+[700.26 --> 701.84]  Praise Him, sun and moon.
+[702.00 --> 703.94]  Praise Him, all you shining stars.
+[704.90 --> 707.76]  Day five, the oceans and the skies are filled.
+[708.46 --> 709.10]  And we read,
+[709.20 --> 712.92]  Praise Him, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths.
+[712.92 --> 716.16]  And on day five, the skies are filled with flying creatures.
+[716.16 --> 724.66]  And in verse 10, the flying birds are invited into this chorus of universal praise of Lord.
+[725.82 --> 732.06]  On day six, God starts with wild animals and livestock and all creatures that move along the ground.
+[732.06 --> 734.62]  And Psalm 148 verse 10 says,
+[734.62 --> 739.58]  Wild animals and all cattle, small creatures, right, are all commanded to praise the Lord.
+[740.06 --> 743.52]  And then day six ends with God creating humanity.
+[743.52 --> 745.56]  And the Lord said,
+[745.56 --> 748.64]  Let us make humanity in our image, in our likeness,
+[748.74 --> 752.62]  so that they may rule over the fish of the sea and the birds in the sky
+[752.62 --> 754.62]  and over the livestock and all the wild animals
+[754.62 --> 756.90]  and over all the creatures that move along the ground.
+[757.32 --> 761.70]  So God created mankind in His own image.
+[761.80 --> 765.84]  In the image of God, He created them male and female.
+[766.02 --> 766.86]  He created them.
+[766.86 --> 773.70]  All humanity, every station, every nation, every age, every gender,
+[774.10 --> 777.36]  are called into the song of praise to the Lord.
+[777.74 --> 778.34]  In verse 11,
+[778.78 --> 780.78]  Kings of the earth and all nations,
+[781.20 --> 783.34]  you princes and all rulers on earth,
+[783.46 --> 786.48]  young men and women, elderly and children.
+[787.30 --> 791.76]  Right, over the scope of the whole of Psalm 148
+[791.76 --> 796.50]  is every bit of creation and history and prehistory
+[796.50 --> 801.02]  called together into the hymn of praise to the Lord.
+[802.64 --> 807.52]  I love how theologian D.A. Carson puts it.
+[808.08 --> 808.66]  He says,
+[809.66 --> 813.12]  The denizens of the earth's oceans,
+[814.00 --> 817.18]  the varied precipitation that waters the ground,
+[817.74 --> 820.12]  the fury of unleashed storms,
+[820.12 --> 823.26]  the majesty and beauty of mountains and hills,
+[823.42 --> 826.42]  the spectacular diversity and color and beauty
+[826.42 --> 828.30]  of the earth's flora and fauna,
+[828.62 --> 832.14]  the scarcely imaginable array of the earth's births,
+[832.14 --> 835.70]  all attest mutely but powerfully
+[835.70 --> 838.56]  to the goodness and greatness of God.
+[839.54 --> 841.04]  As part of that creation,
+[841.46 --> 844.64]  human beings in all their diversity of their ranks
+[844.64 --> 845.88]  and stations in life
+[845.88 --> 848.68]  join this universal chorus of praise,
+[848.68 --> 851.42]  not simply because he is bigger than we are,
+[851.68 --> 854.38]  but because no matter how highly we envisage,
+[854.58 --> 855.98]  his glory is splendor,
+[856.24 --> 857.74]  it is higher yet,
+[857.90 --> 860.24]  higher than anything and everything
+[860.24 --> 862.10]  in all of creation.
+[864.62 --> 867.90]  All creation is and will
+[867.90 --> 870.62]  praise the Lord for who he is,
+[870.62 --> 874.18]  and thus we are commanded to do so.
+[874.18 --> 879.80]  Now these words from Carson
+[879.80 --> 882.76]  also introduce our second point.
+[883.40 --> 884.46]  As Carson said,
+[884.86 --> 886.02]  As part of that creation,
+[886.18 --> 887.82]  human beings in all their diversity
+[887.82 --> 889.80]  and of their ranks of stations in life
+[889.80 --> 892.06]  join this universal chorus of praise.
+[892.48 --> 894.32]  Or, as I'm putting it today,
+[894.74 --> 896.12]  the crown of creation,
+[896.38 --> 896.78]  humanity,
+[897.04 --> 900.22]  has a special call to praise the Lord,
+[900.22 --> 901.82]  but the jewel in that crown,
+[901.96 --> 903.02]  God's chosen people,
+[903.10 --> 903.62]  his church,
+[903.82 --> 905.84]  have an extra special call.
+[906.18 --> 907.10]  So the first part of that.
+[907.64 --> 911.56]  All humanity is called to praise God,
+[912.24 --> 914.62]  just as the rest of creation
+[914.62 --> 917.62]  is in its own way already doing.
+[918.22 --> 918.38]  All right?
+[918.44 --> 920.28]  Let them praise the name of the Lord
+[920.28 --> 922.14]  for he alone is exalted.
+[922.60 --> 924.46]  His splendor is above the earth
+[924.46 --> 925.32]  and the heavens.
+[925.32 --> 927.26]  Now first of all,
+[927.90 --> 930.64]  notice that God is praised
+[930.64 --> 933.74]  not because of what he has done,
+[934.54 --> 935.60]  at least not yet,
+[936.08 --> 937.94]  as a reason to praise him.
+[938.16 --> 939.74]  That becomes one, of course,
+[940.20 --> 941.64]  but in the first place,
+[941.76 --> 943.60]  God is praised precisely
+[943.60 --> 946.38]  because he is praiseworthy.
+[947.08 --> 947.20]  Right?
+[947.30 --> 948.84]  God is good and worthy
+[948.84 --> 950.24]  of all honor and praise
+[950.24 --> 951.50]  and majesty and power,
+[951.74 --> 953.58]  even if he never created.
+[953.58 --> 956.92]  Even if God never did a thing,
+[957.28 --> 959.14]  God would be worthy of your worship.
+[960.14 --> 960.62]  Now, of course,
+[960.68 --> 962.02]  if God never did a thing,
+[962.12 --> 963.74]  there would be no you to worship,
+[964.34 --> 966.50]  but God would still be God
+[966.50 --> 967.66]  and that's enough
+[967.66 --> 971.68]  for him to be worthy of our worship.
+[973.00 --> 974.50]  And also see carefully
+[974.50 --> 977.86]  that God doesn't need your worship,
+[978.50 --> 980.00]  but he does command it.
+[981.08 --> 981.22]  Right?
+[981.22 --> 982.44]  And not just in the sense
+[982.44 --> 984.08]  of the imperative,
+[984.46 --> 986.26]  of the you must worship,
+[986.40 --> 987.40]  but he commands it
+[987.40 --> 988.90]  also in the sense
+[988.90 --> 990.56]  of beautiful,
+[990.82 --> 991.40]  in the sense
+[991.40 --> 993.88]  of his majesty
+[993.88 --> 996.36]  captivates your heart
+[996.36 --> 997.50]  and your imagination.
+[997.92 --> 1000.06]  He captures your attention.
+[1002.26 --> 1004.50]  When a person is,
+[1004.84 --> 1006.08]  when it's said of a person
+[1006.08 --> 1008.04]  that they command a room,
+[1008.04 --> 1011.36]  that means that everyone's attention
+[1011.36 --> 1013.62]  is fixated on them.
+[1014.06 --> 1014.28]  Right?
+[1014.32 --> 1016.04]  That they are drawn to that person.
+[1017.32 --> 1018.48]  Now, in a similar way,
+[1018.60 --> 1021.94]  our praises are drawn to God.
+[1022.08 --> 1024.18]  We are drawn to God.
+[1024.72 --> 1026.62]  Not only by virtue of being created
+[1026.62 --> 1028.08]  in his image,
+[1028.14 --> 1029.92]  though that no doubt helps
+[1029.92 --> 1031.82]  because God has thus made us
+[1031.82 --> 1033.74]  like himself and for himself,
+[1033.88 --> 1035.88]  but we are also drawn to God,
+[1035.88 --> 1037.18]  like all of creation,
+[1037.18 --> 1039.78]  to sing the glory of his name
+[1039.78 --> 1040.94]  and his nature.
+[1041.64 --> 1043.50]  And this is true of all humanity,
+[1043.66 --> 1045.74]  whether we believe in God or not.
+[1046.38 --> 1046.60]  Right?
+[1046.66 --> 1049.80]  Our hearts hunger and thirst for him.
+[1050.88 --> 1051.94]  We long for him
+[1051.94 --> 1053.66]  even if we don't admit
+[1053.66 --> 1055.62]  or even if we don't know
+[1055.62 --> 1056.98]  that we do,
+[1057.08 --> 1058.42]  even if we can't put words
+[1058.42 --> 1059.40]  to that longing.
+[1060.30 --> 1061.42]  And this is why so many people
+[1061.42 --> 1063.78]  try to fill that longing,
+[1064.04 --> 1065.14]  that emptiness
+[1065.14 --> 1067.14]  in their lives
+[1067.14 --> 1068.60]  with things or people
+[1068.60 --> 1069.74]  or money or power
+[1069.74 --> 1071.70]  or drinks or drugs
+[1071.70 --> 1072.76]  or whatever.
+[1073.02 --> 1074.46]  It's because our hearts
+[1074.46 --> 1076.38]  were made to worship.
+[1076.88 --> 1079.32]  We are made to love our creator
+[1079.32 --> 1082.12]  and the misplaced affection
+[1082.12 --> 1083.68]  of our hearts
+[1083.68 --> 1084.90]  is working out
+[1084.90 --> 1086.08]  that sort of normative
+[1086.08 --> 1087.60]  creational desire
+[1087.60 --> 1089.10]  and it's being directed
+[1089.10 --> 1090.32]  in the wrong way.
+[1091.42 --> 1095.12]  The whole of humanity
+[1095.12 --> 1100.06]  is called to worship God.
+[1101.00 --> 1102.88]  The crown of creation,
+[1103.46 --> 1103.88]  humanity,
+[1104.12 --> 1105.08]  has a special call
+[1105.08 --> 1105.94]  to worship God.
+[1106.20 --> 1108.26]  But the jewel in that crown,
+[1108.42 --> 1109.46]  God's chosen people,
+[1109.54 --> 1110.04]  his church,
+[1110.44 --> 1111.20]  you and me,
+[1111.28 --> 1111.90]  all of us
+[1111.90 --> 1113.32]  who by grace through faith
+[1113.32 --> 1114.40]  believe in him,
+[1114.64 --> 1116.80]  we have an extra special call
+[1116.80 --> 1118.68]  to worship him.
+[1119.58 --> 1119.84]  Right?
+[1119.84 --> 1121.22]  If all creation sings
+[1121.22 --> 1122.32]  and will sing
+[1122.32 --> 1123.10]  and is commanded
+[1123.10 --> 1124.24]  to sing the glories
+[1124.24 --> 1124.86]  of the Lord,
+[1125.12 --> 1126.32]  how much more so
+[1126.32 --> 1127.24]  will you
+[1127.24 --> 1128.82]  who know something
+[1128.82 --> 1129.92]  of this God,
+[1130.86 --> 1131.84]  how much more so
+[1131.84 --> 1133.20]  will you be called
+[1133.20 --> 1134.72]  to worship?
+[1135.62 --> 1136.44]  And not just that
+[1136.44 --> 1137.66]  and not just here,
+[1137.76 --> 1137.96]  right,
+[1138.00 --> 1138.54]  in church,
+[1138.62 --> 1139.76]  whether you're in the building
+[1139.76 --> 1140.70]  or you're at home,
+[1140.76 --> 1141.78]  which is more likely,
+[1141.96 --> 1142.10]  right,
+[1142.10 --> 1143.48]  not just even on Sunday
+[1143.48 --> 1145.48]  when it's relatively safe
+[1145.48 --> 1146.20]  and expected
+[1146.20 --> 1147.20]  and kind of normal
+[1147.20 --> 1147.80]  to do it,
+[1148.04 --> 1148.20]  right,
+[1148.20 --> 1148.94]  if all creation
+[1148.94 --> 1150.18]  is commanded to sing
+[1150.18 --> 1151.08]  and does sing
+[1151.08 --> 1152.68]  in response to who God is,
+[1152.82 --> 1154.16]  how much more so
+[1154.16 --> 1155.44]  is your whole life
+[1155.44 --> 1156.46]  meant to be
+[1156.46 --> 1157.44]  a hymn of praise
+[1157.44 --> 1158.04]  to God
+[1158.04 --> 1159.56]  who has created you
+[1159.56 --> 1160.90]  and who has redeemed you?
+[1161.64 --> 1161.84]  Right?
+[1161.90 --> 1162.52]  Your work
+[1162.52 --> 1164.18]  is a song of praise.
+[1164.28 --> 1164.92]  Your play
+[1164.92 --> 1166.72]  is a song of praise.
+[1166.82 --> 1167.56]  Your hobbies
+[1167.56 --> 1169.16]  are a song of praise.
+[1169.40 --> 1170.06]  Your crafting,
+[1170.26 --> 1170.90]  your puzzling,
+[1171.00 --> 1171.54]  your reading,
+[1171.92 --> 1172.44]  your gaming,
+[1172.68 --> 1173.80]  your D&D
+[1173.80 --> 1175.30]  or your CODing,
+[1175.56 --> 1176.82]  everything you do
+[1176.82 --> 1178.56]  is in praise to God
+[1178.56 --> 1181.28]  or it ought to be.
+[1184.10 --> 1185.08]  And as we continue
+[1185.08 --> 1186.88]  the song of Christmas
+[1186.88 --> 1188.26]  this year,
+[1188.76 --> 1190.92]  as you see God
+[1190.92 --> 1192.80]  come down in Jesus
+[1192.80 --> 1194.46]  in answer to prayer
+[1194.46 --> 1195.50]  and provision
+[1195.50 --> 1196.58]  in response
+[1196.58 --> 1197.66]  to that expectation
+[1197.66 --> 1198.38]  and longing
+[1198.38 --> 1199.76]  that filled the Advent season,
+[1200.12 --> 1201.70]  are you worshiping God
+[1201.70 --> 1202.60]  in all that you do?
+[1203.80 --> 1204.40]  Or are you holding
+[1204.40 --> 1205.12]  something back?
+[1205.94 --> 1207.12]  Or are you misplacing,
+[1207.64 --> 1208.36]  misdirecting
+[1208.36 --> 1209.68]  your affections?
+[1210.10 --> 1210.96]  Does every aspect
+[1210.96 --> 1212.02]  of your life,
+[1212.10 --> 1213.30]  does every square inch
+[1213.30 --> 1214.42]  of your being
+[1214.42 --> 1215.66]  belong to God?
+[1216.56 --> 1217.70]  Because in reality,
+[1218.24 --> 1219.12]  every micron,
+[1219.62 --> 1220.28]  every atom
+[1220.28 --> 1222.18]  and subatomic particle,
+[1222.64 --> 1223.62]  every bit of matter
+[1223.62 --> 1224.72]  and antimatter,
+[1225.08 --> 1226.58]  all of it does.
+[1228.64 --> 1229.94]  Make this season
+[1229.94 --> 1232.30]  about praising the Creator.
+[1232.30 --> 1234.44]  And not just here
+[1234.44 --> 1235.14]  on Sunday
+[1235.14 --> 1235.92]  when it's expected
+[1235.92 --> 1236.52]  and safe,
+[1236.96 --> 1238.04]  but everywhere
+[1238.04 --> 1239.96]  and in every way.
+[1241.88 --> 1243.34]  And let me be really clear
+[1243.34 --> 1246.50]  because I get it.
+[1248.26 --> 1249.54]  Lots of us are tired
+[1249.54 --> 1250.84]  right now.
+[1252.36 --> 1253.80]  Lots of us have had enough
+[1253.80 --> 1256.78]  and we just can't
+[1256.78 --> 1258.44]  do it anymore.
+[1259.86 --> 1261.14]  There's a weariness
+[1261.14 --> 1263.40]  that seeps
+[1263.40 --> 1264.74]  into our bones
+[1264.74 --> 1266.00]  right now.
+[1267.76 --> 1268.56]  And it makes
+[1268.56 --> 1269.34]  the normal parts
+[1269.34 --> 1270.12]  of life hard,
+[1270.94 --> 1272.08]  let alone
+[1272.08 --> 1272.70]  the extraordinary
+[1272.70 --> 1273.66]  parts of life.
+[1273.66 --> 1277.18]  And right now
+[1277.18 --> 1278.10]  we may not just
+[1278.10 --> 1279.56]  feel like
+[1279.56 --> 1280.80]  we can worship.
+[1282.10 --> 1283.24]  There may not be
+[1283.24 --> 1283.84]  a song
+[1283.84 --> 1284.44]  that we want
+[1284.44 --> 1284.98]  to sing
+[1284.98 --> 1287.30]  and we can't
+[1287.30 --> 1287.78]  do it.
+[1290.88 --> 1291.88]  And God has made
+[1291.88 --> 1292.84]  provision for that
+[1292.84 --> 1295.28]  because this worship
+[1295.28 --> 1296.26]  that we are called
+[1296.26 --> 1296.60]  to,
+[1297.54 --> 1299.30]  this call
+[1299.30 --> 1300.24]  that is extended
+[1300.24 --> 1301.70]  to all of humanity
+[1301.70 --> 1302.32]  right,
+[1302.50 --> 1303.76]  is interrupted,
+[1304.04 --> 1304.98]  is muted,
+[1305.32 --> 1306.62]  is cut short
+[1306.62 --> 1308.26]  because of sin
+[1308.26 --> 1309.18]  and because of
+[1309.18 --> 1310.02]  the realities
+[1310.02 --> 1311.22]  we face in the world.
+[1311.32 --> 1312.28]  And apart from God
+[1312.28 --> 1313.36]  acting in us
+[1313.36 --> 1313.82]  and through us
+[1313.82 --> 1314.26]  and for us,
+[1314.36 --> 1315.88]  we can't do it
+[1315.88 --> 1316.52]  right now.
+[1318.16 --> 1319.30]  But that's
+[1319.30 --> 1321.68]  God's point
+[1321.68 --> 1322.74]  in this psalm.
+[1323.66 --> 1323.84]  Right?
+[1323.92 --> 1324.88]  This call
+[1324.88 --> 1325.66]  to worship
+[1325.66 --> 1326.26]  right,
+[1326.32 --> 1327.12]  is truly
+[1327.12 --> 1329.04]  and obediently
+[1329.04 --> 1329.86]  possible
+[1329.86 --> 1331.12]  in our lives
+[1331.12 --> 1332.44]  only because
+[1332.44 --> 1333.36]  God
+[1333.36 --> 1334.78]  will raise up
+[1334.78 --> 1335.58]  a horn
+[1335.58 --> 1336.72]  for his people.
+[1337.72 --> 1338.34]  A horn
+[1338.34 --> 1339.36]  whom we know
+[1339.36 --> 1340.04]  to be
+[1340.04 --> 1341.06]  Jesus.
+[1342.68 --> 1343.50]  The priest
+[1343.50 --> 1344.42]  Zachariah
+[1344.42 --> 1345.60]  at the circumcision
+[1345.60 --> 1346.56]  and naming day
+[1346.56 --> 1347.38]  of his son
+[1347.38 --> 1347.80]  John,
+[1347.88 --> 1348.40]  who we know
+[1348.40 --> 1349.10]  will become
+[1349.10 --> 1349.86]  John the Baptist,
+[1350.46 --> 1350.64]  right,
+[1350.72 --> 1351.38]  this priest
+[1351.38 --> 1352.22]  Zachariah
+[1352.22 --> 1353.18]  on that day
+[1353.18 --> 1354.48]  says of Jesus
+[1354.48 --> 1355.70]  who is not yet born,
+[1355.70 --> 1356.70]  the Lord
+[1356.70 --> 1357.84]  has raised up
+[1357.84 --> 1358.64]  a horn
+[1358.64 --> 1359.64]  of salvation
+[1359.64 --> 1360.38]  for us.
+[1361.44 --> 1361.62]  Right?
+[1361.66 --> 1362.06]  Already
+[1362.06 --> 1363.30]  this is being
+[1363.30 --> 1363.78]  connected
+[1363.78 --> 1364.62]  and revealed
+[1364.62 --> 1365.68]  as Jesus.
+[1365.84 --> 1366.32]  This horn
+[1366.32 --> 1367.02]  of salvation
+[1367.02 --> 1368.28]  who will make
+[1368.28 --> 1368.96]  worship
+[1368.96 --> 1369.82]  possible.
+[1370.26 --> 1370.48]  Right?
+[1370.52 --> 1371.52]  The unimaginably
+[1371.52 --> 1372.34]  great God
+[1372.34 --> 1373.40]  has not only
+[1373.40 --> 1374.14]  called out
+[1374.14 --> 1374.92]  of his own
+[1374.92 --> 1375.48]  people
+[1375.48 --> 1376.54]  to worship
+[1376.54 --> 1376.94]  them
+[1376.94 --> 1377.98]  but has raised
+[1377.98 --> 1378.90]  up for us
+[1378.90 --> 1379.60]  a horn,
+[1379.98 --> 1380.12]  right,
+[1380.16 --> 1380.78]  a symbol
+[1380.78 --> 1381.46]  of a king,
+[1381.76 --> 1381.90]  right,
+[1381.96 --> 1382.62]  for the praise
+[1382.62 --> 1383.58]  of all his saints.
+[1384.32 --> 1384.50]  Right?
+[1384.52 --> 1384.84]  And living
+[1384.84 --> 1385.66]  on this side
+[1385.66 --> 1386.24]  of Jesus'
+[1386.60 --> 1386.98]  Christmas,
+[1387.20 --> 1387.84]  on this side
+[1387.84 --> 1388.56]  of the incarnation,
+[1389.12 --> 1390.02]  living on this side
+[1390.02 --> 1390.96]  of Easter
+[1390.96 --> 1391.74]  after Jesus'
+[1392.04 --> 1392.96]  life and death
+[1392.96 --> 1393.70]  and resurrection,
+[1394.04 --> 1394.72]  we know
+[1394.72 --> 1395.44]  that the ultimate
+[1395.44 --> 1396.48]  king in the line
+[1396.48 --> 1397.04]  of David
+[1397.04 --> 1398.58]  really is him,
+[1398.70 --> 1400.04]  really is Jesus
+[1400.04 --> 1401.70]  and so our praise
+[1401.70 --> 1403.12]  joins the rest
+[1403.12 --> 1403.86]  of the universe
+[1403.86 --> 1404.74]  with particular
+[1404.74 --> 1405.38]  intensity
+[1405.38 --> 1406.48]  and particular
+[1406.48 --> 1406.96]  gratitude
+[1406.96 --> 1408.16]  because we
+[1408.16 --> 1409.36]  know him,
+[1409.52 --> 1410.78]  we know Jesus
+[1410.78 --> 1412.16]  who lived the life
+[1412.16 --> 1413.34]  I should have lived,
+[1413.34 --> 1415.06]  Jesus who died
+[1415.06 --> 1415.70]  the death
+[1415.70 --> 1416.92]  that I deserved
+[1416.92 --> 1417.68]  and Jesus
+[1417.68 --> 1418.88]  who three days
+[1418.88 --> 1419.80]  later was raised
+[1419.80 --> 1421.08]  victorious over sin
+[1421.08 --> 1421.58]  and death
+[1421.58 --> 1423.02]  and now in his grace
+[1423.02 --> 1424.00]  by faith
+[1424.00 --> 1424.96]  grants me
+[1424.96 --> 1425.86]  his righteousness
+[1425.86 --> 1427.44]  even as my sin
+[1427.44 --> 1428.52]  is put over
+[1428.52 --> 1429.26]  to him.
+[1429.48 --> 1430.20]  This Jesus
+[1430.20 --> 1431.20]  grants us
+[1431.20 --> 1432.26]  the victory
+[1432.26 --> 1433.58]  of God.
+[1435.64 --> 1436.82]  That's why we can
+[1436.82 --> 1437.16]  worship
+[1437.16 --> 1439.94]  even when we are
+[1439.94 --> 1440.42]  tired,
+[1440.42 --> 1441.70]  even when we are
+[1441.70 --> 1442.54]  at our wits end,
+[1442.66 --> 1444.14]  even when it feels
+[1444.14 --> 1445.16]  like our life
+[1445.16 --> 1446.34]  is crumbling
+[1446.34 --> 1449.46]  because he has
+[1449.46 --> 1450.88]  made a way.
+[1452.18 --> 1453.48]  He has made it
+[1453.48 --> 1453.98]  possible
+[1453.98 --> 1455.92]  to praise the Lord
+[1455.92 --> 1458.14]  and that
+[1458.14 --> 1459.86]  makes me
+[1459.86 --> 1461.24]  want to sing.
+[1462.36 --> 1463.10]  Not only
+[1463.10 --> 1464.86]  are your songs
+[1464.86 --> 1466.10]  a song of praise
+[1466.10 --> 1466.72]  to the Lord
+[1466.72 --> 1467.52]  our God
+[1467.52 --> 1468.14]  in Jesus
+[1468.14 --> 1469.28]  but your life
+[1469.28 --> 1470.46]  is a song
+[1470.46 --> 1471.60]  and all creation
+[1471.60 --> 1472.88]  is a song
+[1472.88 --> 1473.64]  to the glory
+[1473.64 --> 1474.52]  of God
+[1474.52 --> 1475.22]  and so then
+[1475.22 --> 1475.92]  let's sing
+[1475.92 --> 1476.66]  with the angels
+[1476.66 --> 1477.58]  of Luke 2.
+[1477.74 --> 1478.44]  Let's sing
+[1478.44 --> 1479.16]  with the angels
+[1479.16 --> 1480.38]  of Revelation 4
+[1480.38 --> 1481.20]  and 5.
+[1481.32 --> 1481.82]  Let's sing
+[1481.82 --> 1482.70]  with the great cloud
+[1482.70 --> 1483.20]  of witnesses
+[1483.20 --> 1483.98]  who have gone on
+[1483.98 --> 1484.52]  before us
+[1484.52 --> 1485.80]  in praise of Jesus
+[1485.80 --> 1487.24]  who are urging us
+[1487.24 --> 1488.88]  to fix our eyes
+[1488.88 --> 1489.44]  on him
+[1489.44 --> 1491.26]  even as we
+[1491.26 --> 1492.36]  persevere
+[1492.36 --> 1493.24]  in the race
+[1493.24 --> 1494.28]  marked out for us.
+[1494.60 --> 1495.38]  Let's sing
+[1495.38 --> 1497.80]  because you were
+[1497.80 --> 1498.34]  created
+[1498.34 --> 1500.20]  to worship.
+[1501.64 --> 1502.26]  Praise
+[1502.26 --> 1502.98]  the Lord.
+[1504.26 --> 1504.76]  Hallelujah.
+[1506.64 --> 1507.06]  Amen.
+[1508.22 --> 1508.56]  Amen.
+[1508.56 --> 1508.70]  Amen.
+[1509.16 --> 1510.10]  Let's pray together.
+[1515.90 --> 1517.30]  Lord Jesus
+[1517.30 --> 1520.54]  may we see you
+[1520.54 --> 1522.00]  most clearly
+[1522.00 --> 1523.56]  today.
+[1523.56 --> 1527.02]  may we love you
+[1527.02 --> 1527.94]  with all our
+[1527.94 --> 1528.32]  hearts
+[1528.32 --> 1529.22]  affections
+[1529.22 --> 1530.12]  and may we
+[1530.12 --> 1530.88]  worship you
+[1530.88 --> 1532.30]  with the song
+[1532.30 --> 1533.60]  of our lives
+[1533.60 --> 1535.62]  here in this place
+[1535.62 --> 1536.24]  with word
+[1536.24 --> 1537.02]  and music
+[1537.02 --> 1538.04]  singing
+[1538.04 --> 1538.86]  and dancing
+[1538.86 --> 1540.48]  but also
+[1540.48 --> 1541.34]  in the day
+[1541.34 --> 1541.80]  to day
+[1541.80 --> 1542.58]  of every day
+[1542.58 --> 1545.24]  may we worship
+[1545.24 --> 1546.00]  you.
+[1547.60 --> 1548.40]  God we know
+[1548.40 --> 1549.04]  that the truth
+[1549.04 --> 1550.28]  of your movement
+[1550.28 --> 1551.00]  in history
+[1551.00 --> 1551.90]  is that the
+[1551.90 --> 1553.22]  whole universe
+[1553.22 --> 1554.78]  all of creation
+[1554.78 --> 1555.86]  is singing
+[1555.86 --> 1556.86]  and will sing
+[1556.86 --> 1557.58]  your praises
+[1557.58 --> 1558.94]  and so may we
+[1558.94 --> 1560.64]  join our lives
+[1560.64 --> 1561.74]  with that
+[1561.74 --> 1562.62]  song
+[1562.62 --> 1563.54]  today.
+[1565.16 --> 1566.32]  Raise us up
+[1566.32 --> 1567.90]  a mighty army
+[1567.90 --> 1569.34]  to sing
+[1569.34 --> 1570.64]  praise
+[1570.64 --> 1571.58]  to you.
+[1573.16 --> 1574.46]  All creatures
+[1574.46 --> 1575.42]  of our
+[1575.42 --> 1576.02]  God
+[1576.02 --> 1577.22]  and King
+[1577.22 --> 1579.20]  we praise
+[1579.20 --> 1580.28]  him.
+[1581.12 --> 1581.42]  Amen.
+[1581.42 --> 1581.56]  Amen.
+[1581.56 --> 1581.58]  Amen.
+[1581.58 --> 1581.60]  Amen.

It Ain't Over Yet (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,703 @@
+[1.00 --> 11.22]  We're going to continue our worship by reading together from Psalm 148 and then spending some time in that text.
+[11.32 --> 17.34]  If you have a Bible handy, I would invite you to open that up to Psalm 148 or on your phone or device
+[17.34 --> 24.30]  and have that in front of you as we will look pretty closely at a few verses going through that psalm.
+[24.30 --> 31.46]  With Psalm 148 open before us, let me pray before I read.
+[34.60 --> 43.16]  Lord God, we come to your word and we cry out saying, speak to us today.
+[44.28 --> 48.26]  Speak to our hearts with the beauty of your glory.
+[48.26 --> 55.40]  Make much of yourself in our midst through your word that our hearts might sing.
+[56.70 --> 62.10]  May we join with all of creation and all the angels in singing your praises today.
+[62.30 --> 66.10]  In Christ Jesus alone we pray. Amen.
+[69.08 --> 72.10]  This is Psalm 148.
+[72.10 --> 75.56]  Praise the Lord.
+[76.24 --> 77.90]  Praise the Lord from the heavens.
+[78.22 --> 80.24]  Praise him from the heights above.
+[81.18 --> 82.80]  Praise him, all his angels.
+[83.06 --> 85.12]  Praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
+[85.66 --> 87.32]  Praise him, sun and moon.
+[88.04 --> 89.92]  Praise him, all you shining stars.
+[90.60 --> 95.16]  Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
+[95.58 --> 100.20]  Let them praise the name of the Lord for he commanded and they were created.
+[100.20 --> 103.90]  He set them in place forever and ever.
+[104.34 --> 106.94]  He gave a decree that will never pass away.
+[108.00 --> 112.62]  Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
+[113.24 --> 118.38]  lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding,
+[118.80 --> 122.28]  you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,
+[122.72 --> 126.06]  wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds,
+[126.48 --> 128.40]  kings of the earth and all nations,
+[128.40 --> 135.14]  you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maiden, old men and children.
+[136.14 --> 143.14]  Let them praise the name of the Lord for his name alone is exalted.
+[144.36 --> 147.54]  His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
+[147.54 --> 151.50]  He has raised up for his people a horn.
+[152.50 --> 158.70]  The praise of all his saints of Israel, the people close to his heart.
+[159.56 --> 161.28]  Praise the Lord.
+[162.04 --> 163.40]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[163.40 --> 173.16]  In many ways, I love the Sunday after Christmas.
+[174.04 --> 180.66]  Quickly, the rest of our culture and society sort of moves on to the next thing, right?
+[181.04 --> 185.14]  Immediately after Christmas, Boxing Day appears for a blip,
+[185.26 --> 186.66]  although it used to be Boxing Day.
+[186.66 --> 188.86]  Now it's Boxing Week, it seems.
+[190.06 --> 195.66]  But even quickly after that, we move into New Year's Eve celebrations and the like.
+[195.74 --> 200.24]  People leave Christmas behind almost as fast as it appears after Thanksgiving.
+[201.82 --> 206.74]  Or maybe Halloween, depending on your order of life together.
+[206.74 --> 215.42]  I have a friend back home in Ontario who makes much every week or every year on Boxing Day
+[215.42 --> 220.14]  of taking the Christmas tree out, bringing it to the back 40, and burning it as quickly as he can.
+[220.98 --> 223.08]  Christmas comes and it leaves.
+[223.96 --> 225.22]  But not in the church.
+[226.46 --> 231.98]  Technically speaking, if we follow the liturgical calendar, the common lectionary,
+[231.98 --> 236.82]  Christmas lasts for the two Sundays that follow December 25,
+[237.12 --> 239.62]  whatever that happens to be in that calendar year.
+[239.72 --> 241.98]  And so this year, that's through January 3rd.
+[242.98 --> 248.62]  Now Christmas works out to a roughly two-week season that follows the season of Advent.
+[248.92 --> 254.46]  As Mike was saying earlier, Advent is that season full of expectation and longing and waiting.
+[254.92 --> 257.68]  And then you have Christmas, which lasts for about two weeks,
+[257.68 --> 261.04]  and that's followed by the season of Epiphany, right?
+[261.04 --> 265.14]  It's the season of the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles.
+[265.18 --> 268.92]  And that traditionally starts with the visit of the Magi, right?
+[268.98 --> 271.90]  Epiphany means to reveal or to display.
+[272.74 --> 278.66]  My point is, theologically or liturgically, it's still Christmas around here.
+[279.88 --> 288.16]  And that means that we can be extra intentional in our marveling at the majesty of the incarnation, right?
+[288.16 --> 293.50]  To be still amazed at the beauty of Emmanuel, God with us.
+[295.20 --> 302.04]  If you joined us for our Christmas Day service, the last words that I spoke in that service are,
+[302.22 --> 308.28]  in fact, the last words that we heard and have been hearing from the angels spoken to the shepherds,
+[308.38 --> 311.04]  our Emmanuel kids' memory work all month long.
+[311.04 --> 315.40]  And the last song that we sang was glory to God, right?
+[315.44 --> 318.88]  We sang the song of the angels at the birth of Jesus.
+[319.10 --> 326.48]  This morning, using Psalm 148, we're going to continue singing praise.
+[326.48 --> 330.64]  Now, if you read along with me there, you saw it on the screen.
+[330.78 --> 335.38]  Psalm 148 is pretty simple in its main theme, right?
+[335.42 --> 339.58]  It's easy enough to see if you just look quickly at the verses.
+[339.84 --> 345.36]  Ten times you get the imperative, you get the command to praise the Lord in the text.
+[345.44 --> 347.36]  In Hebrew, that's hallelujah.
+[348.18 --> 349.30]  Sounds familiar, right?
+[349.30 --> 352.12]  Most of us know the word hallelujah, right?
+[352.28 --> 356.92]  And then in addition to that, there are two more instances of incomplete verbs,
+[356.98 --> 360.20]  of future tense verbs that will say they will praise the name of the Lord.
+[360.52 --> 363.66]  Now, obviously, this psalm then is a call to praise.
+[363.82 --> 364.86]  It's a command to sing.
+[364.94 --> 365.86]  It's a call to worship.
+[366.02 --> 372.90]  And so as we go through Psalm 148, we're going to see three distinct things.
+[372.90 --> 381.96]  First, we will see that all creation is and will praise the Lord God for who he is, right?
+[382.06 --> 386.62]  And as a result of that, we are commanded to do so.
+[387.76 --> 394.70]  At the crown of creation then, number two, humanity has a special call to praise the Lord.
+[394.70 --> 405.20]  But the jewel in that crown, that's God's chosen people, his church, have an extra special call to worship God.
+[405.88 --> 414.14]  And then finally, we will land with this ladder, this call to worship God is made truly and obediently possible
+[414.14 --> 418.98]  because God will raise up a horn for his people.
+[418.98 --> 425.70]  And a horn that we know is not a trumpet, but it is Jesus.
+[426.94 --> 428.36]  And so let's start with the first.
+[429.32 --> 433.38]  That all creation is called to praise God.
+[434.40 --> 438.26]  Now look at the whole text, and this is why I wanted you to have it in front of you.
+[438.50 --> 447.98]  There is a clear and sporadic structure, or clear and specific structure, to the whole of the text here.
+[447.98 --> 451.60]  There are four verses and then a chorus that begins with,
+[452.04 --> 454.48]  let them praise the name of the Lord for two verses.
+[454.88 --> 459.02]  And then there are another section of six verses and a chorus that begins,
+[459.20 --> 460.86]  let them praise the name of the Lord.
+[461.48 --> 467.86]  Now in each major section, you get every day of the creation story.
+[469.04 --> 474.00]  I want to suggest to you this morning that the psalmist has in mind,
+[474.00 --> 481.56]  when he writes this call to praise, he has in mind the story of creation from Genesis 1.
+[482.22 --> 484.44]  Now there's some pretty clear parallels here, and let me show you.
+[484.48 --> 488.06]  If you have Bibles in front of you, you can quickly jump to Genesis 1.
+[488.44 --> 490.38]  That's the very first chapter in the Bible.
+[490.52 --> 492.40]  It's the story of God creating the world.
+[493.12 --> 496.10]  If you don't have a Bible, or if you want to just see the connections explicitly,
+[496.10 --> 499.58]  we've put together a graphic to help us see that,
+[499.66 --> 503.50]  and that will appear on your screens right now, or in a second or so,
+[504.30 --> 505.26]  and we can see it.
+[506.14 --> 507.72]  Genesis 1 begins,
+[507.72 --> 512.28]  In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
+[513.00 --> 517.14]  Now the earth was formless and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the deep,
+[517.20 --> 520.46]  and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
+[521.38 --> 522.54]  And God said,
+[522.90 --> 525.28]  Let there be light, and there was light.
+[525.72 --> 529.28]  And God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.
+[529.74 --> 533.40]  God called the light day, and the darkness he called night.
+[533.80 --> 537.14]  And there was evening, and there was morning, the first day.
+[538.54 --> 545.54]  Now that story of creation starts with a sort of nebulous unknown of chaos churning, right?
+[545.56 --> 547.52]  It's formless and empty.
+[547.52 --> 552.94]  There's a darkness that is over the deep, and the Spirit of God is over the waters.
+[553.62 --> 555.28]  Now I don't know exactly what that is.
+[555.32 --> 557.04]  I don't think anyone really does.
+[557.32 --> 563.34]  But into that formless and void chaos, God speaks, and creation is born.
+[564.52 --> 567.66]  Now verse 1 of Psalm 148 says,
+[567.72 --> 570.52]  Praise Him from the heavens, or sky.
+[570.98 --> 574.78]  Praise Him in the heights above, or another way to translate that is high places.
+[575.18 --> 580.54]  The Spirit of God is hovering over whatever that is in the heights above.
+[581.38 --> 587.66]  And in this story, you even get prehistory, still created, but prehistory being called to praise God.
+[588.22 --> 588.86]  The psalm says,
+[588.86 --> 590.66]  Praise Him, all His angels.
+[591.40 --> 596.18]  But the point is that everything that is not God is created, even the angels,
+[596.18 --> 601.86]  and everything that is not God is called to worship or praise God.
+[603.58 --> 606.78]  Now in the Genesis story, on day two, you read,
+[606.78 --> 611.74]  Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.
+[612.54 --> 618.52]  So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it.
+[618.88 --> 619.64]  And it was so.
+[620.38 --> 624.84]  God called the expanse sky, and there was evening, and there was morning the second day.
+[625.54 --> 628.48]  So you have water above and water below.
+[628.48 --> 631.86]  And verse 4 of Psalm 148 says,
+[632.24 --> 636.32]  Praise Him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the skies.
+[637.26 --> 643.66]  Now waters above the skies is sometimes called the firmament in ancient Near Eastern cosmogony.
+[644.00 --> 648.78]  And it's what comes crashing down in the flood story of Genesis 6 through 9.
+[649.08 --> 652.72]  And in Genesis 7, verse 11, it says,
+[652.90 --> 654.88]  The floodgates of the heavens opened.
+[655.16 --> 656.56]  That's what we're talking about here.
+[656.56 --> 664.66]  Thomas LeBlanc said that the ancients thought there was an ethereal and lofty ocean
+[664.66 --> 667.86]  in which the worlds floated like ships on a sea.
+[668.22 --> 669.76]  This is what crashes down.
+[669.84 --> 673.52]  And this too is what is called to worship God.
+[674.58 --> 677.26]  And then day three, right, in the Genesis story,
+[677.32 --> 679.94]  the waters are gathered and you get dry ground.
+[680.02 --> 682.30]  And that ground is populated with vegetation.
+[683.44 --> 684.74]  Verse 7 of our psalm says,
+[684.74 --> 686.26]  Praise the Lord from the earth.
+[686.26 --> 686.98]  And verse 9,
+[687.54 --> 691.12]  You mountains and hills, all fruit trees and cedars.
+[691.72 --> 694.32]  Right down through the days of creation we can go.
+[694.44 --> 697.38]  Day four is the creation of the sun and the moon and the stars,
+[697.54 --> 700.14]  which we read in verse 3 of Psalm 148.
+[700.26 --> 701.84]  Praise Him, sun and moon.
+[702.00 --> 703.94]  Praise Him, all you shining stars.
+[704.90 --> 707.76]  Day five, the oceans and the skies are filled.
+[708.46 --> 709.10]  And we read,
+[709.20 --> 712.92]  Praise Him, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths.
+[712.92 --> 716.16]  And on day five, the skies are filled with flying creatures.
+[716.16 --> 724.66]  And in verse 10, the flying birds are invited into this chorus of universal praise of Lord.
+[725.82 --> 732.06]  On day six, God starts with wild animals and livestock and all creatures that move along the ground.
+[732.06 --> 734.62]  And Psalm 148 verse 10 says,
+[734.62 --> 739.58]  Wild animals and all cattle, small creatures, right, are all commanded to praise the Lord.
+[740.06 --> 743.52]  And then day six ends with God creating humanity.
+[743.52 --> 745.56]  And the Lord said,
+[745.56 --> 748.64]  Let us make humanity in our image, in our likeness,
+[748.74 --> 752.62]  so that they may rule over the fish of the sea and the birds in the sky
+[752.62 --> 754.62]  and over the livestock and all the wild animals
+[754.62 --> 756.90]  and over all the creatures that move along the ground.
+[757.32 --> 761.70]  So God created mankind in His own image.
+[761.80 --> 765.84]  In the image of God, He created them male and female.
+[766.02 --> 766.86]  He created them.
+[766.86 --> 773.70]  All humanity, every station, every nation, every age, every gender,
+[774.10 --> 777.36]  are called into the song of praise to the Lord.
+[777.74 --> 778.34]  In verse 11,
+[778.78 --> 780.78]  Kings of the earth and all nations,
+[781.20 --> 783.34]  you princes and all rulers on earth,
+[783.46 --> 786.48]  young men and women, elderly and children.
+[787.30 --> 791.76]  Right, over the scope of the whole of Psalm 148
+[791.76 --> 796.50]  is every bit of creation and history and prehistory
+[796.50 --> 801.02]  called together into the hymn of praise to the Lord.
+[802.64 --> 807.52]  I love how theologian D.A. Carson puts it.
+[808.08 --> 808.66]  He says,
+[809.66 --> 813.12]  The denizens of the earth's oceans,
+[814.00 --> 817.18]  the varied precipitation that waters the ground,
+[817.74 --> 820.12]  the fury of unleashed storms,
+[820.12 --> 823.26]  the majesty and beauty of mountains and hills,
+[823.42 --> 826.42]  the spectacular diversity and color and beauty
+[826.42 --> 828.30]  of the earth's flora and fauna,
+[828.62 --> 832.14]  the scarcely imaginable array of the earth's births,
+[832.14 --> 835.70]  all attest mutely but powerfully
+[835.70 --> 838.56]  to the goodness and greatness of God.
+[839.54 --> 841.04]  As part of that creation,
+[841.46 --> 844.64]  human beings in all their diversity of their ranks
+[844.64 --> 845.88]  and stations in life
+[845.88 --> 848.68]  join this universal chorus of praise,
+[848.68 --> 851.42]  not simply because he is bigger than we are,
+[851.68 --> 854.38]  but because no matter how highly we envisage,
+[854.58 --> 855.98]  his glory is splendor,
+[856.24 --> 857.74]  it is higher yet,
+[857.90 --> 860.24]  higher than anything and everything
+[860.24 --> 862.10]  in all of creation.
+[864.62 --> 867.90]  All creation is and will
+[867.90 --> 870.62]  praise the Lord for who he is,
+[870.62 --> 874.18]  and thus we are commanded to do so.
+[874.18 --> 879.80]  Now these words from Carson
+[879.80 --> 882.76]  also introduce our second point.
+[883.40 --> 884.46]  As Carson said,
+[884.86 --> 886.02]  As part of that creation,
+[886.18 --> 887.82]  human beings in all their diversity
+[887.82 --> 889.80]  and of their ranks of stations in life
+[889.80 --> 892.06]  join this universal chorus of praise.
+[892.48 --> 894.32]  Or, as I'm putting it today,
+[894.74 --> 896.12]  the crown of creation,
+[896.38 --> 896.78]  humanity,
+[897.04 --> 900.22]  has a special call to praise the Lord,
+[900.22 --> 901.82]  but the jewel in that crown,
+[901.96 --> 903.02]  God's chosen people,
+[903.10 --> 903.62]  his church,
+[903.82 --> 905.84]  have an extra special call.
+[906.18 --> 907.10]  So the first part of that.
+[907.64 --> 911.56]  All humanity is called to praise God,
+[912.24 --> 914.62]  just as the rest of creation
+[914.62 --> 917.62]  is in its own way already doing.
+[918.22 --> 918.38]  All right?
+[918.44 --> 920.28]  Let them praise the name of the Lord
+[920.28 --> 922.14]  for he alone is exalted.
+[922.60 --> 924.46]  His splendor is above the earth
+[924.46 --> 925.32]  and the heavens.
+[925.32 --> 927.26]  Now first of all,
+[927.90 --> 930.64]  notice that God is praised
+[930.64 --> 933.74]  not because of what he has done,
+[934.54 --> 935.60]  at least not yet,
+[936.08 --> 937.94]  as a reason to praise him.
+[938.16 --> 939.74]  That becomes one, of course,
+[940.20 --> 941.64]  but in the first place,
+[941.76 --> 943.60]  God is praised precisely
+[943.60 --> 946.38]  because he is praiseworthy.
+[947.08 --> 947.20]  Right?
+[947.30 --> 948.84]  God is good and worthy
+[948.84 --> 950.24]  of all honor and praise
+[950.24 --> 951.50]  and majesty and power,
+[951.74 --> 953.58]  even if he never created.
+[953.58 --> 956.92]  Even if God never did a thing,
+[957.28 --> 959.14]  God would be worthy of your worship.
+[960.14 --> 960.62]  Now, of course,
+[960.68 --> 962.02]  if God never did a thing,
+[962.12 --> 963.74]  there would be no you to worship,
+[964.34 --> 966.50]  but God would still be God
+[966.50 --> 967.66]  and that's enough
+[967.66 --> 971.68]  for him to be worthy of our worship.
+[973.00 --> 974.50]  And also see carefully
+[974.50 --> 977.86]  that God doesn't need your worship,
+[978.50 --> 980.00]  but he does command it.
+[981.08 --> 981.22]  Right?
+[981.22 --> 982.44]  And not just in the sense
+[982.44 --> 984.08]  of the imperative,
+[984.46 --> 986.26]  of the you must worship,
+[986.40 --> 987.40]  but he commands it
+[987.40 --> 988.90]  also in the sense
+[988.90 --> 990.56]  of beautiful,
+[990.82 --> 991.40]  in the sense
+[991.40 --> 993.88]  of his majesty
+[993.88 --> 996.36]  captivates your heart
+[996.36 --> 997.50]  and your imagination.
+[997.92 --> 1000.06]  He captures your attention.
+[1002.26 --> 1004.50]  When a person is,
+[1004.84 --> 1006.08]  when it's said of a person
+[1006.08 --> 1008.04]  that they command a room,
+[1008.04 --> 1011.36]  that means that everyone's attention
+[1011.36 --> 1013.62]  is fixated on them.
+[1014.06 --> 1014.28]  Right?
+[1014.32 --> 1016.04]  That they are drawn to that person.
+[1017.32 --> 1018.48]  Now, in a similar way,
+[1018.60 --> 1021.94]  our praises are drawn to God.
+[1022.08 --> 1024.18]  We are drawn to God.
+[1024.72 --> 1026.62]  Not only by virtue of being created
+[1026.62 --> 1028.08]  in his image,
+[1028.14 --> 1029.92]  though that no doubt helps
+[1029.92 --> 1031.82]  because God has thus made us
+[1031.82 --> 1033.74]  like himself and for himself,
+[1033.88 --> 1035.88]  but we are also drawn to God,
+[1035.88 --> 1037.18]  like all of creation,
+[1037.18 --> 1039.78]  to sing the glory of his name
+[1039.78 --> 1040.94]  and his nature.
+[1041.64 --> 1043.50]  And this is true of all humanity,
+[1043.66 --> 1045.74]  whether we believe in God or not.
+[1046.38 --> 1046.60]  Right?
+[1046.66 --> 1049.80]  Our hearts hunger and thirst for him.
+[1050.88 --> 1051.94]  We long for him
+[1051.94 --> 1053.66]  even if we don't admit
+[1053.66 --> 1055.62]  or even if we don't know
+[1055.62 --> 1056.98]  that we do,
+[1057.08 --> 1058.42]  even if we can't put words
+[1058.42 --> 1059.40]  to that longing.
+[1060.30 --> 1061.42]  And this is why so many people
+[1061.42 --> 1063.78]  try to fill that longing,
+[1064.04 --> 1065.14]  that emptiness
+[1065.14 --> 1067.14]  in their lives
+[1067.14 --> 1068.60]  with things or people
+[1068.60 --> 1069.74]  or money or power
+[1069.74 --> 1071.70]  or drinks or drugs
+[1071.70 --> 1072.76]  or whatever.
+[1073.02 --> 1074.46]  It's because our hearts
+[1074.46 --> 1076.38]  were made to worship.
+[1076.88 --> 1079.32]  We are made to love our creator
+[1079.32 --> 1082.12]  and the misplaced affection
+[1082.12 --> 1083.68]  of our hearts
+[1083.68 --> 1084.90]  is working out
+[1084.90 --> 1086.08]  that sort of normative
+[1086.08 --> 1087.60]  creational desire
+[1087.60 --> 1089.10]  and it's being directed
+[1089.10 --> 1090.32]  in the wrong way.
+[1091.42 --> 1095.12]  The whole of humanity
+[1095.12 --> 1100.06]  is called to worship God.
+[1101.00 --> 1102.88]  The crown of creation,
+[1103.46 --> 1103.88]  humanity,
+[1104.12 --> 1105.08]  has a special call
+[1105.08 --> 1105.94]  to worship God.
+[1106.20 --> 1108.26]  But the jewel in that crown,
+[1108.42 --> 1109.46]  God's chosen people,
+[1109.54 --> 1110.04]  his church,
+[1110.44 --> 1111.20]  you and me,
+[1111.28 --> 1111.90]  all of us
+[1111.90 --> 1113.32]  who by grace through faith
+[1113.32 --> 1114.40]  believe in him,
+[1114.64 --> 1116.80]  we have an extra special call
+[1116.80 --> 1118.68]  to worship him.
+[1119.58 --> 1119.84]  Right?
+[1119.84 --> 1121.22]  If all creation sings
+[1121.22 --> 1122.32]  and will sing
+[1122.32 --> 1123.10]  and is commanded
+[1123.10 --> 1124.24]  to sing the glories
+[1124.24 --> 1124.86]  of the Lord,
+[1125.12 --> 1126.32]  how much more so
+[1126.32 --> 1127.24]  will you
+[1127.24 --> 1128.82]  who know something
+[1128.82 --> 1129.92]  of this God,
+[1130.86 --> 1131.84]  how much more so
+[1131.84 --> 1133.20]  will you be called
+[1133.20 --> 1134.72]  to worship?
+[1135.62 --> 1136.44]  And not just that
+[1136.44 --> 1137.66]  and not just here,
+[1137.76 --> 1137.96]  right,
+[1138.00 --> 1138.54]  in church,
+[1138.62 --> 1139.76]  whether you're in the building
+[1139.76 --> 1140.70]  or you're at home,
+[1140.76 --> 1141.78]  which is more likely,
+[1141.96 --> 1142.10]  right,
+[1142.10 --> 1143.48]  not just even on Sunday
+[1143.48 --> 1145.48]  when it's relatively safe
+[1145.48 --> 1146.20]  and expected
+[1146.20 --> 1147.20]  and kind of normal
+[1147.20 --> 1147.80]  to do it,
+[1148.04 --> 1148.20]  right,
+[1148.20 --> 1148.94]  if all creation
+[1148.94 --> 1150.18]  is commanded to sing
+[1150.18 --> 1151.08]  and does sing
+[1151.08 --> 1152.68]  in response to who God is,
+[1152.82 --> 1154.16]  how much more so
+[1154.16 --> 1155.44]  is your whole life
+[1155.44 --> 1156.46]  meant to be
+[1156.46 --> 1157.44]  a hymn of praise
+[1157.44 --> 1158.04]  to God
+[1158.04 --> 1159.56]  who has created you
+[1159.56 --> 1160.90]  and who has redeemed you?
+[1161.64 --> 1161.84]  Right?
+[1161.90 --> 1162.52]  Your work
+[1162.52 --> 1164.18]  is a song of praise.
+[1164.28 --> 1164.92]  Your play
+[1164.92 --> 1166.72]  is a song of praise.
+[1166.82 --> 1167.56]  Your hobbies
+[1167.56 --> 1169.16]  are a song of praise.
+[1169.40 --> 1170.06]  Your crafting,
+[1170.26 --> 1170.90]  your puzzling,
+[1171.00 --> 1171.54]  your reading,
+[1171.92 --> 1172.44]  your gaming,
+[1172.68 --> 1173.80]  your D&D
+[1173.80 --> 1175.30]  or your CODing,
+[1175.56 --> 1176.82]  everything you do
+[1176.82 --> 1178.56]  is in praise to God
+[1178.56 --> 1181.28]  or it ought to be.
+[1184.10 --> 1185.08]  And as we continue
+[1185.08 --> 1186.88]  the song of Christmas
+[1186.88 --> 1188.26]  this year,
+[1188.76 --> 1190.92]  as you see God
+[1190.92 --> 1192.80]  come down in Jesus
+[1192.80 --> 1194.46]  in answer to prayer
+[1194.46 --> 1195.50]  and provision
+[1195.50 --> 1196.58]  in response
+[1196.58 --> 1197.66]  to that expectation
+[1197.66 --> 1198.38]  and longing
+[1198.38 --> 1199.76]  that filled the Advent season,
+[1200.12 --> 1201.70]  are you worshiping God
+[1201.70 --> 1202.60]  in all that you do?
+[1203.80 --> 1204.40]  Or are you holding
+[1204.40 --> 1205.12]  something back?
+[1205.94 --> 1207.12]  Or are you misplacing,
+[1207.64 --> 1208.36]  misdirecting
+[1208.36 --> 1209.68]  your affections?
+[1210.10 --> 1210.96]  Does every aspect
+[1210.96 --> 1212.02]  of your life,
+[1212.10 --> 1213.30]  does every square inch
+[1213.30 --> 1214.42]  of your being
+[1214.42 --> 1215.66]  belong to God?
+[1216.56 --> 1217.70]  Because in reality,
+[1218.24 --> 1219.12]  every micron,
+[1219.62 --> 1220.28]  every atom
+[1220.28 --> 1222.18]  and subatomic particle,
+[1222.64 --> 1223.62]  every bit of matter
+[1223.62 --> 1224.72]  and antimatter,
+[1225.08 --> 1226.58]  all of it does.
+[1228.64 --> 1229.94]  Make this season
+[1229.94 --> 1232.30]  about praising the Creator.
+[1232.30 --> 1234.44]  And not just here
+[1234.44 --> 1235.14]  on Sunday
+[1235.14 --> 1235.92]  when it's expected
+[1235.92 --> 1236.52]  and safe,
+[1236.96 --> 1238.04]  but everywhere
+[1238.04 --> 1239.96]  and in every way.
+[1241.88 --> 1243.34]  And let me be really clear
+[1243.34 --> 1246.50]  because I get it.
+[1248.26 --> 1249.54]  Lots of us are tired
+[1249.54 --> 1250.84]  right now.
+[1252.36 --> 1253.80]  Lots of us have had enough
+[1253.80 --> 1256.78]  and we just can't
+[1256.78 --> 1258.44]  do it anymore.
+[1259.86 --> 1261.14]  There's a weariness
+[1261.14 --> 1263.40]  that seeps
+[1263.40 --> 1264.74]  into our bones
+[1264.74 --> 1266.00]  right now.
+[1267.76 --> 1268.56]  And it makes
+[1268.56 --> 1269.34]  the normal parts
+[1269.34 --> 1270.12]  of life hard,
+[1270.94 --> 1272.08]  let alone
+[1272.08 --> 1272.70]  the extraordinary
+[1272.70 --> 1273.66]  parts of life.
+[1273.66 --> 1277.18]  And right now
+[1277.18 --> 1278.10]  we may not just
+[1278.10 --> 1279.56]  feel like
+[1279.56 --> 1280.80]  we can worship.
+[1282.10 --> 1283.24]  There may not be
+[1283.24 --> 1283.84]  a song
+[1283.84 --> 1284.44]  that we want
+[1284.44 --> 1284.98]  to sing
+[1284.98 --> 1287.30]  and we can't
+[1287.30 --> 1287.78]  do it.
+[1290.88 --> 1291.88]  And God has made
+[1291.88 --> 1292.84]  provision for that
+[1292.84 --> 1295.28]  because this worship
+[1295.28 --> 1296.26]  that we are called
+[1296.26 --> 1296.60]  to,
+[1297.54 --> 1299.30]  this call
+[1299.30 --> 1300.24]  that is extended
+[1300.24 --> 1301.70]  to all of humanity
+[1301.70 --> 1302.32]  right,
+[1302.50 --> 1303.76]  is interrupted,
+[1304.04 --> 1304.98]  is muted,
+[1305.32 --> 1306.62]  is cut short
+[1306.62 --> 1308.26]  because of sin
+[1308.26 --> 1309.18]  and because of
+[1309.18 --> 1310.02]  the realities
+[1310.02 --> 1311.22]  we face in the world.
+[1311.32 --> 1312.28]  And apart from God
+[1312.28 --> 1313.36]  acting in us
+[1313.36 --> 1313.82]  and through us
+[1313.82 --> 1314.26]  and for us,
+[1314.36 --> 1315.88]  we can't do it
+[1315.88 --> 1316.52]  right now.
+[1318.16 --> 1319.30]  But that's
+[1319.30 --> 1321.68]  God's point
+[1321.68 --> 1322.74]  in this psalm.
+[1323.66 --> 1323.84]  Right?
+[1323.92 --> 1324.88]  This call
+[1324.88 --> 1325.66]  to worship
+[1325.66 --> 1326.26]  right,
+[1326.32 --> 1327.12]  is truly
+[1327.12 --> 1329.04]  and obediently
+[1329.04 --> 1329.86]  possible
+[1329.86 --> 1331.12]  in our lives
+[1331.12 --> 1332.44]  only because
+[1332.44 --> 1333.36]  God
+[1333.36 --> 1334.78]  will raise up
+[1334.78 --> 1335.58]  a horn
+[1335.58 --> 1336.72]  for his people.
+[1337.72 --> 1338.34]  A horn
+[1338.34 --> 1339.36]  whom we know
+[1339.36 --> 1340.04]  to be
+[1340.04 --> 1341.06]  Jesus.
+[1342.68 --> 1343.50]  The priest
+[1343.50 --> 1344.42]  Zachariah
+[1344.42 --> 1345.60]  at the circumcision
+[1345.60 --> 1346.56]  and naming day
+[1346.56 --> 1347.38]  of his son
+[1347.38 --> 1347.80]  John,
+[1347.88 --> 1348.40]  who we know
+[1348.40 --> 1349.10]  will become
+[1349.10 --> 1349.86]  John the Baptist,
+[1350.46 --> 1350.64]  right,
+[1350.72 --> 1351.38]  this priest
+[1351.38 --> 1352.22]  Zachariah
+[1352.22 --> 1353.18]  on that day
+[1353.18 --> 1354.48]  says of Jesus
+[1354.48 --> 1355.70]  who is not yet born,
+[1355.70 --> 1356.70]  the Lord
+[1356.70 --> 1357.84]  has raised up
+[1357.84 --> 1358.64]  a horn
+[1358.64 --> 1359.64]  of salvation
+[1359.64 --> 1360.38]  for us.
+[1361.44 --> 1361.62]  Right?
+[1361.66 --> 1362.06]  Already
+[1362.06 --> 1363.30]  this is being
+[1363.30 --> 1363.78]  connected
+[1363.78 --> 1364.62]  and revealed
+[1364.62 --> 1365.68]  as Jesus.
+[1365.84 --> 1366.32]  This horn
+[1366.32 --> 1367.02]  of salvation
+[1367.02 --> 1368.28]  who will make
+[1368.28 --> 1368.96]  worship
+[1368.96 --> 1369.82]  possible.
+[1370.26 --> 1370.48]  Right?
+[1370.52 --> 1371.52]  The unimaginably
+[1371.52 --> 1372.34]  great God
+[1372.34 --> 1373.40]  has not only
+[1373.40 --> 1374.14]  called out
+[1374.14 --> 1374.92]  of his own
+[1374.92 --> 1375.48]  people
+[1375.48 --> 1376.54]  to worship
+[1376.54 --> 1376.94]  them
+[1376.94 --> 1377.98]  but has raised
+[1377.98 --> 1378.90]  up for us
+[1378.90 --> 1379.60]  a horn,
+[1379.98 --> 1380.12]  right,
+[1380.16 --> 1380.78]  a symbol
+[1380.78 --> 1381.46]  of a king,
+[1381.76 --> 1381.90]  right,
+[1381.96 --> 1382.62]  for the praise
+[1382.62 --> 1383.58]  of all his saints.
+[1384.32 --> 1384.50]  Right?
+[1384.52 --> 1384.84]  And living
+[1384.84 --> 1385.66]  on this side
+[1385.66 --> 1386.24]  of Jesus'
+[1386.60 --> 1386.98]  Christmas,
+[1387.20 --> 1387.84]  on this side
+[1387.84 --> 1388.56]  of the incarnation,
+[1389.12 --> 1390.02]  living on this side
+[1390.02 --> 1390.96]  of Easter
+[1390.96 --> 1391.74]  after Jesus'
+[1392.04 --> 1392.96]  life and death
+[1392.96 --> 1393.70]  and resurrection,
+[1394.04 --> 1394.72]  we know
+[1394.72 --> 1395.44]  that the ultimate
+[1395.44 --> 1396.48]  king in the line
+[1396.48 --> 1397.04]  of David
+[1397.04 --> 1398.58]  really is him,
+[1398.70 --> 1400.04]  really is Jesus
+[1400.04 --> 1401.70]  and so our praise
+[1401.70 --> 1403.12]  joins the rest
+[1403.12 --> 1403.86]  of the universe
+[1403.86 --> 1404.74]  with particular
+[1404.74 --> 1405.38]  intensity
+[1405.38 --> 1406.48]  and particular
+[1406.48 --> 1406.96]  gratitude
+[1406.96 --> 1408.16]  because we
+[1408.16 --> 1409.36]  know him,
+[1409.52 --> 1410.78]  we know Jesus
+[1410.78 --> 1412.16]  who lived the life
+[1412.16 --> 1413.34]  I should have lived,
+[1413.34 --> 1415.06]  Jesus who died
+[1415.06 --> 1415.70]  the death
+[1415.70 --> 1416.92]  that I deserved
+[1416.92 --> 1417.68]  and Jesus
+[1417.68 --> 1418.88]  who three days
+[1418.88 --> 1419.80]  later was raised
+[1419.80 --> 1421.08]  victorious over sin
+[1421.08 --> 1421.58]  and death
+[1421.58 --> 1423.02]  and now in his grace
+[1423.02 --> 1424.00]  by faith
+[1424.00 --> 1424.96]  grants me
+[1424.96 --> 1425.86]  his righteousness
+[1425.86 --> 1427.44]  even as my sin
+[1427.44 --> 1428.52]  is put over
+[1428.52 --> 1429.26]  to him.
+[1429.48 --> 1430.20]  This Jesus
+[1430.20 --> 1431.20]  grants us
+[1431.20 --> 1432.26]  the victory
+[1432.26 --> 1433.58]  of God.
+[1435.64 --> 1436.82]  That's why we can
+[1436.82 --> 1437.16]  worship
+[1437.16 --> 1439.94]  even when we are
+[1439.94 --> 1440.42]  tired,
+[1440.42 --> 1441.70]  even when we are
+[1441.70 --> 1442.54]  at our wits end,
+[1442.66 --> 1444.14]  even when it feels
+[1444.14 --> 1445.16]  like our life
+[1445.16 --> 1446.34]  is crumbling
+[1446.34 --> 1449.46]  because he has
+[1449.46 --> 1450.88]  made a way.
+[1452.18 --> 1453.48]  He has made it
+[1453.48 --> 1453.98]  possible
+[1453.98 --> 1455.92]  to praise the Lord
+[1455.92 --> 1458.14]  and that
+[1458.14 --> 1459.86]  makes me
+[1459.86 --> 1461.24]  want to sing.
+[1462.36 --> 1463.10]  Not only
+[1463.10 --> 1464.86]  are your songs
+[1464.86 --> 1466.10]  a song of praise
+[1466.10 --> 1466.72]  to the Lord
+[1466.72 --> 1467.52]  our God
+[1467.52 --> 1468.14]  in Jesus
+[1468.14 --> 1469.28]  but your life
+[1469.28 --> 1470.46]  is a song
+[1470.46 --> 1471.60]  and all creation
+[1471.60 --> 1472.88]  is a song
+[1472.88 --> 1473.64]  to the glory
+[1473.64 --> 1474.52]  of God
+[1474.52 --> 1475.22]  and so then
+[1475.22 --> 1475.92]  let's sing
+[1475.92 --> 1476.66]  with the angels
+[1476.66 --> 1477.58]  of Luke 2.
+[1477.74 --> 1478.44]  Let's sing
+[1478.44 --> 1479.16]  with the angels
+[1479.16 --> 1480.38]  of Revelation 4
+[1480.38 --> 1481.20]  and 5.
+[1481.32 --> 1481.82]  Let's sing
+[1481.82 --> 1482.70]  with the great cloud
+[1482.70 --> 1483.20]  of witnesses
+[1483.20 --> 1483.98]  who have gone on
+[1483.98 --> 1484.52]  before us
+[1484.52 --> 1485.80]  in praise of Jesus
+[1485.80 --> 1487.24]  who are urging us
+[1487.24 --> 1488.88]  to fix our eyes
+[1488.88 --> 1489.44]  on him
+[1489.44 --> 1491.26]  even as we
+[1491.26 --> 1492.36]  persevere
+[1492.36 --> 1493.24]  in the race
+[1493.24 --> 1494.28]  marked out for us.
+[1494.60 --> 1495.38]  Let's sing
+[1495.38 --> 1497.80]  because you were
+[1497.80 --> 1498.34]  created
+[1498.34 --> 1500.20]  to worship.
+[1501.64 --> 1502.26]  Praise
+[1502.26 --> 1502.98]  the Lord.
+[1504.26 --> 1504.76]  Hallelujah.
+[1506.64 --> 1507.06]  Amen.
+[1508.22 --> 1508.56]  Amen.
+[1508.56 --> 1508.70]  Amen.
+[1509.16 --> 1510.10]  Let's pray together.
+[1515.90 --> 1517.30]  Lord Jesus
+[1517.30 --> 1520.54]  may we see you
+[1520.54 --> 1522.00]  most clearly
+[1522.00 --> 1523.56]  today.
+[1523.56 --> 1527.02]  may we love you
+[1527.02 --> 1527.94]  with all our
+[1527.94 --> 1528.32]  hearts
+[1528.32 --> 1529.22]  affections
+[1529.22 --> 1530.12]  and may we
+[1530.12 --> 1530.88]  worship you
+[1530.88 --> 1532.30]  with the song
+[1532.30 --> 1533.60]  of our lives
+[1533.60 --> 1535.62]  here in this place
+[1535.62 --> 1536.24]  with word
+[1536.24 --> 1537.02]  and music
+[1537.02 --> 1538.04]  singing
+[1538.04 --> 1538.86]  and dancing
+[1538.86 --> 1540.48]  but also
+[1540.48 --> 1541.34]  in the day
+[1541.34 --> 1541.80]  to day
+[1541.80 --> 1542.58]  of every day
+[1542.58 --> 1545.24]  may we worship
+[1545.24 --> 1546.00]  you.
+[1547.60 --> 1548.40]  God we know
+[1548.40 --> 1549.04]  that the truth
+[1549.04 --> 1550.28]  of your movement
+[1550.28 --> 1551.00]  in history
+[1551.00 --> 1551.90]  is that the
+[1551.90 --> 1553.22]  whole universe
+[1553.22 --> 1554.78]  all of creation
+[1554.78 --> 1555.86]  is singing
+[1555.86 --> 1556.86]  and will sing
+[1556.86 --> 1557.58]  your praises
+[1557.58 --> 1558.94]  and so may we
+[1558.94 --> 1560.64]  join our lives
+[1560.64 --> 1561.74]  with that
+[1561.74 --> 1562.62]  song
+[1562.62 --> 1563.54]  today.
+[1565.16 --> 1566.32]  Raise us up
+[1566.32 --> 1567.90]  a mighty army
+[1567.90 --> 1569.34]  to sing
+[1569.34 --> 1570.64]  praise
+[1570.64 --> 1571.58]  to you.
+[1573.16 --> 1574.46]  All creatures
+[1574.46 --> 1575.42]  of our
+[1575.42 --> 1576.02]  God
+[1576.02 --> 1577.22]  and King
+[1577.22 --> 1579.20]  we praise
+[1579.20 --> 1580.28]  him.
+[1581.12 --> 1581.42]  Amen.
+[1581.42 --> 1581.56]  Amen.
+[1581.56 --> 1581.58]  Amen.
+[1581.58 --> 1581.60]  Amen.

Jonah The Man and His Mission #1 (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,875 @@
+[0.00 --> 9.12]  I'm scheduled to come here a number of times in the next number of weeks and so I thought
+[9.12 --> 15.70]  I would like to look at a narrative story in scripture that is a familiar one and that
+[15.70 --> 16.92]  is the story of Jonah.
+[17.52 --> 24.70]  And so over the next number of times when I'm here, I'm going to focus on each subsequent
+[24.70 --> 26.54]  chapter of Jonah.
+[26.54 --> 34.14]  It's not a very long book, I'm tempted almost to read the whole thing, but I'm only going
+[34.14 --> 35.72]  to read chapter one this morning.
+[36.34 --> 40.94]  But I'm going to invite you and those of you who are watching on live stream and who are
+[40.94 --> 45.78]  part of Emanuel Church to spend some time looking at the book of Jonah.
+[45.90 --> 48.88]  Don't just simply read the words.
+[50.36 --> 51.40]  Two challenges.
+[52.10 --> 55.94]  Take a look at its structure, how it is structured.
+[55.94 --> 61.60]  You'll find that chapters one and two have a parallel in chapters three and four.
+[62.36 --> 63.46]  And then here's the challenge.
+[64.40 --> 69.28]  And I will reveal the answer at some point if I don't forget, but I don't think I will.
+[69.48 --> 70.34]  But here's the challenge.
+[70.48 --> 77.16]  See if you can find in your mind and in your heart and in your experience a parallel story
+[77.16 --> 79.28]  out of the New Testament.
+[79.28 --> 88.52]  Just see if you can find in your heart and your mind a parallel story out of the New Testament.
+[89.16 --> 95.26]  The Hebrew writers of the Old Testament were very skilled.
+[95.26 --> 98.80]  They were thoughtful.
+[98.80 --> 103.74]  They were led by the Holy Spirit of God, but they were very skilled.
+[104.26 --> 112.20]  And when you read the book of Jonah, you need to remember that Jonah, who we presume to be
+[112.20 --> 117.42]  the author, was looking back at his experience.
+[117.42 --> 121.02]  He wasn't writing about it as it was happening.
+[121.84 --> 124.06]  He was looking back at it.
+[124.20 --> 126.36]  It was history for him.
+[127.30 --> 129.76]  And it becomes history for us.
+[130.52 --> 134.30]  And we need to try to find ourselves in the story.
+[134.80 --> 138.10]  So let me read from Jonah chapter one.
+[138.10 --> 145.32]  The word of the Lord came to Jonah, the son of Amittai, go to the great city of Nineveh
+[145.32 --> 150.86]  and preach against it because its wickedness has come up before me.
+[151.84 --> 158.34]  But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish.
+[158.48 --> 162.04]  He went down to Joppa where he found a ship bound for that port.
+[162.04 --> 168.10]  After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
+[169.54 --> 175.42]  Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea and such a violent storm arose that the ship
+[175.42 --> 176.62]  threatened to break up.
+[178.50 --> 183.74]  All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own God.
+[184.78 --> 189.46]  And they threw the cargo into the sea to begin to lighten the ship.
+[189.46 --> 194.20]  But Jonah had gone below deck where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.
+[195.60 --> 199.14]  The captain went to him and said, how can you sleep?
+[199.66 --> 201.66]  Get up and call on your God.
+[202.82 --> 207.44]  Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.
+[209.12 --> 215.50]  Then the sailors said to each other, come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible
+[215.50 --> 216.66]  for this calamity.
+[216.66 --> 220.68]  They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.
+[222.20 --> 227.04]  And so they asked him, tell us who is responsible for making all this trouble for us?
+[227.54 --> 230.04]  What kind of work do you do?
+[230.46 --> 231.52]  Where do you come from?
+[232.08 --> 233.04]  What is your country?
+[233.88 --> 235.46]  From what people are you?
+[236.80 --> 238.18]  And he answered, I'm Hebrew.
+[238.18 --> 244.64]  And I worship the Lord, the God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land.
+[245.56 --> 246.90]  This terrified them.
+[246.98 --> 249.32]  And they asked, what have you done?
+[249.32 --> 256.28]  They knew he was running away from the Lord because he had already told them so.
+[257.24 --> 260.84]  The sea was getting rougher and rougher.
+[261.70 --> 266.40]  So they asked him, what should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?
+[267.46 --> 273.22]  Pick me up and throw me into the sea, he replied, and it will become calm.
+[273.22 --> 279.04]  I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.
+[279.88 --> 283.86]  Instead, the men did their best to roll back to the land.
+[284.74 --> 289.98]  But they could not, for the sea was growing wilder than before.
+[290.24 --> 296.72]  Then they cried out to the Lord, please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man's life.
+[296.72 --> 303.86]  Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.
+[305.08 --> 310.22]  Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm.
+[311.34 --> 317.66]  At this, the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.
+[318.56 --> 325.92]  Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days.
+[326.72 --> 327.66]  And three nights.
+[328.22 --> 329.68]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[332.00 --> 335.24]  So what have you been doing over the last number of months?
+[336.36 --> 339.08]  You've had time to do different things.
+[339.72 --> 340.60]  School has been out.
+[340.60 --> 349.70]  Perhaps if you have children at home, you had to do some homeschooling, and you discovered the challenging work of a teacher.
+[349.70 --> 358.92]  Or perhaps you've had to work from home, and you've discovered the importance of keeping a routine.
+[360.70 --> 372.06]  Or perhaps you have indulged ever more into social media, and you have become much more adept at finding your way around the internet.
+[372.06 --> 377.78]  Or perhaps you have been reading more.
+[378.78 --> 383.90]  The newspaper, magazines, books, fiction, and nonfiction.
+[384.72 --> 389.20]  What have you been doing over the last three months?
+[390.84 --> 391.56]  Complaining?
+[393.18 --> 394.40]  Binge-watching?
+[394.40 --> 394.90]  Binge-watching?
+[395.30 --> 395.74]  Binge-watching?
+[396.36 --> 398.98]  I've painted the interior of our house.
+[400.72 --> 402.36]  Our marriage is still together.
+[403.98 --> 411.22]  One of the things that happened is that this man died in the time.
+[412.10 --> 414.72]  His name is Ravi Zacharias.
+[415.54 --> 421.96]  Ravi Zacharias was born in India, converted to the Christian faith in his teenage years.
+[421.96 --> 425.56]  he was about 17, he had attempted to commit suicide.
+[427.26 --> 431.00]  And as a result of that attempt on his life,
+[431.88 --> 436.66]  he was confronted by the reality of who Jesus was,
+[437.66 --> 440.78]  and he committed his life to Christ
+[440.78 --> 445.12]  by the sovereign grace of God, working in his heart.
+[446.32 --> 451.16]  He moved to Canada, went to now what is Tyndale Seminary,
+[451.96 --> 455.44]  became part of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church,
+[456.18 --> 459.94]  and established a ministry of apologetics.
+[459.94 --> 466.62]  That is, he went around to people to defend the Christian faith.
+[468.14 --> 471.76]  He's been doing that for years and years, going to college campuses,
+[471.76 --> 476.22]  and has a whole ministry that is now based in the state of Georgia.
+[476.22 --> 482.28]  He was diagnosed with cancer earlier, or late last year, early this year,
+[482.50 --> 486.20]  and died rather quickly in May of this past year.
+[486.20 --> 493.88]  He had a blog and a radio program entitled,
+[493.88 --> 498.00]  Let My People Think.
+[498.00 --> 502.84]  Let My People Think.
+[502.84 --> 510.38]  In other words, let my people grow deeper into the Christian faith,
+[511.22 --> 514.82]  thinking about not only its doctrines,
+[515.28 --> 517.52]  but also its practices.
+[517.52 --> 524.86]  thinking about how we can best address the issues of the day.
+[525.60 --> 531.76]  Thinking about how we can best walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
+[531.76 --> 536.28]  In response to his death,
+[536.28 --> 540.58]  I began to read one of his books once again,
+[540.58 --> 545.80]  because I wanted to come to a deeper sense of appreciation
+[545.80 --> 549.18]  for the impactful ministry he has had.
+[549.24 --> 552.72]  And if you have had time now to explore the internet,
+[552.92 --> 553.86]  you'll know about YouTube,
+[554.14 --> 556.44]  and you just have to put his name onto YouTube,
+[556.44 --> 561.06]  and you get all sorts of different videos and clips of his work.
+[561.06 --> 565.16]  He is a very thoughtful, convicting speaker,
+[565.82 --> 571.18]  and I think you would benefit from hearing what he has to say.
+[571.24 --> 571.72]  But he said,
+[572.24 --> 575.58]  Let my people think.
+[577.12 --> 579.68]  And as I was reflecting on that,
+[579.76 --> 584.96]  and reflecting upon the need to lay open God's word,
+[584.96 --> 589.22]  I thought, maybe we should think a little bit more about Jonah.
+[589.82 --> 592.00]  Now Jonah is a very popular topic, of course,
+[592.50 --> 596.62]  because Sunday school classes can be built around him.
+[597.38 --> 601.24]  Vacation Bible school themes can be built around what happened.
+[601.38 --> 607.06]  I mean, kids just love this whole idea of storms and whales or great fishes
+[607.06 --> 609.82]  and living inside of a fish for three days.
+[609.92 --> 613.82]  I mean, you could make something dramatic of that.
+[614.96 --> 617.54]  But you really want to ask,
+[617.96 --> 621.60]  what do we know about Jonah,
+[621.96 --> 626.56]  and do we really believe that Jonah existed?
+[626.78 --> 628.62]  Because there's much debate about that.
+[629.10 --> 633.58]  Who believes that a fish could be so big to swallow a man,
+[633.68 --> 635.90]  to allow to live inside of the stomach,
+[636.20 --> 637.94]  full of gastric acid?
+[637.94 --> 642.68]  What would his skin have looked like three days later
+[642.68 --> 645.94]  when he was ejected in a whole blast of protein?
+[648.64 --> 649.36]  Really?
+[649.76 --> 651.60]  Can you really believe that happened?
+[653.30 --> 655.32]  Maybe it's not real.
+[655.58 --> 658.38]  Maybe it's just a fictional story
+[658.38 --> 661.34]  created out of a man's imagination
+[661.34 --> 663.70]  to drive home a point.
+[665.76 --> 667.70]  Maybe it's a parable,
+[668.82 --> 671.48]  a fantastical story
+[671.48 --> 674.78]  to make us think.
+[676.68 --> 678.32]  What do you know about Jonah?
+[679.34 --> 681.54]  Well, Jonah is mentioned
+[681.54 --> 684.48]  not only in the book that bears his name,
+[684.48 --> 687.56]  but also in 2 Kings chapter 14.
+[687.78 --> 688.66]  He was the one.
+[689.16 --> 690.66]  This is Jeroboam II,
+[690.86 --> 692.68]  who was the king
+[692.68 --> 694.06]  in the northern part of Israel.
+[694.34 --> 696.36]  The land had divided,
+[696.56 --> 698.00]  so there was Judah to the south
+[698.00 --> 699.96]  and Israel to the north.
+[700.18 --> 701.78]  And Jeroboam II,
+[702.46 --> 703.68]  not the first king,
+[703.78 --> 705.32]  but the second Jeroboam,
+[705.74 --> 706.60]  was king,
+[706.60 --> 711.66]  and his reign ended in 753 B.C.
+[712.54 --> 714.16]  So he was the one
+[714.16 --> 716.60]  who restored the boundaries of Israel
+[716.60 --> 718.98]  from Labohamath to the Dead Sea
+[718.98 --> 720.94]  in accordance with the word of the Lord,
+[721.34 --> 722.30]  the God of Israel,
+[722.48 --> 724.60]  spoken through his servant Jonah,
+[725.12 --> 726.40]  son of Amittai,
+[726.56 --> 728.52]  the prophet from Gath-Hippar.
+[729.96 --> 732.62]  So Jonah's mentioned in the scriptures
+[732.62 --> 734.48]  in another place.
+[734.48 --> 737.14]  It puts us, then makes us aware
+[737.14 --> 739.02]  of his time frame.
+[740.64 --> 741.82]  And he was a prophet
+[741.82 --> 743.48]  who spoke words of encouragement
+[744.02 --> 745.52]  to Jeroboam II,
+[746.24 --> 747.60]  who, however,
+[748.06 --> 749.50]  was one who was described
+[749.50 --> 750.72]  he did what was evil
+[750.72 --> 751.98]  in the eyes of the Lord.
+[752.46 --> 755.52]  And yet the Lord blessed his work and reign,
+[755.88 --> 759.98]  and he was allowed to expand Israel
+[759.98 --> 761.38]  to its former borders,
+[761.58 --> 762.34]  to the north,
+[762.34 --> 765.18]  to the land that was controlled
+[765.18 --> 766.36]  by the people
+[766.36 --> 768.00]  or the kingdom of Damascus.
+[768.00 --> 771.18]  That had been part of David's reign
+[771.18 --> 771.84]  and kingdom,
+[772.20 --> 773.34]  and Jeroboam II
+[773.34 --> 775.82]  pushed the boundaries back
+[775.82 --> 777.54]  to the north.
+[778.00 --> 779.48]  So his boundaries
+[779.48 --> 780.82]  butted up against
+[780.82 --> 781.58]  the boundaries
+[781.58 --> 783.78]  of what would be called in time
+[783.78 --> 785.34]  the Assyrian kingdom.
+[785.34 --> 788.76]  And the Assyrian kingdom
+[788.76 --> 792.74]  became a fairly large one,
+[792.88 --> 795.68]  and you will see Nineveh,
+[795.80 --> 797.14]  you see the letters,
+[797.30 --> 797.96]  the Assyrian kingdom,
+[798.10 --> 799.02]  and right above that,
+[799.14 --> 800.84]  you'll see it's a little unclear,
+[801.50 --> 804.54]  but that's where the city of Nineveh was.
+[804.54 --> 807.10]  So the Assyrian kingdom
+[807.10 --> 808.60]  was coming up
+[808.60 --> 809.60]  in influence
+[809.60 --> 810.82]  and power
+[810.82 --> 812.54]  at the time of
+[812.54 --> 813.36]  Jonah.
+[814.32 --> 815.56]  It was recognized
+[815.56 --> 817.80]  as a formidable
+[817.80 --> 819.00]  opponent.
+[820.50 --> 821.52]  In time,
+[821.72 --> 823.60]  in 721 BC,
+[824.52 --> 826.26]  the Assyrian empire
+[826.26 --> 827.64]  would destroy
+[827.64 --> 828.98]  the northern part
+[828.98 --> 830.88]  of the land of Israel
+[830.88 --> 833.40]  and take the northern Israelites
+[833.40 --> 834.64]  into captivity
+[834.64 --> 837.36]  from which they never recovered.
+[839.18 --> 840.70]  So Jonah was
+[840.70 --> 841.90]  aware
+[841.90 --> 843.88]  of the Assyrians
+[843.88 --> 845.04]  and
+[845.04 --> 847.14]  of their growing impact
+[847.14 --> 847.88]  and power.
+[848.78 --> 849.96]  This is a picture
+[849.96 --> 851.12]  of the reconstruction
+[851.12 --> 852.72]  of one of the gates
+[852.72 --> 855.48]  of the city of Nineveh,
+[855.90 --> 857.00]  and then beside
+[857.00 --> 858.06]  that
+[858.06 --> 858.48]  is
+[858.48 --> 859.90]  words from
+[859.90 --> 860.80]  the prophet
+[860.80 --> 861.56]  Nahum.
+[862.72 --> 863.62]  He comes about
+[863.62 --> 864.78]  a hundred years later
+[864.78 --> 866.54]  than Jonah,
+[866.88 --> 868.24]  and Nahum writes,
+[868.44 --> 869.54]  woe to the city
+[869.54 --> 870.56]  of blood,
+[870.68 --> 871.48]  full of lies,
+[871.60 --> 872.36]  full of plunder,
+[872.52 --> 873.62]  never without victims.
+[873.72 --> 874.54]  That's verse 1.
+[875.12 --> 876.30]  And then verse 19,
+[876.82 --> 878.68]  nothing can heal you,
+[879.12 --> 880.62]  your wound is fatal,
+[881.18 --> 882.60]  all who hear the news
+[882.60 --> 884.04]  about you clap their hands
+[884.04 --> 884.84]  at your fall,
+[885.40 --> 887.02]  for who has not felt
+[887.02 --> 888.54]  your endless cruelty.
+[890.24 --> 890.98]  Those are the words
+[890.98 --> 891.62]  of Nahum
+[891.62 --> 892.82]  to Nineveh,
+[892.98 --> 894.58]  to the Assyrian Empire,
+[894.74 --> 896.16]  a hundred years or so
+[896.16 --> 897.74]  after Jonah,
+[898.68 --> 900.50]  reflecting on the history
+[900.50 --> 901.70]  and the conduct
+[901.70 --> 903.18]  of the Assyrians.
+[903.84 --> 904.96]  They were known
+[904.96 --> 905.90]  for their cruelty.
+[906.60 --> 907.52]  They were known
+[907.52 --> 909.12]  for their attitude
+[909.12 --> 910.90]  towards their enemy,
+[911.42 --> 912.68]  to destroy them,
+[912.68 --> 914.08]  to beat them down,
+[914.24 --> 915.22]  to celebrate
+[915.22 --> 917.18]  their defeat.
+[918.58 --> 919.96]  So here we are.
+[921.18 --> 922.12]  We have Jonah,
+[922.70 --> 923.34]  a prophet
+[923.34 --> 924.74]  in the northern part
+[924.74 --> 925.84]  of Israel,
+[926.54 --> 927.86]  encouraging the king
+[927.86 --> 929.62]  who has been successful,
+[930.30 --> 931.68]  who is very aware
+[931.68 --> 933.56]  that to the further north
+[933.56 --> 935.28]  and to the east
+[935.28 --> 938.20]  arises this empire,
+[938.20 --> 940.04]  which in time
+[940.04 --> 941.62]  will have very
+[941.62 --> 943.44]  destructive impact
+[943.44 --> 944.78]  on the people
+[944.78 --> 945.64]  of Israel.
+[946.96 --> 948.54]  And God says
+[948.54 --> 949.50]  to Jonah,
+[950.06 --> 952.70]  go to Nineveh,
+[953.02 --> 954.28]  that great city,
+[954.94 --> 956.18]  and preach
+[956.18 --> 957.58]  against it.
+[959.18 --> 960.32]  And Jonah says,
+[960.40 --> 960.60]  no.
+[962.28 --> 963.00]  I ain't going.
+[964.76 --> 966.20]  Alexander Maslow
+[966.20 --> 968.38]  was quoted by John Ortberg,
+[968.74 --> 971.06]  and Maslow gets credit
+[971.06 --> 973.38]  for writing a summary
+[973.38 --> 976.36]  in the words of Dr. Seuss.
+[977.82 --> 979.20]  I would not go there
+[979.20 --> 979.68]  in a boat.
+[980.16 --> 981.22]  I would not go there
+[981.22 --> 981.74]  in a float.
+[982.16 --> 983.26]  I would not go there
+[983.26 --> 983.84]  in a gale.
+[984.02 --> 985.12]  I would not go there
+[985.12 --> 985.68]  in a whale.
+[986.12 --> 987.96]  I do not like the people there.
+[988.50 --> 989.70]  If they'd all died,
+[989.78 --> 990.82]  I would not care.
+[991.68 --> 992.62]  I will not go
+[992.62 --> 993.72]  to that great town.
+[994.14 --> 995.30]  I'd rather choke.
+[995.30 --> 996.88]  I'd rather drown.
+[997.56 --> 998.34]  I will not go
+[998.34 --> 999.36]  by land or sea.
+[1000.06 --> 1001.52]  So stop the talk
+[1001.52 --> 1003.02]  and let me be.
+[1005.70 --> 1006.34]  Jonah says,
+[1006.42 --> 1006.64]  no.
+[1009.46 --> 1010.68]  Imagine for a moment
+[1010.68 --> 1012.68]  that you were a rabbi,
+[1012.90 --> 1014.02]  a Jewish rabbi,
+[1014.64 --> 1015.92]  in 1941,
+[1016.92 --> 1019.02]  and that you lived
+[1019.02 --> 1020.42]  in greater Europe,
+[1020.42 --> 1022.96]  and God came to you
+[1022.96 --> 1023.36]  and said,
+[1023.50 --> 1024.86]  go to Berlin
+[1024.86 --> 1028.28]  and preach against it.
+[1030.80 --> 1032.00]  Would you go?
+[1032.00 --> 1036.48]  By that time,
+[1037.02 --> 1038.68]  the war had started.
+[1039.98 --> 1041.04]  Concentration camps
+[1041.04 --> 1041.70]  were packed.
+[1042.98 --> 1043.66]  Jews were being
+[1043.66 --> 1045.32]  transported en masse.
+[1046.98 --> 1048.74]  Millions would die.
+[1050.34 --> 1051.10]  Would you go?
+[1052.44 --> 1053.88]  Would it make any sense?
+[1053.88 --> 1060.26]  Let my people think.
+[1060.26 --> 1063.02]  Let my people think.
+[1064.68 --> 1066.02]  And so Jonah says,
+[1066.14 --> 1066.32]  no.
+[1067.62 --> 1068.88]  And Jonah decides
+[1068.88 --> 1070.56]  that he's going to run.
+[1071.50 --> 1072.98]  So he goes from his home
+[1072.98 --> 1074.06]  down to Joppa,
+[1074.38 --> 1075.84]  and he gets on a ship
+[1075.84 --> 1076.26]  to Tarshish.
+[1076.26 --> 1076.78]  Tarshish.
+[1077.04 --> 1077.26]  Now,
+[1077.74 --> 1078.98]  notice something,
+[1079.56 --> 1080.72]  because you have to
+[1080.72 --> 1081.50]  slow down
+[1081.50 --> 1082.76]  when you read Scripture,
+[1083.04 --> 1084.72]  because every word
+[1084.72 --> 1086.40]  and every sentence,
+[1086.56 --> 1087.56]  every phrase
+[1087.56 --> 1088.86]  can be packed
+[1088.86 --> 1089.60]  with meaning
+[1089.60 --> 1090.74]  once you begin
+[1090.74 --> 1091.90]  to unravel it
+[1091.90 --> 1092.66]  a little bit.
+[1094.44 --> 1095.72]  Notice that Jonah
+[1095.72 --> 1098.00]  paid his own fare.
+[1100.78 --> 1102.32]  He paid for a ticket,
+[1103.00 --> 1105.02]  which was very unusual
+[1105.02 --> 1105.98]  in the day.
+[1105.98 --> 1107.40]  if you would travel
+[1107.40 --> 1108.02]  by ship,
+[1108.10 --> 1108.70]  because they were
+[1108.70 --> 1109.88]  all cargo ships
+[1109.88 --> 1111.36]  or military ships.
+[1111.52 --> 1113.00]  There weren't cruise liners
+[1113.00 --> 1114.42]  and passenger ships.
+[1115.08 --> 1116.50]  No, you could buy a bed
+[1116.50 --> 1117.32]  and then get from
+[1117.32 --> 1118.36]  point A to B.
+[1118.94 --> 1119.92]  No, you would go
+[1119.92 --> 1120.54]  on a ship
+[1120.54 --> 1121.62]  and you would barter.
+[1121.74 --> 1122.82]  I'll sweep the deck.
+[1123.54 --> 1124.82]  I'll cook the food.
+[1125.24 --> 1126.32]  I'll help you load
+[1126.32 --> 1127.12]  and unload
+[1127.12 --> 1131.80]  in exchange for a trip,
+[1132.00 --> 1133.40]  because I'm at A
+[1133.40 --> 1134.68]  and I need to get to B
+[1134.68 --> 1135.46]  and I know you're
+[1135.46 --> 1136.08]  getting to be,
+[1136.16 --> 1137.16]  you're going to be.
+[1138.68 --> 1139.68]  But Jonah doesn't barter.
+[1141.24 --> 1142.28]  Jonah pays the fare.
+[1143.60 --> 1145.86]  He is a man of means.
+[1146.30 --> 1149.02]  He is a person of influence.
+[1150.28 --> 1152.82]  He can direct his own life.
+[1152.82 --> 1155.22]  And he says,
+[1155.42 --> 1157.20]  I will not go there in a boat.
+[1157.32 --> 1159.28]  I will not go there in a float.
+[1160.52 --> 1161.76]  Let them all die.
+[1161.88 --> 1163.10]  I do not care.
+[1164.70 --> 1166.20]  And so he goes his own way.
+[1166.60 --> 1167.94]  Instead of going to Nineveh,
+[1168.04 --> 1169.34]  he goes to Tarshish.
+[1170.26 --> 1171.74]  And we think that Tarshish
+[1171.74 --> 1173.74]  is probably located roughly now
+[1173.74 --> 1176.74]  where the Gibraltar is located
+[1176.74 --> 1178.02]  in Spain.
+[1178.42 --> 1180.10]  For that time,
+[1181.12 --> 1182.22]  it would be seen
+[1182.22 --> 1182.84]  and known
+[1182.84 --> 1184.28]  as the end of the world.
+[1185.24 --> 1187.34]  As far as he could go,
+[1188.12 --> 1190.46]  Jonah would go.
+[1193.52 --> 1194.56]  And then,
+[1195.56 --> 1197.26]  God sends a storm.
+[1200.52 --> 1201.98]  Jonah has sinned.
+[1201.98 --> 1205.28]  He has refused to obey God.
+[1206.46 --> 1210.08]  And sin always has its consequences.
+[1211.34 --> 1212.52]  You lie.
+[1212.68 --> 1213.26]  You cheat.
+[1214.14 --> 1215.74]  You practice injustice.
+[1216.64 --> 1218.56]  We live in a moral universe.
+[1219.84 --> 1222.74]  And sin always has its consequence.
+[1223.86 --> 1225.88]  Sin puts you in a prison.
+[1226.96 --> 1228.60]  Sin eats you up
+[1228.60 --> 1231.54]  from the inside to the outside.
+[1231.98 --> 1233.66]  I don't recall the name
+[1233.66 --> 1234.60]  of the movie right now,
+[1234.70 --> 1236.26]  but I watched a movie
+[1236.26 --> 1237.44]  about Mr. Rogers.
+[1237.60 --> 1238.70]  Do you remember Mr. Rogers?
+[1238.80 --> 1239.44]  He was nominated
+[1239.44 --> 1240.70]  for an Academy Award
+[1240.70 --> 1242.66]  with Tom Hanks.
+[1244.52 --> 1246.26]  And Mr. Rogers meets
+[1246.26 --> 1247.48]  a guy named Lloyd.
+[1247.92 --> 1250.30]  And Lloyd hates his father.
+[1251.36 --> 1252.88]  And it's eating him up
+[1252.88 --> 1254.36]  on the inside.
+[1255.78 --> 1257.24]  If you want to watch a good movie,
+[1257.32 --> 1258.74]  let me recommend that one to you.
+[1259.26 --> 1259.52]  All right?
+[1259.52 --> 1262.20]  Because it's a story
+[1262.20 --> 1263.66]  about overcoming.
+[1264.14 --> 1264.82]  Mr. Rogers,
+[1265.00 --> 1266.52]  as some of you probably know,
+[1266.94 --> 1268.44]  was a Presbyterian pastor
+[1268.44 --> 1269.54]  for over 30 years.
+[1269.74 --> 1270.58]  But he focused
+[1270.58 --> 1271.66]  on children's ministry.
+[1271.80 --> 1272.80]  He didn't talk overtly
+[1272.80 --> 1273.96]  about Jesus so much,
+[1274.04 --> 1276.20]  but he wanted to help children
+[1276.20 --> 1279.46]  deal with their feelings
+[1279.46 --> 1280.82]  and their fears
+[1280.82 --> 1282.36]  and their experiences.
+[1283.00 --> 1284.26]  There's a line in that movie
+[1284.26 --> 1286.56]  that continues to sort of
+[1286.56 --> 1287.94]  grab my attention.
+[1288.14 --> 1288.44]  He says,
+[1288.60 --> 1288.98]  Death,
+[1289.36 --> 1292.30]  death is often not talked about.
+[1293.66 --> 1296.78]  But if we mention death,
+[1298.22 --> 1300.42]  then by mentioning it,
+[1300.94 --> 1302.72]  it becomes manageable.
+[1302.72 --> 1307.88]  And, you know,
+[1307.92 --> 1309.36]  he deals with this person,
+[1309.58 --> 1309.90]  Lloyd,
+[1310.06 --> 1313.66]  whose life is being torn apart
+[1313.66 --> 1315.60]  by his anger
+[1315.60 --> 1317.38]  and by his pain,
+[1317.58 --> 1319.10]  by his sin,
+[1319.18 --> 1320.24]  as well as the sin
+[1320.24 --> 1321.36]  of his father.
+[1321.52 --> 1323.50]  It's a complicated story
+[1323.50 --> 1326.00]  and yet a universal story.
+[1326.00 --> 1329.16]  And the reality is
+[1329.16 --> 1330.74]  that's what sin does.
+[1332.18 --> 1333.96]  Sin eats away
+[1333.96 --> 1335.24]  and breaks
+[1335.24 --> 1337.06]  and tears
+[1337.06 --> 1337.92]  and destroys.
+[1338.74 --> 1339.98]  God sends a storm.
+[1342.56 --> 1343.74]  And the storm grows great.
+[1343.86 --> 1344.76]  Now these sailors
+[1344.76 --> 1346.28]  are experienced people,
+[1347.22 --> 1348.88]  but they notice
+[1348.88 --> 1349.84]  that this storm
+[1349.84 --> 1351.36]  seems to be extraordinary.
+[1352.82 --> 1354.38]  And they begin to wonder
+[1354.38 --> 1355.66]  who is the cause?
+[1355.66 --> 1356.70]  What is the cause?
+[1356.98 --> 1358.00]  This isn't natural.
+[1358.20 --> 1360.10]  This isn't the way
+[1360.10 --> 1361.64]  we have experienced it
+[1361.64 --> 1362.90]  in the past.
+[1366.48 --> 1367.96]  And then they cast a lot.
+[1369.46 --> 1370.58]  And think about
+[1370.58 --> 1371.70]  what they asked Jonah.
+[1373.28 --> 1374.32]  Who are you?
+[1376.20 --> 1377.34]  What do you do?
+[1378.92 --> 1380.44]  Where do you come from?
+[1382.44 --> 1384.04]  Who do you serve?
+[1384.04 --> 1386.58]  Those are questions
+[1386.58 --> 1387.72]  of identity.
+[1388.24 --> 1389.28]  Remember the story.
+[1389.40 --> 1390.60]  This is not the parallel story
+[1390.60 --> 1391.08]  I'm looking,
+[1391.38 --> 1392.40]  having you look for
+[1392.40 --> 1393.70]  for the story of Jonah.
+[1393.78 --> 1394.58]  But remember the story
+[1394.58 --> 1395.12]  of Jesus
+[1395.12 --> 1396.50]  as recorded in
+[1396.50 --> 1397.94]  Mark chapter 4.
+[1398.02 --> 1398.90]  He falls asleep
+[1398.90 --> 1399.42]  in a boat
+[1399.42 --> 1400.76]  and the storm comes
+[1400.76 --> 1401.78]  and the disciples
+[1401.78 --> 1402.44]  wake him
+[1402.44 --> 1403.76]  and they say,
+[1403.84 --> 1404.58]  aren't you afraid?
+[1404.78 --> 1405.56]  And he gets up
+[1405.56 --> 1406.10]  and he says,
+[1406.80 --> 1408.38]  peace be still.
+[1408.38 --> 1412.16]  And the wind abates
+[1412.16 --> 1413.98]  and the storm abates
+[1413.98 --> 1415.76]  and the apostles
+[1415.76 --> 1416.48]  look at him
+[1416.48 --> 1417.72]  and ask this question.
+[1418.20 --> 1421.16]  Who then is this
+[1421.16 --> 1422.76]  that even the winds
+[1422.76 --> 1423.54]  and the waves
+[1423.54 --> 1424.52]  obey him?
+[1425.36 --> 1426.18]  Jonah's asked
+[1426.18 --> 1427.26]  an identity question.
+[1427.34 --> 1427.86]  Who are you?
+[1427.92 --> 1428.68]  Where are you from?
+[1428.96 --> 1429.88]  What are you doing?
+[1429.96 --> 1430.72]  What's your purpose?
+[1430.84 --> 1431.60]  What's your place?
+[1431.70 --> 1432.68]  Who are your people?
+[1432.68 --> 1435.26]  I am a Hebrew
+[1435.26 --> 1437.94]  and I serve the God
+[1437.94 --> 1441.12]  who created the land
+[1441.12 --> 1442.60]  and the sea
+[1442.60 --> 1447.02]  and they are deathly afraid.
+[1450.06 --> 1451.78]  They are deathly afraid
+[1451.78 --> 1454.24]  because the great God
+[1454.24 --> 1454.96]  is the God
+[1454.96 --> 1457.28]  who created the land
+[1457.28 --> 1458.26]  and the sea
+[1458.26 --> 1460.62]  and they are feeling vulnerable.
+[1462.68 --> 1463.92]  And they do everything
+[1463.92 --> 1464.76]  that they can.
+[1465.90 --> 1468.02]  They throw the cargo overboard.
+[1468.78 --> 1469.76]  Now stop to think
+[1469.76 --> 1470.74]  what that means a minute.
+[1471.84 --> 1473.78]  They're throwing their product,
+[1473.96 --> 1475.34]  their wages overboard.
+[1475.50 --> 1476.14]  They're throwing
+[1476.14 --> 1478.02]  their future overboard.
+[1478.68 --> 1479.86]  This is not just simply
+[1479.86 --> 1481.12]  a matter of lightening
+[1481.12 --> 1482.58]  their ship.
+[1482.68 --> 1484.92]  This is a matter of surviving
+[1484.92 --> 1486.02]  and then entering
+[1486.02 --> 1487.66]  into abject poverty.
+[1488.64 --> 1489.52]  There's no insurance
+[1489.52 --> 1490.32]  at that point.
+[1490.32 --> 1493.06]  They are putting themselves
+[1493.06 --> 1494.42]  at great risk.
+[1496.10 --> 1496.86]  And the captain,
+[1497.12 --> 1499.70]  he marshals all the resources
+[1499.70 --> 1500.98]  that he can,
+[1501.84 --> 1502.90]  directing his sailors
+[1502.90 --> 1504.18]  but then looking
+[1504.18 --> 1506.24]  for this other passenger
+[1506.24 --> 1508.40]  who is sleeping
+[1508.40 --> 1510.14]  below deck.
+[1510.86 --> 1512.10]  See, this is the ship
+[1512.10 --> 1512.84]  of Tarshish.
+[1513.52 --> 1514.50]  If you read the stories
+[1514.50 --> 1515.06]  of Solomon,
+[1515.20 --> 1516.04]  he had a whole fleet
+[1516.04 --> 1516.72]  of these ships.
+[1517.46 --> 1519.04]  These were not small boats.
+[1519.04 --> 1521.90]  This was a ship
+[1521.90 --> 1523.34]  that had multiple decks.
+[1523.50 --> 1524.18]  It could be driven
+[1524.18 --> 1526.06]  by ore and by wind.
+[1526.76 --> 1528.70]  And they had all sorts
+[1528.70 --> 1529.76]  of cargo that delivered
+[1529.76 --> 1530.84]  here or there.
+[1531.20 --> 1532.50]  And Jonah was below deck.
+[1533.50 --> 1534.62]  And he was sleeping.
+[1535.00 --> 1536.00]  And the captain comes
+[1536.00 --> 1536.38]  and says,
+[1536.74 --> 1536.94]  you know,
+[1536.98 --> 1537.74]  wake up!
+[1538.64 --> 1540.76]  The captain berates him.
+[1542.50 --> 1544.08]  Pray to your God.
+[1544.08 --> 1544.14]  God.
+[1545.14 --> 1545.88]  We've got to have
+[1545.88 --> 1547.22]  everything going
+[1547.22 --> 1549.30]  going for us.
+[1550.12 --> 1552.12]  That is how scary it is.
+[1552.60 --> 1554.26]  And recognize this thing
+[1554.26 --> 1556.40]  that you hear so often today
+[1556.40 --> 1558.16]  in the context of COVID-19.
+[1558.42 --> 1561.04]  We're all in this together.
+[1561.72 --> 1564.80]  We all are on the same boat.
+[1564.80 --> 1568.66]  So mobilize your resources.
+[1570.18 --> 1571.28]  Do what is right.
+[1572.76 --> 1574.06]  And here's one of the lessons,
+[1574.24 --> 1574.62]  I think,
+[1574.92 --> 1576.08]  that we need to learn
+[1576.08 --> 1577.22]  from the story
+[1577.22 --> 1579.20]  that is recorded in Jonah.
+[1580.48 --> 1581.52]  The pagans
+[1581.52 --> 1583.44]  come off
+[1583.44 --> 1585.14]  more favorably
+[1585.14 --> 1586.92]  than the prophet
+[1586.92 --> 1588.12]  of God.
+[1590.22 --> 1591.68]  The pagans
+[1591.68 --> 1593.78]  do everything right.
+[1595.96 --> 1596.92]  And therefore,
+[1597.32 --> 1598.14]  as Christians,
+[1598.36 --> 1599.18]  we need to learn
+[1599.18 --> 1599.78]  a lesson
+[1599.78 --> 1600.62]  and that is
+[1600.62 --> 1601.86]  that we respect
+[1601.86 --> 1603.16]  everyone
+[1603.16 --> 1604.30]  regardless
+[1604.30 --> 1605.62]  of their beliefs.
+[1608.16 --> 1609.52]  And we treat them
+[1609.52 --> 1610.38]  as we would like
+[1610.38 --> 1611.06]  to be treated,
+[1611.42 --> 1612.06]  respectfully.
+[1614.46 --> 1615.44]  The pagans
+[1615.44 --> 1616.20]  do what is right.
+[1616.32 --> 1617.34]  They say to Jonah,
+[1617.52 --> 1618.66]  what should we do?
+[1618.76 --> 1619.38]  Jonah says,
+[1619.48 --> 1620.66]  toss me overboard.
+[1620.66 --> 1621.68]  And they said,
+[1621.78 --> 1622.94]  we can't do that.
+[1624.30 --> 1625.36]  And so rather
+[1625.36 --> 1626.68]  than toss them overboard,
+[1626.90 --> 1628.10]  they dig
+[1628.10 --> 1630.22]  really hard
+[1630.22 --> 1631.04]  into the water.
+[1631.12 --> 1632.08]  The Hebrew word
+[1632.08 --> 1632.62]  actually
+[1632.62 --> 1633.64]  for their rowing
+[1633.64 --> 1634.90]  is that they're digging.
+[1635.28 --> 1636.00]  They are putting
+[1636.00 --> 1637.10]  every effort
+[1637.10 --> 1639.36]  into getting to shore.
+[1640.06 --> 1641.42]  But they can't.
+[1642.12 --> 1642.80]  So tell us,
+[1642.86 --> 1643.18]  they say,
+[1643.24 --> 1644.06]  who is responsible
+[1644.06 --> 1645.20]  for making this trouble
+[1645.20 --> 1645.76]  for us?
+[1646.10 --> 1646.94]  What kind of work do you do?
+[1647.24 --> 1648.08]  Where do you come from?
+[1648.32 --> 1649.06]  What is your country?
+[1649.42 --> 1650.44]  From what people are you?
+[1650.44 --> 1651.66]  I am a Hebrew.
+[1653.00 --> 1654.28]  And the ship gets flooded.
+[1656.36 --> 1657.86]  And they toss them overboard.
+[1660.28 --> 1661.44]  And it's like a flip
+[1661.44 --> 1663.02]  of a switch.
+[1664.72 --> 1667.16]  And it's quiet.
+[1667.16 --> 1672.42]  And notice the response
+[1672.42 --> 1673.74]  of the pagan sailors.
+[1675.22 --> 1677.08]  They are afraid.
+[1679.88 --> 1680.90]  They have prayed.
+[1680.90 --> 1681.26]  Lord,
+[1681.80 --> 1683.90]  do not hold the sin against us
+[1683.90 --> 1685.82]  of throwing this guy overboard.
+[1686.18 --> 1688.24]  But they are afraid.
+[1690.08 --> 1691.60]  And they bring sacrifices.
+[1691.60 --> 1693.44]  Now the important point here,
+[1693.82 --> 1694.38]  I think,
+[1694.44 --> 1695.98]  is often lost on us
+[1695.98 --> 1697.60]  out of our own experience.
+[1697.94 --> 1700.28]  Because we often come to God
+[1700.28 --> 1701.86]  and we say to God,
+[1702.30 --> 1704.86]  if you do this for us,
+[1704.90 --> 1706.16]  if you help us,
+[1706.38 --> 1707.72]  then we will,
+[1708.38 --> 1709.62]  and we'll fill in the blanks,
+[1709.66 --> 1710.46]  we will believe,
+[1710.64 --> 1712.14]  we will dedicate our lives to you,
+[1712.20 --> 1713.06]  we will serve you.
+[1713.06 --> 1716.22]  But we're in a foxhole now, God,
+[1716.34 --> 1717.84]  and we need your help.
+[1719.52 --> 1721.22]  But that's not what happens here.
+[1721.22 --> 1725.54]  They are responding
+[1725.54 --> 1727.18]  after the danger is over.
+[1728.18 --> 1730.02]  After the crisis is gone.
+[1730.58 --> 1731.92]  The storm is gone.
+[1732.32 --> 1733.46]  The waves are calm.
+[1733.84 --> 1736.00]  The wind is calm.
+[1736.78 --> 1738.14]  They're making progress.
+[1739.32 --> 1740.28]  And they are afraid.
+[1740.80 --> 1742.96]  And they offer a sacrifice.
+[1743.68 --> 1745.16]  And the Hebrew catches it here.
+[1745.24 --> 1747.52]  They offer a sacrifice to Yahweh,
+[1748.20 --> 1749.74]  to the God of covenant.
+[1749.74 --> 1753.84]  They become, it seems,
+[1754.86 --> 1757.84]  believers in the God of the Hebrews.
+[1758.62 --> 1761.52]  The God who created the heavens and the earth.
+[1761.96 --> 1762.32]  Why?
+[1762.84 --> 1765.28]  Not because of what he will do for them
+[1765.28 --> 1767.98]  in the future,
+[1768.76 --> 1771.28]  but what he has done for them
+[1771.28 --> 1773.20]  in the past.
+[1774.36 --> 1775.48]  And what has he done?
+[1775.82 --> 1778.16]  He has accepted the sacrifice of one.
+[1778.16 --> 1778.26]  One.
+[1779.26 --> 1780.96]  To benefit the all.
+[1783.22 --> 1783.92]  And later,
+[1784.46 --> 1786.12]  the New Testament will teach,
+[1786.74 --> 1788.72]  it is better that one man should die,
+[1789.78 --> 1792.22]  than that all the nation should perish.
+[1792.22 --> 1800.00]  He has taken the substitutionary sacrifice of Jonah
+[1800.00 --> 1803.90]  and liberated from death
+[1803.90 --> 1806.16]  the pagan sailors
+[1806.16 --> 1810.52]  who have tossed him overboard.
+[1810.52 --> 1840.50]  He has taken the
+[1840.50 --> 1841.50]  a book of the Bible,
+[1841.50 --> 1841.72]  a fiction,
+[1841.72 --> 1843.12]  a story.
+[1843.12 --> 1844.56]  I want to say to you,
+[1845.96 --> 1847.28]  the resurrection of Jesus
+[1847.28 --> 1848.60]  is a greater miracle
+[1848.60 --> 1851.08]  than the creation of a great fish
+[1851.08 --> 1852.16]  with an antechamber
+[1852.16 --> 1854.44]  in which Jonah might have had a bench
+[1854.44 --> 1854.88]  and a pillow.
+[1857.80 --> 1859.76]  The resurrection of Jesus
+[1859.76 --> 1864.46]  demonstrates the power of God
+[1864.46 --> 1866.84]  and the concern of God.
+[1867.84 --> 1869.74]  So let us think.
+[1870.62 --> 1872.80]  What lessons do we learn
+[1872.80 --> 1875.64]  about our identity
+[1875.64 --> 1878.36]  as people redeemed
+[1878.36 --> 1880.54]  in Jesus Christ?
+[1880.54 --> 1885.82]  We are the messengers to the world,
+[1885.82 --> 1890.84]  the tellers of the story of God's power,
+[1891.50 --> 1894.02]  and God's power is demonstrated
+[1894.02 --> 1895.10]  throughout this thing.
+[1895.64 --> 1896.52]  There is a call.
+[1897.74 --> 1898.94]  There is a commission.
+[1899.78 --> 1901.18]  Go to that great city.
+[1902.02 --> 1903.62]  People often don't like the commission
+[1903.62 --> 1904.82]  and preach against it.
+[1906.32 --> 1907.32]  Preach against it.
+[1907.32 --> 1909.86]  We are talking about a God of love,
+[1909.94 --> 1910.92]  not a God of wrath.
+[1911.94 --> 1912.34]  Really?
+[1913.98 --> 1914.46]  Really?
+[1915.04 --> 1916.00]  I will tell you something
+[1916.00 --> 1916.92]  that I hate.
+[1917.48 --> 1918.96]  I hate COVID-19.
+[1920.08 --> 1921.54]  I hate that virus.
+[1922.10 --> 1923.80]  I hope scientists will discover
+[1923.80 --> 1925.64]  a tool that will crush it
+[1925.64 --> 1927.60]  absolutely and completely.
+[1928.46 --> 1929.38]  And I think that is
+[1929.38 --> 1931.66]  a perfectly justifiable hate.
+[1931.66 --> 1936.02]  God hates sin.
+[1937.40 --> 1939.28]  And he wants to crush it completely
+[1939.28 --> 1941.76]  because it destroys relationships.
+[1942.24 --> 1944.36]  It eats people up from the inside.
+[1944.78 --> 1946.90]  It destroys the relationship with God,
+[1947.28 --> 1948.72]  the relationship with themselves,
+[1949.06 --> 1950.44]  the relationship with others,
+[1950.74 --> 1952.28]  the relationship with the world.
+[1953.46 --> 1954.66]  I was listening to the news
+[1954.66 --> 1956.26]  coming up here this morning.
+[1957.12 --> 1959.76]  One of the great destroyers in the world
+[1959.76 --> 1961.96]  is what we do with our solid waste,
+[1962.28 --> 1964.96]  with our telephones and computers
+[1964.96 --> 1965.76]  and televisions
+[1966.30 --> 1968.04]  that we can no longer use.
+[1968.64 --> 1971.86]  And we just simply pile them up
+[1971.86 --> 1973.86]  and then poor villages
+[1973.86 --> 1976.20]  in Vietnam and in other places
+[1976.20 --> 1977.60]  strip out the wire
+[1977.60 --> 1979.98]  and the rest goes into landfill.
+[1981.26 --> 1983.04]  You stop to ask yourself,
+[1983.04 --> 1985.04]  what do we do
+[1985.04 --> 1987.20]  with the care of this world?
+[1988.10 --> 1990.10]  God is sovereign.
+[1990.84 --> 1992.12]  And he comes to Jonah
+[1992.12 --> 1993.04]  and he says, go.
+[1994.14 --> 1994.90]  And Jonah says,
+[1994.98 --> 1996.14]  no, I will not go.
+[1997.30 --> 1999.44]  I would rather that they all die.
+[2000.96 --> 2002.26]  And God reminds him,
+[2002.30 --> 2002.70]  he says,
+[2002.96 --> 2004.38]  I am the God of the Hebrews.
+[2006.58 --> 2008.54]  And what were the Hebrew nation
+[2008.54 --> 2010.14]  set aside for?
+[2010.50 --> 2012.12]  Well, remember the words to Abraham?
+[2012.12 --> 2014.06]  I will bless you
+[2014.06 --> 2016.86]  so that you will be a blessing.
+[2017.50 --> 2018.46]  To who?
+[2019.24 --> 2020.34]  To the nations.
+[2021.16 --> 2022.28]  To the people.
+[2022.60 --> 2023.92]  And what does Jesus say?
+[2024.76 --> 2028.76]  Go and make disciples of all nations
+[2028.76 --> 2033.54]  and surely I will be with you always
+[2033.54 --> 2035.44]  to the end of the age.
+[2035.44 --> 2038.06]  So I'm going to invite you
+[2038.06 --> 2039.94]  to think,
+[2040.48 --> 2042.96]  who am I
+[2042.96 --> 2044.64]  in Jesus?
+[2045.60 --> 2048.72]  And what does God want me to do
+[2048.72 --> 2052.28]  with those with whom
+[2052.28 --> 2054.62]  I have relationship?
+[2056.10 --> 2057.70]  The sailors on our boat.
+[2057.70 --> 2060.92]  we're all in it together.
+[2062.36 --> 2064.28]  How can we best share?
+[2065.50 --> 2067.36]  How can we best bless?
+[2068.16 --> 2069.52]  It may be as simple
+[2069.52 --> 2071.96]  as wearing a mask
+[2071.96 --> 2074.96]  or touching an elbow
+[2074.96 --> 2078.24]  or encouraging people
+[2078.24 --> 2078.26]  or encouraging people
+[2078.26 --> 2079.82]  to believe
+[2079.82 --> 2081.78]  that God
+[2081.78 --> 2083.96]  will have the last word.
+[2086.64 --> 2087.74]  So what do you think?
+[2088.78 --> 2089.46]  Let's pray.
+[2090.64 --> 2091.40]  Father God,
+[2091.50 --> 2092.86]  thank you for this day.
+[2093.86 --> 2095.40]  Thank you for this opportunity.
+[2095.76 --> 2096.90]  Thank you for your word.
+[2096.90 --> 2100.08]  Thank you for a person like Jonah
+[2100.08 --> 2102.34]  who would dare to reflect
+[2102.34 --> 2104.40]  on a very hard experience
+[2104.40 --> 2105.22]  that he went through.
+[2107.16 --> 2108.44]  Thank you for people
+[2108.44 --> 2109.68]  who will show us
+[2109.68 --> 2112.82]  how we can conduct ourselves respectfully.
+[2114.36 --> 2116.50]  We pray that we may learn the lesson.
+[2117.12 --> 2118.26]  That we may recognize
+[2118.26 --> 2120.10]  that you are sovereign God.
+[2120.76 --> 2121.90]  And that you can
+[2121.90 --> 2123.36]  not only send a great fish
+[2123.36 --> 2124.58]  but raise the dead
+[2124.58 --> 2126.92]  and have the last word.
+[2127.64 --> 2128.56]  We praise you
+[2128.56 --> 2129.72]  and we ask that you would
+[2129.72 --> 2131.10]  equip us to think
+[2131.10 --> 2131.80]  clearly
+[2131.80 --> 2133.22]  and accurately
+[2133.22 --> 2134.94]  and in such a way
+[2134.94 --> 2135.84]  as to honor you.
+[2136.48 --> 2137.42]  In Jesus' name.
+[2138.08 --> 2138.56]  Amen.

Jonah The Man and His Mission #1 (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,875 @@
+[0.00 --> 9.12]  I'm scheduled to come here a number of times in the next number of weeks and so I thought
+[9.12 --> 15.70]  I would like to look at a narrative story in scripture that is a familiar one and that
+[15.70 --> 16.92]  is the story of Jonah.
+[17.52 --> 24.70]  And so over the next number of times when I'm here, I'm going to focus on each subsequent
+[24.70 --> 26.54]  chapter of Jonah.
+[26.54 --> 34.14]  It's not a very long book, I'm tempted almost to read the whole thing, but I'm only going
+[34.14 --> 35.72]  to read chapter one this morning.
+[36.34 --> 40.94]  But I'm going to invite you and those of you who are watching on live stream and who are
+[40.94 --> 45.78]  part of Emanuel Church to spend some time looking at the book of Jonah.
+[45.90 --> 48.88]  Don't just simply read the words.
+[50.36 --> 51.40]  Two challenges.
+[52.10 --> 55.94]  Take a look at its structure, how it is structured.
+[55.94 --> 61.60]  You'll find that chapters one and two have a parallel in chapters three and four.
+[62.36 --> 63.46]  And then here's the challenge.
+[64.40 --> 69.28]  And I will reveal the answer at some point if I don't forget, but I don't think I will.
+[69.48 --> 70.34]  But here's the challenge.
+[70.48 --> 77.16]  See if you can find in your mind and in your heart and in your experience a parallel story
+[77.16 --> 79.28]  out of the New Testament.
+[79.28 --> 88.52]  Just see if you can find in your heart and your mind a parallel story out of the New Testament.
+[89.16 --> 95.26]  The Hebrew writers of the Old Testament were very skilled.
+[95.26 --> 98.80]  They were thoughtful.
+[98.80 --> 103.74]  They were led by the Holy Spirit of God, but they were very skilled.
+[104.26 --> 112.20]  And when you read the book of Jonah, you need to remember that Jonah, who we presume to be
+[112.20 --> 117.42]  the author, was looking back at his experience.
+[117.42 --> 121.02]  He wasn't writing about it as it was happening.
+[121.84 --> 124.06]  He was looking back at it.
+[124.20 --> 126.36]  It was history for him.
+[127.30 --> 129.76]  And it becomes history for us.
+[130.52 --> 134.30]  And we need to try to find ourselves in the story.
+[134.80 --> 138.10]  So let me read from Jonah chapter one.
+[138.10 --> 145.32]  The word of the Lord came to Jonah, the son of Amittai, go to the great city of Nineveh
+[145.32 --> 150.86]  and preach against it because its wickedness has come up before me.
+[151.84 --> 158.34]  But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish.
+[158.48 --> 162.04]  He went down to Joppa where he found a ship bound for that port.
+[162.04 --> 168.10]  After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
+[169.54 --> 175.42]  Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea and such a violent storm arose that the ship
+[175.42 --> 176.62]  threatened to break up.
+[178.50 --> 183.74]  All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own God.
+[184.78 --> 189.46]  And they threw the cargo into the sea to begin to lighten the ship.
+[189.46 --> 194.20]  But Jonah had gone below deck where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.
+[195.60 --> 199.14]  The captain went to him and said, how can you sleep?
+[199.66 --> 201.66]  Get up and call on your God.
+[202.82 --> 207.44]  Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.
+[209.12 --> 215.50]  Then the sailors said to each other, come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible
+[215.50 --> 216.66]  for this calamity.
+[216.66 --> 220.68]  They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.
+[222.20 --> 227.04]  And so they asked him, tell us who is responsible for making all this trouble for us?
+[227.54 --> 230.04]  What kind of work do you do?
+[230.46 --> 231.52]  Where do you come from?
+[232.08 --> 233.04]  What is your country?
+[233.88 --> 235.46]  From what people are you?
+[236.80 --> 238.18]  And he answered, I'm Hebrew.
+[238.18 --> 244.64]  And I worship the Lord, the God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land.
+[245.56 --> 246.90]  This terrified them.
+[246.98 --> 249.32]  And they asked, what have you done?
+[249.32 --> 256.28]  They knew he was running away from the Lord because he had already told them so.
+[257.24 --> 260.84]  The sea was getting rougher and rougher.
+[261.70 --> 266.40]  So they asked him, what should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?
+[267.46 --> 273.22]  Pick me up and throw me into the sea, he replied, and it will become calm.
+[273.22 --> 279.04]  I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.
+[279.88 --> 283.86]  Instead, the men did their best to roll back to the land.
+[284.74 --> 289.98]  But they could not, for the sea was growing wilder than before.
+[290.24 --> 296.72]  Then they cried out to the Lord, please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man's life.
+[296.72 --> 303.86]  Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.
+[305.08 --> 310.22]  Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm.
+[311.34 --> 317.66]  At this, the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.
+[318.56 --> 325.92]  Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days.
+[326.72 --> 327.66]  And three nights.
+[328.22 --> 329.68]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[332.00 --> 335.24]  So what have you been doing over the last number of months?
+[336.36 --> 339.08]  You've had time to do different things.
+[339.72 --> 340.60]  School has been out.
+[340.60 --> 349.70]  Perhaps if you have children at home, you had to do some homeschooling, and you discovered the challenging work of a teacher.
+[349.70 --> 358.92]  Or perhaps you've had to work from home, and you've discovered the importance of keeping a routine.
+[360.70 --> 372.06]  Or perhaps you have indulged ever more into social media, and you have become much more adept at finding your way around the internet.
+[372.06 --> 377.78]  Or perhaps you have been reading more.
+[378.78 --> 383.90]  The newspaper, magazines, books, fiction, and nonfiction.
+[384.72 --> 389.20]  What have you been doing over the last three months?
+[390.84 --> 391.56]  Complaining?
+[393.18 --> 394.40]  Binge-watching?
+[394.40 --> 394.90]  Binge-watching?
+[395.30 --> 395.74]  Binge-watching?
+[396.36 --> 398.98]  I've painted the interior of our house.
+[400.72 --> 402.36]  Our marriage is still together.
+[403.98 --> 411.22]  One of the things that happened is that this man died in the time.
+[412.10 --> 414.72]  His name is Ravi Zacharias.
+[415.54 --> 421.96]  Ravi Zacharias was born in India, converted to the Christian faith in his teenage years.
+[421.96 --> 425.56]  he was about 17, he had attempted to commit suicide.
+[427.26 --> 431.00]  And as a result of that attempt on his life,
+[431.88 --> 436.66]  he was confronted by the reality of who Jesus was,
+[437.66 --> 440.78]  and he committed his life to Christ
+[440.78 --> 445.12]  by the sovereign grace of God, working in his heart.
+[446.32 --> 451.16]  He moved to Canada, went to now what is Tyndale Seminary,
+[451.96 --> 455.44]  became part of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church,
+[456.18 --> 459.94]  and established a ministry of apologetics.
+[459.94 --> 466.62]  That is, he went around to people to defend the Christian faith.
+[468.14 --> 471.76]  He's been doing that for years and years, going to college campuses,
+[471.76 --> 476.22]  and has a whole ministry that is now based in the state of Georgia.
+[476.22 --> 482.28]  He was diagnosed with cancer earlier, or late last year, early this year,
+[482.50 --> 486.20]  and died rather quickly in May of this past year.
+[486.20 --> 493.88]  He had a blog and a radio program entitled,
+[493.88 --> 498.00]  Let My People Think.
+[498.00 --> 502.84]  Let My People Think.
+[502.84 --> 510.38]  In other words, let my people grow deeper into the Christian faith,
+[511.22 --> 514.82]  thinking about not only its doctrines,
+[515.28 --> 517.52]  but also its practices.
+[517.52 --> 524.86]  thinking about how we can best address the issues of the day.
+[525.60 --> 531.76]  Thinking about how we can best walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
+[531.76 --> 536.28]  In response to his death,
+[536.28 --> 540.58]  I began to read one of his books once again,
+[540.58 --> 545.80]  because I wanted to come to a deeper sense of appreciation
+[545.80 --> 549.18]  for the impactful ministry he has had.
+[549.24 --> 552.72]  And if you have had time now to explore the internet,
+[552.92 --> 553.86]  you'll know about YouTube,
+[554.14 --> 556.44]  and you just have to put his name onto YouTube,
+[556.44 --> 561.06]  and you get all sorts of different videos and clips of his work.
+[561.06 --> 565.16]  He is a very thoughtful, convicting speaker,
+[565.82 --> 571.18]  and I think you would benefit from hearing what he has to say.
+[571.24 --> 571.72]  But he said,
+[572.24 --> 575.58]  Let my people think.
+[577.12 --> 579.68]  And as I was reflecting on that,
+[579.76 --> 584.96]  and reflecting upon the need to lay open God's word,
+[584.96 --> 589.22]  I thought, maybe we should think a little bit more about Jonah.
+[589.82 --> 592.00]  Now Jonah is a very popular topic, of course,
+[592.50 --> 596.62]  because Sunday school classes can be built around him.
+[597.38 --> 601.24]  Vacation Bible school themes can be built around what happened.
+[601.38 --> 607.06]  I mean, kids just love this whole idea of storms and whales or great fishes
+[607.06 --> 609.82]  and living inside of a fish for three days.
+[609.92 --> 613.82]  I mean, you could make something dramatic of that.
+[614.96 --> 617.54]  But you really want to ask,
+[617.96 --> 621.60]  what do we know about Jonah,
+[621.96 --> 626.56]  and do we really believe that Jonah existed?
+[626.78 --> 628.62]  Because there's much debate about that.
+[629.10 --> 633.58]  Who believes that a fish could be so big to swallow a man,
+[633.68 --> 635.90]  to allow to live inside of the stomach,
+[636.20 --> 637.94]  full of gastric acid?
+[637.94 --> 642.68]  What would his skin have looked like three days later
+[642.68 --> 645.94]  when he was ejected in a whole blast of protein?
+[648.64 --> 649.36]  Really?
+[649.76 --> 651.60]  Can you really believe that happened?
+[653.30 --> 655.32]  Maybe it's not real.
+[655.58 --> 658.38]  Maybe it's just a fictional story
+[658.38 --> 661.34]  created out of a man's imagination
+[661.34 --> 663.70]  to drive home a point.
+[665.76 --> 667.70]  Maybe it's a parable,
+[668.82 --> 671.48]  a fantastical story
+[671.48 --> 674.78]  to make us think.
+[676.68 --> 678.32]  What do you know about Jonah?
+[679.34 --> 681.54]  Well, Jonah is mentioned
+[681.54 --> 684.48]  not only in the book that bears his name,
+[684.48 --> 687.56]  but also in 2 Kings chapter 14.
+[687.78 --> 688.66]  He was the one.
+[689.16 --> 690.66]  This is Jeroboam II,
+[690.86 --> 692.68]  who was the king
+[692.68 --> 694.06]  in the northern part of Israel.
+[694.34 --> 696.36]  The land had divided,
+[696.56 --> 698.00]  so there was Judah to the south
+[698.00 --> 699.96]  and Israel to the north.
+[700.18 --> 701.78]  And Jeroboam II,
+[702.46 --> 703.68]  not the first king,
+[703.78 --> 705.32]  but the second Jeroboam,
+[705.74 --> 706.60]  was king,
+[706.60 --> 711.66]  and his reign ended in 753 B.C.
+[712.54 --> 714.16]  So he was the one
+[714.16 --> 716.60]  who restored the boundaries of Israel
+[716.60 --> 718.98]  from Labohamath to the Dead Sea
+[718.98 --> 720.94]  in accordance with the word of the Lord,
+[721.34 --> 722.30]  the God of Israel,
+[722.48 --> 724.60]  spoken through his servant Jonah,
+[725.12 --> 726.40]  son of Amittai,
+[726.56 --> 728.52]  the prophet from Gath-Hippar.
+[729.96 --> 732.62]  So Jonah's mentioned in the scriptures
+[732.62 --> 734.48]  in another place.
+[734.48 --> 737.14]  It puts us, then makes us aware
+[737.14 --> 739.02]  of his time frame.
+[740.64 --> 741.82]  And he was a prophet
+[741.82 --> 743.48]  who spoke words of encouragement
+[744.02 --> 745.52]  to Jeroboam II,
+[746.24 --> 747.60]  who, however,
+[748.06 --> 749.50]  was one who was described
+[749.50 --> 750.72]  he did what was evil
+[750.72 --> 751.98]  in the eyes of the Lord.
+[752.46 --> 755.52]  And yet the Lord blessed his work and reign,
+[755.88 --> 759.98]  and he was allowed to expand Israel
+[759.98 --> 761.38]  to its former borders,
+[761.58 --> 762.34]  to the north,
+[762.34 --> 765.18]  to the land that was controlled
+[765.18 --> 766.36]  by the people
+[766.36 --> 768.00]  or the kingdom of Damascus.
+[768.00 --> 771.18]  That had been part of David's reign
+[771.18 --> 771.84]  and kingdom,
+[772.20 --> 773.34]  and Jeroboam II
+[773.34 --> 775.82]  pushed the boundaries back
+[775.82 --> 777.54]  to the north.
+[778.00 --> 779.48]  So his boundaries
+[779.48 --> 780.82]  butted up against
+[780.82 --> 781.58]  the boundaries
+[781.58 --> 783.78]  of what would be called in time
+[783.78 --> 785.34]  the Assyrian kingdom.
+[785.34 --> 788.76]  And the Assyrian kingdom
+[788.76 --> 792.74]  became a fairly large one,
+[792.88 --> 795.68]  and you will see Nineveh,
+[795.80 --> 797.14]  you see the letters,
+[797.30 --> 797.96]  the Assyrian kingdom,
+[798.10 --> 799.02]  and right above that,
+[799.14 --> 800.84]  you'll see it's a little unclear,
+[801.50 --> 804.54]  but that's where the city of Nineveh was.
+[804.54 --> 807.10]  So the Assyrian kingdom
+[807.10 --> 808.60]  was coming up
+[808.60 --> 809.60]  in influence
+[809.60 --> 810.82]  and power
+[810.82 --> 812.54]  at the time of
+[812.54 --> 813.36]  Jonah.
+[814.32 --> 815.56]  It was recognized
+[815.56 --> 817.80]  as a formidable
+[817.80 --> 819.00]  opponent.
+[820.50 --> 821.52]  In time,
+[821.72 --> 823.60]  in 721 BC,
+[824.52 --> 826.26]  the Assyrian empire
+[826.26 --> 827.64]  would destroy
+[827.64 --> 828.98]  the northern part
+[828.98 --> 830.88]  of the land of Israel
+[830.88 --> 833.40]  and take the northern Israelites
+[833.40 --> 834.64]  into captivity
+[834.64 --> 837.36]  from which they never recovered.
+[839.18 --> 840.70]  So Jonah was
+[840.70 --> 841.90]  aware
+[841.90 --> 843.88]  of the Assyrians
+[843.88 --> 845.04]  and
+[845.04 --> 847.14]  of their growing impact
+[847.14 --> 847.88]  and power.
+[848.78 --> 849.96]  This is a picture
+[849.96 --> 851.12]  of the reconstruction
+[851.12 --> 852.72]  of one of the gates
+[852.72 --> 855.48]  of the city of Nineveh,
+[855.90 --> 857.00]  and then beside
+[857.00 --> 858.06]  that
+[858.06 --> 858.48]  is
+[858.48 --> 859.90]  words from
+[859.90 --> 860.80]  the prophet
+[860.80 --> 861.56]  Nahum.
+[862.72 --> 863.62]  He comes about
+[863.62 --> 864.78]  a hundred years later
+[864.78 --> 866.54]  than Jonah,
+[866.88 --> 868.24]  and Nahum writes,
+[868.44 --> 869.54]  woe to the city
+[869.54 --> 870.56]  of blood,
+[870.68 --> 871.48]  full of lies,
+[871.60 --> 872.36]  full of plunder,
+[872.52 --> 873.62]  never without victims.
+[873.72 --> 874.54]  That's verse 1.
+[875.12 --> 876.30]  And then verse 19,
+[876.82 --> 878.68]  nothing can heal you,
+[879.12 --> 880.62]  your wound is fatal,
+[881.18 --> 882.60]  all who hear the news
+[882.60 --> 884.04]  about you clap their hands
+[884.04 --> 884.84]  at your fall,
+[885.40 --> 887.02]  for who has not felt
+[887.02 --> 888.54]  your endless cruelty.
+[890.24 --> 890.98]  Those are the words
+[890.98 --> 891.62]  of Nahum
+[891.62 --> 892.82]  to Nineveh,
+[892.98 --> 894.58]  to the Assyrian Empire,
+[894.74 --> 896.16]  a hundred years or so
+[896.16 --> 897.74]  after Jonah,
+[898.68 --> 900.50]  reflecting on the history
+[900.50 --> 901.70]  and the conduct
+[901.70 --> 903.18]  of the Assyrians.
+[903.84 --> 904.96]  They were known
+[904.96 --> 905.90]  for their cruelty.
+[906.60 --> 907.52]  They were known
+[907.52 --> 909.12]  for their attitude
+[909.12 --> 910.90]  towards their enemy,
+[911.42 --> 912.68]  to destroy them,
+[912.68 --> 914.08]  to beat them down,
+[914.24 --> 915.22]  to celebrate
+[915.22 --> 917.18]  their defeat.
+[918.58 --> 919.96]  So here we are.
+[921.18 --> 922.12]  We have Jonah,
+[922.70 --> 923.34]  a prophet
+[923.34 --> 924.74]  in the northern part
+[924.74 --> 925.84]  of Israel,
+[926.54 --> 927.86]  encouraging the king
+[927.86 --> 929.62]  who has been successful,
+[930.30 --> 931.68]  who is very aware
+[931.68 --> 933.56]  that to the further north
+[933.56 --> 935.28]  and to the east
+[935.28 --> 938.20]  arises this empire,
+[938.20 --> 940.04]  which in time
+[940.04 --> 941.62]  will have very
+[941.62 --> 943.44]  destructive impact
+[943.44 --> 944.78]  on the people
+[944.78 --> 945.64]  of Israel.
+[946.96 --> 948.54]  And God says
+[948.54 --> 949.50]  to Jonah,
+[950.06 --> 952.70]  go to Nineveh,
+[953.02 --> 954.28]  that great city,
+[954.94 --> 956.18]  and preach
+[956.18 --> 957.58]  against it.
+[959.18 --> 960.32]  And Jonah says,
+[960.40 --> 960.60]  no.
+[962.28 --> 963.00]  I ain't going.
+[964.76 --> 966.20]  Alexander Maslow
+[966.20 --> 968.38]  was quoted by John Ortberg,
+[968.74 --> 971.06]  and Maslow gets credit
+[971.06 --> 973.38]  for writing a summary
+[973.38 --> 976.36]  in the words of Dr. Seuss.
+[977.82 --> 979.20]  I would not go there
+[979.20 --> 979.68]  in a boat.
+[980.16 --> 981.22]  I would not go there
+[981.22 --> 981.74]  in a float.
+[982.16 --> 983.26]  I would not go there
+[983.26 --> 983.84]  in a gale.
+[984.02 --> 985.12]  I would not go there
+[985.12 --> 985.68]  in a whale.
+[986.12 --> 987.96]  I do not like the people there.
+[988.50 --> 989.70]  If they'd all died,
+[989.78 --> 990.82]  I would not care.
+[991.68 --> 992.62]  I will not go
+[992.62 --> 993.72]  to that great town.
+[994.14 --> 995.30]  I'd rather choke.
+[995.30 --> 996.88]  I'd rather drown.
+[997.56 --> 998.34]  I will not go
+[998.34 --> 999.36]  by land or sea.
+[1000.06 --> 1001.52]  So stop the talk
+[1001.52 --> 1003.02]  and let me be.
+[1005.70 --> 1006.34]  Jonah says,
+[1006.42 --> 1006.64]  no.
+[1009.46 --> 1010.68]  Imagine for a moment
+[1010.68 --> 1012.68]  that you were a rabbi,
+[1012.90 --> 1014.02]  a Jewish rabbi,
+[1014.64 --> 1015.92]  in 1941,
+[1016.92 --> 1019.02]  and that you lived
+[1019.02 --> 1020.42]  in greater Europe,
+[1020.42 --> 1022.96]  and God came to you
+[1022.96 --> 1023.36]  and said,
+[1023.50 --> 1024.86]  go to Berlin
+[1024.86 --> 1028.28]  and preach against it.
+[1030.80 --> 1032.00]  Would you go?
+[1032.00 --> 1036.48]  By that time,
+[1037.02 --> 1038.68]  the war had started.
+[1039.98 --> 1041.04]  Concentration camps
+[1041.04 --> 1041.70]  were packed.
+[1042.98 --> 1043.66]  Jews were being
+[1043.66 --> 1045.32]  transported en masse.
+[1046.98 --> 1048.74]  Millions would die.
+[1050.34 --> 1051.10]  Would you go?
+[1052.44 --> 1053.88]  Would it make any sense?
+[1053.88 --> 1060.26]  Let my people think.
+[1060.26 --> 1063.02]  Let my people think.
+[1064.68 --> 1066.02]  And so Jonah says,
+[1066.14 --> 1066.32]  no.
+[1067.62 --> 1068.88]  And Jonah decides
+[1068.88 --> 1070.56]  that he's going to run.
+[1071.50 --> 1072.98]  So he goes from his home
+[1072.98 --> 1074.06]  down to Joppa,
+[1074.38 --> 1075.84]  and he gets on a ship
+[1075.84 --> 1076.26]  to Tarshish.
+[1076.26 --> 1076.78]  Tarshish.
+[1077.04 --> 1077.26]  Now,
+[1077.74 --> 1078.98]  notice something,
+[1079.56 --> 1080.72]  because you have to
+[1080.72 --> 1081.50]  slow down
+[1081.50 --> 1082.76]  when you read Scripture,
+[1083.04 --> 1084.72]  because every word
+[1084.72 --> 1086.40]  and every sentence,
+[1086.56 --> 1087.56]  every phrase
+[1087.56 --> 1088.86]  can be packed
+[1088.86 --> 1089.60]  with meaning
+[1089.60 --> 1090.74]  once you begin
+[1090.74 --> 1091.90]  to unravel it
+[1091.90 --> 1092.66]  a little bit.
+[1094.44 --> 1095.72]  Notice that Jonah
+[1095.72 --> 1098.00]  paid his own fare.
+[1100.78 --> 1102.32]  He paid for a ticket,
+[1103.00 --> 1105.02]  which was very unusual
+[1105.02 --> 1105.98]  in the day.
+[1105.98 --> 1107.40]  if you would travel
+[1107.40 --> 1108.02]  by ship,
+[1108.10 --> 1108.70]  because they were
+[1108.70 --> 1109.88]  all cargo ships
+[1109.88 --> 1111.36]  or military ships.
+[1111.52 --> 1113.00]  There weren't cruise liners
+[1113.00 --> 1114.42]  and passenger ships.
+[1115.08 --> 1116.50]  No, you could buy a bed
+[1116.50 --> 1117.32]  and then get from
+[1117.32 --> 1118.36]  point A to B.
+[1118.94 --> 1119.92]  No, you would go
+[1119.92 --> 1120.54]  on a ship
+[1120.54 --> 1121.62]  and you would barter.
+[1121.74 --> 1122.82]  I'll sweep the deck.
+[1123.54 --> 1124.82]  I'll cook the food.
+[1125.24 --> 1126.32]  I'll help you load
+[1126.32 --> 1127.12]  and unload
+[1127.12 --> 1131.80]  in exchange for a trip,
+[1132.00 --> 1133.40]  because I'm at A
+[1133.40 --> 1134.68]  and I need to get to B
+[1134.68 --> 1135.46]  and I know you're
+[1135.46 --> 1136.08]  getting to be,
+[1136.16 --> 1137.16]  you're going to be.
+[1138.68 --> 1139.68]  But Jonah doesn't barter.
+[1141.24 --> 1142.28]  Jonah pays the fare.
+[1143.60 --> 1145.86]  He is a man of means.
+[1146.30 --> 1149.02]  He is a person of influence.
+[1150.28 --> 1152.82]  He can direct his own life.
+[1152.82 --> 1155.22]  And he says,
+[1155.42 --> 1157.20]  I will not go there in a boat.
+[1157.32 --> 1159.28]  I will not go there in a float.
+[1160.52 --> 1161.76]  Let them all die.
+[1161.88 --> 1163.10]  I do not care.
+[1164.70 --> 1166.20]  And so he goes his own way.
+[1166.60 --> 1167.94]  Instead of going to Nineveh,
+[1168.04 --> 1169.34]  he goes to Tarshish.
+[1170.26 --> 1171.74]  And we think that Tarshish
+[1171.74 --> 1173.74]  is probably located roughly now
+[1173.74 --> 1176.74]  where the Gibraltar is located
+[1176.74 --> 1178.02]  in Spain.
+[1178.42 --> 1180.10]  For that time,
+[1181.12 --> 1182.22]  it would be seen
+[1182.22 --> 1182.84]  and known
+[1182.84 --> 1184.28]  as the end of the world.
+[1185.24 --> 1187.34]  As far as he could go,
+[1188.12 --> 1190.46]  Jonah would go.
+[1193.52 --> 1194.56]  And then,
+[1195.56 --> 1197.26]  God sends a storm.
+[1200.52 --> 1201.98]  Jonah has sinned.
+[1201.98 --> 1205.28]  He has refused to obey God.
+[1206.46 --> 1210.08]  And sin always has its consequences.
+[1211.34 --> 1212.52]  You lie.
+[1212.68 --> 1213.26]  You cheat.
+[1214.14 --> 1215.74]  You practice injustice.
+[1216.64 --> 1218.56]  We live in a moral universe.
+[1219.84 --> 1222.74]  And sin always has its consequence.
+[1223.86 --> 1225.88]  Sin puts you in a prison.
+[1226.96 --> 1228.60]  Sin eats you up
+[1228.60 --> 1231.54]  from the inside to the outside.
+[1231.98 --> 1233.66]  I don't recall the name
+[1233.66 --> 1234.60]  of the movie right now,
+[1234.70 --> 1236.26]  but I watched a movie
+[1236.26 --> 1237.44]  about Mr. Rogers.
+[1237.60 --> 1238.70]  Do you remember Mr. Rogers?
+[1238.80 --> 1239.44]  He was nominated
+[1239.44 --> 1240.70]  for an Academy Award
+[1240.70 --> 1242.66]  with Tom Hanks.
+[1244.52 --> 1246.26]  And Mr. Rogers meets
+[1246.26 --> 1247.48]  a guy named Lloyd.
+[1247.92 --> 1250.30]  And Lloyd hates his father.
+[1251.36 --> 1252.88]  And it's eating him up
+[1252.88 --> 1254.36]  on the inside.
+[1255.78 --> 1257.24]  If you want to watch a good movie,
+[1257.32 --> 1258.74]  let me recommend that one to you.
+[1259.26 --> 1259.52]  All right?
+[1259.52 --> 1262.20]  Because it's a story
+[1262.20 --> 1263.66]  about overcoming.
+[1264.14 --> 1264.82]  Mr. Rogers,
+[1265.00 --> 1266.52]  as some of you probably know,
+[1266.94 --> 1268.44]  was a Presbyterian pastor
+[1268.44 --> 1269.54]  for over 30 years.
+[1269.74 --> 1270.58]  But he focused
+[1270.58 --> 1271.66]  on children's ministry.
+[1271.80 --> 1272.80]  He didn't talk overtly
+[1272.80 --> 1273.96]  about Jesus so much,
+[1274.04 --> 1276.20]  but he wanted to help children
+[1276.20 --> 1279.46]  deal with their feelings
+[1279.46 --> 1280.82]  and their fears
+[1280.82 --> 1282.36]  and their experiences.
+[1283.00 --> 1284.26]  There's a line in that movie
+[1284.26 --> 1286.56]  that continues to sort of
+[1286.56 --> 1287.94]  grab my attention.
+[1288.14 --> 1288.44]  He says,
+[1288.60 --> 1288.98]  Death,
+[1289.36 --> 1292.30]  death is often not talked about.
+[1293.66 --> 1296.78]  But if we mention death,
+[1298.22 --> 1300.42]  then by mentioning it,
+[1300.94 --> 1302.72]  it becomes manageable.
+[1302.72 --> 1307.88]  And, you know,
+[1307.92 --> 1309.36]  he deals with this person,
+[1309.58 --> 1309.90]  Lloyd,
+[1310.06 --> 1313.66]  whose life is being torn apart
+[1313.66 --> 1315.60]  by his anger
+[1315.60 --> 1317.38]  and by his pain,
+[1317.58 --> 1319.10]  by his sin,
+[1319.18 --> 1320.24]  as well as the sin
+[1320.24 --> 1321.36]  of his father.
+[1321.52 --> 1323.50]  It's a complicated story
+[1323.50 --> 1326.00]  and yet a universal story.
+[1326.00 --> 1329.16]  And the reality is
+[1329.16 --> 1330.74]  that's what sin does.
+[1332.18 --> 1333.96]  Sin eats away
+[1333.96 --> 1335.24]  and breaks
+[1335.24 --> 1337.06]  and tears
+[1337.06 --> 1337.92]  and destroys.
+[1338.74 --> 1339.98]  God sends a storm.
+[1342.56 --> 1343.74]  And the storm grows great.
+[1343.86 --> 1344.76]  Now these sailors
+[1344.76 --> 1346.28]  are experienced people,
+[1347.22 --> 1348.88]  but they notice
+[1348.88 --> 1349.84]  that this storm
+[1349.84 --> 1351.36]  seems to be extraordinary.
+[1352.82 --> 1354.38]  And they begin to wonder
+[1354.38 --> 1355.66]  who is the cause?
+[1355.66 --> 1356.70]  What is the cause?
+[1356.98 --> 1358.00]  This isn't natural.
+[1358.20 --> 1360.10]  This isn't the way
+[1360.10 --> 1361.64]  we have experienced it
+[1361.64 --> 1362.90]  in the past.
+[1366.48 --> 1367.96]  And then they cast a lot.
+[1369.46 --> 1370.58]  And think about
+[1370.58 --> 1371.70]  what they asked Jonah.
+[1373.28 --> 1374.32]  Who are you?
+[1376.20 --> 1377.34]  What do you do?
+[1378.92 --> 1380.44]  Where do you come from?
+[1382.44 --> 1384.04]  Who do you serve?
+[1384.04 --> 1386.58]  Those are questions
+[1386.58 --> 1387.72]  of identity.
+[1388.24 --> 1389.28]  Remember the story.
+[1389.40 --> 1390.60]  This is not the parallel story
+[1390.60 --> 1391.08]  I'm looking,
+[1391.38 --> 1392.40]  having you look for
+[1392.40 --> 1393.70]  for the story of Jonah.
+[1393.78 --> 1394.58]  But remember the story
+[1394.58 --> 1395.12]  of Jesus
+[1395.12 --> 1396.50]  as recorded in
+[1396.50 --> 1397.94]  Mark chapter 4.
+[1398.02 --> 1398.90]  He falls asleep
+[1398.90 --> 1399.42]  in a boat
+[1399.42 --> 1400.76]  and the storm comes
+[1400.76 --> 1401.78]  and the disciples
+[1401.78 --> 1402.44]  wake him
+[1402.44 --> 1403.76]  and they say,
+[1403.84 --> 1404.58]  aren't you afraid?
+[1404.78 --> 1405.56]  And he gets up
+[1405.56 --> 1406.10]  and he says,
+[1406.80 --> 1408.38]  peace be still.
+[1408.38 --> 1412.16]  And the wind abates
+[1412.16 --> 1413.98]  and the storm abates
+[1413.98 --> 1415.76]  and the apostles
+[1415.76 --> 1416.48]  look at him
+[1416.48 --> 1417.72]  and ask this question.
+[1418.20 --> 1421.16]  Who then is this
+[1421.16 --> 1422.76]  that even the winds
+[1422.76 --> 1423.54]  and the waves
+[1423.54 --> 1424.52]  obey him?
+[1425.36 --> 1426.18]  Jonah's asked
+[1426.18 --> 1427.26]  an identity question.
+[1427.34 --> 1427.86]  Who are you?
+[1427.92 --> 1428.68]  Where are you from?
+[1428.96 --> 1429.88]  What are you doing?
+[1429.96 --> 1430.72]  What's your purpose?
+[1430.84 --> 1431.60]  What's your place?
+[1431.70 --> 1432.68]  Who are your people?
+[1432.68 --> 1435.26]  I am a Hebrew
+[1435.26 --> 1437.94]  and I serve the God
+[1437.94 --> 1441.12]  who created the land
+[1441.12 --> 1442.60]  and the sea
+[1442.60 --> 1447.02]  and they are deathly afraid.
+[1450.06 --> 1451.78]  They are deathly afraid
+[1451.78 --> 1454.24]  because the great God
+[1454.24 --> 1454.96]  is the God
+[1454.96 --> 1457.28]  who created the land
+[1457.28 --> 1458.26]  and the sea
+[1458.26 --> 1460.62]  and they are feeling vulnerable.
+[1462.68 --> 1463.92]  And they do everything
+[1463.92 --> 1464.76]  that they can.
+[1465.90 --> 1468.02]  They throw the cargo overboard.
+[1468.78 --> 1469.76]  Now stop to think
+[1469.76 --> 1470.74]  what that means a minute.
+[1471.84 --> 1473.78]  They're throwing their product,
+[1473.96 --> 1475.34]  their wages overboard.
+[1475.50 --> 1476.14]  They're throwing
+[1476.14 --> 1478.02]  their future overboard.
+[1478.68 --> 1479.86]  This is not just simply
+[1479.86 --> 1481.12]  a matter of lightening
+[1481.12 --> 1482.58]  their ship.
+[1482.68 --> 1484.92]  This is a matter of surviving
+[1484.92 --> 1486.02]  and then entering
+[1486.02 --> 1487.66]  into abject poverty.
+[1488.64 --> 1489.52]  There's no insurance
+[1489.52 --> 1490.32]  at that point.
+[1490.32 --> 1493.06]  They are putting themselves
+[1493.06 --> 1494.42]  at great risk.
+[1496.10 --> 1496.86]  And the captain,
+[1497.12 --> 1499.70]  he marshals all the resources
+[1499.70 --> 1500.98]  that he can,
+[1501.84 --> 1502.90]  directing his sailors
+[1502.90 --> 1504.18]  but then looking
+[1504.18 --> 1506.24]  for this other passenger
+[1506.24 --> 1508.40]  who is sleeping
+[1508.40 --> 1510.14]  below deck.
+[1510.86 --> 1512.10]  See, this is the ship
+[1512.10 --> 1512.84]  of Tarshish.
+[1513.52 --> 1514.50]  If you read the stories
+[1514.50 --> 1515.06]  of Solomon,
+[1515.20 --> 1516.04]  he had a whole fleet
+[1516.04 --> 1516.72]  of these ships.
+[1517.46 --> 1519.04]  These were not small boats.
+[1519.04 --> 1521.90]  This was a ship
+[1521.90 --> 1523.34]  that had multiple decks.
+[1523.50 --> 1524.18]  It could be driven
+[1524.18 --> 1526.06]  by ore and by wind.
+[1526.76 --> 1528.70]  And they had all sorts
+[1528.70 --> 1529.76]  of cargo that delivered
+[1529.76 --> 1530.84]  here or there.
+[1531.20 --> 1532.50]  And Jonah was below deck.
+[1533.50 --> 1534.62]  And he was sleeping.
+[1535.00 --> 1536.00]  And the captain comes
+[1536.00 --> 1536.38]  and says,
+[1536.74 --> 1536.94]  you know,
+[1536.98 --> 1537.74]  wake up!
+[1538.64 --> 1540.76]  The captain berates him.
+[1542.50 --> 1544.08]  Pray to your God.
+[1544.08 --> 1544.14]  God.
+[1545.14 --> 1545.88]  We've got to have
+[1545.88 --> 1547.22]  everything going
+[1547.22 --> 1549.30]  going for us.
+[1550.12 --> 1552.12]  That is how scary it is.
+[1552.60 --> 1554.26]  And recognize this thing
+[1554.26 --> 1556.40]  that you hear so often today
+[1556.40 --> 1558.16]  in the context of COVID-19.
+[1558.42 --> 1561.04]  We're all in this together.
+[1561.72 --> 1564.80]  We all are on the same boat.
+[1564.80 --> 1568.66]  So mobilize your resources.
+[1570.18 --> 1571.28]  Do what is right.
+[1572.76 --> 1574.06]  And here's one of the lessons,
+[1574.24 --> 1574.62]  I think,
+[1574.92 --> 1576.08]  that we need to learn
+[1576.08 --> 1577.22]  from the story
+[1577.22 --> 1579.20]  that is recorded in Jonah.
+[1580.48 --> 1581.52]  The pagans
+[1581.52 --> 1583.44]  come off
+[1583.44 --> 1585.14]  more favorably
+[1585.14 --> 1586.92]  than the prophet
+[1586.92 --> 1588.12]  of God.
+[1590.22 --> 1591.68]  The pagans
+[1591.68 --> 1593.78]  do everything right.
+[1595.96 --> 1596.92]  And therefore,
+[1597.32 --> 1598.14]  as Christians,
+[1598.36 --> 1599.18]  we need to learn
+[1599.18 --> 1599.78]  a lesson
+[1599.78 --> 1600.62]  and that is
+[1600.62 --> 1601.86]  that we respect
+[1601.86 --> 1603.16]  everyone
+[1603.16 --> 1604.30]  regardless
+[1604.30 --> 1605.62]  of their beliefs.
+[1608.16 --> 1609.52]  And we treat them
+[1609.52 --> 1610.38]  as we would like
+[1610.38 --> 1611.06]  to be treated,
+[1611.42 --> 1612.06]  respectfully.
+[1614.46 --> 1615.44]  The pagans
+[1615.44 --> 1616.20]  do what is right.
+[1616.32 --> 1617.34]  They say to Jonah,
+[1617.52 --> 1618.66]  what should we do?
+[1618.76 --> 1619.38]  Jonah says,
+[1619.48 --> 1620.66]  toss me overboard.
+[1620.66 --> 1621.68]  And they said,
+[1621.78 --> 1622.94]  we can't do that.
+[1624.30 --> 1625.36]  And so rather
+[1625.36 --> 1626.68]  than toss them overboard,
+[1626.90 --> 1628.10]  they dig
+[1628.10 --> 1630.22]  really hard
+[1630.22 --> 1631.04]  into the water.
+[1631.12 --> 1632.08]  The Hebrew word
+[1632.08 --> 1632.62]  actually
+[1632.62 --> 1633.64]  for their rowing
+[1633.64 --> 1634.90]  is that they're digging.
+[1635.28 --> 1636.00]  They are putting
+[1636.00 --> 1637.10]  every effort
+[1637.10 --> 1639.36]  into getting to shore.
+[1640.06 --> 1641.42]  But they can't.
+[1642.12 --> 1642.80]  So tell us,
+[1642.86 --> 1643.18]  they say,
+[1643.24 --> 1644.06]  who is responsible
+[1644.06 --> 1645.20]  for making this trouble
+[1645.20 --> 1645.76]  for us?
+[1646.10 --> 1646.94]  What kind of work do you do?
+[1647.24 --> 1648.08]  Where do you come from?
+[1648.32 --> 1649.06]  What is your country?
+[1649.42 --> 1650.44]  From what people are you?
+[1650.44 --> 1651.66]  I am a Hebrew.
+[1653.00 --> 1654.28]  And the ship gets flooded.
+[1656.36 --> 1657.86]  And they toss them overboard.
+[1660.28 --> 1661.44]  And it's like a flip
+[1661.44 --> 1663.02]  of a switch.
+[1664.72 --> 1667.16]  And it's quiet.
+[1667.16 --> 1672.42]  And notice the response
+[1672.42 --> 1673.74]  of the pagan sailors.
+[1675.22 --> 1677.08]  They are afraid.
+[1679.88 --> 1680.90]  They have prayed.
+[1680.90 --> 1681.26]  Lord,
+[1681.80 --> 1683.90]  do not hold the sin against us
+[1683.90 --> 1685.82]  of throwing this guy overboard.
+[1686.18 --> 1688.24]  But they are afraid.
+[1690.08 --> 1691.60]  And they bring sacrifices.
+[1691.60 --> 1693.44]  Now the important point here,
+[1693.82 --> 1694.38]  I think,
+[1694.44 --> 1695.98]  is often lost on us
+[1695.98 --> 1697.60]  out of our own experience.
+[1697.94 --> 1700.28]  Because we often come to God
+[1700.28 --> 1701.86]  and we say to God,
+[1702.30 --> 1704.86]  if you do this for us,
+[1704.90 --> 1706.16]  if you help us,
+[1706.38 --> 1707.72]  then we will,
+[1708.38 --> 1709.62]  and we'll fill in the blanks,
+[1709.66 --> 1710.46]  we will believe,
+[1710.64 --> 1712.14]  we will dedicate our lives to you,
+[1712.20 --> 1713.06]  we will serve you.
+[1713.06 --> 1716.22]  But we're in a foxhole now, God,
+[1716.34 --> 1717.84]  and we need your help.
+[1719.52 --> 1721.22]  But that's not what happens here.
+[1721.22 --> 1725.54]  They are responding
+[1725.54 --> 1727.18]  after the danger is over.
+[1728.18 --> 1730.02]  After the crisis is gone.
+[1730.58 --> 1731.92]  The storm is gone.
+[1732.32 --> 1733.46]  The waves are calm.
+[1733.84 --> 1736.00]  The wind is calm.
+[1736.78 --> 1738.14]  They're making progress.
+[1739.32 --> 1740.28]  And they are afraid.
+[1740.80 --> 1742.96]  And they offer a sacrifice.
+[1743.68 --> 1745.16]  And the Hebrew catches it here.
+[1745.24 --> 1747.52]  They offer a sacrifice to Yahweh,
+[1748.20 --> 1749.74]  to the God of covenant.
+[1749.74 --> 1753.84]  They become, it seems,
+[1754.86 --> 1757.84]  believers in the God of the Hebrews.
+[1758.62 --> 1761.52]  The God who created the heavens and the earth.
+[1761.96 --> 1762.32]  Why?
+[1762.84 --> 1765.28]  Not because of what he will do for them
+[1765.28 --> 1767.98]  in the future,
+[1768.76 --> 1771.28]  but what he has done for them
+[1771.28 --> 1773.20]  in the past.
+[1774.36 --> 1775.48]  And what has he done?
+[1775.82 --> 1778.16]  He has accepted the sacrifice of one.
+[1778.16 --> 1778.26]  One.
+[1779.26 --> 1780.96]  To benefit the all.
+[1783.22 --> 1783.92]  And later,
+[1784.46 --> 1786.12]  the New Testament will teach,
+[1786.74 --> 1788.72]  it is better that one man should die,
+[1789.78 --> 1792.22]  than that all the nation should perish.
+[1792.22 --> 1800.00]  He has taken the substitutionary sacrifice of Jonah
+[1800.00 --> 1803.90]  and liberated from death
+[1803.90 --> 1806.16]  the pagan sailors
+[1806.16 --> 1810.52]  who have tossed him overboard.
+[1810.52 --> 1840.50]  He has taken the
+[1840.50 --> 1841.50]  a book of the Bible,
+[1841.50 --> 1841.72]  a fiction,
+[1841.72 --> 1843.12]  a story.
+[1843.12 --> 1844.56]  I want to say to you,
+[1845.96 --> 1847.28]  the resurrection of Jesus
+[1847.28 --> 1848.60]  is a greater miracle
+[1848.60 --> 1851.08]  than the creation of a great fish
+[1851.08 --> 1852.16]  with an antechamber
+[1852.16 --> 1854.44]  in which Jonah might have had a bench
+[1854.44 --> 1854.88]  and a pillow.
+[1857.80 --> 1859.76]  The resurrection of Jesus
+[1859.76 --> 1864.46]  demonstrates the power of God
+[1864.46 --> 1866.84]  and the concern of God.
+[1867.84 --> 1869.74]  So let us think.
+[1870.62 --> 1872.80]  What lessons do we learn
+[1872.80 --> 1875.64]  about our identity
+[1875.64 --> 1878.36]  as people redeemed
+[1878.36 --> 1880.54]  in Jesus Christ?
+[1880.54 --> 1885.82]  We are the messengers to the world,
+[1885.82 --> 1890.84]  the tellers of the story of God's power,
+[1891.50 --> 1894.02]  and God's power is demonstrated
+[1894.02 --> 1895.10]  throughout this thing.
+[1895.64 --> 1896.52]  There is a call.
+[1897.74 --> 1898.94]  There is a commission.
+[1899.78 --> 1901.18]  Go to that great city.
+[1902.02 --> 1903.62]  People often don't like the commission
+[1903.62 --> 1904.82]  and preach against it.
+[1906.32 --> 1907.32]  Preach against it.
+[1907.32 --> 1909.86]  We are talking about a God of love,
+[1909.94 --> 1910.92]  not a God of wrath.
+[1911.94 --> 1912.34]  Really?
+[1913.98 --> 1914.46]  Really?
+[1915.04 --> 1916.00]  I will tell you something
+[1916.00 --> 1916.92]  that I hate.
+[1917.48 --> 1918.96]  I hate COVID-19.
+[1920.08 --> 1921.54]  I hate that virus.
+[1922.10 --> 1923.80]  I hope scientists will discover
+[1923.80 --> 1925.64]  a tool that will crush it
+[1925.64 --> 1927.60]  absolutely and completely.
+[1928.46 --> 1929.38]  And I think that is
+[1929.38 --> 1931.66]  a perfectly justifiable hate.
+[1931.66 --> 1936.02]  God hates sin.
+[1937.40 --> 1939.28]  And he wants to crush it completely
+[1939.28 --> 1941.76]  because it destroys relationships.
+[1942.24 --> 1944.36]  It eats people up from the inside.
+[1944.78 --> 1946.90]  It destroys the relationship with God,
+[1947.28 --> 1948.72]  the relationship with themselves,
+[1949.06 --> 1950.44]  the relationship with others,
+[1950.74 --> 1952.28]  the relationship with the world.
+[1953.46 --> 1954.66]  I was listening to the news
+[1954.66 --> 1956.26]  coming up here this morning.
+[1957.12 --> 1959.76]  One of the great destroyers in the world
+[1959.76 --> 1961.96]  is what we do with our solid waste,
+[1962.28 --> 1964.96]  with our telephones and computers
+[1964.96 --> 1965.76]  and televisions
+[1966.30 --> 1968.04]  that we can no longer use.
+[1968.64 --> 1971.86]  And we just simply pile them up
+[1971.86 --> 1973.86]  and then poor villages
+[1973.86 --> 1976.20]  in Vietnam and in other places
+[1976.20 --> 1977.60]  strip out the wire
+[1977.60 --> 1979.98]  and the rest goes into landfill.
+[1981.26 --> 1983.04]  You stop to ask yourself,
+[1983.04 --> 1985.04]  what do we do
+[1985.04 --> 1987.20]  with the care of this world?
+[1988.10 --> 1990.10]  God is sovereign.
+[1990.84 --> 1992.12]  And he comes to Jonah
+[1992.12 --> 1993.04]  and he says, go.
+[1994.14 --> 1994.90]  And Jonah says,
+[1994.98 --> 1996.14]  no, I will not go.
+[1997.30 --> 1999.44]  I would rather that they all die.
+[2000.96 --> 2002.26]  And God reminds him,
+[2002.30 --> 2002.70]  he says,
+[2002.96 --> 2004.38]  I am the God of the Hebrews.
+[2006.58 --> 2008.54]  And what were the Hebrew nation
+[2008.54 --> 2010.14]  set aside for?
+[2010.50 --> 2012.12]  Well, remember the words to Abraham?
+[2012.12 --> 2014.06]  I will bless you
+[2014.06 --> 2016.86]  so that you will be a blessing.
+[2017.50 --> 2018.46]  To who?
+[2019.24 --> 2020.34]  To the nations.
+[2021.16 --> 2022.28]  To the people.
+[2022.60 --> 2023.92]  And what does Jesus say?
+[2024.76 --> 2028.76]  Go and make disciples of all nations
+[2028.76 --> 2033.54]  and surely I will be with you always
+[2033.54 --> 2035.44]  to the end of the age.
+[2035.44 --> 2038.06]  So I'm going to invite you
+[2038.06 --> 2039.94]  to think,
+[2040.48 --> 2042.96]  who am I
+[2042.96 --> 2044.64]  in Jesus?
+[2045.60 --> 2048.72]  And what does God want me to do
+[2048.72 --> 2052.28]  with those with whom
+[2052.28 --> 2054.62]  I have relationship?
+[2056.10 --> 2057.70]  The sailors on our boat.
+[2057.70 --> 2060.92]  we're all in it together.
+[2062.36 --> 2064.28]  How can we best share?
+[2065.50 --> 2067.36]  How can we best bless?
+[2068.16 --> 2069.52]  It may be as simple
+[2069.52 --> 2071.96]  as wearing a mask
+[2071.96 --> 2074.96]  or touching an elbow
+[2074.96 --> 2078.24]  or encouraging people
+[2078.24 --> 2078.26]  or encouraging people
+[2078.26 --> 2079.82]  to believe
+[2079.82 --> 2081.78]  that God
+[2081.78 --> 2083.96]  will have the last word.
+[2086.64 --> 2087.74]  So what do you think?
+[2088.78 --> 2089.46]  Let's pray.
+[2090.64 --> 2091.40]  Father God,
+[2091.50 --> 2092.86]  thank you for this day.
+[2093.86 --> 2095.40]  Thank you for this opportunity.
+[2095.76 --> 2096.90]  Thank you for your word.
+[2096.90 --> 2100.08]  Thank you for a person like Jonah
+[2100.08 --> 2102.34]  who would dare to reflect
+[2102.34 --> 2104.40]  on a very hard experience
+[2104.40 --> 2105.22]  that he went through.
+[2107.16 --> 2108.44]  Thank you for people
+[2108.44 --> 2109.68]  who will show us
+[2109.68 --> 2112.82]  how we can conduct ourselves respectfully.
+[2114.36 --> 2116.50]  We pray that we may learn the lesson.
+[2117.12 --> 2118.26]  That we may recognize
+[2118.26 --> 2120.10]  that you are sovereign God.
+[2120.76 --> 2121.90]  And that you can
+[2121.90 --> 2123.36]  not only send a great fish
+[2123.36 --> 2124.58]  but raise the dead
+[2124.58 --> 2126.92]  and have the last word.
+[2127.64 --> 2128.56]  We praise you
+[2128.56 --> 2129.72]  and we ask that you would
+[2129.72 --> 2131.10]  equip us to think
+[2131.10 --> 2131.80]  clearly
+[2131.80 --> 2133.22]  and accurately
+[2133.22 --> 2134.94]  and in such a way
+[2134.94 --> 2135.84]  as to honor you.
+[2136.48 --> 2137.42]  In Jesus' name.
+[2138.08 --> 2138.56]  Amen.

Jonah The Man and His Mission #2 (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,209 @@
+[0.00 --> 8.24]  Thanks, Ken. Well, good morning again, everyone. I was here last week, privileged to be here,
+[8.40 --> 16.62]  and began what I hope will be completed in a number of weeks, a sermon series on the book
+[16.62 --> 23.78]  of Jonah. Now, Jonah, as I mentioned last week, is a fairly popular book for vacation Bible school
+[23.78 --> 31.04]  programs and Sunday school programs, etc. You know, the drama of the story lends itself to pictures
+[31.04 --> 42.66]  and to crayons and to short plays and so forth. But in the drama of the story, there is also a journey
+[42.66 --> 50.90]  that we are all invited to participate in. It's not just simply a story. It's an invitation to
+[50.90 --> 61.18]  reflection and to understanding. Some people have said that there are three main foci or lessons in
+[61.18 --> 68.58]  the book of Jonah. The predominant one, which I think is the right one, is a focus on an understanding
+[68.58 --> 76.44]  of the grace of God. But there's also a quest towards justice, to doing what is right,
+[76.44 --> 85.84]  and a quest towards dealing with the issue of racism. Because Jonah, as you read the story,
+[86.32 --> 96.90]  does not come off as a very nice person, actually. He is a racist. He hates anyone who is not like him.
+[96.90 --> 106.58]  He wants to see the Ninevites destroyed. When you look closely at the story, you wonder about the
+[106.58 --> 113.66]  source of the story. And the source of the story has to be Jonah himself, whether he wrote it himself,
+[113.90 --> 121.80]  or whether he told the story to someone else who then wrote it down. How would that person have known
+[121.80 --> 131.08]  it except that Jonah had shared it? It's quite something to think about a person sharing a story
+[131.08 --> 139.86]  in which he comes off so negatively. If you're not familiar with a story, it only takes about 20 minutes
+[139.86 --> 148.30]  to read, if that. It's four chapters, 67 verses. It's not very long. In my Bible, it's two pages.
+[148.30 --> 156.44]  That's it. Last week, we looked at chapter one. It was the story of Jonah receiving the word from God,
+[156.54 --> 162.76]  go to Nineveh and preach against that great city, for its wickedness has come up before me.
+[163.46 --> 171.82]  And Jonah says, no, I'm not going to go. He stopped to think about that for a minute, because Jonah
+[171.82 --> 178.38]  was a prophet of God. We have reference to him in the book of the Kings. He worked at the time of
+[178.38 --> 186.82]  Jeroboam II, a king in northern Israel. And he prophesied about the expansion or the recovery
+[186.82 --> 197.62]  of Israel's geographical area. And Jeroboam was able to push its boundaries north, became large again.
+[197.62 --> 205.86]  Jonah was obviously a successful prophet. What he said came true.
+[207.86 --> 216.06]  But Jonah hears this word from God, says, nope, I ain't going. Forget it. Because those Ninevites
+[216.06 --> 225.84]  deserve to die. I am not going. And so he runs from God. God stops him with a storm.
+[225.84 --> 236.28]  The pagan sailors come off wonderfully good. They try everything they can to save their lives and
+[236.28 --> 242.32]  the lives of Jonah. When they ask him, what have you done? He says, well, I'm running away from God.
+[242.58 --> 251.62]  Who's God? The God of the Hebrews. The God of the Hebrews who had said to the founder of the Hebrew
+[251.62 --> 260.14]  nation, Abraham, I will bless you so that in you all the nations of the earth will be blessed.
+[260.14 --> 270.46]  Even when they knew that Jonah was the cause of the problem, they still try to rescue themselves
+[270.46 --> 277.32]  in him. Finally, they threw him overboard. And they become worshipers in the text, it says,
+[277.42 --> 284.64]  of Yahweh, which is the God of covenant. Every other reference in the book to the Lord is Elohim.
+[284.64 --> 295.80]  But the pagan sailors worship Yahweh, the God of covenant. And then a great fish comes to swallow
+[295.80 --> 302.26]  Jonah. And that's where we pick up the story. So let me read with you Jonah chapter 2. If you have
+[302.26 --> 307.88]  Bibles with you, I invite you to turn to Jonah and then keep your Bibles open because I'll make some
+[307.88 --> 315.60]  references to the text from time to time. From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the Lord, his God.
+[316.94 --> 325.34]  He said, in my distress, I called to the Lord and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead,
+[325.34 --> 335.38]  I called for help. And you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the
+[335.38 --> 342.52]  seas. And the currents swirled about me. All your waves and breakers swept over me. I said,
+[342.64 --> 347.78]  I have been banished from your sight. Yet I will look again toward your holy temple.
+[349.14 --> 357.46]  The engulfing waters threatened me. The deep surrounded me. Seaweed was wrapped around my head.
+[357.46 --> 365.30]  To the roots of the mountains I sank down. The earth beneath barred me in forever.
+[366.72 --> 375.90]  But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you,
+[375.98 --> 382.02]  O Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. To those who cling to worthless idols,
+[382.02 --> 389.86]  forfeit God's love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you.
+[389.86 --> 399.16]  What I have vowed, I will make good. I will say, salvation comes from the Lord. And the Lord
+[399.16 --> 407.38]  commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. This is the word of the Lord.
+[407.38 --> 413.88]  So what's happening here in this particular chapter? I think it could best be described as a journey
+[413.88 --> 422.26]  toward understanding. Have you ever struggled with understanding anything? Think, for example,
+[422.36 --> 427.80]  that you come into a new city, and you need to go to a certain location, you don't know how to get
+[427.80 --> 433.76]  there, and you stop, and you ask somebody for directions who gives you a whole paragraph worth
+[433.76 --> 439.10]  of directions. But you don't want to look stupid, so you agree that you understand everything.
+[439.84 --> 445.56]  And then you keep on driving, only to get hopelessly lost. That ever happened to you?
+[446.34 --> 452.02]  Of course, we live in the age of GPS now, so we don't even have to ask anymore. We can just simply
+[452.02 --> 458.26]  talk to a machine, and it talks back to us. And when we ignore it, it will say, recalculating.
+[458.26 --> 466.06]  You know, that's the reality of, you know, a journey toward understanding. Jonah is on a journey toward
+[466.06 --> 477.20]  understanding who he is. He is a servant of the God of the Hebrews. He is a servant of a God who says,
+[477.50 --> 483.68]  I will bless you so that you, all the nations of the earth, will be blessed.
+[483.68 --> 496.84]  In order to understand, Jonah needs to come to a depth of extremity. If you notice in the text,
+[496.96 --> 504.46]  if you're very careful and slow, you ever notice how some people often talk about devotions,
+[504.56 --> 513.32]  let's just quick pray a minute? Or let's just quickly read a passage? Well, let me ask you,
+[513.32 --> 522.96]  not to do it quickly all the time, but to pay careful attention to words, because words have meaning,
+[523.52 --> 530.86]  and words ought to be pondered and considered. Do you notice in the text that Jonah goes down
+[530.86 --> 538.40]  to Joppa? His geographical location is towards the north. He has to go down towards the south,
+[538.40 --> 548.50]  but he goes down to Joppa. And then he goes down under the main deck of the ship. He is in the belly of the
+[548.50 --> 558.90]  ship, and there he falls asleep. And then he is thrown overboard, and a fish swallows him, but he goes
+[558.90 --> 567.90]  down. He describes that he goes down amongst the weeds into the depths. To understand something,
+[568.58 --> 575.52]  you need to come to an awareness of your own ignorance. Let me relate a personal story.
+[576.98 --> 583.56]  History was something I loved in high school. Languages was something I wasn't very good at.
+[583.56 --> 593.94]  And French was something I really sucked at. And one test indicated I wasn't doing very well,
+[594.06 --> 601.22]  so I went to my teacher and I said, I'm not doing very well. And he said, yep. And you know what the
+[601.22 --> 610.48]  cause of that is? You're ignorant. He says, you don't know your vocabulary. You don't know how to
+[610.48 --> 617.40]  decline these verbs properly. You don't know your spelling properly. You need to do some work.
+[618.92 --> 624.88]  I didn't like what he had to say. As a matter of fact, I thought it was a bit insulting,
+[625.54 --> 635.84]  but I never forgot it because he was absolutely right. I had to work harder. I had to memorize more.
+[635.84 --> 648.32]  I had to ponder. I had to think. I had to be disciplined. And Jonah goes down and notice his feeling.
+[648.62 --> 659.00]  In my distress, in my distress, I called to the Lord and he answered me.
+[659.00 --> 668.84]  And then as the journey goes, because notice that when he calls to the Lord in distress,
+[669.72 --> 677.50]  God doesn't answer him quickly. He doesn't say, oh, fine, Jonah's prayed now. Let's just
+[677.50 --> 682.92]  get him out of the fish and get him back onto shore and, you know, keep his journey to about an hour or so.
+[682.92 --> 694.76]  Let's do it quickly. Sometimes things take time. I related to you last week that one of the projects
+[694.76 --> 701.98]  my wife and I undertook in which we completed this past week was to paint the interior of our house
+[701.98 --> 709.52]  from top to bottom. I'm not a very patient person when it comes to things like that. And I decided that
+[709.52 --> 717.26]  one of the lessons I needed to learn was I was going to do things patiently. But I was reminded of a bumper sticker
+[717.26 --> 727.48]  I saw on the car years ago which said, God, grant me patience, but hurry. Right? But patience doesn't come
+[727.48 --> 738.72]  in a hurry. And God takes his time with Jonah. He leaves Jonah in the belly of the great fish for three days.
+[739.52 --> 749.72]  And makes him ponder. And in the end, Jonah says, now I get it. He says,
+[749.72 --> 759.44]  with shouts of grateful praise, I will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good.
+[759.44 --> 768.04]  I will say, and this is the key verse here, salvation comes from the Lord.
+[769.32 --> 772.50]  Now some have argued that this is the key verse in the scriptures.
+[773.60 --> 779.68]  And all of the scriptures summed up in these words, salvation comes from the Lord.
+[779.68 --> 790.02]  And when Jonah gets it, there is a shout of praise. Just like many people here would shout if the
+[790.02 --> 797.42]  Vancouver Canucks won the Stanley Cup in October. Can you imagine? Right? There would be just a shout
+[797.42 --> 806.92]  of thankfulness and praise. Wow. We succeeded. Well, Jonah comes to this understanding.
+[807.62 --> 816.28]  Salvation is from the Lord. But he doesn't come to it quickly. He needs to go through a process.
+[816.28 --> 824.64]  So the beginning of the process has to be the extreme idea. I just don't understand it yet.
+[825.74 --> 832.90]  And so what does he have to learn? Well, many of us know quite well question and answer one of the
+[832.90 --> 839.86]  Heidelberg Catechism. Anybody have that memorized? What is your only comfort in life and in death?
+[839.86 --> 847.50]  That I am not my own, but I belong body and soul and life and death to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ,
+[847.80 --> 853.08]  who has fully paid for all my sin. And it goes on.
+[855.42 --> 861.60]  Question and answer two, however, is equally important. What must you know to live and die in the joy of this
+[861.60 --> 867.88]  comfort? Number one, how great my sin and misery are. Number two, I am set free from my sin and misery.
+[867.88 --> 873.18]  And number three, how I can be thankful for the great salvation that is mine.
+[874.20 --> 881.96]  And then the Catechism unfolds those three things. Well, Jonah has to come to an understanding
+[881.96 --> 894.88]  of what it means to be a sinner. What it means to come under the wrath of God because of the wickedness
+[894.88 --> 904.80]  within. Now, we don't like to think of ourselves very often in terms of sinfulness. Oh, we're not
+[904.80 --> 915.74]  perfect, but we're pretty good. And we like to stress our accomplishments. We like to stress our
+[915.74 --> 923.60]  freedoms. We like to stress our privileges. We like to stress our rank. We like to stress
+[923.60 --> 929.20]  how good we are trying to be.
+[931.52 --> 938.78]  And Jonah was a successful prophet. He had the ear of the king. He was respected, no doubt,
+[938.88 --> 947.28]  in his community as a servant of God. And now he is in his distress calling out to the Lord
+[947.28 --> 958.90]  God. Because he says, you know something? I recognize I cannot save myself. And even one
+[958.90 --> 969.90]  imperfection, even one sin makes me subject to the wrath of God. The Apostle Paul in Romans chapter
+[969.90 --> 980.02]  1 verse 18 talks about the wickedness of people and how people respond to it. He uses the verb
+[980.02 --> 988.40]  to suppress. I don't like to think about that. So I am not going to think about that. I will
+[988.40 --> 995.80]  just put it behind me and only think about it maybe when I'm in church and somebody forces me to think
+[995.80 --> 1005.86]  about it. But I am not going to think about it. We suppress the truth. Just think about it the next time
+[1005.86 --> 1015.44]  a police officer pulls you over for speeding. I wasn't going that fast. We just suppress the truth. And
+[1015.44 --> 1023.78]  now Jonah in the belly of the great fish has to come face to face with the truth. And in coming face to
+[1023.78 --> 1031.48]  face with the truth, he comes face to face with a second awareness. That he is spiritually powerless.
+[1032.74 --> 1041.60]  That he cannot do anything to earn God's favor. We like to try to do that, of course. We like to try
+[1041.60 --> 1051.22]  to emphasize how good we are, how many religious practices we have observed, how much time we have
+[1051.22 --> 1059.12]  spent in devotions, how many songs we have memorized, and so forth. We always like to stress the things
+[1059.12 --> 1065.98]  that we have accomplished. And there is really nothing wrong with that. You could be proud about
+[1065.98 --> 1075.22]  what you have accomplished. But you have to recognize that you cannot force God into a position
+[1075.22 --> 1084.78]  where he cannot say no to you. And that's what we try to do. We try to make it so that God has to say,
+[1085.18 --> 1091.28]  well done, enter in, you have contributed, I have contributed, and together we have accomplished.
+[1092.04 --> 1101.80]  No, that's not the way it works biblically. Biblically, we are sinful. God is holy. The two cannot match up.
+[1101.80 --> 1114.96]  So what does Jonah have to do? Jonah has to turn towards hope. So if you have your Bibles open,
+[1115.68 --> 1124.50]  then I want to, a part of Hebrew writing, and especially poetry, which is what chapter two is
+[1124.50 --> 1132.34]  about, the part of Hebrew writing, and poetry, is that you need to look for things which repeat,
+[1133.34 --> 1140.06]  because that's where the emphasis wants to fall. Now notice in verse four,
+[1140.46 --> 1149.46]  I said I have been banished from your sight, yet I will look again toward your holy temple.
+[1149.46 --> 1162.04]  And then notice verse seven, when my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you,
+[1163.00 --> 1173.62]  to your holy temple. So this reference to temple is important. When Jonah was in distress, when he
+[1173.62 --> 1186.24]  prayed, when he called out to the Lord, he turned toward the temple. Why? Because the Ark of the Covenant
+[1186.24 --> 1195.24]  is in the temple. Remember, this is Old Testament. This is before Jesus. The Ark of the Covenant is in the temple,
+[1195.24 --> 1206.76]  and inside the Ark of the Covenant is the copy of the Ten Commandments, God's moral law, which teaches us
+[1206.76 --> 1218.12]  how great our sin and misery are, and how we fall short of our sin, of paying for our sin. And then when we
+[1218.12 --> 1226.98]  look at the law, we say, well then, what is the answer? Well, above the law, on the top of the Ark of
+[1226.98 --> 1235.10]  the Covenant, inside the most holy place of the temple, is a place called the mercy seat. And on the
+[1235.10 --> 1242.96]  day of atonement, Yom Kippur, the high priest, could go into the Holy of Holies the one time of the year,
+[1242.96 --> 1250.42]  and in his hand, he would have a basin with the blood of a sacrificed lamb, and he would sprinkle
+[1250.42 --> 1257.72]  the blood on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant, inside the most holy place, inside the
+[1257.72 --> 1268.60]  temple, and God's anger for our sin would be atoned for. A price would be paid. And as Jonah is in the
+[1268.60 --> 1275.58]  valley of the great fish, he looks towards the temple, and he looks towards the place where the
+[1275.58 --> 1290.56]  price will be paid. And then he gives a shout, salvation is from the Lord. God has provided the
+[1290.56 --> 1299.12]  gift. Now, when we run this way ahead, because I sit here and I look, for example, at this red string,
+[1299.28 --> 1306.30]  which gives, I guess, a testimony to the fact that there is a story throughout the scriptures. When we
+[1306.30 --> 1315.56]  run ahead, the reality of who Jesus is, Jesus is the final atoning sacrifice. If you read the book of
+[1315.56 --> 1321.54]  Hebrews, and again, if you pay attention to the words, you will discover that when the priests,
+[1321.68 --> 1327.14]  the Old Testament priests, are bringing the sacrifice, they are constantly busy because there
+[1327.14 --> 1337.86]  is just a constant pouring out of blood. They're always standing in their service. But when Jesus came
+[1337.86 --> 1346.56]  and poured out of blood, in the book of Hebrews, it says, once for all, he sits down.
+[1348.78 --> 1353.34]  It's just like if I would sit down, you'd think, well, he's finished, finally.
+[1355.68 --> 1361.70]  Except I'm not yet. Right? But this idea of just sitting down is done. It's finished.
+[1361.70 --> 1376.44]  Jesus sat down. He paid the price. He set us free. Salvation is of the Lord. And Jonah moves
+[1376.44 --> 1382.62]  towards understanding. He becomes aware of his sinfulness, becomes aware of his powerlessness
+[1382.62 --> 1388.96]  to do anything about his sinfulness. He turns to the temple, and he sees the provision of sacrifice.
+[1388.96 --> 1396.76]  And in time, we see that Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. And then we think, oh,
+[1396.84 --> 1405.46]  now Jonah gets it. Now he is fully mature. Except he's not. Notice verse 8. Those who cling to worthless
+[1405.46 --> 1415.88]  idols forfeit God's love for them. That is true. But Jonah, and you will see this next week and then
+[1415.88 --> 1427.52]  a couple of weeks after that, Jonah remains a racist. He remains an imperialist, thinking his nation
+[1427.52 --> 1441.56]  should be above the other nations. He remains hateful. He remains angry. He still has a way to go.
+[1441.56 --> 1450.40]  But there is hope here. There is hope that God says,
+[1452.34 --> 1459.30]  Salve. You've learned salvation is of the Lord. That's enough for now. And he gives the command and
+[1459.30 --> 1468.16]  the great fish spits Jonah out, vomits him out on dry ground. That's enough for now. And there's a
+[1468.16 --> 1474.04]  vitally important lesson for us to learn in our journey of understanding. And that lesson is this.
+[1474.52 --> 1479.14]  Salvation, which is of the Lord, is in a moment and it is in a lifetime.
+[1479.14 --> 1489.30]  It is in a moment and it is in a lifetime. You know, part of the delight of being here is listening
+[1489.30 --> 1502.10]  to a small child's voice. A contented cry. But think for a moment of the origin of that. The origin of
+[1502.10 --> 1513.16]  that was in the moment of fertilization. At that moment, mom was pregnant. It couldn't happen again
+[1513.16 --> 1524.16]  for that child. Just in that moment, mom was pregnant. Everything changed. About nine months later or so,
+[1524.16 --> 1532.26]  dad got to hold a child. And the doctor probably said, congratulations, you've become a father. No,
+[1532.26 --> 1538.98]  that's not right. He became a father about nine months earlier, except had nothing to hold.
+[1540.34 --> 1547.32]  There's been a progress and a procession. Now this child is there. Phone calls are made to
+[1547.32 --> 1555.06]  grandparents. If it was my father, my father's first question would be, is the child healthy? He would
+[1555.06 --> 1560.84]  not ask about gender. And in our day, we couldn't find out gender beforehand. He wouldn't ask about
+[1560.84 --> 1570.16]  gender. My dad would say, is the child healthy? My mother would say, what is the child? Boy or girl?
+[1570.16 --> 1579.50]  And then, what is the child's name? Well, my father was concerned about the health. And I could say,
+[1579.94 --> 1586.02]  everything's fine. Perfect. Ten fingers, ten toes, ears, eyes, everything works. Everything looks good.
+[1587.84 --> 1595.90]  But can you imagine if 12 months after that event, our oldest son, who just turned 42,
+[1595.90 --> 1604.40]  our oldest son, would have remained exactly the same way he was 12 months before? Same size, same shape,
+[1604.78 --> 1615.68]  nothing had happened. We would have been really distressed. Because while he was perfect here on May the 12th,
+[1616.42 --> 1625.68]  1978, we would have wanted him to be walking on May the 12th, 1979. Now he was.
+[1625.90 --> 1634.92]  But he had developed and he had grown. And it is the same way with us as believers in Jesus.
+[1635.16 --> 1642.92]  We come in a moment of time to understand salvation is of the Lord. And I believe in Jesus. And I believe
+[1642.92 --> 1649.64]  he died for my sin. And I believe he lives in me. And I believe he is moving in me. And in that moment,
+[1649.64 --> 1660.58]  salvation is full of yours. But salvation needs then to be applied and unfolded. The biblical term for
+[1660.58 --> 1667.60]  that moment is justification. It is the act of God's free grace where we are changed in a moment,
+[1667.70 --> 1674.68]  in a twinkling of an eye. And then the process is the process of sanctification. It is the work of
+[1674.68 --> 1681.50]  God's free grace whereby he takes out the garbage of our lives and brings us to be more and more like
+[1681.50 --> 1689.84]  his son Jesus. Well, Jonah understood. But he still had some problems with the Ninevites.
+[1690.62 --> 1697.30]  He still had some problems with God's mercy. And we'll look at that in the long, in the coming weeks.
+[1697.30 --> 1703.72]  But the reality is that for all of us, this is a measure of hope.
+[1705.22 --> 1715.86]  We don't need to be fully mature and perfect. What we need is the acknowledgement that God who began
+[1715.86 --> 1723.00]  a good work, in the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1, will bring it to completion.
+[1723.00 --> 1732.68]  And so two words of understanding. Have hope. Hope in the ongoing work of God in your life
+[1732.68 --> 1747.04]  and in the lives of others. And have patience. Patience with the process. But don't be lazy about it.
+[1747.04 --> 1755.18]  When I discovered I was failing French, I had to pull up my socks. I had to make a difference.
+[1756.04 --> 1762.70]  I never became a French scholar. But at the end of the year, I got a passing grade. And that was really
+[1762.70 --> 1773.02]  significant. So while we can be patient, we need to be engaged. This is the word of the Lord. Let's pray.
+[1773.02 --> 1779.52]  Father God, we thank you. Thank you for the journey that we're on towards understanding.
+[1780.62 --> 1784.90]  Pray, Lord, that we may be patient with ourselves, patient with you, patient with each other.
+[1785.32 --> 1790.12]  But that we may also be determined. Determined to learn the lessons that we need to know
+[1790.12 --> 1797.86]  at the various stages at which we're at. We pray that we'll not be lazy, but that we will be engaged.
+[1797.86 --> 1804.52]  And that we will be driven towards accomplishment. So hear our prayer. Mature us in Christ, we pray.
+[1805.52 --> 1806.04]  Amen.

Jonah The Man and His Mission #2 (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,209 @@
+[0.00 --> 8.24]  Thanks, Ken. Well, good morning again, everyone. I was here last week, privileged to be here,
+[8.40 --> 16.62]  and began what I hope will be completed in a number of weeks, a sermon series on the book
+[16.62 --> 23.78]  of Jonah. Now, Jonah, as I mentioned last week, is a fairly popular book for vacation Bible school
+[23.78 --> 31.04]  programs and Sunday school programs, etc. You know, the drama of the story lends itself to pictures
+[31.04 --> 42.66]  and to crayons and to short plays and so forth. But in the drama of the story, there is also a journey
+[42.66 --> 50.90]  that we are all invited to participate in. It's not just simply a story. It's an invitation to
+[50.90 --> 61.18]  reflection and to understanding. Some people have said that there are three main foci or lessons in
+[61.18 --> 68.58]  the book of Jonah. The predominant one, which I think is the right one, is a focus on an understanding
+[68.58 --> 76.44]  of the grace of God. But there's also a quest towards justice, to doing what is right,
+[76.44 --> 85.84]  and a quest towards dealing with the issue of racism. Because Jonah, as you read the story,
+[86.32 --> 96.90]  does not come off as a very nice person, actually. He is a racist. He hates anyone who is not like him.
+[96.90 --> 106.58]  He wants to see the Ninevites destroyed. When you look closely at the story, you wonder about the
+[106.58 --> 113.66]  source of the story. And the source of the story has to be Jonah himself, whether he wrote it himself,
+[113.90 --> 121.80]  or whether he told the story to someone else who then wrote it down. How would that person have known
+[121.80 --> 131.08]  it except that Jonah had shared it? It's quite something to think about a person sharing a story
+[131.08 --> 139.86]  in which he comes off so negatively. If you're not familiar with a story, it only takes about 20 minutes
+[139.86 --> 148.30]  to read, if that. It's four chapters, 67 verses. It's not very long. In my Bible, it's two pages.
+[148.30 --> 156.44]  That's it. Last week, we looked at chapter one. It was the story of Jonah receiving the word from God,
+[156.54 --> 162.76]  go to Nineveh and preach against that great city, for its wickedness has come up before me.
+[163.46 --> 171.82]  And Jonah says, no, I'm not going to go. He stopped to think about that for a minute, because Jonah
+[171.82 --> 178.38]  was a prophet of God. We have reference to him in the book of the Kings. He worked at the time of
+[178.38 --> 186.82]  Jeroboam II, a king in northern Israel. And he prophesied about the expansion or the recovery
+[186.82 --> 197.62]  of Israel's geographical area. And Jeroboam was able to push its boundaries north, became large again.
+[197.62 --> 205.86]  Jonah was obviously a successful prophet. What he said came true.
+[207.86 --> 216.06]  But Jonah hears this word from God, says, nope, I ain't going. Forget it. Because those Ninevites
+[216.06 --> 225.84]  deserve to die. I am not going. And so he runs from God. God stops him with a storm.
+[225.84 --> 236.28]  The pagan sailors come off wonderfully good. They try everything they can to save their lives and
+[236.28 --> 242.32]  the lives of Jonah. When they ask him, what have you done? He says, well, I'm running away from God.
+[242.58 --> 251.62]  Who's God? The God of the Hebrews. The God of the Hebrews who had said to the founder of the Hebrew
+[251.62 --> 260.14]  nation, Abraham, I will bless you so that in you all the nations of the earth will be blessed.
+[260.14 --> 270.46]  Even when they knew that Jonah was the cause of the problem, they still try to rescue themselves
+[270.46 --> 277.32]  in him. Finally, they threw him overboard. And they become worshipers in the text, it says,
+[277.42 --> 284.64]  of Yahweh, which is the God of covenant. Every other reference in the book to the Lord is Elohim.
+[284.64 --> 295.80]  But the pagan sailors worship Yahweh, the God of covenant. And then a great fish comes to swallow
+[295.80 --> 302.26]  Jonah. And that's where we pick up the story. So let me read with you Jonah chapter 2. If you have
+[302.26 --> 307.88]  Bibles with you, I invite you to turn to Jonah and then keep your Bibles open because I'll make some
+[307.88 --> 315.60]  references to the text from time to time. From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the Lord, his God.
+[316.94 --> 325.34]  He said, in my distress, I called to the Lord and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead,
+[325.34 --> 335.38]  I called for help. And you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the
+[335.38 --> 342.52]  seas. And the currents swirled about me. All your waves and breakers swept over me. I said,
+[342.64 --> 347.78]  I have been banished from your sight. Yet I will look again toward your holy temple.
+[349.14 --> 357.46]  The engulfing waters threatened me. The deep surrounded me. Seaweed was wrapped around my head.
+[357.46 --> 365.30]  To the roots of the mountains I sank down. The earth beneath barred me in forever.
+[366.72 --> 375.90]  But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you,
+[375.98 --> 382.02]  O Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. To those who cling to worthless idols,
+[382.02 --> 389.86]  forfeit God's love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you.
+[389.86 --> 399.16]  What I have vowed, I will make good. I will say, salvation comes from the Lord. And the Lord
+[399.16 --> 407.38]  commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. This is the word of the Lord.
+[407.38 --> 413.88]  So what's happening here in this particular chapter? I think it could best be described as a journey
+[413.88 --> 422.26]  toward understanding. Have you ever struggled with understanding anything? Think, for example,
+[422.36 --> 427.80]  that you come into a new city, and you need to go to a certain location, you don't know how to get
+[427.80 --> 433.76]  there, and you stop, and you ask somebody for directions who gives you a whole paragraph worth
+[433.76 --> 439.10]  of directions. But you don't want to look stupid, so you agree that you understand everything.
+[439.84 --> 445.56]  And then you keep on driving, only to get hopelessly lost. That ever happened to you?
+[446.34 --> 452.02]  Of course, we live in the age of GPS now, so we don't even have to ask anymore. We can just simply
+[452.02 --> 458.26]  talk to a machine, and it talks back to us. And when we ignore it, it will say, recalculating.
+[458.26 --> 466.06]  You know, that's the reality of, you know, a journey toward understanding. Jonah is on a journey toward
+[466.06 --> 477.20]  understanding who he is. He is a servant of the God of the Hebrews. He is a servant of a God who says,
+[477.50 --> 483.68]  I will bless you so that you, all the nations of the earth, will be blessed.
+[483.68 --> 496.84]  In order to understand, Jonah needs to come to a depth of extremity. If you notice in the text,
+[496.96 --> 504.46]  if you're very careful and slow, you ever notice how some people often talk about devotions,
+[504.56 --> 513.32]  let's just quick pray a minute? Or let's just quickly read a passage? Well, let me ask you,
+[513.32 --> 522.96]  not to do it quickly all the time, but to pay careful attention to words, because words have meaning,
+[523.52 --> 530.86]  and words ought to be pondered and considered. Do you notice in the text that Jonah goes down
+[530.86 --> 538.40]  to Joppa? His geographical location is towards the north. He has to go down towards the south,
+[538.40 --> 548.50]  but he goes down to Joppa. And then he goes down under the main deck of the ship. He is in the belly of the
+[548.50 --> 558.90]  ship, and there he falls asleep. And then he is thrown overboard, and a fish swallows him, but he goes
+[558.90 --> 567.90]  down. He describes that he goes down amongst the weeds into the depths. To understand something,
+[568.58 --> 575.52]  you need to come to an awareness of your own ignorance. Let me relate a personal story.
+[576.98 --> 583.56]  History was something I loved in high school. Languages was something I wasn't very good at.
+[583.56 --> 593.94]  And French was something I really sucked at. And one test indicated I wasn't doing very well,
+[594.06 --> 601.22]  so I went to my teacher and I said, I'm not doing very well. And he said, yep. And you know what the
+[601.22 --> 610.48]  cause of that is? You're ignorant. He says, you don't know your vocabulary. You don't know how to
+[610.48 --> 617.40]  decline these verbs properly. You don't know your spelling properly. You need to do some work.
+[618.92 --> 624.88]  I didn't like what he had to say. As a matter of fact, I thought it was a bit insulting,
+[625.54 --> 635.84]  but I never forgot it because he was absolutely right. I had to work harder. I had to memorize more.
+[635.84 --> 648.32]  I had to ponder. I had to think. I had to be disciplined. And Jonah goes down and notice his feeling.
+[648.62 --> 659.00]  In my distress, in my distress, I called to the Lord and he answered me.
+[659.00 --> 668.84]  And then as the journey goes, because notice that when he calls to the Lord in distress,
+[669.72 --> 677.50]  God doesn't answer him quickly. He doesn't say, oh, fine, Jonah's prayed now. Let's just
+[677.50 --> 682.92]  get him out of the fish and get him back onto shore and, you know, keep his journey to about an hour or so.
+[682.92 --> 694.76]  Let's do it quickly. Sometimes things take time. I related to you last week that one of the projects
+[694.76 --> 701.98]  my wife and I undertook in which we completed this past week was to paint the interior of our house
+[701.98 --> 709.52]  from top to bottom. I'm not a very patient person when it comes to things like that. And I decided that
+[709.52 --> 717.26]  one of the lessons I needed to learn was I was going to do things patiently. But I was reminded of a bumper sticker
+[717.26 --> 727.48]  I saw on the car years ago which said, God, grant me patience, but hurry. Right? But patience doesn't come
+[727.48 --> 738.72]  in a hurry. And God takes his time with Jonah. He leaves Jonah in the belly of the great fish for three days.
+[739.52 --> 749.72]  And makes him ponder. And in the end, Jonah says, now I get it. He says,
+[749.72 --> 759.44]  with shouts of grateful praise, I will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good.
+[759.44 --> 768.04]  I will say, and this is the key verse here, salvation comes from the Lord.
+[769.32 --> 772.50]  Now some have argued that this is the key verse in the scriptures.
+[773.60 --> 779.68]  And all of the scriptures summed up in these words, salvation comes from the Lord.
+[779.68 --> 790.02]  And when Jonah gets it, there is a shout of praise. Just like many people here would shout if the
+[790.02 --> 797.42]  Vancouver Canucks won the Stanley Cup in October. Can you imagine? Right? There would be just a shout
+[797.42 --> 806.92]  of thankfulness and praise. Wow. We succeeded. Well, Jonah comes to this understanding.
+[807.62 --> 816.28]  Salvation is from the Lord. But he doesn't come to it quickly. He needs to go through a process.
+[816.28 --> 824.64]  So the beginning of the process has to be the extreme idea. I just don't understand it yet.
+[825.74 --> 832.90]  And so what does he have to learn? Well, many of us know quite well question and answer one of the
+[832.90 --> 839.86]  Heidelberg Catechism. Anybody have that memorized? What is your only comfort in life and in death?
+[839.86 --> 847.50]  That I am not my own, but I belong body and soul and life and death to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ,
+[847.80 --> 853.08]  who has fully paid for all my sin. And it goes on.
+[855.42 --> 861.60]  Question and answer two, however, is equally important. What must you know to live and die in the joy of this
+[861.60 --> 867.88]  comfort? Number one, how great my sin and misery are. Number two, I am set free from my sin and misery.
+[867.88 --> 873.18]  And number three, how I can be thankful for the great salvation that is mine.
+[874.20 --> 881.96]  And then the Catechism unfolds those three things. Well, Jonah has to come to an understanding
+[881.96 --> 894.88]  of what it means to be a sinner. What it means to come under the wrath of God because of the wickedness
+[894.88 --> 904.80]  within. Now, we don't like to think of ourselves very often in terms of sinfulness. Oh, we're not
+[904.80 --> 915.74]  perfect, but we're pretty good. And we like to stress our accomplishments. We like to stress our
+[915.74 --> 923.60]  freedoms. We like to stress our privileges. We like to stress our rank. We like to stress
+[923.60 --> 929.20]  how good we are trying to be.
+[931.52 --> 938.78]  And Jonah was a successful prophet. He had the ear of the king. He was respected, no doubt,
+[938.88 --> 947.28]  in his community as a servant of God. And now he is in his distress calling out to the Lord
+[947.28 --> 958.90]  God. Because he says, you know something? I recognize I cannot save myself. And even one
+[958.90 --> 969.90]  imperfection, even one sin makes me subject to the wrath of God. The Apostle Paul in Romans chapter
+[969.90 --> 980.02]  1 verse 18 talks about the wickedness of people and how people respond to it. He uses the verb
+[980.02 --> 988.40]  to suppress. I don't like to think about that. So I am not going to think about that. I will
+[988.40 --> 995.80]  just put it behind me and only think about it maybe when I'm in church and somebody forces me to think
+[995.80 --> 1005.86]  about it. But I am not going to think about it. We suppress the truth. Just think about it the next time
+[1005.86 --> 1015.44]  a police officer pulls you over for speeding. I wasn't going that fast. We just suppress the truth. And
+[1015.44 --> 1023.78]  now Jonah in the belly of the great fish has to come face to face with the truth. And in coming face to
+[1023.78 --> 1031.48]  face with the truth, he comes face to face with a second awareness. That he is spiritually powerless.
+[1032.74 --> 1041.60]  That he cannot do anything to earn God's favor. We like to try to do that, of course. We like to try
+[1041.60 --> 1051.22]  to emphasize how good we are, how many religious practices we have observed, how much time we have
+[1051.22 --> 1059.12]  spent in devotions, how many songs we have memorized, and so forth. We always like to stress the things
+[1059.12 --> 1065.98]  that we have accomplished. And there is really nothing wrong with that. You could be proud about
+[1065.98 --> 1075.22]  what you have accomplished. But you have to recognize that you cannot force God into a position
+[1075.22 --> 1084.78]  where he cannot say no to you. And that's what we try to do. We try to make it so that God has to say,
+[1085.18 --> 1091.28]  well done, enter in, you have contributed, I have contributed, and together we have accomplished.
+[1092.04 --> 1101.80]  No, that's not the way it works biblically. Biblically, we are sinful. God is holy. The two cannot match up.
+[1101.80 --> 1114.96]  So what does Jonah have to do? Jonah has to turn towards hope. So if you have your Bibles open,
+[1115.68 --> 1124.50]  then I want to, a part of Hebrew writing, and especially poetry, which is what chapter two is
+[1124.50 --> 1132.34]  about, the part of Hebrew writing, and poetry, is that you need to look for things which repeat,
+[1133.34 --> 1140.06]  because that's where the emphasis wants to fall. Now notice in verse four,
+[1140.46 --> 1149.46]  I said I have been banished from your sight, yet I will look again toward your holy temple.
+[1149.46 --> 1162.04]  And then notice verse seven, when my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you,
+[1163.00 --> 1173.62]  to your holy temple. So this reference to temple is important. When Jonah was in distress, when he
+[1173.62 --> 1186.24]  prayed, when he called out to the Lord, he turned toward the temple. Why? Because the Ark of the Covenant
+[1186.24 --> 1195.24]  is in the temple. Remember, this is Old Testament. This is before Jesus. The Ark of the Covenant is in the temple,
+[1195.24 --> 1206.76]  and inside the Ark of the Covenant is the copy of the Ten Commandments, God's moral law, which teaches us
+[1206.76 --> 1218.12]  how great our sin and misery are, and how we fall short of our sin, of paying for our sin. And then when we
+[1218.12 --> 1226.98]  look at the law, we say, well then, what is the answer? Well, above the law, on the top of the Ark of
+[1226.98 --> 1235.10]  the Covenant, inside the most holy place of the temple, is a place called the mercy seat. And on the
+[1235.10 --> 1242.96]  day of atonement, Yom Kippur, the high priest, could go into the Holy of Holies the one time of the year,
+[1242.96 --> 1250.42]  and in his hand, he would have a basin with the blood of a sacrificed lamb, and he would sprinkle
+[1250.42 --> 1257.72]  the blood on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant, inside the most holy place, inside the
+[1257.72 --> 1268.60]  temple, and God's anger for our sin would be atoned for. A price would be paid. And as Jonah is in the
+[1268.60 --> 1275.58]  valley of the great fish, he looks towards the temple, and he looks towards the place where the
+[1275.58 --> 1290.56]  price will be paid. And then he gives a shout, salvation is from the Lord. God has provided the
+[1290.56 --> 1299.12]  gift. Now, when we run this way ahead, because I sit here and I look, for example, at this red string,
+[1299.28 --> 1306.30]  which gives, I guess, a testimony to the fact that there is a story throughout the scriptures. When we
+[1306.30 --> 1315.56]  run ahead, the reality of who Jesus is, Jesus is the final atoning sacrifice. If you read the book of
+[1315.56 --> 1321.54]  Hebrews, and again, if you pay attention to the words, you will discover that when the priests,
+[1321.68 --> 1327.14]  the Old Testament priests, are bringing the sacrifice, they are constantly busy because there
+[1327.14 --> 1337.86]  is just a constant pouring out of blood. They're always standing in their service. But when Jesus came
+[1337.86 --> 1346.56]  and poured out of blood, in the book of Hebrews, it says, once for all, he sits down.
+[1348.78 --> 1353.34]  It's just like if I would sit down, you'd think, well, he's finished, finally.
+[1355.68 --> 1361.70]  Except I'm not yet. Right? But this idea of just sitting down is done. It's finished.
+[1361.70 --> 1376.44]  Jesus sat down. He paid the price. He set us free. Salvation is of the Lord. And Jonah moves
+[1376.44 --> 1382.62]  towards understanding. He becomes aware of his sinfulness, becomes aware of his powerlessness
+[1382.62 --> 1388.96]  to do anything about his sinfulness. He turns to the temple, and he sees the provision of sacrifice.
+[1388.96 --> 1396.76]  And in time, we see that Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. And then we think, oh,
+[1396.84 --> 1405.46]  now Jonah gets it. Now he is fully mature. Except he's not. Notice verse 8. Those who cling to worthless
+[1405.46 --> 1415.88]  idols forfeit God's love for them. That is true. But Jonah, and you will see this next week and then
+[1415.88 --> 1427.52]  a couple of weeks after that, Jonah remains a racist. He remains an imperialist, thinking his nation
+[1427.52 --> 1441.56]  should be above the other nations. He remains hateful. He remains angry. He still has a way to go.
+[1441.56 --> 1450.40]  But there is hope here. There is hope that God says,
+[1452.34 --> 1459.30]  Salve. You've learned salvation is of the Lord. That's enough for now. And he gives the command and
+[1459.30 --> 1468.16]  the great fish spits Jonah out, vomits him out on dry ground. That's enough for now. And there's a
+[1468.16 --> 1474.04]  vitally important lesson for us to learn in our journey of understanding. And that lesson is this.
+[1474.52 --> 1479.14]  Salvation, which is of the Lord, is in a moment and it is in a lifetime.
+[1479.14 --> 1489.30]  It is in a moment and it is in a lifetime. You know, part of the delight of being here is listening
+[1489.30 --> 1502.10]  to a small child's voice. A contented cry. But think for a moment of the origin of that. The origin of
+[1502.10 --> 1513.16]  that was in the moment of fertilization. At that moment, mom was pregnant. It couldn't happen again
+[1513.16 --> 1524.16]  for that child. Just in that moment, mom was pregnant. Everything changed. About nine months later or so,
+[1524.16 --> 1532.26]  dad got to hold a child. And the doctor probably said, congratulations, you've become a father. No,
+[1532.26 --> 1538.98]  that's not right. He became a father about nine months earlier, except had nothing to hold.
+[1540.34 --> 1547.32]  There's been a progress and a procession. Now this child is there. Phone calls are made to
+[1547.32 --> 1555.06]  grandparents. If it was my father, my father's first question would be, is the child healthy? He would
+[1555.06 --> 1560.84]  not ask about gender. And in our day, we couldn't find out gender beforehand. He wouldn't ask about
+[1560.84 --> 1570.16]  gender. My dad would say, is the child healthy? My mother would say, what is the child? Boy or girl?
+[1570.16 --> 1579.50]  And then, what is the child's name? Well, my father was concerned about the health. And I could say,
+[1579.94 --> 1586.02]  everything's fine. Perfect. Ten fingers, ten toes, ears, eyes, everything works. Everything looks good.
+[1587.84 --> 1595.90]  But can you imagine if 12 months after that event, our oldest son, who just turned 42,
+[1595.90 --> 1604.40]  our oldest son, would have remained exactly the same way he was 12 months before? Same size, same shape,
+[1604.78 --> 1615.68]  nothing had happened. We would have been really distressed. Because while he was perfect here on May the 12th,
+[1616.42 --> 1625.68]  1978, we would have wanted him to be walking on May the 12th, 1979. Now he was.
+[1625.90 --> 1634.92]  But he had developed and he had grown. And it is the same way with us as believers in Jesus.
+[1635.16 --> 1642.92]  We come in a moment of time to understand salvation is of the Lord. And I believe in Jesus. And I believe
+[1642.92 --> 1649.64]  he died for my sin. And I believe he lives in me. And I believe he is moving in me. And in that moment,
+[1649.64 --> 1660.58]  salvation is full of yours. But salvation needs then to be applied and unfolded. The biblical term for
+[1660.58 --> 1667.60]  that moment is justification. It is the act of God's free grace where we are changed in a moment,
+[1667.70 --> 1674.68]  in a twinkling of an eye. And then the process is the process of sanctification. It is the work of
+[1674.68 --> 1681.50]  God's free grace whereby he takes out the garbage of our lives and brings us to be more and more like
+[1681.50 --> 1689.84]  his son Jesus. Well, Jonah understood. But he still had some problems with the Ninevites.
+[1690.62 --> 1697.30]  He still had some problems with God's mercy. And we'll look at that in the long, in the coming weeks.
+[1697.30 --> 1703.72]  But the reality is that for all of us, this is a measure of hope.
+[1705.22 --> 1715.86]  We don't need to be fully mature and perfect. What we need is the acknowledgement that God who began
+[1715.86 --> 1723.00]  a good work, in the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1, will bring it to completion.
+[1723.00 --> 1732.68]  And so two words of understanding. Have hope. Hope in the ongoing work of God in your life
+[1732.68 --> 1747.04]  and in the lives of others. And have patience. Patience with the process. But don't be lazy about it.
+[1747.04 --> 1755.18]  When I discovered I was failing French, I had to pull up my socks. I had to make a difference.
+[1756.04 --> 1762.70]  I never became a French scholar. But at the end of the year, I got a passing grade. And that was really
+[1762.70 --> 1773.02]  significant. So while we can be patient, we need to be engaged. This is the word of the Lord. Let's pray.
+[1773.02 --> 1779.52]  Father God, we thank you. Thank you for the journey that we're on towards understanding.
+[1780.62 --> 1784.90]  Pray, Lord, that we may be patient with ourselves, patient with you, patient with each other.
+[1785.32 --> 1790.12]  But that we may also be determined. Determined to learn the lessons that we need to know
+[1790.12 --> 1797.86]  at the various stages at which we're at. We pray that we'll not be lazy, but that we will be engaged.
+[1797.86 --> 1804.52]  And that we will be driven towards accomplishment. So hear our prayer. Mature us in Christ, we pray.
+[1805.52 --> 1806.04]  Amen.

Jonah The Man and His Mission #3 (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,891 @@
+[0.00 --> 6.68]  I can invite you to turn once again to the book of the prophet Jonah, Jonah chapter 3.
+[6.80 --> 12.14]  For those of you who've been watching on live stream or have been present for the last two Sundays,
+[12.52 --> 15.50]  we've looked at Jonah 1 and Jonah 2.
+[15.70 --> 19.98]  Today we'll look at Jonah 3, and I'll be back, the Lord willing, in a few weeks,
+[20.02 --> 23.60]  and we'll complete it and look at Jonah 4.
+[24.48 --> 29.78]  I want to just challenge you to sit down some point and just read the whole of the book.
+[29.78 --> 31.88]  It's 67 verses long.
+[32.48 --> 37.24]  It takes less than 20 minutes to read it, even as you read it very slowly.
+[38.24 --> 46.14]  And like I said last week, I would like to ask you also to think very clearly about the words that are being used.
+[46.28 --> 49.40]  For example, Jonah went down to Joppa.
+[49.86 --> 56.08]  He went down into, under the deck of the ship that he tried to flee on.
+[57.48 --> 59.36]  And then he went down into the water.
+[59.78 --> 65.78]  You know, as long as we go away from the Lord, we're always going to go down.
+[67.24 --> 75.12]  But now Jonah has been, as we ended last week at the end of chapter 2, vomited out onto dry land.
+[75.12 --> 83.76]  And so today I would like to look at the journey of this man on his mission and ask the question,
+[84.76 --> 88.92]  would you like to have an opportunity for a do-over?
+[88.92 --> 95.14]  And with that question in mind, let me read from Jonah chapter 3.
+[95.80 --> 96.70]  It's 10 verses.
+[97.78 --> 103.84]  Just follow along on the screen if you like, or if you have your own Bible with you, then follow along there.
+[103.84 --> 106.46]  So verse 10 of chapter 2 said,
+[106.46 --> 112.00]  The Lord commanded the fish and had vomited Jonah onto dry land.
+[112.76 --> 118.72]  Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.
+[119.76 --> 125.06]  Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.
+[126.48 --> 129.14]  And Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh.
+[129.14 --> 131.94]  Now Nineveh was a very large city.
+[132.48 --> 134.84]  It took three days to go through it.
+[135.78 --> 139.22]  Jonah began by going a day's journey into the city, proclaiming,
+[139.54 --> 142.40]  40 more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.
+[143.66 --> 145.42]  The Ninevites believed God.
+[146.18 --> 151.18]  They declared a fast and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
+[152.36 --> 156.04]  And when the news reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne,
+[156.04 --> 161.62]  took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat down in the dust.
+[162.50 --> 165.08]  Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh.
+[165.96 --> 174.60]  By the decree of the king and his nobles, do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything.
+[175.72 --> 181.42]  Do not let them eat or drink, but let people and animals be covered with sackcloth.
+[181.42 --> 184.66]  Let everyone call urgently on God.
+[185.26 --> 188.18]  Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.
+[188.92 --> 189.84]  Who knows?
+[190.94 --> 198.46]  God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.
+[199.82 --> 203.80]  When the Lord saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways,
+[203.90 --> 208.62]  he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
+[208.62 --> 210.62]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[212.36 --> 214.90]  So would you like to have an opportunity for a do-over?
+[216.96 --> 218.58]  Just think about that for a moment.
+[219.94 --> 222.96]  Now I'm not just simply saying, you know, a little thing.
+[223.06 --> 224.90]  I'm talking about a big thing.
+[225.04 --> 229.38]  How about going to school and doing that over,
+[229.52 --> 232.32]  but this time taking your studies a bit more seriously?
+[232.32 --> 239.44]  How about the career choice that you made?
+[241.92 --> 243.68]  Are you happy in what you've done?
+[245.06 --> 247.44]  Would you like to have an opportunity for a do-over?
+[249.82 --> 251.34]  Or how about marriage?
+[251.34 --> 256.30]  Or how about not having children?
+[259.08 --> 262.40]  Would you like to have an opportunity for a do-over?
+[264.26 --> 272.18]  Those are difficult questions to ponder because they get to the heart of who you are as a person.
+[272.18 --> 281.60]  The reality is, is that all of us would benefit from a do-over.
+[282.98 --> 284.48]  We've said the wrong thing.
+[286.08 --> 287.56]  We've done the wrong thing.
+[288.72 --> 290.34]  We've been in the wrong place.
+[291.66 --> 293.26]  We've developed the wrong attitude.
+[294.84 --> 296.72]  We'd like to go back and say,
+[297.42 --> 298.74]  I'm not doing that again.
+[298.74 --> 302.04]  I'd like to have a do-over.
+[303.16 --> 304.18]  Jonah heard from God,
+[304.28 --> 305.82]  Go to that great city.
+[305.94 --> 308.34]  Its wickedness has come up before me,
+[308.44 --> 310.22]  and I want you to preach against it.
+[310.36 --> 310.98]  And Jonah said,
+[311.06 --> 312.26]  No, I'm not going to go.
+[313.10 --> 315.28]  And he ran in the opposite direction.
+[315.90 --> 323.24]  Instead of going about 550 miles or 800 kilometers from where he lived to where Nineveh was,
+[323.60 --> 324.62]  and you have to go over land,
+[324.62 --> 330.32]  he decided to go down to Joppa and took a ship of Tarshish to go to the opposite direction,
+[330.88 --> 333.16]  2,500 miles roughly,
+[334.48 --> 335.70]  but at least he could sail,
+[335.80 --> 336.58]  didn't have to walk.
+[337.66 --> 338.02]  He said,
+[338.08 --> 338.82]  No, I'm not going.
+[339.08 --> 339.52]  Why?
+[340.78 --> 341.12]  Well,
+[342.00 --> 345.96]  Nineveh was a great and a wicked city and an enemy of Israel,
+[345.96 --> 349.64]  and Jonah didn't want anything good to happen to them.
+[349.92 --> 350.80]  He hated them.
+[350.92 --> 352.46]  He was a racist.
+[352.88 --> 354.42]  He was an imperialist.
+[354.66 --> 356.02]  He was a nationalist.
+[357.36 --> 360.90]  And he gets confronted by his identity.
+[361.10 --> 365.06]  The sailors in the midst of a storm that God sends says,
+[365.16 --> 365.84]  Who are you?
+[366.96 --> 367.64]  I'm a Hebrew.
+[367.64 --> 374.28]  I'm a follower of the God who created the heavens and the earth, the sea.
+[376.38 --> 379.00]  And the sailors threw him overboard at his instruction,
+[379.46 --> 380.72]  and then they stopped.
+[380.96 --> 384.08]  When everything was done, the storm was gone,
+[384.18 --> 389.84]  they stopped and they sacrificed not to Elohim, but to Yahweh.
+[389.84 --> 393.26]  And the distinction is something like this.
+[393.36 --> 395.32]  Both are names of God,
+[395.44 --> 399.14]  but Elohim is sort of a generic name.
+[399.82 --> 400.18]  God.
+[401.66 --> 403.04]  Well, when you use Yahweh,
+[403.56 --> 405.22]  you think about Father,
+[406.32 --> 408.00]  one with whom you have a relationship.
+[409.40 --> 411.34]  And they celebrated.
+[412.56 --> 416.00]  They gave sacrifices to Yahweh.
+[417.00 --> 418.42]  But Jonah went down.
+[419.84 --> 421.64]  He went down as a Hebrew
+[421.64 --> 424.86]  who had failed to live up to the purpose of the Hebrews.
+[425.02 --> 427.78]  I will bless you, God had said to their founder, Abraham,
+[428.02 --> 430.30]  so that you will be a blessing to the nations.
+[431.98 --> 432.96]  Jonah went down.
+[433.78 --> 436.00]  And in his distress, he cried out to God.
+[436.10 --> 437.36]  He turned toward the temples.
+[437.50 --> 441.56]  Mentioned twice in his psalm, in his prayer.
+[442.04 --> 445.60]  He turned toward the temple because in the temple is the Ark of the Covenant,
+[445.60 --> 448.84]  and on the Ark of the Covenant is the mercy seat.
+[448.84 --> 454.14]  And within the Ark of the Covenant is the copy of the moral law given to Moses on Mount Sinai,
+[454.14 --> 456.00]  the known as the Ten Commandments.
+[456.78 --> 459.12]  And Jonah recognized he had fallen far short.
+[459.58 --> 461.38]  And he turns for the mercy of God,
+[461.38 --> 464.72]  and he ends up giving this shout of understanding.
+[464.72 --> 467.18]  Salvation is from the Lord.
+[468.88 --> 471.72]  Instead of going down any further,
+[472.34 --> 476.66]  he's now brought up and vomited out,
+[477.26 --> 479.10]  and he gets a do-over.
+[480.24 --> 483.58]  The word of the Lord comes a second time to Jonah.
+[483.58 --> 486.94]  Jonah, go to Nineveh, that great city,
+[487.88 --> 491.28]  and give them the message that I will give to you.
+[492.48 --> 493.68]  And Jonah goes.
+[494.78 --> 497.80]  If he had to walk, it's about 800 kilometers,
+[498.06 --> 501.00]  and if you can walk about 40 kilometers a day,
+[501.28 --> 506.48]  you're going to have lots of time to think about the message that you need to give.
+[506.48 --> 511.38]  The reality is that he had time to reflect and think.
+[512.50 --> 515.14]  And we know as you've read further in the story,
+[515.64 --> 521.18]  you know that ultimately Jonah is not very happy with God.
+[522.96 --> 525.28]  Because the God who had extended him mercy
+[525.28 --> 530.38]  was also the God who was going to extend mercy to the Ninevites.
+[530.38 --> 535.30]  And while Jonah appreciates mercy,
+[536.30 --> 538.80]  he doesn't want mercy to go to them.
+[539.02 --> 539.30]  Why?
+[540.24 --> 544.56]  Well, he was very concerned about quantity.
+[546.12 --> 549.74]  There's a quantity of miles, kilometers that he has to go.
+[549.84 --> 550.66]  That's one thing.
+[551.24 --> 556.16]  But there is also a great quantity of people in Nineveh
+[556.16 --> 559.02]  and in the Assyrian empire,
+[559.02 --> 561.74]  and they were on the border of Israel,
+[561.74 --> 563.62]  and they were a threat.
+[564.04 --> 565.06]  They were big.
+[565.16 --> 566.10]  They were powerful.
+[566.24 --> 567.46]  There were many of them,
+[567.56 --> 570.18]  and Israel was so small.
+[571.32 --> 572.60]  You know, it'd be better
+[572.60 --> 575.76]  if things went negatively for the Ninevites.
+[577.34 --> 580.18]  And the Ninevites were already on edge.
+[581.28 --> 584.12]  And I think we all identify with that a little bit.
+[584.84 --> 587.32]  Because, you know, we're dealing with COVID-19,
+[587.32 --> 591.60]  and everybody's a bit on edge, a bit reflective.
+[591.96 --> 594.16]  When you walk past somebody in a store,
+[594.26 --> 596.40]  you want to make sure that you don't get out of,
+[596.66 --> 597.92]  or get too close to them.
+[598.14 --> 599.68]  And if you do get close to them,
+[599.72 --> 602.26]  you're quick to say that Canadian phrase
+[602.26 --> 603.04]  that we all like,
+[603.08 --> 603.54]  I'm sorry.
+[605.32 --> 605.56]  Right?
+[605.90 --> 607.54]  We're all changing.
+[607.62 --> 608.74]  We're all bit on edge.
+[608.82 --> 610.60]  Well, the Ninevites were on edge,
+[610.68 --> 612.68]  and they were ready to lash out
+[612.68 --> 615.68]  because they were themselves afraid.
+[616.10 --> 616.46]  Why?
+[616.64 --> 619.62]  Well, three things historians have pointed out.
+[619.92 --> 622.02]  They were suffering from famine.
+[623.86 --> 625.74]  And also, Kevin mentioned that, you know,
+[625.82 --> 628.78]  there is a locust plague hitting.
+[629.30 --> 631.18]  People will suffer from famine,
+[631.64 --> 634.26]  and that makes them afraid for themselves
+[634.26 --> 636.84]  and for their children and for their future.
+[637.98 --> 640.52]  And when other people come to their meager supplies,
+[641.32 --> 642.84]  they are ready to lash out
+[642.84 --> 645.10]  and to build walls.
+[646.78 --> 649.24]  There were plagues in the time.
+[650.54 --> 652.74]  People died because of illness,
+[652.94 --> 655.38]  because of communicable diseases.
+[655.38 --> 657.82]  And again, we can identify.
+[659.26 --> 660.48]  And then there was something else
+[660.48 --> 663.96]  that had happened in 763 B.C.
+[664.82 --> 667.24]  There had been a solar eclipse.
+[668.58 --> 671.66]  And solar eclipses were always identified
+[671.66 --> 674.76]  as an omen for bad stuff to come.
+[676.52 --> 680.60]  They were seen as scary experiences.
+[680.60 --> 685.42]  And so the Ninevites were on edge.
+[686.14 --> 689.12]  Here, this powerful group of people.
+[690.74 --> 692.34]  And Jonah was worried
+[692.34 --> 695.50]  about the quantity of them
+[695.50 --> 698.44]  and the quantity of their hatred
+[698.44 --> 702.36]  and the quantity of their danger.
+[704.06 --> 705.76]  And God says to Jonah,
+[706.32 --> 706.64]  Go.
+[706.64 --> 712.32]  And you tell them what I want you to tell them.
+[713.94 --> 715.20]  And Jonah goes.
+[716.70 --> 717.34]  Why?
+[717.54 --> 720.60]  Well, because God is a God
+[720.60 --> 724.26]  who holds creation in His hand and His power.
+[724.66 --> 727.48]  And if you look at the story very carefully,
+[727.84 --> 731.74]  you will note that God is always providing something.
+[733.06 --> 734.88]  He provides Jonah with a mandate.
+[735.10 --> 735.32]  Go.
+[735.32 --> 736.82]  He provides them with a message.
+[736.94 --> 738.46]  Preach against that wicked city.
+[738.80 --> 740.10]  He provides a storm.
+[740.22 --> 741.64]  He provides a great fish.
+[742.06 --> 743.94]  He will, and we'll see that next time,
+[744.28 --> 746.52]  He will provide a gourd, a plant.
+[747.02 --> 749.70]  He will provide a hot wind.
+[750.62 --> 753.42]  He will provide a message.
+[756.02 --> 758.36]  But God also provides second chances.
+[758.52 --> 760.28]  And that's where it's really important for us
+[760.28 --> 762.38]  to reflect on and to think about
+[762.38 --> 763.50]  for a few minutes.
+[763.50 --> 765.66]  In your life,
+[765.66 --> 768.38]  do you need a second chance?
+[769.88 --> 773.06]  A second chance to heal a broken relationship?
+[774.12 --> 776.32]  To say, please forgive me?
+[777.18 --> 780.76]  To take responsibility for your action,
+[781.24 --> 782.32]  for your word?
+[782.32 --> 783.32]  God comes.
+[783.32 --> 787.02]  And God comes, and He creates hope
+[787.02 --> 789.50]  because He is a God who's ready to forgive
+[789.50 --> 793.48]  and a God who is ready to renew and to restore
+[793.48 --> 797.78]  because He is not a God so much concerned about quantity,
+[797.94 --> 799.78]  although He is concerned about that too.
+[799.92 --> 801.40]  We'll see that in chapter 4.
+[801.40 --> 804.72]  But He's a God who's concerned about quality.
+[806.48 --> 809.52]  The quality that you have as a person
+[809.52 --> 814.52]  and the quality that the person beside you has as a person
+[814.52 --> 817.12]  and the quality that the people,
+[817.26 --> 818.74]  the citizens of Nineveh
+[818.74 --> 821.32]  and the citizens of Assyria have
+[821.32 --> 823.36]  as people, as persons,
+[823.36 --> 826.46]  despite their wickedness,
+[826.72 --> 829.00]  despite their acts of violence.
+[830.24 --> 835.60]  And that quality is the quality of being made in the image of God.
+[835.60 --> 840.02]  You and I are reflective of God.
+[841.70 --> 845.28]  You and I are called to care for the creation.
+[846.62 --> 849.12]  We are called to care for each other.
+[849.54 --> 851.50]  One of the earliest lessons of the Scriptures,
+[852.40 --> 857.22]  Cain asks of God about his brother Abel,
+[857.34 --> 858.86]  Am I my brother's keeper?
+[859.98 --> 861.60]  And the answer is yes, you are.
+[862.60 --> 864.08]  You're also your brother's brother
+[864.08 --> 866.14]  or your sister's sister
+[866.14 --> 867.22]  or sister's brother
+[867.22 --> 868.82]  and sister's keeper.
+[869.98 --> 874.10]  God expects of us that we will care for each other.
+[874.26 --> 876.62]  And when we act with wickedness
+[876.62 --> 878.76]  and violence against each other,
+[878.76 --> 880.66]  He is angry
+[880.66 --> 885.40]  because He knows that inevitably
+[885.40 --> 887.26]  wickedness and violence
+[887.26 --> 889.48]  will lead to the disintegration
+[889.48 --> 892.52]  of family and of relationships
+[892.52 --> 893.66]  and of nations
+[893.66 --> 896.56]  and it will lead to the disintegration
+[896.56 --> 898.70]  of the fabric of the universe
+[898.70 --> 899.54]  and the world
+[899.54 --> 901.22]  in which He has placed us
+[901.22 --> 902.56]  as stewards and caregivers.
+[904.14 --> 905.48]  And so He gets angry.
+[906.90 --> 907.74]  And He says,
+[907.88 --> 911.00]  I will not allow it to continue.
+[911.00 --> 917.26]  And so what He does is He sends a servant
+[917.26 --> 923.00]  to do what many people think is ridiculous.
+[924.06 --> 927.28]  He should have sent a scientist
+[927.28 --> 931.06]  or a social scientist
+[931.06 --> 933.54]  or an engineer.
+[933.54 --> 935.72]  But a preacher?
+[935.72 --> 938.62]  You send a preacher?
+[939.36 --> 941.40]  To face wickedness
+[941.40 --> 942.86]  and violence?
+[944.62 --> 946.14]  I don't know if you watch the news.
+[946.24 --> 947.76]  I suspect all of us watch the news.
+[947.90 --> 949.76]  But, you know, a couple of days ago
+[949.76 --> 950.70]  John Lewis died.
+[951.98 --> 954.36]  He was one of the six leaders
+[954.36 --> 957.26]  of the civil rights movement
+[957.26 --> 958.52]  with Martin Luther King.
+[958.52 --> 960.38]  He was one of the guys
+[960.38 --> 961.80]  who walked across that bridge
+[961.80 --> 963.50]  in Selma, Alabama.
+[964.40 --> 965.70]  Suffered a fractured skull.
+[967.84 --> 969.28]  He wanted to be a preacher.
+[969.74 --> 971.18]  Never did become one.
+[971.24 --> 972.62]  He went to seminary.
+[973.62 --> 974.90]  Because he stuttered.
+[975.92 --> 977.24]  He preached to the chickens
+[977.24 --> 979.60]  at home on his farm.
+[980.26 --> 980.80]  He said,
+[980.90 --> 981.82]  I even married some.
+[981.90 --> 982.60]  I buried some.
+[982.72 --> 983.52]  Gave them funerals.
+[983.52 --> 986.24]  You think,
+[986.56 --> 986.92]  a preacher?
+[988.60 --> 989.58]  And yet he preached.
+[990.52 --> 991.32]  Nonviolence.
+[992.64 --> 994.90]  You stand up, he says.
+[995.10 --> 997.00]  You speak up, he said.
+[997.16 --> 998.82]  You march, he said.
+[999.28 --> 1001.74]  You'll sit down in protest.
+[1003.32 --> 1004.82]  But you don't engage in violence.
+[1005.98 --> 1006.32]  Why?
+[1008.90 --> 1010.88]  Because the person who opposes you
+[1010.88 --> 1012.10]  is an image bearer of God.
+[1012.10 --> 1014.44]  And one of the striking things,
+[1014.50 --> 1015.90]  I watched it on the news last night
+[1015.90 --> 1018.06]  in a reflection on his life.
+[1019.02 --> 1021.04]  One of the police who beat him up
+[1021.04 --> 1023.26]  on the bridge in Selma
+[1023.26 --> 1024.98]  asked to see him
+[1024.98 --> 1027.20]  and asked for forgiveness.
+[1028.78 --> 1030.76]  A very moving moment.
+[1032.66 --> 1033.30]  It's what a preacher
+[1033.30 --> 1035.64]  with a message of hope
+[1035.64 --> 1036.96]  and grace
+[1036.96 --> 1038.28]  and do-overs
+[1038.28 --> 1040.04]  can accomplish.
+[1040.04 --> 1042.64]  And God said to Jonah,
+[1043.52 --> 1044.06]  Go.
+[1045.46 --> 1046.52]  Give the message
+[1046.52 --> 1047.52]  I will give you.
+[1047.60 --> 1048.96]  I don't care what you think of
+[1048.96 --> 1050.26]  over the next 20 days
+[1050.26 --> 1052.50]  as you walk towards Nineveh.
+[1052.74 --> 1053.48]  The message
+[1053.48 --> 1055.00]  I will give you.
+[1055.90 --> 1057.36]  It's eight words long.
+[1058.72 --> 1060.80]  It's five words in Hebrew.
+[1063.00 --> 1064.28]  Yet 40 days
+[1064.28 --> 1064.78]  in Nineveh
+[1064.78 --> 1065.74]  will be overthrown.
+[1065.74 --> 1069.94]  If my homiletics professor
+[1069.94 --> 1071.76]  had read that,
+[1071.84 --> 1073.42]  if I had handed that in
+[1073.42 --> 1074.76]  as one of my sermons,
+[1075.20 --> 1076.26]  yet 40 days
+[1076.26 --> 1076.98]  and Toronto
+[1076.98 --> 1078.26]  will be overthrown.
+[1079.08 --> 1080.40]  Yet 40 days
+[1080.40 --> 1081.84]  and just fill in the blanks.
+[1082.92 --> 1083.68]  He would have said,
+[1084.14 --> 1084.42]  F.
+[1085.08 --> 1086.30]  There's no introduction.
+[1087.30 --> 1088.70]  There's no exegesis.
+[1089.66 --> 1091.18]  There's no testimony.
+[1091.50 --> 1092.46]  There is no illustration.
+[1092.84 --> 1094.50]  There's nothing of interest.
+[1094.62 --> 1095.88]  There's just a threat.
+[1097.62 --> 1099.52]  There's no hope here.
+[1101.40 --> 1102.76]  Yet 40 days
+[1102.76 --> 1104.26]  and Nineveh
+[1104.26 --> 1105.26]  will be overthrown.
+[1109.14 --> 1110.44]  And Jonah moves
+[1110.44 --> 1111.38]  with a message
+[1111.38 --> 1113.06]  into the heart of that city.
+[1113.30 --> 1114.26]  Three days journey
+[1114.26 --> 1115.26]  across to go.
+[1115.26 --> 1117.84]  He goes a day in,
+[1117.92 --> 1118.64]  sort of gets into
+[1118.64 --> 1119.72]  the center of the city.
+[1120.58 --> 1121.46]  And he preaches.
+[1121.60 --> 1122.40]  Yet 40 days
+[1122.40 --> 1122.84]  and Nineveh
+[1122.84 --> 1123.68]  will be overthrown.
+[1123.78 --> 1125.40]  Now does he change it at all?
+[1125.76 --> 1126.52]  Well, yeah.
+[1126.64 --> 1127.18]  We don't know
+[1127.18 --> 1127.86]  how many days
+[1127.86 --> 1128.82]  he preached this thing.
+[1129.86 --> 1130.82]  How many days
+[1130.82 --> 1132.20]  did he sit outside the city?
+[1133.12 --> 1133.84]  Did he start,
+[1133.96 --> 1134.94]  say, 40 days
+[1134.94 --> 1136.54]  and then the next day
+[1136.54 --> 1137.52]  39 days
+[1137.52 --> 1138.40]  and then the next day
+[1138.40 --> 1140.18]  38 and 37, 36?
+[1140.44 --> 1141.64]  Did he get down to one?
+[1142.78 --> 1143.60]  We don't know.
+[1143.60 --> 1145.92]  That's the power of story.
+[1146.60 --> 1147.80]  It invites you in.
+[1148.00 --> 1149.04]  It makes you think.
+[1149.24 --> 1150.38]  It makes you ponder.
+[1150.60 --> 1151.84]  It makes you reflect.
+[1152.32 --> 1153.50]  It makes you wonder.
+[1154.76 --> 1156.34]  It makes you decide.
+[1157.82 --> 1158.70]  Yet 40 days
+[1158.70 --> 1159.08]  and Nineveh
+[1159.08 --> 1160.02]  will be overthrown.
+[1160.82 --> 1162.00]  Yet 17 days
+[1162.00 --> 1162.48]  and Nineveh
+[1162.48 --> 1163.46]  will be overthrown.
+[1163.98 --> 1165.04]  Yet 18 months
+[1165.04 --> 1166.44]  before there's a vaccine
+[1166.44 --> 1168.22]  for COVID-19.
+[1168.48 --> 1169.80]  How will you survive
+[1169.80 --> 1171.12]  for another 18 months?
+[1171.12 --> 1173.38]  Well, the answer is
+[1173.38 --> 1174.38]  by the grace of God.
+[1175.48 --> 1176.00]  All right?
+[1176.04 --> 1177.10]  That's how we survive.
+[1177.62 --> 1178.80]  By the grace of God.
+[1179.20 --> 1179.54]  Yet,
+[1180.00 --> 1181.68]  yet 40 days.
+[1182.44 --> 1185.00]  What a ridiculous message.
+[1187.40 --> 1188.54]  And notice what it says.
+[1189.02 --> 1189.78]  The Ninevites
+[1189.78 --> 1191.52]  believed God.
+[1191.52 --> 1195.28]  Know this
+[1195.28 --> 1196.38]  as you function
+[1196.38 --> 1197.18]  as a church,
+[1197.70 --> 1198.46]  as a community
+[1198.46 --> 1199.54]  of redeemed people
+[1199.54 --> 1200.10]  within,
+[1200.30 --> 1200.94]  you know,
+[1201.00 --> 1202.28]  this community
+[1202.28 --> 1203.58]  and the broader creation.
+[1204.16 --> 1204.90]  Know this.
+[1205.94 --> 1206.46]  Salvation
+[1206.46 --> 1207.60]  is of the Lord.
+[1208.96 --> 1209.88]  That doesn't mean
+[1209.88 --> 1211.08]  you shouldn't develop
+[1211.08 --> 1212.34]  sermons and programs
+[1212.34 --> 1213.34]  dealing with skill.
+[1213.52 --> 1213.98]  The Apollos,
+[1213.98 --> 1214.52]  you know,
+[1214.56 --> 1215.92]  Apollos was one of the great
+[1215.92 --> 1217.40]  preachers of the New Testament,
+[1217.40 --> 1218.46]  but he sat down
+[1218.46 --> 1219.70]  with Priscilla and Aquila,
+[1219.70 --> 1220.40]  and they taught him
+[1220.40 --> 1221.10]  a better way.
+[1222.54 --> 1223.80]  So there's nothing wrong
+[1223.80 --> 1224.98]  with developing skills
+[1224.98 --> 1226.96]  and doing all of those things,
+[1227.12 --> 1228.76]  but you put your hope
+[1228.76 --> 1229.52]  and trust
+[1229.52 --> 1231.02]  in the power of God
+[1231.02 --> 1232.12]  to open,
+[1232.78 --> 1233.64]  closed hearts
+[1233.64 --> 1234.78]  and minds.
+[1235.34 --> 1236.76]  That's where the hope is.
+[1237.32 --> 1238.74]  So you keep telling the story.
+[1239.52 --> 1241.76]  You keep proclaiming the word.
+[1241.76 --> 1244.08]  You keep praying to God
+[1244.08 --> 1246.18]  that he will open hearts
+[1246.18 --> 1247.46]  and minds.
+[1248.46 --> 1250.70]  And then the people of Nineveh
+[1250.70 --> 1252.32]  changed.
+[1253.76 --> 1256.18]  The city wasn't overturned,
+[1256.22 --> 1258.76]  but they were overturned.
+[1259.94 --> 1261.44]  From the greatest of them,
+[1261.50 --> 1261.84]  it says,
+[1261.92 --> 1262.64]  to the least.
+[1263.04 --> 1264.04]  From the merchants
+[1264.04 --> 1265.56]  in the society
+[1265.56 --> 1267.08]  to the people
+[1267.08 --> 1268.56]  who swept the floor
+[1268.56 --> 1270.38]  or who picked up the garbage
+[1270.38 --> 1272.78]  or who had lower standing
+[1272.78 --> 1274.32]  socially and economically
+[1274.32 --> 1275.28]  in the city,
+[1275.70 --> 1277.14]  probably at that time
+[1277.14 --> 1277.94]  the slaves.
+[1278.44 --> 1279.36]  From the greatest
+[1279.36 --> 1280.26]  to the least,
+[1280.48 --> 1281.74]  doesn't involve the king yet,
+[1281.80 --> 1283.16]  the word comes to him later,
+[1283.82 --> 1284.78]  and to the nobles.
+[1286.46 --> 1287.80]  They believed God.
+[1289.06 --> 1290.86]  And they put on sackcloth.
+[1292.18 --> 1293.44]  And they repent.
+[1293.66 --> 1294.66]  What does that mean?
+[1294.66 --> 1296.62]  Well, they turned
+[1296.62 --> 1297.46]  from their wicked
+[1297.46 --> 1299.12]  and violent ways.
+[1299.52 --> 1301.04]  They began to treat
+[1301.04 --> 1303.04]  image bearers of God,
+[1303.86 --> 1305.04]  their neighbors,
+[1305.42 --> 1307.54]  with respect that they deserve
+[1307.54 --> 1310.14]  despite their color,
+[1310.94 --> 1312.06]  their race,
+[1312.78 --> 1313.60]  their gender,
+[1314.20 --> 1315.16]  their language,
+[1315.54 --> 1317.28]  their social economic status.
+[1317.66 --> 1319.90]  They pursued justice
+[1319.90 --> 1322.86]  and righteousness.
+[1322.86 --> 1325.48]  Gerald Van Der Zande,
+[1325.76 --> 1327.42]  he's passed away now,
+[1327.52 --> 1328.54]  but he had a lot to do
+[1328.54 --> 1329.98]  with Citizens for Public Justice.
+[1330.46 --> 1331.36]  He has a book.
+[1332.36 --> 1332.86]  I encourage you
+[1332.86 --> 1333.56]  to read sometime.
+[1334.12 --> 1335.12]  But the title
+[1335.12 --> 1336.10]  is intriguing.
+[1337.24 --> 1337.78]  It says,
+[1338.16 --> 1338.80]  Justice,
+[1339.60 --> 1341.64]  not just us.
+[1344.46 --> 1345.02]  Justice,
+[1345.68 --> 1348.14]  not just me.
+[1350.14 --> 1350.74]  Justice.
+[1350.74 --> 1350.88]  Justice.
+[1351.40 --> 1353.94]  They began to pursue justice.
+[1354.98 --> 1356.46]  And then the word came
+[1356.46 --> 1357.26]  to the king.
+[1357.90 --> 1359.32]  And the king said,
+[1359.92 --> 1360.94]  Everybody
+[1360.94 --> 1363.66]  has to get engaged.
+[1364.72 --> 1367.26]  There is a federal command
+[1367.26 --> 1368.08]  that says,
+[1368.20 --> 1370.18]  Everybody wear sackcloth.
+[1371.20 --> 1372.32]  That's an interesting thing
+[1372.32 --> 1373.12]  to reflect on
+[1373.12 --> 1375.38]  in the day of mask wearing
+[1375.38 --> 1376.04]  or not.
+[1376.92 --> 1378.50]  Does everyone do it?
+[1378.50 --> 1382.18]  Does it get mandated federally?
+[1383.02 --> 1384.90]  So far in our nations,
+[1385.08 --> 1385.38]  Canada,
+[1385.50 --> 1386.24]  the United States,
+[1386.34 --> 1387.56]  it hasn't been mandated
+[1387.56 --> 1388.84]  federally.
+[1389.56 --> 1390.94]  But you begin to wonder
+[1390.94 --> 1391.90]  whether it should be.
+[1392.90 --> 1394.26]  Whether we're effectively
+[1394.26 --> 1394.96]  fighting
+[1394.96 --> 1398.42]  what is changing our lives
+[1398.42 --> 1400.26]  and making us think.
+[1401.12 --> 1402.10]  The king says,
+[1402.24 --> 1402.70]  Everyone,
+[1403.36 --> 1404.78]  including your animals,
+[1404.78 --> 1407.20]  and they don't eat
+[1407.20 --> 1407.98]  and drink either.
+[1408.56 --> 1409.66]  I grew up on a farm
+[1409.66 --> 1411.44]  and, you know,
+[1411.52 --> 1412.14]  in Ontario,
+[1412.36 --> 1413.60]  it was cold in the wintertime
+[1413.60 --> 1415.20]  and our cows stayed inside.
+[1415.62 --> 1416.72]  But every once in a while,
+[1416.82 --> 1417.94]  the pipes would freeze.
+[1418.98 --> 1420.02]  And then the cows
+[1420.02 --> 1421.44]  didn't have water.
+[1422.18 --> 1423.10]  And when you came
+[1423.10 --> 1423.88]  into the barn
+[1423.88 --> 1425.16]  and the cows
+[1425.16 --> 1425.98]  hadn't had water,
+[1426.08 --> 1426.68]  you were greeted
+[1426.68 --> 1427.62]  with a chorus
+[1427.62 --> 1429.58]  of complaint.
+[1429.58 --> 1434.88]  And it just was
+[1434.88 --> 1436.68]  on and on and on.
+[1436.90 --> 1437.44]  So you quickly
+[1437.44 --> 1438.44]  got out the blowtorch
+[1438.44 --> 1439.50]  and by we had
+[1439.50 --> 1440.30]  a fair number
+[1440.30 --> 1441.76]  of amount of experience
+[1441.76 --> 1442.96]  of having frozen pipes.
+[1443.06 --> 1443.46]  So we knew
+[1443.46 --> 1444.04]  where the pipes
+[1444.04 --> 1444.90]  were likely to freeze.
+[1445.42 --> 1446.12]  And then quickly
+[1446.12 --> 1447.36]  you get the blowtorch out
+[1447.36 --> 1448.58]  and pretty soon
+[1448.58 --> 1449.86]  you're treated
+[1449.86 --> 1451.06]  to this wonderful
+[1451.06 --> 1454.36]  sound of running water.
+[1454.36 --> 1456.32]  and then it comes
+[1456.32 --> 1456.96]  to the cows
+[1456.96 --> 1458.46]  and slowly but surely
+[1458.46 --> 1461.38]  the moos reside
+[1461.38 --> 1462.78]  and reside.
+[1463.50 --> 1464.96]  And it is quiet.
+[1465.14 --> 1465.94]  It is still.
+[1466.18 --> 1467.02]  There is peace.
+[1467.82 --> 1468.82]  There is satisfaction.
+[1469.32 --> 1469.86]  Can you imagine
+[1469.86 --> 1471.10]  how hard these people
+[1471.10 --> 1471.88]  had to work
+[1471.88 --> 1473.34]  to keep their cows
+[1473.34 --> 1473.96]  from drinking
+[1473.96 --> 1477.00]  in a hot climate?
+[1478.76 --> 1479.44]  Perhaps
+[1479.44 --> 1481.66]  the Lord,
+[1481.84 --> 1482.50]  it says,
+[1482.50 --> 1483.64]  perhaps the Lord
+[1483.64 --> 1485.14]  will have compassion
+[1485.14 --> 1486.48]  and turn
+[1486.48 --> 1487.66]  from his fierce anger.
+[1487.90 --> 1489.24]  And we have to turn
+[1489.24 --> 1491.26]  from our evil ways
+[1491.26 --> 1492.64]  and our violence.
+[1493.78 --> 1494.86]  And they do.
+[1496.26 --> 1497.56]  And God turns
+[1497.56 --> 1498.42]  from his anger
+[1498.42 --> 1499.82]  and he relents.
+[1500.60 --> 1501.56]  Now there's an interesting
+[1501.56 --> 1502.56]  way of looking
+[1502.56 --> 1503.22]  at this
+[1503.22 --> 1504.52]  because you can
+[1504.52 --> 1505.16]  ask yourself
+[1505.16 --> 1505.68]  the question,
+[1506.02 --> 1506.98]  is this a repentance
+[1506.98 --> 1507.84]  that leads
+[1507.84 --> 1509.12]  to extended life
+[1509.12 --> 1509.78]  on this earth
+[1509.78 --> 1511.04]  or is this repentance
+[1511.04 --> 1511.72]  that leads
+[1511.72 --> 1512.58]  to salvation
+[1512.58 --> 1514.14]  that has extended
+[1514.14 --> 1515.06]  life with God
+[1515.06 --> 1515.58]  in heaven?
+[1516.86 --> 1517.46]  And there are two
+[1517.46 --> 1518.20]  schools of thought
+[1518.20 --> 1518.64]  on this.
+[1520.26 --> 1521.46]  One school of thought
+[1521.46 --> 1522.34]  is it's repentance
+[1522.34 --> 1523.06]  that leads
+[1523.06 --> 1523.86]  to change
+[1523.86 --> 1524.56]  of behavior
+[1524.56 --> 1526.06]  on this earth.
+[1526.40 --> 1527.32]  There's a pursuit
+[1527.32 --> 1529.02]  of no more justice
+[1529.02 --> 1529.90]  and of no more
+[1529.90 --> 1530.60]  evil ways
+[1530.60 --> 1531.50]  and of doing
+[1531.50 --> 1532.20]  what is right
+[1532.20 --> 1533.02]  and of doing
+[1533.02 --> 1533.86]  what is kind
+[1533.86 --> 1534.60]  and of doing
+[1534.60 --> 1535.28]  what is loving.
+[1536.48 --> 1536.96]  And the reason
+[1536.96 --> 1537.82]  why some scholars
+[1537.82 --> 1538.72]  say that
+[1538.72 --> 1539.32]  is because
+[1539.32 --> 1540.90]  the Ninevites
+[1540.90 --> 1541.86]  apparently never
+[1541.86 --> 1542.78]  give up their idols.
+[1542.92 --> 1543.68]  They never give up
+[1543.68 --> 1544.30]  their gods
+[1544.30 --> 1545.56]  and they never
+[1545.56 --> 1547.36]  refer to God
+[1547.36 --> 1548.58]  as Yahweh
+[1548.58 --> 1549.62]  as the sailors
+[1549.62 --> 1550.10]  had done
+[1550.10 --> 1550.90]  in chapter 1.
+[1551.52 --> 1552.60]  They refer to God
+[1552.60 --> 1553.26]  as Elohim.
+[1554.40 --> 1555.58]  Sort of general,
+[1555.98 --> 1556.32]  generic.
+[1557.90 --> 1558.98]  And so their repentance
+[1558.98 --> 1560.44]  involves
+[1560.44 --> 1561.98]  a change
+[1561.98 --> 1563.06]  of lifestyle
+[1563.06 --> 1565.12]  but not necessarily
+[1565.12 --> 1565.64]  a change
+[1565.64 --> 1566.12]  of heart.
+[1567.26 --> 1567.92]  And then there are,
+[1568.06 --> 1568.54]  there's the other
+[1568.54 --> 1569.24]  school of thought
+[1569.24 --> 1569.74]  that says,
+[1570.20 --> 1570.52]  no, no,
+[1570.56 --> 1571.64]  it involves both,
+[1571.70 --> 1572.62]  a change of heart
+[1572.62 --> 1573.52]  or lifestyle
+[1573.52 --> 1574.28]  and a change
+[1574.28 --> 1574.88]  of heart
+[1574.88 --> 1575.88]  as well.
+[1576.72 --> 1577.52]  And if you read
+[1577.52 --> 1578.60]  in the Gospel
+[1578.60 --> 1581.50]  of Matthew
+[1581.50 --> 1582.44]  chapter 12,
+[1583.56 --> 1583.78]  you know,
+[1583.84 --> 1584.76]  Jesus is asked
+[1584.76 --> 1585.74]  by the Pharisees,
+[1585.84 --> 1586.06]  teacher,
+[1586.22 --> 1586.84]  we want to see
+[1586.84 --> 1587.82]  a sign from you.
+[1588.48 --> 1589.48]  And he answered,
+[1589.60 --> 1589.94]  a wicked
+[1589.94 --> 1590.68]  and adulterous
+[1590.68 --> 1591.68]  generation asks
+[1591.68 --> 1592.40]  for a sign
+[1592.40 --> 1593.54]  but none will be
+[1593.54 --> 1594.00]  given it
+[1594.00 --> 1594.84]  except the sign
+[1594.84 --> 1595.88]  of the prophet Jonah.
+[1596.78 --> 1597.38]  For as Jonah
+[1597.38 --> 1598.14]  was three days
+[1598.14 --> 1598.80]  and three nights
+[1598.80 --> 1599.26]  in the belly
+[1599.26 --> 1600.22]  of a huge fish,
+[1600.72 --> 1601.76]  so the Son of Man
+[1601.76 --> 1602.62]  will be three days
+[1602.62 --> 1603.30]  and three nights
+[1603.30 --> 1603.76]  in the heart
+[1603.76 --> 1604.32]  of the earth.
+[1604.96 --> 1605.84]  The people of Nineveh
+[1605.84 --> 1606.50]  will stand up
+[1606.50 --> 1607.10]  as a judgment
+[1607.10 --> 1608.14]  with this generation
+[1608.14 --> 1609.10]  and condemn it.
+[1610.02 --> 1611.20]  Now notice these words.
+[1612.48 --> 1614.00]  For they repented
+[1614.00 --> 1614.98]  at the preaching
+[1614.98 --> 1615.86]  of Jonah
+[1615.86 --> 1618.78]  and now one greater
+[1618.78 --> 1619.38]  than Jonah
+[1619.38 --> 1620.04]  is here.
+[1621.40 --> 1622.44]  They repented
+[1622.44 --> 1623.52]  at the preaching
+[1623.52 --> 1624.06]  of Jonah
+[1624.06 --> 1624.98]  and they will
+[1624.98 --> 1625.50]  stand up
+[1625.50 --> 1626.04]  and condemn
+[1626.04 --> 1626.58]  the present
+[1626.58 --> 1627.20]  generations
+[1627.20 --> 1628.18]  of the Pharisees
+[1628.18 --> 1629.08]  and the Sadducees
+[1629.08 --> 1630.36]  who want to see
+[1630.36 --> 1630.84]  a sign.
+[1632.88 --> 1633.66]  I'll leave you
+[1633.66 --> 1634.74]  to debate that
+[1634.74 --> 1636.00]  and ponder it.
+[1636.96 --> 1637.94]  Was it just simply
+[1637.94 --> 1639.82]  a repentance
+[1639.82 --> 1640.74]  of lifestyle?
+[1640.94 --> 1642.00]  Because in a hundred
+[1642.00 --> 1642.56]  years,
+[1642.66 --> 1643.08]  Nahum,
+[1643.28 --> 1643.72]  the next,
+[1643.86 --> 1644.52]  another prophet
+[1644.52 --> 1645.44]  will say that
+[1645.44 --> 1646.58]  Nineveh is a city
+[1646.58 --> 1647.10]  of blood
+[1647.10 --> 1648.60]  and there is
+[1648.60 --> 1649.36]  no hope for it.
+[1650.52 --> 1651.44]  So if there was
+[1651.44 --> 1652.00]  a repentance,
+[1652.00 --> 1652.92]  it wasn't passed
+[1652.92 --> 1654.44]  on to the next
+[1654.44 --> 1655.00]  generation
+[1655.00 --> 1656.32]  of people.
+[1658.32 --> 1659.68]  But it was
+[1659.68 --> 1661.34]  a change
+[1661.34 --> 1663.34]  and God
+[1663.34 --> 1664.70]  relents.
+[1665.86 --> 1666.78]  And he gives
+[1666.78 --> 1667.88]  not only Jonah
+[1667.88 --> 1670.10]  but he gives
+[1670.10 --> 1670.96]  the Ninevites
+[1670.96 --> 1672.92]  a second chance,
+[1673.92 --> 1675.32]  another opportunity.
+[1675.32 --> 1678.42]  he withholds
+[1678.42 --> 1680.00]  his fierce anger.
+[1682.14 --> 1683.06]  And Jesus
+[1683.06 --> 1684.18]  at one point
+[1684.18 --> 1686.30]  comes to the city
+[1686.30 --> 1686.94]  of Jerusalem
+[1686.94 --> 1690.72]  and he cries.
+[1692.72 --> 1693.78]  He's not angry.
+[1695.78 --> 1696.84]  He's just sad.
+[1696.84 --> 1697.56]  Oh,
+[1697.62 --> 1699.16]  how I would have
+[1699.16 --> 1699.88]  gathered you
+[1699.88 --> 1700.42]  together
+[1700.42 --> 1701.60]  as a chick
+[1701.60 --> 1702.84]  gathers her wing
+[1702.84 --> 1704.18]  or as a hen
+[1704.18 --> 1705.34]  gathers her chicks
+[1705.34 --> 1706.42]  under her wings
+[1706.42 --> 1708.14]  but you
+[1708.14 --> 1709.86]  would not.
+[1711.78 --> 1712.78]  And he goes
+[1712.78 --> 1713.48]  into the city
+[1713.48 --> 1715.52]  and he gets
+[1715.52 --> 1715.98]  condemned
+[1715.98 --> 1718.68]  and he is taken
+[1718.68 --> 1719.78]  outside of the city
+[1719.78 --> 1721.96]  and he gets
+[1721.96 --> 1722.46]  crucified
+[1722.46 --> 1724.50]  and buried
+[1724.50 --> 1727.14]  and three days
+[1727.14 --> 1727.58]  later
+[1727.58 --> 1729.68]  the earth
+[1729.68 --> 1730.34]  can no longer
+[1730.34 --> 1730.98]  hold him
+[1730.98 --> 1732.62]  because his
+[1732.62 --> 1733.56]  father in heaven
+[1733.56 --> 1735.24]  opens
+[1735.24 --> 1737.52]  the grave
+[1737.52 --> 1738.86]  and Jesus
+[1738.86 --> 1739.84]  comes forth
+[1739.84 --> 1741.88]  and with Jesus
+[1741.88 --> 1744.62]  there is no need
+[1744.62 --> 1746.38]  for a do over.
+[1748.38 --> 1749.66]  He has paid
+[1749.66 --> 1750.24]  the price.
+[1750.24 --> 1753.20]  you are free
+[1753.20 --> 1754.16]  if you are
+[1754.16 --> 1754.88]  in him.
+[1756.48 --> 1756.96]  Free
+[1756.96 --> 1758.48]  to do what?
+[1759.36 --> 1760.62]  To tell a story.
+[1761.88 --> 1762.86]  A story
+[1762.86 --> 1763.98]  of how God
+[1763.98 --> 1765.54]  has changed
+[1765.54 --> 1766.28]  your life
+[1766.28 --> 1768.12]  and turned
+[1768.12 --> 1769.16]  it upside down
+[1769.16 --> 1770.96]  and made you
+[1770.96 --> 1771.44]  whole
+[1771.44 --> 1772.84]  and made you
+[1772.84 --> 1773.30]  well.
+[1774.46 --> 1775.22]  And when you
+[1775.22 --> 1776.30]  tell that story
+[1776.30 --> 1778.14]  you release
+[1778.14 --> 1778.76]  the power
+[1778.76 --> 1779.38]  of God
+[1779.38 --> 1780.98]  into the lives
+[1780.98 --> 1781.50]  of others.
+[1781.84 --> 1782.42]  Let's pray.
+[1784.30 --> 1785.32]  Lord our God
+[1785.32 --> 1786.44]  we wish
+[1786.44 --> 1786.98]  to walk
+[1786.98 --> 1787.92]  close to you
+[1787.92 --> 1790.26]  to trust you
+[1790.26 --> 1792.16]  to be obedient
+[1792.16 --> 1792.78]  to you
+[1792.78 --> 1794.56]  and yet
+[1794.56 --> 1796.06]  in all honesty
+[1796.06 --> 1797.22]  we run from you
+[1797.22 --> 1798.40]  from time to time
+[1798.40 --> 1798.74]  because
+[1798.74 --> 1799.82]  we think
+[1799.82 --> 1800.68]  what you are asking
+[1800.68 --> 1801.26]  of us
+[1801.26 --> 1802.02]  is too much
+[1802.02 --> 1803.40]  and sometimes
+[1803.40 --> 1804.14]  we even think
+[1804.14 --> 1804.76]  it is ridiculous.
+[1804.76 --> 1807.70]  and yet
+[1807.70 --> 1808.68]  you ask us
+[1808.68 --> 1809.62]  simply to trust
+[1809.62 --> 1809.94]  you
+[1809.94 --> 1810.78]  and to trust
+[1810.78 --> 1811.32]  the power
+[1811.32 --> 1812.12]  of the story
+[1812.12 --> 1813.44]  that you want
+[1813.44 --> 1813.86]  to tell.
+[1815.42 --> 1816.42]  We thank you
+[1816.42 --> 1817.02]  for the story
+[1817.02 --> 1817.48]  of Jesus.
+[1818.16 --> 1818.62]  We pray
+[1818.62 --> 1819.06]  that you would
+[1819.06 --> 1819.96]  write on our hearts
+[1819.96 --> 1820.62]  every word
+[1820.62 --> 1822.78]  and we thank you
+[1822.78 --> 1823.78]  that we in him
+[1823.78 --> 1824.62]  have an opportunity
+[1824.62 --> 1825.90]  to come to you
+[1825.90 --> 1826.32]  again
+[1826.32 --> 1827.14]  and again
+[1827.14 --> 1827.84]  and again
+[1827.84 --> 1829.44]  to ask for forgiveness
+[1829.44 --> 1830.56]  to ask for strength
+[1830.56 --> 1832.30]  to do what it is
+[1832.30 --> 1833.28]  you want us to do
+[1833.28 --> 1835.04]  so that your kingdom
+[1835.04 --> 1835.72]  comes
+[1835.72 --> 1837.34]  and so that your will
+[1837.34 --> 1837.80]  is done.
+[1838.06 --> 1838.88]  So hear us Lord
+[1838.88 --> 1840.24]  and indwell us
+[1840.24 --> 1841.18]  by your spirit
+[1841.18 --> 1842.90]  and help us
+[1842.90 --> 1843.78]  to repent
+[1843.78 --> 1845.66]  as required
+[1845.66 --> 1846.78]  in Jesus name
+[1846.78 --> 1848.04]  so that we may
+[1848.04 --> 1848.88]  always walk
+[1848.88 --> 1850.52]  close with you.
+[1851.52 --> 1852.00]  Amen.

Jonah The Man and His Mission #3 (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,891 @@
+[0.00 --> 6.68]  I can invite you to turn once again to the book of the prophet Jonah, Jonah chapter 3.
+[6.80 --> 12.14]  For those of you who've been watching on live stream or have been present for the last two Sundays,
+[12.52 --> 15.50]  we've looked at Jonah 1 and Jonah 2.
+[15.70 --> 19.98]  Today we'll look at Jonah 3, and I'll be back, the Lord willing, in a few weeks,
+[20.02 --> 23.60]  and we'll complete it and look at Jonah 4.
+[24.48 --> 29.78]  I want to just challenge you to sit down some point and just read the whole of the book.
+[29.78 --> 31.88]  It's 67 verses long.
+[32.48 --> 37.24]  It takes less than 20 minutes to read it, even as you read it very slowly.
+[38.24 --> 46.14]  And like I said last week, I would like to ask you also to think very clearly about the words that are being used.
+[46.28 --> 49.40]  For example, Jonah went down to Joppa.
+[49.86 --> 56.08]  He went down into, under the deck of the ship that he tried to flee on.
+[57.48 --> 59.36]  And then he went down into the water.
+[59.78 --> 65.78]  You know, as long as we go away from the Lord, we're always going to go down.
+[67.24 --> 75.12]  But now Jonah has been, as we ended last week at the end of chapter 2, vomited out onto dry land.
+[75.12 --> 83.76]  And so today I would like to look at the journey of this man on his mission and ask the question,
+[84.76 --> 88.92]  would you like to have an opportunity for a do-over?
+[88.92 --> 95.14]  And with that question in mind, let me read from Jonah chapter 3.
+[95.80 --> 96.70]  It's 10 verses.
+[97.78 --> 103.84]  Just follow along on the screen if you like, or if you have your own Bible with you, then follow along there.
+[103.84 --> 106.46]  So verse 10 of chapter 2 said,
+[106.46 --> 112.00]  The Lord commanded the fish and had vomited Jonah onto dry land.
+[112.76 --> 118.72]  Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.
+[119.76 --> 125.06]  Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.
+[126.48 --> 129.14]  And Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh.
+[129.14 --> 131.94]  Now Nineveh was a very large city.
+[132.48 --> 134.84]  It took three days to go through it.
+[135.78 --> 139.22]  Jonah began by going a day's journey into the city, proclaiming,
+[139.54 --> 142.40]  40 more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.
+[143.66 --> 145.42]  The Ninevites believed God.
+[146.18 --> 151.18]  They declared a fast and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
+[152.36 --> 156.04]  And when the news reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne,
+[156.04 --> 161.62]  took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat down in the dust.
+[162.50 --> 165.08]  Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh.
+[165.96 --> 174.60]  By the decree of the king and his nobles, do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything.
+[175.72 --> 181.42]  Do not let them eat or drink, but let people and animals be covered with sackcloth.
+[181.42 --> 184.66]  Let everyone call urgently on God.
+[185.26 --> 188.18]  Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.
+[188.92 --> 189.84]  Who knows?
+[190.94 --> 198.46]  God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.
+[199.82 --> 203.80]  When the Lord saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways,
+[203.90 --> 208.62]  he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
+[208.62 --> 210.62]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[212.36 --> 214.90]  So would you like to have an opportunity for a do-over?
+[216.96 --> 218.58]  Just think about that for a moment.
+[219.94 --> 222.96]  Now I'm not just simply saying, you know, a little thing.
+[223.06 --> 224.90]  I'm talking about a big thing.
+[225.04 --> 229.38]  How about going to school and doing that over,
+[229.52 --> 232.32]  but this time taking your studies a bit more seriously?
+[232.32 --> 239.44]  How about the career choice that you made?
+[241.92 --> 243.68]  Are you happy in what you've done?
+[245.06 --> 247.44]  Would you like to have an opportunity for a do-over?
+[249.82 --> 251.34]  Or how about marriage?
+[251.34 --> 256.30]  Or how about not having children?
+[259.08 --> 262.40]  Would you like to have an opportunity for a do-over?
+[264.26 --> 272.18]  Those are difficult questions to ponder because they get to the heart of who you are as a person.
+[272.18 --> 281.60]  The reality is, is that all of us would benefit from a do-over.
+[282.98 --> 284.48]  We've said the wrong thing.
+[286.08 --> 287.56]  We've done the wrong thing.
+[288.72 --> 290.34]  We've been in the wrong place.
+[291.66 --> 293.26]  We've developed the wrong attitude.
+[294.84 --> 296.72]  We'd like to go back and say,
+[297.42 --> 298.74]  I'm not doing that again.
+[298.74 --> 302.04]  I'd like to have a do-over.
+[303.16 --> 304.18]  Jonah heard from God,
+[304.28 --> 305.82]  Go to that great city.
+[305.94 --> 308.34]  Its wickedness has come up before me,
+[308.44 --> 310.22]  and I want you to preach against it.
+[310.36 --> 310.98]  And Jonah said,
+[311.06 --> 312.26]  No, I'm not going to go.
+[313.10 --> 315.28]  And he ran in the opposite direction.
+[315.90 --> 323.24]  Instead of going about 550 miles or 800 kilometers from where he lived to where Nineveh was,
+[323.60 --> 324.62]  and you have to go over land,
+[324.62 --> 330.32]  he decided to go down to Joppa and took a ship of Tarshish to go to the opposite direction,
+[330.88 --> 333.16]  2,500 miles roughly,
+[334.48 --> 335.70]  but at least he could sail,
+[335.80 --> 336.58]  didn't have to walk.
+[337.66 --> 338.02]  He said,
+[338.08 --> 338.82]  No, I'm not going.
+[339.08 --> 339.52]  Why?
+[340.78 --> 341.12]  Well,
+[342.00 --> 345.96]  Nineveh was a great and a wicked city and an enemy of Israel,
+[345.96 --> 349.64]  and Jonah didn't want anything good to happen to them.
+[349.92 --> 350.80]  He hated them.
+[350.92 --> 352.46]  He was a racist.
+[352.88 --> 354.42]  He was an imperialist.
+[354.66 --> 356.02]  He was a nationalist.
+[357.36 --> 360.90]  And he gets confronted by his identity.
+[361.10 --> 365.06]  The sailors in the midst of a storm that God sends says,
+[365.16 --> 365.84]  Who are you?
+[366.96 --> 367.64]  I'm a Hebrew.
+[367.64 --> 374.28]  I'm a follower of the God who created the heavens and the earth, the sea.
+[376.38 --> 379.00]  And the sailors threw him overboard at his instruction,
+[379.46 --> 380.72]  and then they stopped.
+[380.96 --> 384.08]  When everything was done, the storm was gone,
+[384.18 --> 389.84]  they stopped and they sacrificed not to Elohim, but to Yahweh.
+[389.84 --> 393.26]  And the distinction is something like this.
+[393.36 --> 395.32]  Both are names of God,
+[395.44 --> 399.14]  but Elohim is sort of a generic name.
+[399.82 --> 400.18]  God.
+[401.66 --> 403.04]  Well, when you use Yahweh,
+[403.56 --> 405.22]  you think about Father,
+[406.32 --> 408.00]  one with whom you have a relationship.
+[409.40 --> 411.34]  And they celebrated.
+[412.56 --> 416.00]  They gave sacrifices to Yahweh.
+[417.00 --> 418.42]  But Jonah went down.
+[419.84 --> 421.64]  He went down as a Hebrew
+[421.64 --> 424.86]  who had failed to live up to the purpose of the Hebrews.
+[425.02 --> 427.78]  I will bless you, God had said to their founder, Abraham,
+[428.02 --> 430.30]  so that you will be a blessing to the nations.
+[431.98 --> 432.96]  Jonah went down.
+[433.78 --> 436.00]  And in his distress, he cried out to God.
+[436.10 --> 437.36]  He turned toward the temples.
+[437.50 --> 441.56]  Mentioned twice in his psalm, in his prayer.
+[442.04 --> 445.60]  He turned toward the temple because in the temple is the Ark of the Covenant,
+[445.60 --> 448.84]  and on the Ark of the Covenant is the mercy seat.
+[448.84 --> 454.14]  And within the Ark of the Covenant is the copy of the moral law given to Moses on Mount Sinai,
+[454.14 --> 456.00]  the known as the Ten Commandments.
+[456.78 --> 459.12]  And Jonah recognized he had fallen far short.
+[459.58 --> 461.38]  And he turns for the mercy of God,
+[461.38 --> 464.72]  and he ends up giving this shout of understanding.
+[464.72 --> 467.18]  Salvation is from the Lord.
+[468.88 --> 471.72]  Instead of going down any further,
+[472.34 --> 476.66]  he's now brought up and vomited out,
+[477.26 --> 479.10]  and he gets a do-over.
+[480.24 --> 483.58]  The word of the Lord comes a second time to Jonah.
+[483.58 --> 486.94]  Jonah, go to Nineveh, that great city,
+[487.88 --> 491.28]  and give them the message that I will give to you.
+[492.48 --> 493.68]  And Jonah goes.
+[494.78 --> 497.80]  If he had to walk, it's about 800 kilometers,
+[498.06 --> 501.00]  and if you can walk about 40 kilometers a day,
+[501.28 --> 506.48]  you're going to have lots of time to think about the message that you need to give.
+[506.48 --> 511.38]  The reality is that he had time to reflect and think.
+[512.50 --> 515.14]  And we know as you've read further in the story,
+[515.64 --> 521.18]  you know that ultimately Jonah is not very happy with God.
+[522.96 --> 525.28]  Because the God who had extended him mercy
+[525.28 --> 530.38]  was also the God who was going to extend mercy to the Ninevites.
+[530.38 --> 535.30]  And while Jonah appreciates mercy,
+[536.30 --> 538.80]  he doesn't want mercy to go to them.
+[539.02 --> 539.30]  Why?
+[540.24 --> 544.56]  Well, he was very concerned about quantity.
+[546.12 --> 549.74]  There's a quantity of miles, kilometers that he has to go.
+[549.84 --> 550.66]  That's one thing.
+[551.24 --> 556.16]  But there is also a great quantity of people in Nineveh
+[556.16 --> 559.02]  and in the Assyrian empire,
+[559.02 --> 561.74]  and they were on the border of Israel,
+[561.74 --> 563.62]  and they were a threat.
+[564.04 --> 565.06]  They were big.
+[565.16 --> 566.10]  They were powerful.
+[566.24 --> 567.46]  There were many of them,
+[567.56 --> 570.18]  and Israel was so small.
+[571.32 --> 572.60]  You know, it'd be better
+[572.60 --> 575.76]  if things went negatively for the Ninevites.
+[577.34 --> 580.18]  And the Ninevites were already on edge.
+[581.28 --> 584.12]  And I think we all identify with that a little bit.
+[584.84 --> 587.32]  Because, you know, we're dealing with COVID-19,
+[587.32 --> 591.60]  and everybody's a bit on edge, a bit reflective.
+[591.96 --> 594.16]  When you walk past somebody in a store,
+[594.26 --> 596.40]  you want to make sure that you don't get out of,
+[596.66 --> 597.92]  or get too close to them.
+[598.14 --> 599.68]  And if you do get close to them,
+[599.72 --> 602.26]  you're quick to say that Canadian phrase
+[602.26 --> 603.04]  that we all like,
+[603.08 --> 603.54]  I'm sorry.
+[605.32 --> 605.56]  Right?
+[605.90 --> 607.54]  We're all changing.
+[607.62 --> 608.74]  We're all bit on edge.
+[608.82 --> 610.60]  Well, the Ninevites were on edge,
+[610.68 --> 612.68]  and they were ready to lash out
+[612.68 --> 615.68]  because they were themselves afraid.
+[616.10 --> 616.46]  Why?
+[616.64 --> 619.62]  Well, three things historians have pointed out.
+[619.92 --> 622.02]  They were suffering from famine.
+[623.86 --> 625.74]  And also, Kevin mentioned that, you know,
+[625.82 --> 628.78]  there is a locust plague hitting.
+[629.30 --> 631.18]  People will suffer from famine,
+[631.64 --> 634.26]  and that makes them afraid for themselves
+[634.26 --> 636.84]  and for their children and for their future.
+[637.98 --> 640.52]  And when other people come to their meager supplies,
+[641.32 --> 642.84]  they are ready to lash out
+[642.84 --> 645.10]  and to build walls.
+[646.78 --> 649.24]  There were plagues in the time.
+[650.54 --> 652.74]  People died because of illness,
+[652.94 --> 655.38]  because of communicable diseases.
+[655.38 --> 657.82]  And again, we can identify.
+[659.26 --> 660.48]  And then there was something else
+[660.48 --> 663.96]  that had happened in 763 B.C.
+[664.82 --> 667.24]  There had been a solar eclipse.
+[668.58 --> 671.66]  And solar eclipses were always identified
+[671.66 --> 674.76]  as an omen for bad stuff to come.
+[676.52 --> 680.60]  They were seen as scary experiences.
+[680.60 --> 685.42]  And so the Ninevites were on edge.
+[686.14 --> 689.12]  Here, this powerful group of people.
+[690.74 --> 692.34]  And Jonah was worried
+[692.34 --> 695.50]  about the quantity of them
+[695.50 --> 698.44]  and the quantity of their hatred
+[698.44 --> 702.36]  and the quantity of their danger.
+[704.06 --> 705.76]  And God says to Jonah,
+[706.32 --> 706.64]  Go.
+[706.64 --> 712.32]  And you tell them what I want you to tell them.
+[713.94 --> 715.20]  And Jonah goes.
+[716.70 --> 717.34]  Why?
+[717.54 --> 720.60]  Well, because God is a God
+[720.60 --> 724.26]  who holds creation in His hand and His power.
+[724.66 --> 727.48]  And if you look at the story very carefully,
+[727.84 --> 731.74]  you will note that God is always providing something.
+[733.06 --> 734.88]  He provides Jonah with a mandate.
+[735.10 --> 735.32]  Go.
+[735.32 --> 736.82]  He provides them with a message.
+[736.94 --> 738.46]  Preach against that wicked city.
+[738.80 --> 740.10]  He provides a storm.
+[740.22 --> 741.64]  He provides a great fish.
+[742.06 --> 743.94]  He will, and we'll see that next time,
+[744.28 --> 746.52]  He will provide a gourd, a plant.
+[747.02 --> 749.70]  He will provide a hot wind.
+[750.62 --> 753.42]  He will provide a message.
+[756.02 --> 758.36]  But God also provides second chances.
+[758.52 --> 760.28]  And that's where it's really important for us
+[760.28 --> 762.38]  to reflect on and to think about
+[762.38 --> 763.50]  for a few minutes.
+[763.50 --> 765.66]  In your life,
+[765.66 --> 768.38]  do you need a second chance?
+[769.88 --> 773.06]  A second chance to heal a broken relationship?
+[774.12 --> 776.32]  To say, please forgive me?
+[777.18 --> 780.76]  To take responsibility for your action,
+[781.24 --> 782.32]  for your word?
+[782.32 --> 783.32]  God comes.
+[783.32 --> 787.02]  And God comes, and He creates hope
+[787.02 --> 789.50]  because He is a God who's ready to forgive
+[789.50 --> 793.48]  and a God who is ready to renew and to restore
+[793.48 --> 797.78]  because He is not a God so much concerned about quantity,
+[797.94 --> 799.78]  although He is concerned about that too.
+[799.92 --> 801.40]  We'll see that in chapter 4.
+[801.40 --> 804.72]  But He's a God who's concerned about quality.
+[806.48 --> 809.52]  The quality that you have as a person
+[809.52 --> 814.52]  and the quality that the person beside you has as a person
+[814.52 --> 817.12]  and the quality that the people,
+[817.26 --> 818.74]  the citizens of Nineveh
+[818.74 --> 821.32]  and the citizens of Assyria have
+[821.32 --> 823.36]  as people, as persons,
+[823.36 --> 826.46]  despite their wickedness,
+[826.72 --> 829.00]  despite their acts of violence.
+[830.24 --> 835.60]  And that quality is the quality of being made in the image of God.
+[835.60 --> 840.02]  You and I are reflective of God.
+[841.70 --> 845.28]  You and I are called to care for the creation.
+[846.62 --> 849.12]  We are called to care for each other.
+[849.54 --> 851.50]  One of the earliest lessons of the Scriptures,
+[852.40 --> 857.22]  Cain asks of God about his brother Abel,
+[857.34 --> 858.86]  Am I my brother's keeper?
+[859.98 --> 861.60]  And the answer is yes, you are.
+[862.60 --> 864.08]  You're also your brother's brother
+[864.08 --> 866.14]  or your sister's sister
+[866.14 --> 867.22]  or sister's brother
+[867.22 --> 868.82]  and sister's keeper.
+[869.98 --> 874.10]  God expects of us that we will care for each other.
+[874.26 --> 876.62]  And when we act with wickedness
+[876.62 --> 878.76]  and violence against each other,
+[878.76 --> 880.66]  He is angry
+[880.66 --> 885.40]  because He knows that inevitably
+[885.40 --> 887.26]  wickedness and violence
+[887.26 --> 889.48]  will lead to the disintegration
+[889.48 --> 892.52]  of family and of relationships
+[892.52 --> 893.66]  and of nations
+[893.66 --> 896.56]  and it will lead to the disintegration
+[896.56 --> 898.70]  of the fabric of the universe
+[898.70 --> 899.54]  and the world
+[899.54 --> 901.22]  in which He has placed us
+[901.22 --> 902.56]  as stewards and caregivers.
+[904.14 --> 905.48]  And so He gets angry.
+[906.90 --> 907.74]  And He says,
+[907.88 --> 911.00]  I will not allow it to continue.
+[911.00 --> 917.26]  And so what He does is He sends a servant
+[917.26 --> 923.00]  to do what many people think is ridiculous.
+[924.06 --> 927.28]  He should have sent a scientist
+[927.28 --> 931.06]  or a social scientist
+[931.06 --> 933.54]  or an engineer.
+[933.54 --> 935.72]  But a preacher?
+[935.72 --> 938.62]  You send a preacher?
+[939.36 --> 941.40]  To face wickedness
+[941.40 --> 942.86]  and violence?
+[944.62 --> 946.14]  I don't know if you watch the news.
+[946.24 --> 947.76]  I suspect all of us watch the news.
+[947.90 --> 949.76]  But, you know, a couple of days ago
+[949.76 --> 950.70]  John Lewis died.
+[951.98 --> 954.36]  He was one of the six leaders
+[954.36 --> 957.26]  of the civil rights movement
+[957.26 --> 958.52]  with Martin Luther King.
+[958.52 --> 960.38]  He was one of the guys
+[960.38 --> 961.80]  who walked across that bridge
+[961.80 --> 963.50]  in Selma, Alabama.
+[964.40 --> 965.70]  Suffered a fractured skull.
+[967.84 --> 969.28]  He wanted to be a preacher.
+[969.74 --> 971.18]  Never did become one.
+[971.24 --> 972.62]  He went to seminary.
+[973.62 --> 974.90]  Because he stuttered.
+[975.92 --> 977.24]  He preached to the chickens
+[977.24 --> 979.60]  at home on his farm.
+[980.26 --> 980.80]  He said,
+[980.90 --> 981.82]  I even married some.
+[981.90 --> 982.60]  I buried some.
+[982.72 --> 983.52]  Gave them funerals.
+[983.52 --> 986.24]  You think,
+[986.56 --> 986.92]  a preacher?
+[988.60 --> 989.58]  And yet he preached.
+[990.52 --> 991.32]  Nonviolence.
+[992.64 --> 994.90]  You stand up, he says.
+[995.10 --> 997.00]  You speak up, he said.
+[997.16 --> 998.82]  You march, he said.
+[999.28 --> 1001.74]  You'll sit down in protest.
+[1003.32 --> 1004.82]  But you don't engage in violence.
+[1005.98 --> 1006.32]  Why?
+[1008.90 --> 1010.88]  Because the person who opposes you
+[1010.88 --> 1012.10]  is an image bearer of God.
+[1012.10 --> 1014.44]  And one of the striking things,
+[1014.50 --> 1015.90]  I watched it on the news last night
+[1015.90 --> 1018.06]  in a reflection on his life.
+[1019.02 --> 1021.04]  One of the police who beat him up
+[1021.04 --> 1023.26]  on the bridge in Selma
+[1023.26 --> 1024.98]  asked to see him
+[1024.98 --> 1027.20]  and asked for forgiveness.
+[1028.78 --> 1030.76]  A very moving moment.
+[1032.66 --> 1033.30]  It's what a preacher
+[1033.30 --> 1035.64]  with a message of hope
+[1035.64 --> 1036.96]  and grace
+[1036.96 --> 1038.28]  and do-overs
+[1038.28 --> 1040.04]  can accomplish.
+[1040.04 --> 1042.64]  And God said to Jonah,
+[1043.52 --> 1044.06]  Go.
+[1045.46 --> 1046.52]  Give the message
+[1046.52 --> 1047.52]  I will give you.
+[1047.60 --> 1048.96]  I don't care what you think of
+[1048.96 --> 1050.26]  over the next 20 days
+[1050.26 --> 1052.50]  as you walk towards Nineveh.
+[1052.74 --> 1053.48]  The message
+[1053.48 --> 1055.00]  I will give you.
+[1055.90 --> 1057.36]  It's eight words long.
+[1058.72 --> 1060.80]  It's five words in Hebrew.
+[1063.00 --> 1064.28]  Yet 40 days
+[1064.28 --> 1064.78]  in Nineveh
+[1064.78 --> 1065.74]  will be overthrown.
+[1065.74 --> 1069.94]  If my homiletics professor
+[1069.94 --> 1071.76]  had read that,
+[1071.84 --> 1073.42]  if I had handed that in
+[1073.42 --> 1074.76]  as one of my sermons,
+[1075.20 --> 1076.26]  yet 40 days
+[1076.26 --> 1076.98]  and Toronto
+[1076.98 --> 1078.26]  will be overthrown.
+[1079.08 --> 1080.40]  Yet 40 days
+[1080.40 --> 1081.84]  and just fill in the blanks.
+[1082.92 --> 1083.68]  He would have said,
+[1084.14 --> 1084.42]  F.
+[1085.08 --> 1086.30]  There's no introduction.
+[1087.30 --> 1088.70]  There's no exegesis.
+[1089.66 --> 1091.18]  There's no testimony.
+[1091.50 --> 1092.46]  There is no illustration.
+[1092.84 --> 1094.50]  There's nothing of interest.
+[1094.62 --> 1095.88]  There's just a threat.
+[1097.62 --> 1099.52]  There's no hope here.
+[1101.40 --> 1102.76]  Yet 40 days
+[1102.76 --> 1104.26]  and Nineveh
+[1104.26 --> 1105.26]  will be overthrown.
+[1109.14 --> 1110.44]  And Jonah moves
+[1110.44 --> 1111.38]  with a message
+[1111.38 --> 1113.06]  into the heart of that city.
+[1113.30 --> 1114.26]  Three days journey
+[1114.26 --> 1115.26]  across to go.
+[1115.26 --> 1117.84]  He goes a day in,
+[1117.92 --> 1118.64]  sort of gets into
+[1118.64 --> 1119.72]  the center of the city.
+[1120.58 --> 1121.46]  And he preaches.
+[1121.60 --> 1122.40]  Yet 40 days
+[1122.40 --> 1122.84]  and Nineveh
+[1122.84 --> 1123.68]  will be overthrown.
+[1123.78 --> 1125.40]  Now does he change it at all?
+[1125.76 --> 1126.52]  Well, yeah.
+[1126.64 --> 1127.18]  We don't know
+[1127.18 --> 1127.86]  how many days
+[1127.86 --> 1128.82]  he preached this thing.
+[1129.86 --> 1130.82]  How many days
+[1130.82 --> 1132.20]  did he sit outside the city?
+[1133.12 --> 1133.84]  Did he start,
+[1133.96 --> 1134.94]  say, 40 days
+[1134.94 --> 1136.54]  and then the next day
+[1136.54 --> 1137.52]  39 days
+[1137.52 --> 1138.40]  and then the next day
+[1138.40 --> 1140.18]  38 and 37, 36?
+[1140.44 --> 1141.64]  Did he get down to one?
+[1142.78 --> 1143.60]  We don't know.
+[1143.60 --> 1145.92]  That's the power of story.
+[1146.60 --> 1147.80]  It invites you in.
+[1148.00 --> 1149.04]  It makes you think.
+[1149.24 --> 1150.38]  It makes you ponder.
+[1150.60 --> 1151.84]  It makes you reflect.
+[1152.32 --> 1153.50]  It makes you wonder.
+[1154.76 --> 1156.34]  It makes you decide.
+[1157.82 --> 1158.70]  Yet 40 days
+[1158.70 --> 1159.08]  and Nineveh
+[1159.08 --> 1160.02]  will be overthrown.
+[1160.82 --> 1162.00]  Yet 17 days
+[1162.00 --> 1162.48]  and Nineveh
+[1162.48 --> 1163.46]  will be overthrown.
+[1163.98 --> 1165.04]  Yet 18 months
+[1165.04 --> 1166.44]  before there's a vaccine
+[1166.44 --> 1168.22]  for COVID-19.
+[1168.48 --> 1169.80]  How will you survive
+[1169.80 --> 1171.12]  for another 18 months?
+[1171.12 --> 1173.38]  Well, the answer is
+[1173.38 --> 1174.38]  by the grace of God.
+[1175.48 --> 1176.00]  All right?
+[1176.04 --> 1177.10]  That's how we survive.
+[1177.62 --> 1178.80]  By the grace of God.
+[1179.20 --> 1179.54]  Yet,
+[1180.00 --> 1181.68]  yet 40 days.
+[1182.44 --> 1185.00]  What a ridiculous message.
+[1187.40 --> 1188.54]  And notice what it says.
+[1189.02 --> 1189.78]  The Ninevites
+[1189.78 --> 1191.52]  believed God.
+[1191.52 --> 1195.28]  Know this
+[1195.28 --> 1196.38]  as you function
+[1196.38 --> 1197.18]  as a church,
+[1197.70 --> 1198.46]  as a community
+[1198.46 --> 1199.54]  of redeemed people
+[1199.54 --> 1200.10]  within,
+[1200.30 --> 1200.94]  you know,
+[1201.00 --> 1202.28]  this community
+[1202.28 --> 1203.58]  and the broader creation.
+[1204.16 --> 1204.90]  Know this.
+[1205.94 --> 1206.46]  Salvation
+[1206.46 --> 1207.60]  is of the Lord.
+[1208.96 --> 1209.88]  That doesn't mean
+[1209.88 --> 1211.08]  you shouldn't develop
+[1211.08 --> 1212.34]  sermons and programs
+[1212.34 --> 1213.34]  dealing with skill.
+[1213.52 --> 1213.98]  The Apollos,
+[1213.98 --> 1214.52]  you know,
+[1214.56 --> 1215.92]  Apollos was one of the great
+[1215.92 --> 1217.40]  preachers of the New Testament,
+[1217.40 --> 1218.46]  but he sat down
+[1218.46 --> 1219.70]  with Priscilla and Aquila,
+[1219.70 --> 1220.40]  and they taught him
+[1220.40 --> 1221.10]  a better way.
+[1222.54 --> 1223.80]  So there's nothing wrong
+[1223.80 --> 1224.98]  with developing skills
+[1224.98 --> 1226.96]  and doing all of those things,
+[1227.12 --> 1228.76]  but you put your hope
+[1228.76 --> 1229.52]  and trust
+[1229.52 --> 1231.02]  in the power of God
+[1231.02 --> 1232.12]  to open,
+[1232.78 --> 1233.64]  closed hearts
+[1233.64 --> 1234.78]  and minds.
+[1235.34 --> 1236.76]  That's where the hope is.
+[1237.32 --> 1238.74]  So you keep telling the story.
+[1239.52 --> 1241.76]  You keep proclaiming the word.
+[1241.76 --> 1244.08]  You keep praying to God
+[1244.08 --> 1246.18]  that he will open hearts
+[1246.18 --> 1247.46]  and minds.
+[1248.46 --> 1250.70]  And then the people of Nineveh
+[1250.70 --> 1252.32]  changed.
+[1253.76 --> 1256.18]  The city wasn't overturned,
+[1256.22 --> 1258.76]  but they were overturned.
+[1259.94 --> 1261.44]  From the greatest of them,
+[1261.50 --> 1261.84]  it says,
+[1261.92 --> 1262.64]  to the least.
+[1263.04 --> 1264.04]  From the merchants
+[1264.04 --> 1265.56]  in the society
+[1265.56 --> 1267.08]  to the people
+[1267.08 --> 1268.56]  who swept the floor
+[1268.56 --> 1270.38]  or who picked up the garbage
+[1270.38 --> 1272.78]  or who had lower standing
+[1272.78 --> 1274.32]  socially and economically
+[1274.32 --> 1275.28]  in the city,
+[1275.70 --> 1277.14]  probably at that time
+[1277.14 --> 1277.94]  the slaves.
+[1278.44 --> 1279.36]  From the greatest
+[1279.36 --> 1280.26]  to the least,
+[1280.48 --> 1281.74]  doesn't involve the king yet,
+[1281.80 --> 1283.16]  the word comes to him later,
+[1283.82 --> 1284.78]  and to the nobles.
+[1286.46 --> 1287.80]  They believed God.
+[1289.06 --> 1290.86]  And they put on sackcloth.
+[1292.18 --> 1293.44]  And they repent.
+[1293.66 --> 1294.66]  What does that mean?
+[1294.66 --> 1296.62]  Well, they turned
+[1296.62 --> 1297.46]  from their wicked
+[1297.46 --> 1299.12]  and violent ways.
+[1299.52 --> 1301.04]  They began to treat
+[1301.04 --> 1303.04]  image bearers of God,
+[1303.86 --> 1305.04]  their neighbors,
+[1305.42 --> 1307.54]  with respect that they deserve
+[1307.54 --> 1310.14]  despite their color,
+[1310.94 --> 1312.06]  their race,
+[1312.78 --> 1313.60]  their gender,
+[1314.20 --> 1315.16]  their language,
+[1315.54 --> 1317.28]  their social economic status.
+[1317.66 --> 1319.90]  They pursued justice
+[1319.90 --> 1322.86]  and righteousness.
+[1322.86 --> 1325.48]  Gerald Van Der Zande,
+[1325.76 --> 1327.42]  he's passed away now,
+[1327.52 --> 1328.54]  but he had a lot to do
+[1328.54 --> 1329.98]  with Citizens for Public Justice.
+[1330.46 --> 1331.36]  He has a book.
+[1332.36 --> 1332.86]  I encourage you
+[1332.86 --> 1333.56]  to read sometime.
+[1334.12 --> 1335.12]  But the title
+[1335.12 --> 1336.10]  is intriguing.
+[1337.24 --> 1337.78]  It says,
+[1338.16 --> 1338.80]  Justice,
+[1339.60 --> 1341.64]  not just us.
+[1344.46 --> 1345.02]  Justice,
+[1345.68 --> 1348.14]  not just me.
+[1350.14 --> 1350.74]  Justice.
+[1350.74 --> 1350.88]  Justice.
+[1351.40 --> 1353.94]  They began to pursue justice.
+[1354.98 --> 1356.46]  And then the word came
+[1356.46 --> 1357.26]  to the king.
+[1357.90 --> 1359.32]  And the king said,
+[1359.92 --> 1360.94]  Everybody
+[1360.94 --> 1363.66]  has to get engaged.
+[1364.72 --> 1367.26]  There is a federal command
+[1367.26 --> 1368.08]  that says,
+[1368.20 --> 1370.18]  Everybody wear sackcloth.
+[1371.20 --> 1372.32]  That's an interesting thing
+[1372.32 --> 1373.12]  to reflect on
+[1373.12 --> 1375.38]  in the day of mask wearing
+[1375.38 --> 1376.04]  or not.
+[1376.92 --> 1378.50]  Does everyone do it?
+[1378.50 --> 1382.18]  Does it get mandated federally?
+[1383.02 --> 1384.90]  So far in our nations,
+[1385.08 --> 1385.38]  Canada,
+[1385.50 --> 1386.24]  the United States,
+[1386.34 --> 1387.56]  it hasn't been mandated
+[1387.56 --> 1388.84]  federally.
+[1389.56 --> 1390.94]  But you begin to wonder
+[1390.94 --> 1391.90]  whether it should be.
+[1392.90 --> 1394.26]  Whether we're effectively
+[1394.26 --> 1394.96]  fighting
+[1394.96 --> 1398.42]  what is changing our lives
+[1398.42 --> 1400.26]  and making us think.
+[1401.12 --> 1402.10]  The king says,
+[1402.24 --> 1402.70]  Everyone,
+[1403.36 --> 1404.78]  including your animals,
+[1404.78 --> 1407.20]  and they don't eat
+[1407.20 --> 1407.98]  and drink either.
+[1408.56 --> 1409.66]  I grew up on a farm
+[1409.66 --> 1411.44]  and, you know,
+[1411.52 --> 1412.14]  in Ontario,
+[1412.36 --> 1413.60]  it was cold in the wintertime
+[1413.60 --> 1415.20]  and our cows stayed inside.
+[1415.62 --> 1416.72]  But every once in a while,
+[1416.82 --> 1417.94]  the pipes would freeze.
+[1418.98 --> 1420.02]  And then the cows
+[1420.02 --> 1421.44]  didn't have water.
+[1422.18 --> 1423.10]  And when you came
+[1423.10 --> 1423.88]  into the barn
+[1423.88 --> 1425.16]  and the cows
+[1425.16 --> 1425.98]  hadn't had water,
+[1426.08 --> 1426.68]  you were greeted
+[1426.68 --> 1427.62]  with a chorus
+[1427.62 --> 1429.58]  of complaint.
+[1429.58 --> 1434.88]  And it just was
+[1434.88 --> 1436.68]  on and on and on.
+[1436.90 --> 1437.44]  So you quickly
+[1437.44 --> 1438.44]  got out the blowtorch
+[1438.44 --> 1439.50]  and by we had
+[1439.50 --> 1440.30]  a fair number
+[1440.30 --> 1441.76]  of amount of experience
+[1441.76 --> 1442.96]  of having frozen pipes.
+[1443.06 --> 1443.46]  So we knew
+[1443.46 --> 1444.04]  where the pipes
+[1444.04 --> 1444.90]  were likely to freeze.
+[1445.42 --> 1446.12]  And then quickly
+[1446.12 --> 1447.36]  you get the blowtorch out
+[1447.36 --> 1448.58]  and pretty soon
+[1448.58 --> 1449.86]  you're treated
+[1449.86 --> 1451.06]  to this wonderful
+[1451.06 --> 1454.36]  sound of running water.
+[1454.36 --> 1456.32]  and then it comes
+[1456.32 --> 1456.96]  to the cows
+[1456.96 --> 1458.46]  and slowly but surely
+[1458.46 --> 1461.38]  the moos reside
+[1461.38 --> 1462.78]  and reside.
+[1463.50 --> 1464.96]  And it is quiet.
+[1465.14 --> 1465.94]  It is still.
+[1466.18 --> 1467.02]  There is peace.
+[1467.82 --> 1468.82]  There is satisfaction.
+[1469.32 --> 1469.86]  Can you imagine
+[1469.86 --> 1471.10]  how hard these people
+[1471.10 --> 1471.88]  had to work
+[1471.88 --> 1473.34]  to keep their cows
+[1473.34 --> 1473.96]  from drinking
+[1473.96 --> 1477.00]  in a hot climate?
+[1478.76 --> 1479.44]  Perhaps
+[1479.44 --> 1481.66]  the Lord,
+[1481.84 --> 1482.50]  it says,
+[1482.50 --> 1483.64]  perhaps the Lord
+[1483.64 --> 1485.14]  will have compassion
+[1485.14 --> 1486.48]  and turn
+[1486.48 --> 1487.66]  from his fierce anger.
+[1487.90 --> 1489.24]  And we have to turn
+[1489.24 --> 1491.26]  from our evil ways
+[1491.26 --> 1492.64]  and our violence.
+[1493.78 --> 1494.86]  And they do.
+[1496.26 --> 1497.56]  And God turns
+[1497.56 --> 1498.42]  from his anger
+[1498.42 --> 1499.82]  and he relents.
+[1500.60 --> 1501.56]  Now there's an interesting
+[1501.56 --> 1502.56]  way of looking
+[1502.56 --> 1503.22]  at this
+[1503.22 --> 1504.52]  because you can
+[1504.52 --> 1505.16]  ask yourself
+[1505.16 --> 1505.68]  the question,
+[1506.02 --> 1506.98]  is this a repentance
+[1506.98 --> 1507.84]  that leads
+[1507.84 --> 1509.12]  to extended life
+[1509.12 --> 1509.78]  on this earth
+[1509.78 --> 1511.04]  or is this repentance
+[1511.04 --> 1511.72]  that leads
+[1511.72 --> 1512.58]  to salvation
+[1512.58 --> 1514.14]  that has extended
+[1514.14 --> 1515.06]  life with God
+[1515.06 --> 1515.58]  in heaven?
+[1516.86 --> 1517.46]  And there are two
+[1517.46 --> 1518.20]  schools of thought
+[1518.20 --> 1518.64]  on this.
+[1520.26 --> 1521.46]  One school of thought
+[1521.46 --> 1522.34]  is it's repentance
+[1522.34 --> 1523.06]  that leads
+[1523.06 --> 1523.86]  to change
+[1523.86 --> 1524.56]  of behavior
+[1524.56 --> 1526.06]  on this earth.
+[1526.40 --> 1527.32]  There's a pursuit
+[1527.32 --> 1529.02]  of no more justice
+[1529.02 --> 1529.90]  and of no more
+[1529.90 --> 1530.60]  evil ways
+[1530.60 --> 1531.50]  and of doing
+[1531.50 --> 1532.20]  what is right
+[1532.20 --> 1533.02]  and of doing
+[1533.02 --> 1533.86]  what is kind
+[1533.86 --> 1534.60]  and of doing
+[1534.60 --> 1535.28]  what is loving.
+[1536.48 --> 1536.96]  And the reason
+[1536.96 --> 1537.82]  why some scholars
+[1537.82 --> 1538.72]  say that
+[1538.72 --> 1539.32]  is because
+[1539.32 --> 1540.90]  the Ninevites
+[1540.90 --> 1541.86]  apparently never
+[1541.86 --> 1542.78]  give up their idols.
+[1542.92 --> 1543.68]  They never give up
+[1543.68 --> 1544.30]  their gods
+[1544.30 --> 1545.56]  and they never
+[1545.56 --> 1547.36]  refer to God
+[1547.36 --> 1548.58]  as Yahweh
+[1548.58 --> 1549.62]  as the sailors
+[1549.62 --> 1550.10]  had done
+[1550.10 --> 1550.90]  in chapter 1.
+[1551.52 --> 1552.60]  They refer to God
+[1552.60 --> 1553.26]  as Elohim.
+[1554.40 --> 1555.58]  Sort of general,
+[1555.98 --> 1556.32]  generic.
+[1557.90 --> 1558.98]  And so their repentance
+[1558.98 --> 1560.44]  involves
+[1560.44 --> 1561.98]  a change
+[1561.98 --> 1563.06]  of lifestyle
+[1563.06 --> 1565.12]  but not necessarily
+[1565.12 --> 1565.64]  a change
+[1565.64 --> 1566.12]  of heart.
+[1567.26 --> 1567.92]  And then there are,
+[1568.06 --> 1568.54]  there's the other
+[1568.54 --> 1569.24]  school of thought
+[1569.24 --> 1569.74]  that says,
+[1570.20 --> 1570.52]  no, no,
+[1570.56 --> 1571.64]  it involves both,
+[1571.70 --> 1572.62]  a change of heart
+[1572.62 --> 1573.52]  or lifestyle
+[1573.52 --> 1574.28]  and a change
+[1574.28 --> 1574.88]  of heart
+[1574.88 --> 1575.88]  as well.
+[1576.72 --> 1577.52]  And if you read
+[1577.52 --> 1578.60]  in the Gospel
+[1578.60 --> 1581.50]  of Matthew
+[1581.50 --> 1582.44]  chapter 12,
+[1583.56 --> 1583.78]  you know,
+[1583.84 --> 1584.76]  Jesus is asked
+[1584.76 --> 1585.74]  by the Pharisees,
+[1585.84 --> 1586.06]  teacher,
+[1586.22 --> 1586.84]  we want to see
+[1586.84 --> 1587.82]  a sign from you.
+[1588.48 --> 1589.48]  And he answered,
+[1589.60 --> 1589.94]  a wicked
+[1589.94 --> 1590.68]  and adulterous
+[1590.68 --> 1591.68]  generation asks
+[1591.68 --> 1592.40]  for a sign
+[1592.40 --> 1593.54]  but none will be
+[1593.54 --> 1594.00]  given it
+[1594.00 --> 1594.84]  except the sign
+[1594.84 --> 1595.88]  of the prophet Jonah.
+[1596.78 --> 1597.38]  For as Jonah
+[1597.38 --> 1598.14]  was three days
+[1598.14 --> 1598.80]  and three nights
+[1598.80 --> 1599.26]  in the belly
+[1599.26 --> 1600.22]  of a huge fish,
+[1600.72 --> 1601.76]  so the Son of Man
+[1601.76 --> 1602.62]  will be three days
+[1602.62 --> 1603.30]  and three nights
+[1603.30 --> 1603.76]  in the heart
+[1603.76 --> 1604.32]  of the earth.
+[1604.96 --> 1605.84]  The people of Nineveh
+[1605.84 --> 1606.50]  will stand up
+[1606.50 --> 1607.10]  as a judgment
+[1607.10 --> 1608.14]  with this generation
+[1608.14 --> 1609.10]  and condemn it.
+[1610.02 --> 1611.20]  Now notice these words.
+[1612.48 --> 1614.00]  For they repented
+[1614.00 --> 1614.98]  at the preaching
+[1614.98 --> 1615.86]  of Jonah
+[1615.86 --> 1618.78]  and now one greater
+[1618.78 --> 1619.38]  than Jonah
+[1619.38 --> 1620.04]  is here.
+[1621.40 --> 1622.44]  They repented
+[1622.44 --> 1623.52]  at the preaching
+[1623.52 --> 1624.06]  of Jonah
+[1624.06 --> 1624.98]  and they will
+[1624.98 --> 1625.50]  stand up
+[1625.50 --> 1626.04]  and condemn
+[1626.04 --> 1626.58]  the present
+[1626.58 --> 1627.20]  generations
+[1627.20 --> 1628.18]  of the Pharisees
+[1628.18 --> 1629.08]  and the Sadducees
+[1629.08 --> 1630.36]  who want to see
+[1630.36 --> 1630.84]  a sign.
+[1632.88 --> 1633.66]  I'll leave you
+[1633.66 --> 1634.74]  to debate that
+[1634.74 --> 1636.00]  and ponder it.
+[1636.96 --> 1637.94]  Was it just simply
+[1637.94 --> 1639.82]  a repentance
+[1639.82 --> 1640.74]  of lifestyle?
+[1640.94 --> 1642.00]  Because in a hundred
+[1642.00 --> 1642.56]  years,
+[1642.66 --> 1643.08]  Nahum,
+[1643.28 --> 1643.72]  the next,
+[1643.86 --> 1644.52]  another prophet
+[1644.52 --> 1645.44]  will say that
+[1645.44 --> 1646.58]  Nineveh is a city
+[1646.58 --> 1647.10]  of blood
+[1647.10 --> 1648.60]  and there is
+[1648.60 --> 1649.36]  no hope for it.
+[1650.52 --> 1651.44]  So if there was
+[1651.44 --> 1652.00]  a repentance,
+[1652.00 --> 1652.92]  it wasn't passed
+[1652.92 --> 1654.44]  on to the next
+[1654.44 --> 1655.00]  generation
+[1655.00 --> 1656.32]  of people.
+[1658.32 --> 1659.68]  But it was
+[1659.68 --> 1661.34]  a change
+[1661.34 --> 1663.34]  and God
+[1663.34 --> 1664.70]  relents.
+[1665.86 --> 1666.78]  And he gives
+[1666.78 --> 1667.88]  not only Jonah
+[1667.88 --> 1670.10]  but he gives
+[1670.10 --> 1670.96]  the Ninevites
+[1670.96 --> 1672.92]  a second chance,
+[1673.92 --> 1675.32]  another opportunity.
+[1675.32 --> 1678.42]  he withholds
+[1678.42 --> 1680.00]  his fierce anger.
+[1682.14 --> 1683.06]  And Jesus
+[1683.06 --> 1684.18]  at one point
+[1684.18 --> 1686.30]  comes to the city
+[1686.30 --> 1686.94]  of Jerusalem
+[1686.94 --> 1690.72]  and he cries.
+[1692.72 --> 1693.78]  He's not angry.
+[1695.78 --> 1696.84]  He's just sad.
+[1696.84 --> 1697.56]  Oh,
+[1697.62 --> 1699.16]  how I would have
+[1699.16 --> 1699.88]  gathered you
+[1699.88 --> 1700.42]  together
+[1700.42 --> 1701.60]  as a chick
+[1701.60 --> 1702.84]  gathers her wing
+[1702.84 --> 1704.18]  or as a hen
+[1704.18 --> 1705.34]  gathers her chicks
+[1705.34 --> 1706.42]  under her wings
+[1706.42 --> 1708.14]  but you
+[1708.14 --> 1709.86]  would not.
+[1711.78 --> 1712.78]  And he goes
+[1712.78 --> 1713.48]  into the city
+[1713.48 --> 1715.52]  and he gets
+[1715.52 --> 1715.98]  condemned
+[1715.98 --> 1718.68]  and he is taken
+[1718.68 --> 1719.78]  outside of the city
+[1719.78 --> 1721.96]  and he gets
+[1721.96 --> 1722.46]  crucified
+[1722.46 --> 1724.50]  and buried
+[1724.50 --> 1727.14]  and three days
+[1727.14 --> 1727.58]  later
+[1727.58 --> 1729.68]  the earth
+[1729.68 --> 1730.34]  can no longer
+[1730.34 --> 1730.98]  hold him
+[1730.98 --> 1732.62]  because his
+[1732.62 --> 1733.56]  father in heaven
+[1733.56 --> 1735.24]  opens
+[1735.24 --> 1737.52]  the grave
+[1737.52 --> 1738.86]  and Jesus
+[1738.86 --> 1739.84]  comes forth
+[1739.84 --> 1741.88]  and with Jesus
+[1741.88 --> 1744.62]  there is no need
+[1744.62 --> 1746.38]  for a do over.
+[1748.38 --> 1749.66]  He has paid
+[1749.66 --> 1750.24]  the price.
+[1750.24 --> 1753.20]  you are free
+[1753.20 --> 1754.16]  if you are
+[1754.16 --> 1754.88]  in him.
+[1756.48 --> 1756.96]  Free
+[1756.96 --> 1758.48]  to do what?
+[1759.36 --> 1760.62]  To tell a story.
+[1761.88 --> 1762.86]  A story
+[1762.86 --> 1763.98]  of how God
+[1763.98 --> 1765.54]  has changed
+[1765.54 --> 1766.28]  your life
+[1766.28 --> 1768.12]  and turned
+[1768.12 --> 1769.16]  it upside down
+[1769.16 --> 1770.96]  and made you
+[1770.96 --> 1771.44]  whole
+[1771.44 --> 1772.84]  and made you
+[1772.84 --> 1773.30]  well.
+[1774.46 --> 1775.22]  And when you
+[1775.22 --> 1776.30]  tell that story
+[1776.30 --> 1778.14]  you release
+[1778.14 --> 1778.76]  the power
+[1778.76 --> 1779.38]  of God
+[1779.38 --> 1780.98]  into the lives
+[1780.98 --> 1781.50]  of others.
+[1781.84 --> 1782.42]  Let's pray.
+[1784.30 --> 1785.32]  Lord our God
+[1785.32 --> 1786.44]  we wish
+[1786.44 --> 1786.98]  to walk
+[1786.98 --> 1787.92]  close to you
+[1787.92 --> 1790.26]  to trust you
+[1790.26 --> 1792.16]  to be obedient
+[1792.16 --> 1792.78]  to you
+[1792.78 --> 1794.56]  and yet
+[1794.56 --> 1796.06]  in all honesty
+[1796.06 --> 1797.22]  we run from you
+[1797.22 --> 1798.40]  from time to time
+[1798.40 --> 1798.74]  because
+[1798.74 --> 1799.82]  we think
+[1799.82 --> 1800.68]  what you are asking
+[1800.68 --> 1801.26]  of us
+[1801.26 --> 1802.02]  is too much
+[1802.02 --> 1803.40]  and sometimes
+[1803.40 --> 1804.14]  we even think
+[1804.14 --> 1804.76]  it is ridiculous.
+[1804.76 --> 1807.70]  and yet
+[1807.70 --> 1808.68]  you ask us
+[1808.68 --> 1809.62]  simply to trust
+[1809.62 --> 1809.94]  you
+[1809.94 --> 1810.78]  and to trust
+[1810.78 --> 1811.32]  the power
+[1811.32 --> 1812.12]  of the story
+[1812.12 --> 1813.44]  that you want
+[1813.44 --> 1813.86]  to tell.
+[1815.42 --> 1816.42]  We thank you
+[1816.42 --> 1817.02]  for the story
+[1817.02 --> 1817.48]  of Jesus.
+[1818.16 --> 1818.62]  We pray
+[1818.62 --> 1819.06]  that you would
+[1819.06 --> 1819.96]  write on our hearts
+[1819.96 --> 1820.62]  every word
+[1820.62 --> 1822.78]  and we thank you
+[1822.78 --> 1823.78]  that we in him
+[1823.78 --> 1824.62]  have an opportunity
+[1824.62 --> 1825.90]  to come to you
+[1825.90 --> 1826.32]  again
+[1826.32 --> 1827.14]  and again
+[1827.14 --> 1827.84]  and again
+[1827.84 --> 1829.44]  to ask for forgiveness
+[1829.44 --> 1830.56]  to ask for strength
+[1830.56 --> 1832.30]  to do what it is
+[1832.30 --> 1833.28]  you want us to do
+[1833.28 --> 1835.04]  so that your kingdom
+[1835.04 --> 1835.72]  comes
+[1835.72 --> 1837.34]  and so that your will
+[1837.34 --> 1837.80]  is done.
+[1838.06 --> 1838.88]  So hear us Lord
+[1838.88 --> 1840.24]  and indwell us
+[1840.24 --> 1841.18]  by your spirit
+[1841.18 --> 1842.90]  and help us
+[1842.90 --> 1843.78]  to repent
+[1843.78 --> 1845.66]  as required
+[1845.66 --> 1846.78]  in Jesus name
+[1846.78 --> 1848.04]  so that we may
+[1848.04 --> 1848.88]  always walk
+[1848.88 --> 1850.52]  close with you.
+[1851.52 --> 1852.00]  Amen.

Jonah #4 The Man and His Mission (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,552 @@
+[0.00 --> 6.02]  Well, good morning again. A number of weeks ago when I first came, I said I was going to
+[6.02 --> 11.62]  share four messages on the book of Jonah, and today is message number four.
+[12.78 --> 19.08]  And before we read from Jonah chapter four, just a reminder that I also challenged in the very
+[19.08 --> 26.22]  first sermon for you to think about where was there a parallel story in the New Testament
+[26.22 --> 31.98]  that would teach a similar lesson, and I hope you've thought about that over the last number
+[31.98 --> 37.48]  of weeks, and towards the end of the sermon, I'll share what I think is that parallel story
+[37.48 --> 45.34]  that arises out of the story of Jonah, but also out of the nature of the story and the
+[45.34 --> 47.40]  structure of the story itself.
+[47.40 --> 54.40]  I wonder if you've ever been asked a probing question.
+[54.40 --> 63.24]  Now, that's probably happened to you, whether or not it's apparent, why did you do that?
+[63.24 --> 71.80]  Or a teacher in an oral examination who says to you, please provide me three reasons for
+[71.80 --> 78.14]  the outbreak of, say, the Second World War.
+[78.14 --> 84.68]  Or perhaps at a job interview, just like was alluded to with Pastor Chris.
+[84.68 --> 96.10]  Well, what passage of Scripture would you use to encourage people to step forward into a task?
+[96.10 --> 101.44]  Or perhaps a police officer pulls you over and say, what's your hurry?
+[101.44 --> 104.44]  And you have to think.
+[104.44 --> 115.76]  See, a probing question is by its nature a question that strives towards understanding.
+[115.76 --> 125.38]  It wants to make you go a little deeper and search out matters a little more thoroughly.
+[125.38 --> 127.72]  So we have been looking at the story of Jonah.
+[127.72 --> 135.52]  There are many questions that you could ask about Jonah the person, Jonah the prophet, Jonah
+[135.52 --> 136.86]  the writer.
+[136.86 --> 138.46]  Did he write the book himself?
+[138.46 --> 140.14]  Did he relate the book to others?
+[140.14 --> 147.58]  Those are all probing, biblical study, theological questions.
+[147.58 --> 151.12]  Or one could ask the question, summarize the book of Jonah.
+[151.12 --> 153.12]  And you can do it this way.
+[153.12 --> 155.40]  Jonah ran.
+[155.40 --> 157.46]  Jonah repented.
+[157.46 --> 161.18]  Jonah preached repentance.
+[161.18 --> 164.64]  Jonah ranted and raved.
+[164.64 --> 165.74]  Jonah with R's.
+[165.74 --> 167.46]  Jonah ran.
+[167.46 --> 169.46]  Jonah repented.
+[169.46 --> 172.24]  Jonah preached repentance.
+[172.24 --> 177.12]  Jonah ranted and raved.
+[177.12 --> 184.98]  And then you could be asked a more probing question, is that really what the story is about?
+[184.98 --> 193.70]  Maybe you should say, if you run, you cannot hide from the God of the Hebrews because he
+[193.70 --> 199.18]  is the creator of the heavens and the earth and he will send a storm in your way to stop
+[199.18 --> 201.84]  you from running.
+[201.84 --> 204.30]  Or, you know, that's the identity issue.
+[204.30 --> 207.16]  Or the chapter two.
+[207.16 --> 212.86]  When you're going down, look up.
+[212.86 --> 218.06]  And learn that salvation is from the Lord.
+[218.06 --> 221.76]  Or in chapter three.
+[221.76 --> 228.70]  When you are given a second chance, take it.
+[228.70 --> 233.32]  And Jonah was told again, and then he went and he preached repentance.
+[233.32 --> 236.56]  Well, what would we say about chapter four?
+[236.56 --> 238.70]  Well, let's take, let's read chapter four.
+[238.70 --> 244.66]  And I want to begin by reading the last verse of chapter three.
+[244.66 --> 250.84]  Now chapter three gives the story of Jonah going to preach repentance in Nineveh.
+[250.84 --> 258.32]  And there is this collective response from the citizens of Nineveh, from the king to the least
+[258.32 --> 263.36]  person in terms of the social economic strata.
+[263.36 --> 267.08]  They're all wearing sackcloth and ashes.
+[267.08 --> 269.08]  And then chapter three ends with these words.
+[269.08 --> 276.32]  When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented.
+[276.84 --> 278.40]  Take a note of that word.
+[278.82 --> 283.86]  He relented and did not bring on them the destructions he had threatened.
+[285.24 --> 289.46]  But to Jonah, this seemed very wrong.
+[289.86 --> 291.62]  And he became angry.
+[291.62 --> 298.70]  Let me just stop there for a moment and point out that you could translate the Hebrew to
+[298.70 --> 302.86]  Jonah, this seemed to be evil.
+[305.38 --> 308.78]  To say this seemed to be wrong misses the point.
+[308.78 --> 311.16]  Now, what is evil?
+[311.46 --> 312.40]  What is wrong?
+[312.74 --> 316.02]  Well, the relenting of God.
+[317.50 --> 319.42]  The relenting of God.
+[319.42 --> 322.00]  To Jonah, this seemed very wrong.
+[322.10 --> 323.14]  And he became angry.
+[323.82 --> 329.58]  And he prayed to the Lord, isn't this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home, that
+[329.58 --> 332.74]  this is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish?
+[333.18 --> 341.72]  I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God
+[341.72 --> 344.16]  who relents from sending calamity.
+[344.16 --> 348.86]  Now, Lord, take away my life.
+[349.32 --> 352.18]  For it is better for me to die than to live.
+[354.24 --> 360.54]  But the Lord replied, probing, is it right for you to be angry?
+[361.84 --> 365.86]  Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city.
+[366.44 --> 371.60]  There he made himself a shelter, sat in a shade, and waited to see what would happen to the city.
+[371.60 --> 379.30]  Then the Lord provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort.
+[379.58 --> 381.96]  And Jonah was very happy about the plant.
+[382.90 --> 389.08]  But at dawn the next day, God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered.
+[389.08 --> 397.16]  When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint.
+[397.72 --> 403.26]  He wanted to die and said, it would be better for me to die than to live.
+[404.06 --> 411.06]  But God said to Jonah, probing, is it right for you to be angry about the plant?
+[411.06 --> 415.70]  It is, he said, and I am so angry, I wish I were dead.
+[416.92 --> 422.72]  But the Lord said, you have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow.
+[423.30 --> 425.84]  It sprang up overnight and died overnight.
+[427.42 --> 428.60]  Notice it's a question.
+[428.60 --> 444.54]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[445.70 --> 448.54]  Have you ever been asked a probing question?
+[449.74 --> 454.12]  Well, Jonah gets asked three probing questions.
+[454.12 --> 456.26]  He answers two.
+[456.72 --> 458.82]  He doesn't answer the third.
+[459.88 --> 460.92]  That is left.
+[462.08 --> 469.76]  He answers the first one by going out and sitting east of the city.
+[470.58 --> 472.30]  And the question is, why?
+[472.42 --> 473.44]  Well, there are hills there.
+[475.42 --> 479.76]  And he could now sit on a hill and look down.
+[479.76 --> 492.50]  Jonah does not articulate anything.
+[492.64 --> 495.16]  Later he will say, yeah, it is right for me to be angry.
+[495.44 --> 498.98]  But in this case, he does not give an answer.
+[500.52 --> 505.66]  But we know that actions speak louder than words.
+[505.66 --> 512.02]  And Jonah's actions have been demonstrated throughout this story.
+[512.36 --> 514.36]  He hears a word and he runs.
+[514.78 --> 518.16]  He gets thrown overboard and swallowed by a huge fish.
+[518.34 --> 519.78]  And he repents.
+[520.14 --> 523.94]  He hears a word and he takes action.
+[524.94 --> 526.32]  He goes and he preaches.
+[527.32 --> 530.76]  And then he watches the compassion of God.
+[531.58 --> 532.84]  And he's mad.
+[533.68 --> 535.42]  He is angry.
+[535.66 --> 537.96]  He is furious.
+[539.24 --> 539.86]  Why?
+[539.86 --> 543.06]  Because God has relented.
+[544.26 --> 549.92]  And Nineveh, in Jonah's judgment, is a nation that ought to be destroyed.
+[550.64 --> 551.84]  They are evil people.
+[552.20 --> 554.40]  They are enemies of Israel.
+[554.92 --> 556.28]  They are a danger.
+[556.72 --> 564.14]  Indeed, a number of decades from this point, Assyria, of which Nineveh was the capital,
+[564.14 --> 569.34]  grew strong enough to take the northern part of Israel into captivity and it disappeared.
+[569.34 --> 573.54]  Jonah wanted them destroyed.
+[573.54 --> 577.32]  And he is angry.
+[577.32 --> 583.54]  And he uses spiritual disciplines to express his anger.
+[583.54 --> 584.54]  He prays to the Lord.
+[584.54 --> 585.28]  He prays to the Lord.
+[585.28 --> 589.06]  And basically he says, I told you so.
+[590.06 --> 591.30]  I told you so.
+[592.94 --> 597.48]  You are a God of compassion and grace.
+[597.48 --> 599.48]  He prays to the Lord.
+[599.48 --> 600.48]  He prays to the Lord.
+[600.48 --> 601.68]  He prays to the Lord.
+[601.68 --> 603.68]  He prays to the Lord.
+[603.68 --> 604.78]  He prays to God.
+[604.78 --> 605.76]  Not to praise him.
+[605.76 --> 606.88]  Not to thank him.
+[607.88 --> 610.42]  But he prays to God to criticize him.
+[611.90 --> 616.10]  And then he uses scripture to buttress his criticism.
+[616.10 --> 621.86]  These words that Jonah uses come from Exodus chapter 34 verses 6 and 7.
+[621.86 --> 628.92]  And that's the particular story where Moses has asked God to reveal himself to Moses.
+[630.04 --> 631.82]  And God says, that's fine.
+[632.28 --> 637.20]  But you can only see my back because you cannot see my face.
+[637.76 --> 639.22]  And we have a song.
+[639.34 --> 644.48]  He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock and covers me there with his hand.
+[644.48 --> 647.82]  So Jonah uses scripture.
+[649.38 --> 650.44]  Makes you think.
+[651.72 --> 653.88]  Makes you probe your own actions.
+[654.50 --> 656.46]  How do I use prayer?
+[658.14 --> 659.68]  How do I use scripture?
+[660.78 --> 665.62]  Timothy Keller in a very provocative book that he has on Jonah called The Prodigal Prophet
+[665.62 --> 670.84]  says that when you use scripture you ought to think very clearly about your use of it.
+[671.28 --> 673.20]  You shouldn't be bludgeoning people with it.
+[673.20 --> 675.58]  You shouldn't be bludgeoning God with it.
+[676.48 --> 678.60]  You shouldn't be using it as a crowbar.
+[679.66 --> 684.08]  You use it as a mirror to reflect upon yourself.
+[685.18 --> 691.62]  And Keller says when you use scripture properly it evokes within you a sense of humility.
+[691.62 --> 695.70]  I know who I am.
+[696.90 --> 697.80]  I'm a sinner.
+[698.94 --> 700.16]  I'm self-centered.
+[701.12 --> 702.30]  I'm a nationalist.
+[703.14 --> 704.44]  I'm a legalist.
+[704.98 --> 706.88]  All of those things Jonah was.
+[707.34 --> 711.06]  Jonah didn't care about the Ninevites as people.
+[712.16 --> 713.34]  They were enemies.
+[714.10 --> 715.32]  A threat to his nation.
+[716.26 --> 716.94]  Get rid of them.
+[716.94 --> 719.50]  He was a legalist.
+[720.06 --> 721.70]  I told you so.
+[723.06 --> 724.64]  He was self-righteous.
+[725.68 --> 729.46]  Well I'm a recipient of grace but they don't deserve it.
+[730.16 --> 730.90]  I do.
+[731.38 --> 732.16]  They don't.
+[732.16 --> 739.54]  Humility is one thing that needs to come when you look at yourself through the scripture.
+[740.80 --> 742.36]  Critique needs to come.
+[743.32 --> 745.18]  I could do this better.
+[746.26 --> 749.18]  You know think we heard this morning the words of Philippians.
+[749.62 --> 754.30]  Have this attitude amongst yourselves which is also the attitude of Christ Jesus.
+[754.30 --> 761.20]  As though he was in the form of God he emptied himself and took on the form of a servant.
+[762.82 --> 767.64]  And you ask yourself how well am I doing in that regard?
+[767.64 --> 774.08]  And then Keller points out one more function of scripture and that is to encourage.
+[775.36 --> 780.02]  To encourage you in your relationship with God because the Lord is your shepherd.
+[780.64 --> 781.92]  The Lord is your father.
+[782.50 --> 784.42]  The Lord wants a relationship with you.
+[784.88 --> 786.14]  He cares for you deeply.
+[786.14 --> 797.54]  And he will probe and confront you as he does me until he gets his way in our lives.
+[799.82 --> 801.94]  Is it right for you to be angry?
+[804.80 --> 806.36]  And Jonah said yeah it is.
+[808.04 --> 815.42]  And I'm thinking that by prayer and by using scripture I can get you to change your mind.
+[815.42 --> 817.46]  So I'm going to go sit in the hills.
+[818.22 --> 819.34]  I'm going to make a shelter.
+[820.08 --> 821.68]  And I'm going to watch what you do.
+[822.48 --> 827.56]  And I will approve if you do a Hiroshima and a Nagasaki on Nineveh.
+[827.90 --> 833.08]  I will approve if you do a Beirut of August 2020 on Nineveh.
+[833.32 --> 840.48]  I will approve if you drop an atomic bomb or if you let ammonia nitrate explode in the middle of that city.
+[840.72 --> 842.54]  And all of those people get destroyed.
+[842.54 --> 844.32]  I will approve.
+[844.32 --> 847.32]  As a matter of fact I will no longer be angry.
+[850.68 --> 852.26]  And then ask yourself.
+[853.58 --> 857.96]  What is my attitude towards people who are different than I?
+[859.10 --> 860.56]  Who challenge me?
+[861.80 --> 863.80]  Who maybe even threaten me?
+[865.48 --> 869.50]  Who would I rather see punished than forgiven?
+[869.50 --> 875.02]  Who would I rather see punished than forgiven?
+[877.96 --> 883.44]  And God comes to Jonah and allows a leafy plant to grow up.
+[883.50 --> 888.52]  We have no idea what sort of plant that is but it must have grown quickly and had broad leaves.
+[888.52 --> 893.28]  And for the first time in the story Jonah is happy.
+[894.40 --> 899.02]  For the first time he gets what he thinks he deserves.
+[899.98 --> 904.32]  For the first time Jonah is appreciative.
+[905.98 --> 912.20]  Because it's cool sitting here waiting to see what will happen.
+[912.20 --> 919.70]  Will there be a Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Beirut dumped upon Nineveh upon these people?
+[921.78 --> 928.52]  And then overnight God sends a worm and the leafy plant dies.
+[928.98 --> 931.70]  And God sends a hot wind.
+[932.70 --> 934.14]  And Jonah grows faint.
+[934.14 --> 937.82]  And Jonah complains.
+[937.96 --> 943.28]  He says it would be better for me to die.
+[946.74 --> 947.34]  Stop.
+[947.46 --> 948.52]  Think about that for a moment.
+[950.04 --> 954.64]  The amount of despair that Jonah feels personally.
+[954.64 --> 962.02]  It is better for me to die than to see the compassion of God at work.
+[964.34 --> 966.22]  It demands reflection.
+[968.14 --> 971.34]  Reflection on myself and in myself.
+[971.90 --> 976.40]  Who would I rather see punished than forgiven?
+[976.40 --> 981.74]  And God comes with a probing question.
+[981.84 --> 983.10]  Is it right for you to be angry?
+[984.04 --> 985.08]  Yes it is.
+[986.86 --> 987.80]  Yes it is.
+[987.86 --> 990.14]  Who are you to ask me a question like that?
+[990.18 --> 991.70]  Because I am uncomfortable.
+[992.36 --> 993.44]  It is hot.
+[994.08 --> 995.98]  And I'm disappointed in you.
+[996.18 --> 999.66]  Because you haven't thrown the bomb yet on those people.
+[1000.42 --> 1001.60]  Yes it is.
+[1003.74 --> 1005.06]  You ever felt that way?
+[1006.40 --> 1008.24]  Justified in your anger?
+[1009.54 --> 1014.76]  Justified in your judgment on people you would rather see destroyed than forgiven?
+[1016.76 --> 1018.30]  I think we all have.
+[1019.24 --> 1024.32]  It is hard to read the history of the Second World War and not to be angry.
+[1025.40 --> 1030.18]  Not to be angry at the blatant destruction of about 10 million people.
+[1030.84 --> 1032.52]  6 million of whom were Jews.
+[1033.08 --> 1036.18]  And they were executed simply because of their ethnicity.
+[1036.40 --> 1044.40]  And about 4 million were people whether they were gypsies or people with social and physical calamity.
+[1045.32 --> 1050.32]  Or people who were just not of the right color to fit in.
+[1050.32 --> 1063.80]  And when I look at that from a historical personal perspective I think I'd rather see those folks who did that executed than forgiven.
+[1063.80 --> 1076.72]  Except then that famous phrase there but for the grace of God go I kicks in.
+[1078.72 --> 1082.64]  There but for the grace of God go I.
+[1082.64 --> 1083.32]  There but for the grace of God go I.
+[1083.32 --> 1084.12]  There but for the grace of God.
+[1084.24 --> 1086.48]  Is it right for you to end, I think I would rather see my sin and will be angry.
+[1086.48 --> 1087.94]  Yes it is.
+[1088.02 --> 1093.48]  It is better for me now to die than to live.
+[1093.48 --> 1096.66]  this is not a casual feeling
+[1096.66 --> 1099.10]  this is something that's rooted
+[1099.10 --> 1100.20]  deep
+[1100.20 --> 1102.10]  within Jonah
+[1102.10 --> 1107.14]  and then God asks
+[1107.14 --> 1109.22]  another question
+[1109.22 --> 1113.06]  he makes Jonah consider
+[1113.06 --> 1115.06]  and I've got to get the wording right on this
+[1115.06 --> 1116.72]  he makes Jonah consider
+[1116.72 --> 1119.64]  the character of God
+[1119.64 --> 1122.66]  notice this
+[1122.66 --> 1124.22]  and should I not
+[1124.22 --> 1125.74]  have concern
+[1125.74 --> 1128.36]  for the great city of Nineveh
+[1128.36 --> 1130.18]  in which there are more than
+[1130.18 --> 1131.94]  120,000 people
+[1131.94 --> 1134.64]  who cannot tell their right hand from their left
+[1134.64 --> 1136.90]  and also many animals
+[1136.90 --> 1138.96]  should
+[1138.96 --> 1140.20]  I
+[1140.20 --> 1142.26]  not have
+[1142.26 --> 1143.32]  concern
+[1143.32 --> 1148.54]  now Jonah has
+[1148.54 --> 1150.56]  to make a switch he's no longer
+[1150.56 --> 1152.00]  thinking about himself
+[1152.00 --> 1154.44]  and about his anger
+[1154.44 --> 1157.84]  he now has to think
+[1157.84 --> 1161.12]  because of this probing question
+[1161.12 --> 1163.58]  about the character
+[1163.58 --> 1165.22]  of God
+[1165.22 --> 1170.30]  should I not have concern
+[1170.30 --> 1174.94]  God lays out a few details
+[1174.94 --> 1177.24]  it is a great city
+[1177.24 --> 1180.78]  it is an expansive city
+[1180.78 --> 1182.62]  and in that city there are
+[1182.62 --> 1185.04]  hundreds of thousands of people
+[1185.04 --> 1189.22]  120,000 of whom
+[1189.22 --> 1191.22]  do not know their right hand
+[1191.22 --> 1192.62]  from their left hand
+[1192.62 --> 1194.56]  in other words
+[1194.56 --> 1195.60]  their kids
+[1195.60 --> 1198.32]  their little kids
+[1198.32 --> 1201.16]  there was an amazing
+[1201.16 --> 1203.50]  picture on the news this week
+[1203.50 --> 1206.36]  about the explosion in Beirut
+[1206.36 --> 1207.88]  a father was filming
+[1207.88 --> 1209.94]  as his wife was
+[1209.94 --> 1213.18]  being rolled into the delivery room
+[1213.18 --> 1214.98]  for their first child
+[1214.98 --> 1216.44]  to be born
+[1216.44 --> 1217.72]  and just as
+[1217.72 --> 1219.10]  the gurney
+[1219.10 --> 1220.68]  went into the delivery room
+[1220.68 --> 1222.12]  the explosion took place
+[1222.12 --> 1224.60]  and you see the whole delivery room structure
+[1224.60 --> 1225.56]  just collapse
+[1226.12 --> 1227.98]  and there is glass
+[1227.98 --> 1229.02]  all over the place
+[1229.02 --> 1229.98]  and there is dust
+[1229.98 --> 1230.56]  and debris
+[1230.56 --> 1231.46]  all over the place
+[1231.46 --> 1232.42]  this had been
+[1232.42 --> 1233.40]  I would assume
+[1233.40 --> 1234.96]  a fairly sterile
+[1234.96 --> 1236.28]  situation
+[1236.28 --> 1240.04]  father got up
+[1240.04 --> 1242.72]  child was born
+[1242.72 --> 1243.92]  they named him George
+[1243.92 --> 1248.16]  and it got on the national news
+[1248.16 --> 1250.12]  the Canadian national news
+[1250.12 --> 1253.90]  because of a remarkable moment
+[1253.90 --> 1255.52]  but you know George
+[1255.52 --> 1257.52]  who is now less than a week old
+[1257.52 --> 1260.02]  George doesn't know his right hand
+[1260.02 --> 1261.12]  from his left hand
+[1261.12 --> 1264.18]  George doesn't even know his name
+[1264.18 --> 1266.78]  George doesn't know
+[1266.78 --> 1268.12]  that his picture
+[1268.12 --> 1269.70]  has been broadcast
+[1269.70 --> 1270.96]  around the world
+[1270.96 --> 1273.78]  George just knows
+[1273.78 --> 1275.52]  when his diaper is wet
+[1275.52 --> 1276.80]  and his stomach is empty
+[1276.80 --> 1279.10]  that's what George knows
+[1279.10 --> 1280.68]  and George knows
+[1280.68 --> 1281.48]  that his mother
+[1281.48 --> 1283.20]  seems to be the source
+[1283.20 --> 1285.26]  and answer to his most immediate needs
+[1285.26 --> 1286.20]  and every once in a while
+[1286.20 --> 1287.26]  dad shows up too
+[1287.26 --> 1289.42]  that's what George knows
+[1289.42 --> 1294.48]  his parents are concerned for him
+[1294.48 --> 1299.22]  God is concerned for him
+[1299.22 --> 1302.82]  should he not be concerned
+[1302.82 --> 1304.88]  for people who do not know
+[1304.88 --> 1305.84]  their right hand
+[1305.84 --> 1307.26]  from their left hand
+[1307.26 --> 1309.70]  and of course we say
+[1309.70 --> 1311.24]  of course you should be concerned
+[1311.24 --> 1313.02]  and then he says
+[1313.02 --> 1315.94]  and there are many animals besides
+[1315.94 --> 1319.06]  many animals besides
+[1319.06 --> 1321.82]  you know soon it will be Thanksgiving
+[1321.82 --> 1323.84]  it's only a couple months away
+[1323.84 --> 1325.68]  and a song will sing
+[1325.68 --> 1327.04]  let all things now living
+[1327.04 --> 1328.38]  a song of thanksgiving
+[1328.38 --> 1329.68]  to God the creator
+[1329.68 --> 1331.84]  triumphantly raise
+[1331.84 --> 1334.04]  who fashioned and made us
+[1334.04 --> 1336.06]  protected and stayed us
+[1336.06 --> 1338.26]  who guides us and leads us
+[1338.26 --> 1340.78]  to the ends of our days
+[1340.78 --> 1342.86]  God's concerned for us
+[1342.86 --> 1345.02]  but he's concerned for all
+[1345.02 --> 1347.44]  living things
+[1347.44 --> 1353.32]  should I not be concerned
+[1353.32 --> 1357.70]  and I look
+[1357.70 --> 1359.42]  and I listen
+[1359.42 --> 1361.84]  to the needs in the world
+[1361.84 --> 1365.30]  and should I not be concerned
+[1365.30 --> 1367.62]  as an image bearer of God
+[1367.62 --> 1371.44]  Jonah sat outside the city
+[1371.44 --> 1372.78]  and waited
+[1372.78 --> 1376.84]  Jesus stood outside the city
+[1376.84 --> 1378.48]  and wept
+[1378.48 --> 1381.20]  how I would have gathered you
+[1381.20 --> 1382.80]  as a hen gathers her chicks
+[1382.80 --> 1384.12]  under her wings
+[1384.12 --> 1387.80]  but you would not
+[1387.80 --> 1389.16]  but he didn't get angry
+[1389.16 --> 1392.36]  he just kept writing
+[1392.36 --> 1394.72]  until they arrested him
+[1394.72 --> 1395.84]  crucified him
+[1395.84 --> 1396.84]  buried him
+[1396.84 --> 1399.38]  and then he confronted them
+[1399.38 --> 1400.00]  with saying
+[1400.00 --> 1401.16]  there's a new day
+[1401.16 --> 1402.94]  a new day
+[1402.94 --> 1403.88]  a new day has dawned
+[1403.88 --> 1406.32]  and we're going to celebrate life
+[1406.32 --> 1408.52]  and the message of salvation
+[1408.52 --> 1410.16]  comes to the world
+[1410.16 --> 1411.44]  through the Jews
+[1411.44 --> 1413.12]  but it is for all people
+[1413.12 --> 1414.82]  regardless of ethnicity
+[1414.82 --> 1415.88]  and race
+[1415.88 --> 1418.50]  it is for all people
+[1418.50 --> 1421.58]  regardless of social economic status
+[1421.58 --> 1424.40]  it is for all people
+[1424.40 --> 1428.02]  regardless of gender orientation
+[1428.02 --> 1431.60]  it is for those
+[1431.60 --> 1432.60]  who are made
+[1432.60 --> 1433.64]  in the image
+[1433.64 --> 1434.70]  of my father
+[1434.70 --> 1435.38]  salvation
+[1435.38 --> 1437.26]  is from
+[1437.26 --> 1438.64]  the Lord
+[1438.64 --> 1442.08]  but notice
+[1442.08 --> 1444.82]  that Jonah has
+[1444.82 --> 1446.18]  no reply
+[1446.18 --> 1448.30]  to the question
+[1448.30 --> 1449.76]  should I
+[1449.76 --> 1450.44]  not
+[1450.44 --> 1451.02]  be
+[1451.02 --> 1451.80]  concerned
+[1451.80 --> 1453.40]  there's no answer
+[1453.40 --> 1456.02]  and here's the key
+[1456.02 --> 1457.28]  anybody have an idea
+[1457.28 --> 1458.22]  you can speak up
+[1458.22 --> 1460.06]  what story I'm thinking of
+[1460.06 --> 1462.08]  in terms of the New Testament
+[1462.08 --> 1463.00]  that parallels
+[1463.00 --> 1465.02]  the Old Testament story of Jonah
+[1465.02 --> 1467.96]  the prodigal son
+[1467.96 --> 1469.98]  or the parable of the waiting father
+[1469.98 --> 1471.90]  Jonah 1 and 2
+[1471.90 --> 1473.74]  is the story of Jonah running
+[1473.74 --> 1475.76]  and repenting
+[1475.76 --> 1479.10]  the story of the youngest son
+[1479.10 --> 1481.60]  chapters 3 and 4
+[1481.60 --> 1483.42]  is the story of the oldest son
+[1483.42 --> 1485.84]  who rants and raves
+[1485.84 --> 1487.26]  at his father's generosity
+[1487.26 --> 1489.72]  and his father goes out to him
+[1489.72 --> 1490.92]  and invites him to come in
+[1490.92 --> 1491.68]  but
+[1491.68 --> 1493.10]  we're not told
+[1493.10 --> 1495.48]  if the oldest son comes in or not
+[1495.48 --> 1498.66]  and we're not told
+[1498.66 --> 1501.04]  what Jonah's reaction is
+[1501.04 --> 1504.04]  and there is a clear reason for it
+[1504.04 --> 1505.78]  because I'm Jonah
+[1505.78 --> 1508.24]  and you're Jonah
+[1508.24 --> 1512.72]  and we need to answer God's probing question
+[1512.72 --> 1516.66]  is it right for you to be angry
+[1516.66 --> 1520.88]  should I not be concerned
+[1520.88 --> 1524.30]  answer this question
+[1524.30 --> 1526.18]  who would you rather see judged
+[1526.18 --> 1526.98]  and condemned
+[1526.98 --> 1529.68]  rather than forgiven
+[1529.68 --> 1533.54]  and God comes and he says
+[1533.54 --> 1535.14]  I sent my son
+[1535.14 --> 1538.34]  and he endured the cross
+[1538.34 --> 1539.70]  why?
+[1539.84 --> 1541.02]  well the book of Hebrews says
+[1541.02 --> 1543.12]  for the joy that was set before him
+[1543.12 --> 1546.12]  so that he might be able to gather
+[1546.12 --> 1548.96]  the Jonas of this world in
+[1548.96 --> 1552.38]  along with all the repentant people
+[1552.38 --> 1555.04]  regardless of their background
+[1555.04 --> 1557.56]  regardless of their color
+[1557.56 --> 1559.96]  regardless of their language
+[1559.96 --> 1561.60]  regardless of
+[1561.60 --> 1563.02]  and you fill in the blank
+[1563.02 --> 1565.06]  that I might gather
+[1565.06 --> 1566.30]  for God so
+[1566.30 --> 1567.24]  loved
+[1567.24 --> 1568.36]  the world
+[1568.36 --> 1571.12]  there is a
+[1571.12 --> 1572.06]  commentator
+[1572.06 --> 1573.28]  who says
+[1573.28 --> 1574.58]  the book of Jonah
+[1574.58 --> 1575.34]  was written
+[1575.34 --> 1576.18]  by Jonah
+[1576.18 --> 1576.74]  who told
+[1576.74 --> 1577.72]  either by himself
+[1577.72 --> 1579.08]  or who told the story
+[1579.08 --> 1579.90]  to a secretary
+[1579.90 --> 1581.02]  who wrote it down
+[1581.02 --> 1583.10]  in order to share
+[1583.10 --> 1583.94]  with his people
+[1583.94 --> 1585.80]  that he got it
+[1585.80 --> 1586.40]  in the end
+[1586.40 --> 1587.78]  and that's why
+[1587.78 --> 1588.80]  he shared the story
+[1588.80 --> 1591.52]  that's a nice way
+[1591.52 --> 1592.32]  to think about it
+[1592.32 --> 1592.90]  I think
+[1592.90 --> 1595.46]  but I want to ask
+[1595.46 --> 1597.60]  what is your response
+[1597.60 --> 1599.36]  as I need to ask
+[1599.36 --> 1600.56]  what is my response
+[1600.56 --> 1601.52]  to the quote
+[1601.52 --> 1603.36]  probing question of God
+[1603.36 --> 1608.32]  should I not be concerned
+[1608.32 --> 1611.52]  and God's concerned
+[1611.52 --> 1612.06]  for me
+[1612.06 --> 1614.28]  he's concerned
+[1614.28 --> 1614.86]  for you
+[1614.86 --> 1617.24]  he sent his son
+[1617.24 --> 1619.04]  so that we might
+[1619.04 --> 1619.80]  call him
+[1619.80 --> 1621.38]  our father
+[1621.38 --> 1622.18]  let's pray
+[1622.18 --> 1624.08]  father God
+[1624.08 --> 1624.90]  we thank you
+[1624.90 --> 1627.22]  thank you for the story
+[1627.22 --> 1628.64]  and for all the thinking
+[1628.64 --> 1629.46]  it provokes
+[1629.46 --> 1630.44]  to us
+[1630.44 --> 1631.32]  in our lives
+[1631.32 --> 1633.38]  it is our prayer
+[1633.38 --> 1634.02]  Lord God
+[1634.02 --> 1634.62]  that as
+[1634.62 --> 1635.88]  we reflect on it
+[1635.88 --> 1636.92]  in days ahead
+[1636.92 --> 1638.64]  that you would
+[1638.64 --> 1639.72]  help us to see
+[1639.72 --> 1640.38]  and understand
+[1640.38 --> 1641.10]  the depth
+[1641.10 --> 1641.94]  and the dimensions
+[1641.94 --> 1643.50]  of your amazing grace
+[1643.50 --> 1644.90]  and the fact
+[1644.90 --> 1645.98]  that in Christ
+[1645.98 --> 1647.50]  we are set free
+[1647.50 --> 1648.58]  from all the chains
+[1648.58 --> 1649.48]  that bind us
+[1649.48 --> 1651.62]  we pray that we may
+[1651.62 --> 1653.16]  grow into that freedom
+[1653.16 --> 1654.96]  that we may become
+[1654.96 --> 1656.34]  celebrative of it
+[1656.34 --> 1658.14]  and that we may be able
+[1658.14 --> 1658.86]  to demonstrate
+[1658.86 --> 1659.64]  that freedom
+[1659.64 --> 1661.14]  the attitudes
+[1661.14 --> 1662.32]  and the behaviors
+[1662.32 --> 1663.34]  that we have
+[1663.34 --> 1665.46]  attitudes and behaviors
+[1665.46 --> 1666.38]  that honor you
+[1666.38 --> 1667.48]  and glorify Jesus
+[1667.48 --> 1669.08]  for the great gift
+[1669.08 --> 1670.16]  of amazing grace
+[1670.16 --> 1671.46]  in his name we pray
+[1671.46 --> 1673.00]  amen
+[1673.00 --> 1675.40]  to give you特別
+[1675.54 --> 1676.42]  upon
+[1676.42 --> 1678.38]  shand
+[1678.38 --> 1680.18]  and
+[1680.18 --> 1682.26]  to
+[1683.60 --> 1683.74]  listen
+[1683.74 --> 1686.12]  to
+[1688.78 --> 1689.16]  and
+[1689.16 --> 1690.76]  you

Jonah #4 The Man and His Mission (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,552 @@
+[0.00 --> 6.02]  Well, good morning again. A number of weeks ago when I first came, I said I was going to
+[6.02 --> 11.62]  share four messages on the book of Jonah, and today is message number four.
+[12.78 --> 19.08]  And before we read from Jonah chapter four, just a reminder that I also challenged in the very
+[19.08 --> 26.22]  first sermon for you to think about where was there a parallel story in the New Testament
+[26.22 --> 31.98]  that would teach a similar lesson, and I hope you've thought about that over the last number
+[31.98 --> 37.48]  of weeks, and towards the end of the sermon, I'll share what I think is that parallel story
+[37.48 --> 45.34]  that arises out of the story of Jonah, but also out of the nature of the story and the
+[45.34 --> 47.40]  structure of the story itself.
+[47.40 --> 54.40]  I wonder if you've ever been asked a probing question.
+[54.40 --> 63.24]  Now, that's probably happened to you, whether or not it's apparent, why did you do that?
+[63.24 --> 71.80]  Or a teacher in an oral examination who says to you, please provide me three reasons for
+[71.80 --> 78.14]  the outbreak of, say, the Second World War.
+[78.14 --> 84.68]  Or perhaps at a job interview, just like was alluded to with Pastor Chris.
+[84.68 --> 96.10]  Well, what passage of Scripture would you use to encourage people to step forward into a task?
+[96.10 --> 101.44]  Or perhaps a police officer pulls you over and say, what's your hurry?
+[101.44 --> 104.44]  And you have to think.
+[104.44 --> 115.76]  See, a probing question is by its nature a question that strives towards understanding.
+[115.76 --> 125.38]  It wants to make you go a little deeper and search out matters a little more thoroughly.
+[125.38 --> 127.72]  So we have been looking at the story of Jonah.
+[127.72 --> 135.52]  There are many questions that you could ask about Jonah the person, Jonah the prophet, Jonah
+[135.52 --> 136.86]  the writer.
+[136.86 --> 138.46]  Did he write the book himself?
+[138.46 --> 140.14]  Did he relate the book to others?
+[140.14 --> 147.58]  Those are all probing, biblical study, theological questions.
+[147.58 --> 151.12]  Or one could ask the question, summarize the book of Jonah.
+[151.12 --> 153.12]  And you can do it this way.
+[153.12 --> 155.40]  Jonah ran.
+[155.40 --> 157.46]  Jonah repented.
+[157.46 --> 161.18]  Jonah preached repentance.
+[161.18 --> 164.64]  Jonah ranted and raved.
+[164.64 --> 165.74]  Jonah with R's.
+[165.74 --> 167.46]  Jonah ran.
+[167.46 --> 169.46]  Jonah repented.
+[169.46 --> 172.24]  Jonah preached repentance.
+[172.24 --> 177.12]  Jonah ranted and raved.
+[177.12 --> 184.98]  And then you could be asked a more probing question, is that really what the story is about?
+[184.98 --> 193.70]  Maybe you should say, if you run, you cannot hide from the God of the Hebrews because he
+[193.70 --> 199.18]  is the creator of the heavens and the earth and he will send a storm in your way to stop
+[199.18 --> 201.84]  you from running.
+[201.84 --> 204.30]  Or, you know, that's the identity issue.
+[204.30 --> 207.16]  Or the chapter two.
+[207.16 --> 212.86]  When you're going down, look up.
+[212.86 --> 218.06]  And learn that salvation is from the Lord.
+[218.06 --> 221.76]  Or in chapter three.
+[221.76 --> 228.70]  When you are given a second chance, take it.
+[228.70 --> 233.32]  And Jonah was told again, and then he went and he preached repentance.
+[233.32 --> 236.56]  Well, what would we say about chapter four?
+[236.56 --> 238.70]  Well, let's take, let's read chapter four.
+[238.70 --> 244.66]  And I want to begin by reading the last verse of chapter three.
+[244.66 --> 250.84]  Now chapter three gives the story of Jonah going to preach repentance in Nineveh.
+[250.84 --> 258.32]  And there is this collective response from the citizens of Nineveh, from the king to the least
+[258.32 --> 263.36]  person in terms of the social economic strata.
+[263.36 --> 267.08]  They're all wearing sackcloth and ashes.
+[267.08 --> 269.08]  And then chapter three ends with these words.
+[269.08 --> 276.32]  When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented.
+[276.84 --> 278.40]  Take a note of that word.
+[278.82 --> 283.86]  He relented and did not bring on them the destructions he had threatened.
+[285.24 --> 289.46]  But to Jonah, this seemed very wrong.
+[289.86 --> 291.62]  And he became angry.
+[291.62 --> 298.70]  Let me just stop there for a moment and point out that you could translate the Hebrew to
+[298.70 --> 302.86]  Jonah, this seemed to be evil.
+[305.38 --> 308.78]  To say this seemed to be wrong misses the point.
+[308.78 --> 311.16]  Now, what is evil?
+[311.46 --> 312.40]  What is wrong?
+[312.74 --> 316.02]  Well, the relenting of God.
+[317.50 --> 319.42]  The relenting of God.
+[319.42 --> 322.00]  To Jonah, this seemed very wrong.
+[322.10 --> 323.14]  And he became angry.
+[323.82 --> 329.58]  And he prayed to the Lord, isn't this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home, that
+[329.58 --> 332.74]  this is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish?
+[333.18 --> 341.72]  I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God
+[341.72 --> 344.16]  who relents from sending calamity.
+[344.16 --> 348.86]  Now, Lord, take away my life.
+[349.32 --> 352.18]  For it is better for me to die than to live.
+[354.24 --> 360.54]  But the Lord replied, probing, is it right for you to be angry?
+[361.84 --> 365.86]  Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city.
+[366.44 --> 371.60]  There he made himself a shelter, sat in a shade, and waited to see what would happen to the city.
+[371.60 --> 379.30]  Then the Lord provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort.
+[379.58 --> 381.96]  And Jonah was very happy about the plant.
+[382.90 --> 389.08]  But at dawn the next day, God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered.
+[389.08 --> 397.16]  When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint.
+[397.72 --> 403.26]  He wanted to die and said, it would be better for me to die than to live.
+[404.06 --> 411.06]  But God said to Jonah, probing, is it right for you to be angry about the plant?
+[411.06 --> 415.70]  It is, he said, and I am so angry, I wish I were dead.
+[416.92 --> 422.72]  But the Lord said, you have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow.
+[423.30 --> 425.84]  It sprang up overnight and died overnight.
+[427.42 --> 428.60]  Notice it's a question.
+[428.60 --> 444.54]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[445.70 --> 448.54]  Have you ever been asked a probing question?
+[449.74 --> 454.12]  Well, Jonah gets asked three probing questions.
+[454.12 --> 456.26]  He answers two.
+[456.72 --> 458.82]  He doesn't answer the third.
+[459.88 --> 460.92]  That is left.
+[462.08 --> 469.76]  He answers the first one by going out and sitting east of the city.
+[470.58 --> 472.30]  And the question is, why?
+[472.42 --> 473.44]  Well, there are hills there.
+[475.42 --> 479.76]  And he could now sit on a hill and look down.
+[479.76 --> 492.50]  Jonah does not articulate anything.
+[492.64 --> 495.16]  Later he will say, yeah, it is right for me to be angry.
+[495.44 --> 498.98]  But in this case, he does not give an answer.
+[500.52 --> 505.66]  But we know that actions speak louder than words.
+[505.66 --> 512.02]  And Jonah's actions have been demonstrated throughout this story.
+[512.36 --> 514.36]  He hears a word and he runs.
+[514.78 --> 518.16]  He gets thrown overboard and swallowed by a huge fish.
+[518.34 --> 519.78]  And he repents.
+[520.14 --> 523.94]  He hears a word and he takes action.
+[524.94 --> 526.32]  He goes and he preaches.
+[527.32 --> 530.76]  And then he watches the compassion of God.
+[531.58 --> 532.84]  And he's mad.
+[533.68 --> 535.42]  He is angry.
+[535.66 --> 537.96]  He is furious.
+[539.24 --> 539.86]  Why?
+[539.86 --> 543.06]  Because God has relented.
+[544.26 --> 549.92]  And Nineveh, in Jonah's judgment, is a nation that ought to be destroyed.
+[550.64 --> 551.84]  They are evil people.
+[552.20 --> 554.40]  They are enemies of Israel.
+[554.92 --> 556.28]  They are a danger.
+[556.72 --> 564.14]  Indeed, a number of decades from this point, Assyria, of which Nineveh was the capital,
+[564.14 --> 569.34]  grew strong enough to take the northern part of Israel into captivity and it disappeared.
+[569.34 --> 573.54]  Jonah wanted them destroyed.
+[573.54 --> 577.32]  And he is angry.
+[577.32 --> 583.54]  And he uses spiritual disciplines to express his anger.
+[583.54 --> 584.54]  He prays to the Lord.
+[584.54 --> 585.28]  He prays to the Lord.
+[585.28 --> 589.06]  And basically he says, I told you so.
+[590.06 --> 591.30]  I told you so.
+[592.94 --> 597.48]  You are a God of compassion and grace.
+[597.48 --> 599.48]  He prays to the Lord.
+[599.48 --> 600.48]  He prays to the Lord.
+[600.48 --> 601.68]  He prays to the Lord.
+[601.68 --> 603.68]  He prays to the Lord.
+[603.68 --> 604.78]  He prays to God.
+[604.78 --> 605.76]  Not to praise him.
+[605.76 --> 606.88]  Not to thank him.
+[607.88 --> 610.42]  But he prays to God to criticize him.
+[611.90 --> 616.10]  And then he uses scripture to buttress his criticism.
+[616.10 --> 621.86]  These words that Jonah uses come from Exodus chapter 34 verses 6 and 7.
+[621.86 --> 628.92]  And that's the particular story where Moses has asked God to reveal himself to Moses.
+[630.04 --> 631.82]  And God says, that's fine.
+[632.28 --> 637.20]  But you can only see my back because you cannot see my face.
+[637.76 --> 639.22]  And we have a song.
+[639.34 --> 644.48]  He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock and covers me there with his hand.
+[644.48 --> 647.82]  So Jonah uses scripture.
+[649.38 --> 650.44]  Makes you think.
+[651.72 --> 653.88]  Makes you probe your own actions.
+[654.50 --> 656.46]  How do I use prayer?
+[658.14 --> 659.68]  How do I use scripture?
+[660.78 --> 665.62]  Timothy Keller in a very provocative book that he has on Jonah called The Prodigal Prophet
+[665.62 --> 670.84]  says that when you use scripture you ought to think very clearly about your use of it.
+[671.28 --> 673.20]  You shouldn't be bludgeoning people with it.
+[673.20 --> 675.58]  You shouldn't be bludgeoning God with it.
+[676.48 --> 678.60]  You shouldn't be using it as a crowbar.
+[679.66 --> 684.08]  You use it as a mirror to reflect upon yourself.
+[685.18 --> 691.62]  And Keller says when you use scripture properly it evokes within you a sense of humility.
+[691.62 --> 695.70]  I know who I am.
+[696.90 --> 697.80]  I'm a sinner.
+[698.94 --> 700.16]  I'm self-centered.
+[701.12 --> 702.30]  I'm a nationalist.
+[703.14 --> 704.44]  I'm a legalist.
+[704.98 --> 706.88]  All of those things Jonah was.
+[707.34 --> 711.06]  Jonah didn't care about the Ninevites as people.
+[712.16 --> 713.34]  They were enemies.
+[714.10 --> 715.32]  A threat to his nation.
+[716.26 --> 716.94]  Get rid of them.
+[716.94 --> 719.50]  He was a legalist.
+[720.06 --> 721.70]  I told you so.
+[723.06 --> 724.64]  He was self-righteous.
+[725.68 --> 729.46]  Well I'm a recipient of grace but they don't deserve it.
+[730.16 --> 730.90]  I do.
+[731.38 --> 732.16]  They don't.
+[732.16 --> 739.54]  Humility is one thing that needs to come when you look at yourself through the scripture.
+[740.80 --> 742.36]  Critique needs to come.
+[743.32 --> 745.18]  I could do this better.
+[746.26 --> 749.18]  You know think we heard this morning the words of Philippians.
+[749.62 --> 754.30]  Have this attitude amongst yourselves which is also the attitude of Christ Jesus.
+[754.30 --> 761.20]  As though he was in the form of God he emptied himself and took on the form of a servant.
+[762.82 --> 767.64]  And you ask yourself how well am I doing in that regard?
+[767.64 --> 774.08]  And then Keller points out one more function of scripture and that is to encourage.
+[775.36 --> 780.02]  To encourage you in your relationship with God because the Lord is your shepherd.
+[780.64 --> 781.92]  The Lord is your father.
+[782.50 --> 784.42]  The Lord wants a relationship with you.
+[784.88 --> 786.14]  He cares for you deeply.
+[786.14 --> 797.54]  And he will probe and confront you as he does me until he gets his way in our lives.
+[799.82 --> 801.94]  Is it right for you to be angry?
+[804.80 --> 806.36]  And Jonah said yeah it is.
+[808.04 --> 815.42]  And I'm thinking that by prayer and by using scripture I can get you to change your mind.
+[815.42 --> 817.46]  So I'm going to go sit in the hills.
+[818.22 --> 819.34]  I'm going to make a shelter.
+[820.08 --> 821.68]  And I'm going to watch what you do.
+[822.48 --> 827.56]  And I will approve if you do a Hiroshima and a Nagasaki on Nineveh.
+[827.90 --> 833.08]  I will approve if you do a Beirut of August 2020 on Nineveh.
+[833.32 --> 840.48]  I will approve if you drop an atomic bomb or if you let ammonia nitrate explode in the middle of that city.
+[840.72 --> 842.54]  And all of those people get destroyed.
+[842.54 --> 844.32]  I will approve.
+[844.32 --> 847.32]  As a matter of fact I will no longer be angry.
+[850.68 --> 852.26]  And then ask yourself.
+[853.58 --> 857.96]  What is my attitude towards people who are different than I?
+[859.10 --> 860.56]  Who challenge me?
+[861.80 --> 863.80]  Who maybe even threaten me?
+[865.48 --> 869.50]  Who would I rather see punished than forgiven?
+[869.50 --> 875.02]  Who would I rather see punished than forgiven?
+[877.96 --> 883.44]  And God comes to Jonah and allows a leafy plant to grow up.
+[883.50 --> 888.52]  We have no idea what sort of plant that is but it must have grown quickly and had broad leaves.
+[888.52 --> 893.28]  And for the first time in the story Jonah is happy.
+[894.40 --> 899.02]  For the first time he gets what he thinks he deserves.
+[899.98 --> 904.32]  For the first time Jonah is appreciative.
+[905.98 --> 912.20]  Because it's cool sitting here waiting to see what will happen.
+[912.20 --> 919.70]  Will there be a Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Beirut dumped upon Nineveh upon these people?
+[921.78 --> 928.52]  And then overnight God sends a worm and the leafy plant dies.
+[928.98 --> 931.70]  And God sends a hot wind.
+[932.70 --> 934.14]  And Jonah grows faint.
+[934.14 --> 937.82]  And Jonah complains.
+[937.96 --> 943.28]  He says it would be better for me to die.
+[946.74 --> 947.34]  Stop.
+[947.46 --> 948.52]  Think about that for a moment.
+[950.04 --> 954.64]  The amount of despair that Jonah feels personally.
+[954.64 --> 962.02]  It is better for me to die than to see the compassion of God at work.
+[964.34 --> 966.22]  It demands reflection.
+[968.14 --> 971.34]  Reflection on myself and in myself.
+[971.90 --> 976.40]  Who would I rather see punished than forgiven?
+[976.40 --> 981.74]  And God comes with a probing question.
+[981.84 --> 983.10]  Is it right for you to be angry?
+[984.04 --> 985.08]  Yes it is.
+[986.86 --> 987.80]  Yes it is.
+[987.86 --> 990.14]  Who are you to ask me a question like that?
+[990.18 --> 991.70]  Because I am uncomfortable.
+[992.36 --> 993.44]  It is hot.
+[994.08 --> 995.98]  And I'm disappointed in you.
+[996.18 --> 999.66]  Because you haven't thrown the bomb yet on those people.
+[1000.42 --> 1001.60]  Yes it is.
+[1003.74 --> 1005.06]  You ever felt that way?
+[1006.40 --> 1008.24]  Justified in your anger?
+[1009.54 --> 1014.76]  Justified in your judgment on people you would rather see destroyed than forgiven?
+[1016.76 --> 1018.30]  I think we all have.
+[1019.24 --> 1024.32]  It is hard to read the history of the Second World War and not to be angry.
+[1025.40 --> 1030.18]  Not to be angry at the blatant destruction of about 10 million people.
+[1030.84 --> 1032.52]  6 million of whom were Jews.
+[1033.08 --> 1036.18]  And they were executed simply because of their ethnicity.
+[1036.40 --> 1044.40]  And about 4 million were people whether they were gypsies or people with social and physical calamity.
+[1045.32 --> 1050.32]  Or people who were just not of the right color to fit in.
+[1050.32 --> 1063.80]  And when I look at that from a historical personal perspective I think I'd rather see those folks who did that executed than forgiven.
+[1063.80 --> 1076.72]  Except then that famous phrase there but for the grace of God go I kicks in.
+[1078.72 --> 1082.64]  There but for the grace of God go I.
+[1082.64 --> 1083.32]  There but for the grace of God go I.
+[1083.32 --> 1084.12]  There but for the grace of God.
+[1084.24 --> 1086.48]  Is it right for you to end, I think I would rather see my sin and will be angry.
+[1086.48 --> 1087.94]  Yes it is.
+[1088.02 --> 1093.48]  It is better for me now to die than to live.
+[1093.48 --> 1096.66]  this is not a casual feeling
+[1096.66 --> 1099.10]  this is something that's rooted
+[1099.10 --> 1100.20]  deep
+[1100.20 --> 1102.10]  within Jonah
+[1102.10 --> 1107.14]  and then God asks
+[1107.14 --> 1109.22]  another question
+[1109.22 --> 1113.06]  he makes Jonah consider
+[1113.06 --> 1115.06]  and I've got to get the wording right on this
+[1115.06 --> 1116.72]  he makes Jonah consider
+[1116.72 --> 1119.64]  the character of God
+[1119.64 --> 1122.66]  notice this
+[1122.66 --> 1124.22]  and should I not
+[1124.22 --> 1125.74]  have concern
+[1125.74 --> 1128.36]  for the great city of Nineveh
+[1128.36 --> 1130.18]  in which there are more than
+[1130.18 --> 1131.94]  120,000 people
+[1131.94 --> 1134.64]  who cannot tell their right hand from their left
+[1134.64 --> 1136.90]  and also many animals
+[1136.90 --> 1138.96]  should
+[1138.96 --> 1140.20]  I
+[1140.20 --> 1142.26]  not have
+[1142.26 --> 1143.32]  concern
+[1143.32 --> 1148.54]  now Jonah has
+[1148.54 --> 1150.56]  to make a switch he's no longer
+[1150.56 --> 1152.00]  thinking about himself
+[1152.00 --> 1154.44]  and about his anger
+[1154.44 --> 1157.84]  he now has to think
+[1157.84 --> 1161.12]  because of this probing question
+[1161.12 --> 1163.58]  about the character
+[1163.58 --> 1165.22]  of God
+[1165.22 --> 1170.30]  should I not have concern
+[1170.30 --> 1174.94]  God lays out a few details
+[1174.94 --> 1177.24]  it is a great city
+[1177.24 --> 1180.78]  it is an expansive city
+[1180.78 --> 1182.62]  and in that city there are
+[1182.62 --> 1185.04]  hundreds of thousands of people
+[1185.04 --> 1189.22]  120,000 of whom
+[1189.22 --> 1191.22]  do not know their right hand
+[1191.22 --> 1192.62]  from their left hand
+[1192.62 --> 1194.56]  in other words
+[1194.56 --> 1195.60]  their kids
+[1195.60 --> 1198.32]  their little kids
+[1198.32 --> 1201.16]  there was an amazing
+[1201.16 --> 1203.50]  picture on the news this week
+[1203.50 --> 1206.36]  about the explosion in Beirut
+[1206.36 --> 1207.88]  a father was filming
+[1207.88 --> 1209.94]  as his wife was
+[1209.94 --> 1213.18]  being rolled into the delivery room
+[1213.18 --> 1214.98]  for their first child
+[1214.98 --> 1216.44]  to be born
+[1216.44 --> 1217.72]  and just as
+[1217.72 --> 1219.10]  the gurney
+[1219.10 --> 1220.68]  went into the delivery room
+[1220.68 --> 1222.12]  the explosion took place
+[1222.12 --> 1224.60]  and you see the whole delivery room structure
+[1224.60 --> 1225.56]  just collapse
+[1226.12 --> 1227.98]  and there is glass
+[1227.98 --> 1229.02]  all over the place
+[1229.02 --> 1229.98]  and there is dust
+[1229.98 --> 1230.56]  and debris
+[1230.56 --> 1231.46]  all over the place
+[1231.46 --> 1232.42]  this had been
+[1232.42 --> 1233.40]  I would assume
+[1233.40 --> 1234.96]  a fairly sterile
+[1234.96 --> 1236.28]  situation
+[1236.28 --> 1240.04]  father got up
+[1240.04 --> 1242.72]  child was born
+[1242.72 --> 1243.92]  they named him George
+[1243.92 --> 1248.16]  and it got on the national news
+[1248.16 --> 1250.12]  the Canadian national news
+[1250.12 --> 1253.90]  because of a remarkable moment
+[1253.90 --> 1255.52]  but you know George
+[1255.52 --> 1257.52]  who is now less than a week old
+[1257.52 --> 1260.02]  George doesn't know his right hand
+[1260.02 --> 1261.12]  from his left hand
+[1261.12 --> 1264.18]  George doesn't even know his name
+[1264.18 --> 1266.78]  George doesn't know
+[1266.78 --> 1268.12]  that his picture
+[1268.12 --> 1269.70]  has been broadcast
+[1269.70 --> 1270.96]  around the world
+[1270.96 --> 1273.78]  George just knows
+[1273.78 --> 1275.52]  when his diaper is wet
+[1275.52 --> 1276.80]  and his stomach is empty
+[1276.80 --> 1279.10]  that's what George knows
+[1279.10 --> 1280.68]  and George knows
+[1280.68 --> 1281.48]  that his mother
+[1281.48 --> 1283.20]  seems to be the source
+[1283.20 --> 1285.26]  and answer to his most immediate needs
+[1285.26 --> 1286.20]  and every once in a while
+[1286.20 --> 1287.26]  dad shows up too
+[1287.26 --> 1289.42]  that's what George knows
+[1289.42 --> 1294.48]  his parents are concerned for him
+[1294.48 --> 1299.22]  God is concerned for him
+[1299.22 --> 1302.82]  should he not be concerned
+[1302.82 --> 1304.88]  for people who do not know
+[1304.88 --> 1305.84]  their right hand
+[1305.84 --> 1307.26]  from their left hand
+[1307.26 --> 1309.70]  and of course we say
+[1309.70 --> 1311.24]  of course you should be concerned
+[1311.24 --> 1313.02]  and then he says
+[1313.02 --> 1315.94]  and there are many animals besides
+[1315.94 --> 1319.06]  many animals besides
+[1319.06 --> 1321.82]  you know soon it will be Thanksgiving
+[1321.82 --> 1323.84]  it's only a couple months away
+[1323.84 --> 1325.68]  and a song will sing
+[1325.68 --> 1327.04]  let all things now living
+[1327.04 --> 1328.38]  a song of thanksgiving
+[1328.38 --> 1329.68]  to God the creator
+[1329.68 --> 1331.84]  triumphantly raise
+[1331.84 --> 1334.04]  who fashioned and made us
+[1334.04 --> 1336.06]  protected and stayed us
+[1336.06 --> 1338.26]  who guides us and leads us
+[1338.26 --> 1340.78]  to the ends of our days
+[1340.78 --> 1342.86]  God's concerned for us
+[1342.86 --> 1345.02]  but he's concerned for all
+[1345.02 --> 1347.44]  living things
+[1347.44 --> 1353.32]  should I not be concerned
+[1353.32 --> 1357.70]  and I look
+[1357.70 --> 1359.42]  and I listen
+[1359.42 --> 1361.84]  to the needs in the world
+[1361.84 --> 1365.30]  and should I not be concerned
+[1365.30 --> 1367.62]  as an image bearer of God
+[1367.62 --> 1371.44]  Jonah sat outside the city
+[1371.44 --> 1372.78]  and waited
+[1372.78 --> 1376.84]  Jesus stood outside the city
+[1376.84 --> 1378.48]  and wept
+[1378.48 --> 1381.20]  how I would have gathered you
+[1381.20 --> 1382.80]  as a hen gathers her chicks
+[1382.80 --> 1384.12]  under her wings
+[1384.12 --> 1387.80]  but you would not
+[1387.80 --> 1389.16]  but he didn't get angry
+[1389.16 --> 1392.36]  he just kept writing
+[1392.36 --> 1394.72]  until they arrested him
+[1394.72 --> 1395.84]  crucified him
+[1395.84 --> 1396.84]  buried him
+[1396.84 --> 1399.38]  and then he confronted them
+[1399.38 --> 1400.00]  with saying
+[1400.00 --> 1401.16]  there's a new day
+[1401.16 --> 1402.94]  a new day
+[1402.94 --> 1403.88]  a new day has dawned
+[1403.88 --> 1406.32]  and we're going to celebrate life
+[1406.32 --> 1408.52]  and the message of salvation
+[1408.52 --> 1410.16]  comes to the world
+[1410.16 --> 1411.44]  through the Jews
+[1411.44 --> 1413.12]  but it is for all people
+[1413.12 --> 1414.82]  regardless of ethnicity
+[1414.82 --> 1415.88]  and race
+[1415.88 --> 1418.50]  it is for all people
+[1418.50 --> 1421.58]  regardless of social economic status
+[1421.58 --> 1424.40]  it is for all people
+[1424.40 --> 1428.02]  regardless of gender orientation
+[1428.02 --> 1431.60]  it is for those
+[1431.60 --> 1432.60]  who are made
+[1432.60 --> 1433.64]  in the image
+[1433.64 --> 1434.70]  of my father
+[1434.70 --> 1435.38]  salvation
+[1435.38 --> 1437.26]  is from
+[1437.26 --> 1438.64]  the Lord
+[1438.64 --> 1442.08]  but notice
+[1442.08 --> 1444.82]  that Jonah has
+[1444.82 --> 1446.18]  no reply
+[1446.18 --> 1448.30]  to the question
+[1448.30 --> 1449.76]  should I
+[1449.76 --> 1450.44]  not
+[1450.44 --> 1451.02]  be
+[1451.02 --> 1451.80]  concerned
+[1451.80 --> 1453.40]  there's no answer
+[1453.40 --> 1456.02]  and here's the key
+[1456.02 --> 1457.28]  anybody have an idea
+[1457.28 --> 1458.22]  you can speak up
+[1458.22 --> 1460.06]  what story I'm thinking of
+[1460.06 --> 1462.08]  in terms of the New Testament
+[1462.08 --> 1463.00]  that parallels
+[1463.00 --> 1465.02]  the Old Testament story of Jonah
+[1465.02 --> 1467.96]  the prodigal son
+[1467.96 --> 1469.98]  or the parable of the waiting father
+[1469.98 --> 1471.90]  Jonah 1 and 2
+[1471.90 --> 1473.74]  is the story of Jonah running
+[1473.74 --> 1475.76]  and repenting
+[1475.76 --> 1479.10]  the story of the youngest son
+[1479.10 --> 1481.60]  chapters 3 and 4
+[1481.60 --> 1483.42]  is the story of the oldest son
+[1483.42 --> 1485.84]  who rants and raves
+[1485.84 --> 1487.26]  at his father's generosity
+[1487.26 --> 1489.72]  and his father goes out to him
+[1489.72 --> 1490.92]  and invites him to come in
+[1490.92 --> 1491.68]  but
+[1491.68 --> 1493.10]  we're not told
+[1493.10 --> 1495.48]  if the oldest son comes in or not
+[1495.48 --> 1498.66]  and we're not told
+[1498.66 --> 1501.04]  what Jonah's reaction is
+[1501.04 --> 1504.04]  and there is a clear reason for it
+[1504.04 --> 1505.78]  because I'm Jonah
+[1505.78 --> 1508.24]  and you're Jonah
+[1508.24 --> 1512.72]  and we need to answer God's probing question
+[1512.72 --> 1516.66]  is it right for you to be angry
+[1516.66 --> 1520.88]  should I not be concerned
+[1520.88 --> 1524.30]  answer this question
+[1524.30 --> 1526.18]  who would you rather see judged
+[1526.18 --> 1526.98]  and condemned
+[1526.98 --> 1529.68]  rather than forgiven
+[1529.68 --> 1533.54]  and God comes and he says
+[1533.54 --> 1535.14]  I sent my son
+[1535.14 --> 1538.34]  and he endured the cross
+[1538.34 --> 1539.70]  why?
+[1539.84 --> 1541.02]  well the book of Hebrews says
+[1541.02 --> 1543.12]  for the joy that was set before him
+[1543.12 --> 1546.12]  so that he might be able to gather
+[1546.12 --> 1548.96]  the Jonas of this world in
+[1548.96 --> 1552.38]  along with all the repentant people
+[1552.38 --> 1555.04]  regardless of their background
+[1555.04 --> 1557.56]  regardless of their color
+[1557.56 --> 1559.96]  regardless of their language
+[1559.96 --> 1561.60]  regardless of
+[1561.60 --> 1563.02]  and you fill in the blank
+[1563.02 --> 1565.06]  that I might gather
+[1565.06 --> 1566.30]  for God so
+[1566.30 --> 1567.24]  loved
+[1567.24 --> 1568.36]  the world
+[1568.36 --> 1571.12]  there is a
+[1571.12 --> 1572.06]  commentator
+[1572.06 --> 1573.28]  who says
+[1573.28 --> 1574.58]  the book of Jonah
+[1574.58 --> 1575.34]  was written
+[1575.34 --> 1576.18]  by Jonah
+[1576.18 --> 1576.74]  who told
+[1576.74 --> 1577.72]  either by himself
+[1577.72 --> 1579.08]  or who told the story
+[1579.08 --> 1579.90]  to a secretary
+[1579.90 --> 1581.02]  who wrote it down
+[1581.02 --> 1583.10]  in order to share
+[1583.10 --> 1583.94]  with his people
+[1583.94 --> 1585.80]  that he got it
+[1585.80 --> 1586.40]  in the end
+[1586.40 --> 1587.78]  and that's why
+[1587.78 --> 1588.80]  he shared the story
+[1588.80 --> 1591.52]  that's a nice way
+[1591.52 --> 1592.32]  to think about it
+[1592.32 --> 1592.90]  I think
+[1592.90 --> 1595.46]  but I want to ask
+[1595.46 --> 1597.60]  what is your response
+[1597.60 --> 1599.36]  as I need to ask
+[1599.36 --> 1600.56]  what is my response
+[1600.56 --> 1601.52]  to the quote
+[1601.52 --> 1603.36]  probing question of God
+[1603.36 --> 1608.32]  should I not be concerned
+[1608.32 --> 1611.52]  and God's concerned
+[1611.52 --> 1612.06]  for me
+[1612.06 --> 1614.28]  he's concerned
+[1614.28 --> 1614.86]  for you
+[1614.86 --> 1617.24]  he sent his son
+[1617.24 --> 1619.04]  so that we might
+[1619.04 --> 1619.80]  call him
+[1619.80 --> 1621.38]  our father
+[1621.38 --> 1622.18]  let's pray
+[1622.18 --> 1624.08]  father God
+[1624.08 --> 1624.90]  we thank you
+[1624.90 --> 1627.22]  thank you for the story
+[1627.22 --> 1628.64]  and for all the thinking
+[1628.64 --> 1629.46]  it provokes
+[1629.46 --> 1630.44]  to us
+[1630.44 --> 1631.32]  in our lives
+[1631.32 --> 1633.38]  it is our prayer
+[1633.38 --> 1634.02]  Lord God
+[1634.02 --> 1634.62]  that as
+[1634.62 --> 1635.88]  we reflect on it
+[1635.88 --> 1636.92]  in days ahead
+[1636.92 --> 1638.64]  that you would
+[1638.64 --> 1639.72]  help us to see
+[1639.72 --> 1640.38]  and understand
+[1640.38 --> 1641.10]  the depth
+[1641.10 --> 1641.94]  and the dimensions
+[1641.94 --> 1643.50]  of your amazing grace
+[1643.50 --> 1644.90]  and the fact
+[1644.90 --> 1645.98]  that in Christ
+[1645.98 --> 1647.50]  we are set free
+[1647.50 --> 1648.58]  from all the chains
+[1648.58 --> 1649.48]  that bind us
+[1649.48 --> 1651.62]  we pray that we may
+[1651.62 --> 1653.16]  grow into that freedom
+[1653.16 --> 1654.96]  that we may become
+[1654.96 --> 1656.34]  celebrative of it
+[1656.34 --> 1658.14]  and that we may be able
+[1658.14 --> 1658.86]  to demonstrate
+[1658.86 --> 1659.64]  that freedom
+[1659.64 --> 1661.14]  the attitudes
+[1661.14 --> 1662.32]  and the behaviors
+[1662.32 --> 1663.34]  that we have
+[1663.34 --> 1665.46]  attitudes and behaviors
+[1665.46 --> 1666.38]  that honor you
+[1666.38 --> 1667.48]  and glorify Jesus
+[1667.48 --> 1669.08]  for the great gift
+[1669.08 --> 1670.16]  of amazing grace
+[1670.16 --> 1671.46]  in his name we pray
+[1671.46 --> 1673.00]  amen
+[1673.00 --> 1675.40]  to give you特別
+[1675.54 --> 1676.42]  upon
+[1676.42 --> 1678.38]  shand
+[1678.38 --> 1680.18]  and
+[1680.18 --> 1682.26]  to
+[1683.60 --> 1683.74]  listen
+[1683.74 --> 1686.12]  to
+[1688.78 --> 1689.16]  and
+[1689.16 --> 1690.76]  you

Joseph #1—The “Meanwhile” of Faith (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,1321 @@
+[0.00 --> 11.98]  So, our scripture reading this morning is Genesis 37, the entire chapter.
+[13.66 --> 23.22]  And as we read scripture this morning, as we go through the story of Joseph, keep in mind, this is our story.
+[23.22 --> 29.00]  If you are part of God's family, this is your story.
+[30.00 --> 38.22]  Jacob, we read, lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan.
+[39.10 --> 42.88]  This is the account of Jacob's family line.
+[44.12 --> 54.28]  Joseph, a young man of 17, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives.
+[54.68 --> 58.42]  And he brought their father a bad report about them.
+[58.42 --> 67.08]  Now, Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age.
+[67.64 --> 70.26]  And he made an ornate robe for him.
+[70.98 --> 79.02]  When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him, could not speak a kind word to him.
+[79.02 --> 82.64]  Joseph had a dream.
+[82.64 --> 87.62]  And when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.
+[88.24 --> 90.44]  He said to them, listen to this dream I had.
+[90.82 --> 96.74]  We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheave rose and stood upright,
+[97.00 --> 101.30]  while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.
+[101.30 --> 107.12]  His brothers said to him, do you intend to reign over us?
+[107.74 --> 109.78]  Will you actually rule us?
+[110.74 --> 114.38]  And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.
+[115.78 --> 119.20]  Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers.
+[120.26 --> 127.34]  Listen, he said, I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and 11 stars were bowing down to me.
+[127.34 --> 133.32]  When he told his father, as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said,
+[133.84 --> 135.30]  what is this dream you had?
+[135.88 --> 141.38]  Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?
+[143.20 --> 145.34]  His brothers were jealous of him.
+[146.60 --> 151.00]  But his father, note, kept the matter in mind.
+[151.00 --> 156.02]  Now, his brothers had gone to graze their father's flocks near Shechem,
+[156.20 --> 160.58]  and Israel said to Joseph, as you know, your brothers are grazing the flocks near Shechem.
+[160.78 --> 162.82]  Come, I'm going to send you to them.
+[163.64 --> 164.76]  Very well, he replied.
+[165.18 --> 169.36]  So he said to him, go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks,
+[169.42 --> 171.54]  and bring word back to me.
+[172.48 --> 174.84]  Then he sent them off from the valley of Hebron.
+[175.54 --> 180.84]  When Joseph arrived at Shechem, a man found him wandering around in the fields and asked him,
+[181.00 --> 182.94]  what are you looking for?
+[183.64 --> 185.28]  He replied, I'm looking for my brothers.
+[185.38 --> 187.74]  Can you tell me where they are grazing their flocks?
+[188.76 --> 190.70]  They have moved on from here, the man answered.
+[190.80 --> 192.74]  I heard them say, let's go to Dothan.
+[193.46 --> 196.44]  So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan.
+[197.12 --> 201.88]  But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.
+[202.38 --> 205.02]  Here comes that dreamer, they said to each other.
+[205.26 --> 208.36]  Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns
+[208.36 --> 210.86]  and say that a ferocious animal devoured him.
+[211.12 --> 213.06]  Then we'll see what comes of his dreams.
+[214.64 --> 217.28]  When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands.
+[217.52 --> 219.04]  Let's not take his life, he said.
+[219.18 --> 220.44]  Don't shed any blood.
+[220.88 --> 224.78]  Throw him into the cistern here in the wilderness, but don't lay a hand on him.
+[225.64 --> 229.38]  Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father.
+[229.38 --> 235.60]  So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped them of his robe, the ornate robe he was wearing,
+[235.80 --> 238.06]  and they took him and they threw him into the cistern.
+[238.26 --> 241.06]  The cistern was empty, there was no water in it.
+[241.60 --> 247.28]  As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead.
+[247.76 --> 253.66]  Their camels were loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt.
+[253.66 --> 259.86]  Judah said to his brothers, what will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?
+[260.90 --> 264.74]  Come, let's sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him.
+[264.78 --> 267.86]  After all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.
+[268.68 --> 269.72]  His brothers agreed.
+[270.52 --> 274.48]  So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern
+[274.48 --> 279.44]  and sold him for 20 shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt.
+[280.04 --> 283.48]  When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there,
+[283.66 --> 286.68]  he tore his clothes, he went back to his brothers and said,
+[286.92 --> 290.06]  the boy isn't there, where can I turn now?
+[291.28 --> 295.66]  Then they got Joseph's robe, they slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood.
+[296.04 --> 298.68]  They took the ornate robe back to the father and said,
+[299.34 --> 304.28]  we found this, examine it to see whether it is your son's robe.
+[304.66 --> 308.98]  He recognized it and said, it is my son's robe.
+[309.36 --> 312.20]  Some ferocious animal has devoured him.
+[312.20 --> 315.06]  Joseph has surely been torn to pieces.
+[316.46 --> 323.18]  Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days.
+[323.96 --> 328.76]  All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted.
+[329.40 --> 334.84]  No, he said, I will continue to mourn until I join my son in the grave.
+[334.84 --> 337.24]  So his father wept for him.
+[338.68 --> 345.58]  Meanwhile, meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar,
+[346.22 --> 350.02]  one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard.
+[350.74 --> 352.60]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[352.60 --> 364.22]  Soon after my dad retired from the ministry, he wrote a book entitled On the Move, The Slopster Story.
+[364.40 --> 369.62]  It became an instant bestseller, as you can imagine, at least in our family.
+[369.62 --> 375.18]  It is a genealogy, actually, of our family, along with commentary.
+[376.44 --> 381.86]  Lots of stories describing how our family came to be as it is today.
+[382.92 --> 388.18]  One of my favorite stories is the one about how we ended up in Canada,
+[388.18 --> 395.16]  a move which obviously profoundly affected my life and for which I've always been so grateful.
+[395.98 --> 396.98]  Well, here's how it happened.
+[397.80 --> 403.30]  It was the spring of 1960, and the Christian Reformed Church of Clinton, Ontario,
+[403.74 --> 406.56]  had been without a pastor for a long time.
+[406.56 --> 412.32]  But they had come up with a slate of two persons for the congregation to vote on.
+[413.12 --> 417.66]  One was Reverend Louis Tamminga from Smithers, B.C.
+[418.18 --> 420.88]  The other was my father from the Netherlands.
+[422.20 --> 425.36]  Well, after a lengthy debate about the merits of both pastors,
+[425.72 --> 430.18]  the congregation's sentiments were clearly leaning towards Reverend Tamminga,
+[430.82 --> 435.66]  mostly because the younger people, who had already been in Canada for ten years,
+[435.66 --> 440.58]  were concerned that that other candidate might be a little bit too Dutch.
+[442.42 --> 445.24]  The discussion came to an abrupt end
+[445.24 --> 449.04]  when one of the older brothers stood up and asked,
+[449.94 --> 450.48]  Mr. Chairman,
+[451.52 --> 457.48]  what would it cost us to get Reverend Tamminga here all the way from Smithers?
+[459.08 --> 462.44]  Well, that would be about $2,000, the chairman said.
+[463.56 --> 466.54]  And Mr. Chairman, continued the older brother,
+[466.78 --> 472.22]  what would it cost us to bring Reverend Sloster to Clinton all the way from Holland?
+[472.22 --> 475.04]  The chairman answered,
+[475.04 --> 479.28]  well, that, since the present policy of the Dutch government
+[479.28 --> 483.12]  is to pay the full cost of moving immigrants to Canada,
+[483.62 --> 485.94]  that brother will cost us nothing.
+[487.64 --> 490.80]  The elder brother stood up one more time and said,
+[491.14 --> 492.92]  Mr. Chairman, I call the question.
+[494.52 --> 495.74]  And here I am.
+[495.74 --> 499.38]  And if you ask me,
+[499.56 --> 502.82]  that cheap, sorry, I mean that thrifty Dutchman
+[502.82 --> 506.44]  had God's fingerprints all over him.
+[508.64 --> 512.08]  My dad's book is full of other such stories,
+[512.20 --> 515.02]  stories that look back and reveal patterns
+[515.02 --> 516.88]  of what our family recognizes
+[516.88 --> 520.80]  as God's providence in our lives.
+[520.80 --> 523.76]  God's leading and care,
+[523.90 --> 525.40]  God's fingerprints,
+[525.96 --> 527.64]  evident in sometimes ordinary,
+[528.30 --> 529.44]  sometimes humorous,
+[529.52 --> 530.42]  sometimes sad,
+[530.80 --> 533.46]  sometimes obvious,
+[533.86 --> 535.72]  sometimes fleeting ways.
+[537.00 --> 539.22]  And I suspect that all of you,
+[540.00 --> 543.30]  looking back over your own life up to this point,
+[544.04 --> 546.48]  could find those same fingerprints.
+[546.48 --> 550.78]  It is one of the major themes
+[550.78 --> 553.90]  that ties together the Joseph story
+[553.90 --> 556.26]  told over the last 14 chapters
+[556.26 --> 557.90]  of the book of Genesis.
+[559.66 --> 562.46]  Mind you, I call it the Joseph story,
+[562.92 --> 565.16]  but it isn't just about Joseph.
+[565.92 --> 568.72]  It is part of a bigger picture that began
+[568.72 --> 570.60]  when God called Abraham,
+[570.98 --> 572.54]  the father of all believers,
+[572.90 --> 574.72]  and promised that in him,
+[574.72 --> 577.92]  he would bless all the families of the earth.
+[579.34 --> 581.10]  And throughout the book of Genesis,
+[581.34 --> 582.74]  God's promise to Abraham
+[582.74 --> 585.78]  gets narrowed down as you go along.
+[586.14 --> 587.76]  Abraham has two sons,
+[588.12 --> 589.92]  but God's promise of blessing,
+[590.34 --> 593.16]  contrary to accepted custom and tradition,
+[593.96 --> 595.62]  comes to the younger son Isaac
+[595.62 --> 598.48]  instead of the elder Ishmael.
+[599.62 --> 601.16]  Isaac has two sons,
+[601.16 --> 603.58]  but God's promise of blessing again
+[603.58 --> 605.68]  comes to the younger son Jacob
+[605.68 --> 608.50]  rather than the elder Esau.
+[610.00 --> 612.30]  And so the Joseph story begins
+[612.30 --> 615.32]  in Genesis 37 with these words,
+[616.58 --> 617.82]  Jacob lived in the land
+[617.82 --> 619.32]  where his father had stayed,
+[619.66 --> 620.66]  the land of Canaan.
+[620.96 --> 623.72]  This is the account of Jacob.
+[623.72 --> 628.74]  Jacob has 12 sons.
+[630.28 --> 631.34]  And of these 12,
+[631.76 --> 635.38]  Joseph is definitely the star of this story.
+[636.64 --> 640.64]  But it is a story about a whole family in crisis
+[640.64 --> 644.24]  and how all the members of this family
+[644.24 --> 647.86]  are transformed and changed over time.
+[647.86 --> 653.82]  It is also more than a history of one family.
+[655.02 --> 658.02]  Even though God's name is never mentioned
+[658.02 --> 660.06]  in this first chapter of the story,
+[660.68 --> 661.34]  did you notice that?
+[662.38 --> 664.90]  And only very sparingly in the rest,
+[666.16 --> 667.92]  the last chapter in Genesis
+[667.92 --> 669.94]  makes it absolutely clear
+[669.94 --> 673.70]  that this is a story about our God.
+[673.70 --> 677.32]  And if you know anything about the story,
+[677.42 --> 678.48]  even up to this point,
+[678.78 --> 680.60]  younger sons chosen over the elder,
+[680.98 --> 681.80]  meaningful dreams,
+[682.20 --> 683.10]  family squabbles,
+[683.44 --> 685.44]  flawed characters as chosen people,
+[685.72 --> 687.42]  you know that God's fingerprints
+[687.42 --> 688.86]  are all over it.
+[689.74 --> 692.36]  This is the story about God's loving
+[692.36 --> 694.96]  and saving purposes in history.
+[695.24 --> 696.98]  And so it is our story too.
+[696.98 --> 703.26]  And the mystery of how God's purposes intersect
+[703.26 --> 706.90]  with ordinary, messy people,
+[707.68 --> 710.70]  even people like you and like me.
+[712.62 --> 715.30]  What we find in Genesis 37
+[715.30 --> 718.42]  is what we nowadays kindly refer to
+[718.42 --> 721.00]  as a blended family.
+[721.64 --> 724.18]  Although this one has been through the blender
+[724.18 --> 725.90]  a few more times than most.
+[726.98 --> 728.06]  Think of it.
+[728.38 --> 729.72]  Jacob has 12 sons
+[729.72 --> 733.46]  by four different mothers.
+[734.40 --> 735.64]  Two of them his wives,
+[735.86 --> 737.72]  two of them his wives' nannies.
+[739.44 --> 740.64]  And of all these sons,
+[740.82 --> 743.04]  Jacob loves Joseph the best.
+[743.88 --> 745.98]  Joseph means added.
+[747.32 --> 749.82]  Added to Jacob's family unexpectedly
+[749.82 --> 753.08]  because Rachel, his best-loved wife,
+[753.12 --> 753.90]  now dead,
+[753.90 --> 756.00]  had been childish so long
+[756.00 --> 758.56]  before Joseph was finally conceived.
+[760.04 --> 760.64]  Added,
+[761.44 --> 762.80]  if ye ask his brothers,
+[763.20 --> 765.30]  as an unwelcome afterthought.
+[766.66 --> 769.28]  For while Joseph is destined like greatness,
+[769.78 --> 770.80]  like other great men,
+[770.86 --> 773.30]  he could also be in insufferable pain
+[773.30 --> 775.18]  in a variety of places.
+[776.46 --> 778.50]  The very first thing you hear
+[778.50 --> 780.70]  about the now 17-year-old Joseph
+[780.70 --> 782.92]  is that he tattles on his brothers.
+[784.00 --> 785.14]  He brought their father
+[785.14 --> 787.20]  a bad report about them.
+[787.56 --> 788.56]  Now, I can remember
+[788.56 --> 790.34]  wanting to sell one of my siblings
+[790.34 --> 791.52]  into slavery for less.
+[793.52 --> 796.28]  Then, there's that dream coat of his,
+[796.96 --> 798.32]  which most scholars agree
+[798.32 --> 799.62]  was a long-sleeved,
+[800.02 --> 801.90]  intricately designed coat
+[801.90 --> 803.28]  befitting royalty.
+[803.28 --> 806.16]  Not a coat that is meant
+[806.16 --> 807.90]  for work of the sort
+[807.90 --> 810.34]  Joseph's brothers were expected to do.
+[811.58 --> 813.08]  Oh, he might have swept the porch
+[813.08 --> 814.64]  for his dad once in a while,
+[814.84 --> 817.62]  but mostly Joseph never got his hands dirty
+[817.62 --> 818.76]  and seemed to serve
+[818.76 --> 821.14]  only as dad's agent or messenger.
+[824.24 --> 826.02]  Jacob, of course,
+[826.10 --> 828.32]  is neither the first nor the last parent
+[828.32 --> 830.62]  to have a favored child.
+[830.62 --> 834.20]  wise parents, however,
+[834.96 --> 837.50]  try very hard not to show it.
+[839.28 --> 841.48]  Jacob was not so wise,
+[842.48 --> 844.26]  which created exactly
+[844.26 --> 846.52]  the kind of sibling rivalry
+[846.52 --> 848.42]  you would expect.
+[848.88 --> 850.68]  His brother, says our story,
+[851.40 --> 852.62]  hated Joseph,
+[853.40 --> 857.36]  could not speak one kind word to him.
+[857.36 --> 861.06]  And it's hard to blame them.
+[862.74 --> 863.94]  Then come the dreams.
+[864.40 --> 865.58]  Not the silly kind of dreams
+[865.58 --> 867.20]  we remember hazily, if at all,
+[867.36 --> 868.64]  when we wake up in the morning,
+[868.68 --> 869.64]  and if we do remember them,
+[869.68 --> 870.44]  we don't have a clue
+[870.44 --> 871.36]  what they might have meant.
+[872.36 --> 874.48]  No, these dreams mean something.
+[875.00 --> 876.28]  These dreams are all about
+[876.28 --> 877.70]  how Joseph will turn out
+[877.70 --> 879.14]  to be greater than his brothers,
+[879.28 --> 880.90]  greater even than his father.
+[881.34 --> 882.74]  And there is no question,
+[882.94 --> 885.24]  both for those who first heard this story
+[885.24 --> 886.94]  and we who read it today,
+[887.24 --> 889.60]  that these dreams came from God,
+[889.76 --> 891.00]  that in these dreams
+[891.00 --> 892.64]  we are meant to sense something
+[892.64 --> 894.78]  of God's plan and purposes,
+[895.64 --> 897.32]  that Joseph is special,
+[897.42 --> 898.90]  whether his brothers like it or not,
+[899.40 --> 901.52]  and that he will do great things
+[901.52 --> 902.60]  with his life,
+[902.72 --> 903.92]  and that in itself
+[903.92 --> 905.40]  is not the problem.
+[907.58 --> 909.24]  It is how Joseph interprets
+[909.76 --> 911.90]  and uses these dreams.
+[911.90 --> 914.88]  He describes them to his family
+[914.88 --> 917.72]  with an air of self-importance,
+[917.80 --> 920.30]  finding a sort of perverse pleasure
+[920.30 --> 922.08]  at the picture of his family
+[922.08 --> 923.98]  bowing before him.
+[924.20 --> 927.82]  And he ends up interpreting
+[927.82 --> 930.60]  the dreams with himself
+[930.60 --> 934.52]  rather than God at the center.
+[936.56 --> 938.12]  Joseph was certainly old enough
+[938.12 --> 939.20]  to know it would be better
+[939.20 --> 940.50]  to keep his dreams to himself.
+[940.50 --> 944.88]  But obviously not mature enough.
+[946.32 --> 947.10]  And so it happens
+[947.10 --> 948.40]  that at breakfast one day,
+[948.52 --> 949.32]  as they're all munching
+[949.32 --> 950.58]  on their bagels and lox,
+[951.26 --> 952.52]  he spills out his dream
+[952.52 --> 953.32]  about his brothers
+[953.32 --> 954.70]  bowing down before him.
+[955.22 --> 956.32]  As you can imagine,
+[956.80 --> 958.90]  this doesn't go over real well.
+[960.16 --> 961.84]  But that does not deter Joseph.
+[962.86 --> 963.80]  A few mornings later,
+[963.86 --> 964.88]  he causes his brothers
+[964.88 --> 966.12]  to spit out their goat's milk
+[966.12 --> 967.22]  by telling the same story
+[967.22 --> 968.02]  all over again.
+[968.02 --> 969.16]  Only this time,
+[969.24 --> 970.52]  the imagery has changed
+[970.52 --> 971.84]  from sheaves of wheat
+[971.84 --> 973.20]  to the sun and moon
+[973.20 --> 974.42]  and eleven stars
+[974.42 --> 975.82]  bowing down to him.
+[976.28 --> 978.02]  Which is when even Father Jacob
+[978.02 --> 979.32]  cannot resist the urge
+[979.32 --> 981.78]  to actually rebuke Joseph.
+[982.88 --> 984.66]  He loved Joseph and all.
+[985.34 --> 986.30]  But enough was enough.
+[986.54 --> 987.38]  Talk like this
+[987.38 --> 988.86]  was only going to lead
+[988.86 --> 989.82]  to something bad.
+[989.82 --> 990.98]  And while we read
+[990.98 --> 991.74]  that his father
+[991.74 --> 993.36]  kept the matter in mind,
+[993.80 --> 994.58]  after all,
+[995.08 --> 996.84]  Jacob knew the power of dreams.
+[997.10 --> 998.40]  Remember Jacob's ladder.
+[999.52 --> 1000.66]  You get the impression
+[1000.66 --> 1002.28]  that Jacob was finally
+[1002.28 --> 1003.54]  beginning to see
+[1003.54 --> 1004.72]  what this was doing
+[1004.72 --> 1006.08]  to Joseph's brothers.
+[1007.54 --> 1009.02]  Our translation says
+[1009.02 --> 1010.40]  they were jealous.
+[1011.26 --> 1012.70]  Technically, of course,
+[1012.96 --> 1014.60]  they were envious.
+[1014.60 --> 1016.86]  You are jealous
+[1016.86 --> 1018.12]  of what is yours.
+[1019.38 --> 1020.28]  You envy
+[1020.28 --> 1022.06]  what somebody else has.
+[1023.56 --> 1024.84]  And envy easily
+[1024.84 --> 1026.56]  becomes both dangerous
+[1026.56 --> 1027.92]  and deadly.
+[1029.30 --> 1030.74]  Envy can churn away
+[1030.74 --> 1031.66]  inside of you
+[1031.66 --> 1032.98]  like psychic heartburn
+[1032.98 --> 1033.72]  and making you
+[1033.72 --> 1035.26]  want to destroy the one
+[1035.26 --> 1037.58]  who has what you don't.
+[1037.58 --> 1041.54]  And so Jacob's home
+[1041.54 --> 1042.80]  became a time bomb
+[1042.80 --> 1044.66]  waiting to explode.
+[1045.62 --> 1047.08]  But life went on
+[1047.08 --> 1048.38]  until one day
+[1048.38 --> 1049.64]  Joseph's brothers
+[1049.64 --> 1050.28]  were grazing
+[1050.28 --> 1051.28]  dad's flocks
+[1051.28 --> 1052.22]  near Shechem
+[1052.22 --> 1054.34]  and Jacob decides
+[1054.34 --> 1055.26]  to send Joseph
+[1055.26 --> 1056.60]  to check on them,
+[1056.88 --> 1057.54]  though it sounds
+[1057.54 --> 1059.28]  more like a spying mission.
+[1061.30 --> 1062.70]  And that brings us
+[1062.70 --> 1064.26]  to a part of the story
+[1064.26 --> 1065.28]  that seems completely
+[1065.80 --> 1066.54]  unnecessary
+[1066.54 --> 1067.58]  to the plot
+[1067.58 --> 1068.76]  now unfolding,
+[1069.14 --> 1070.10]  making it easy
+[1070.10 --> 1071.38]  to skim over
+[1071.38 --> 1074.02]  about how Joseph
+[1074.02 --> 1075.58]  does not find
+[1075.58 --> 1076.06]  the brothers
+[1076.06 --> 1076.62]  at Shechem
+[1076.62 --> 1077.48]  as expected,
+[1077.88 --> 1078.86]  but happens
+[1078.86 --> 1079.62]  to run into
+[1079.62 --> 1080.40]  a stranger
+[1080.40 --> 1081.86]  who in fact
+[1081.86 --> 1083.22]  finds him,
+[1084.32 --> 1084.96]  a stranger
+[1084.96 --> 1086.94]  who somehow
+[1086.94 --> 1088.36]  overheard the brothers
+[1088.36 --> 1089.28]  and knows
+[1089.28 --> 1090.30]  they had moved
+[1090.30 --> 1091.38]  on to Dothan
+[1091.38 --> 1092.12]  an additional
+[1092.12 --> 1093.76]  30 kilometers away.
+[1095.30 --> 1095.62]  Well,
+[1095.62 --> 1096.72]  Shechem,
+[1097.08 --> 1097.48]  Dothan,
+[1097.72 --> 1099.18]  who really cares,
+[1099.30 --> 1099.60]  right?
+[1101.22 --> 1102.34]  But in the Bible
+[1102.34 --> 1103.68]  it is always important
+[1103.68 --> 1105.02]  to sweat the small stuff,
+[1105.72 --> 1107.60]  to pay attention
+[1107.60 --> 1108.40]  to seemingly
+[1108.40 --> 1109.94]  unnecessary details,
+[1110.22 --> 1112.02]  because sometimes
+[1112.02 --> 1112.66]  that's where
+[1112.66 --> 1113.66]  the deepest meaning
+[1113.66 --> 1114.44]  of the story
+[1114.44 --> 1115.62]  gets exposed.
+[1115.98 --> 1116.24]  I mean,
+[1116.28 --> 1117.12]  it's remarkable
+[1117.12 --> 1118.58]  if you think about it.
+[1118.62 --> 1119.28]  A stranger
+[1119.28 --> 1120.40]  just happens
+[1120.40 --> 1122.02]  to find Joseph
+[1122.02 --> 1123.62]  just happen
+[1123.62 --> 1125.24]  to overhear a conversation.
+[1128.24 --> 1129.28]  Without what
+[1129.28 --> 1130.10]  we might call
+[1130.10 --> 1131.90]  this chance encounter,
+[1133.52 --> 1134.54]  Joseph would not
+[1134.54 --> 1135.48]  have found his brothers,
+[1136.62 --> 1137.88]  would not have been there
+[1137.88 --> 1139.20]  at the precise time
+[1139.20 --> 1140.26]  a trading caravan
+[1140.26 --> 1141.02]  of Midianites
+[1141.02 --> 1141.76]  passed by,
+[1142.30 --> 1144.04]  would not have ended up
+[1144.04 --> 1145.12]  on his long tour
+[1145.12 --> 1146.38]  of duty in Egypt,
+[1146.88 --> 1147.72]  thereby saving
+[1147.72 --> 1149.24]  not only his own people,
+[1149.58 --> 1150.96]  but also the Egyptians
+[1150.96 --> 1153.00]  and many others.
+[1153.18 --> 1154.66]  Without that chance
+[1154.66 --> 1155.42]  encounter,
+[1156.48 --> 1157.44]  Joseph would likely
+[1157.44 --> 1158.20]  have gone back
+[1158.20 --> 1158.92]  to his father
+[1158.92 --> 1160.32]  with another bad report,
+[1160.66 --> 1161.66]  my brothers were not
+[1161.66 --> 1162.24]  where they said
+[1162.24 --> 1163.10]  they would be.
+[1163.10 --> 1166.40]  And that would have been
+[1166.40 --> 1167.20]  that.
+[1169.66 --> 1170.54]  Makes you wonder
+[1170.54 --> 1172.42]  who the stranger
+[1172.42 --> 1174.24]  really was.
+[1176.94 --> 1177.84]  In any case,
+[1177.96 --> 1178.62]  Joseph finally
+[1178.62 --> 1179.44]  finds his brothers
+[1179.44 --> 1180.58]  and already from a distance
+[1180.58 --> 1181.46]  they recognize him,
+[1181.54 --> 1182.68]  probably from the way
+[1182.68 --> 1183.82]  his coat was building
+[1183.82 --> 1185.04]  in the wind behind him,
+[1186.10 --> 1186.86]  the dreamer,
+[1187.00 --> 1187.52]  they call him.
+[1187.60 --> 1189.08]  Here comes that dreamer.
+[1190.50 --> 1191.16]  And their hate
+[1191.16 --> 1191.76]  and their envy
+[1191.76 --> 1192.70]  is so raw,
+[1192.70 --> 1193.42]  it takes only
+[1193.42 --> 1194.14]  the few minutes
+[1194.14 --> 1195.20]  for him to reach them
+[1195.20 --> 1196.66]  that the plot is hatched.
+[1196.72 --> 1197.46]  Let's kill him,
+[1197.62 --> 1198.06]  they say.
+[1199.20 --> 1200.12]  No, no, no,
+[1200.14 --> 1201.18]  says oldest brother Reuben.
+[1201.72 --> 1202.68]  Let's just dump him
+[1202.68 --> 1203.46]  in a pit for now,
+[1203.56 --> 1204.80]  thinking to rescue him later.
+[1206.34 --> 1207.12]  And before Joseph
+[1207.12 --> 1208.20]  knows that he's in a pit,
+[1208.50 --> 1209.56]  minus his royal robe,
+[1209.78 --> 1210.50]  while his brothers,
+[1210.72 --> 1211.46]  minus Reuben,
+[1211.66 --> 1212.24]  who is off
+[1212.24 --> 1213.02]  checking the flocks,
+[1213.34 --> 1213.96]  enjoy a meal
+[1213.96 --> 1214.60]  just like a bunch
+[1214.60 --> 1215.32]  of mobsters
+[1215.32 --> 1216.62]  returning to their spaghetti
+[1216.62 --> 1218.06]  after they've erased somebody.
+[1218.96 --> 1220.08]  Taking care of business,
+[1220.56 --> 1221.14]  that's all.
+[1222.70 --> 1224.60]  That's when the Midianites
+[1224.60 --> 1225.26]  come along
+[1225.26 --> 1226.42]  and Judah,
+[1226.76 --> 1227.60]  one of the brothers
+[1227.60 --> 1228.32]  to watch
+[1228.32 --> 1229.78]  in this story,
+[1230.28 --> 1231.84]  gets the idea
+[1231.84 --> 1232.78]  to sell Joseph.
+[1233.80 --> 1234.82]  And before you know it,
+[1235.06 --> 1235.28]  Joseph
+[1235.28 --> 1236.58]  is on his way
+[1236.58 --> 1237.46]  to Egypt.
+[1238.50 --> 1239.62]  In his novel
+[1239.62 --> 1240.24]  on Jacob,
+[1241.00 --> 1241.84]  Son of Laughter,
+[1242.68 --> 1243.38]  Frederick Buechner
+[1243.38 --> 1244.16]  imagines
+[1244.16 --> 1245.58]  how the transaction
+[1245.58 --> 1246.38]  took place.
+[1246.48 --> 1246.92]  The traders
+[1246.92 --> 1247.74]  inspecting
+[1247.74 --> 1248.58]  Joseph
+[1248.58 --> 1249.36]  like a horse
+[1249.36 --> 1250.12]  at an auction,
+[1250.50 --> 1251.44]  pinching his muscles,
+[1251.80 --> 1252.84]  prying his mouth open
+[1252.84 --> 1254.02]  to look at his teeth,
+[1254.26 --> 1254.78]  then offering
+[1254.78 --> 1255.74]  five silver bits
+[1255.74 --> 1256.18]  for him.
+[1256.44 --> 1257.06]  When their brothers
+[1257.06 --> 1257.96]  insist on thirty,
+[1258.04 --> 1258.98]  they up it to ten,
+[1259.42 --> 1260.24]  then to fifteen
+[1260.24 --> 1260.96]  if a good knife
+[1260.96 --> 1261.74]  comes with a deal,
+[1261.82 --> 1262.60]  then to seventeen,
+[1262.88 --> 1263.64]  one for each year
+[1263.64 --> 1264.16]  of his age,
+[1264.20 --> 1264.62]  and finally
+[1264.62 --> 1265.28]  they all agree
+[1265.28 --> 1266.12]  on twenty bits
+[1266.12 --> 1266.62]  of silver,
+[1266.94 --> 1267.40]  the price
+[1267.40 --> 1268.22]  of a brother.
+[1270.70 --> 1271.74]  We are not told
+[1271.74 --> 1272.14]  here
+[1272.14 --> 1273.60]  if Joseph cried
+[1273.60 --> 1274.72]  or pleaded
+[1274.72 --> 1275.20]  with him.
+[1277.56 --> 1278.62]  He did all
+[1278.62 --> 1279.02]  of that
+[1279.02 --> 1279.86]  and more
+[1279.86 --> 1281.44]  as we learn
+[1281.44 --> 1281.76]  later.
+[1282.62 --> 1283.66]  But the dreams
+[1283.66 --> 1284.82]  have long ago
+[1284.82 --> 1285.32]  hardened
+[1285.32 --> 1286.76]  his brother's hearts.
+[1287.44 --> 1287.94]  There would be
+[1287.94 --> 1288.64]  no sympathy,
+[1289.24 --> 1290.34]  no compassion.
+[1291.30 --> 1291.58]  Joseph,
+[1292.04 --> 1292.84]  like another
+[1292.84 --> 1293.78]  beloved son,
+[1294.26 --> 1294.86]  much later
+[1294.86 --> 1296.24]  in his story
+[1296.24 --> 1297.84]  is betrayed
+[1297.84 --> 1298.76]  for a few pieces
+[1298.76 --> 1299.32]  of silver.
+[1300.10 --> 1300.98]  And as the caravan
+[1300.98 --> 1301.50]  moves off,
+[1301.56 --> 1302.24]  one imagines
+[1302.24 --> 1302.74]  the brothers
+[1302.74 --> 1303.50]  taunting him
+[1303.50 --> 1304.62]  with exaggerated
+[1304.62 --> 1305.06]  bows.
+[1305.20 --> 1305.46]  So,
+[1305.62 --> 1306.32]  little bro,
+[1306.72 --> 1307.30]  dreamer,
+[1307.58 --> 1308.34]  what happens
+[1308.34 --> 1309.08]  to your dreams
+[1309.08 --> 1309.58]  now?
+[1313.08 --> 1313.90]  This part
+[1313.90 --> 1314.36]  of the story
+[1314.36 --> 1314.84]  ends
+[1314.84 --> 1315.92]  when the scheming
+[1315.92 --> 1316.52]  brothers bring
+[1316.52 --> 1317.02]  their father
+[1317.02 --> 1318.28]  Joseph's dream coat,
+[1318.76 --> 1319.70]  now mostly blood
+[1319.70 --> 1320.50]  red in color,
+[1321.08 --> 1321.94]  the blood of a goat,
+[1322.06 --> 1322.80]  and convince him
+[1322.80 --> 1324.36]  that his son,
+[1324.66 --> 1325.06]  note,
+[1325.50 --> 1326.20]  they don't say
+[1326.20 --> 1326.94]  our brother,
+[1327.26 --> 1328.62]  but his son
+[1328.62 --> 1329.88]  is missing
+[1329.88 --> 1330.70]  in action.
+[1331.60 --> 1332.12]  Certainly
+[1332.12 --> 1332.68]  almost
+[1332.68 --> 1334.30]  killed by a wild
+[1334.30 --> 1334.72]  animal,
+[1335.62 --> 1336.14]  and Jacob,
+[1336.64 --> 1337.64]  and only Jacob,
+[1337.98 --> 1338.48]  is left
+[1338.48 --> 1339.20]  weeping
+[1339.20 --> 1340.30]  in a grief
+[1340.30 --> 1341.46]  which,
+[1341.68 --> 1342.44]  with no dead
+[1342.44 --> 1343.24]  body to bring
+[1343.24 --> 1344.22]  any sort of closure,
+[1344.76 --> 1345.56]  goes on
+[1345.56 --> 1346.50]  and on
+[1346.50 --> 1347.66]  and on.
+[1350.16 --> 1351.26]  What a story.
+[1352.54 --> 1353.78]  The classic
+[1353.78 --> 1355.04]  blended family
+[1355.04 --> 1356.32]  in which
+[1356.32 --> 1356.82]  everything
+[1356.82 --> 1357.74]  goes wrong,
+[1358.44 --> 1359.10]  favoritism,
+[1359.70 --> 1360.12]  spying,
+[1360.12 --> 1361.20]  tattletaling,
+[1361.64 --> 1362.54]  sibling rivalry,
+[1363.18 --> 1363.52]  hatred,
+[1363.82 --> 1364.12]  envy,
+[1364.50 --> 1364.90]  strife,
+[1365.34 --> 1366.28]  murder schemes,
+[1366.50 --> 1366.82]  greed,
+[1367.06 --> 1367.50]  violence,
+[1367.64 --> 1368.02]  deceit,
+[1368.12 --> 1368.62]  and grief
+[1368.62 --> 1370.40]  that refuses comfort.
+[1371.54 --> 1372.76]  Unlike the musical
+[1372.76 --> 1374.22]  Joseph and the Amazing
+[1374.22 --> 1375.52]  Technicolor Dreamcoat,
+[1375.62 --> 1376.32]  as much fun
+[1376.32 --> 1377.40]  as it was
+[1377.40 --> 1378.02]  and is,
+[1379.10 --> 1379.96]  there's not much
+[1379.96 --> 1380.44]  in the way
+[1380.44 --> 1381.10]  of laughter
+[1381.10 --> 1382.32]  and dancing
+[1382.32 --> 1383.36]  and singing
+[1383.36 --> 1384.50]  here.
+[1384.50 --> 1387.56]  you wonder,
+[1388.18 --> 1390.40]  where is God
+[1390.40 --> 1391.34]  in all this?
+[1393.38 --> 1394.14]  The question
+[1394.14 --> 1395.28]  we still ask
+[1395.28 --> 1395.68]  today,
+[1395.76 --> 1396.14]  isn't it?
+[1397.12 --> 1398.00]  When we look
+[1398.00 --> 1399.00]  around at the evil
+[1399.00 --> 1399.78]  and heartbreak
+[1399.78 --> 1400.54]  in our world,
+[1400.62 --> 1401.64]  when we look
+[1401.64 --> 1402.30]  at the way
+[1402.30 --> 1403.26]  these days
+[1403.26 --> 1403.72]  our world
+[1403.72 --> 1404.30]  has been turned
+[1404.30 --> 1405.42]  upside down
+[1405.42 --> 1406.60]  by a simple
+[1406.60 --> 1407.34]  virus,
+[1407.34 --> 1409.90]  when we look
+[1409.90 --> 1410.70]  at the brokenness
+[1410.70 --> 1411.36]  we ourselves
+[1411.36 --> 1412.12]  experience
+[1412.12 --> 1413.38]  in our lives
+[1413.38 --> 1414.22]  or in our families,
+[1414.58 --> 1416.02]  where is God
+[1416.02 --> 1417.60]  in all this?
+[1421.00 --> 1422.00]  Sometimes we talk
+[1422.00 --> 1422.74]  easily about
+[1422.74 --> 1423.58]  God's providence,
+[1423.68 --> 1424.38]  mostly when good
+[1424.38 --> 1424.94]  things happen,
+[1425.02 --> 1425.68]  like a thrifty
+[1425.68 --> 1426.46]  Dutchman standing
+[1426.46 --> 1426.92]  up at a
+[1426.92 --> 1427.70]  congregational meeting
+[1427.70 --> 1428.36]  to call for the
+[1428.36 --> 1428.76]  question,
+[1429.46 --> 1429.82]  yes.
+[1431.92 --> 1432.94]  It's great to talk
+[1432.94 --> 1433.60]  about providence
+[1433.60 --> 1434.42]  when you get the job
+[1434.42 --> 1435.16]  you prayed for
+[1435.16 --> 1436.02]  or you meet
+[1436.02 --> 1437.74]  Mr. or Miss Wright
+[1437.74 --> 1438.46]  at just a proper
+[1438.46 --> 1439.32]  time in your life
+[1439.32 --> 1440.44]  or you narrowly
+[1440.44 --> 1440.90]  escaped,
+[1441.00 --> 1441.88]  as you recounted
+[1441.88 --> 1442.76]  in your prayer,
+[1443.06 --> 1444.08]  a terrible accident
+[1444.08 --> 1445.78]  or you experience
+[1445.78 --> 1446.78]  any of the countless
+[1446.78 --> 1448.22]  big or small ways
+[1448.22 --> 1450.60]  by which the strong
+[1450.60 --> 1452.90]  but sure hands
+[1452.90 --> 1454.54]  of the Heavenly Father
+[1454.54 --> 1457.16]  uphold and care
+[1457.16 --> 1457.94]  for our world
+[1457.94 --> 1460.18]  and your life.
+[1460.18 --> 1464.88]  But when bad
+[1464.88 --> 1465.68]  things come along,
+[1466.46 --> 1467.60]  we begin to wonder,
+[1468.38 --> 1470.10]  where was God?
+[1472.00 --> 1473.40]  Because God's providence
+[1473.40 --> 1474.66]  is not all sweetness
+[1474.66 --> 1475.82]  and happiness.
+[1476.10 --> 1476.76]  One of the things
+[1476.76 --> 1477.60]  Genesis 7
+[1477.60 --> 1478.66]  and the Joseph cycle
+[1478.66 --> 1479.16]  of stories
+[1479.16 --> 1480.26]  have to teach us
+[1480.26 --> 1481.30]  is that there is more
+[1481.30 --> 1482.74]  to God's providence
+[1482.74 --> 1483.72]  than that.
+[1485.02 --> 1485.62]  Sometimes
+[1485.62 --> 1486.94]  the world
+[1486.94 --> 1487.64]  resists
+[1487.64 --> 1488.44]  God's work.
+[1488.44 --> 1490.68]  sometimes
+[1490.68 --> 1491.80]  God's own children
+[1491.80 --> 1492.90]  including you and I
+[1492.90 --> 1494.86]  resist His work
+[1494.86 --> 1496.12]  and His word.
+[1497.52 --> 1498.64]  Because of the sin
+[1498.64 --> 1499.34]  and brokenness
+[1499.34 --> 1500.18]  of our lives
+[1500.18 --> 1500.84]  and the world,
+[1501.00 --> 1501.72]  sometimes it is
+[1501.72 --> 1503.06]  God's work itself
+[1503.06 --> 1504.04]  that can bring us
+[1504.04 --> 1504.86]  unhappiness.
+[1507.12 --> 1508.20]  At other times,
+[1508.30 --> 1509.30]  God does this work
+[1509.30 --> 1509.84]  in the midst
+[1509.84 --> 1510.86]  of some of the worst
+[1510.86 --> 1511.96]  things life can dish
+[1511.96 --> 1512.60]  out to you.
+[1513.90 --> 1515.06]  God did not inspire
+[1515.06 --> 1515.94]  the evil plot
+[1515.94 --> 1517.28]  of Joseph's brothers,
+[1517.28 --> 1517.40]  brothers,
+[1518.20 --> 1519.04]  but that doesn't mean
+[1519.04 --> 1519.92]  He cannot bring good
+[1519.92 --> 1520.44]  out of it,
+[1520.88 --> 1522.02]  that He cannot fulfill
+[1522.02 --> 1522.66]  His purposes
+[1522.66 --> 1523.74]  in spite of it.
+[1525.34 --> 1526.20]  A certain
+[1526.20 --> 1527.66]  Jewish rabbi
+[1527.66 --> 1528.56]  trying to explain
+[1528.56 --> 1529.04]  all this
+[1529.04 --> 1530.22]  writes about
+[1530.22 --> 1530.80]  the following
+[1530.80 --> 1531.52]  conversation
+[1531.52 --> 1532.56]  between a rabbi
+[1532.56 --> 1533.64]  and his student.
+[1534.84 --> 1535.40]  Rabbi,
+[1536.52 --> 1537.72]  do you know
+[1537.72 --> 1538.26]  why Satan
+[1538.26 --> 1539.02]  is so angry
+[1539.02 --> 1539.96]  all the time?
+[1539.96 --> 1541.68]  because whenever
+[1541.68 --> 1542.34]  he works
+[1542.34 --> 1543.24]  a particularly
+[1543.24 --> 1544.08]  clever bit
+[1544.08 --> 1544.72]  of mischief,
+[1545.54 --> 1546.56]  God uses it
+[1546.56 --> 1547.16]  to serve
+[1547.16 --> 1547.86]  His own
+[1547.86 --> 1549.34]  righteous purposes.
+[1550.52 --> 1551.08]  Student,
+[1551.92 --> 1552.18]  so,
+[1552.96 --> 1553.82]  God uses
+[1553.82 --> 1554.66]  wicked people
+[1554.66 --> 1555.36]  as His tools?
+[1557.16 --> 1557.52]  Rabbi,
+[1558.30 --> 1559.30]  God gives us
+[1559.30 --> 1560.06]  freedom to do
+[1560.06 --> 1560.72]  a great deal
+[1560.72 --> 1561.20]  of evil
+[1561.20 --> 1562.44]  if we choose.
+[1563.20 --> 1563.58]  Then,
+[1564.10 --> 1564.84]  He uses
+[1564.84 --> 1565.58]  His own freedom
+[1565.58 --> 1566.46]  to create goodness
+[1566.46 --> 1567.16]  out of that evil
+[1567.16 --> 1567.94]  for that is what
+[1567.94 --> 1568.78]  He chooses.
+[1568.78 --> 1570.56]  student.
+[1571.38 --> 1571.58]  So,
+[1571.90 --> 1572.90]  in the long run,
+[1573.72 --> 1575.42]  God always wins.
+[1576.34 --> 1576.58]  Rabbi,
+[1577.54 --> 1578.12]  yes.
+[1579.00 --> 1580.28]  But in the short run,
+[1581.14 --> 1582.12]  it can be
+[1582.12 --> 1584.28]  very uncomfortable.
+[1587.10 --> 1588.68]  And if you doubt that,
+[1589.20 --> 1590.24]  don't just ask
+[1590.24 --> 1591.28]  Jacob's son,
+[1591.98 --> 1592.90]  ask God's
+[1592.90 --> 1593.78]  own
+[1593.78 --> 1595.14]  beloved son.
+[1596.26 --> 1597.06]  Ask Jesus.
+[1598.78 --> 1599.86]  In the short run,
+[1600.26 --> 1600.96]  we can make
+[1600.96 --> 1601.64]  such a mess
+[1601.64 --> 1602.40]  of our lives.
+[1603.44 --> 1604.38]  In the short run,
+[1604.90 --> 1605.56]  human history
+[1605.56 --> 1606.64]  often looks
+[1606.64 --> 1607.14]  more like
+[1607.14 --> 1608.02]  a train wreck
+[1608.02 --> 1609.44]  than the unfolding
+[1609.44 --> 1610.02]  purposes
+[1610.02 --> 1611.04]  of God.
+[1612.24 --> 1613.22]  God does not
+[1613.22 --> 1613.94]  guarantee us
+[1613.94 --> 1614.66]  the ability
+[1614.66 --> 1615.64]  to see the
+[1615.64 --> 1616.08]  meaningful,
+[1616.58 --> 1617.62]  larger patterns
+[1617.62 --> 1618.34]  of it all
+[1618.34 --> 1619.76]  on this side
+[1619.76 --> 1620.58]  of the grave.
+[1621.22 --> 1622.08]  Any number
+[1622.08 --> 1622.58]  of people
+[1622.58 --> 1623.20]  have lived
+[1623.20 --> 1624.28]  and have died
+[1624.28 --> 1625.06]  without being
+[1625.06 --> 1625.84]  able to look
+[1625.84 --> 1627.26]  back as Joseph
+[1627.26 --> 1628.16]  of one day will
+[1628.16 --> 1629.02]  and declare
+[1629.02 --> 1630.26]  it was all good
+[1630.26 --> 1631.42]  because it was
+[1631.42 --> 1632.64]  all used
+[1632.64 --> 1633.42]  by God.
+[1635.34 --> 1636.02]  Nor do
+[1636.02 --> 1637.12]  Genesis 37
+[1637.12 --> 1637.78]  and the chapters
+[1637.78 --> 1638.32]  that follow
+[1638.32 --> 1638.90]  tell us that
+[1638.90 --> 1639.64]  we'll always know
+[1639.64 --> 1640.58]  the wherefores
+[1640.58 --> 1641.42]  and the whys
+[1641.42 --> 1642.12]  of what's happening
+[1642.12 --> 1642.68]  to us.
+[1643.06 --> 1643.44]  Instead,
+[1643.72 --> 1644.40]  these chapters
+[1644.40 --> 1644.98]  declare
+[1644.98 --> 1646.90]  the sure hope
+[1646.90 --> 1648.14]  that in the longest
+[1648.14 --> 1649.12]  possible run,
+[1649.30 --> 1650.78]  it will make sense.
+[1651.28 --> 1652.44]  God will not be
+[1652.44 --> 1653.14]  outdone,
+[1653.64 --> 1654.30]  outsmarted,
+[1654.30 --> 1655.28]  outwitted,
+[1655.64 --> 1656.44]  not even by
+[1656.44 --> 1657.06]  the world's
+[1657.06 --> 1658.16]  greatest evil,
+[1659.06 --> 1659.74]  the killing
+[1659.74 --> 1661.28]  of his own son.
+[1662.92 --> 1663.84]  The witness
+[1663.84 --> 1665.32]  of Genesis 37
+[1665.32 --> 1666.10]  to 50
+[1666.10 --> 1667.64]  and all
+[1667.64 --> 1668.06]  scripture
+[1668.06 --> 1669.24]  is that somehow
+[1669.24 --> 1670.56]  God can
+[1670.56 --> 1671.22]  and will
+[1671.22 --> 1672.28]  make all
+[1672.28 --> 1673.22]  things new,
+[1674.02 --> 1675.24]  right every
+[1675.24 --> 1675.70]  wrong,
+[1676.12 --> 1676.92]  and return
+[1676.92 --> 1678.02]  all things
+[1678.02 --> 1678.88]  to how they
+[1678.88 --> 1679.32]  should have
+[1679.32 --> 1680.98]  been all along.
+[1680.98 --> 1684.46]  many scholars
+[1684.46 --> 1685.16]  believe that
+[1685.16 --> 1686.14]  the Joseph story
+[1686.14 --> 1686.92]  was first set
+[1686.92 --> 1687.80]  into written form
+[1687.80 --> 1688.80]  during the time
+[1688.80 --> 1689.92]  of Israel's exile
+[1689.92 --> 1690.70]  in Babylon.
+[1691.74 --> 1692.52]  If so,
+[1692.60 --> 1693.38]  then the original
+[1693.38 --> 1694.74]  audience of Joseph's
+[1694.74 --> 1695.50]  story were people
+[1695.50 --> 1696.18]  well acquainted
+[1696.18 --> 1696.88]  with grief
+[1696.88 --> 1697.84]  and with the
+[1697.84 --> 1698.64]  collapse of what
+[1698.64 --> 1699.44]  were the fondest
+[1699.44 --> 1700.50]  hopes and dreams
+[1700.50 --> 1701.98]  of their faith.
+[1703.74 --> 1704.70]  Even if that
+[1704.70 --> 1705.34]  isn't so,
+[1705.68 --> 1706.72]  certainly this story
+[1706.72 --> 1707.42]  has been read
+[1707.42 --> 1708.28]  by any number
+[1708.28 --> 1709.04]  of Israelites,
+[1709.04 --> 1711.16]  Jews and Christians
+[1711.16 --> 1712.04]  who found
+[1712.04 --> 1713.00]  themselves in
+[1713.00 --> 1714.06]  some measure
+[1714.06 --> 1714.86]  of exile,
+[1715.20 --> 1715.80]  at some
+[1715.80 --> 1717.00]  removed from
+[1717.00 --> 1717.36]  God,
+[1717.52 --> 1718.10]  at some
+[1718.10 --> 1719.02]  crisis point
+[1719.02 --> 1719.52]  of faith.
+[1721.10 --> 1722.14]  In other words,
+[1722.26 --> 1723.10]  it really is
+[1723.10 --> 1723.68]  a story
+[1723.68 --> 1725.22]  for all of us.
+[1727.24 --> 1728.54]  And that story
+[1728.54 --> 1729.60]  does not end
+[1729.60 --> 1730.46]  with the
+[1730.46 --> 1731.52]  inconsolable
+[1731.52 --> 1732.54]  weeping of
+[1732.54 --> 1733.30]  Jacob over
+[1733.30 --> 1734.18]  his apparently
+[1734.18 --> 1735.44]  dead son.
+[1736.34 --> 1737.24]  This story
+[1737.24 --> 1737.72]  we know
+[1737.72 --> 1738.46]  is far
+[1738.46 --> 1739.08]  from over.
+[1740.28 --> 1741.06]  For the author
+[1741.06 --> 1742.46]  of Genesis 37
+[1742.46 --> 1743.68]  has sown
+[1743.68 --> 1744.26]  at least
+[1744.26 --> 1745.06]  three
+[1745.06 --> 1746.02]  seeds
+[1746.02 --> 1747.00]  of hope.
+[1748.24 --> 1749.16]  The first
+[1749.16 --> 1750.20]  is in verse 11
+[1750.20 --> 1751.36]  when Jacob,
+[1751.62 --> 1752.12]  despite having
+[1752.12 --> 1752.94]  just rebuked
+[1752.94 --> 1753.68]  Joseph for his
+[1753.68 --> 1754.18]  arrogance,
+[1755.32 --> 1756.60]  kept the matter
+[1756.60 --> 1757.70]  in mind.
+[1759.44 --> 1760.16]  Jacob,
+[1760.38 --> 1760.70]  that is,
+[1760.74 --> 1761.36]  who has had
+[1761.36 --> 1762.12]  his own share
+[1762.12 --> 1762.78]  of dreams,
+[1763.24 --> 1764.46]  has the nagging
+[1764.46 --> 1765.12]  sense and
+[1765.12 --> 1765.94]  gives us
+[1765.94 --> 1766.56]  the nagging
+[1766.56 --> 1767.38]  sense that
+[1767.38 --> 1768.34]  if he didn't
+[1768.34 --> 1768.92]  already know
+[1768.92 --> 1769.32]  better,
+[1769.46 --> 1769.82]  there is
+[1769.82 --> 1771.08]  something more
+[1771.08 --> 1771.88]  to Joseph's
+[1771.88 --> 1773.14]  dreams than
+[1773.14 --> 1773.54]  a vivid
+[1773.54 --> 1774.28]  imagination
+[1774.28 --> 1775.60]  or wishful
+[1775.60 --> 1775.96]  thinking.
+[1778.26 --> 1779.18]  The second
+[1779.18 --> 1779.82]  seed of hope
+[1779.82 --> 1780.18]  is the
+[1780.18 --> 1780.94]  appearance of
+[1780.94 --> 1781.68]  that stranger.
+[1782.56 --> 1783.20]  In this
+[1783.20 --> 1783.60]  seemingly
+[1783.60 --> 1784.88]  irrelevant detail,
+[1785.76 --> 1786.30]  it is as
+[1786.30 --> 1786.80]  though the
+[1786.80 --> 1787.60]  storyteller
+[1787.60 --> 1788.34]  is whispering,
+[1788.34 --> 1790.42]  look,
+[1791.06 --> 1791.48]  get it?
+[1791.58 --> 1792.00]  There is a
+[1792.00 --> 1792.94]  bigger picture
+[1792.94 --> 1793.30]  here.
+[1793.76 --> 1794.24]  There is a
+[1794.24 --> 1794.90]  bigger purpose
+[1794.90 --> 1795.28]  here.
+[1796.40 --> 1796.92]  Imagine,
+[1797.72 --> 1798.42]  again,
+[1798.52 --> 1798.88]  if this
+[1798.88 --> 1799.46]  stranger had
+[1799.46 --> 1800.00]  not appeared.
+[1801.42 --> 1801.98]  Joseph would
+[1801.98 --> 1802.46]  have returned
+[1802.46 --> 1803.18]  home to his
+[1803.18 --> 1803.54]  father,
+[1804.54 --> 1805.18]  his family,
+[1805.84 --> 1806.60]  and Israel,
+[1806.90 --> 1807.36]  and the line
+[1807.36 --> 1807.74]  from which
+[1807.74 --> 1808.38]  God's Savior
+[1808.38 --> 1809.26]  Jesus would
+[1809.26 --> 1809.88]  one day come
+[1809.88 --> 1810.40]  would never
+[1810.40 --> 1810.78]  have been
+[1810.78 --> 1811.28]  rescued from
+[1811.28 --> 1811.66]  the great
+[1811.66 --> 1812.02]  famine,
+[1812.42 --> 1812.96]  and God's
+[1812.96 --> 1813.40]  people would
+[1813.40 --> 1813.80]  not have
+[1813.80 --> 1814.58]  ended up as
+[1814.58 --> 1815.52]  slaves in
+[1815.52 --> 1815.84]  Egypt,
+[1815.94 --> 1816.52]  only to be
+[1816.52 --> 1817.08]  delivered by
+[1817.08 --> 1817.70]  Moses hundreds
+[1817.70 --> 1818.16]  of years
+[1818.16 --> 1818.50]  later,
+[1818.80 --> 1819.62]  because the
+[1819.62 --> 1820.18]  stranger
+[1820.18 --> 1822.04]  appears.
+[1823.14 --> 1823.52]  God's
+[1823.52 --> 1824.06]  promise to
+[1824.06 --> 1824.94]  Abraham in
+[1824.94 --> 1825.90]  Genesis 15
+[1825.90 --> 1826.80]  will yet be
+[1826.80 --> 1827.22]  fulfilled,
+[1827.52 --> 1827.88]  namely,
+[1828.84 --> 1829.36]  know for
+[1829.36 --> 1830.06]  certain that
+[1830.06 --> 1830.92]  your descendants
+[1830.92 --> 1831.62]  will be
+[1831.62 --> 1832.40]  strangers in
+[1832.40 --> 1832.82]  a country
+[1832.82 --> 1833.30]  not their
+[1833.30 --> 1833.62]  own,
+[1833.84 --> 1834.38]  and they
+[1834.38 --> 1834.78]  will be
+[1834.78 --> 1835.92]  enslaved and
+[1835.92 --> 1836.52]  mistreated
+[1836.52 --> 1838.36]  400 years,
+[1838.96 --> 1839.78]  but I will
+[1839.78 --> 1840.44]  punish the
+[1840.44 --> 1841.40]  nation they
+[1841.40 --> 1842.12]  serve as
+[1842.12 --> 1842.50]  slaves,
+[1842.58 --> 1843.20]  and afterward
+[1843.20 --> 1844.06]  they will
+[1844.06 --> 1844.58]  come out
+[1844.58 --> 1845.44]  with great
+[1845.44 --> 1846.04]  possessions.
+[1847.08 --> 1848.96]  It was
+[1848.96 --> 1849.52]  only later
+[1849.52 --> 1850.18]  that Joseph
+[1850.18 --> 1851.76]  would recognize
+[1851.76 --> 1852.60]  this stranger
+[1852.60 --> 1853.66]  as God
+[1853.66 --> 1854.44]  at work,
+[1855.40 --> 1856.34]  God directing
+[1856.34 --> 1857.06]  his path
+[1857.06 --> 1858.44]  towards slavery
+[1858.44 --> 1859.96]  so that one
+[1859.96 --> 1860.56]  day Joseph
+[1860.56 --> 1861.10]  could tell
+[1861.10 --> 1861.72]  his brothers
+[1861.72 --> 1862.98]  you meant
+[1862.98 --> 1863.60]  it for evil
+[1863.60 --> 1864.38]  but God
+[1864.38 --> 1865.12]  meant it
+[1865.12 --> 1866.02]  for good.
+[1867.18 --> 1868.16]  It serves
+[1868.16 --> 1868.72]  to remind
+[1868.72 --> 1870.88]  us that
+[1870.88 --> 1871.62]  just because
+[1871.62 --> 1872.34]  God is
+[1872.34 --> 1873.34]  hidden from
+[1873.34 --> 1873.88]  our view
+[1873.88 --> 1875.02]  does not
+[1875.02 --> 1876.02]  mean he
+[1876.02 --> 1876.36]  is not
+[1876.36 --> 1876.74]  there,
+[1877.86 --> 1879.26]  keeping
+[1879.26 --> 1880.20]  his promises.
+[1881.16 --> 1881.92]  Even when
+[1881.92 --> 1882.56]  God is
+[1882.56 --> 1883.08]  hidden,
+[1883.46 --> 1883.98]  even when
+[1883.98 --> 1884.48]  life goes
+[1884.48 --> 1885.24]  all wrong,
+[1885.54 --> 1886.04]  even when
+[1886.04 --> 1886.66]  God cannot
+[1886.66 --> 1887.40]  be seen,
+[1888.54 --> 1889.50]  he is not
+[1889.50 --> 1890.52]  absent.
+[1891.52 --> 1892.78]  He is with
+[1892.78 --> 1893.14]  us,
+[1893.58 --> 1894.60]  still in
+[1894.60 --> 1895.06]  control.
+[1896.34 --> 1897.22]  Remember the
+[1897.22 --> 1898.34]  stranger and
+[1898.34 --> 1899.80]  be alert for
+[1899.80 --> 1900.72]  God's strangers
+[1900.72 --> 1902.30]  in your own
+[1902.30 --> 1902.72]  life.
+[1904.48 --> 1905.44]  Remember too
+[1905.44 --> 1905.88]  that when
+[1905.88 --> 1906.64]  God was
+[1906.64 --> 1907.18]  the most
+[1907.18 --> 1908.28]  absent at
+[1908.28 --> 1908.70]  the cross
+[1908.70 --> 1909.26]  of Christ,
+[1909.64 --> 1909.94]  he was
+[1909.94 --> 1911.16]  also the
+[1911.16 --> 1911.94]  most near
+[1911.94 --> 1912.86]  to save
+[1912.86 --> 1913.24]  us from
+[1913.24 --> 1914.62]  sin and
+[1914.62 --> 1915.12]  make us
+[1915.12 --> 1915.66]  heirs of
+[1915.66 --> 1916.42]  his promise
+[1916.42 --> 1917.50]  of a new
+[1917.50 --> 1918.68]  life and
+[1918.68 --> 1919.06]  a new
+[1919.06 --> 1920.20]  creation where
+[1920.20 --> 1920.98]  there is no
+[1920.98 --> 1922.04]  more sin or
+[1922.04 --> 1923.14]  sadness or
+[1923.14 --> 1924.36]  dysfunction or
+[1924.36 --> 1925.60]  disease or
+[1925.60 --> 1927.10]  death anymore.
+[1927.10 --> 1927.28]  him.
+[1929.28 --> 1930.44]  The third
+[1930.44 --> 1931.30]  seed of hope
+[1931.30 --> 1932.36]  is in the
+[1932.36 --> 1932.88]  chapter's
+[1932.88 --> 1934.22]  last verse.
+[1936.06 --> 1936.68]  Meanwhile,
+[1937.34 --> 1938.06]  the Midianites
+[1938.06 --> 1938.72]  sold Joseph
+[1938.72 --> 1939.48]  in Egypt to
+[1939.48 --> 1940.02]  Potiphar,
+[1940.50 --> 1940.96]  one of
+[1940.96 --> 1941.42]  Pharaoh's
+[1941.42 --> 1941.94]  officials,
+[1942.22 --> 1942.76]  the captain
+[1942.76 --> 1943.60]  of the
+[1943.60 --> 1943.90]  guard.
+[1945.96 --> 1946.96]  Joseph lands
+[1946.96 --> 1947.64]  in Egypt
+[1947.64 --> 1950.58]  alive and
+[1950.58 --> 1951.28]  is sold to
+[1951.28 --> 1952.12]  someone closely
+[1952.12 --> 1953.62]  associated with
+[1953.62 --> 1954.18]  no less
+[1954.18 --> 1954.94]  powerful a
+[1954.94 --> 1955.64]  figure than
+[1955.64 --> 1956.10]  the Pharaoh
+[1956.10 --> 1956.66]  himself.
+[1958.00 --> 1958.76]  Verse 36
+[1958.76 --> 1959.40]  is sort of a
+[1959.40 --> 1959.98]  poke in the
+[1959.98 --> 1960.42]  ribs as if
+[1960.42 --> 1960.76]  to say,
+[1961.12 --> 1961.32]  hey,
+[1961.44 --> 1961.98]  don't give
+[1961.98 --> 1962.16]  up,
+[1962.22 --> 1962.62]  the dream
+[1962.62 --> 1962.96]  is still
+[1962.96 --> 1963.42]  alive,
+[1963.82 --> 1964.38]  God isn't
+[1964.38 --> 1964.76]  dead and
+[1964.76 --> 1965.24]  neither is
+[1965.24 --> 1965.60]  Joseph,
+[1965.94 --> 1966.30]  so keep
+[1966.30 --> 1966.60]  reading.
+[1968.44 --> 1968.90]  Yes,
+[1968.96 --> 1969.36]  the story
+[1969.36 --> 1969.90]  has taken a
+[1969.90 --> 1970.62]  difficult turn.
+[1970.96 --> 1971.64]  Everybody is
+[1971.64 --> 1972.10]  suffering from
+[1972.10 --> 1972.44]  the bad
+[1972.44 --> 1972.98]  choices they
+[1972.98 --> 1973.50]  have made,
+[1973.88 --> 1974.24]  Jacob,
+[1974.66 --> 1975.02]  Joseph,
+[1975.36 --> 1975.90]  the brothers.
+[1977.18 --> 1977.80]  But even
+[1977.80 --> 1978.98]  when people
+[1978.98 --> 1979.68]  take matters
+[1979.68 --> 1980.16]  into their
+[1980.16 --> 1980.92]  own hands
+[1980.92 --> 1982.44]  with often
+[1982.44 --> 1983.16]  disastrous
+[1983.16 --> 1983.96]  consequences,
+[1984.12 --> 1984.56]  even when
+[1984.56 --> 1984.92]  things are
+[1984.92 --> 1986.04]  falling apart,
+[1987.10 --> 1987.82]  there is a
+[1987.82 --> 1988.46]  voice on the
+[1988.46 --> 1989.98]  sideline saying,
+[1990.76 --> 1991.04]  yes,
+[1991.72 --> 1992.22]  but.
+[1994.14 --> 1994.76]  God's
+[1994.76 --> 1995.46]  hidden hand
+[1995.46 --> 1996.06]  is still at
+[1996.06 --> 1996.36]  work,
+[1997.42 --> 1997.98]  weaving the
+[1997.98 --> 1998.80]  tapestry of a
+[1998.80 --> 1999.66]  larger story,
+[2000.46 --> 2001.46]  a story so
+[2001.46 --> 2002.36]  big that its
+[2002.36 --> 2003.70]  loving purpose,
+[2004.18 --> 2004.94]  as we now know
+[2004.94 --> 2005.52]  in Christ,
+[2005.88 --> 2006.68]  will embrace
+[2006.68 --> 2007.64]  the entire
+[2007.64 --> 2008.70]  universe.
+[2010.38 --> 2011.14]  Often we
+[2011.14 --> 2011.92]  cannot see it
+[2011.92 --> 2012.88]  in the struggles
+[2012.88 --> 2013.52]  and sins,
+[2013.94 --> 2014.56]  in the tears
+[2014.56 --> 2015.66]  and tragedies
+[2015.66 --> 2016.52]  of our lives,
+[2017.12 --> 2017.64]  but this
+[2017.64 --> 2018.86]  story bears
+[2018.86 --> 2019.70]  witness to
+[2019.70 --> 2020.28]  the Christian
+[2020.28 --> 2021.60]  hope that
+[2021.60 --> 2022.40]  in the longest
+[2022.40 --> 2023.44]  possible run,
+[2023.70 --> 2024.70]  it will all
+[2024.70 --> 2026.06]  make sense.
+[2026.68 --> 2027.42]  God will
+[2027.42 --> 2027.80]  not,
+[2027.92 --> 2028.78]  to use the
+[2028.78 --> 2029.58]  language of my
+[2029.58 --> 2030.50]  favorite reality
+[2030.50 --> 2030.78]  show,
+[2030.86 --> 2031.40]  Survivor,
+[2031.86 --> 2032.74]  God will not
+[2032.74 --> 2034.28]  be outwitted,
+[2035.06 --> 2035.92]  outlasted,
+[2036.20 --> 2037.22]  or outplayed
+[2037.22 --> 2038.72]  by any human
+[2038.72 --> 2040.28]  evil or any
+[2040.28 --> 2041.64]  human empire.
+[2041.64 --> 2042.64]  God,
+[2042.64 --> 2043.36]  the living
+[2043.36 --> 2044.14]  God whom we
+[2044.14 --> 2044.72]  have come to
+[2044.72 --> 2045.72]  know in Jesus
+[2045.72 --> 2046.46]  Christ as
+[2046.46 --> 2047.48]  faithful and
+[2047.48 --> 2048.40]  gracious and
+[2048.40 --> 2049.42]  full of mercy
+[2049.42 --> 2050.54]  for all,
+[2051.64 --> 2052.90]  will continue to
+[2052.90 --> 2053.70]  write his story,
+[2054.72 --> 2055.58]  a story that has
+[2055.58 --> 2056.42]  been punctuated
+[2056.42 --> 2057.18]  with a cross
+[2057.18 --> 2058.58]  and an empty
+[2058.58 --> 2060.10]  tomb so that
+[2060.10 --> 2061.76]  we know the
+[2061.76 --> 2062.48]  dream will go
+[2062.48 --> 2063.64]  on, God's
+[2063.64 --> 2064.90]  promises are
+[2064.90 --> 2065.72]  not at an end,
+[2065.98 --> 2066.74]  our world,
+[2067.74 --> 2069.04]  our family,
+[2069.04 --> 2070.76]  I do have
+[2070.76 --> 2071.80]  a future.
+[2073.18 --> 2074.82]  Just keep
+[2074.82 --> 2076.30]  reading, keep
+[2076.30 --> 2077.16]  following Christ
+[2077.16 --> 2078.08]  because as the
+[2078.08 --> 2078.78]  last verse of
+[2078.78 --> 2079.82]  Genesis 37
+[2079.82 --> 2081.40]  nicely reminds us
+[2081.40 --> 2082.46]  when it comes to
+[2082.46 --> 2083.04]  God and his
+[2083.04 --> 2084.18]  people in and
+[2084.18 --> 2084.64]  through even
+[2084.64 --> 2085.34]  life's darkest
+[2085.34 --> 2086.36]  moments, there
+[2086.36 --> 2087.04]  is one more
+[2087.04 --> 2087.82]  word that can
+[2087.82 --> 2088.80]  always be spoken
+[2088.80 --> 2090.56]  and that word
+[2090.56 --> 2092.22]  is meanwhile.
+[2093.84 --> 2094.48]  Meanwhile,
+[2095.10 --> 2096.66]  that is,
+[2096.66 --> 2098.90]  God will have
+[2098.90 --> 2099.92]  the last word
+[2099.92 --> 2101.08]  yet.
+[2102.02 --> 2102.94]  In the name of
+[2102.94 --> 2103.56]  the Father, the
+[2103.56 --> 2104.90]  Son, and the
+[2104.90 --> 2105.44]  Holy Spirit.
+[2106.22 --> 2106.96]  Let's pray.
+[2107.48 --> 2108.18]  Gracious God,
+[2108.94 --> 2109.84]  we thank you
+[2109.84 --> 2110.62]  for this story
+[2110.62 --> 2113.28]  and we thank you
+[2113.28 --> 2114.26]  for the assurance
+[2114.26 --> 2115.86]  which we need
+[2115.86 --> 2117.08]  perhaps more
+[2117.08 --> 2117.86]  now than ever
+[2117.86 --> 2118.76]  before in a
+[2118.76 --> 2119.62]  world that seems
+[2119.62 --> 2120.20]  to have turned
+[2120.20 --> 2121.10]  upside down in
+[2121.10 --> 2121.98]  so many ways
+[2121.98 --> 2123.98]  that you are
+[2123.98 --> 2124.70]  not absent,
+[2125.28 --> 2126.12]  you are still
+[2126.12 --> 2127.04]  here, you are
+[2127.04 --> 2127.60]  still busy
+[2127.60 --> 2128.36]  working out
+[2128.36 --> 2129.08]  your purposes
+[2129.08 --> 2130.94]  even through
+[2130.94 --> 2131.32]  us.
+[2132.36 --> 2132.88]  Help us,
+[2133.02 --> 2133.32]  Lord, be
+[2133.32 --> 2134.22]  attentive to
+[2134.22 --> 2134.80]  your presence
+[2134.80 --> 2135.48]  in our lives
+[2135.48 --> 2135.94]  and world
+[2135.94 --> 2137.26]  and use
+[2137.26 --> 2138.42]  even us
+[2138.42 --> 2139.78]  to bring about
+[2139.78 --> 2140.74]  your kingdom.
+[2141.22 --> 2141.74]  In Jesus'
+[2141.92 --> 2142.48]  name we pray.
+[2143.08 --> 2143.36]  Amen.
+[2143.36 --> 2143.48]  Amen.

Joseph #1—The “Meanwhile” of Faith (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1321 @@
+[0.00 --> 11.98]  So, our scripture reading this morning is Genesis 37, the entire chapter.
+[13.66 --> 23.22]  And as we read scripture this morning, as we go through the story of Joseph, keep in mind, this is our story.
+[23.22 --> 29.00]  If you are part of God's family, this is your story.
+[30.00 --> 38.22]  Jacob, we read, lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan.
+[39.10 --> 42.88]  This is the account of Jacob's family line.
+[44.12 --> 54.28]  Joseph, a young man of 17, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives.
+[54.68 --> 58.42]  And he brought their father a bad report about them.
+[58.42 --> 67.08]  Now, Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age.
+[67.64 --> 70.26]  And he made an ornate robe for him.
+[70.98 --> 79.02]  When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him, could not speak a kind word to him.
+[79.02 --> 82.64]  Joseph had a dream.
+[82.64 --> 87.62]  And when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.
+[88.24 --> 90.44]  He said to them, listen to this dream I had.
+[90.82 --> 96.74]  We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheave rose and stood upright,
+[97.00 --> 101.30]  while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.
+[101.30 --> 107.12]  His brothers said to him, do you intend to reign over us?
+[107.74 --> 109.78]  Will you actually rule us?
+[110.74 --> 114.38]  And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.
+[115.78 --> 119.20]  Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers.
+[120.26 --> 127.34]  Listen, he said, I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and 11 stars were bowing down to me.
+[127.34 --> 133.32]  When he told his father, as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said,
+[133.84 --> 135.30]  what is this dream you had?
+[135.88 --> 141.38]  Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?
+[143.20 --> 145.34]  His brothers were jealous of him.
+[146.60 --> 151.00]  But his father, note, kept the matter in mind.
+[151.00 --> 156.02]  Now, his brothers had gone to graze their father's flocks near Shechem,
+[156.20 --> 160.58]  and Israel said to Joseph, as you know, your brothers are grazing the flocks near Shechem.
+[160.78 --> 162.82]  Come, I'm going to send you to them.
+[163.64 --> 164.76]  Very well, he replied.
+[165.18 --> 169.36]  So he said to him, go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks,
+[169.42 --> 171.54]  and bring word back to me.
+[172.48 --> 174.84]  Then he sent them off from the valley of Hebron.
+[175.54 --> 180.84]  When Joseph arrived at Shechem, a man found him wandering around in the fields and asked him,
+[181.00 --> 182.94]  what are you looking for?
+[183.64 --> 185.28]  He replied, I'm looking for my brothers.
+[185.38 --> 187.74]  Can you tell me where they are grazing their flocks?
+[188.76 --> 190.70]  They have moved on from here, the man answered.
+[190.80 --> 192.74]  I heard them say, let's go to Dothan.
+[193.46 --> 196.44]  So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan.
+[197.12 --> 201.88]  But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.
+[202.38 --> 205.02]  Here comes that dreamer, they said to each other.
+[205.26 --> 208.36]  Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns
+[208.36 --> 210.86]  and say that a ferocious animal devoured him.
+[211.12 --> 213.06]  Then we'll see what comes of his dreams.
+[214.64 --> 217.28]  When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands.
+[217.52 --> 219.04]  Let's not take his life, he said.
+[219.18 --> 220.44]  Don't shed any blood.
+[220.88 --> 224.78]  Throw him into the cistern here in the wilderness, but don't lay a hand on him.
+[225.64 --> 229.38]  Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father.
+[229.38 --> 235.60]  So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped them of his robe, the ornate robe he was wearing,
+[235.80 --> 238.06]  and they took him and they threw him into the cistern.
+[238.26 --> 241.06]  The cistern was empty, there was no water in it.
+[241.60 --> 247.28]  As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead.
+[247.76 --> 253.66]  Their camels were loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt.
+[253.66 --> 259.86]  Judah said to his brothers, what will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?
+[260.90 --> 264.74]  Come, let's sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him.
+[264.78 --> 267.86]  After all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.
+[268.68 --> 269.72]  His brothers agreed.
+[270.52 --> 274.48]  So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern
+[274.48 --> 279.44]  and sold him for 20 shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt.
+[280.04 --> 283.48]  When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there,
+[283.66 --> 286.68]  he tore his clothes, he went back to his brothers and said,
+[286.92 --> 290.06]  the boy isn't there, where can I turn now?
+[291.28 --> 295.66]  Then they got Joseph's robe, they slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood.
+[296.04 --> 298.68]  They took the ornate robe back to the father and said,
+[299.34 --> 304.28]  we found this, examine it to see whether it is your son's robe.
+[304.66 --> 308.98]  He recognized it and said, it is my son's robe.
+[309.36 --> 312.20]  Some ferocious animal has devoured him.
+[312.20 --> 315.06]  Joseph has surely been torn to pieces.
+[316.46 --> 323.18]  Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days.
+[323.96 --> 328.76]  All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted.
+[329.40 --> 334.84]  No, he said, I will continue to mourn until I join my son in the grave.
+[334.84 --> 337.24]  So his father wept for him.
+[338.68 --> 345.58]  Meanwhile, meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar,
+[346.22 --> 350.02]  one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard.
+[350.74 --> 352.60]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[352.60 --> 364.22]  Soon after my dad retired from the ministry, he wrote a book entitled On the Move, The Slopster Story.
+[364.40 --> 369.62]  It became an instant bestseller, as you can imagine, at least in our family.
+[369.62 --> 375.18]  It is a genealogy, actually, of our family, along with commentary.
+[376.44 --> 381.86]  Lots of stories describing how our family came to be as it is today.
+[382.92 --> 388.18]  One of my favorite stories is the one about how we ended up in Canada,
+[388.18 --> 395.16]  a move which obviously profoundly affected my life and for which I've always been so grateful.
+[395.98 --> 396.98]  Well, here's how it happened.
+[397.80 --> 403.30]  It was the spring of 1960, and the Christian Reformed Church of Clinton, Ontario,
+[403.74 --> 406.56]  had been without a pastor for a long time.
+[406.56 --> 412.32]  But they had come up with a slate of two persons for the congregation to vote on.
+[413.12 --> 417.66]  One was Reverend Louis Tamminga from Smithers, B.C.
+[418.18 --> 420.88]  The other was my father from the Netherlands.
+[422.20 --> 425.36]  Well, after a lengthy debate about the merits of both pastors,
+[425.72 --> 430.18]  the congregation's sentiments were clearly leaning towards Reverend Tamminga,
+[430.82 --> 435.66]  mostly because the younger people, who had already been in Canada for ten years,
+[435.66 --> 440.58]  were concerned that that other candidate might be a little bit too Dutch.
+[442.42 --> 445.24]  The discussion came to an abrupt end
+[445.24 --> 449.04]  when one of the older brothers stood up and asked,
+[449.94 --> 450.48]  Mr. Chairman,
+[451.52 --> 457.48]  what would it cost us to get Reverend Tamminga here all the way from Smithers?
+[459.08 --> 462.44]  Well, that would be about $2,000, the chairman said.
+[463.56 --> 466.54]  And Mr. Chairman, continued the older brother,
+[466.78 --> 472.22]  what would it cost us to bring Reverend Sloster to Clinton all the way from Holland?
+[472.22 --> 475.04]  The chairman answered,
+[475.04 --> 479.28]  well, that, since the present policy of the Dutch government
+[479.28 --> 483.12]  is to pay the full cost of moving immigrants to Canada,
+[483.62 --> 485.94]  that brother will cost us nothing.
+[487.64 --> 490.80]  The elder brother stood up one more time and said,
+[491.14 --> 492.92]  Mr. Chairman, I call the question.
+[494.52 --> 495.74]  And here I am.
+[495.74 --> 499.38]  And if you ask me,
+[499.56 --> 502.82]  that cheap, sorry, I mean that thrifty Dutchman
+[502.82 --> 506.44]  had God's fingerprints all over him.
+[508.64 --> 512.08]  My dad's book is full of other such stories,
+[512.20 --> 515.02]  stories that look back and reveal patterns
+[515.02 --> 516.88]  of what our family recognizes
+[516.88 --> 520.80]  as God's providence in our lives.
+[520.80 --> 523.76]  God's leading and care,
+[523.90 --> 525.40]  God's fingerprints,
+[525.96 --> 527.64]  evident in sometimes ordinary,
+[528.30 --> 529.44]  sometimes humorous,
+[529.52 --> 530.42]  sometimes sad,
+[530.80 --> 533.46]  sometimes obvious,
+[533.86 --> 535.72]  sometimes fleeting ways.
+[537.00 --> 539.22]  And I suspect that all of you,
+[540.00 --> 543.30]  looking back over your own life up to this point,
+[544.04 --> 546.48]  could find those same fingerprints.
+[546.48 --> 550.78]  It is one of the major themes
+[550.78 --> 553.90]  that ties together the Joseph story
+[553.90 --> 556.26]  told over the last 14 chapters
+[556.26 --> 557.90]  of the book of Genesis.
+[559.66 --> 562.46]  Mind you, I call it the Joseph story,
+[562.92 --> 565.16]  but it isn't just about Joseph.
+[565.92 --> 568.72]  It is part of a bigger picture that began
+[568.72 --> 570.60]  when God called Abraham,
+[570.98 --> 572.54]  the father of all believers,
+[572.90 --> 574.72]  and promised that in him,
+[574.72 --> 577.92]  he would bless all the families of the earth.
+[579.34 --> 581.10]  And throughout the book of Genesis,
+[581.34 --> 582.74]  God's promise to Abraham
+[582.74 --> 585.78]  gets narrowed down as you go along.
+[586.14 --> 587.76]  Abraham has two sons,
+[588.12 --> 589.92]  but God's promise of blessing,
+[590.34 --> 593.16]  contrary to accepted custom and tradition,
+[593.96 --> 595.62]  comes to the younger son Isaac
+[595.62 --> 598.48]  instead of the elder Ishmael.
+[599.62 --> 601.16]  Isaac has two sons,
+[601.16 --> 603.58]  but God's promise of blessing again
+[603.58 --> 605.68]  comes to the younger son Jacob
+[605.68 --> 608.50]  rather than the elder Esau.
+[610.00 --> 612.30]  And so the Joseph story begins
+[612.30 --> 615.32]  in Genesis 37 with these words,
+[616.58 --> 617.82]  Jacob lived in the land
+[617.82 --> 619.32]  where his father had stayed,
+[619.66 --> 620.66]  the land of Canaan.
+[620.96 --> 623.72]  This is the account of Jacob.
+[623.72 --> 628.74]  Jacob has 12 sons.
+[630.28 --> 631.34]  And of these 12,
+[631.76 --> 635.38]  Joseph is definitely the star of this story.
+[636.64 --> 640.64]  But it is a story about a whole family in crisis
+[640.64 --> 644.24]  and how all the members of this family
+[644.24 --> 647.86]  are transformed and changed over time.
+[647.86 --> 653.82]  It is also more than a history of one family.
+[655.02 --> 658.02]  Even though God's name is never mentioned
+[658.02 --> 660.06]  in this first chapter of the story,
+[660.68 --> 661.34]  did you notice that?
+[662.38 --> 664.90]  And only very sparingly in the rest,
+[666.16 --> 667.92]  the last chapter in Genesis
+[667.92 --> 669.94]  makes it absolutely clear
+[669.94 --> 673.70]  that this is a story about our God.
+[673.70 --> 677.32]  And if you know anything about the story,
+[677.42 --> 678.48]  even up to this point,
+[678.78 --> 680.60]  younger sons chosen over the elder,
+[680.98 --> 681.80]  meaningful dreams,
+[682.20 --> 683.10]  family squabbles,
+[683.44 --> 685.44]  flawed characters as chosen people,
+[685.72 --> 687.42]  you know that God's fingerprints
+[687.42 --> 688.86]  are all over it.
+[689.74 --> 692.36]  This is the story about God's loving
+[692.36 --> 694.96]  and saving purposes in history.
+[695.24 --> 696.98]  And so it is our story too.
+[696.98 --> 703.26]  And the mystery of how God's purposes intersect
+[703.26 --> 706.90]  with ordinary, messy people,
+[707.68 --> 710.70]  even people like you and like me.
+[712.62 --> 715.30]  What we find in Genesis 37
+[715.30 --> 718.42]  is what we nowadays kindly refer to
+[718.42 --> 721.00]  as a blended family.
+[721.64 --> 724.18]  Although this one has been through the blender
+[724.18 --> 725.90]  a few more times than most.
+[726.98 --> 728.06]  Think of it.
+[728.38 --> 729.72]  Jacob has 12 sons
+[729.72 --> 733.46]  by four different mothers.
+[734.40 --> 735.64]  Two of them his wives,
+[735.86 --> 737.72]  two of them his wives' nannies.
+[739.44 --> 740.64]  And of all these sons,
+[740.82 --> 743.04]  Jacob loves Joseph the best.
+[743.88 --> 745.98]  Joseph means added.
+[747.32 --> 749.82]  Added to Jacob's family unexpectedly
+[749.82 --> 753.08]  because Rachel, his best-loved wife,
+[753.12 --> 753.90]  now dead,
+[753.90 --> 756.00]  had been childish so long
+[756.00 --> 758.56]  before Joseph was finally conceived.
+[760.04 --> 760.64]  Added,
+[761.44 --> 762.80]  if ye ask his brothers,
+[763.20 --> 765.30]  as an unwelcome afterthought.
+[766.66 --> 769.28]  For while Joseph is destined like greatness,
+[769.78 --> 770.80]  like other great men,
+[770.86 --> 773.30]  he could also be in insufferable pain
+[773.30 --> 775.18]  in a variety of places.
+[776.46 --> 778.50]  The very first thing you hear
+[778.50 --> 780.70]  about the now 17-year-old Joseph
+[780.70 --> 782.92]  is that he tattles on his brothers.
+[784.00 --> 785.14]  He brought their father
+[785.14 --> 787.20]  a bad report about them.
+[787.56 --> 788.56]  Now, I can remember
+[788.56 --> 790.34]  wanting to sell one of my siblings
+[790.34 --> 791.52]  into slavery for less.
+[793.52 --> 796.28]  Then, there's that dream coat of his,
+[796.96 --> 798.32]  which most scholars agree
+[798.32 --> 799.62]  was a long-sleeved,
+[800.02 --> 801.90]  intricately designed coat
+[801.90 --> 803.28]  befitting royalty.
+[803.28 --> 806.16]  Not a coat that is meant
+[806.16 --> 807.90]  for work of the sort
+[807.90 --> 810.34]  Joseph's brothers were expected to do.
+[811.58 --> 813.08]  Oh, he might have swept the porch
+[813.08 --> 814.64]  for his dad once in a while,
+[814.84 --> 817.62]  but mostly Joseph never got his hands dirty
+[817.62 --> 818.76]  and seemed to serve
+[818.76 --> 821.14]  only as dad's agent or messenger.
+[824.24 --> 826.02]  Jacob, of course,
+[826.10 --> 828.32]  is neither the first nor the last parent
+[828.32 --> 830.62]  to have a favored child.
+[830.62 --> 834.20]  wise parents, however,
+[834.96 --> 837.50]  try very hard not to show it.
+[839.28 --> 841.48]  Jacob was not so wise,
+[842.48 --> 844.26]  which created exactly
+[844.26 --> 846.52]  the kind of sibling rivalry
+[846.52 --> 848.42]  you would expect.
+[848.88 --> 850.68]  His brother, says our story,
+[851.40 --> 852.62]  hated Joseph,
+[853.40 --> 857.36]  could not speak one kind word to him.
+[857.36 --> 861.06]  And it's hard to blame them.
+[862.74 --> 863.94]  Then come the dreams.
+[864.40 --> 865.58]  Not the silly kind of dreams
+[865.58 --> 867.20]  we remember hazily, if at all,
+[867.36 --> 868.64]  when we wake up in the morning,
+[868.68 --> 869.64]  and if we do remember them,
+[869.68 --> 870.44]  we don't have a clue
+[870.44 --> 871.36]  what they might have meant.
+[872.36 --> 874.48]  No, these dreams mean something.
+[875.00 --> 876.28]  These dreams are all about
+[876.28 --> 877.70]  how Joseph will turn out
+[877.70 --> 879.14]  to be greater than his brothers,
+[879.28 --> 880.90]  greater even than his father.
+[881.34 --> 882.74]  And there is no question,
+[882.94 --> 885.24]  both for those who first heard this story
+[885.24 --> 886.94]  and we who read it today,
+[887.24 --> 889.60]  that these dreams came from God,
+[889.76 --> 891.00]  that in these dreams
+[891.00 --> 892.64]  we are meant to sense something
+[892.64 --> 894.78]  of God's plan and purposes,
+[895.64 --> 897.32]  that Joseph is special,
+[897.42 --> 898.90]  whether his brothers like it or not,
+[899.40 --> 901.52]  and that he will do great things
+[901.52 --> 902.60]  with his life,
+[902.72 --> 903.92]  and that in itself
+[903.92 --> 905.40]  is not the problem.
+[907.58 --> 909.24]  It is how Joseph interprets
+[909.76 --> 911.90]  and uses these dreams.
+[911.90 --> 914.88]  He describes them to his family
+[914.88 --> 917.72]  with an air of self-importance,
+[917.80 --> 920.30]  finding a sort of perverse pleasure
+[920.30 --> 922.08]  at the picture of his family
+[922.08 --> 923.98]  bowing before him.
+[924.20 --> 927.82]  And he ends up interpreting
+[927.82 --> 930.60]  the dreams with himself
+[930.60 --> 934.52]  rather than God at the center.
+[936.56 --> 938.12]  Joseph was certainly old enough
+[938.12 --> 939.20]  to know it would be better
+[939.20 --> 940.50]  to keep his dreams to himself.
+[940.50 --> 944.88]  But obviously not mature enough.
+[946.32 --> 947.10]  And so it happens
+[947.10 --> 948.40]  that at breakfast one day,
+[948.52 --> 949.32]  as they're all munching
+[949.32 --> 950.58]  on their bagels and lox,
+[951.26 --> 952.52]  he spills out his dream
+[952.52 --> 953.32]  about his brothers
+[953.32 --> 954.70]  bowing down before him.
+[955.22 --> 956.32]  As you can imagine,
+[956.80 --> 958.90]  this doesn't go over real well.
+[960.16 --> 961.84]  But that does not deter Joseph.
+[962.86 --> 963.80]  A few mornings later,
+[963.86 --> 964.88]  he causes his brothers
+[964.88 --> 966.12]  to spit out their goat's milk
+[966.12 --> 967.22]  by telling the same story
+[967.22 --> 968.02]  all over again.
+[968.02 --> 969.16]  Only this time,
+[969.24 --> 970.52]  the imagery has changed
+[970.52 --> 971.84]  from sheaves of wheat
+[971.84 --> 973.20]  to the sun and moon
+[973.20 --> 974.42]  and eleven stars
+[974.42 --> 975.82]  bowing down to him.
+[976.28 --> 978.02]  Which is when even Father Jacob
+[978.02 --> 979.32]  cannot resist the urge
+[979.32 --> 981.78]  to actually rebuke Joseph.
+[982.88 --> 984.66]  He loved Joseph and all.
+[985.34 --> 986.30]  But enough was enough.
+[986.54 --> 987.38]  Talk like this
+[987.38 --> 988.86]  was only going to lead
+[988.86 --> 989.82]  to something bad.
+[989.82 --> 990.98]  And while we read
+[990.98 --> 991.74]  that his father
+[991.74 --> 993.36]  kept the matter in mind,
+[993.80 --> 994.58]  after all,
+[995.08 --> 996.84]  Jacob knew the power of dreams.
+[997.10 --> 998.40]  Remember Jacob's ladder.
+[999.52 --> 1000.66]  You get the impression
+[1000.66 --> 1002.28]  that Jacob was finally
+[1002.28 --> 1003.54]  beginning to see
+[1003.54 --> 1004.72]  what this was doing
+[1004.72 --> 1006.08]  to Joseph's brothers.
+[1007.54 --> 1009.02]  Our translation says
+[1009.02 --> 1010.40]  they were jealous.
+[1011.26 --> 1012.70]  Technically, of course,
+[1012.96 --> 1014.60]  they were envious.
+[1014.60 --> 1016.86]  You are jealous
+[1016.86 --> 1018.12]  of what is yours.
+[1019.38 --> 1020.28]  You envy
+[1020.28 --> 1022.06]  what somebody else has.
+[1023.56 --> 1024.84]  And envy easily
+[1024.84 --> 1026.56]  becomes both dangerous
+[1026.56 --> 1027.92]  and deadly.
+[1029.30 --> 1030.74]  Envy can churn away
+[1030.74 --> 1031.66]  inside of you
+[1031.66 --> 1032.98]  like psychic heartburn
+[1032.98 --> 1033.72]  and making you
+[1033.72 --> 1035.26]  want to destroy the one
+[1035.26 --> 1037.58]  who has what you don't.
+[1037.58 --> 1041.54]  And so Jacob's home
+[1041.54 --> 1042.80]  became a time bomb
+[1042.80 --> 1044.66]  waiting to explode.
+[1045.62 --> 1047.08]  But life went on
+[1047.08 --> 1048.38]  until one day
+[1048.38 --> 1049.64]  Joseph's brothers
+[1049.64 --> 1050.28]  were grazing
+[1050.28 --> 1051.28]  dad's flocks
+[1051.28 --> 1052.22]  near Shechem
+[1052.22 --> 1054.34]  and Jacob decides
+[1054.34 --> 1055.26]  to send Joseph
+[1055.26 --> 1056.60]  to check on them,
+[1056.88 --> 1057.54]  though it sounds
+[1057.54 --> 1059.28]  more like a spying mission.
+[1061.30 --> 1062.70]  And that brings us
+[1062.70 --> 1064.26]  to a part of the story
+[1064.26 --> 1065.28]  that seems completely
+[1065.80 --> 1066.54]  unnecessary
+[1066.54 --> 1067.58]  to the plot
+[1067.58 --> 1068.76]  now unfolding,
+[1069.14 --> 1070.10]  making it easy
+[1070.10 --> 1071.38]  to skim over
+[1071.38 --> 1074.02]  about how Joseph
+[1074.02 --> 1075.58]  does not find
+[1075.58 --> 1076.06]  the brothers
+[1076.06 --> 1076.62]  at Shechem
+[1076.62 --> 1077.48]  as expected,
+[1077.88 --> 1078.86]  but happens
+[1078.86 --> 1079.62]  to run into
+[1079.62 --> 1080.40]  a stranger
+[1080.40 --> 1081.86]  who in fact
+[1081.86 --> 1083.22]  finds him,
+[1084.32 --> 1084.96]  a stranger
+[1084.96 --> 1086.94]  who somehow
+[1086.94 --> 1088.36]  overheard the brothers
+[1088.36 --> 1089.28]  and knows
+[1089.28 --> 1090.30]  they had moved
+[1090.30 --> 1091.38]  on to Dothan
+[1091.38 --> 1092.12]  an additional
+[1092.12 --> 1093.76]  30 kilometers away.
+[1095.30 --> 1095.62]  Well,
+[1095.62 --> 1096.72]  Shechem,
+[1097.08 --> 1097.48]  Dothan,
+[1097.72 --> 1099.18]  who really cares,
+[1099.30 --> 1099.60]  right?
+[1101.22 --> 1102.34]  But in the Bible
+[1102.34 --> 1103.68]  it is always important
+[1103.68 --> 1105.02]  to sweat the small stuff,
+[1105.72 --> 1107.60]  to pay attention
+[1107.60 --> 1108.40]  to seemingly
+[1108.40 --> 1109.94]  unnecessary details,
+[1110.22 --> 1112.02]  because sometimes
+[1112.02 --> 1112.66]  that's where
+[1112.66 --> 1113.66]  the deepest meaning
+[1113.66 --> 1114.44]  of the story
+[1114.44 --> 1115.62]  gets exposed.
+[1115.98 --> 1116.24]  I mean,
+[1116.28 --> 1117.12]  it's remarkable
+[1117.12 --> 1118.58]  if you think about it.
+[1118.62 --> 1119.28]  A stranger
+[1119.28 --> 1120.40]  just happens
+[1120.40 --> 1122.02]  to find Joseph
+[1122.02 --> 1123.62]  just happen
+[1123.62 --> 1125.24]  to overhear a conversation.
+[1128.24 --> 1129.28]  Without what
+[1129.28 --> 1130.10]  we might call
+[1130.10 --> 1131.90]  this chance encounter,
+[1133.52 --> 1134.54]  Joseph would not
+[1134.54 --> 1135.48]  have found his brothers,
+[1136.62 --> 1137.88]  would not have been there
+[1137.88 --> 1139.20]  at the precise time
+[1139.20 --> 1140.26]  a trading caravan
+[1140.26 --> 1141.02]  of Midianites
+[1141.02 --> 1141.76]  passed by,
+[1142.30 --> 1144.04]  would not have ended up
+[1144.04 --> 1145.12]  on his long tour
+[1145.12 --> 1146.38]  of duty in Egypt,
+[1146.88 --> 1147.72]  thereby saving
+[1147.72 --> 1149.24]  not only his own people,
+[1149.58 --> 1150.96]  but also the Egyptians
+[1150.96 --> 1153.00]  and many others.
+[1153.18 --> 1154.66]  Without that chance
+[1154.66 --> 1155.42]  encounter,
+[1156.48 --> 1157.44]  Joseph would likely
+[1157.44 --> 1158.20]  have gone back
+[1158.20 --> 1158.92]  to his father
+[1158.92 --> 1160.32]  with another bad report,
+[1160.66 --> 1161.66]  my brothers were not
+[1161.66 --> 1162.24]  where they said
+[1162.24 --> 1163.10]  they would be.
+[1163.10 --> 1166.40]  And that would have been
+[1166.40 --> 1167.20]  that.
+[1169.66 --> 1170.54]  Makes you wonder
+[1170.54 --> 1172.42]  who the stranger
+[1172.42 --> 1174.24]  really was.
+[1176.94 --> 1177.84]  In any case,
+[1177.96 --> 1178.62]  Joseph finally
+[1178.62 --> 1179.44]  finds his brothers
+[1179.44 --> 1180.58]  and already from a distance
+[1180.58 --> 1181.46]  they recognize him,
+[1181.54 --> 1182.68]  probably from the way
+[1182.68 --> 1183.82]  his coat was building
+[1183.82 --> 1185.04]  in the wind behind him,
+[1186.10 --> 1186.86]  the dreamer,
+[1187.00 --> 1187.52]  they call him.
+[1187.60 --> 1189.08]  Here comes that dreamer.
+[1190.50 --> 1191.16]  And their hate
+[1191.16 --> 1191.76]  and their envy
+[1191.76 --> 1192.70]  is so raw,
+[1192.70 --> 1193.42]  it takes only
+[1193.42 --> 1194.14]  the few minutes
+[1194.14 --> 1195.20]  for him to reach them
+[1195.20 --> 1196.66]  that the plot is hatched.
+[1196.72 --> 1197.46]  Let's kill him,
+[1197.62 --> 1198.06]  they say.
+[1199.20 --> 1200.12]  No, no, no,
+[1200.14 --> 1201.18]  says oldest brother Reuben.
+[1201.72 --> 1202.68]  Let's just dump him
+[1202.68 --> 1203.46]  in a pit for now,
+[1203.56 --> 1204.80]  thinking to rescue him later.
+[1206.34 --> 1207.12]  And before Joseph
+[1207.12 --> 1208.20]  knows that he's in a pit,
+[1208.50 --> 1209.56]  minus his royal robe,
+[1209.78 --> 1210.50]  while his brothers,
+[1210.72 --> 1211.46]  minus Reuben,
+[1211.66 --> 1212.24]  who is off
+[1212.24 --> 1213.02]  checking the flocks,
+[1213.34 --> 1213.96]  enjoy a meal
+[1213.96 --> 1214.60]  just like a bunch
+[1214.60 --> 1215.32]  of mobsters
+[1215.32 --> 1216.62]  returning to their spaghetti
+[1216.62 --> 1218.06]  after they've erased somebody.
+[1218.96 --> 1220.08]  Taking care of business,
+[1220.56 --> 1221.14]  that's all.
+[1222.70 --> 1224.60]  That's when the Midianites
+[1224.60 --> 1225.26]  come along
+[1225.26 --> 1226.42]  and Judah,
+[1226.76 --> 1227.60]  one of the brothers
+[1227.60 --> 1228.32]  to watch
+[1228.32 --> 1229.78]  in this story,
+[1230.28 --> 1231.84]  gets the idea
+[1231.84 --> 1232.78]  to sell Joseph.
+[1233.80 --> 1234.82]  And before you know it,
+[1235.06 --> 1235.28]  Joseph
+[1235.28 --> 1236.58]  is on his way
+[1236.58 --> 1237.46]  to Egypt.
+[1238.50 --> 1239.62]  In his novel
+[1239.62 --> 1240.24]  on Jacob,
+[1241.00 --> 1241.84]  Son of Laughter,
+[1242.68 --> 1243.38]  Frederick Buechner
+[1243.38 --> 1244.16]  imagines
+[1244.16 --> 1245.58]  how the transaction
+[1245.58 --> 1246.38]  took place.
+[1246.48 --> 1246.92]  The traders
+[1246.92 --> 1247.74]  inspecting
+[1247.74 --> 1248.58]  Joseph
+[1248.58 --> 1249.36]  like a horse
+[1249.36 --> 1250.12]  at an auction,
+[1250.50 --> 1251.44]  pinching his muscles,
+[1251.80 --> 1252.84]  prying his mouth open
+[1252.84 --> 1254.02]  to look at his teeth,
+[1254.26 --> 1254.78]  then offering
+[1254.78 --> 1255.74]  five silver bits
+[1255.74 --> 1256.18]  for him.
+[1256.44 --> 1257.06]  When their brothers
+[1257.06 --> 1257.96]  insist on thirty,
+[1258.04 --> 1258.98]  they up it to ten,
+[1259.42 --> 1260.24]  then to fifteen
+[1260.24 --> 1260.96]  if a good knife
+[1260.96 --> 1261.74]  comes with a deal,
+[1261.82 --> 1262.60]  then to seventeen,
+[1262.88 --> 1263.64]  one for each year
+[1263.64 --> 1264.16]  of his age,
+[1264.20 --> 1264.62]  and finally
+[1264.62 --> 1265.28]  they all agree
+[1265.28 --> 1266.12]  on twenty bits
+[1266.12 --> 1266.62]  of silver,
+[1266.94 --> 1267.40]  the price
+[1267.40 --> 1268.22]  of a brother.
+[1270.70 --> 1271.74]  We are not told
+[1271.74 --> 1272.14]  here
+[1272.14 --> 1273.60]  if Joseph cried
+[1273.60 --> 1274.72]  or pleaded
+[1274.72 --> 1275.20]  with him.
+[1277.56 --> 1278.62]  He did all
+[1278.62 --> 1279.02]  of that
+[1279.02 --> 1279.86]  and more
+[1279.86 --> 1281.44]  as we learn
+[1281.44 --> 1281.76]  later.
+[1282.62 --> 1283.66]  But the dreams
+[1283.66 --> 1284.82]  have long ago
+[1284.82 --> 1285.32]  hardened
+[1285.32 --> 1286.76]  his brother's hearts.
+[1287.44 --> 1287.94]  There would be
+[1287.94 --> 1288.64]  no sympathy,
+[1289.24 --> 1290.34]  no compassion.
+[1291.30 --> 1291.58]  Joseph,
+[1292.04 --> 1292.84]  like another
+[1292.84 --> 1293.78]  beloved son,
+[1294.26 --> 1294.86]  much later
+[1294.86 --> 1296.24]  in his story
+[1296.24 --> 1297.84]  is betrayed
+[1297.84 --> 1298.76]  for a few pieces
+[1298.76 --> 1299.32]  of silver.
+[1300.10 --> 1300.98]  And as the caravan
+[1300.98 --> 1301.50]  moves off,
+[1301.56 --> 1302.24]  one imagines
+[1302.24 --> 1302.74]  the brothers
+[1302.74 --> 1303.50]  taunting him
+[1303.50 --> 1304.62]  with exaggerated
+[1304.62 --> 1305.06]  bows.
+[1305.20 --> 1305.46]  So,
+[1305.62 --> 1306.32]  little bro,
+[1306.72 --> 1307.30]  dreamer,
+[1307.58 --> 1308.34]  what happens
+[1308.34 --> 1309.08]  to your dreams
+[1309.08 --> 1309.58]  now?
+[1313.08 --> 1313.90]  This part
+[1313.90 --> 1314.36]  of the story
+[1314.36 --> 1314.84]  ends
+[1314.84 --> 1315.92]  when the scheming
+[1315.92 --> 1316.52]  brothers bring
+[1316.52 --> 1317.02]  their father
+[1317.02 --> 1318.28]  Joseph's dream coat,
+[1318.76 --> 1319.70]  now mostly blood
+[1319.70 --> 1320.50]  red in color,
+[1321.08 --> 1321.94]  the blood of a goat,
+[1322.06 --> 1322.80]  and convince him
+[1322.80 --> 1324.36]  that his son,
+[1324.66 --> 1325.06]  note,
+[1325.50 --> 1326.20]  they don't say
+[1326.20 --> 1326.94]  our brother,
+[1327.26 --> 1328.62]  but his son
+[1328.62 --> 1329.88]  is missing
+[1329.88 --> 1330.70]  in action.
+[1331.60 --> 1332.12]  Certainly
+[1332.12 --> 1332.68]  almost
+[1332.68 --> 1334.30]  killed by a wild
+[1334.30 --> 1334.72]  animal,
+[1335.62 --> 1336.14]  and Jacob,
+[1336.64 --> 1337.64]  and only Jacob,
+[1337.98 --> 1338.48]  is left
+[1338.48 --> 1339.20]  weeping
+[1339.20 --> 1340.30]  in a grief
+[1340.30 --> 1341.46]  which,
+[1341.68 --> 1342.44]  with no dead
+[1342.44 --> 1343.24]  body to bring
+[1343.24 --> 1344.22]  any sort of closure,
+[1344.76 --> 1345.56]  goes on
+[1345.56 --> 1346.50]  and on
+[1346.50 --> 1347.66]  and on.
+[1350.16 --> 1351.26]  What a story.
+[1352.54 --> 1353.78]  The classic
+[1353.78 --> 1355.04]  blended family
+[1355.04 --> 1356.32]  in which
+[1356.32 --> 1356.82]  everything
+[1356.82 --> 1357.74]  goes wrong,
+[1358.44 --> 1359.10]  favoritism,
+[1359.70 --> 1360.12]  spying,
+[1360.12 --> 1361.20]  tattletaling,
+[1361.64 --> 1362.54]  sibling rivalry,
+[1363.18 --> 1363.52]  hatred,
+[1363.82 --> 1364.12]  envy,
+[1364.50 --> 1364.90]  strife,
+[1365.34 --> 1366.28]  murder schemes,
+[1366.50 --> 1366.82]  greed,
+[1367.06 --> 1367.50]  violence,
+[1367.64 --> 1368.02]  deceit,
+[1368.12 --> 1368.62]  and grief
+[1368.62 --> 1370.40]  that refuses comfort.
+[1371.54 --> 1372.76]  Unlike the musical
+[1372.76 --> 1374.22]  Joseph and the Amazing
+[1374.22 --> 1375.52]  Technicolor Dreamcoat,
+[1375.62 --> 1376.32]  as much fun
+[1376.32 --> 1377.40]  as it was
+[1377.40 --> 1378.02]  and is,
+[1379.10 --> 1379.96]  there's not much
+[1379.96 --> 1380.44]  in the way
+[1380.44 --> 1381.10]  of laughter
+[1381.10 --> 1382.32]  and dancing
+[1382.32 --> 1383.36]  and singing
+[1383.36 --> 1384.50]  here.
+[1384.50 --> 1387.56]  you wonder,
+[1388.18 --> 1390.40]  where is God
+[1390.40 --> 1391.34]  in all this?
+[1393.38 --> 1394.14]  The question
+[1394.14 --> 1395.28]  we still ask
+[1395.28 --> 1395.68]  today,
+[1395.76 --> 1396.14]  isn't it?
+[1397.12 --> 1398.00]  When we look
+[1398.00 --> 1399.00]  around at the evil
+[1399.00 --> 1399.78]  and heartbreak
+[1399.78 --> 1400.54]  in our world,
+[1400.62 --> 1401.64]  when we look
+[1401.64 --> 1402.30]  at the way
+[1402.30 --> 1403.26]  these days
+[1403.26 --> 1403.72]  our world
+[1403.72 --> 1404.30]  has been turned
+[1404.30 --> 1405.42]  upside down
+[1405.42 --> 1406.60]  by a simple
+[1406.60 --> 1407.34]  virus,
+[1407.34 --> 1409.90]  when we look
+[1409.90 --> 1410.70]  at the brokenness
+[1410.70 --> 1411.36]  we ourselves
+[1411.36 --> 1412.12]  experience
+[1412.12 --> 1413.38]  in our lives
+[1413.38 --> 1414.22]  or in our families,
+[1414.58 --> 1416.02]  where is God
+[1416.02 --> 1417.60]  in all this?
+[1421.00 --> 1422.00]  Sometimes we talk
+[1422.00 --> 1422.74]  easily about
+[1422.74 --> 1423.58]  God's providence,
+[1423.68 --> 1424.38]  mostly when good
+[1424.38 --> 1424.94]  things happen,
+[1425.02 --> 1425.68]  like a thrifty
+[1425.68 --> 1426.46]  Dutchman standing
+[1426.46 --> 1426.92]  up at a
+[1426.92 --> 1427.70]  congregational meeting
+[1427.70 --> 1428.36]  to call for the
+[1428.36 --> 1428.76]  question,
+[1429.46 --> 1429.82]  yes.
+[1431.92 --> 1432.94]  It's great to talk
+[1432.94 --> 1433.60]  about providence
+[1433.60 --> 1434.42]  when you get the job
+[1434.42 --> 1435.16]  you prayed for
+[1435.16 --> 1436.02]  or you meet
+[1436.02 --> 1437.74]  Mr. or Miss Wright
+[1437.74 --> 1438.46]  at just a proper
+[1438.46 --> 1439.32]  time in your life
+[1439.32 --> 1440.44]  or you narrowly
+[1440.44 --> 1440.90]  escaped,
+[1441.00 --> 1441.88]  as you recounted
+[1441.88 --> 1442.76]  in your prayer,
+[1443.06 --> 1444.08]  a terrible accident
+[1444.08 --> 1445.78]  or you experience
+[1445.78 --> 1446.78]  any of the countless
+[1446.78 --> 1448.22]  big or small ways
+[1448.22 --> 1450.60]  by which the strong
+[1450.60 --> 1452.90]  but sure hands
+[1452.90 --> 1454.54]  of the Heavenly Father
+[1454.54 --> 1457.16]  uphold and care
+[1457.16 --> 1457.94]  for our world
+[1457.94 --> 1460.18]  and your life.
+[1460.18 --> 1464.88]  But when bad
+[1464.88 --> 1465.68]  things come along,
+[1466.46 --> 1467.60]  we begin to wonder,
+[1468.38 --> 1470.10]  where was God?
+[1472.00 --> 1473.40]  Because God's providence
+[1473.40 --> 1474.66]  is not all sweetness
+[1474.66 --> 1475.82]  and happiness.
+[1476.10 --> 1476.76]  One of the things
+[1476.76 --> 1477.60]  Genesis 7
+[1477.60 --> 1478.66]  and the Joseph cycle
+[1478.66 --> 1479.16]  of stories
+[1479.16 --> 1480.26]  have to teach us
+[1480.26 --> 1481.30]  is that there is more
+[1481.30 --> 1482.74]  to God's providence
+[1482.74 --> 1483.72]  than that.
+[1485.02 --> 1485.62]  Sometimes
+[1485.62 --> 1486.94]  the world
+[1486.94 --> 1487.64]  resists
+[1487.64 --> 1488.44]  God's work.
+[1488.44 --> 1490.68]  sometimes
+[1490.68 --> 1491.80]  God's own children
+[1491.80 --> 1492.90]  including you and I
+[1492.90 --> 1494.86]  resist His work
+[1494.86 --> 1496.12]  and His word.
+[1497.52 --> 1498.64]  Because of the sin
+[1498.64 --> 1499.34]  and brokenness
+[1499.34 --> 1500.18]  of our lives
+[1500.18 --> 1500.84]  and the world,
+[1501.00 --> 1501.72]  sometimes it is
+[1501.72 --> 1503.06]  God's work itself
+[1503.06 --> 1504.04]  that can bring us
+[1504.04 --> 1504.86]  unhappiness.
+[1507.12 --> 1508.20]  At other times,
+[1508.30 --> 1509.30]  God does this work
+[1509.30 --> 1509.84]  in the midst
+[1509.84 --> 1510.86]  of some of the worst
+[1510.86 --> 1511.96]  things life can dish
+[1511.96 --> 1512.60]  out to you.
+[1513.90 --> 1515.06]  God did not inspire
+[1515.06 --> 1515.94]  the evil plot
+[1515.94 --> 1517.28]  of Joseph's brothers,
+[1517.28 --> 1517.40]  brothers,
+[1518.20 --> 1519.04]  but that doesn't mean
+[1519.04 --> 1519.92]  He cannot bring good
+[1519.92 --> 1520.44]  out of it,
+[1520.88 --> 1522.02]  that He cannot fulfill
+[1522.02 --> 1522.66]  His purposes
+[1522.66 --> 1523.74]  in spite of it.
+[1525.34 --> 1526.20]  A certain
+[1526.20 --> 1527.66]  Jewish rabbi
+[1527.66 --> 1528.56]  trying to explain
+[1528.56 --> 1529.04]  all this
+[1529.04 --> 1530.22]  writes about
+[1530.22 --> 1530.80]  the following
+[1530.80 --> 1531.52]  conversation
+[1531.52 --> 1532.56]  between a rabbi
+[1532.56 --> 1533.64]  and his student.
+[1534.84 --> 1535.40]  Rabbi,
+[1536.52 --> 1537.72]  do you know
+[1537.72 --> 1538.26]  why Satan
+[1538.26 --> 1539.02]  is so angry
+[1539.02 --> 1539.96]  all the time?
+[1539.96 --> 1541.68]  because whenever
+[1541.68 --> 1542.34]  he works
+[1542.34 --> 1543.24]  a particularly
+[1543.24 --> 1544.08]  clever bit
+[1544.08 --> 1544.72]  of mischief,
+[1545.54 --> 1546.56]  God uses it
+[1546.56 --> 1547.16]  to serve
+[1547.16 --> 1547.86]  His own
+[1547.86 --> 1549.34]  righteous purposes.
+[1550.52 --> 1551.08]  Student,
+[1551.92 --> 1552.18]  so,
+[1552.96 --> 1553.82]  God uses
+[1553.82 --> 1554.66]  wicked people
+[1554.66 --> 1555.36]  as His tools?
+[1557.16 --> 1557.52]  Rabbi,
+[1558.30 --> 1559.30]  God gives us
+[1559.30 --> 1560.06]  freedom to do
+[1560.06 --> 1560.72]  a great deal
+[1560.72 --> 1561.20]  of evil
+[1561.20 --> 1562.44]  if we choose.
+[1563.20 --> 1563.58]  Then,
+[1564.10 --> 1564.84]  He uses
+[1564.84 --> 1565.58]  His own freedom
+[1565.58 --> 1566.46]  to create goodness
+[1566.46 --> 1567.16]  out of that evil
+[1567.16 --> 1567.94]  for that is what
+[1567.94 --> 1568.78]  He chooses.
+[1568.78 --> 1570.56]  student.
+[1571.38 --> 1571.58]  So,
+[1571.90 --> 1572.90]  in the long run,
+[1573.72 --> 1575.42]  God always wins.
+[1576.34 --> 1576.58]  Rabbi,
+[1577.54 --> 1578.12]  yes.
+[1579.00 --> 1580.28]  But in the short run,
+[1581.14 --> 1582.12]  it can be
+[1582.12 --> 1584.28]  very uncomfortable.
+[1587.10 --> 1588.68]  And if you doubt that,
+[1589.20 --> 1590.24]  don't just ask
+[1590.24 --> 1591.28]  Jacob's son,
+[1591.98 --> 1592.90]  ask God's
+[1592.90 --> 1593.78]  own
+[1593.78 --> 1595.14]  beloved son.
+[1596.26 --> 1597.06]  Ask Jesus.
+[1598.78 --> 1599.86]  In the short run,
+[1600.26 --> 1600.96]  we can make
+[1600.96 --> 1601.64]  such a mess
+[1601.64 --> 1602.40]  of our lives.
+[1603.44 --> 1604.38]  In the short run,
+[1604.90 --> 1605.56]  human history
+[1605.56 --> 1606.64]  often looks
+[1606.64 --> 1607.14]  more like
+[1607.14 --> 1608.02]  a train wreck
+[1608.02 --> 1609.44]  than the unfolding
+[1609.44 --> 1610.02]  purposes
+[1610.02 --> 1611.04]  of God.
+[1612.24 --> 1613.22]  God does not
+[1613.22 --> 1613.94]  guarantee us
+[1613.94 --> 1614.66]  the ability
+[1614.66 --> 1615.64]  to see the
+[1615.64 --> 1616.08]  meaningful,
+[1616.58 --> 1617.62]  larger patterns
+[1617.62 --> 1618.34]  of it all
+[1618.34 --> 1619.76]  on this side
+[1619.76 --> 1620.58]  of the grave.
+[1621.22 --> 1622.08]  Any number
+[1622.08 --> 1622.58]  of people
+[1622.58 --> 1623.20]  have lived
+[1623.20 --> 1624.28]  and have died
+[1624.28 --> 1625.06]  without being
+[1625.06 --> 1625.84]  able to look
+[1625.84 --> 1627.26]  back as Joseph
+[1627.26 --> 1628.16]  of one day will
+[1628.16 --> 1629.02]  and declare
+[1629.02 --> 1630.26]  it was all good
+[1630.26 --> 1631.42]  because it was
+[1631.42 --> 1632.64]  all used
+[1632.64 --> 1633.42]  by God.
+[1635.34 --> 1636.02]  Nor do
+[1636.02 --> 1637.12]  Genesis 37
+[1637.12 --> 1637.78]  and the chapters
+[1637.78 --> 1638.32]  that follow
+[1638.32 --> 1638.90]  tell us that
+[1638.90 --> 1639.64]  we'll always know
+[1639.64 --> 1640.58]  the wherefores
+[1640.58 --> 1641.42]  and the whys
+[1641.42 --> 1642.12]  of what's happening
+[1642.12 --> 1642.68]  to us.
+[1643.06 --> 1643.44]  Instead,
+[1643.72 --> 1644.40]  these chapters
+[1644.40 --> 1644.98]  declare
+[1644.98 --> 1646.90]  the sure hope
+[1646.90 --> 1648.14]  that in the longest
+[1648.14 --> 1649.12]  possible run,
+[1649.30 --> 1650.78]  it will make sense.
+[1651.28 --> 1652.44]  God will not be
+[1652.44 --> 1653.14]  outdone,
+[1653.64 --> 1654.30]  outsmarted,
+[1654.30 --> 1655.28]  outwitted,
+[1655.64 --> 1656.44]  not even by
+[1656.44 --> 1657.06]  the world's
+[1657.06 --> 1658.16]  greatest evil,
+[1659.06 --> 1659.74]  the killing
+[1659.74 --> 1661.28]  of his own son.
+[1662.92 --> 1663.84]  The witness
+[1663.84 --> 1665.32]  of Genesis 37
+[1665.32 --> 1666.10]  to 50
+[1666.10 --> 1667.64]  and all
+[1667.64 --> 1668.06]  scripture
+[1668.06 --> 1669.24]  is that somehow
+[1669.24 --> 1670.56]  God can
+[1670.56 --> 1671.22]  and will
+[1671.22 --> 1672.28]  make all
+[1672.28 --> 1673.22]  things new,
+[1674.02 --> 1675.24]  right every
+[1675.24 --> 1675.70]  wrong,
+[1676.12 --> 1676.92]  and return
+[1676.92 --> 1678.02]  all things
+[1678.02 --> 1678.88]  to how they
+[1678.88 --> 1679.32]  should have
+[1679.32 --> 1680.98]  been all along.
+[1680.98 --> 1684.46]  many scholars
+[1684.46 --> 1685.16]  believe that
+[1685.16 --> 1686.14]  the Joseph story
+[1686.14 --> 1686.92]  was first set
+[1686.92 --> 1687.80]  into written form
+[1687.80 --> 1688.80]  during the time
+[1688.80 --> 1689.92]  of Israel's exile
+[1689.92 --> 1690.70]  in Babylon.
+[1691.74 --> 1692.52]  If so,
+[1692.60 --> 1693.38]  then the original
+[1693.38 --> 1694.74]  audience of Joseph's
+[1694.74 --> 1695.50]  story were people
+[1695.50 --> 1696.18]  well acquainted
+[1696.18 --> 1696.88]  with grief
+[1696.88 --> 1697.84]  and with the
+[1697.84 --> 1698.64]  collapse of what
+[1698.64 --> 1699.44]  were the fondest
+[1699.44 --> 1700.50]  hopes and dreams
+[1700.50 --> 1701.98]  of their faith.
+[1703.74 --> 1704.70]  Even if that
+[1704.70 --> 1705.34]  isn't so,
+[1705.68 --> 1706.72]  certainly this story
+[1706.72 --> 1707.42]  has been read
+[1707.42 --> 1708.28]  by any number
+[1708.28 --> 1709.04]  of Israelites,
+[1709.04 --> 1711.16]  Jews and Christians
+[1711.16 --> 1712.04]  who found
+[1712.04 --> 1713.00]  themselves in
+[1713.00 --> 1714.06]  some measure
+[1714.06 --> 1714.86]  of exile,
+[1715.20 --> 1715.80]  at some
+[1715.80 --> 1717.00]  removed from
+[1717.00 --> 1717.36]  God,
+[1717.52 --> 1718.10]  at some
+[1718.10 --> 1719.02]  crisis point
+[1719.02 --> 1719.52]  of faith.
+[1721.10 --> 1722.14]  In other words,
+[1722.26 --> 1723.10]  it really is
+[1723.10 --> 1723.68]  a story
+[1723.68 --> 1725.22]  for all of us.
+[1727.24 --> 1728.54]  And that story
+[1728.54 --> 1729.60]  does not end
+[1729.60 --> 1730.46]  with the
+[1730.46 --> 1731.52]  inconsolable
+[1731.52 --> 1732.54]  weeping of
+[1732.54 --> 1733.30]  Jacob over
+[1733.30 --> 1734.18]  his apparently
+[1734.18 --> 1735.44]  dead son.
+[1736.34 --> 1737.24]  This story
+[1737.24 --> 1737.72]  we know
+[1737.72 --> 1738.46]  is far
+[1738.46 --> 1739.08]  from over.
+[1740.28 --> 1741.06]  For the author
+[1741.06 --> 1742.46]  of Genesis 37
+[1742.46 --> 1743.68]  has sown
+[1743.68 --> 1744.26]  at least
+[1744.26 --> 1745.06]  three
+[1745.06 --> 1746.02]  seeds
+[1746.02 --> 1747.00]  of hope.
+[1748.24 --> 1749.16]  The first
+[1749.16 --> 1750.20]  is in verse 11
+[1750.20 --> 1751.36]  when Jacob,
+[1751.62 --> 1752.12]  despite having
+[1752.12 --> 1752.94]  just rebuked
+[1752.94 --> 1753.68]  Joseph for his
+[1753.68 --> 1754.18]  arrogance,
+[1755.32 --> 1756.60]  kept the matter
+[1756.60 --> 1757.70]  in mind.
+[1759.44 --> 1760.16]  Jacob,
+[1760.38 --> 1760.70]  that is,
+[1760.74 --> 1761.36]  who has had
+[1761.36 --> 1762.12]  his own share
+[1762.12 --> 1762.78]  of dreams,
+[1763.24 --> 1764.46]  has the nagging
+[1764.46 --> 1765.12]  sense and
+[1765.12 --> 1765.94]  gives us
+[1765.94 --> 1766.56]  the nagging
+[1766.56 --> 1767.38]  sense that
+[1767.38 --> 1768.34]  if he didn't
+[1768.34 --> 1768.92]  already know
+[1768.92 --> 1769.32]  better,
+[1769.46 --> 1769.82]  there is
+[1769.82 --> 1771.08]  something more
+[1771.08 --> 1771.88]  to Joseph's
+[1771.88 --> 1773.14]  dreams than
+[1773.14 --> 1773.54]  a vivid
+[1773.54 --> 1774.28]  imagination
+[1774.28 --> 1775.60]  or wishful
+[1775.60 --> 1775.96]  thinking.
+[1778.26 --> 1779.18]  The second
+[1779.18 --> 1779.82]  seed of hope
+[1779.82 --> 1780.18]  is the
+[1780.18 --> 1780.94]  appearance of
+[1780.94 --> 1781.68]  that stranger.
+[1782.56 --> 1783.20]  In this
+[1783.20 --> 1783.60]  seemingly
+[1783.60 --> 1784.88]  irrelevant detail,
+[1785.76 --> 1786.30]  it is as
+[1786.30 --> 1786.80]  though the
+[1786.80 --> 1787.60]  storyteller
+[1787.60 --> 1788.34]  is whispering,
+[1788.34 --> 1790.42]  look,
+[1791.06 --> 1791.48]  get it?
+[1791.58 --> 1792.00]  There is a
+[1792.00 --> 1792.94]  bigger picture
+[1792.94 --> 1793.30]  here.
+[1793.76 --> 1794.24]  There is a
+[1794.24 --> 1794.90]  bigger purpose
+[1794.90 --> 1795.28]  here.
+[1796.40 --> 1796.92]  Imagine,
+[1797.72 --> 1798.42]  again,
+[1798.52 --> 1798.88]  if this
+[1798.88 --> 1799.46]  stranger had
+[1799.46 --> 1800.00]  not appeared.
+[1801.42 --> 1801.98]  Joseph would
+[1801.98 --> 1802.46]  have returned
+[1802.46 --> 1803.18]  home to his
+[1803.18 --> 1803.54]  father,
+[1804.54 --> 1805.18]  his family,
+[1805.84 --> 1806.60]  and Israel,
+[1806.90 --> 1807.36]  and the line
+[1807.36 --> 1807.74]  from which
+[1807.74 --> 1808.38]  God's Savior
+[1808.38 --> 1809.26]  Jesus would
+[1809.26 --> 1809.88]  one day come
+[1809.88 --> 1810.40]  would never
+[1810.40 --> 1810.78]  have been
+[1810.78 --> 1811.28]  rescued from
+[1811.28 --> 1811.66]  the great
+[1811.66 --> 1812.02]  famine,
+[1812.42 --> 1812.96]  and God's
+[1812.96 --> 1813.40]  people would
+[1813.40 --> 1813.80]  not have
+[1813.80 --> 1814.58]  ended up as
+[1814.58 --> 1815.52]  slaves in
+[1815.52 --> 1815.84]  Egypt,
+[1815.94 --> 1816.52]  only to be
+[1816.52 --> 1817.08]  delivered by
+[1817.08 --> 1817.70]  Moses hundreds
+[1817.70 --> 1818.16]  of years
+[1818.16 --> 1818.50]  later,
+[1818.80 --> 1819.62]  because the
+[1819.62 --> 1820.18]  stranger
+[1820.18 --> 1822.04]  appears.
+[1823.14 --> 1823.52]  God's
+[1823.52 --> 1824.06]  promise to
+[1824.06 --> 1824.94]  Abraham in
+[1824.94 --> 1825.90]  Genesis 15
+[1825.90 --> 1826.80]  will yet be
+[1826.80 --> 1827.22]  fulfilled,
+[1827.52 --> 1827.88]  namely,
+[1828.84 --> 1829.36]  know for
+[1829.36 --> 1830.06]  certain that
+[1830.06 --> 1830.92]  your descendants
+[1830.92 --> 1831.62]  will be
+[1831.62 --> 1832.40]  strangers in
+[1832.40 --> 1832.82]  a country
+[1832.82 --> 1833.30]  not their
+[1833.30 --> 1833.62]  own,
+[1833.84 --> 1834.38]  and they
+[1834.38 --> 1834.78]  will be
+[1834.78 --> 1835.92]  enslaved and
+[1835.92 --> 1836.52]  mistreated
+[1836.52 --> 1838.36]  400 years,
+[1838.96 --> 1839.78]  but I will
+[1839.78 --> 1840.44]  punish the
+[1840.44 --> 1841.40]  nation they
+[1841.40 --> 1842.12]  serve as
+[1842.12 --> 1842.50]  slaves,
+[1842.58 --> 1843.20]  and afterward
+[1843.20 --> 1844.06]  they will
+[1844.06 --> 1844.58]  come out
+[1844.58 --> 1845.44]  with great
+[1845.44 --> 1846.04]  possessions.
+[1847.08 --> 1848.96]  It was
+[1848.96 --> 1849.52]  only later
+[1849.52 --> 1850.18]  that Joseph
+[1850.18 --> 1851.76]  would recognize
+[1851.76 --> 1852.60]  this stranger
+[1852.60 --> 1853.66]  as God
+[1853.66 --> 1854.44]  at work,
+[1855.40 --> 1856.34]  God directing
+[1856.34 --> 1857.06]  his path
+[1857.06 --> 1858.44]  towards slavery
+[1858.44 --> 1859.96]  so that one
+[1859.96 --> 1860.56]  day Joseph
+[1860.56 --> 1861.10]  could tell
+[1861.10 --> 1861.72]  his brothers
+[1861.72 --> 1862.98]  you meant
+[1862.98 --> 1863.60]  it for evil
+[1863.60 --> 1864.38]  but God
+[1864.38 --> 1865.12]  meant it
+[1865.12 --> 1866.02]  for good.
+[1867.18 --> 1868.16]  It serves
+[1868.16 --> 1868.72]  to remind
+[1868.72 --> 1870.88]  us that
+[1870.88 --> 1871.62]  just because
+[1871.62 --> 1872.34]  God is
+[1872.34 --> 1873.34]  hidden from
+[1873.34 --> 1873.88]  our view
+[1873.88 --> 1875.02]  does not
+[1875.02 --> 1876.02]  mean he
+[1876.02 --> 1876.36]  is not
+[1876.36 --> 1876.74]  there,
+[1877.86 --> 1879.26]  keeping
+[1879.26 --> 1880.20]  his promises.
+[1881.16 --> 1881.92]  Even when
+[1881.92 --> 1882.56]  God is
+[1882.56 --> 1883.08]  hidden,
+[1883.46 --> 1883.98]  even when
+[1883.98 --> 1884.48]  life goes
+[1884.48 --> 1885.24]  all wrong,
+[1885.54 --> 1886.04]  even when
+[1886.04 --> 1886.66]  God cannot
+[1886.66 --> 1887.40]  be seen,
+[1888.54 --> 1889.50]  he is not
+[1889.50 --> 1890.52]  absent.
+[1891.52 --> 1892.78]  He is with
+[1892.78 --> 1893.14]  us,
+[1893.58 --> 1894.60]  still in
+[1894.60 --> 1895.06]  control.
+[1896.34 --> 1897.22]  Remember the
+[1897.22 --> 1898.34]  stranger and
+[1898.34 --> 1899.80]  be alert for
+[1899.80 --> 1900.72]  God's strangers
+[1900.72 --> 1902.30]  in your own
+[1902.30 --> 1902.72]  life.
+[1904.48 --> 1905.44]  Remember too
+[1905.44 --> 1905.88]  that when
+[1905.88 --> 1906.64]  God was
+[1906.64 --> 1907.18]  the most
+[1907.18 --> 1908.28]  absent at
+[1908.28 --> 1908.70]  the cross
+[1908.70 --> 1909.26]  of Christ,
+[1909.64 --> 1909.94]  he was
+[1909.94 --> 1911.16]  also the
+[1911.16 --> 1911.94]  most near
+[1911.94 --> 1912.86]  to save
+[1912.86 --> 1913.24]  us from
+[1913.24 --> 1914.62]  sin and
+[1914.62 --> 1915.12]  make us
+[1915.12 --> 1915.66]  heirs of
+[1915.66 --> 1916.42]  his promise
+[1916.42 --> 1917.50]  of a new
+[1917.50 --> 1918.68]  life and
+[1918.68 --> 1919.06]  a new
+[1919.06 --> 1920.20]  creation where
+[1920.20 --> 1920.98]  there is no
+[1920.98 --> 1922.04]  more sin or
+[1922.04 --> 1923.14]  sadness or
+[1923.14 --> 1924.36]  dysfunction or
+[1924.36 --> 1925.60]  disease or
+[1925.60 --> 1927.10]  death anymore.
+[1927.10 --> 1927.28]  him.
+[1929.28 --> 1930.44]  The third
+[1930.44 --> 1931.30]  seed of hope
+[1931.30 --> 1932.36]  is in the
+[1932.36 --> 1932.88]  chapter's
+[1932.88 --> 1934.22]  last verse.
+[1936.06 --> 1936.68]  Meanwhile,
+[1937.34 --> 1938.06]  the Midianites
+[1938.06 --> 1938.72]  sold Joseph
+[1938.72 --> 1939.48]  in Egypt to
+[1939.48 --> 1940.02]  Potiphar,
+[1940.50 --> 1940.96]  one of
+[1940.96 --> 1941.42]  Pharaoh's
+[1941.42 --> 1941.94]  officials,
+[1942.22 --> 1942.76]  the captain
+[1942.76 --> 1943.60]  of the
+[1943.60 --> 1943.90]  guard.
+[1945.96 --> 1946.96]  Joseph lands
+[1946.96 --> 1947.64]  in Egypt
+[1947.64 --> 1950.58]  alive and
+[1950.58 --> 1951.28]  is sold to
+[1951.28 --> 1952.12]  someone closely
+[1952.12 --> 1953.62]  associated with
+[1953.62 --> 1954.18]  no less
+[1954.18 --> 1954.94]  powerful a
+[1954.94 --> 1955.64]  figure than
+[1955.64 --> 1956.10]  the Pharaoh
+[1956.10 --> 1956.66]  himself.
+[1958.00 --> 1958.76]  Verse 36
+[1958.76 --> 1959.40]  is sort of a
+[1959.40 --> 1959.98]  poke in the
+[1959.98 --> 1960.42]  ribs as if
+[1960.42 --> 1960.76]  to say,
+[1961.12 --> 1961.32]  hey,
+[1961.44 --> 1961.98]  don't give
+[1961.98 --> 1962.16]  up,
+[1962.22 --> 1962.62]  the dream
+[1962.62 --> 1962.96]  is still
+[1962.96 --> 1963.42]  alive,
+[1963.82 --> 1964.38]  God isn't
+[1964.38 --> 1964.76]  dead and
+[1964.76 --> 1965.24]  neither is
+[1965.24 --> 1965.60]  Joseph,
+[1965.94 --> 1966.30]  so keep
+[1966.30 --> 1966.60]  reading.
+[1968.44 --> 1968.90]  Yes,
+[1968.96 --> 1969.36]  the story
+[1969.36 --> 1969.90]  has taken a
+[1969.90 --> 1970.62]  difficult turn.
+[1970.96 --> 1971.64]  Everybody is
+[1971.64 --> 1972.10]  suffering from
+[1972.10 --> 1972.44]  the bad
+[1972.44 --> 1972.98]  choices they
+[1972.98 --> 1973.50]  have made,
+[1973.88 --> 1974.24]  Jacob,
+[1974.66 --> 1975.02]  Joseph,
+[1975.36 --> 1975.90]  the brothers.
+[1977.18 --> 1977.80]  But even
+[1977.80 --> 1978.98]  when people
+[1978.98 --> 1979.68]  take matters
+[1979.68 --> 1980.16]  into their
+[1980.16 --> 1980.92]  own hands
+[1980.92 --> 1982.44]  with often
+[1982.44 --> 1983.16]  disastrous
+[1983.16 --> 1983.96]  consequences,
+[1984.12 --> 1984.56]  even when
+[1984.56 --> 1984.92]  things are
+[1984.92 --> 1986.04]  falling apart,
+[1987.10 --> 1987.82]  there is a
+[1987.82 --> 1988.46]  voice on the
+[1988.46 --> 1989.98]  sideline saying,
+[1990.76 --> 1991.04]  yes,
+[1991.72 --> 1992.22]  but.
+[1994.14 --> 1994.76]  God's
+[1994.76 --> 1995.46]  hidden hand
+[1995.46 --> 1996.06]  is still at
+[1996.06 --> 1996.36]  work,
+[1997.42 --> 1997.98]  weaving the
+[1997.98 --> 1998.80]  tapestry of a
+[1998.80 --> 1999.66]  larger story,
+[2000.46 --> 2001.46]  a story so
+[2001.46 --> 2002.36]  big that its
+[2002.36 --> 2003.70]  loving purpose,
+[2004.18 --> 2004.94]  as we now know
+[2004.94 --> 2005.52]  in Christ,
+[2005.88 --> 2006.68]  will embrace
+[2006.68 --> 2007.64]  the entire
+[2007.64 --> 2008.70]  universe.
+[2010.38 --> 2011.14]  Often we
+[2011.14 --> 2011.92]  cannot see it
+[2011.92 --> 2012.88]  in the struggles
+[2012.88 --> 2013.52]  and sins,
+[2013.94 --> 2014.56]  in the tears
+[2014.56 --> 2015.66]  and tragedies
+[2015.66 --> 2016.52]  of our lives,
+[2017.12 --> 2017.64]  but this
+[2017.64 --> 2018.86]  story bears
+[2018.86 --> 2019.70]  witness to
+[2019.70 --> 2020.28]  the Christian
+[2020.28 --> 2021.60]  hope that
+[2021.60 --> 2022.40]  in the longest
+[2022.40 --> 2023.44]  possible run,
+[2023.70 --> 2024.70]  it will all
+[2024.70 --> 2026.06]  make sense.
+[2026.68 --> 2027.42]  God will
+[2027.42 --> 2027.80]  not,
+[2027.92 --> 2028.78]  to use the
+[2028.78 --> 2029.58]  language of my
+[2029.58 --> 2030.50]  favorite reality
+[2030.50 --> 2030.78]  show,
+[2030.86 --> 2031.40]  Survivor,
+[2031.86 --> 2032.74]  God will not
+[2032.74 --> 2034.28]  be outwitted,
+[2035.06 --> 2035.92]  outlasted,
+[2036.20 --> 2037.22]  or outplayed
+[2037.22 --> 2038.72]  by any human
+[2038.72 --> 2040.28]  evil or any
+[2040.28 --> 2041.64]  human empire.
+[2041.64 --> 2042.64]  God,
+[2042.64 --> 2043.36]  the living
+[2043.36 --> 2044.14]  God whom we
+[2044.14 --> 2044.72]  have come to
+[2044.72 --> 2045.72]  know in Jesus
+[2045.72 --> 2046.46]  Christ as
+[2046.46 --> 2047.48]  faithful and
+[2047.48 --> 2048.40]  gracious and
+[2048.40 --> 2049.42]  full of mercy
+[2049.42 --> 2050.54]  for all,
+[2051.64 --> 2052.90]  will continue to
+[2052.90 --> 2053.70]  write his story,
+[2054.72 --> 2055.58]  a story that has
+[2055.58 --> 2056.42]  been punctuated
+[2056.42 --> 2057.18]  with a cross
+[2057.18 --> 2058.58]  and an empty
+[2058.58 --> 2060.10]  tomb so that
+[2060.10 --> 2061.76]  we know the
+[2061.76 --> 2062.48]  dream will go
+[2062.48 --> 2063.64]  on, God's
+[2063.64 --> 2064.90]  promises are
+[2064.90 --> 2065.72]  not at an end,
+[2065.98 --> 2066.74]  our world,
+[2067.74 --> 2069.04]  our family,
+[2069.04 --> 2070.76]  I do have
+[2070.76 --> 2071.80]  a future.
+[2073.18 --> 2074.82]  Just keep
+[2074.82 --> 2076.30]  reading, keep
+[2076.30 --> 2077.16]  following Christ
+[2077.16 --> 2078.08]  because as the
+[2078.08 --> 2078.78]  last verse of
+[2078.78 --> 2079.82]  Genesis 37
+[2079.82 --> 2081.40]  nicely reminds us
+[2081.40 --> 2082.46]  when it comes to
+[2082.46 --> 2083.04]  God and his
+[2083.04 --> 2084.18]  people in and
+[2084.18 --> 2084.64]  through even
+[2084.64 --> 2085.34]  life's darkest
+[2085.34 --> 2086.36]  moments, there
+[2086.36 --> 2087.04]  is one more
+[2087.04 --> 2087.82]  word that can
+[2087.82 --> 2088.80]  always be spoken
+[2088.80 --> 2090.56]  and that word
+[2090.56 --> 2092.22]  is meanwhile.
+[2093.84 --> 2094.48]  Meanwhile,
+[2095.10 --> 2096.66]  that is,
+[2096.66 --> 2098.90]  God will have
+[2098.90 --> 2099.92]  the last word
+[2099.92 --> 2101.08]  yet.
+[2102.02 --> 2102.94]  In the name of
+[2102.94 --> 2103.56]  the Father, the
+[2103.56 --> 2104.90]  Son, and the
+[2104.90 --> 2105.44]  Holy Spirit.
+[2106.22 --> 2106.96]  Let's pray.
+[2107.48 --> 2108.18]  Gracious God,
+[2108.94 --> 2109.84]  we thank you
+[2109.84 --> 2110.62]  for this story
+[2110.62 --> 2113.28]  and we thank you
+[2113.28 --> 2114.26]  for the assurance
+[2114.26 --> 2115.86]  which we need
+[2115.86 --> 2117.08]  perhaps more
+[2117.08 --> 2117.86]  now than ever
+[2117.86 --> 2118.76]  before in a
+[2118.76 --> 2119.62]  world that seems
+[2119.62 --> 2120.20]  to have turned
+[2120.20 --> 2121.10]  upside down in
+[2121.10 --> 2121.98]  so many ways
+[2121.98 --> 2123.98]  that you are
+[2123.98 --> 2124.70]  not absent,
+[2125.28 --> 2126.12]  you are still
+[2126.12 --> 2127.04]  here, you are
+[2127.04 --> 2127.60]  still busy
+[2127.60 --> 2128.36]  working out
+[2128.36 --> 2129.08]  your purposes
+[2129.08 --> 2130.94]  even through
+[2130.94 --> 2131.32]  us.
+[2132.36 --> 2132.88]  Help us,
+[2133.02 --> 2133.32]  Lord, be
+[2133.32 --> 2134.22]  attentive to
+[2134.22 --> 2134.80]  your presence
+[2134.80 --> 2135.48]  in our lives
+[2135.48 --> 2135.94]  and world
+[2135.94 --> 2137.26]  and use
+[2137.26 --> 2138.42]  even us
+[2138.42 --> 2139.78]  to bring about
+[2139.78 --> 2140.74]  your kingdom.
+[2141.22 --> 2141.74]  In Jesus'
+[2141.92 --> 2142.48]  name we pray.
+[2143.08 --> 2143.36]  Amen.
+[2143.36 --> 2143.48]  Amen.

Joseph #2—Grace Conquers All (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,1109 @@
+[0.92 --> 8.30]  So this morning we continue a series on Joseph that I began two weeks ago and we looked at
+[8.30 --> 18.50]  Genesis 37 and today we're going to look at part two of that series and as we read this
+[18.50 --> 24.26]  you're going to ask yourself what on earth is that doing in the middle of the story of
+[24.26 --> 33.22]  Joseph? Well I'm going to explain that to you. This is Genesis 38. It begins with these words at
+[33.22 --> 45.18]  that time. We left Joseph on the way to Egypt. At that time Judah left his brothers and went down
+[45.18 --> 53.66]  to stay with a man of Adullam named Hira. There Judah met the daughter of a Canaanite man named
+[53.66 --> 61.02]  Shewet. He married her and made love to her. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son who was
+[61.02 --> 68.86]  named Er. She conceived again and gave birth to a son and named him Onan. She gave birth to still
+[68.86 --> 77.40]  another son and named him Shelah. It was at Kezeb that she gave birth to him. Judah got a wife for
+[77.40 --> 84.26]  Er his firstborn and her name was Tamar. But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the Lord's sight
+[84.26 --> 91.62]  and so the Lord put him to death. Then Judah said to Onan, sleep with your brother's wife and fulfill
+[91.62 --> 98.44]  your duty to her as a brother-in-law to raise up offspring for your brother. But Onan knew that the
+[98.44 --> 104.34]  child would not be his. So whenever he slept with his brother's wife, he spilled his semen on the ground
+[104.34 --> 110.54]  to keep from providing offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the Lord's sight. So the
+[110.54 --> 119.06]  Lord put him to death also. Judah then said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, live as a widow in your
+[119.06 --> 126.22]  father's household until my son Shelah grows up. For he thought he may die too, just like his brothers.
+[126.22 --> 134.28]  So Tamar went to live in her father's household. After a long time, Judah's wife, the daughter of
+[134.28 --> 139.98]  Shewa, died. When Judah had recovered from his grief, he went up to Timnah to the men who were
+[139.98 --> 146.72]  shearing his sheep and his friend Hira the Adullamite went with him. When Tamar was told,
+[147.30 --> 153.12]  your father-in-law is on his way to Timnah to shear his sheep, she took off her widow's clothes,
+[153.12 --> 158.84]  covered herself with a veil to disguise herself, and then sat down at the entrance to Enayim,
+[159.30 --> 164.68]  which is on the road to Timnah. For she saw that, though Shelah had now grown up,
+[165.06 --> 171.96]  she had not been given to him as his wife. When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute,
+[172.08 --> 177.64]  for she had covered her face. Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by
+[177.64 --> 184.62]  the roadside and said, Come now, let me sleep with you. And what will you give me to sleep with you?
+[184.70 --> 190.84]  she asked. I'll send you a young goat from my flock, he said. Will you give me something as a
+[190.84 --> 197.90]  pledge until you send it? she asked. He said, What pledge should I give you? Your seal and its cord,
+[197.90 --> 205.34]  and the staff in your hand, she answered. So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became
+[205.34 --> 211.28]  pregnant by him. After she left, she took off her veil and put on her widow's clothes again.
+[212.54 --> 218.22]  Meanwhile, Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get his pledge back from
+[218.22 --> 224.96]  the woman, but he did not find her. He asked the men who lived there, Where is the shrine prostitute who
+[224.96 --> 229.96]  was beside the road to Inaim? There hasn't been any shrine prostitute here, they said.
+[230.98 --> 236.66]  So he went back to Judah and said, I didn't find her. Besides, the men who lived there said,
+[236.98 --> 242.96]  There hasn't been any shrine prostitute here. Then Judah said, Let her keep what she has,
+[243.06 --> 248.02]  or we will become a laughing stock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you didn't find her.
+[248.02 --> 255.96]  About three months later, Judah was told, Your daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution,
+[256.36 --> 263.10]  and as a result, she is now pregnant. Judah said, Bring her out and have her burned to death.
+[264.08 --> 267.18]  As she was being brought out, she sent a message to her father-in-law.
+[268.04 --> 275.72]  I am pregnant by the man who owns these, she said. And she added, See if you recognize whose seal
+[275.72 --> 284.28]  and cord and staff these are. Judah recognized them and said, She is more righteous than I,
+[284.86 --> 290.30]  since I wouldn't give her to my son Sheila. And he did not sleep with her again.
+[291.96 --> 297.38]  When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. As she was giving birth,
+[297.48 --> 301.98]  one of them put out his hand, so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrist and said,
+[301.98 --> 308.04]  This one came out first. But when he drew back his hand, his brother came out, and she said,
+[308.40 --> 315.30]  So, this is how you have broken out. And he was named Perez. Then his brother, who had the scarlet
+[315.30 --> 323.64]  thread on his wrist, came out, and he was named Zerah. And you thought your family was dysfunctional.
+[323.64 --> 333.60]  Let's pray. Gracious God, that is quite a story. And we pray now that you will help us to make
+[333.60 --> 343.34]  sense of it and to hear what you have to say to us today. Help us to listen. Help us to respond as
+[343.34 --> 352.20]  you would have us respond. In Jesus' name, amen. Well, the Bible sure has some funny stuff in it,
+[352.20 --> 360.30]  doesn't it? If you didn't know any better, you might wonder if this was actually a Bible story or a
+[360.30 --> 367.10]  transcript of an old Jerry Springer show. In case you are not familiar with Mr. Springer,
+[367.64 --> 375.66]  which would be a good thing, I think. His TV show got together all sorts of depraved and
+[375.66 --> 383.16]  related people and then put them together on stage where before a live studio audience,
+[384.00 --> 390.06]  a national TV audience, he egged them on to fight out their personal problems in front of everybody.
+[392.24 --> 396.12]  It was a show that exploited family trauma.
+[396.12 --> 406.68]  It was an ugly show, frankly. But if Judah and his family lived today, they would have been perfect
+[406.68 --> 414.56]  candidates for this show. And I think I'm safe in saying that while you may find the Joseph story in
+[414.56 --> 422.18]  any children's Bible, I can pretty much guarantee you that no children's Bible includes today's story.
+[422.18 --> 430.46]  Besides, what on earth does this story have to do with Joseph anyway?
+[432.74 --> 438.60]  Two weeks ago, we left Joseph on the way to Egypt, sold by his brothers into slavery.
+[439.92 --> 445.64]  We want to know what's happening to him. How's Joseph doing? Will Joseph survive?
+[445.64 --> 452.78]  But we're left in suspense, forced to first hear this story about brother Judah, whose idea it was,
+[452.92 --> 456.30]  remember, to sell Joseph instead of killing him.
+[458.52 --> 463.84]  You wonder why is the story told here? Frankly, why is it told at all?
+[465.22 --> 469.02]  What does it have to do with you? What does it have to do with me?
+[469.02 --> 477.02]  Understanding the story is further complicated by the fact that the sexual customs of these people
+[477.02 --> 480.40]  differ just a little from what most of us were taught.
+[482.48 --> 487.90]  For us, it is a rather unusual notion, I think, that a man's wife would get passed from brother to brother
+[487.90 --> 491.38]  to brother in the event of a husband's death.
+[491.38 --> 498.38]  Then there's not only the fact that Judah so casually goes to bed with someone he thought was a prostitute,
+[499.26 --> 503.42]  but that if she had been a real prostitute and not his daughter-in-law,
+[503.78 --> 505.76]  it wouldn't have been thought of as a big deal.
+[508.28 --> 514.80]  The real kicker is the fact that Tamar, who lies and commits incest,
+[515.32 --> 518.02]  is commended when all is said and done.
+[518.02 --> 524.60]  And then there's the last and the absolute biggest shocker of all.
+[526.32 --> 529.12]  But let's begin at the beginning.
+[530.08 --> 535.68]  The story itself, and that story occurs over a period of 20 years
+[535.68 --> 539.14]  that passed between the time the brothers sell Joseph
+[539.14 --> 543.08]  and their later meeting him again in Egypt.
+[543.08 --> 549.06]  Soon after getting rid of Joseph, at that time, says the story,
+[550.06 --> 556.58]  Judah leaves the family farm, marries a Canaanite girl, and has three sons by her.
+[557.80 --> 562.90]  When the oldest heir grew up, Judah arranges for him to marry a girl named Tamar,
+[563.36 --> 568.04]  meaning date palm, meaning she was lovely to look at.
+[568.04 --> 573.26]  But Arab barely survived the honeymoon.
+[574.04 --> 575.82]  He was wicked in the Lord's sight.
+[576.18 --> 578.52]  We read, though we don't know the nature of his wickedness,
+[578.86 --> 582.04]  so the Lord put him to death, though we don't know how.
+[584.30 --> 586.92]  To ensure the succession of the family line,
+[587.20 --> 591.56]  and according to custom, Judah gives Tamar to his second son, Onan.
+[591.56 --> 597.14]  And while Onan had no objection to sleeping with his lovely former sister-in-law,
+[597.34 --> 599.08]  he was not about to get her pregnant.
+[600.00 --> 605.18]  Not only would her children endanger his own part of Father Judah's estate,
+[606.04 --> 609.56]  they'd also keep him from getting his dead brother's share.
+[610.06 --> 613.70]  And so Onan uses the oldest form of birth control there is,
+[613.70 --> 618.44]  But what he did was wicked in the Lord's sight,
+[619.00 --> 622.06]  so the Lord put him to death also.
+[622.92 --> 625.62]  Though, again, we don't know how.
+[627.12 --> 631.46]  By now, of course, Judah thinks of Tamar as nothing short of bad luck.
+[631.96 --> 635.56]  And so he sends her back to her parents' home with the promise that eventually
+[635.56 --> 638.08]  she would get his youngest son in marriage.
+[638.52 --> 641.36]  But secretly he intends no such thing.
+[641.36 --> 644.46]  This girl is a husband killer.
+[645.50 --> 651.76]  And understandably, he didn't want to lose his third child, his last child, as well.
+[653.84 --> 654.54]  Understandably.
+[655.56 --> 658.76]  Yet, what Judah did was wrong.
+[659.66 --> 663.00]  Not just because he was breaking accepted custom,
+[663.68 --> 667.24]  one that would later be enshrined in the law of Moses as well.
+[667.24 --> 671.68]  No, you've got to read this story in its larger context,
+[671.80 --> 677.34]  especially in light of God's covenant promise to great-grandfather Abraham,
+[677.82 --> 678.24]  namely,
+[679.02 --> 682.16]  I will make you into a great nation,
+[682.40 --> 683.82]  and I will bless you,
+[683.98 --> 687.10]  and all peoples on earth will be blessed because,
+[687.54 --> 689.02]  or rather, through you.
+[689.02 --> 692.24]  Because of that covenant promise,
+[692.40 --> 695.30]  the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
+[695.30 --> 699.94]  had a solemn obligation to be fruitful and multiply.
+[700.44 --> 703.80]  And anyone who, like Judah, refused to do this
+[703.80 --> 706.00]  was standing in God's way.
+[707.92 --> 710.34]  Now, Tamar wouldn't have had a clue about that.
+[710.34 --> 717.80]  Now, realizing over time that Judah had no intention of keeping his promise to her,
+[718.74 --> 720.74]  she was just looking for a solution
+[720.74 --> 727.16]  to the disastrous social status of being a childless widow.
+[728.66 --> 732.06]  Widows without a husband in that near-eastern culture,
+[732.06 --> 733.22]  even today,
+[734.38 --> 735.02]  as then,
+[735.72 --> 739.84]  are left to fend for themselves on the street.
+[740.58 --> 742.18]  They have no status,
+[742.92 --> 744.22]  no one to protect them,
+[744.62 --> 747.00]  no one to defend their rights.
+[747.90 --> 751.72]  Which is why the Bible consistently reminds God's people
+[751.72 --> 754.86]  to look after the widow and the orphan.
+[755.82 --> 758.68]  In fact, writes James in the New Testament,
+[758.68 --> 761.40]  religion, he writes,
+[761.82 --> 765.56]  that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless,
+[766.32 --> 766.96]  is this,
+[767.76 --> 772.64]  to look after orphans and widows in their distress,
+[773.30 --> 777.68]  and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
+[779.42 --> 782.10]  But Judah is not that religious.
+[783.38 --> 786.38]  And so Tamar decides to grab the bull by the horns.
+[786.38 --> 789.94]  And finally, the opportunity arrives.
+[791.10 --> 793.30]  Judah's own wife dies.
+[794.12 --> 795.74]  And after a short period of mourning,
+[795.86 --> 799.30]  he decides to join the men shearing his sheep in Timnah.
+[800.28 --> 804.76]  And in a plan of action that does not say a whole lot about her father-in-law,
+[805.60 --> 809.28]  she disguises herself behind a sort of ancient burqa
+[809.28 --> 811.26]  and poses as a prostitute,
+[812.12 --> 814.76]  confident she could get the better of Judah that way.
+[814.76 --> 817.72]  And so she does.
+[819.48 --> 822.88]  No sooner does Judah see what he thinks is a prostitute,
+[822.98 --> 824.20]  and he propositions her,
+[825.32 --> 827.36]  come now, let me sleep with you.
+[828.26 --> 830.24]  And she says, and what will you give me
+[830.24 --> 832.12]  if I agree to do so?
+[833.16 --> 836.26]  He says, I'll send you a young goat from my flock.
+[836.26 --> 841.42]  But the old goat is not carrying a young goat in his back pocket,
+[842.24 --> 846.00]  and so he leaves her the ancient equivalent, you might say,
+[846.32 --> 849.28]  of his driver's license to guarantee payment.
+[850.72 --> 853.92]  Thus the deal is struck, the deed is done.
+[853.92 --> 860.60]  And the ultimate result is that both their fondest wishes come true.
+[862.50 --> 864.30]  Tamar conceives a child.
+[865.72 --> 868.84]  And when a servant notices her belly beginning to bulge a few months later
+[868.84 --> 869.82]  and informs Judah,
+[870.44 --> 875.12]  Judah gets his opportunity to get rid of this bad luck woman,
+[876.40 --> 879.10]  free his youngest son to marry someone else,
+[879.10 --> 883.34]  and be done with the whole thing without getting into trouble for doing so.
+[883.44 --> 886.54]  After all, Tamar is clearly guilty of adultery,
+[886.90 --> 888.72]  punishable by death.
+[890.16 --> 890.40]  Whew.
+[891.84 --> 893.36]  Talk about a double standard,
+[894.06 --> 896.30]  which is as old as time.
+[897.74 --> 902.18]  But here is where Tamar plays her trump card.
+[902.18 --> 903.14]  Pardon the pun.
+[903.14 --> 906.46]  For as she's brought into the village,
+[907.50 --> 911.38]  where her wood has already been piled up for her execution,
+[912.10 --> 916.60]  she hands Judah his driver's license, so to speak,
+[916.92 --> 922.02]  and says, I am pregnant by the man whose picture is on this card.
+[923.16 --> 924.64]  Do you recognize him?
+[926.08 --> 927.46]  And give Judah credit.
+[928.36 --> 930.32]  At least he owns up to his own sin.
+[930.32 --> 933.44]  Swallowing hard, perhaps, he admits,
+[933.64 --> 935.22]  you are a better person than I am.
+[935.52 --> 936.92]  You are more righteous than I.
+[937.24 --> 939.24]  You did this because of my failure
+[939.24 --> 941.54]  to let you marry my youngest son.
+[942.84 --> 943.80]  And that was that.
+[944.96 --> 946.76]  And in due time, Tamar gives birth
+[946.76 --> 950.26]  to twin boys who were named Perez and Zerah.
+[952.78 --> 953.66]  That's the story.
+[955.58 --> 957.80]  Now the question is, why?
+[957.80 --> 962.24]  What's the point of this sordid story,
+[962.38 --> 962.98]  which, if anything,
+[963.18 --> 965.74]  sounds even more depraved
+[965.74 --> 967.80]  than what you see on trash TV?
+[968.88 --> 970.80]  Why not, at least in the Bible,
+[971.10 --> 971.70]  in the church,
+[971.82 --> 974.62]  stick to nice, wholesome stories?
+[976.90 --> 978.70]  Well, then I want to look at this
+[978.70 --> 981.28]  the way that police photographers
+[981.28 --> 983.88]  look at a serious traffic accident.
+[983.88 --> 987.84]  They usually take at least three different shots.
+[988.06 --> 990.44]  First, there's this wide-angle shot
+[990.44 --> 992.60]  into which they cram as much
+[992.60 --> 994.82]  of the surrounding area as possible
+[994.82 --> 996.26]  for a total perspective
+[996.26 --> 998.48]  in which the accident took place.
+[999.84 --> 1002.52]  Second, there is a mid-range shot,
+[1002.60 --> 1004.64]  which gives them more immediate context.
+[1005.50 --> 1006.28]  And then third,
+[1007.32 --> 1010.22]  they zoom right in for a close-up shot
+[1010.22 --> 1011.42]  to record in detail
+[1011.42 --> 1014.32]  the damage sustained by each vehicle.
+[1015.34 --> 1016.08]  Taken together,
+[1016.26 --> 1019.06]  the three photos show what actually happened.
+[1020.56 --> 1022.10]  So taking that approach,
+[1022.22 --> 1023.30]  but working backwards,
+[1023.62 --> 1025.94]  we start with a close-up shot,
+[1026.66 --> 1029.96]  the context of the Joseph story.
+[1029.96 --> 1033.22]  The main thing to note here
+[1033.22 --> 1035.54]  is the change that takes place
+[1035.54 --> 1037.76]  in Judah by the end.
+[1039.66 --> 1041.02]  It was Judah's idea
+[1041.02 --> 1042.82]  to sell Joseph into slavery.
+[1044.62 --> 1046.70]  And Genesis 38 only emphasizes
+[1046.70 --> 1047.96]  his cold-hearted,
+[1048.28 --> 1049.74]  his callous character
+[1049.74 --> 1052.44]  until he gets a taste
+[1052.44 --> 1053.58]  of his own medicine.
+[1054.78 --> 1057.84]  There is a deliberate parallel here
+[1057.84 --> 1060.04]  between Judah handing
+[1060.04 --> 1062.26]  Joseph's blood-soaked dream coat
+[1062.26 --> 1063.36]  to Father Jacob
+[1063.36 --> 1064.40]  and asking,
+[1064.96 --> 1066.22]  Do you recognize this?
+[1067.32 --> 1071.08]  And Tamar handing father-in-law Judah
+[1071.08 --> 1072.78]  his personal identification
+[1072.78 --> 1073.88]  and asking,
+[1074.38 --> 1076.28]  Do you recognize this?
+[1077.98 --> 1079.94]  Talk about poetic justice.
+[1081.38 --> 1082.20]  But clearly,
+[1082.52 --> 1083.42]  and to his credit,
+[1084.36 --> 1086.72]  Judah is genuinely humbled.
+[1087.84 --> 1089.64]  Seeing close up,
+[1090.06 --> 1092.70]  this story pictures
+[1092.70 --> 1094.42]  a severe mercy
+[1094.42 --> 1096.28]  which breaks through
+[1096.28 --> 1098.88]  Judah's hard head and heart.
+[1101.12 --> 1103.94]  Neither Judah nor Tamar
+[1103.94 --> 1105.56]  could be considered
+[1105.56 --> 1107.48]  biblical role models, okay?
+[1108.06 --> 1109.06]  You wouldn't likely
+[1109.06 --> 1110.88]  celebrate with the words
+[1110.88 --> 1112.26]  WWTD.
+[1112.54 --> 1113.56]  What would Tamar do?
+[1113.56 --> 1116.38]  or compose a song
+[1116.38 --> 1116.84]  entitled
+[1116.84 --> 1118.00]  Dare to be a Judah.
+[1119.80 --> 1121.24]  But here is the thing.
+[1122.52 --> 1124.60]  Precisely in their weakness,
+[1124.90 --> 1126.76]  in their mistakes each makes,
+[1126.84 --> 1128.86]  in the sin into which they fall,
+[1129.62 --> 1130.94]  somehow in and through
+[1130.94 --> 1131.98]  all of that,
+[1132.36 --> 1133.70]  each of us,
+[1133.84 --> 1135.26]  even if you haven't
+[1135.26 --> 1137.26]  sunk that low in your life,
+[1137.32 --> 1138.30]  or if you have,
+[1139.78 --> 1140.84]  in some way
+[1140.84 --> 1141.58]  can identify
+[1141.58 --> 1142.96]  with these two.
+[1144.40 --> 1145.76]  And then the simple
+[1145.76 --> 1147.20]  good news of this story
+[1147.20 --> 1148.58]  in a narrow sense
+[1148.58 --> 1149.56]  is that grace
+[1149.56 --> 1151.96]  conquers anything
+[1151.96 --> 1153.42]  and everything.
+[1154.46 --> 1155.78]  That God can change
+[1155.78 --> 1156.96]  even the coldest,
+[1157.12 --> 1157.66]  hardest,
+[1157.88 --> 1158.94]  most self-righteous,
+[1159.06 --> 1160.28]  and depraved hearts.
+[1161.04 --> 1162.42]  And if God could do it
+[1162.42 --> 1162.94]  with Judah
+[1162.94 --> 1163.86]  and with Tamar,
+[1163.86 --> 1164.88]  he can do it
+[1164.88 --> 1166.18]  with any of us.
+[1166.18 --> 1169.24]  The fact is,
+[1169.34 --> 1170.96]  in the rest of the Joseph story,
+[1171.30 --> 1172.16]  as we will see,
+[1173.38 --> 1174.04]  we will see
+[1174.04 --> 1175.08]  to what extent
+[1175.08 --> 1176.22]  God's grace
+[1176.22 --> 1177.44]  transformed
+[1177.44 --> 1178.88]  Judah's life.
+[1180.32 --> 1181.60]  Once the ringleader
+[1181.60 --> 1183.12]  in selling his brother Joseph
+[1183.12 --> 1184.28]  into slavery
+[1184.28 --> 1185.82]  near the end of Genesis,
+[1186.00 --> 1186.54]  when another
+[1186.54 --> 1187.52]  of his brothers
+[1187.52 --> 1188.28]  is at risk
+[1188.28 --> 1189.38]  and before he knew
+[1189.38 --> 1190.58]  what had really happened
+[1190.58 --> 1191.18]  to Joseph,
+[1192.96 --> 1194.18]  Judah will offer himself
+[1194.18 --> 1195.36]  as a hostage
+[1195.36 --> 1197.72]  and a slave
+[1197.72 --> 1199.68]  in brother Benjamin's place.
+[1201.18 --> 1202.24]  And many years later,
+[1202.32 --> 1203.46]  when old father Jacob
+[1203.46 --> 1204.64]  lies on his deathbed
+[1204.64 --> 1205.50]  and all of his sons
+[1205.50 --> 1206.48]  are gathered around
+[1206.48 --> 1207.10]  once more,
+[1207.50 --> 1208.92]  God inspires Jacob
+[1208.92 --> 1210.84]  to give this great prophecy
+[1210.84 --> 1211.62]  about Judah.
+[1212.68 --> 1214.42]  Father Jacob calls Judah
+[1214.42 --> 1215.34]  once no better
+[1215.34 --> 1216.30]  than an alley cat,
+[1216.42 --> 1216.98]  a lion,
+[1217.76 --> 1218.18]  and declares
+[1218.70 --> 1219.92]  that the line of Judah
+[1219.92 --> 1221.62]  and Tamar
+[1221.62 --> 1223.42]  will be a royal line
+[1223.42 --> 1224.64]  that will eventually
+[1224.64 --> 1226.04]  produce the ruler
+[1226.04 --> 1227.68]  of all nations.
+[1230.14 --> 1231.82]  Now the mid-range shot.
+[1233.24 --> 1234.32]  The larger context
+[1234.32 --> 1235.00]  of Genesis
+[1235.00 --> 1237.06]  as a whole.
+[1239.22 --> 1240.74]  Here we've already seen
+[1240.74 --> 1242.18]  how this story ties in
+[1242.18 --> 1243.26]  with God's covenant
+[1243.26 --> 1243.96]  with Abraham
+[1243.96 --> 1245.10]  and the need
+[1245.10 --> 1245.78]  for Abraham
+[1245.78 --> 1246.72]  and his descendants
+[1246.72 --> 1247.64]  to be fruitful
+[1247.64 --> 1248.68]  and multiply.
+[1249.60 --> 1250.96]  But here is also
+[1250.96 --> 1252.16]  another example
+[1252.16 --> 1254.94]  of younger siblings
+[1254.94 --> 1256.12]  being blessed
+[1256.12 --> 1257.66]  in reversal
+[1257.66 --> 1259.38]  of accepted human tradition
+[1259.38 --> 1261.72]  instead of older ones.
+[1262.84 --> 1264.30]  Due to the death
+[1264.30 --> 1265.78]  of his two older sons,
+[1266.00 --> 1267.24]  Judah's youngest son
+[1267.24 --> 1269.06]  becomes the sole heir.
+[1270.28 --> 1271.42]  Then at the very end
+[1271.42 --> 1272.44]  of Genesis 38,
+[1272.56 --> 1273.38]  we have a repeat
+[1273.38 --> 1274.58]  of the Jacob and Esau
+[1274.58 --> 1275.38]  birth story
+[1275.38 --> 1276.70]  when the twin babies
+[1276.70 --> 1277.76]  of Tamar,
+[1278.14 --> 1279.28]  or when the twin baby
+[1279.28 --> 1279.82]  of Tamar,
+[1279.88 --> 1280.50]  who looked like
+[1280.50 --> 1281.72]  he was coming out first,
+[1282.78 --> 1283.58]  instead,
+[1284.58 --> 1286.86]  ends up being born second.
+[1288.24 --> 1290.40]  Both these reversals,
+[1291.18 --> 1292.64]  along with all the others
+[1292.64 --> 1294.22]  you find in Genesis,
+[1294.42 --> 1295.26]  are God's way
+[1295.26 --> 1296.64]  of reminding us again
+[1296.64 --> 1298.02]  of the sovereignty
+[1298.02 --> 1299.38]  of his choosing,
+[1299.60 --> 1300.54]  of his grace.
+[1301.28 --> 1302.96]  Every time God saves,
+[1303.20 --> 1303.86]  raises up,
+[1304.00 --> 1305.30]  or works through someone
+[1305.30 --> 1306.16]  on the bottom
+[1306.16 --> 1307.32]  of the social heap,
+[1307.32 --> 1309.00]  it is a reminder
+[1309.00 --> 1310.24]  that God's salvation
+[1310.24 --> 1311.44]  is not based
+[1311.44 --> 1313.68]  on merit,
+[1314.16 --> 1315.78]  not on social standing,
+[1316.10 --> 1318.14]  not on any human tradition
+[1318.14 --> 1319.36]  or measure
+[1319.36 --> 1320.14]  of determining
+[1320.14 --> 1321.24]  one's value,
+[1321.24 --> 1322.36]  but solely
+[1322.36 --> 1323.70]  and always
+[1323.70 --> 1325.52]  by grace alone.
+[1327.60 --> 1328.58]  Throughout the book
+[1328.58 --> 1329.16]  of Genesis,
+[1329.82 --> 1330.98]  God works the miracle
+[1330.98 --> 1331.82]  of his grace
+[1331.82 --> 1332.80]  in the lives
+[1332.80 --> 1334.46]  of a lot of misguided,
+[1334.46 --> 1335.24]  weak,
+[1335.66 --> 1336.06]  frail,
+[1336.64 --> 1337.68]  faulty people.
+[1338.22 --> 1339.66]  God sticks with Abraham
+[1339.66 --> 1341.54]  despite several
+[1341.54 --> 1342.54]  early failures
+[1342.54 --> 1343.28]  of trust,
+[1343.68 --> 1344.40]  despite his
+[1344.40 --> 1344.98]  and Sarah's
+[1344.98 --> 1345.46]  laughter
+[1345.46 --> 1346.94]  in God's face.
+[1347.28 --> 1348.52]  God sticks with Jacob
+[1348.52 --> 1349.42]  despite his being
+[1349.42 --> 1350.04]  a liar,
+[1350.62 --> 1351.24]  a cheat,
+[1351.68 --> 1352.20]  a crook.
+[1353.20 --> 1354.74]  God sticks with Judah,
+[1355.66 --> 1356.84]  bringing into his life
+[1356.84 --> 1358.68]  a most amazing
+[1358.68 --> 1359.98]  gift of children,
+[1360.14 --> 1361.12]  not just for Judah,
+[1361.24 --> 1362.00]  but ultimately
+[1362.00 --> 1363.34]  for all Israel
+[1363.34 --> 1364.88]  and for the whole world
+[1364.88 --> 1366.40]  through the most
+[1366.40 --> 1367.40]  unlikely means
+[1367.40 --> 1368.98]  you could possibly imagine,
+[1369.80 --> 1370.98]  Tamar's playing
+[1370.98 --> 1371.88]  the prostitute
+[1371.88 --> 1373.38]  and committing incest
+[1373.38 --> 1374.90]  with her father-in-law.
+[1377.86 --> 1379.08]  Had it been left up
+[1379.08 --> 1379.64]  to Judah,
+[1380.56 --> 1381.94]  Tamar would never
+[1381.94 --> 1382.80]  have had a child,
+[1384.08 --> 1385.62]  and both Judah's role
+[1385.62 --> 1386.62]  in Joseph's life
+[1386.62 --> 1387.46]  and Judah's place
+[1387.46 --> 1388.72]  in God's covenant family
+[1388.72 --> 1389.60]  would have ended
+[1389.60 --> 1390.20]  right here
+[1390.20 --> 1391.36]  in Genesis 38.
+[1392.00 --> 1393.86]  But somehow,
+[1394.82 --> 1395.70]  and now we come
+[1395.70 --> 1397.32]  to the wide-angled shot
+[1397.32 --> 1398.14]  of the story
+[1398.14 --> 1399.98]  and the biggest shocker
+[1399.98 --> 1400.50]  of all,
+[1401.64 --> 1402.78]  God manages
+[1402.78 --> 1404.14]  to accomplish
+[1404.14 --> 1405.38]  something amazing
+[1405.38 --> 1406.18]  through even
+[1406.18 --> 1407.98]  the morally
+[1407.98 --> 1409.32]  dubious actions
+[1409.32 --> 1410.68]  of this woman.
+[1411.86 --> 1412.68]  For Tamar
+[1412.68 --> 1415.88]  became the great-grandmother
+[1415.88 --> 1418.30]  seven generations removed
+[1418.30 --> 1420.26]  of no less a person
+[1420.26 --> 1421.38]  than King David,
+[1422.00 --> 1423.82]  and so finally
+[1423.82 --> 1425.54]  the ancestral mother
+[1425.54 --> 1426.72]  of the line
+[1426.72 --> 1427.52]  that produced
+[1427.52 --> 1429.54]  Jesus of Nazareth.
+[1430.54 --> 1432.04]  Because of the strange
+[1432.04 --> 1432.84]  little plan
+[1432.84 --> 1434.08]  of sexual deception
+[1434.08 --> 1435.48]  executed by this
+[1435.48 --> 1437.26]  Canaanite woman,
+[1437.42 --> 1437.92]  no less,
+[1438.92 --> 1440.46]  Israel one day
+[1440.46 --> 1441.82]  got its David
+[1441.82 --> 1443.66]  and the world
+[1443.66 --> 1445.06]  and we
+[1445.06 --> 1447.06]  got its Messiah.
+[1447.06 --> 1450.04]  as the New Testament
+[1450.04 --> 1450.58]  opens,
+[1450.72 --> 1451.40]  Matthew's gospel
+[1451.40 --> 1452.12]  begins with the
+[1452.12 --> 1453.26]  family tree of Jesus
+[1453.26 --> 1454.28]  and contrary
+[1454.28 --> 1455.76]  to all accepted
+[1455.76 --> 1456.74]  custom and tradition,
+[1457.86 --> 1458.58]  Matthew goes out
+[1458.58 --> 1459.24]  of his way
+[1459.24 --> 1460.12]  to include
+[1460.12 --> 1461.14]  in that genealogy
+[1461.14 --> 1461.66]  of Jesus
+[1461.66 --> 1462.48]  no less than
+[1462.48 --> 1463.42]  four women,
+[1464.36 --> 1465.24]  each of them
+[1465.24 --> 1466.34]  non-Jewish,
+[1467.08 --> 1467.74]  three of them
+[1467.74 --> 1469.06]  with checkered pasts
+[1469.66 --> 1470.12]  beginning
+[1470.12 --> 1471.70]  with you-know-who.
+[1471.70 --> 1473.32]  Listen.
+[1474.52 --> 1475.56]  A record of the
+[1475.56 --> 1476.82]  genealogy of Jesus
+[1476.82 --> 1477.24]  Christ,
+[1477.34 --> 1478.08]  the son of David,
+[1478.34 --> 1479.16]  the son of Abraham.
+[1480.08 --> 1481.14]  Abraham was the
+[1481.14 --> 1481.98]  father of Isaac,
+[1482.54 --> 1483.44]  Isaac the father
+[1483.44 --> 1484.00]  of Jacob,
+[1484.92 --> 1485.80]  Jacob the father
+[1485.80 --> 1486.26]  of Judah
+[1486.26 --> 1487.00]  and his brothers,
+[1487.80 --> 1488.52]  Judah the father
+[1488.52 --> 1489.20]  of Perez
+[1489.20 --> 1490.62]  and Zerah
+[1490.62 --> 1491.72]  whose mother
+[1491.72 --> 1493.28]  was Tamar.
+[1493.28 --> 1495.98]  that is,
+[1496.16 --> 1496.98]  the New Testament
+[1496.98 --> 1498.66]  opens with this
+[1498.66 --> 1500.00]  powerful testimony
+[1500.00 --> 1502.08]  of God's love
+[1502.08 --> 1503.60]  for all peoples
+[1503.60 --> 1504.58]  on earth,
+[1505.18 --> 1506.14]  not just Israel,
+[1506.88 --> 1508.24]  with a moving
+[1508.24 --> 1508.76]  portrait
+[1508.76 --> 1510.98]  of God's providence,
+[1511.14 --> 1512.36]  a divine will
+[1512.36 --> 1512.98]  and plan
+[1512.98 --> 1513.56]  that can
+[1513.56 --> 1514.76]  and often does
+[1514.76 --> 1515.58]  move forward
+[1515.58 --> 1516.30]  through even
+[1516.30 --> 1517.14]  the messiest
+[1517.14 --> 1518.18]  of circumstances
+[1518.18 --> 1520.48]  and with an
+[1520.48 --> 1521.88]  amazing proclamation
+[1521.88 --> 1523.06]  of a grace
+[1523.06 --> 1524.00]  that is bigger
+[1524.00 --> 1525.30]  than any
+[1525.30 --> 1527.04]  and every
+[1527.04 --> 1528.50]  human sin.
+[1530.06 --> 1531.50]  And that testimony,
+[1531.74 --> 1532.32]  that portrait,
+[1532.46 --> 1533.30]  that proclamation
+[1533.30 --> 1534.96]  centers on the one
+[1534.96 --> 1536.22]  to whom God's
+[1536.22 --> 1537.22]  covenant promise
+[1537.22 --> 1538.48]  always pointed
+[1538.48 --> 1539.60]  from the beginning,
+[1540.62 --> 1541.70]  Jesus Christ.
+[1543.08 --> 1543.92]  For when Jesus
+[1543.92 --> 1544.82]  came and lived
+[1544.82 --> 1545.34]  on earth,
+[1545.68 --> 1546.66]  let's be honest now,
+[1546.92 --> 1547.76]  He so often
+[1547.76 --> 1548.76]  associated with,
+[1548.80 --> 1549.52]  He deliberately
+[1549.52 --> 1550.38]  sought out
+[1550.38 --> 1551.54]  the very kind
+[1551.54 --> 1552.02]  of people
+[1552.02 --> 1552.84]  we often
+[1552.84 --> 1553.92]  prefer to avoid
+[1553.92 --> 1554.58]  or pass
+[1554.58 --> 1555.60]  self-ruggest
+[1555.60 --> 1556.60]  judgment on,
+[1556.82 --> 1557.86]  the kind of people
+[1557.86 --> 1558.90]  who, like Judah
+[1558.90 --> 1559.82]  and Tamar,
+[1560.06 --> 1560.58]  would have made
+[1560.58 --> 1561.80]  excellent candidates
+[1561.80 --> 1563.28]  for the trash TV
+[1563.28 --> 1564.38]  programs of Jerry
+[1564.38 --> 1564.80]  Springer
+[1564.80 --> 1565.78]  and his ilk.
+[1567.72 --> 1568.62]  Jesus showed
+[1568.62 --> 1569.22]  compassion
+[1569.22 --> 1570.68]  for prostitutes
+[1570.68 --> 1572.02]  and many
+[1572.02 --> 1573.02]  became His disciples.
+[1574.06 --> 1574.70]  He went out
+[1574.70 --> 1575.36]  of His way
+[1575.36 --> 1576.52]  to share God's love
+[1576.52 --> 1577.92]  with a Samaritan woman
+[1577.92 --> 1578.48]  who had already
+[1578.48 --> 1579.52]  had five husbands
+[1579.52 --> 1580.84]  and was currently
+[1580.84 --> 1581.80]  living common law
+[1581.80 --> 1582.92]  with a sixth man.
+[1584.14 --> 1585.12]  He dealt graciously
+[1585.12 --> 1585.70]  with the woman
+[1585.70 --> 1587.00]  caught in adultery
+[1587.00 --> 1588.00]  by inviting
+[1588.00 --> 1589.08]  any of the witnesses
+[1589.08 --> 1590.10]  who had dragged her
+[1590.10 --> 1591.02]  to Him for judgment
+[1591.02 --> 1593.72]  and who were without sin
+[1593.72 --> 1595.70]  to throw the first stone.
+[1596.82 --> 1597.92]  And when they all
+[1597.92 --> 1598.48]  disappeared
+[1598.48 --> 1599.66]  and no one was left
+[1599.66 --> 1600.20]  to condemn,
+[1600.92 --> 1601.70]  He said to her,
+[1602.54 --> 1603.48]  then neither do I
+[1603.48 --> 1604.08]  condemn you.
+[1604.80 --> 1605.42]  Go now
+[1605.42 --> 1606.00]  and leave
+[1606.00 --> 1606.72]  your life
+[1606.72 --> 1607.34]  of sin.
+[1609.30 --> 1610.84]  This is God's
+[1610.84 --> 1611.92]  good news
+[1611.92 --> 1613.04]  for sinners.
+[1614.38 --> 1615.12]  The gospel
+[1615.12 --> 1615.84]  is not just
+[1615.84 --> 1616.36]  the message
+[1616.36 --> 1617.10]  that nobody
+[1617.10 --> 1617.78]  is perfect
+[1617.78 --> 1618.92]  and we should
+[1618.92 --> 1619.70]  be more tolerant.
+[1620.82 --> 1621.86]  It is not just
+[1621.86 --> 1623.28]  a list of good morals
+[1623.28 --> 1624.22]  that we can follow
+[1624.22 --> 1625.18]  if only we try
+[1625.18 --> 1626.34]  a little harder.
+[1627.46 --> 1628.68]  And it isn't just
+[1628.68 --> 1630.18]  nice stories
+[1630.18 --> 1631.88]  about squeaky clean
+[1631.88 --> 1632.54]  heroes
+[1632.54 --> 1634.08]  and perfect families
+[1634.08 --> 1634.74]  that we should all
+[1634.74 --> 1635.44]  try to imitate.
+[1637.46 --> 1638.42]  The gospel
+[1638.42 --> 1639.38]  is the message
+[1639.38 --> 1640.66]  about a holy God
+[1640.66 --> 1642.48]  who has every right
+[1642.48 --> 1643.50]  to judge us
+[1643.50 --> 1646.04]  but has instead
+[1646.04 --> 1647.66]  set aside
+[1647.66 --> 1649.12]  our pasts
+[1649.12 --> 1649.88]  and give us
+[1649.88 --> 1650.74]  a fresh start
+[1650.74 --> 1652.40]  through Jesus Christ.
+[1652.88 --> 1653.50]  The gospel
+[1653.50 --> 1655.10]  is the voice
+[1655.10 --> 1655.64]  of Jesus
+[1655.64 --> 1657.38]  saying to every sinner,
+[1658.48 --> 1659.38]  neither do I
+[1659.38 --> 1660.10]  condemn you.
+[1660.84 --> 1661.38]  Go now
+[1661.38 --> 1662.60]  and leave
+[1662.60 --> 1663.10]  your life
+[1663.10 --> 1663.72]  of sin.
+[1664.74 --> 1667.46]  none of us
+[1667.46 --> 1669.26]  I think
+[1669.26 --> 1670.78]  would want to
+[1670.78 --> 1671.82]  imitate Tamar
+[1671.82 --> 1672.36]  or Judah
+[1672.36 --> 1674.90]  but we do
+[1674.90 --> 1675.38]  recognize
+[1675.38 --> 1676.66]  that sometimes
+[1676.66 --> 1678.44]  we are like them
+[1678.44 --> 1679.04]  anyway,
+[1679.26 --> 1679.76]  don't we?
+[1679.96 --> 1681.36]  We make mistakes.
+[1682.04 --> 1683.12]  We find ourselves
+[1683.12 --> 1684.00]  doing and saying
+[1684.00 --> 1684.80]  things that get
+[1684.80 --> 1685.98]  into God's way
+[1685.98 --> 1687.66]  and amazingly
+[1687.66 --> 1688.40]  sometimes
+[1688.40 --> 1689.42]  we too discover
+[1689.42 --> 1691.42]  that God accomplishes
+[1691.42 --> 1692.30]  something good
+[1692.30 --> 1693.24]  in our lives
+[1693.24 --> 1695.12]  despite how undeserving
+[1695.12 --> 1695.56]  we are,
+[1695.64 --> 1696.66]  despite how badly
+[1696.66 --> 1699.38]  we mess things up.
+[1701.30 --> 1702.60]  In any event,
+[1702.76 --> 1703.36]  life teaches
+[1703.36 --> 1704.14]  all of us
+[1704.14 --> 1705.68]  how much
+[1705.68 --> 1706.88]  we need grace
+[1706.88 --> 1708.56]  and if
+[1708.56 --> 1709.12]  at the end
+[1709.12 --> 1709.72]  of the day
+[1709.72 --> 1710.62]  we find that
+[1710.62 --> 1711.56]  we have received
+[1711.56 --> 1712.32]  such grace,
+[1713.56 --> 1714.84]  if we like Tamar
+[1714.84 --> 1715.78]  are amazed
+[1715.78 --> 1716.88]  to find our names
+[1716.88 --> 1717.76]  appearing in the
+[1717.76 --> 1718.66]  family tree
+[1718.66 --> 1719.38]  of Jesus
+[1719.38 --> 1720.50]  having been
+[1720.50 --> 1721.06]  adopted
+[1721.06 --> 1723.18]  into the
+[1723.18 --> 1724.24]  divine family
+[1724.24 --> 1726.02]  despite all
+[1726.02 --> 1726.68]  that we have
+[1726.68 --> 1727.08]  done to
+[1727.08 --> 1727.92]  disqualify
+[1727.92 --> 1728.54]  ourselves,
+[1729.74 --> 1730.10]  well,
+[1730.46 --> 1731.38]  then it's just
+[1731.38 --> 1732.08]  another reason
+[1732.08 --> 1733.38]  to give glory
+[1733.38 --> 1734.04]  to the God
+[1734.04 --> 1735.16]  whose grace
+[1735.16 --> 1735.86]  is sufficient,
+[1736.38 --> 1737.36]  whose love
+[1737.36 --> 1738.16]  is never ending,
+[1738.66 --> 1739.22]  and whose
+[1739.22 --> 1740.44]  providential care
+[1740.44 --> 1741.48]  is often as
+[1741.48 --> 1742.10]  surprising
+[1742.10 --> 1743.84]  as it is
+[1743.84 --> 1744.38]  constant.
+[1746.88 --> 1747.64]  And you know,
+[1747.74 --> 1748.66]  especially if you
+[1748.66 --> 1749.20]  are part of
+[1749.20 --> 1749.74]  the family
+[1749.74 --> 1751.40]  that even
+[1751.40 --> 1752.34]  our dysfunctional
+[1752.34 --> 1752.72]  culture
+[1752.72 --> 1753.96]  would label
+[1753.96 --> 1755.38]  as dysfunctional,
+[1756.66 --> 1757.12]  especially
+[1757.12 --> 1759.28]  even if you
+[1759.28 --> 1759.96]  and your family
+[1759.96 --> 1760.32]  are just
+[1760.32 --> 1760.90]  the kind of
+[1760.90 --> 1761.20]  people
+[1761.20 --> 1762.40]  someone like
+[1762.40 --> 1762.96]  Jerry Springer
+[1762.96 --> 1763.96]  looked for,
+[1764.96 --> 1765.58]  then listen,
+[1766.82 --> 1768.26]  God is looking
+[1768.26 --> 1768.96]  for you too,
+[1770.04 --> 1771.62]  not to humiliate
+[1771.62 --> 1771.90]  you,
+[1772.98 --> 1773.54]  but Jesus
+[1773.54 --> 1774.50]  came to seek
+[1774.50 --> 1775.96]  and to save
+[1775.96 --> 1776.88]  sinners.
+[1778.36 --> 1779.44]  Genesis 38
+[1779.44 --> 1780.10]  and the whole
+[1780.10 --> 1780.80]  Bible says
+[1780.80 --> 1781.42]  that if God
+[1781.42 --> 1782.00]  could change
+[1782.00 --> 1782.62]  a man like
+[1782.62 --> 1783.20]  Judah for the
+[1783.20 --> 1783.44]  better,
+[1784.38 --> 1785.18]  he can change
+[1785.18 --> 1785.44]  you.
+[1786.12 --> 1786.94]  If God
+[1786.94 --> 1787.48]  could carry
+[1787.48 --> 1787.94]  out such
+[1787.94 --> 1788.32]  a great
+[1788.32 --> 1788.94]  purpose in
+[1788.94 --> 1789.38]  Judah's
+[1789.38 --> 1790.34]  and Tamar's
+[1790.34 --> 1790.96]  family as
+[1790.96 --> 1791.46]  having his
+[1791.46 --> 1792.08]  own son,
+[1792.40 --> 1793.04]  the Messiah,
+[1793.38 --> 1793.78]  come from
+[1793.78 --> 1794.42]  their family
+[1794.42 --> 1794.86]  tree,
+[1795.86 --> 1798.26]  he can
+[1798.26 --> 1799.06]  certainly yet
+[1799.06 --> 1799.74]  carry out
+[1799.74 --> 1800.54]  a good
+[1800.54 --> 1801.54]  purpose in
+[1801.54 --> 1802.22]  your family
+[1802.22 --> 1802.92]  no matter
+[1802.92 --> 1803.84]  how messed
+[1803.84 --> 1805.94]  up it
+[1805.94 --> 1806.52]  has become.
+[1807.84 --> 1808.84]  It all
+[1808.84 --> 1809.56]  depends on
+[1809.56 --> 1810.28]  God's blessing
+[1810.28 --> 1811.48]  and your
+[1811.48 --> 1812.18]  trusting him,
+[1812.98 --> 1814.38]  not on your
+[1814.38 --> 1815.72]  qualifications or
+[1815.72 --> 1816.76]  lack thereof.
+[1818.66 --> 1819.50]  Ultimately,
+[1819.82 --> 1820.96]  that is why
+[1820.96 --> 1822.36]  God included
+[1822.36 --> 1823.16]  even this
+[1823.16 --> 1824.14]  ugly story
+[1824.14 --> 1825.10]  in his
+[1825.10 --> 1826.16]  larger story
+[1826.16 --> 1827.70]  because it
+[1827.70 --> 1828.26]  takes a
+[1828.26 --> 1828.82]  lifetime.
+[1829.62 --> 1830.30]  It takes
+[1830.30 --> 1831.06]  a lifetime
+[1831.06 --> 1832.34]  to really
+[1832.34 --> 1833.10]  get the
+[1833.10 --> 1833.94]  hardest yet
+[1833.94 --> 1834.82]  most beautiful
+[1834.82 --> 1835.58]  lesson of the
+[1835.58 --> 1836.80]  gospel spelled
+[1836.80 --> 1837.50]  out in this
+[1837.50 --> 1838.46]  story in big,
+[1838.78 --> 1839.56]  easy to read
+[1839.56 --> 1840.02]  letters.
+[1840.54 --> 1841.88]  God saves
+[1841.88 --> 1843.04]  by grace,
+[1843.78 --> 1845.24]  not by merit,
+[1846.54 --> 1847.16]  a grace that
+[1847.16 --> 1847.74]  is wider,
+[1848.34 --> 1848.74]  higher,
+[1849.32 --> 1849.64]  deeper,
+[1850.20 --> 1850.92]  bigger than
+[1850.92 --> 1852.52]  any and
+[1852.52 --> 1853.86]  all our
+[1853.86 --> 1854.14]  sin.
+[1854.14 --> 1856.40]  Here God
+[1856.40 --> 1857.10]  reminds us
+[1857.10 --> 1857.76]  that even
+[1857.76 --> 1858.70]  in sinful,
+[1858.92 --> 1859.24]  messed up
+[1859.24 --> 1859.68]  lives,
+[1860.54 --> 1861.06]  he is in
+[1861.06 --> 1861.40]  charge.
+[1861.70 --> 1862.12]  Nothing can
+[1862.12 --> 1862.64]  stop his
+[1862.64 --> 1863.36]  promises from
+[1863.36 --> 1864.12]  being fulfilled
+[1864.12 --> 1864.90]  and there is
+[1864.90 --> 1865.68]  nothing and
+[1865.68 --> 1866.20]  there is no
+[1866.20 --> 1866.78]  one he
+[1866.78 --> 1867.50]  cannot use
+[1867.50 --> 1867.94]  for his
+[1867.94 --> 1868.58]  good purpose
+[1868.58 --> 1869.96]  to bless
+[1869.96 --> 1870.64]  all people
+[1870.64 --> 1871.18]  on earth
+[1871.18 --> 1872.10]  including
+[1872.10 --> 1873.74]  you.
+[1874.92 --> 1875.84]  God is at
+[1875.84 --> 1876.96]  work directing
+[1876.96 --> 1877.76]  things towards
+[1877.76 --> 1878.40]  his gracious
+[1878.40 --> 1879.16]  ends in
+[1879.16 --> 1880.70]  every circumstance.
+[1881.62 --> 1882.48]  So if you've
+[1882.48 --> 1883.10]  got a family
+[1883.10 --> 1883.64]  that's nice
+[1883.64 --> 1884.18]  and proper
+[1884.18 --> 1885.36]  and wholesome
+[1885.36 --> 1886.00]  and everything,
+[1886.84 --> 1887.42]  thank God
+[1887.42 --> 1888.06]  for it.
+[1888.86 --> 1889.40]  Humbly.
+[1890.48 --> 1891.24]  And if you're
+[1891.24 --> 1891.76]  in a family
+[1891.76 --> 1892.20]  that seems
+[1892.20 --> 1893.20]  hopelessly sinful
+[1893.20 --> 1894.26]  and messed up
+[1894.26 --> 1895.22]  and dysfunctional,
+[1895.48 --> 1896.02]  this story
+[1896.02 --> 1896.68]  declares the
+[1896.68 --> 1897.18]  message of
+[1897.18 --> 1897.80]  good news,
+[1898.40 --> 1898.96]  there's hope.
+[1899.82 --> 1900.38]  Really,
+[1900.60 --> 1901.18]  there's hope
+[1901.18 --> 1902.26]  also for you.
+[1904.52 --> 1905.50]  And one last
+[1905.50 --> 1905.72]  thing.
+[1907.08 --> 1907.92]  This story
+[1907.92 --> 1908.54]  declares a
+[1908.54 --> 1909.80]  message that
+[1909.80 --> 1910.50]  needs to shape
+[1910.50 --> 1911.24]  our attitude
+[1911.24 --> 1912.20]  as we minister
+[1912.20 --> 1913.08]  in our
+[1913.08 --> 1913.88]  God-forsaking
+[1913.88 --> 1914.84]  culture today
+[1914.84 --> 1916.62]  in all kinds
+[1916.62 --> 1917.12]  of family
+[1917.12 --> 1918.02]  situations
+[1918.02 --> 1919.34]  that tempt
+[1919.34 --> 1919.84]  us either
+[1919.84 --> 1920.80]  to avoidance
+[1920.80 --> 1923.14]  or self-righteousness.
+[1924.60 --> 1924.90]  Jesus
+[1924.90 --> 1926.34]  does not
+[1926.34 --> 1927.06]  avoid sinners.
+[1928.54 --> 1928.78]  Jesus
+[1928.78 --> 1929.50]  saves them.
+[1930.38 --> 1930.88]  Jesus was
+[1930.88 --> 1931.40]  willing to
+[1931.40 --> 1931.94]  join a
+[1931.94 --> 1932.66]  family tree
+[1932.66 --> 1933.30]  that included
+[1933.30 --> 1933.96]  incest,
+[1934.38 --> 1935.06]  prostitution,
+[1935.42 --> 1935.86]  adultery,
+[1935.86 --> 1936.68]  and murder.
+[1938.08 --> 1938.34]  Jesus
+[1938.34 --> 1938.88]  was willing
+[1938.88 --> 1939.28]  to eat
+[1939.28 --> 1940.04]  with embezzlers
+[1940.04 --> 1941.00]  and prostitutes.
+[1942.42 --> 1942.68]  Jesus
+[1942.68 --> 1943.34]  died on a
+[1943.34 --> 1944.20]  cross between
+[1944.20 --> 1945.08]  two criminals.
+[1946.74 --> 1946.98]  Jesus
+[1946.98 --> 1947.48]  did not
+[1947.48 --> 1947.84]  leave the
+[1947.84 --> 1948.34]  glory of
+[1948.34 --> 1948.82]  heaven and
+[1948.82 --> 1949.16]  give his
+[1949.16 --> 1949.66]  life on a
+[1949.66 --> 1950.12]  cross just
+[1950.12 --> 1950.72]  so that nice
+[1950.72 --> 1951.20]  people could
+[1951.20 --> 1951.90]  become a
+[1951.90 --> 1952.22]  little bit
+[1952.22 --> 1952.52]  nicer.
+[1954.04 --> 1954.84]  He came
+[1954.84 --> 1955.48]  to bring us
+[1955.48 --> 1956.02]  no matter
+[1956.02 --> 1957.04]  who we are
+[1957.04 --> 1958.20]  forgiveness
+[1958.20 --> 1958.92]  from sin
+[1958.92 --> 1960.48]  because none
+[1960.48 --> 1961.04]  of us are
+[1961.04 --> 1962.16]  righteous apart
+[1962.16 --> 1963.00]  from him.
+[1963.98 --> 1964.56]  He came
+[1964.56 --> 1965.08]  to bring us
+[1965.08 --> 1965.46]  no matter
+[1965.46 --> 1966.18]  who we are
+[1966.18 --> 1967.44]  or how
+[1967.44 --> 1967.98]  messy our
+[1967.98 --> 1969.02]  family situation,
+[1969.46 --> 1969.98]  how messed
+[1969.98 --> 1970.28]  up your
+[1970.28 --> 1970.70]  life,
+[1971.72 --> 1972.34]  the power
+[1972.34 --> 1972.86]  to start
+[1972.86 --> 1973.28]  anew
+[1973.28 --> 1974.64]  and make
+[1974.64 --> 1975.38]  something good
+[1975.38 --> 1976.36]  out of
+[1976.36 --> 1977.00]  something bad.
+[1978.58 --> 1979.36]  There is
+[1979.36 --> 1979.98]  nothing to
+[1979.98 --> 1980.70]  keep any
+[1980.70 --> 1981.20]  of us
+[1981.20 --> 1982.14]  from a
+[1982.14 --> 1982.58]  new life.
+[1982.88 --> 1983.12]  Nothing
+[1983.12 --> 1983.86]  to keep
+[1983.86 --> 1984.50]  any of
+[1984.50 --> 1984.78]  us
+[1984.78 --> 1985.82]  from Jesus.
+[1986.68 --> 1987.00]  Nothing
+[1987.00 --> 1987.46]  to keep
+[1987.46 --> 1988.12]  any of
+[1988.12 --> 1988.44]  us from
+[1988.44 --> 1989.14]  being used
+[1989.14 --> 1989.76]  by God
+[1989.76 --> 1990.26]  and being
+[1990.26 --> 1990.66]  a part
+[1990.66 --> 1991.18]  of his
+[1991.18 --> 1991.54]  bigger
+[1991.54 --> 1991.96]  purpose
+[1991.96 --> 1992.34]  for the
+[1992.34 --> 1992.62]  world.
+[1995.08 --> 1996.46]  accept
+[1996.46 --> 1996.94]  your own
+[1996.94 --> 1997.54]  unbelief
+[1997.54 --> 1998.26]  and
+[1998.26 --> 1998.88]  stubbornness.
+[2001.04 --> 2002.08]  So listen,
+[2003.14 --> 2003.72]  hear the
+[2003.72 --> 2004.16]  voice of
+[2004.16 --> 2004.52]  Jesus
+[2004.52 --> 2005.80]  speaking love
+[2005.80 --> 2006.20]  and hope
+[2006.20 --> 2006.76]  into your
+[2006.76 --> 2007.14]  life
+[2007.14 --> 2008.10]  today,
+[2008.80 --> 2009.68]  whoever you
+[2009.68 --> 2009.96]  are.
+[2010.66 --> 2011.22]  Even in
+[2011.22 --> 2012.06]  this strange
+[2012.06 --> 2013.26]  and shocking
+[2013.26 --> 2013.78]  story,
+[2014.56 --> 2015.04]  come to
+[2015.04 --> 2015.36]  him,
+[2015.92 --> 2016.54]  the lion
+[2016.54 --> 2017.04]  of Judah,
+[2017.28 --> 2018.02]  says Revelation
+[2018.02 --> 2018.50]  5,
+[2018.80 --> 2019.42]  the lion
+[2019.42 --> 2019.86]  of Judah
+[2019.86 --> 2020.38]  who became
+[2020.38 --> 2020.82]  the lamb
+[2020.82 --> 2021.36]  of God
+[2021.36 --> 2022.36]  that takes
+[2022.36 --> 2022.84]  away the
+[2022.84 --> 2023.16]  sin of
+[2023.16 --> 2023.58]  the world
+[2023.58 --> 2024.68]  and who
+[2024.68 --> 2025.52]  once promised
+[2025.52 --> 2026.80]  and still
+[2026.80 --> 2028.16]  does right
+[2028.16 --> 2028.58]  here at
+[2028.58 --> 2029.08]  his table,
+[2030.20 --> 2030.44]  whoever
+[2030.44 --> 2031.60]  comes to
+[2031.60 --> 2031.88]  me,
+[2032.88 --> 2033.94]  I will
+[2033.94 --> 2034.68]  never
+[2034.68 --> 2036.38]  drive away.
+[2036.68 --> 2037.20]  Whoever
+[2037.20 --> 2039.12]  comes to
+[2039.12 --> 2039.34]  me,
+[2040.34 --> 2041.26]  I will
+[2041.26 --> 2041.96]  never drive
+[2041.96 --> 2043.34]  away in
+[2043.34 --> 2043.60]  the name
+[2043.60 --> 2043.88]  of the
+[2043.88 --> 2044.32]  Father and
+[2044.32 --> 2044.70]  the Son
+[2044.70 --> 2045.82]  and the
+[2045.82 --> 2046.38]  Holy Spirit.
+[2047.10 --> 2047.60]  Let's
+[2047.60 --> 2047.84]  pray.
+[2049.60 --> 2050.42]  Father in
+[2050.42 --> 2050.68]  heaven,
+[2051.90 --> 2052.64]  your grace
+[2052.64 --> 2053.20]  is too
+[2053.20 --> 2055.72]  big for
+[2055.72 --> 2056.16]  us to
+[2056.16 --> 2056.44]  fully
+[2056.44 --> 2057.12]  comprehend.
+[2059.52 --> 2060.30]  But help
+[2060.30 --> 2060.68]  us to
+[2060.68 --> 2060.92]  know,
+[2061.16 --> 2061.20]  Lord,
+[2061.32 --> 2061.90]  deep down
+[2061.90 --> 2063.46]  that your
+[2063.46 --> 2064.50]  grace is
+[2064.50 --> 2065.16]  big enough
+[2065.16 --> 2065.70]  to cover
+[2065.70 --> 2067.12]  any and
+[2067.12 --> 2067.54]  all of
+[2067.54 --> 2068.00]  our sin.
+[2069.72 --> 2070.50]  That your
+[2070.50 --> 2071.12]  grace has
+[2071.12 --> 2071.58]  been given
+[2071.58 --> 2072.50]  to us as
+[2072.50 --> 2073.80]  a gift
+[2073.80 --> 2074.86]  through
+[2074.86 --> 2075.20]  Jesus,
+[2075.36 --> 2075.74]  your Son.
+[2077.04 --> 2077.70]  As we
+[2077.70 --> 2078.26]  now come
+[2078.26 --> 2079.24]  in just a
+[2079.24 --> 2079.76]  few moments
+[2079.76 --> 2080.22]  to his
+[2080.22 --> 2080.84]  table again
+[2080.84 --> 2081.42]  this morning,
+[2082.56 --> 2083.26]  assure us,
+[2083.48 --> 2083.90]  Lord, in
+[2083.90 --> 2084.42]  the depth
+[2084.42 --> 2084.78]  of our
+[2084.78 --> 2086.96]  hearts that
+[2086.96 --> 2087.46]  we belong
+[2087.46 --> 2087.96]  to you
+[2087.96 --> 2089.84]  in spite of
+[2089.84 --> 2090.22]  everything,
+[2091.58 --> 2092.62]  not because
+[2092.62 --> 2093.02]  of anything
+[2093.02 --> 2093.48]  we have
+[2093.48 --> 2094.22]  done, but
+[2094.22 --> 2094.86]  because of
+[2094.86 --> 2096.48]  everything that
+[2096.48 --> 2097.04]  Jesus has
+[2097.04 --> 2097.34]  done.
+[2098.10 --> 2098.78]  In his
+[2098.78 --> 2100.14]  name we
+[2100.14 --> 2100.42]  pray.
+[2101.20 --> 2101.52]  Amen.
+[2101.52 --> 2101.62]  Amen.
+[2101.62 --> 2101.66]  Amen.
+[2101.66 --> 2101.68]  Amen.
+[2101.68 --> 2101.70]  Amen.
+[2101.70 --> 2101.72]  Amen.
+[2101.72 --> 2101.74]  Amen.
+[2101.74 --> 2101.76]  Amen.
+[2101.76 --> 2101.78]  Amen.
+[2101.78 --> 2101.82]  Amen.
+[2101.82 --> 2103.70]  Amen.
+[2103.70 --> 2103.72]  Amen.
+[2103.72 --> 2105.72]  Amen.
+[2105.72 --> 2105.78]  Amen.
+[2105.78 --> 2105.80]  Amen.
+[2105.80 --> 2105.82]  Amen.
+[2105.82 --> 2105.86]  Amen.
+[2105.86 --> 2105.88]  Amen.
+[2105.88 --> 2109.74]  Amen.

Joseph #2—Grace Conquers All (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1109 @@
+[0.92 --> 8.30]  So this morning we continue a series on Joseph that I began two weeks ago and we looked at
+[8.30 --> 18.50]  Genesis 37 and today we're going to look at part two of that series and as we read this
+[18.50 --> 24.26]  you're going to ask yourself what on earth is that doing in the middle of the story of
+[24.26 --> 33.22]  Joseph? Well I'm going to explain that to you. This is Genesis 38. It begins with these words at
+[33.22 --> 45.18]  that time. We left Joseph on the way to Egypt. At that time Judah left his brothers and went down
+[45.18 --> 53.66]  to stay with a man of Adullam named Hira. There Judah met the daughter of a Canaanite man named
+[53.66 --> 61.02]  Shewet. He married her and made love to her. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son who was
+[61.02 --> 68.86]  named Er. She conceived again and gave birth to a son and named him Onan. She gave birth to still
+[68.86 --> 77.40]  another son and named him Shelah. It was at Kezeb that she gave birth to him. Judah got a wife for
+[77.40 --> 84.26]  Er his firstborn and her name was Tamar. But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the Lord's sight
+[84.26 --> 91.62]  and so the Lord put him to death. Then Judah said to Onan, sleep with your brother's wife and fulfill
+[91.62 --> 98.44]  your duty to her as a brother-in-law to raise up offspring for your brother. But Onan knew that the
+[98.44 --> 104.34]  child would not be his. So whenever he slept with his brother's wife, he spilled his semen on the ground
+[104.34 --> 110.54]  to keep from providing offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the Lord's sight. So the
+[110.54 --> 119.06]  Lord put him to death also. Judah then said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, live as a widow in your
+[119.06 --> 126.22]  father's household until my son Shelah grows up. For he thought he may die too, just like his brothers.
+[126.22 --> 134.28]  So Tamar went to live in her father's household. After a long time, Judah's wife, the daughter of
+[134.28 --> 139.98]  Shewa, died. When Judah had recovered from his grief, he went up to Timnah to the men who were
+[139.98 --> 146.72]  shearing his sheep and his friend Hira the Adullamite went with him. When Tamar was told,
+[147.30 --> 153.12]  your father-in-law is on his way to Timnah to shear his sheep, she took off her widow's clothes,
+[153.12 --> 158.84]  covered herself with a veil to disguise herself, and then sat down at the entrance to Enayim,
+[159.30 --> 164.68]  which is on the road to Timnah. For she saw that, though Shelah had now grown up,
+[165.06 --> 171.96]  she had not been given to him as his wife. When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute,
+[172.08 --> 177.64]  for she had covered her face. Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by
+[177.64 --> 184.62]  the roadside and said, Come now, let me sleep with you. And what will you give me to sleep with you?
+[184.70 --> 190.84]  she asked. I'll send you a young goat from my flock, he said. Will you give me something as a
+[190.84 --> 197.90]  pledge until you send it? she asked. He said, What pledge should I give you? Your seal and its cord,
+[197.90 --> 205.34]  and the staff in your hand, she answered. So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became
+[205.34 --> 211.28]  pregnant by him. After she left, she took off her veil and put on her widow's clothes again.
+[212.54 --> 218.22]  Meanwhile, Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get his pledge back from
+[218.22 --> 224.96]  the woman, but he did not find her. He asked the men who lived there, Where is the shrine prostitute who
+[224.96 --> 229.96]  was beside the road to Inaim? There hasn't been any shrine prostitute here, they said.
+[230.98 --> 236.66]  So he went back to Judah and said, I didn't find her. Besides, the men who lived there said,
+[236.98 --> 242.96]  There hasn't been any shrine prostitute here. Then Judah said, Let her keep what she has,
+[243.06 --> 248.02]  or we will become a laughing stock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you didn't find her.
+[248.02 --> 255.96]  About three months later, Judah was told, Your daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution,
+[256.36 --> 263.10]  and as a result, she is now pregnant. Judah said, Bring her out and have her burned to death.
+[264.08 --> 267.18]  As she was being brought out, she sent a message to her father-in-law.
+[268.04 --> 275.72]  I am pregnant by the man who owns these, she said. And she added, See if you recognize whose seal
+[275.72 --> 284.28]  and cord and staff these are. Judah recognized them and said, She is more righteous than I,
+[284.86 --> 290.30]  since I wouldn't give her to my son Sheila. And he did not sleep with her again.
+[291.96 --> 297.38]  When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. As she was giving birth,
+[297.48 --> 301.98]  one of them put out his hand, so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrist and said,
+[301.98 --> 308.04]  This one came out first. But when he drew back his hand, his brother came out, and she said,
+[308.40 --> 315.30]  So, this is how you have broken out. And he was named Perez. Then his brother, who had the scarlet
+[315.30 --> 323.64]  thread on his wrist, came out, and he was named Zerah. And you thought your family was dysfunctional.
+[323.64 --> 333.60]  Let's pray. Gracious God, that is quite a story. And we pray now that you will help us to make
+[333.60 --> 343.34]  sense of it and to hear what you have to say to us today. Help us to listen. Help us to respond as
+[343.34 --> 352.20]  you would have us respond. In Jesus' name, amen. Well, the Bible sure has some funny stuff in it,
+[352.20 --> 360.30]  doesn't it? If you didn't know any better, you might wonder if this was actually a Bible story or a
+[360.30 --> 367.10]  transcript of an old Jerry Springer show. In case you are not familiar with Mr. Springer,
+[367.64 --> 375.66]  which would be a good thing, I think. His TV show got together all sorts of depraved and
+[375.66 --> 383.16]  related people and then put them together on stage where before a live studio audience,
+[384.00 --> 390.06]  a national TV audience, he egged them on to fight out their personal problems in front of everybody.
+[392.24 --> 396.12]  It was a show that exploited family trauma.
+[396.12 --> 406.68]  It was an ugly show, frankly. But if Judah and his family lived today, they would have been perfect
+[406.68 --> 414.56]  candidates for this show. And I think I'm safe in saying that while you may find the Joseph story in
+[414.56 --> 422.18]  any children's Bible, I can pretty much guarantee you that no children's Bible includes today's story.
+[422.18 --> 430.46]  Besides, what on earth does this story have to do with Joseph anyway?
+[432.74 --> 438.60]  Two weeks ago, we left Joseph on the way to Egypt, sold by his brothers into slavery.
+[439.92 --> 445.64]  We want to know what's happening to him. How's Joseph doing? Will Joseph survive?
+[445.64 --> 452.78]  But we're left in suspense, forced to first hear this story about brother Judah, whose idea it was,
+[452.92 --> 456.30]  remember, to sell Joseph instead of killing him.
+[458.52 --> 463.84]  You wonder why is the story told here? Frankly, why is it told at all?
+[465.22 --> 469.02]  What does it have to do with you? What does it have to do with me?
+[469.02 --> 477.02]  Understanding the story is further complicated by the fact that the sexual customs of these people
+[477.02 --> 480.40]  differ just a little from what most of us were taught.
+[482.48 --> 487.90]  For us, it is a rather unusual notion, I think, that a man's wife would get passed from brother to brother
+[487.90 --> 491.38]  to brother in the event of a husband's death.
+[491.38 --> 498.38]  Then there's not only the fact that Judah so casually goes to bed with someone he thought was a prostitute,
+[499.26 --> 503.42]  but that if she had been a real prostitute and not his daughter-in-law,
+[503.78 --> 505.76]  it wouldn't have been thought of as a big deal.
+[508.28 --> 514.80]  The real kicker is the fact that Tamar, who lies and commits incest,
+[515.32 --> 518.02]  is commended when all is said and done.
+[518.02 --> 524.60]  And then there's the last and the absolute biggest shocker of all.
+[526.32 --> 529.12]  But let's begin at the beginning.
+[530.08 --> 535.68]  The story itself, and that story occurs over a period of 20 years
+[535.68 --> 539.14]  that passed between the time the brothers sell Joseph
+[539.14 --> 543.08]  and their later meeting him again in Egypt.
+[543.08 --> 549.06]  Soon after getting rid of Joseph, at that time, says the story,
+[550.06 --> 556.58]  Judah leaves the family farm, marries a Canaanite girl, and has three sons by her.
+[557.80 --> 562.90]  When the oldest heir grew up, Judah arranges for him to marry a girl named Tamar,
+[563.36 --> 568.04]  meaning date palm, meaning she was lovely to look at.
+[568.04 --> 573.26]  But Arab barely survived the honeymoon.
+[574.04 --> 575.82]  He was wicked in the Lord's sight.
+[576.18 --> 578.52]  We read, though we don't know the nature of his wickedness,
+[578.86 --> 582.04]  so the Lord put him to death, though we don't know how.
+[584.30 --> 586.92]  To ensure the succession of the family line,
+[587.20 --> 591.56]  and according to custom, Judah gives Tamar to his second son, Onan.
+[591.56 --> 597.14]  And while Onan had no objection to sleeping with his lovely former sister-in-law,
+[597.34 --> 599.08]  he was not about to get her pregnant.
+[600.00 --> 605.18]  Not only would her children endanger his own part of Father Judah's estate,
+[606.04 --> 609.56]  they'd also keep him from getting his dead brother's share.
+[610.06 --> 613.70]  And so Onan uses the oldest form of birth control there is,
+[613.70 --> 618.44]  But what he did was wicked in the Lord's sight,
+[619.00 --> 622.06]  so the Lord put him to death also.
+[622.92 --> 625.62]  Though, again, we don't know how.
+[627.12 --> 631.46]  By now, of course, Judah thinks of Tamar as nothing short of bad luck.
+[631.96 --> 635.56]  And so he sends her back to her parents' home with the promise that eventually
+[635.56 --> 638.08]  she would get his youngest son in marriage.
+[638.52 --> 641.36]  But secretly he intends no such thing.
+[641.36 --> 644.46]  This girl is a husband killer.
+[645.50 --> 651.76]  And understandably, he didn't want to lose his third child, his last child, as well.
+[653.84 --> 654.54]  Understandably.
+[655.56 --> 658.76]  Yet, what Judah did was wrong.
+[659.66 --> 663.00]  Not just because he was breaking accepted custom,
+[663.68 --> 667.24]  one that would later be enshrined in the law of Moses as well.
+[667.24 --> 671.68]  No, you've got to read this story in its larger context,
+[671.80 --> 677.34]  especially in light of God's covenant promise to great-grandfather Abraham,
+[677.82 --> 678.24]  namely,
+[679.02 --> 682.16]  I will make you into a great nation,
+[682.40 --> 683.82]  and I will bless you,
+[683.98 --> 687.10]  and all peoples on earth will be blessed because,
+[687.54 --> 689.02]  or rather, through you.
+[689.02 --> 692.24]  Because of that covenant promise,
+[692.40 --> 695.30]  the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
+[695.30 --> 699.94]  had a solemn obligation to be fruitful and multiply.
+[700.44 --> 703.80]  And anyone who, like Judah, refused to do this
+[703.80 --> 706.00]  was standing in God's way.
+[707.92 --> 710.34]  Now, Tamar wouldn't have had a clue about that.
+[710.34 --> 717.80]  Now, realizing over time that Judah had no intention of keeping his promise to her,
+[718.74 --> 720.74]  she was just looking for a solution
+[720.74 --> 727.16]  to the disastrous social status of being a childless widow.
+[728.66 --> 732.06]  Widows without a husband in that near-eastern culture,
+[732.06 --> 733.22]  even today,
+[734.38 --> 735.02]  as then,
+[735.72 --> 739.84]  are left to fend for themselves on the street.
+[740.58 --> 742.18]  They have no status,
+[742.92 --> 744.22]  no one to protect them,
+[744.62 --> 747.00]  no one to defend their rights.
+[747.90 --> 751.72]  Which is why the Bible consistently reminds God's people
+[751.72 --> 754.86]  to look after the widow and the orphan.
+[755.82 --> 758.68]  In fact, writes James in the New Testament,
+[758.68 --> 761.40]  religion, he writes,
+[761.82 --> 765.56]  that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless,
+[766.32 --> 766.96]  is this,
+[767.76 --> 772.64]  to look after orphans and widows in their distress,
+[773.30 --> 777.68]  and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
+[779.42 --> 782.10]  But Judah is not that religious.
+[783.38 --> 786.38]  And so Tamar decides to grab the bull by the horns.
+[786.38 --> 789.94]  And finally, the opportunity arrives.
+[791.10 --> 793.30]  Judah's own wife dies.
+[794.12 --> 795.74]  And after a short period of mourning,
+[795.86 --> 799.30]  he decides to join the men shearing his sheep in Timnah.
+[800.28 --> 804.76]  And in a plan of action that does not say a whole lot about her father-in-law,
+[805.60 --> 809.28]  she disguises herself behind a sort of ancient burqa
+[809.28 --> 811.26]  and poses as a prostitute,
+[812.12 --> 814.76]  confident she could get the better of Judah that way.
+[814.76 --> 817.72]  And so she does.
+[819.48 --> 822.88]  No sooner does Judah see what he thinks is a prostitute,
+[822.98 --> 824.20]  and he propositions her,
+[825.32 --> 827.36]  come now, let me sleep with you.
+[828.26 --> 830.24]  And she says, and what will you give me
+[830.24 --> 832.12]  if I agree to do so?
+[833.16 --> 836.26]  He says, I'll send you a young goat from my flock.
+[836.26 --> 841.42]  But the old goat is not carrying a young goat in his back pocket,
+[842.24 --> 846.00]  and so he leaves her the ancient equivalent, you might say,
+[846.32 --> 849.28]  of his driver's license to guarantee payment.
+[850.72 --> 853.92]  Thus the deal is struck, the deed is done.
+[853.92 --> 860.60]  And the ultimate result is that both their fondest wishes come true.
+[862.50 --> 864.30]  Tamar conceives a child.
+[865.72 --> 868.84]  And when a servant notices her belly beginning to bulge a few months later
+[868.84 --> 869.82]  and informs Judah,
+[870.44 --> 875.12]  Judah gets his opportunity to get rid of this bad luck woman,
+[876.40 --> 879.10]  free his youngest son to marry someone else,
+[879.10 --> 883.34]  and be done with the whole thing without getting into trouble for doing so.
+[883.44 --> 886.54]  After all, Tamar is clearly guilty of adultery,
+[886.90 --> 888.72]  punishable by death.
+[890.16 --> 890.40]  Whew.
+[891.84 --> 893.36]  Talk about a double standard,
+[894.06 --> 896.30]  which is as old as time.
+[897.74 --> 902.18]  But here is where Tamar plays her trump card.
+[902.18 --> 903.14]  Pardon the pun.
+[903.14 --> 906.46]  For as she's brought into the village,
+[907.50 --> 911.38]  where her wood has already been piled up for her execution,
+[912.10 --> 916.60]  she hands Judah his driver's license, so to speak,
+[916.92 --> 922.02]  and says, I am pregnant by the man whose picture is on this card.
+[923.16 --> 924.64]  Do you recognize him?
+[926.08 --> 927.46]  And give Judah credit.
+[928.36 --> 930.32]  At least he owns up to his own sin.
+[930.32 --> 933.44]  Swallowing hard, perhaps, he admits,
+[933.64 --> 935.22]  you are a better person than I am.
+[935.52 --> 936.92]  You are more righteous than I.
+[937.24 --> 939.24]  You did this because of my failure
+[939.24 --> 941.54]  to let you marry my youngest son.
+[942.84 --> 943.80]  And that was that.
+[944.96 --> 946.76]  And in due time, Tamar gives birth
+[946.76 --> 950.26]  to twin boys who were named Perez and Zerah.
+[952.78 --> 953.66]  That's the story.
+[955.58 --> 957.80]  Now the question is, why?
+[957.80 --> 962.24]  What's the point of this sordid story,
+[962.38 --> 962.98]  which, if anything,
+[963.18 --> 965.74]  sounds even more depraved
+[965.74 --> 967.80]  than what you see on trash TV?
+[968.88 --> 970.80]  Why not, at least in the Bible,
+[971.10 --> 971.70]  in the church,
+[971.82 --> 974.62]  stick to nice, wholesome stories?
+[976.90 --> 978.70]  Well, then I want to look at this
+[978.70 --> 981.28]  the way that police photographers
+[981.28 --> 983.88]  look at a serious traffic accident.
+[983.88 --> 987.84]  They usually take at least three different shots.
+[988.06 --> 990.44]  First, there's this wide-angle shot
+[990.44 --> 992.60]  into which they cram as much
+[992.60 --> 994.82]  of the surrounding area as possible
+[994.82 --> 996.26]  for a total perspective
+[996.26 --> 998.48]  in which the accident took place.
+[999.84 --> 1002.52]  Second, there is a mid-range shot,
+[1002.60 --> 1004.64]  which gives them more immediate context.
+[1005.50 --> 1006.28]  And then third,
+[1007.32 --> 1010.22]  they zoom right in for a close-up shot
+[1010.22 --> 1011.42]  to record in detail
+[1011.42 --> 1014.32]  the damage sustained by each vehicle.
+[1015.34 --> 1016.08]  Taken together,
+[1016.26 --> 1019.06]  the three photos show what actually happened.
+[1020.56 --> 1022.10]  So taking that approach,
+[1022.22 --> 1023.30]  but working backwards,
+[1023.62 --> 1025.94]  we start with a close-up shot,
+[1026.66 --> 1029.96]  the context of the Joseph story.
+[1029.96 --> 1033.22]  The main thing to note here
+[1033.22 --> 1035.54]  is the change that takes place
+[1035.54 --> 1037.76]  in Judah by the end.
+[1039.66 --> 1041.02]  It was Judah's idea
+[1041.02 --> 1042.82]  to sell Joseph into slavery.
+[1044.62 --> 1046.70]  And Genesis 38 only emphasizes
+[1046.70 --> 1047.96]  his cold-hearted,
+[1048.28 --> 1049.74]  his callous character
+[1049.74 --> 1052.44]  until he gets a taste
+[1052.44 --> 1053.58]  of his own medicine.
+[1054.78 --> 1057.84]  There is a deliberate parallel here
+[1057.84 --> 1060.04]  between Judah handing
+[1060.04 --> 1062.26]  Joseph's blood-soaked dream coat
+[1062.26 --> 1063.36]  to Father Jacob
+[1063.36 --> 1064.40]  and asking,
+[1064.96 --> 1066.22]  Do you recognize this?
+[1067.32 --> 1071.08]  And Tamar handing father-in-law Judah
+[1071.08 --> 1072.78]  his personal identification
+[1072.78 --> 1073.88]  and asking,
+[1074.38 --> 1076.28]  Do you recognize this?
+[1077.98 --> 1079.94]  Talk about poetic justice.
+[1081.38 --> 1082.20]  But clearly,
+[1082.52 --> 1083.42]  and to his credit,
+[1084.36 --> 1086.72]  Judah is genuinely humbled.
+[1087.84 --> 1089.64]  Seeing close up,
+[1090.06 --> 1092.70]  this story pictures
+[1092.70 --> 1094.42]  a severe mercy
+[1094.42 --> 1096.28]  which breaks through
+[1096.28 --> 1098.88]  Judah's hard head and heart.
+[1101.12 --> 1103.94]  Neither Judah nor Tamar
+[1103.94 --> 1105.56]  could be considered
+[1105.56 --> 1107.48]  biblical role models, okay?
+[1108.06 --> 1109.06]  You wouldn't likely
+[1109.06 --> 1110.88]  celebrate with the words
+[1110.88 --> 1112.26]  WWTD.
+[1112.54 --> 1113.56]  What would Tamar do?
+[1113.56 --> 1116.38]  or compose a song
+[1116.38 --> 1116.84]  entitled
+[1116.84 --> 1118.00]  Dare to be a Judah.
+[1119.80 --> 1121.24]  But here is the thing.
+[1122.52 --> 1124.60]  Precisely in their weakness,
+[1124.90 --> 1126.76]  in their mistakes each makes,
+[1126.84 --> 1128.86]  in the sin into which they fall,
+[1129.62 --> 1130.94]  somehow in and through
+[1130.94 --> 1131.98]  all of that,
+[1132.36 --> 1133.70]  each of us,
+[1133.84 --> 1135.26]  even if you haven't
+[1135.26 --> 1137.26]  sunk that low in your life,
+[1137.32 --> 1138.30]  or if you have,
+[1139.78 --> 1140.84]  in some way
+[1140.84 --> 1141.58]  can identify
+[1141.58 --> 1142.96]  with these two.
+[1144.40 --> 1145.76]  And then the simple
+[1145.76 --> 1147.20]  good news of this story
+[1147.20 --> 1148.58]  in a narrow sense
+[1148.58 --> 1149.56]  is that grace
+[1149.56 --> 1151.96]  conquers anything
+[1151.96 --> 1153.42]  and everything.
+[1154.46 --> 1155.78]  That God can change
+[1155.78 --> 1156.96]  even the coldest,
+[1157.12 --> 1157.66]  hardest,
+[1157.88 --> 1158.94]  most self-righteous,
+[1159.06 --> 1160.28]  and depraved hearts.
+[1161.04 --> 1162.42]  And if God could do it
+[1162.42 --> 1162.94]  with Judah
+[1162.94 --> 1163.86]  and with Tamar,
+[1163.86 --> 1164.88]  he can do it
+[1164.88 --> 1166.18]  with any of us.
+[1166.18 --> 1169.24]  The fact is,
+[1169.34 --> 1170.96]  in the rest of the Joseph story,
+[1171.30 --> 1172.16]  as we will see,
+[1173.38 --> 1174.04]  we will see
+[1174.04 --> 1175.08]  to what extent
+[1175.08 --> 1176.22]  God's grace
+[1176.22 --> 1177.44]  transformed
+[1177.44 --> 1178.88]  Judah's life.
+[1180.32 --> 1181.60]  Once the ringleader
+[1181.60 --> 1183.12]  in selling his brother Joseph
+[1183.12 --> 1184.28]  into slavery
+[1184.28 --> 1185.82]  near the end of Genesis,
+[1186.00 --> 1186.54]  when another
+[1186.54 --> 1187.52]  of his brothers
+[1187.52 --> 1188.28]  is at risk
+[1188.28 --> 1189.38]  and before he knew
+[1189.38 --> 1190.58]  what had really happened
+[1190.58 --> 1191.18]  to Joseph,
+[1192.96 --> 1194.18]  Judah will offer himself
+[1194.18 --> 1195.36]  as a hostage
+[1195.36 --> 1197.72]  and a slave
+[1197.72 --> 1199.68]  in brother Benjamin's place.
+[1201.18 --> 1202.24]  And many years later,
+[1202.32 --> 1203.46]  when old father Jacob
+[1203.46 --> 1204.64]  lies on his deathbed
+[1204.64 --> 1205.50]  and all of his sons
+[1205.50 --> 1206.48]  are gathered around
+[1206.48 --> 1207.10]  once more,
+[1207.50 --> 1208.92]  God inspires Jacob
+[1208.92 --> 1210.84]  to give this great prophecy
+[1210.84 --> 1211.62]  about Judah.
+[1212.68 --> 1214.42]  Father Jacob calls Judah
+[1214.42 --> 1215.34]  once no better
+[1215.34 --> 1216.30]  than an alley cat,
+[1216.42 --> 1216.98]  a lion,
+[1217.76 --> 1218.18]  and declares
+[1218.70 --> 1219.92]  that the line of Judah
+[1219.92 --> 1221.62]  and Tamar
+[1221.62 --> 1223.42]  will be a royal line
+[1223.42 --> 1224.64]  that will eventually
+[1224.64 --> 1226.04]  produce the ruler
+[1226.04 --> 1227.68]  of all nations.
+[1230.14 --> 1231.82]  Now the mid-range shot.
+[1233.24 --> 1234.32]  The larger context
+[1234.32 --> 1235.00]  of Genesis
+[1235.00 --> 1237.06]  as a whole.
+[1239.22 --> 1240.74]  Here we've already seen
+[1240.74 --> 1242.18]  how this story ties in
+[1242.18 --> 1243.26]  with God's covenant
+[1243.26 --> 1243.96]  with Abraham
+[1243.96 --> 1245.10]  and the need
+[1245.10 --> 1245.78]  for Abraham
+[1245.78 --> 1246.72]  and his descendants
+[1246.72 --> 1247.64]  to be fruitful
+[1247.64 --> 1248.68]  and multiply.
+[1249.60 --> 1250.96]  But here is also
+[1250.96 --> 1252.16]  another example
+[1252.16 --> 1254.94]  of younger siblings
+[1254.94 --> 1256.12]  being blessed
+[1256.12 --> 1257.66]  in reversal
+[1257.66 --> 1259.38]  of accepted human tradition
+[1259.38 --> 1261.72]  instead of older ones.
+[1262.84 --> 1264.30]  Due to the death
+[1264.30 --> 1265.78]  of his two older sons,
+[1266.00 --> 1267.24]  Judah's youngest son
+[1267.24 --> 1269.06]  becomes the sole heir.
+[1270.28 --> 1271.42]  Then at the very end
+[1271.42 --> 1272.44]  of Genesis 38,
+[1272.56 --> 1273.38]  we have a repeat
+[1273.38 --> 1274.58]  of the Jacob and Esau
+[1274.58 --> 1275.38]  birth story
+[1275.38 --> 1276.70]  when the twin babies
+[1276.70 --> 1277.76]  of Tamar,
+[1278.14 --> 1279.28]  or when the twin baby
+[1279.28 --> 1279.82]  of Tamar,
+[1279.88 --> 1280.50]  who looked like
+[1280.50 --> 1281.72]  he was coming out first,
+[1282.78 --> 1283.58]  instead,
+[1284.58 --> 1286.86]  ends up being born second.
+[1288.24 --> 1290.40]  Both these reversals,
+[1291.18 --> 1292.64]  along with all the others
+[1292.64 --> 1294.22]  you find in Genesis,
+[1294.42 --> 1295.26]  are God's way
+[1295.26 --> 1296.64]  of reminding us again
+[1296.64 --> 1298.02]  of the sovereignty
+[1298.02 --> 1299.38]  of his choosing,
+[1299.60 --> 1300.54]  of his grace.
+[1301.28 --> 1302.96]  Every time God saves,
+[1303.20 --> 1303.86]  raises up,
+[1304.00 --> 1305.30]  or works through someone
+[1305.30 --> 1306.16]  on the bottom
+[1306.16 --> 1307.32]  of the social heap,
+[1307.32 --> 1309.00]  it is a reminder
+[1309.00 --> 1310.24]  that God's salvation
+[1310.24 --> 1311.44]  is not based
+[1311.44 --> 1313.68]  on merit,
+[1314.16 --> 1315.78]  not on social standing,
+[1316.10 --> 1318.14]  not on any human tradition
+[1318.14 --> 1319.36]  or measure
+[1319.36 --> 1320.14]  of determining
+[1320.14 --> 1321.24]  one's value,
+[1321.24 --> 1322.36]  but solely
+[1322.36 --> 1323.70]  and always
+[1323.70 --> 1325.52]  by grace alone.
+[1327.60 --> 1328.58]  Throughout the book
+[1328.58 --> 1329.16]  of Genesis,
+[1329.82 --> 1330.98]  God works the miracle
+[1330.98 --> 1331.82]  of his grace
+[1331.82 --> 1332.80]  in the lives
+[1332.80 --> 1334.46]  of a lot of misguided,
+[1334.46 --> 1335.24]  weak,
+[1335.66 --> 1336.06]  frail,
+[1336.64 --> 1337.68]  faulty people.
+[1338.22 --> 1339.66]  God sticks with Abraham
+[1339.66 --> 1341.54]  despite several
+[1341.54 --> 1342.54]  early failures
+[1342.54 --> 1343.28]  of trust,
+[1343.68 --> 1344.40]  despite his
+[1344.40 --> 1344.98]  and Sarah's
+[1344.98 --> 1345.46]  laughter
+[1345.46 --> 1346.94]  in God's face.
+[1347.28 --> 1348.52]  God sticks with Jacob
+[1348.52 --> 1349.42]  despite his being
+[1349.42 --> 1350.04]  a liar,
+[1350.62 --> 1351.24]  a cheat,
+[1351.68 --> 1352.20]  a crook.
+[1353.20 --> 1354.74]  God sticks with Judah,
+[1355.66 --> 1356.84]  bringing into his life
+[1356.84 --> 1358.68]  a most amazing
+[1358.68 --> 1359.98]  gift of children,
+[1360.14 --> 1361.12]  not just for Judah,
+[1361.24 --> 1362.00]  but ultimately
+[1362.00 --> 1363.34]  for all Israel
+[1363.34 --> 1364.88]  and for the whole world
+[1364.88 --> 1366.40]  through the most
+[1366.40 --> 1367.40]  unlikely means
+[1367.40 --> 1368.98]  you could possibly imagine,
+[1369.80 --> 1370.98]  Tamar's playing
+[1370.98 --> 1371.88]  the prostitute
+[1371.88 --> 1373.38]  and committing incest
+[1373.38 --> 1374.90]  with her father-in-law.
+[1377.86 --> 1379.08]  Had it been left up
+[1379.08 --> 1379.64]  to Judah,
+[1380.56 --> 1381.94]  Tamar would never
+[1381.94 --> 1382.80]  have had a child,
+[1384.08 --> 1385.62]  and both Judah's role
+[1385.62 --> 1386.62]  in Joseph's life
+[1386.62 --> 1387.46]  and Judah's place
+[1387.46 --> 1388.72]  in God's covenant family
+[1388.72 --> 1389.60]  would have ended
+[1389.60 --> 1390.20]  right here
+[1390.20 --> 1391.36]  in Genesis 38.
+[1392.00 --> 1393.86]  But somehow,
+[1394.82 --> 1395.70]  and now we come
+[1395.70 --> 1397.32]  to the wide-angled shot
+[1397.32 --> 1398.14]  of the story
+[1398.14 --> 1399.98]  and the biggest shocker
+[1399.98 --> 1400.50]  of all,
+[1401.64 --> 1402.78]  God manages
+[1402.78 --> 1404.14]  to accomplish
+[1404.14 --> 1405.38]  something amazing
+[1405.38 --> 1406.18]  through even
+[1406.18 --> 1407.98]  the morally
+[1407.98 --> 1409.32]  dubious actions
+[1409.32 --> 1410.68]  of this woman.
+[1411.86 --> 1412.68]  For Tamar
+[1412.68 --> 1415.88]  became the great-grandmother
+[1415.88 --> 1418.30]  seven generations removed
+[1418.30 --> 1420.26]  of no less a person
+[1420.26 --> 1421.38]  than King David,
+[1422.00 --> 1423.82]  and so finally
+[1423.82 --> 1425.54]  the ancestral mother
+[1425.54 --> 1426.72]  of the line
+[1426.72 --> 1427.52]  that produced
+[1427.52 --> 1429.54]  Jesus of Nazareth.
+[1430.54 --> 1432.04]  Because of the strange
+[1432.04 --> 1432.84]  little plan
+[1432.84 --> 1434.08]  of sexual deception
+[1434.08 --> 1435.48]  executed by this
+[1435.48 --> 1437.26]  Canaanite woman,
+[1437.42 --> 1437.92]  no less,
+[1438.92 --> 1440.46]  Israel one day
+[1440.46 --> 1441.82]  got its David
+[1441.82 --> 1443.66]  and the world
+[1443.66 --> 1445.06]  and we
+[1445.06 --> 1447.06]  got its Messiah.
+[1447.06 --> 1450.04]  as the New Testament
+[1450.04 --> 1450.58]  opens,
+[1450.72 --> 1451.40]  Matthew's gospel
+[1451.40 --> 1452.12]  begins with the
+[1452.12 --> 1453.26]  family tree of Jesus
+[1453.26 --> 1454.28]  and contrary
+[1454.28 --> 1455.76]  to all accepted
+[1455.76 --> 1456.74]  custom and tradition,
+[1457.86 --> 1458.58]  Matthew goes out
+[1458.58 --> 1459.24]  of his way
+[1459.24 --> 1460.12]  to include
+[1460.12 --> 1461.14]  in that genealogy
+[1461.14 --> 1461.66]  of Jesus
+[1461.66 --> 1462.48]  no less than
+[1462.48 --> 1463.42]  four women,
+[1464.36 --> 1465.24]  each of them
+[1465.24 --> 1466.34]  non-Jewish,
+[1467.08 --> 1467.74]  three of them
+[1467.74 --> 1469.06]  with checkered pasts
+[1469.66 --> 1470.12]  beginning
+[1470.12 --> 1471.70]  with you-know-who.
+[1471.70 --> 1473.32]  Listen.
+[1474.52 --> 1475.56]  A record of the
+[1475.56 --> 1476.82]  genealogy of Jesus
+[1476.82 --> 1477.24]  Christ,
+[1477.34 --> 1478.08]  the son of David,
+[1478.34 --> 1479.16]  the son of Abraham.
+[1480.08 --> 1481.14]  Abraham was the
+[1481.14 --> 1481.98]  father of Isaac,
+[1482.54 --> 1483.44]  Isaac the father
+[1483.44 --> 1484.00]  of Jacob,
+[1484.92 --> 1485.80]  Jacob the father
+[1485.80 --> 1486.26]  of Judah
+[1486.26 --> 1487.00]  and his brothers,
+[1487.80 --> 1488.52]  Judah the father
+[1488.52 --> 1489.20]  of Perez
+[1489.20 --> 1490.62]  and Zerah
+[1490.62 --> 1491.72]  whose mother
+[1491.72 --> 1493.28]  was Tamar.
+[1493.28 --> 1495.98]  that is,
+[1496.16 --> 1496.98]  the New Testament
+[1496.98 --> 1498.66]  opens with this
+[1498.66 --> 1500.00]  powerful testimony
+[1500.00 --> 1502.08]  of God's love
+[1502.08 --> 1503.60]  for all peoples
+[1503.60 --> 1504.58]  on earth,
+[1505.18 --> 1506.14]  not just Israel,
+[1506.88 --> 1508.24]  with a moving
+[1508.24 --> 1508.76]  portrait
+[1508.76 --> 1510.98]  of God's providence,
+[1511.14 --> 1512.36]  a divine will
+[1512.36 --> 1512.98]  and plan
+[1512.98 --> 1513.56]  that can
+[1513.56 --> 1514.76]  and often does
+[1514.76 --> 1515.58]  move forward
+[1515.58 --> 1516.30]  through even
+[1516.30 --> 1517.14]  the messiest
+[1517.14 --> 1518.18]  of circumstances
+[1518.18 --> 1520.48]  and with an
+[1520.48 --> 1521.88]  amazing proclamation
+[1521.88 --> 1523.06]  of a grace
+[1523.06 --> 1524.00]  that is bigger
+[1524.00 --> 1525.30]  than any
+[1525.30 --> 1527.04]  and every
+[1527.04 --> 1528.50]  human sin.
+[1530.06 --> 1531.50]  And that testimony,
+[1531.74 --> 1532.32]  that portrait,
+[1532.46 --> 1533.30]  that proclamation
+[1533.30 --> 1534.96]  centers on the one
+[1534.96 --> 1536.22]  to whom God's
+[1536.22 --> 1537.22]  covenant promise
+[1537.22 --> 1538.48]  always pointed
+[1538.48 --> 1539.60]  from the beginning,
+[1540.62 --> 1541.70]  Jesus Christ.
+[1543.08 --> 1543.92]  For when Jesus
+[1543.92 --> 1544.82]  came and lived
+[1544.82 --> 1545.34]  on earth,
+[1545.68 --> 1546.66]  let's be honest now,
+[1546.92 --> 1547.76]  He so often
+[1547.76 --> 1548.76]  associated with,
+[1548.80 --> 1549.52]  He deliberately
+[1549.52 --> 1550.38]  sought out
+[1550.38 --> 1551.54]  the very kind
+[1551.54 --> 1552.02]  of people
+[1552.02 --> 1552.84]  we often
+[1552.84 --> 1553.92]  prefer to avoid
+[1553.92 --> 1554.58]  or pass
+[1554.58 --> 1555.60]  self-ruggest
+[1555.60 --> 1556.60]  judgment on,
+[1556.82 --> 1557.86]  the kind of people
+[1557.86 --> 1558.90]  who, like Judah
+[1558.90 --> 1559.82]  and Tamar,
+[1560.06 --> 1560.58]  would have made
+[1560.58 --> 1561.80]  excellent candidates
+[1561.80 --> 1563.28]  for the trash TV
+[1563.28 --> 1564.38]  programs of Jerry
+[1564.38 --> 1564.80]  Springer
+[1564.80 --> 1565.78]  and his ilk.
+[1567.72 --> 1568.62]  Jesus showed
+[1568.62 --> 1569.22]  compassion
+[1569.22 --> 1570.68]  for prostitutes
+[1570.68 --> 1572.02]  and many
+[1572.02 --> 1573.02]  became His disciples.
+[1574.06 --> 1574.70]  He went out
+[1574.70 --> 1575.36]  of His way
+[1575.36 --> 1576.52]  to share God's love
+[1576.52 --> 1577.92]  with a Samaritan woman
+[1577.92 --> 1578.48]  who had already
+[1578.48 --> 1579.52]  had five husbands
+[1579.52 --> 1580.84]  and was currently
+[1580.84 --> 1581.80]  living common law
+[1581.80 --> 1582.92]  with a sixth man.
+[1584.14 --> 1585.12]  He dealt graciously
+[1585.12 --> 1585.70]  with the woman
+[1585.70 --> 1587.00]  caught in adultery
+[1587.00 --> 1588.00]  by inviting
+[1588.00 --> 1589.08]  any of the witnesses
+[1589.08 --> 1590.10]  who had dragged her
+[1590.10 --> 1591.02]  to Him for judgment
+[1591.02 --> 1593.72]  and who were without sin
+[1593.72 --> 1595.70]  to throw the first stone.
+[1596.82 --> 1597.92]  And when they all
+[1597.92 --> 1598.48]  disappeared
+[1598.48 --> 1599.66]  and no one was left
+[1599.66 --> 1600.20]  to condemn,
+[1600.92 --> 1601.70]  He said to her,
+[1602.54 --> 1603.48]  then neither do I
+[1603.48 --> 1604.08]  condemn you.
+[1604.80 --> 1605.42]  Go now
+[1605.42 --> 1606.00]  and leave
+[1606.00 --> 1606.72]  your life
+[1606.72 --> 1607.34]  of sin.
+[1609.30 --> 1610.84]  This is God's
+[1610.84 --> 1611.92]  good news
+[1611.92 --> 1613.04]  for sinners.
+[1614.38 --> 1615.12]  The gospel
+[1615.12 --> 1615.84]  is not just
+[1615.84 --> 1616.36]  the message
+[1616.36 --> 1617.10]  that nobody
+[1617.10 --> 1617.78]  is perfect
+[1617.78 --> 1618.92]  and we should
+[1618.92 --> 1619.70]  be more tolerant.
+[1620.82 --> 1621.86]  It is not just
+[1621.86 --> 1623.28]  a list of good morals
+[1623.28 --> 1624.22]  that we can follow
+[1624.22 --> 1625.18]  if only we try
+[1625.18 --> 1626.34]  a little harder.
+[1627.46 --> 1628.68]  And it isn't just
+[1628.68 --> 1630.18]  nice stories
+[1630.18 --> 1631.88]  about squeaky clean
+[1631.88 --> 1632.54]  heroes
+[1632.54 --> 1634.08]  and perfect families
+[1634.08 --> 1634.74]  that we should all
+[1634.74 --> 1635.44]  try to imitate.
+[1637.46 --> 1638.42]  The gospel
+[1638.42 --> 1639.38]  is the message
+[1639.38 --> 1640.66]  about a holy God
+[1640.66 --> 1642.48]  who has every right
+[1642.48 --> 1643.50]  to judge us
+[1643.50 --> 1646.04]  but has instead
+[1646.04 --> 1647.66]  set aside
+[1647.66 --> 1649.12]  our pasts
+[1649.12 --> 1649.88]  and give us
+[1649.88 --> 1650.74]  a fresh start
+[1650.74 --> 1652.40]  through Jesus Christ.
+[1652.88 --> 1653.50]  The gospel
+[1653.50 --> 1655.10]  is the voice
+[1655.10 --> 1655.64]  of Jesus
+[1655.64 --> 1657.38]  saying to every sinner,
+[1658.48 --> 1659.38]  neither do I
+[1659.38 --> 1660.10]  condemn you.
+[1660.84 --> 1661.38]  Go now
+[1661.38 --> 1662.60]  and leave
+[1662.60 --> 1663.10]  your life
+[1663.10 --> 1663.72]  of sin.
+[1664.74 --> 1667.46]  none of us
+[1667.46 --> 1669.26]  I think
+[1669.26 --> 1670.78]  would want to
+[1670.78 --> 1671.82]  imitate Tamar
+[1671.82 --> 1672.36]  or Judah
+[1672.36 --> 1674.90]  but we do
+[1674.90 --> 1675.38]  recognize
+[1675.38 --> 1676.66]  that sometimes
+[1676.66 --> 1678.44]  we are like them
+[1678.44 --> 1679.04]  anyway,
+[1679.26 --> 1679.76]  don't we?
+[1679.96 --> 1681.36]  We make mistakes.
+[1682.04 --> 1683.12]  We find ourselves
+[1683.12 --> 1684.00]  doing and saying
+[1684.00 --> 1684.80]  things that get
+[1684.80 --> 1685.98]  into God's way
+[1685.98 --> 1687.66]  and amazingly
+[1687.66 --> 1688.40]  sometimes
+[1688.40 --> 1689.42]  we too discover
+[1689.42 --> 1691.42]  that God accomplishes
+[1691.42 --> 1692.30]  something good
+[1692.30 --> 1693.24]  in our lives
+[1693.24 --> 1695.12]  despite how undeserving
+[1695.12 --> 1695.56]  we are,
+[1695.64 --> 1696.66]  despite how badly
+[1696.66 --> 1699.38]  we mess things up.
+[1701.30 --> 1702.60]  In any event,
+[1702.76 --> 1703.36]  life teaches
+[1703.36 --> 1704.14]  all of us
+[1704.14 --> 1705.68]  how much
+[1705.68 --> 1706.88]  we need grace
+[1706.88 --> 1708.56]  and if
+[1708.56 --> 1709.12]  at the end
+[1709.12 --> 1709.72]  of the day
+[1709.72 --> 1710.62]  we find that
+[1710.62 --> 1711.56]  we have received
+[1711.56 --> 1712.32]  such grace,
+[1713.56 --> 1714.84]  if we like Tamar
+[1714.84 --> 1715.78]  are amazed
+[1715.78 --> 1716.88]  to find our names
+[1716.88 --> 1717.76]  appearing in the
+[1717.76 --> 1718.66]  family tree
+[1718.66 --> 1719.38]  of Jesus
+[1719.38 --> 1720.50]  having been
+[1720.50 --> 1721.06]  adopted
+[1721.06 --> 1723.18]  into the
+[1723.18 --> 1724.24]  divine family
+[1724.24 --> 1726.02]  despite all
+[1726.02 --> 1726.68]  that we have
+[1726.68 --> 1727.08]  done to
+[1727.08 --> 1727.92]  disqualify
+[1727.92 --> 1728.54]  ourselves,
+[1729.74 --> 1730.10]  well,
+[1730.46 --> 1731.38]  then it's just
+[1731.38 --> 1732.08]  another reason
+[1732.08 --> 1733.38]  to give glory
+[1733.38 --> 1734.04]  to the God
+[1734.04 --> 1735.16]  whose grace
+[1735.16 --> 1735.86]  is sufficient,
+[1736.38 --> 1737.36]  whose love
+[1737.36 --> 1738.16]  is never ending,
+[1738.66 --> 1739.22]  and whose
+[1739.22 --> 1740.44]  providential care
+[1740.44 --> 1741.48]  is often as
+[1741.48 --> 1742.10]  surprising
+[1742.10 --> 1743.84]  as it is
+[1743.84 --> 1744.38]  constant.
+[1746.88 --> 1747.64]  And you know,
+[1747.74 --> 1748.66]  especially if you
+[1748.66 --> 1749.20]  are part of
+[1749.20 --> 1749.74]  the family
+[1749.74 --> 1751.40]  that even
+[1751.40 --> 1752.34]  our dysfunctional
+[1752.34 --> 1752.72]  culture
+[1752.72 --> 1753.96]  would label
+[1753.96 --> 1755.38]  as dysfunctional,
+[1756.66 --> 1757.12]  especially
+[1757.12 --> 1759.28]  even if you
+[1759.28 --> 1759.96]  and your family
+[1759.96 --> 1760.32]  are just
+[1760.32 --> 1760.90]  the kind of
+[1760.90 --> 1761.20]  people
+[1761.20 --> 1762.40]  someone like
+[1762.40 --> 1762.96]  Jerry Springer
+[1762.96 --> 1763.96]  looked for,
+[1764.96 --> 1765.58]  then listen,
+[1766.82 --> 1768.26]  God is looking
+[1768.26 --> 1768.96]  for you too,
+[1770.04 --> 1771.62]  not to humiliate
+[1771.62 --> 1771.90]  you,
+[1772.98 --> 1773.54]  but Jesus
+[1773.54 --> 1774.50]  came to seek
+[1774.50 --> 1775.96]  and to save
+[1775.96 --> 1776.88]  sinners.
+[1778.36 --> 1779.44]  Genesis 38
+[1779.44 --> 1780.10]  and the whole
+[1780.10 --> 1780.80]  Bible says
+[1780.80 --> 1781.42]  that if God
+[1781.42 --> 1782.00]  could change
+[1782.00 --> 1782.62]  a man like
+[1782.62 --> 1783.20]  Judah for the
+[1783.20 --> 1783.44]  better,
+[1784.38 --> 1785.18]  he can change
+[1785.18 --> 1785.44]  you.
+[1786.12 --> 1786.94]  If God
+[1786.94 --> 1787.48]  could carry
+[1787.48 --> 1787.94]  out such
+[1787.94 --> 1788.32]  a great
+[1788.32 --> 1788.94]  purpose in
+[1788.94 --> 1789.38]  Judah's
+[1789.38 --> 1790.34]  and Tamar's
+[1790.34 --> 1790.96]  family as
+[1790.96 --> 1791.46]  having his
+[1791.46 --> 1792.08]  own son,
+[1792.40 --> 1793.04]  the Messiah,
+[1793.38 --> 1793.78]  come from
+[1793.78 --> 1794.42]  their family
+[1794.42 --> 1794.86]  tree,
+[1795.86 --> 1798.26]  he can
+[1798.26 --> 1799.06]  certainly yet
+[1799.06 --> 1799.74]  carry out
+[1799.74 --> 1800.54]  a good
+[1800.54 --> 1801.54]  purpose in
+[1801.54 --> 1802.22]  your family
+[1802.22 --> 1802.92]  no matter
+[1802.92 --> 1803.84]  how messed
+[1803.84 --> 1805.94]  up it
+[1805.94 --> 1806.52]  has become.
+[1807.84 --> 1808.84]  It all
+[1808.84 --> 1809.56]  depends on
+[1809.56 --> 1810.28]  God's blessing
+[1810.28 --> 1811.48]  and your
+[1811.48 --> 1812.18]  trusting him,
+[1812.98 --> 1814.38]  not on your
+[1814.38 --> 1815.72]  qualifications or
+[1815.72 --> 1816.76]  lack thereof.
+[1818.66 --> 1819.50]  Ultimately,
+[1819.82 --> 1820.96]  that is why
+[1820.96 --> 1822.36]  God included
+[1822.36 --> 1823.16]  even this
+[1823.16 --> 1824.14]  ugly story
+[1824.14 --> 1825.10]  in his
+[1825.10 --> 1826.16]  larger story
+[1826.16 --> 1827.70]  because it
+[1827.70 --> 1828.26]  takes a
+[1828.26 --> 1828.82]  lifetime.
+[1829.62 --> 1830.30]  It takes
+[1830.30 --> 1831.06]  a lifetime
+[1831.06 --> 1832.34]  to really
+[1832.34 --> 1833.10]  get the
+[1833.10 --> 1833.94]  hardest yet
+[1833.94 --> 1834.82]  most beautiful
+[1834.82 --> 1835.58]  lesson of the
+[1835.58 --> 1836.80]  gospel spelled
+[1836.80 --> 1837.50]  out in this
+[1837.50 --> 1838.46]  story in big,
+[1838.78 --> 1839.56]  easy to read
+[1839.56 --> 1840.02]  letters.
+[1840.54 --> 1841.88]  God saves
+[1841.88 --> 1843.04]  by grace,
+[1843.78 --> 1845.24]  not by merit,
+[1846.54 --> 1847.16]  a grace that
+[1847.16 --> 1847.74]  is wider,
+[1848.34 --> 1848.74]  higher,
+[1849.32 --> 1849.64]  deeper,
+[1850.20 --> 1850.92]  bigger than
+[1850.92 --> 1852.52]  any and
+[1852.52 --> 1853.86]  all our
+[1853.86 --> 1854.14]  sin.
+[1854.14 --> 1856.40]  Here God
+[1856.40 --> 1857.10]  reminds us
+[1857.10 --> 1857.76]  that even
+[1857.76 --> 1858.70]  in sinful,
+[1858.92 --> 1859.24]  messed up
+[1859.24 --> 1859.68]  lives,
+[1860.54 --> 1861.06]  he is in
+[1861.06 --> 1861.40]  charge.
+[1861.70 --> 1862.12]  Nothing can
+[1862.12 --> 1862.64]  stop his
+[1862.64 --> 1863.36]  promises from
+[1863.36 --> 1864.12]  being fulfilled
+[1864.12 --> 1864.90]  and there is
+[1864.90 --> 1865.68]  nothing and
+[1865.68 --> 1866.20]  there is no
+[1866.20 --> 1866.78]  one he
+[1866.78 --> 1867.50]  cannot use
+[1867.50 --> 1867.94]  for his
+[1867.94 --> 1868.58]  good purpose
+[1868.58 --> 1869.96]  to bless
+[1869.96 --> 1870.64]  all people
+[1870.64 --> 1871.18]  on earth
+[1871.18 --> 1872.10]  including
+[1872.10 --> 1873.74]  you.
+[1874.92 --> 1875.84]  God is at
+[1875.84 --> 1876.96]  work directing
+[1876.96 --> 1877.76]  things towards
+[1877.76 --> 1878.40]  his gracious
+[1878.40 --> 1879.16]  ends in
+[1879.16 --> 1880.70]  every circumstance.
+[1881.62 --> 1882.48]  So if you've
+[1882.48 --> 1883.10]  got a family
+[1883.10 --> 1883.64]  that's nice
+[1883.64 --> 1884.18]  and proper
+[1884.18 --> 1885.36]  and wholesome
+[1885.36 --> 1886.00]  and everything,
+[1886.84 --> 1887.42]  thank God
+[1887.42 --> 1888.06]  for it.
+[1888.86 --> 1889.40]  Humbly.
+[1890.48 --> 1891.24]  And if you're
+[1891.24 --> 1891.76]  in a family
+[1891.76 --> 1892.20]  that seems
+[1892.20 --> 1893.20]  hopelessly sinful
+[1893.20 --> 1894.26]  and messed up
+[1894.26 --> 1895.22]  and dysfunctional,
+[1895.48 --> 1896.02]  this story
+[1896.02 --> 1896.68]  declares the
+[1896.68 --> 1897.18]  message of
+[1897.18 --> 1897.80]  good news,
+[1898.40 --> 1898.96]  there's hope.
+[1899.82 --> 1900.38]  Really,
+[1900.60 --> 1901.18]  there's hope
+[1901.18 --> 1902.26]  also for you.
+[1904.52 --> 1905.50]  And one last
+[1905.50 --> 1905.72]  thing.
+[1907.08 --> 1907.92]  This story
+[1907.92 --> 1908.54]  declares a
+[1908.54 --> 1909.80]  message that
+[1909.80 --> 1910.50]  needs to shape
+[1910.50 --> 1911.24]  our attitude
+[1911.24 --> 1912.20]  as we minister
+[1912.20 --> 1913.08]  in our
+[1913.08 --> 1913.88]  God-forsaking
+[1913.88 --> 1914.84]  culture today
+[1914.84 --> 1916.62]  in all kinds
+[1916.62 --> 1917.12]  of family
+[1917.12 --> 1918.02]  situations
+[1918.02 --> 1919.34]  that tempt
+[1919.34 --> 1919.84]  us either
+[1919.84 --> 1920.80]  to avoidance
+[1920.80 --> 1923.14]  or self-righteousness.
+[1924.60 --> 1924.90]  Jesus
+[1924.90 --> 1926.34]  does not
+[1926.34 --> 1927.06]  avoid sinners.
+[1928.54 --> 1928.78]  Jesus
+[1928.78 --> 1929.50]  saves them.
+[1930.38 --> 1930.88]  Jesus was
+[1930.88 --> 1931.40]  willing to
+[1931.40 --> 1931.94]  join a
+[1931.94 --> 1932.66]  family tree
+[1932.66 --> 1933.30]  that included
+[1933.30 --> 1933.96]  incest,
+[1934.38 --> 1935.06]  prostitution,
+[1935.42 --> 1935.86]  adultery,
+[1935.86 --> 1936.68]  and murder.
+[1938.08 --> 1938.34]  Jesus
+[1938.34 --> 1938.88]  was willing
+[1938.88 --> 1939.28]  to eat
+[1939.28 --> 1940.04]  with embezzlers
+[1940.04 --> 1941.00]  and prostitutes.
+[1942.42 --> 1942.68]  Jesus
+[1942.68 --> 1943.34]  died on a
+[1943.34 --> 1944.20]  cross between
+[1944.20 --> 1945.08]  two criminals.
+[1946.74 --> 1946.98]  Jesus
+[1946.98 --> 1947.48]  did not
+[1947.48 --> 1947.84]  leave the
+[1947.84 --> 1948.34]  glory of
+[1948.34 --> 1948.82]  heaven and
+[1948.82 --> 1949.16]  give his
+[1949.16 --> 1949.66]  life on a
+[1949.66 --> 1950.12]  cross just
+[1950.12 --> 1950.72]  so that nice
+[1950.72 --> 1951.20]  people could
+[1951.20 --> 1951.90]  become a
+[1951.90 --> 1952.22]  little bit
+[1952.22 --> 1952.52]  nicer.
+[1954.04 --> 1954.84]  He came
+[1954.84 --> 1955.48]  to bring us
+[1955.48 --> 1956.02]  no matter
+[1956.02 --> 1957.04]  who we are
+[1957.04 --> 1958.20]  forgiveness
+[1958.20 --> 1958.92]  from sin
+[1958.92 --> 1960.48]  because none
+[1960.48 --> 1961.04]  of us are
+[1961.04 --> 1962.16]  righteous apart
+[1962.16 --> 1963.00]  from him.
+[1963.98 --> 1964.56]  He came
+[1964.56 --> 1965.08]  to bring us
+[1965.08 --> 1965.46]  no matter
+[1965.46 --> 1966.18]  who we are
+[1966.18 --> 1967.44]  or how
+[1967.44 --> 1967.98]  messy our
+[1967.98 --> 1969.02]  family situation,
+[1969.46 --> 1969.98]  how messed
+[1969.98 --> 1970.28]  up your
+[1970.28 --> 1970.70]  life,
+[1971.72 --> 1972.34]  the power
+[1972.34 --> 1972.86]  to start
+[1972.86 --> 1973.28]  anew
+[1973.28 --> 1974.64]  and make
+[1974.64 --> 1975.38]  something good
+[1975.38 --> 1976.36]  out of
+[1976.36 --> 1977.00]  something bad.
+[1978.58 --> 1979.36]  There is
+[1979.36 --> 1979.98]  nothing to
+[1979.98 --> 1980.70]  keep any
+[1980.70 --> 1981.20]  of us
+[1981.20 --> 1982.14]  from a
+[1982.14 --> 1982.58]  new life.
+[1982.88 --> 1983.12]  Nothing
+[1983.12 --> 1983.86]  to keep
+[1983.86 --> 1984.50]  any of
+[1984.50 --> 1984.78]  us
+[1984.78 --> 1985.82]  from Jesus.
+[1986.68 --> 1987.00]  Nothing
+[1987.00 --> 1987.46]  to keep
+[1987.46 --> 1988.12]  any of
+[1988.12 --> 1988.44]  us from
+[1988.44 --> 1989.14]  being used
+[1989.14 --> 1989.76]  by God
+[1989.76 --> 1990.26]  and being
+[1990.26 --> 1990.66]  a part
+[1990.66 --> 1991.18]  of his
+[1991.18 --> 1991.54]  bigger
+[1991.54 --> 1991.96]  purpose
+[1991.96 --> 1992.34]  for the
+[1992.34 --> 1992.62]  world.
+[1995.08 --> 1996.46]  accept
+[1996.46 --> 1996.94]  your own
+[1996.94 --> 1997.54]  unbelief
+[1997.54 --> 1998.26]  and
+[1998.26 --> 1998.88]  stubbornness.
+[2001.04 --> 2002.08]  So listen,
+[2003.14 --> 2003.72]  hear the
+[2003.72 --> 2004.16]  voice of
+[2004.16 --> 2004.52]  Jesus
+[2004.52 --> 2005.80]  speaking love
+[2005.80 --> 2006.20]  and hope
+[2006.20 --> 2006.76]  into your
+[2006.76 --> 2007.14]  life
+[2007.14 --> 2008.10]  today,
+[2008.80 --> 2009.68]  whoever you
+[2009.68 --> 2009.96]  are.
+[2010.66 --> 2011.22]  Even in
+[2011.22 --> 2012.06]  this strange
+[2012.06 --> 2013.26]  and shocking
+[2013.26 --> 2013.78]  story,
+[2014.56 --> 2015.04]  come to
+[2015.04 --> 2015.36]  him,
+[2015.92 --> 2016.54]  the lion
+[2016.54 --> 2017.04]  of Judah,
+[2017.28 --> 2018.02]  says Revelation
+[2018.02 --> 2018.50]  5,
+[2018.80 --> 2019.42]  the lion
+[2019.42 --> 2019.86]  of Judah
+[2019.86 --> 2020.38]  who became
+[2020.38 --> 2020.82]  the lamb
+[2020.82 --> 2021.36]  of God
+[2021.36 --> 2022.36]  that takes
+[2022.36 --> 2022.84]  away the
+[2022.84 --> 2023.16]  sin of
+[2023.16 --> 2023.58]  the world
+[2023.58 --> 2024.68]  and who
+[2024.68 --> 2025.52]  once promised
+[2025.52 --> 2026.80]  and still
+[2026.80 --> 2028.16]  does right
+[2028.16 --> 2028.58]  here at
+[2028.58 --> 2029.08]  his table,
+[2030.20 --> 2030.44]  whoever
+[2030.44 --> 2031.60]  comes to
+[2031.60 --> 2031.88]  me,
+[2032.88 --> 2033.94]  I will
+[2033.94 --> 2034.68]  never
+[2034.68 --> 2036.38]  drive away.
+[2036.68 --> 2037.20]  Whoever
+[2037.20 --> 2039.12]  comes to
+[2039.12 --> 2039.34]  me,
+[2040.34 --> 2041.26]  I will
+[2041.26 --> 2041.96]  never drive
+[2041.96 --> 2043.34]  away in
+[2043.34 --> 2043.60]  the name
+[2043.60 --> 2043.88]  of the
+[2043.88 --> 2044.32]  Father and
+[2044.32 --> 2044.70]  the Son
+[2044.70 --> 2045.82]  and the
+[2045.82 --> 2046.38]  Holy Spirit.
+[2047.10 --> 2047.60]  Let's
+[2047.60 --> 2047.84]  pray.
+[2049.60 --> 2050.42]  Father in
+[2050.42 --> 2050.68]  heaven,
+[2051.90 --> 2052.64]  your grace
+[2052.64 --> 2053.20]  is too
+[2053.20 --> 2055.72]  big for
+[2055.72 --> 2056.16]  us to
+[2056.16 --> 2056.44]  fully
+[2056.44 --> 2057.12]  comprehend.
+[2059.52 --> 2060.30]  But help
+[2060.30 --> 2060.68]  us to
+[2060.68 --> 2060.92]  know,
+[2061.16 --> 2061.20]  Lord,
+[2061.32 --> 2061.90]  deep down
+[2061.90 --> 2063.46]  that your
+[2063.46 --> 2064.50]  grace is
+[2064.50 --> 2065.16]  big enough
+[2065.16 --> 2065.70]  to cover
+[2065.70 --> 2067.12]  any and
+[2067.12 --> 2067.54]  all of
+[2067.54 --> 2068.00]  our sin.
+[2069.72 --> 2070.50]  That your
+[2070.50 --> 2071.12]  grace has
+[2071.12 --> 2071.58]  been given
+[2071.58 --> 2072.50]  to us as
+[2072.50 --> 2073.80]  a gift
+[2073.80 --> 2074.86]  through
+[2074.86 --> 2075.20]  Jesus,
+[2075.36 --> 2075.74]  your Son.
+[2077.04 --> 2077.70]  As we
+[2077.70 --> 2078.26]  now come
+[2078.26 --> 2079.24]  in just a
+[2079.24 --> 2079.76]  few moments
+[2079.76 --> 2080.22]  to his
+[2080.22 --> 2080.84]  table again
+[2080.84 --> 2081.42]  this morning,
+[2082.56 --> 2083.26]  assure us,
+[2083.48 --> 2083.90]  Lord, in
+[2083.90 --> 2084.42]  the depth
+[2084.42 --> 2084.78]  of our
+[2084.78 --> 2086.96]  hearts that
+[2086.96 --> 2087.46]  we belong
+[2087.46 --> 2087.96]  to you
+[2087.96 --> 2089.84]  in spite of
+[2089.84 --> 2090.22]  everything,
+[2091.58 --> 2092.62]  not because
+[2092.62 --> 2093.02]  of anything
+[2093.02 --> 2093.48]  we have
+[2093.48 --> 2094.22]  done, but
+[2094.22 --> 2094.86]  because of
+[2094.86 --> 2096.48]  everything that
+[2096.48 --> 2097.04]  Jesus has
+[2097.04 --> 2097.34]  done.
+[2098.10 --> 2098.78]  In his
+[2098.78 --> 2100.14]  name we
+[2100.14 --> 2100.42]  pray.
+[2101.20 --> 2101.52]  Amen.
+[2101.52 --> 2101.62]  Amen.
+[2101.62 --> 2101.66]  Amen.
+[2101.66 --> 2101.68]  Amen.
+[2101.68 --> 2101.70]  Amen.
+[2101.70 --> 2101.72]  Amen.
+[2101.72 --> 2101.74]  Amen.
+[2101.74 --> 2101.76]  Amen.
+[2101.76 --> 2101.78]  Amen.
+[2101.78 --> 2101.82]  Amen.
+[2101.82 --> 2103.70]  Amen.
+[2103.70 --> 2103.72]  Amen.
+[2103.72 --> 2105.72]  Amen.
+[2105.72 --> 2105.78]  Amen.
+[2105.78 --> 2105.80]  Amen.
+[2105.80 --> 2105.82]  Amen.
+[2105.82 --> 2105.86]  Amen.
+[2105.86 --> 2105.88]  Amen.
+[2105.88 --> 2109.74]  Amen.

Joseph #3—The Lord is With Us (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,1977 @@
+[0.00 --> 13.06]  So today we're going to continue our series of messages on the story of Joseph in the latter part of the book of Genesis.
+[15.56 --> 19.76]  And today we are going to read together Genesis 39.
+[23.04 --> 24.70]  And this is the story.
+[24.82 --> 27.74]  Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt.
+[27.74 --> 39.42]  And the great Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
+[40.80 --> 48.12]  The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.
+[48.12 --> 58.52]  When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.
+[59.32 --> 66.36]  Potiphar put him in charge of his household and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.
+[66.36 --> 75.30]  From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph.
+[76.50 --> 81.84]  The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.
+[82.56 --> 85.62]  So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph's care.
+[86.18 --> 92.68]  With Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.
+[92.68 --> 99.20]  Now Joseph was well built and handsome.
+[100.86 --> 105.42]  And after a while, his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said,
+[105.96 --> 107.58]  Come to bed with me.
+[108.64 --> 109.90]  But he refused.
+[111.16 --> 116.16]  With me in charge, he told her, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house.
+[116.64 --> 119.14]  Everything he owns he has entrusted to my care.
+[119.56 --> 121.90]  No one is greater in this house than I am.
+[121.90 --> 127.92]  My master has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife.
+[128.70 --> 133.00]  How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?
+[134.04 --> 140.88]  And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.
+[142.18 --> 148.24]  One day he went into the house to attend to his duties and none of the household servants was inside.
+[148.24 --> 152.64]  She caught him by his cloak and said, Come to bed with me.
+[153.44 --> 157.04]  But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.
+[157.44 --> 163.34]  When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, she called her household servants.
+[163.70 --> 164.78]  Look, she said to them.
+[165.34 --> 168.80]  This Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us.
+[168.80 --> 171.82]  He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed.
+[172.16 --> 176.86]  When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.
+[178.20 --> 181.48]  She kept his cloak beside her until his master came home.
+[182.04 --> 183.52]  Then she told him this story.
+[184.38 --> 187.56]  That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me.
+[187.56 --> 192.84]  But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.
+[194.28 --> 203.20]  When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, This is how your slave treated me, he burned with anger.
+[204.70 --> 210.36]  Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined.
+[210.36 --> 216.30]  But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him.
+[217.34 --> 221.96]  He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
+[222.72 --> 232.02]  So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there.
+[232.74 --> 240.14]  The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success.
+[240.36 --> 243.10]  In whatever he did.
+[243.76 --> 245.76]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[247.62 --> 252.76]  A couple of weeks ago, you may remember, it's sort of an unforgettable story, isn't it?
+[253.66 --> 264.72]  We read the story about Judah, Joseph's older brother, who casually slept with a woman he thought was a prostitute, but ended up being his daughter-in-law.
+[267.02 --> 269.42]  Today you have a story of Joseph.
+[270.36 --> 277.96]  Who steadfastly steers clear of what he knows to be a sinful sexual liaison.
+[279.48 --> 293.54]  And so it seems after these two wild stories, we're all set for the Bible to give us some important moral lessons about God's gift of sexuality and how to avoid sexual temptation.
+[293.54 --> 302.86]  Except, this is really only part of the story.
+[303.38 --> 307.88]  And not contrary to what a lot of people think, the main part.
+[307.88 --> 315.04]  There is a much bigger issue in Genesis 39 than sex.
+[316.00 --> 317.00]  And it's this.
+[317.00 --> 336.18]  How do you bridge the gap that sometimes, maybe often, exists between God's covenant promises and the painful things we often experience as his children in everyday life?
+[336.18 --> 342.10]  On the one hand, the Bible clearly and everywhere teaches the truth of divine providence.
+[342.90 --> 352.02]  On the other hand, the lives of God's people can be so painful, we may sometimes be tempted to give up on God.
+[352.02 --> 358.00]  Leaving us with hard questions for which there are no easy answers.
+[358.00 --> 367.54]  And that's where Genesis 39, in the largest story of God's people, is a case in point.
+[367.54 --> 373.58]  I don't know if you noticed, but it is a story told between brackets.
+[375.40 --> 380.42]  And the brackets are these words found in verse 2.
+[381.54 --> 388.28]  And again, at the end of the chapter, twice no less, as though we needed some convincing, in verses 21 and 23.
+[388.66 --> 393.88]  These words, the Lord was with Joseph.
+[393.88 --> 397.74]  The Lord was with Joseph.
+[398.84 --> 407.12]  Because of this divine presence in Joseph's life, as you would expect, all kinds of good things do happen to him.
+[408.42 --> 411.54]  But this same story forces us to wonder,
+[412.74 --> 417.00]  if God is the source of the good in Joseph's life,
+[417.00 --> 427.58]  why doesn't or why can't that same God prevent the evil thing that stands at this story's center?
+[428.78 --> 433.14]  How can it be true that the Lord is so intimately with Joseph?
+[434.14 --> 440.16]  And that Joseph ends up being falsely accused and thrown into prison?
+[440.16 --> 446.24]  It's one of the greatest difficulties, I think, of the Christian life.
+[447.44 --> 451.74]  We celebrate the truth that God is with us, here at this table again this morning.
+[452.74 --> 455.60]  It is an ancient tradition, and it was always mine,
+[455.92 --> 459.28]  in the churches I served, to begin almost every worship service,
+[459.28 --> 461.62]  with the blessing, the Lord be with you,
+[461.84 --> 465.28]  and then the congregation would respond, and also with you.
+[466.44 --> 468.52]  It is what we pray for our children,
+[468.94 --> 470.84]  when they leave home on a date,
+[472.62 --> 473.52]  a weekend trip,
+[474.18 --> 474.88]  to college,
+[476.16 --> 477.20]  overseas missions.
+[478.20 --> 479.30]  But what happens
+[479.30 --> 482.20]  when we pray for God to be with our kids,
+[482.64 --> 483.98]  and a tragedy occurs?
+[483.98 --> 488.26]  What happens when we pray for God to be with us at work,
+[488.38 --> 489.32]  and we get laid off?
+[490.44 --> 491.28]  What happens
+[491.28 --> 494.80]  when we pray for God to bless our marriage,
+[495.20 --> 496.94]  and in spite of all of our efforts,
+[497.10 --> 498.12]  we end up divorced?
+[499.66 --> 502.00]  What happens when we pray for God to be with us,
+[502.02 --> 503.70]  when undergoing treatment for cancer,
+[503.96 --> 506.10]  and the tumor doesn't stop growing?
+[508.18 --> 508.96]  What then?
+[510.10 --> 510.50]  Joseph?
+[510.50 --> 514.06]  What about when you end up in prison,
+[514.16 --> 515.40]  even though you were obedient,
+[515.80 --> 517.12]  and you kept your integrity,
+[517.58 --> 520.64]  even though you faced three of the strongest temptations,
+[520.90 --> 521.88]  known to humans,
+[522.32 --> 522.82]  no less,
+[523.76 --> 525.94]  but remain faithful to God,
+[526.28 --> 527.24]  in each of them?
+[528.12 --> 528.68]  What then?
+[531.88 --> 536.00]  Yes, Joseph faced three significant temptations,
+[536.16 --> 536.84]  in the story.
+[536.84 --> 539.80]  And while the third of these
+[539.80 --> 542.08]  is the real issue of Genesis 39,
+[543.02 --> 544.94]  and the second is the one
+[544.94 --> 545.60]  that everyone,
+[545.80 --> 546.78]  for obvious reasons,
+[546.88 --> 547.32]  remembers,
+[548.76 --> 552.20]  the first temptation Joseph faced
+[552.20 --> 555.48]  was the temptation of power.
+[556.88 --> 559.50]  In a few short but sweeping sentences,
+[559.72 --> 562.46]  Genesis 39 describes how Joseph ends up
+[562.46 --> 565.10]  in one of Egypt's most powerful households,
+[565.10 --> 567.32]  the home of Potiphar,
+[567.76 --> 569.64]  captain of Pharaoh's guard,
+[570.36 --> 572.76]  and is soon promoted from captive slave
+[572.76 --> 574.84]  to chief administrator
+[574.84 --> 577.76]  over Potiphar's entire household.
+[579.84 --> 580.48]  Power
+[580.48 --> 584.26]  is perhaps the most seductive
+[584.26 --> 586.20]  of all temptations.
+[587.58 --> 589.74]  Not that it is wrong in itself,
+[590.04 --> 591.22]  it is a gift of God
+[591.22 --> 592.70]  meant to be used to serve
+[592.70 --> 594.02]  and to bless others.
+[595.10 --> 596.62]  It is what often comes
+[596.62 --> 598.36]  along with power
+[598.36 --> 599.94]  that is most seductive
+[599.94 --> 601.42]  to kings and queens,
+[601.86 --> 603.24]  presidents and prime ministers,
+[603.70 --> 605.50]  everybody bowing and scraping,
+[605.98 --> 606.82]  the limousines,
+[606.96 --> 608.06]  the luxury suites,
+[608.38 --> 609.06]  the servants,
+[609.22 --> 610.80]  the aides that you beck and call,
+[611.08 --> 612.54]  the ability to make war
+[612.54 --> 613.38]  or peace,
+[613.68 --> 615.40]  to hold the welfare of a nation
+[615.40 --> 616.20]  in your hands,
+[616.50 --> 617.86]  to have in some way
+[617.86 --> 619.58]  the power of death
+[619.58 --> 620.46]  and life
+[620.46 --> 621.72]  over others.
+[621.72 --> 624.90]  those
+[624.90 --> 626.78]  are God's powers
+[626.78 --> 627.54]  alone,
+[627.70 --> 628.26]  of course.
+[629.58 --> 630.88]  And in some way
+[630.88 --> 632.24]  they always suffer
+[632.24 --> 634.22]  when put into human hands,
+[634.76 --> 636.60]  which is why God
+[636.60 --> 637.70]  never wanted a king
+[637.70 --> 638.50]  for Israel.
+[639.98 --> 641.64]  God knew long before
+[641.64 --> 643.14]  Lord Acton of Britain
+[643.14 --> 644.28]  coined the phrase
+[644.28 --> 646.36]  that power corrupts
+[646.36 --> 647.62]  and absolute power
+[647.62 --> 648.98]  corrupts absolutely.
+[651.88 --> 652.90]  God knew
+[652.90 --> 654.34]  that only one king
+[654.34 --> 656.88]  never corrupts,
+[657.88 --> 659.08]  God himself.
+[660.42 --> 661.20]  And that even
+[661.20 --> 662.74]  the best king Israel
+[662.74 --> 663.78]  would ever get
+[663.78 --> 665.46]  as far as earthly kings go,
+[666.00 --> 666.34]  David,
+[666.86 --> 668.22]  described twice in the Bible
+[668.22 --> 670.08]  as a man after God's own heart,
+[670.08 --> 672.88]  would prove to be nothing
+[672.88 --> 674.34]  if not human,
+[675.28 --> 676.18]  as in the case
+[676.18 --> 677.50]  of his sexual assault
+[677.50 --> 678.36]  of Bathsheba
+[678.36 --> 680.16]  and the murder
+[680.16 --> 681.34]  of her husband,
+[681.76 --> 683.10]  Uriah the Hittite.
+[685.30 --> 686.38]  But power
+[686.38 --> 687.58]  not only corrupts,
+[687.82 --> 688.26]  power
+[688.26 --> 689.48]  also
+[689.48 --> 690.62]  reveals.
+[692.32 --> 693.28]  Sooner or later,
+[693.48 --> 694.68]  people with power
+[694.68 --> 696.38]  reveal their true
+[696.38 --> 697.38]  character
+[697.38 --> 697.50]  character
+[697.50 --> 698.96]  and their ultimate
+[698.96 --> 699.52]  goals
+[699.52 --> 700.84]  and values.
+[702.16 --> 703.22]  And never mind
+[703.22 --> 704.36]  everything we could say
+[704.36 --> 705.60]  here about politics
+[705.60 --> 706.50]  today,
+[706.74 --> 707.42]  either here
+[707.42 --> 708.62]  or especially
+[708.62 --> 709.80]  perhaps to the south
+[709.80 --> 710.74]  of us these days.
+[711.70 --> 712.98]  The truth is
+[712.98 --> 714.50]  we all
+[714.50 --> 715.10]  have
+[715.10 --> 715.90]  our own
+[715.90 --> 716.88]  little kingdoms
+[716.88 --> 718.36]  where our word
+[718.36 --> 719.08]  is final.
+[719.64 --> 720.48]  From the office
+[720.48 --> 721.34]  to the living room,
+[721.84 --> 722.48]  the classroom
+[722.48 --> 723.26]  to the company,
+[723.90 --> 724.58]  to your money,
+[724.86 --> 725.42]  right down
+[725.42 --> 726.14]  to the TV
+[726.14 --> 727.04]  remote control
+[727.04 --> 727.86]  in our hands
+[727.86 --> 729.74]  and where the way
+[729.74 --> 730.96]  we use our power
+[730.96 --> 732.22]  reveals
+[732.22 --> 734.16]  what is in our souls.
+[736.34 --> 737.32]  We read that
+[737.32 --> 738.68]  the Lord was with Joseph
+[738.68 --> 740.84]  and he prospered.
+[741.86 --> 742.58]  Joseph, that is,
+[742.64 --> 743.14]  became
+[743.14 --> 744.78]  a powerful man
+[744.78 --> 747.24]  who used the gift
+[747.24 --> 747.86]  wisely
+[747.86 --> 748.60]  and well
+[748.60 --> 750.48]  and was used
+[750.48 --> 751.02]  by God
+[751.02 --> 752.34]  to bless Potiphar,
+[752.64 --> 753.22]  the Egyptian,
+[753.84 --> 755.06]  and his whole household.
+[755.06 --> 757.34]  not as a missionary
+[757.34 --> 758.78]  or some other form
+[758.78 --> 759.54]  of what we sometimes
+[759.54 --> 760.30]  refer to as
+[760.30 --> 761.16]  full-time Christian
+[761.16 --> 762.08]  service either,
+[763.08 --> 764.32]  as though those
+[764.32 --> 765.30]  are the only forms
+[765.30 --> 766.28]  of full-time Christian
+[766.28 --> 766.74]  service,
+[767.32 --> 768.88]  but as a skilled
+[768.88 --> 769.88]  administrator
+[769.88 --> 771.28]  of Potiphar's
+[771.28 --> 772.18]  extensive
+[772.18 --> 773.90]  business interests.
+[775.56 --> 776.14]  God's kingdom
+[776.14 --> 776.72]  after all
+[776.72 --> 777.26]  is much bigger
+[777.26 --> 777.84]  than church.
+[777.84 --> 780.28]  God's desire
+[780.28 --> 781.34]  is that we
+[781.34 --> 782.30]  bless others
+[782.30 --> 783.36]  through the
+[783.36 --> 784.46]  successful use
+[784.46 --> 785.30]  of whatever
+[785.30 --> 787.04]  power you and I
+[787.04 --> 788.28]  have in our hands
+[788.28 --> 790.34]  in whatever we do.
+[791.34 --> 792.56]  You cannot help
+[792.56 --> 793.78]  but hear the echo
+[793.78 --> 794.82]  of God's promise
+[794.82 --> 795.46]  to Abraham.
+[796.46 --> 797.50]  I will bless you
+[797.50 --> 799.32]  and all peoples
+[799.32 --> 799.88]  on earth
+[799.88 --> 801.46]  will be blessed
+[801.46 --> 802.68]  through you.
+[802.68 --> 805.44]  You cannot help
+[805.44 --> 806.10]  but hear that
+[806.10 --> 807.08]  promise in this
+[807.08 --> 807.64]  description
+[807.64 --> 809.20]  of Joseph's role
+[809.20 --> 810.06]  in Potiphar's
+[810.06 --> 810.38]  house.
+[811.42 --> 811.58]  Listen,
+[811.78 --> 812.58]  from the time
+[812.58 --> 813.76]  Potiphar put
+[813.76 --> 814.68]  Joseph in charge
+[814.68 --> 815.46]  of his household
+[815.46 --> 816.22]  and of all
+[816.22 --> 816.84]  that he owned,
+[817.18 --> 817.52]  the Lord
+[817.52 --> 818.48]  blessed the
+[818.48 --> 819.04]  household
+[819.04 --> 820.30]  of the Egyptian
+[820.30 --> 822.26]  because of
+[822.26 --> 822.66]  Joseph.
+[822.66 --> 822.78]  Joseph,
+[823.68 --> 825.72]  it is a reminder
+[825.72 --> 826.86]  that all of us
+[826.86 --> 828.96]  have different
+[828.96 --> 830.00]  vocations
+[830.00 --> 832.22]  but we have
+[832.22 --> 833.44]  the same calling
+[833.44 --> 834.66]  in every one
+[834.66 --> 835.00]  of them
+[835.00 --> 837.14]  to use whatever
+[837.14 --> 838.66]  power and success
+[838.66 --> 840.36]  God gives you
+[840.36 --> 842.32]  to bless others
+[842.32 --> 843.68]  in your community
+[843.68 --> 845.20]  and to bless
+[845.20 --> 845.74]  the world.
+[847.08 --> 848.20]  Your professional
+[848.20 --> 848.96]  success
+[848.96 --> 850.34]  in medicine
+[850.34 --> 851.30]  or business
+[851.30 --> 852.30]  or administration
+[852.30 --> 853.30]  or education
+[853.30 --> 854.46]  or politics
+[854.46 --> 855.12]  or law
+[855.12 --> 856.00]  or agriculture
+[856.00 --> 857.22]  or any other
+[857.22 --> 857.88]  field you might
+[857.88 --> 858.18]  name.
+[859.34 --> 860.02]  The money
+[860.02 --> 860.92]  and the prosperity
+[860.92 --> 861.96]  you may have
+[861.96 --> 863.14]  as a result
+[863.14 --> 864.58]  is all a gift
+[864.58 --> 865.32]  of God.
+[866.46 --> 867.62]  God gave it
+[867.62 --> 868.16]  to you
+[868.16 --> 870.04]  as God gave
+[870.04 --> 870.82]  it to Joseph
+[870.82 --> 872.20]  and with the
+[872.20 --> 872.84]  same purpose
+[872.84 --> 874.36]  to extend
+[874.36 --> 875.38]  God's blessing
+[875.38 --> 877.04]  to his world
+[877.04 --> 878.38]  through you.
+[879.70 --> 880.76]  In a world
+[880.76 --> 881.10]  where the
+[881.10 --> 881.66]  temptation
+[881.66 --> 882.70]  or the misuse
+[882.70 --> 883.30]  and abuse
+[883.30 --> 883.82]  of power
+[883.82 --> 884.90]  is so seductive
+[884.90 --> 885.52]  and strong
+[885.52 --> 887.06]  we need to
+[887.06 --> 887.86]  look at ourselves
+[887.86 --> 888.62]  in the mirror
+[888.62 --> 889.44]  every morning
+[889.44 --> 890.14]  and say to
+[890.14 --> 890.56]  ourselves
+[890.56 --> 891.82]  God has
+[891.82 --> 892.42]  blessed me
+[892.42 --> 893.56]  with this
+[893.56 --> 894.62]  particular power
+[894.62 --> 895.32]  with this
+[895.32 --> 896.46]  particular success
+[896.46 --> 897.50]  God has
+[897.50 --> 898.22]  put me where
+[898.22 --> 898.70]  I am
+[898.70 --> 899.96]  and then ask
+[899.96 --> 902.12]  show me how
+[902.12 --> 902.44]  Lord
+[902.44 --> 904.08]  and use me
+[904.08 --> 904.72]  to bless
+[904.72 --> 905.86]  others around
+[905.86 --> 906.36]  me
+[906.36 --> 907.38]  today.
+[907.38 --> 909.76]  do that
+[909.76 --> 910.36]  as Joseph
+[910.36 --> 910.72]  did
+[910.72 --> 911.70]  and you
+[911.70 --> 912.14]  have a
+[912.14 --> 912.62]  powerful
+[912.62 --> 913.76]  driving force
+[913.76 --> 914.86]  for doing
+[914.86 --> 915.46]  good in
+[915.46 --> 916.04]  your life
+[916.04 --> 916.96]  and a
+[916.96 --> 917.52]  powerful
+[917.52 --> 918.30]  antidote
+[918.30 --> 918.98]  to the
+[918.98 --> 919.72]  corruptions
+[919.72 --> 921.06]  and temptations
+[921.06 --> 921.90]  of power.
+[921.90 --> 925.56]  all right
+[925.56 --> 925.82]  now
+[925.82 --> 927.02]  that brings us
+[927.02 --> 927.32]  to the
+[927.32 --> 927.80]  temptation
+[927.80 --> 928.42]  that appears
+[928.42 --> 928.92]  to be at
+[928.92 --> 929.58]  the center
+[929.58 --> 929.96]  of this
+[929.96 --> 930.30]  story
+[930.30 --> 931.96]  the temptation
+[931.96 --> 932.74]  for lack
+[932.74 --> 933.20]  of a better
+[933.20 --> 933.96]  way of putting
+[933.96 --> 934.20]  it
+[934.20 --> 935.36]  of illicit
+[935.36 --> 935.86]  sex
+[935.86 --> 937.46]  although
+[937.46 --> 938.74]  sexual matters
+[938.74 --> 939.66]  are also
+[939.66 --> 941.04]  so often
+[941.04 --> 942.44]  about power
+[942.44 --> 944.90]  for as
+[944.90 --> 945.56]  successful
+[945.56 --> 946.58]  and trusted
+[946.58 --> 947.42]  and administrator
+[947.42 --> 948.40]  as Joseph
+[948.40 --> 949.18]  had become
+[949.18 --> 950.52]  he was
+[950.52 --> 950.92]  still a
+[950.92 --> 951.22]  slave
+[951.22 --> 952.98]  and in
+[952.98 --> 953.70]  slave cultures
+[953.70 --> 954.26]  both then
+[954.26 --> 954.92]  and now
+[954.92 --> 956.84]  sex is an
+[956.84 --> 957.82]  often hidden
+[957.82 --> 958.68]  but important
+[958.68 --> 959.88]  part of the
+[959.88 --> 960.54]  relationship
+[960.54 --> 961.86]  slave owners
+[961.86 --> 963.14]  often exercise
+[963.14 --> 964.18]  their ownership
+[964.18 --> 965.82]  through sexual
+[965.82 --> 966.36]  advances
+[966.36 --> 967.64]  harassment
+[967.64 --> 968.88]  and rape
+[968.88 --> 971.56]  even today
+[971.56 --> 972.10]  so many
+[972.10 --> 972.62]  power
+[972.62 --> 973.30]  relationships
+[973.30 --> 975.14]  can be
+[975.14 --> 975.66]  sexually
+[975.66 --> 976.40]  charged
+[976.40 --> 978.22]  employers
+[978.22 --> 979.74]  supervisors
+[979.74 --> 981.00]  teachers
+[981.00 --> 982.24]  priests
+[982.24 --> 983.44]  pastors
+[983.44 --> 984.60]  parents
+[984.60 --> 985.82]  presidents
+[985.82 --> 986.84]  can
+[986.84 --> 987.72]  and sometimes
+[987.72 --> 988.08]  do
+[988.08 --> 988.98]  exploit
+[988.98 --> 989.70]  their power
+[989.70 --> 990.52]  over others
+[990.52 --> 992.18]  in sexual
+[992.18 --> 992.66]  ways
+[992.66 --> 995.00]  in such
+[995.00 --> 995.62]  relationships
+[995.62 --> 996.92]  there's really
+[996.92 --> 997.74]  no such thing
+[997.74 --> 998.68]  as consent
+[998.68 --> 999.34]  of course
+[999.34 --> 1000.86]  but only
+[1000.86 --> 1001.68]  constraint
+[1001.68 --> 1003.02]  or compulsion
+[1003.02 --> 1004.66]  however subtle
+[1004.66 --> 1005.66]  that may be
+[1005.66 --> 1007.62]  and just
+[1007.62 --> 1008.54]  so you
+[1008.54 --> 1008.88]  know
+[1008.88 --> 1009.80]  by law
+[1009.80 --> 1010.90]  and within
+[1010.90 --> 1011.96]  our denomination
+[1011.96 --> 1012.88]  when it comes
+[1012.88 --> 1013.46]  to church
+[1013.46 --> 1014.08]  leaders
+[1014.08 --> 1015.62]  any person
+[1015.62 --> 1016.66]  in authority
+[1016.66 --> 1017.86]  who engages
+[1017.86 --> 1018.86]  in a sexual
+[1018.86 --> 1019.54]  relationship
+[1019.54 --> 1020.58]  with someone
+[1020.58 --> 1021.52]  under his
+[1021.52 --> 1022.02]  or her
+[1022.02 --> 1022.70]  authority
+[1022.70 --> 1023.90]  even if the
+[1023.90 --> 1024.74]  victim is not
+[1024.74 --> 1025.30]  a minor
+[1025.30 --> 1026.78]  is guilty
+[1026.78 --> 1028.42]  of sexual
+[1028.42 --> 1029.36]  abuse
+[1029.36 --> 1030.94]  and rightly
+[1030.94 --> 1031.34]  so
+[1031.34 --> 1034.38]  Potiphar's
+[1034.38 --> 1034.76]  wife
+[1034.76 --> 1036.10]  is a
+[1036.10 --> 1036.78]  sex abuser
+[1036.78 --> 1038.82]  to set up
+[1038.82 --> 1039.32]  the scene
+[1039.32 --> 1040.02]  we are told
+[1040.02 --> 1040.82]  that on top
+[1040.82 --> 1041.34]  of everything
+[1041.34 --> 1041.68]  else
+[1041.68 --> 1042.70]  Joseph was
+[1042.70 --> 1043.68]  well built
+[1043.68 --> 1045.36]  and handsome
+[1045.36 --> 1047.58]  and wherever
+[1047.58 --> 1048.26]  this woman
+[1048.26 --> 1049.00]  with far
+[1049.00 --> 1049.44]  too much
+[1049.44 --> 1049.92]  time
+[1049.92 --> 1050.94]  and too
+[1050.94 --> 1051.74]  little husband
+[1051.74 --> 1052.64]  on her hands
+[1052.64 --> 1053.58]  turns in her
+[1053.58 --> 1054.14]  household
+[1054.14 --> 1055.94]  Joseph is
+[1055.94 --> 1056.26]  there
+[1056.26 --> 1057.58]  intelligent
+[1057.58 --> 1059.46]  good looking
+[1059.46 --> 1061.22]  well built
+[1061.22 --> 1062.08]  Joseph
+[1062.08 --> 1062.86]  apparently
+[1062.86 --> 1064.14]  was hot
+[1064.14 --> 1066.98]  and he
+[1066.98 --> 1067.76]  belongs to her
+[1067.76 --> 1068.38]  after all
+[1068.38 --> 1070.00]  he's a slave
+[1070.00 --> 1071.38]  she owns him
+[1071.38 --> 1073.88]  so one day
+[1073.88 --> 1074.46]  and obviously
+[1074.46 --> 1074.92]  not one
+[1074.92 --> 1075.54]  for a lot
+[1075.54 --> 1076.40]  of preliminaries
+[1076.40 --> 1077.64]  she confronts
+[1077.64 --> 1077.94]  Joseph
+[1077.94 --> 1078.64]  and according
+[1078.64 --> 1079.40]  to the original
+[1079.40 --> 1079.78]  Hebrew
+[1079.78 --> 1080.52]  demands
+[1080.52 --> 1081.68]  sex
+[1081.68 --> 1082.54]  now
+[1082.54 --> 1084.54]  that's
+[1084.54 --> 1085.48]  the sanitized
+[1085.48 --> 1085.86]  version
+[1085.86 --> 1086.84]  for churches
+[1086.84 --> 1090.00]  but Joseph
+[1090.00 --> 1090.60]  has a good
+[1090.60 --> 1090.88]  head
+[1090.88 --> 1091.32]  on his
+[1091.32 --> 1091.64]  broad
+[1091.64 --> 1092.04]  shoulders
+[1092.04 --> 1092.42]  and a
+[1092.42 --> 1092.78]  commitment
+[1092.78 --> 1093.30]  to God
+[1093.30 --> 1093.62]  in his
+[1093.62 --> 1093.92]  heart
+[1093.92 --> 1094.26]  and he
+[1094.26 --> 1094.74]  refuses
+[1094.74 --> 1096.60]  he gives
+[1096.60 --> 1096.94]  her a
+[1096.94 --> 1097.38]  reasoned
+[1097.38 --> 1097.86]  defense
+[1097.86 --> 1099.90]  he explains
+[1099.90 --> 1100.50]  the trust
+[1100.50 --> 1101.14]  Potiphar
+[1101.14 --> 1101.72]  has placed
+[1101.72 --> 1102.16]  in him
+[1102.16 --> 1103.70]  the betrayal
+[1103.70 --> 1104.34]  this liaison
+[1104.34 --> 1105.02]  would be
+[1105.02 --> 1106.72]  and maybe
+[1106.72 --> 1107.24]  she could
+[1107.24 --> 1107.96]  understand
+[1107.96 --> 1108.64]  that
+[1108.64 --> 1109.40]  but that
+[1109.40 --> 1109.72]  is not
+[1109.72 --> 1110.12]  the heart
+[1110.12 --> 1110.40]  of his
+[1110.40 --> 1110.90]  refusal
+[1110.90 --> 1111.84]  the heart
+[1111.84 --> 1112.14]  of his
+[1112.14 --> 1112.62]  refusal
+[1112.62 --> 1113.38]  is this
+[1113.38 --> 1115.10]  how then
+[1115.10 --> 1115.64]  could I
+[1115.64 --> 1116.16]  do such
+[1116.16 --> 1116.72]  a wicked
+[1116.72 --> 1117.24]  thing
+[1117.24 --> 1118.90]  and sin
+[1118.90 --> 1120.20]  against
+[1120.20 --> 1121.06]  God
+[1121.06 --> 1123.78]  but still
+[1123.78 --> 1124.34]  she's after
+[1124.34 --> 1124.54]  him
+[1124.54 --> 1125.02]  day after
+[1125.02 --> 1125.30]  day
+[1125.30 --> 1125.80]  we read
+[1125.80 --> 1126.16]  and day
+[1126.16 --> 1126.66]  after day
+[1126.66 --> 1127.34]  he refuses
+[1127.34 --> 1127.98]  making sure
+[1127.98 --> 1128.52]  he was never
+[1128.52 --> 1129.28]  again alone
+[1129.28 --> 1129.66]  with her
+[1129.66 --> 1130.64]  in the
+[1130.64 --> 1130.98]  house
+[1130.98 --> 1131.94]  until one
+[1131.94 --> 1132.28]  day he
+[1132.28 --> 1132.94]  came home
+[1132.94 --> 1133.42]  and found
+[1133.42 --> 1133.84]  the house
+[1133.84 --> 1134.96]  oddly quiet
+[1134.96 --> 1136.02]  with no one
+[1136.02 --> 1136.72]  there except
+[1136.72 --> 1137.48]  Mrs. P
+[1137.48 --> 1138.50]  who nearly
+[1138.50 --> 1139.24]  naked this
+[1139.24 --> 1139.58]  time
+[1139.58 --> 1140.50]  grabs him
+[1140.50 --> 1140.88]  by his
+[1140.88 --> 1141.16]  cloak
+[1141.16 --> 1141.88]  demands
+[1141.88 --> 1142.32]  sex
+[1142.32 --> 1142.88]  then
+[1142.88 --> 1143.60]  and there
+[1143.60 --> 1144.20]  and this
+[1144.20 --> 1144.52]  time
+[1144.52 --> 1145.12]  there are
+[1145.12 --> 1145.76]  no speeches
+[1145.76 --> 1147.64]  Joseph
+[1147.64 --> 1148.56]  knew
+[1148.56 --> 1149.92]  just knew
+[1149.92 --> 1150.90]  there was
+[1150.90 --> 1151.80]  no reasoning
+[1151.80 --> 1152.72]  out of
+[1152.72 --> 1153.64]  this situation
+[1153.64 --> 1155.10]  and so
+[1155.10 --> 1155.52]  Joseph
+[1155.52 --> 1156.10]  flees the
+[1156.10 --> 1156.46]  house
+[1156.46 --> 1158.02]  so fast
+[1158.02 --> 1159.26]  that once
+[1159.26 --> 1159.60]  again
+[1159.60 --> 1160.58]  he is left
+[1160.58 --> 1161.22]  without
+[1161.22 --> 1162.10]  his clothes
+[1162.10 --> 1164.36]  first it
+[1164.36 --> 1164.70]  was his
+[1164.70 --> 1164.98]  brother
+[1164.98 --> 1165.94]  stripping him
+[1165.94 --> 1166.54]  of his
+[1166.54 --> 1166.92]  coat of
+[1166.92 --> 1167.54]  many colors
+[1167.54 --> 1168.50]  dipping it
+[1168.50 --> 1169.00]  in goat's
+[1169.00 --> 1169.22]  blood
+[1169.22 --> 1170.12]  to fake
+[1170.12 --> 1170.62]  his death
+[1170.62 --> 1172.04]  now it
+[1172.04 --> 1172.38]  is the
+[1172.38 --> 1172.80]  angry
+[1172.80 --> 1173.76]  and humiliated
+[1173.76 --> 1174.24]  wife
+[1174.24 --> 1175.76]  of Potiphar
+[1175.76 --> 1177.26]  who has
+[1177.26 --> 1177.88]  stripped him
+[1177.88 --> 1179.08]  while she
+[1179.08 --> 1179.54]  cries
+[1179.54 --> 1180.18]  rape
+[1180.18 --> 1181.68]  with pretty
+[1181.68 --> 1182.06]  much
+[1182.06 --> 1183.08]  the same
+[1183.08 --> 1183.54]  result
+[1183.54 --> 1184.84]  Joseph
+[1184.84 --> 1185.68]  ends up
+[1185.68 --> 1186.38]  in prison
+[1186.38 --> 1187.76]  as good
+[1187.76 --> 1188.18]  as dead
+[1188.18 --> 1190.98]  we are
+[1190.98 --> 1191.00]  we are
+[1191.00 --> 1191.54]  not told
+[1191.54 --> 1192.88]  if Potiphar
+[1192.88 --> 1193.38]  really
+[1193.38 --> 1194.18]  believes
+[1194.18 --> 1194.74]  her story
+[1194.74 --> 1196.52]  interestingly
+[1196.52 --> 1197.12]  it says
+[1197.12 --> 1197.44]  that he
+[1197.44 --> 1197.80]  burned
+[1197.80 --> 1197.98]  with
+[1197.98 --> 1198.34]  anger
+[1198.34 --> 1200.54]  it does
+[1200.54 --> 1201.20]  not say
+[1201.20 --> 1202.32]  who he's
+[1202.32 --> 1202.62]  angry
+[1202.62 --> 1203.02]  with
+[1203.02 --> 1204.92]  nor does
+[1204.92 --> 1205.36]  he punish
+[1205.36 --> 1205.74]  Joseph
+[1205.74 --> 1206.28]  as you
+[1206.28 --> 1206.64]  would have
+[1206.64 --> 1207.12]  expected
+[1207.12 --> 1208.66]  with death
+[1208.66 --> 1210.48]  whatever
+[1210.48 --> 1211.10]  he thinks
+[1211.10 --> 1211.68]  really
+[1211.68 --> 1212.16]  happened
+[1212.16 --> 1212.78]  the end
+[1212.78 --> 1213.20]  result
+[1213.20 --> 1214.24]  for
+[1214.24 --> 1214.60]  Joseph
+[1214.60 --> 1215.58]  is the
+[1215.58 --> 1215.90]  same
+[1215.90 --> 1217.56]  prison
+[1217.56 --> 1220.56]  to the
+[1220.56 --> 1220.80]  world
+[1220.80 --> 1221.28]  of course
+[1221.28 --> 1222.22]  this whole
+[1222.22 --> 1222.62]  thing
+[1222.62 --> 1223.62]  is a
+[1223.62 --> 1223.88]  joke
+[1223.88 --> 1225.92]  in our
+[1225.92 --> 1226.32]  time
+[1226.32 --> 1226.68]  in which
+[1226.68 --> 1227.26]  adultery
+[1227.26 --> 1227.52]  is
+[1227.52 --> 1228.14]  entertainment
+[1228.14 --> 1229.02]  and lust
+[1229.02 --> 1229.78]  is constantly
+[1229.78 --> 1230.84]  being advertised
+[1230.84 --> 1231.68]  sex sells
+[1231.68 --> 1232.08]  everybody
+[1232.08 --> 1232.66]  knows
+[1232.66 --> 1233.56]  Joseph
+[1233.56 --> 1234.28]  isn't only
+[1234.28 --> 1235.06]  regarded as
+[1235.06 --> 1235.68]  a joke
+[1235.68 --> 1237.08]  but as
+[1237.08 --> 1237.70]  abnormal
+[1237.70 --> 1239.34]  one
+[1239.34 --> 1239.84]  psychologist
+[1239.84 --> 1240.58]  claims that
+[1240.58 --> 1240.88]  Joseph
+[1240.88 --> 1241.58]  was sexually
+[1241.58 --> 1242.06]  abnormal
+[1242.06 --> 1242.78]  due to
+[1242.78 --> 1242.94]  his
+[1242.94 --> 1243.32]  intimate
+[1243.32 --> 1243.72]  love
+[1243.72 --> 1244.28]  for his
+[1244.28 --> 1244.70]  father
+[1244.70 --> 1248.26]  but then
+[1248.26 --> 1248.72]  how can
+[1248.72 --> 1249.38]  you expect
+[1249.38 --> 1250.98]  the people
+[1250.98 --> 1251.54]  of this
+[1251.54 --> 1251.86]  world
+[1251.86 --> 1253.02]  to understand
+[1253.02 --> 1258.16]  to understand
+[1258.16 --> 1258.78]  Joseph
+[1258.78 --> 1260.16]  if they
+[1260.16 --> 1260.58]  do not
+[1260.58 --> 1260.98]  know
+[1260.98 --> 1261.92]  Joseph's
+[1261.92 --> 1262.24]  God
+[1262.24 --> 1263.94]  how
+[1263.94 --> 1264.24]  then
+[1264.24 --> 1264.66]  could I
+[1264.66 --> 1265.12]  do such
+[1265.12 --> 1265.60]  a wicked
+[1265.60 --> 1266.08]  thing
+[1266.08 --> 1266.86]  and sin
+[1266.86 --> 1267.54]  against
+[1267.54 --> 1268.54]  God
+[1268.54 --> 1270.30]  Joseph
+[1270.30 --> 1270.92]  is willing
+[1270.92 --> 1271.48]  to lose
+[1271.48 --> 1272.02]  both his
+[1272.02 --> 1272.48]  cloak
+[1272.48 --> 1274.34]  and his
+[1274.34 --> 1274.94]  dignity
+[1274.94 --> 1276.52]  as long
+[1276.52 --> 1276.96]  as he
+[1276.96 --> 1277.46]  can keep
+[1277.46 --> 1278.06]  faith
+[1278.06 --> 1279.32]  with God
+[1279.32 --> 1282.08]  and what
+[1282.08 --> 1282.60]  about us
+[1282.60 --> 1284.22]  God
+[1284.22 --> 1284.88]  calls us
+[1284.88 --> 1285.36]  to out
+[1285.36 --> 1285.60]  of the
+[1285.60 --> 1286.00]  land of
+[1286.00 --> 1286.30]  Egypt
+[1286.30 --> 1286.66]  out of
+[1286.66 --> 1287.02]  the house
+[1287.02 --> 1287.78]  of Potiphar's
+[1287.78 --> 1288.10]  wife
+[1288.10 --> 1288.70]  out of
+[1288.70 --> 1289.14]  the world
+[1289.14 --> 1289.84]  covenant
+[1289.84 --> 1290.28]  people
+[1290.28 --> 1290.92]  from Abraham
+[1290.92 --> 1291.56]  to Joseph
+[1291.56 --> 1291.98]  to the
+[1291.98 --> 1292.38]  disciples
+[1292.38 --> 1292.94]  of Jesus
+[1292.94 --> 1293.58]  then and
+[1293.58 --> 1293.98]  now
+[1293.98 --> 1295.18]  are holy
+[1295.18 --> 1295.98]  set
+[1295.98 --> 1296.60]  apart
+[1296.60 --> 1297.24]  people
+[1297.24 --> 1298.98]  in so
+[1298.98 --> 1299.58]  many ways
+[1299.58 --> 1300.04]  a Christian
+[1300.04 --> 1300.46]  in the
+[1300.46 --> 1300.76]  world
+[1300.76 --> 1301.38]  is like
+[1301.38 --> 1301.84]  a Christian
+[1301.84 --> 1302.20]  at a
+[1302.20 --> 1302.48]  party
+[1302.48 --> 1302.86]  which has
+[1302.86 --> 1303.36]  taken a
+[1303.36 --> 1303.94]  very ugly
+[1303.94 --> 1304.36]  turn
+[1304.36 --> 1305.08]  there is a
+[1305.08 --> 1305.44]  time
+[1305.44 --> 1306.10]  when you
+[1306.10 --> 1306.72]  may just
+[1306.72 --> 1307.20]  feel like
+[1307.20 --> 1307.48]  you just
+[1307.48 --> 1307.80]  got to
+[1307.80 --> 1308.26]  get up
+[1308.26 --> 1308.76]  and get
+[1308.76 --> 1309.06]  out
+[1309.06 --> 1310.46]  you don't
+[1310.46 --> 1310.84]  belong
+[1310.84 --> 1311.20]  there
+[1311.20 --> 1314.20]  and when
+[1314.20 --> 1314.72]  it comes
+[1314.72 --> 1315.44]  to God's
+[1315.44 --> 1316.02]  will for
+[1316.02 --> 1316.66]  sexuality
+[1316.66 --> 1317.30]  and yes
+[1317.30 --> 1317.82]  I know
+[1317.82 --> 1318.36]  we mess
+[1318.36 --> 1318.64]  up
+[1318.64 --> 1319.60]  and yes
+[1319.60 --> 1320.12]  there is
+[1320.12 --> 1320.56]  forgiveness
+[1320.56 --> 1321.14]  okay
+[1321.14 --> 1322.66]  but
+[1322.66 --> 1324.26]  God's
+[1324.26 --> 1324.66]  will
+[1324.66 --> 1325.52]  for
+[1325.52 --> 1326.12]  sexuality
+[1326.12 --> 1326.74]  is about
+[1326.74 --> 1327.48]  as simple
+[1327.48 --> 1327.78]  and
+[1327.78 --> 1328.26]  straightforward
+[1328.26 --> 1329.24]  as can
+[1329.24 --> 1329.62]  be
+[1329.62 --> 1331.14]  sex
+[1331.14 --> 1331.62]  is for
+[1331.62 --> 1332.10]  marriage
+[1332.10 --> 1333.68]  and marriage
+[1333.68 --> 1334.54]  is for
+[1334.54 --> 1334.90]  life
+[1334.90 --> 1336.84]  which means
+[1336.84 --> 1337.20]  that the
+[1337.20 --> 1338.10]  most significant
+[1338.10 --> 1338.84]  question
+[1338.84 --> 1339.60]  for us
+[1339.60 --> 1339.94]  in a
+[1339.94 --> 1340.24]  culture
+[1340.24 --> 1340.70]  that no
+[1340.70 --> 1341.04]  longer
+[1341.04 --> 1341.78]  recognizes
+[1341.78 --> 1342.42]  those
+[1342.42 --> 1342.72]  sorts
+[1342.72 --> 1342.88]  of
+[1342.88 --> 1343.30]  boundaries
+[1343.30 --> 1345.02]  is not
+[1345.02 --> 1345.84]  what is
+[1345.84 --> 1346.20]  right and
+[1346.20 --> 1346.44]  what is
+[1346.44 --> 1346.72]  wrong
+[1346.72 --> 1347.60]  but
+[1347.60 --> 1349.08]  what is
+[1349.08 --> 1349.76]  it that
+[1349.76 --> 1350.56]  we fear
+[1350.56 --> 1351.36]  most
+[1351.36 --> 1353.62]  that we
+[1353.62 --> 1354.28]  might sin
+[1354.28 --> 1355.08]  against our
+[1355.08 --> 1356.02]  faithful covenant
+[1356.02 --> 1356.72]  God
+[1356.72 --> 1357.78]  by our
+[1357.78 --> 1358.70]  disobedience
+[1358.70 --> 1359.90]  or
+[1359.90 --> 1361.18]  that we
+[1361.18 --> 1361.58]  might be
+[1361.58 --> 1362.38]  ridiculed
+[1362.38 --> 1363.46]  by a
+[1363.46 --> 1363.96]  world that
+[1363.96 --> 1364.38]  does not
+[1364.38 --> 1364.98]  know him
+[1364.98 --> 1366.72]  for our
+[1366.72 --> 1367.68]  obedience
+[1367.68 --> 1367.94]  obedience
+[1367.94 --> 1372.12]  meanwhile
+[1372.12 --> 1372.72]  the people
+[1372.72 --> 1373.04]  of our
+[1373.04 --> 1373.42]  world have
+[1373.42 --> 1374.06]  another reason
+[1374.06 --> 1375.12]  to laugh
+[1375.12 --> 1375.58]  at Joseph
+[1375.58 --> 1376.26]  because his
+[1376.26 --> 1377.18]  obedience lands
+[1377.18 --> 1377.80]  him in prison
+[1377.80 --> 1379.14]  and that
+[1379.14 --> 1379.78]  brings us to
+[1379.78 --> 1380.36]  the biggest
+[1380.36 --> 1380.88]  issue
+[1380.88 --> 1382.00]  of Genesis
+[1382.00 --> 1383.20]  to the
+[1383.20 --> 1383.74]  providence
+[1383.74 --> 1384.28]  question
+[1384.28 --> 1385.66]  and to
+[1385.66 --> 1386.22]  Joseph's
+[1386.22 --> 1386.84]  third and
+[1386.84 --> 1387.48]  perhaps
+[1387.48 --> 1388.66]  most difficult
+[1388.66 --> 1389.32]  temptation
+[1389.32 --> 1390.18]  the
+[1390.18 --> 1390.84]  temptation
+[1390.84 --> 1391.90]  to
+[1391.90 --> 1393.06]  despair
+[1393.06 --> 1395.28]  the
+[1395.28 --> 1395.74]  Lord was
+[1395.74 --> 1395.98]  with
+[1395.98 --> 1396.40]  Joseph
+[1396.40 --> 1397.18]  it
+[1397.18 --> 1397.60]  says so
+[1397.60 --> 1398.04]  no less
+[1398.04 --> 1398.20]  than
+[1398.20 --> 1398.40]  three
+[1398.40 --> 1398.86]  times
+[1398.86 --> 1400.38]  yet
+[1400.38 --> 1400.74]  Joseph
+[1400.74 --> 1401.18]  ends up
+[1401.18 --> 1401.60]  falsely
+[1401.60 --> 1402.12]  accused
+[1402.12 --> 1402.82]  and in
+[1402.82 --> 1403.10]  prison
+[1403.10 --> 1403.90]  and what
+[1403.90 --> 1404.34]  kind
+[1404.34 --> 1404.62]  of
+[1404.62 --> 1405.20]  providence
+[1405.20 --> 1406.14]  is that
+[1406.14 --> 1408.26]  if you
+[1408.26 --> 1408.58]  do the
+[1408.58 --> 1408.94]  right thing
+[1408.94 --> 1409.46]  for God
+[1409.46 --> 1410.74]  God
+[1410.74 --> 1411.14]  should do
+[1411.14 --> 1411.52]  the right
+[1411.52 --> 1411.74]  thing
+[1411.74 --> 1412.28]  for you
+[1412.28 --> 1412.68]  right
+[1412.68 --> 1414.58]  if you
+[1414.58 --> 1415.22]  mess up
+[1415.22 --> 1416.00]  like
+[1416.00 --> 1416.58]  Potiphar's
+[1416.58 --> 1416.94]  wife
+[1416.94 --> 1418.06]  then God
+[1418.06 --> 1418.64]  should punish
+[1418.64 --> 1419.08]  you and
+[1419.08 --> 1419.62]  you deserve
+[1419.62 --> 1420.02]  it
+[1420.02 --> 1422.16]  that's
+[1422.16 --> 1422.80]  the popular
+[1422.80 --> 1423.50]  simplistic
+[1423.50 --> 1424.14]  idea
+[1424.14 --> 1425.24]  of
+[1425.24 --> 1425.86]  providence
+[1425.86 --> 1426.38]  that's
+[1426.38 --> 1426.56]  the
+[1426.56 --> 1427.06]  heart
+[1427.06 --> 1427.44]  of the
+[1427.44 --> 1427.76]  health
+[1427.76 --> 1428.62]  and wealth
+[1428.62 --> 1429.32]  gospel
+[1429.32 --> 1429.84]  promoted
+[1429.84 --> 1430.36]  by so
+[1430.36 --> 1430.64]  many
+[1430.64 --> 1431.20]  evangelical
+[1431.20 --> 1431.72]  Christians
+[1431.72 --> 1432.16]  in North
+[1432.16 --> 1432.56]  America
+[1432.56 --> 1433.00]  today
+[1433.00 --> 1434.72]  but that's
+[1434.72 --> 1435.00]  not how
+[1435.00 --> 1435.42]  it works
+[1435.42 --> 1435.70]  here
+[1435.70 --> 1438.00]  and is
+[1438.00 --> 1438.36]  it hard
+[1438.36 --> 1438.96]  to imagine
+[1438.96 --> 1439.42]  that there
+[1439.42 --> 1439.86]  must have
+[1439.86 --> 1440.06]  been
+[1440.06 --> 1440.98]  so many
+[1440.98 --> 1441.38]  times
+[1441.38 --> 1441.88]  in prison
+[1441.88 --> 1442.16]  that
+[1442.16 --> 1442.52]  Joseph
+[1442.52 --> 1443.04]  wondered
+[1443.04 --> 1443.66]  where
+[1443.66 --> 1444.32]  is
+[1444.32 --> 1444.98]  God
+[1444.98 --> 1447.54]  what's
+[1447.54 --> 1447.90]  happened
+[1447.90 --> 1448.44]  to my
+[1448.44 --> 1448.92]  dreams
+[1448.92 --> 1450.68]  what
+[1450.68 --> 1450.98]  good
+[1450.98 --> 1451.36]  did it
+[1451.36 --> 1452.06]  do me
+[1452.06 --> 1452.70]  to stand
+[1452.70 --> 1452.92]  up
+[1452.92 --> 1453.32]  for my
+[1453.32 --> 1453.94]  integrity
+[1453.94 --> 1457.36]  the
+[1457.36 --> 1457.90]  temptation
+[1457.90 --> 1458.18]  to
+[1458.18 --> 1458.64]  despair
+[1458.64 --> 1458.94]  is to
+[1458.94 --> 1459.12]  come
+[1459.12 --> 1459.28]  to
+[1459.28 --> 1459.72]  believe
+[1459.72 --> 1460.58]  that
+[1460.58 --> 1460.88]  God
+[1460.88 --> 1461.20]  isn't
+[1461.20 --> 1461.52]  really
+[1461.52 --> 1461.92]  God
+[1461.92 --> 1462.14]  that
+[1462.14 --> 1462.68]  there
+[1462.68 --> 1462.92]  is
+[1462.92 --> 1463.42]  ultimately
+[1463.42 --> 1463.94]  no
+[1463.94 --> 1464.36]  justice
+[1464.36 --> 1464.70]  in the
+[1464.70 --> 1464.98]  world
+[1464.98 --> 1467.28]  let's
+[1467.28 --> 1467.56]  face
+[1467.56 --> 1467.80]  it
+[1467.80 --> 1468.98]  lies
+[1468.98 --> 1470.80]  power
+[1470.80 --> 1472.64]  lust
+[1472.64 --> 1473.60]  often
+[1473.60 --> 1474.04]  work out
+[1474.04 --> 1474.74]  just fine
+[1474.74 --> 1475.24]  in the
+[1475.24 --> 1475.68]  empires
+[1475.68 --> 1476.20]  of Egypt
+[1476.20 --> 1476.70]  and of
+[1476.70 --> 1476.88]  this
+[1476.88 --> 1477.22]  world
+[1477.22 --> 1479.28]  do I
+[1479.28 --> 1479.48]  really
+[1479.48 --> 1479.70]  need
+[1479.70 --> 1479.82]  to
+[1479.82 --> 1480.00]  name
+[1480.00 --> 1480.36]  names
+[1480.36 --> 1482.66]  how
+[1482.66 --> 1482.98]  often
+[1482.98 --> 1483.34]  didn't
+[1483.34 --> 1483.74]  psalmist
+[1483.74 --> 1484.32]  complain
+[1484.32 --> 1485.14]  about
+[1485.14 --> 1485.46]  just
+[1485.46 --> 1485.74]  this
+[1485.74 --> 1486.10]  matter
+[1486.10 --> 1487.82]  listen
+[1487.82 --> 1488.40]  this is
+[1488.40 --> 1488.68]  what the
+[1488.68 --> 1488.90]  wicked
+[1488.90 --> 1489.34]  are like
+[1489.34 --> 1489.94]  asap
+[1489.94 --> 1490.80]  psalm 73
+[1490.80 --> 1491.66]  always
+[1491.66 --> 1492.22]  carefree
+[1492.22 --> 1492.42]  they
+[1492.42 --> 1492.86]  increase
+[1492.86 --> 1493.02]  in
+[1493.02 --> 1493.34]  wealth
+[1493.34 --> 1493.76]  surely
+[1493.76 --> 1494.10]  in
+[1494.10 --> 1494.40]  vain
+[1494.40 --> 1494.62]  have
+[1494.62 --> 1494.76]  I
+[1494.76 --> 1494.94]  kept
+[1494.94 --> 1495.18]  my
+[1495.18 --> 1495.44]  heart
+[1495.44 --> 1495.78]  pure
+[1495.78 --> 1496.20]  in
+[1496.20 --> 1496.54]  vain
+[1496.54 --> 1496.76]  have
+[1496.76 --> 1496.92]  I
+[1496.92 --> 1497.30]  washed
+[1497.30 --> 1497.56]  my
+[1497.56 --> 1497.94]  hands
+[1497.94 --> 1498.46]  in
+[1498.46 --> 1498.92]  innocent
+[1498.92 --> 1501.96]  but
+[1501.96 --> 1502.14]  the
+[1502.14 --> 1502.46]  claim
+[1502.46 --> 1502.90]  of this
+[1502.90 --> 1503.40]  story
+[1503.40 --> 1504.04]  is not
+[1504.04 --> 1504.34]  that
+[1504.34 --> 1504.80]  everything
+[1504.80 --> 1505.08]  will
+[1505.08 --> 1505.38]  work
+[1505.38 --> 1505.58]  out
+[1505.58 --> 1505.94]  how
+[1505.94 --> 1506.16]  and
+[1506.16 --> 1506.40]  when
+[1506.40 --> 1506.62]  we
+[1506.62 --> 1506.94]  think
+[1506.94 --> 1507.14]  it
+[1507.14 --> 1507.50]  should
+[1507.50 --> 1508.46]  or
+[1508.46 --> 1508.70]  that
+[1508.70 --> 1508.94]  we
+[1508.94 --> 1509.16]  will
+[1509.16 --> 1509.34]  be
+[1509.34 --> 1509.62]  saved
+[1509.62 --> 1509.80]  from
+[1509.80 --> 1510.16]  every
+[1510.16 --> 1510.56]  trouble
+[1510.56 --> 1512.02]  or
+[1512.02 --> 1512.20]  that
+[1512.20 --> 1512.38]  the
+[1512.38 --> 1512.60]  wicked
+[1512.60 --> 1512.82]  will
+[1512.82 --> 1513.30]  always
+[1513.30 --> 1513.54]  get
+[1513.54 --> 1513.72]  their
+[1513.72 --> 1514.00]  just
+[1514.00 --> 1514.64]  deserts
+[1514.64 --> 1514.88]  here
+[1514.88 --> 1515.12]  and
+[1515.12 --> 1515.42]  now
+[1515.42 --> 1516.84]  no
+[1516.84 --> 1519.06]  God's
+[1519.06 --> 1519.34]  goodness
+[1519.34 --> 1519.72]  to the
+[1519.72 --> 1520.10]  faithful
+[1520.10 --> 1521.20]  is
+[1521.20 --> 1521.46]  very
+[1521.46 --> 1521.84]  real
+[1521.84 --> 1523.28]  but
+[1523.28 --> 1523.50]  it
+[1523.50 --> 1523.70]  is
+[1523.70 --> 1523.96]  not
+[1523.96 --> 1524.32]  part
+[1524.32 --> 1524.62]  of
+[1524.62 --> 1525.00]  any
+[1525.00 --> 1525.82]  bargain
+[1525.82 --> 1528.38]  just
+[1528.38 --> 1528.64]  read
+[1528.64 --> 1528.78]  the
+[1528.78 --> 1528.94]  book
+[1528.94 --> 1529.08]  of
+[1529.08 --> 1529.30]  Job
+[1529.30 --> 1530.76]  it
+[1530.76 --> 1531.14]  comes
+[1531.14 --> 1531.70]  only
+[1531.70 --> 1532.42]  as
+[1532.42 --> 1532.92]  grace
+[1532.92 --> 1534.58]  there
+[1534.58 --> 1534.78]  is
+[1534.78 --> 1535.16]  never
+[1535.16 --> 1536.18]  a
+[1536.18 --> 1536.78]  guarantee
+[1536.78 --> 1537.18]  that
+[1537.18 --> 1537.44]  as
+[1537.44 --> 1537.74]  Paul
+[1537.74 --> 1538.02]  wrote
+[1538.02 --> 1538.20]  to
+[1538.20 --> 1538.56]  Christians
+[1538.56 --> 1538.82]  in
+[1538.82 --> 1539.10]  Rome
+[1539.10 --> 1539.84]  that
+[1539.84 --> 1540.00]  we
+[1540.00 --> 1540.16]  will
+[1540.16 --> 1540.40]  not
+[1540.40 --> 1540.62]  have
+[1540.62 --> 1540.78]  to
+[1540.78 --> 1541.02]  suffer
+[1541.02 --> 1541.46]  trouble
+[1541.46 --> 1541.78]  or
+[1541.78 --> 1542.20]  hardship
+[1542.20 --> 1542.74]  or
+[1542.74 --> 1543.34]  persecution
+[1543.34 --> 1543.70]  or
+[1543.70 --> 1544.06]  famine
+[1544.06 --> 1544.28]  or
+[1544.28 --> 1544.82]  nakedness
+[1544.82 --> 1544.96]  or
+[1544.96 --> 1545.28]  danger
+[1545.28 --> 1545.50]  or
+[1545.50 --> 1545.84]  sword
+[1545.84 --> 1547.76]  there
+[1547.76 --> 1547.96]  is
+[1547.96 --> 1548.34]  only
+[1548.34 --> 1548.60]  a
+[1548.60 --> 1549.08]  promise
+[1549.08 --> 1549.88]  that
+[1549.88 --> 1550.04]  we
+[1550.04 --> 1550.22]  do
+[1550.22 --> 1550.54]  not
+[1550.54 --> 1550.98]  suffer
+[1550.98 --> 1551.30]  it
+[1551.30 --> 1551.98]  alone
+[1551.98 --> 1552.78]  and
+[1552.78 --> 1553.04]  that
+[1553.04 --> 1553.44]  God
+[1553.44 --> 1553.74]  will
+[1553.74 --> 1554.10]  work
+[1554.10 --> 1554.78]  some
+[1554.78 --> 1555.44]  good
+[1555.44 --> 1555.84]  from
+[1555.84 --> 1556.02]  it
+[1556.02 --> 1557.98]  the
+[1557.98 --> 1558.40]  claim
+[1558.40 --> 1558.62]  of
+[1558.62 --> 1559.00]  Genesis
+[1559.00 --> 1559.60]  39
+[1559.60 --> 1560.14]  is
+[1560.14 --> 1560.32]  that
+[1560.32 --> 1560.54]  the
+[1560.54 --> 1560.90]  covenant
+[1560.90 --> 1561.32]  God
+[1561.32 --> 1561.54]  is
+[1561.54 --> 1561.82]  with
+[1561.82 --> 1562.24]  Joseph
+[1562.24 --> 1562.52]  that
+[1562.52 --> 1562.86]  God
+[1562.86 --> 1563.02]  is
+[1563.02 --> 1563.22]  on
+[1563.22 --> 1563.80]  Joseph's
+[1563.80 --> 1564.20]  side
+[1564.20 --> 1565.84]  the
+[1565.84 --> 1566.22]  side
+[1566.22 --> 1566.34]  of
+[1566.34 --> 1566.48]  the
+[1566.48 --> 1566.88]  promise
+[1566.88 --> 1567.10]  the
+[1567.10 --> 1567.40]  side
+[1567.40 --> 1567.52]  of
+[1567.52 --> 1567.62]  the
+[1567.62 --> 1568.04]  dream
+[1568.04 --> 1568.90]  no
+[1568.90 --> 1569.22]  matter
+[1569.22 --> 1569.50]  what
+[1569.50 --> 1569.82]  evil
+[1569.82 --> 1570.34]  befalls
+[1570.34 --> 1570.64]  him
+[1570.64 --> 1571.28]  only
+[1571.28 --> 1571.54]  in
+[1571.54 --> 1572.06]  retrospect
+[1572.06 --> 1572.34]  and
+[1572.34 --> 1572.54]  many
+[1572.54 --> 1572.80]  years
+[1572.80 --> 1573.10]  later
+[1573.10 --> 1573.32]  as
+[1573.32 --> 1573.60]  many
+[1573.60 --> 1573.74]  of
+[1573.74 --> 1573.82]  you
+[1573.82 --> 1574.04]  already
+[1574.04 --> 1574.44]  know
+[1574.44 --> 1575.72]  will
+[1575.72 --> 1576.12]  Joseph
+[1576.12 --> 1576.60]  connect
+[1576.60 --> 1576.80]  all
+[1576.80 --> 1576.94]  the
+[1576.94 --> 1577.38]  dots
+[1577.38 --> 1578.40]  and
+[1578.40 --> 1578.62]  see
+[1578.62 --> 1578.80]  the
+[1578.80 --> 1579.00]  good
+[1579.00 --> 1579.40]  things
+[1579.40 --> 1579.58]  that
+[1579.58 --> 1579.94]  God
+[1579.94 --> 1580.30]  brought
+[1580.30 --> 1580.60]  out
+[1580.60 --> 1580.76]  of
+[1580.76 --> 1581.12]  every
+[1581.12 --> 1581.48]  evil
+[1581.48 --> 1581.66]  he
+[1581.66 --> 1582.26]  experienced
+[1582.26 --> 1582.86]  including
+[1582.86 --> 1583.18]  being
+[1583.18 --> 1583.68]  sold
+[1583.68 --> 1584.12]  as
+[1584.12 --> 1584.28]  a
+[1584.28 --> 1584.60]  slave
+[1584.60 --> 1584.82]  and
+[1584.82 --> 1585.30]  falsely
+[1585.30 --> 1586.10]  convicted
+[1586.10 --> 1586.42]  of
+[1586.42 --> 1586.84]  attempted
+[1586.84 --> 1587.36]  rape
+[1587.36 --> 1588.92]  but
+[1588.92 --> 1589.08]  it
+[1589.08 --> 1589.28]  does
+[1589.28 --> 1589.64]  not
+[1589.64 --> 1589.94]  mean
+[1589.94 --> 1590.16]  that
+[1592.24 --> 1592.64]  to
+[1592.64 --> 1592.92]  all
+[1592.92 --> 1593.06]  of
+[1593.06 --> 1593.20]  our
+[1593.20 --> 1593.72]  questions
+[1593.72 --> 1594.22]  about
+[1594.22 --> 1594.50]  all
+[1594.50 --> 1594.68]  the
+[1594.68 --> 1595.08]  ways
+[1595.08 --> 1595.46]  of
+[1595.46 --> 1595.86]  God's
+[1595.86 --> 1596.50]  providence
+[1596.50 --> 1598.04]  sometimes
+[1598.04 --> 1598.94]  you hear
+[1598.94 --> 1599.52]  people say
+[1599.52 --> 1599.82]  that
+[1599.82 --> 1601.04]  God
+[1601.04 --> 1601.36]  has a
+[1601.36 --> 1601.64]  plan
+[1601.64 --> 1601.84]  for
+[1601.84 --> 1602.00]  your
+[1602.00 --> 1602.38]  life
+[1602.38 --> 1604.12]  but
+[1604.12 --> 1604.28]  boy
+[1604.28 --> 1604.46]  that
+[1604.46 --> 1604.62]  can
+[1604.62 --> 1604.84]  leave
+[1604.84 --> 1604.94]  you
+[1604.94 --> 1605.10]  with
+[1605.10 --> 1605.24]  as
+[1605.24 --> 1605.52]  many
+[1605.52 --> 1606.06]  questions
+[1606.06 --> 1606.52]  as
+[1606.52 --> 1606.94]  answers
+[1606.94 --> 1608.50]  does
+[1608.50 --> 1608.64]  that
+[1608.64 --> 1608.82]  mean
+[1608.82 --> 1609.02]  that
+[1609.02 --> 1609.28]  Joseph
+[1609.28 --> 1609.64]  being
+[1609.64 --> 1610.04]  sold
+[1610.04 --> 1610.24]  and
+[1610.24 --> 1610.64]  falsely
+[1610.64 --> 1611.02]  accused
+[1611.02 --> 1611.22]  and
+[1611.22 --> 1611.42]  thrown
+[1611.42 --> 1611.64]  into
+[1611.64 --> 1611.94]  prison
+[1611.94 --> 1612.18]  is
+[1612.18 --> 1612.44]  all
+[1612.44 --> 1612.72]  part
+[1612.72 --> 1612.84]  of
+[1612.84 --> 1613.40]  some
+[1613.40 --> 1613.72]  bigger
+[1613.72 --> 1614.18]  divine
+[1614.18 --> 1614.58]  plan
+[1614.58 --> 1614.76]  that
+[1614.76 --> 1614.92]  has
+[1614.92 --> 1615.06]  been
+[1615.06 --> 1615.56]  carefully
+[1615.56 --> 1616.06]  sketched
+[1616.06 --> 1616.20]  out
+[1616.20 --> 1616.38]  on
+[1616.38 --> 1616.50]  a
+[1616.50 --> 1617.06]  providential
+[1617.06 --> 1617.42]  drawing
+[1617.42 --> 1617.74]  board
+[1617.74 --> 1618.40]  by God
+[1618.40 --> 1618.86]  himself
+[1618.86 --> 1619.62]  did
+[1619.62 --> 1620.02]  God
+[1620.02 --> 1620.52]  motivate
+[1620.52 --> 1620.90]  ten
+[1620.90 --> 1621.18]  brothers
+[1621.18 --> 1621.38]  to
+[1621.38 --> 1621.60]  hate
+[1621.60 --> 1621.74]  a
+[1621.74 --> 1621.94]  younger
+[1621.94 --> 1622.18]  brother
+[1622.18 --> 1622.56]  enough
+[1622.56 --> 1622.78]  to
+[1622.78 --> 1623.04]  sell
+[1623.04 --> 1623.32]  him
+[1623.32 --> 1624.06]  did
+[1624.06 --> 1624.32]  God
+[1624.32 --> 1624.74]  crank
+[1624.74 --> 1624.96]  up
+[1624.96 --> 1625.24]  Mrs.
+[1625.32 --> 1625.84]  Potiphar's
+[1625.84 --> 1626.24]  hormones
+[1626.24 --> 1626.52]  and
+[1626.52 --> 1626.68]  then
+[1626.68 --> 1627.22]  furthermore
+[1627.22 --> 1627.62]  entice
+[1627.62 --> 1627.72]  her
+[1627.72 --> 1627.88]  to
+[1627.88 --> 1628.24]  lie
+[1628.24 --> 1630.76]  or
+[1630.76 --> 1630.92]  is
+[1630.92 --> 1631.10]  it
+[1631.10 --> 1631.34]  truer
+[1631.34 --> 1631.56]  to
+[1631.56 --> 1631.86]  say
+[1631.86 --> 1633.28]  that
+[1633.28 --> 1633.66]  God
+[1633.66 --> 1633.88]  while
+[1633.88 --> 1634.36]  never
+[1634.36 --> 1635.24]  undone
+[1635.24 --> 1635.50]  by
+[1635.50 --> 1635.98]  anything
+[1635.98 --> 1636.20]  that
+[1636.20 --> 1636.74]  happens
+[1636.74 --> 1639.36]  especially
+[1639.36 --> 1640.08]  sinful
+[1640.08 --> 1641.02]  evil
+[1641.02 --> 1641.58]  things
+[1641.58 --> 1644.08]  including
+[1644.08 --> 1644.32]  the
+[1644.32 --> 1644.52]  sin
+[1644.52 --> 1644.72]  we
+[1644.72 --> 1645.00]  do
+[1645.00 --> 1646.48]  does
+[1646.48 --> 1646.76]  not
+[1646.76 --> 1647.24]  plan
+[1647.24 --> 1647.70]  every
+[1647.70 --> 1647.94]  one
+[1647.94 --> 1648.06]  of
+[1648.06 --> 1648.28]  them
+[1648.28 --> 1649.42]  but
+[1649.42 --> 1649.84]  grants
+[1649.84 --> 1650.10]  us
+[1650.10 --> 1650.54]  enough
+[1650.54 --> 1650.84]  free
+[1650.84 --> 1651.16]  will
+[1651.16 --> 1651.54]  so
+[1651.54 --> 1651.72]  that
+[1651.72 --> 1652.06]  often
+[1652.06 --> 1652.46]  things
+[1652.46 --> 1652.86]  happen
+[1652.86 --> 1653.10]  that
+[1653.10 --> 1653.56]  definitely
+[1653.56 --> 1653.88]  are
+[1653.88 --> 1654.46]  not
+[1654.46 --> 1655.70]  God's
+[1655.70 --> 1655.94]  will
+[1655.94 --> 1658.64]  whatever
+[1658.64 --> 1658.96]  way
+[1658.96 --> 1659.28]  you go
+[1659.28 --> 1659.72]  you still
+[1659.72 --> 1660.16]  end up
+[1660.16 --> 1660.48]  with a
+[1660.48 --> 1660.68]  good
+[1660.68 --> 1661.02]  covenant
+[1661.02 --> 1661.38]  God
+[1661.38 --> 1661.64]  on the
+[1661.64 --> 1661.86]  one
+[1661.86 --> 1662.16]  side
+[1662.16 --> 1662.34]  and
+[1662.34 --> 1662.78]  bad
+[1662.78 --> 1663.30]  stuff
+[1663.30 --> 1663.80]  happening
+[1663.80 --> 1664.64]  even
+[1664.64 --> 1664.86]  to
+[1664.86 --> 1665.04]  his
+[1665.04 --> 1665.38]  own
+[1665.38 --> 1666.04]  children
+[1666.04 --> 1666.78]  on the
+[1666.78 --> 1666.98]  other
+[1666.98 --> 1667.42]  side
+[1667.42 --> 1668.54]  the
+[1668.54 --> 1668.98]  connection
+[1668.98 --> 1669.44]  between
+[1669.44 --> 1669.68]  the
+[1669.68 --> 1669.94]  two
+[1669.94 --> 1670.54]  remaining
+[1670.54 --> 1671.02]  one
+[1671.02 --> 1671.74]  big
+[1671.74 --> 1672.52]  mystery
+[1672.52 --> 1674.80]  that's
+[1674.80 --> 1675.00]  the
+[1675.00 --> 1675.46]  dilemma
+[1675.46 --> 1676.10]  Genesis
+[1676.10 --> 1676.80]  39
+[1676.80 --> 1677.40]  raises
+[1677.40 --> 1678.32]  though
+[1678.32 --> 1678.46]  it
+[1678.46 --> 1678.72]  doesn't
+[1678.72 --> 1679.02]  solve
+[1679.02 --> 1679.20]  it
+[1679.20 --> 1680.42]  or
+[1680.42 --> 1680.64]  even
+[1680.64 --> 1681.10]  try
+[1681.10 --> 1682.56]  what
+[1682.56 --> 1682.70]  it
+[1682.70 --> 1682.98]  shows
+[1682.98 --> 1683.54]  instead
+[1683.54 --> 1684.56]  is
+[1684.56 --> 1684.74]  that
+[1684.74 --> 1685.14]  God
+[1685.14 --> 1685.44]  is
+[1685.44 --> 1685.76]  with
+[1685.76 --> 1685.96]  his
+[1685.96 --> 1686.30]  people
+[1686.30 --> 1686.68]  God
+[1686.68 --> 1687.24]  sticks
+[1687.24 --> 1687.54]  with
+[1687.54 --> 1687.80]  them
+[1687.80 --> 1688.42]  and
+[1688.42 --> 1688.72]  even
+[1688.72 --> 1689.08]  some
+[1689.08 --> 1689.22]  of
+[1689.22 --> 1689.38]  the
+[1689.38 --> 1689.72]  worst
+[1689.72 --> 1690.04]  things
+[1690.04 --> 1690.24]  that
+[1690.24 --> 1690.56]  come
+[1690.56 --> 1690.90]  our
+[1690.90 --> 1691.24]  way
+[1691.24 --> 1692.14]  don't
+[1692.14 --> 1692.70]  and
+[1692.70 --> 1693.26]  cannot
+[1693.26 --> 1694.18]  derail
+[1694.18 --> 1694.58]  him
+[1694.58 --> 1696.94]  Mrs. P
+[1696.94 --> 1697.42]  might have
+[1697.42 --> 1697.72]  thought
+[1697.72 --> 1699.18]  she'd
+[1699.18 --> 1699.38]  seen
+[1699.38 --> 1699.54]  the
+[1699.54 --> 1699.82]  last
+[1699.82 --> 1699.98]  of
+[1699.98 --> 1700.32]  Joseph
+[1700.32 --> 1703.04]  she is
+[1703.04 --> 1703.34]  going to
+[1703.34 --> 1703.66]  be in
+[1703.66 --> 1704.02]  for the
+[1704.02 --> 1704.28]  same
+[1704.28 --> 1704.96]  surprise
+[1704.96 --> 1706.18]  one
+[1706.18 --> 1706.52]  day
+[1706.52 --> 1707.14]  as
+[1707.14 --> 1707.58]  Joseph's
+[1707.58 --> 1707.98]  brothers
+[1707.98 --> 1709.94]  for as
+[1709.94 --> 1710.52]  long as
+[1710.52 --> 1711.24]  people keep
+[1711.24 --> 1711.82]  tossing
+[1711.82 --> 1712.24]  Joseph
+[1712.24 --> 1712.82]  aside
+[1712.82 --> 1713.62]  like a
+[1713.62 --> 1713.84]  dirty
+[1713.84 --> 1714.14]  old
+[1714.14 --> 1714.50]  rag
+[1714.50 --> 1715.86]  the
+[1715.86 --> 1716.18]  God
+[1716.18 --> 1716.64]  who gave
+[1716.64 --> 1717.10]  Joseph
+[1717.10 --> 1717.36]  his
+[1717.36 --> 1717.82]  dreams
+[1717.82 --> 1718.04]  of
+[1718.04 --> 1718.46]  greatness
+[1718.46 --> 1719.42]  so
+[1719.42 --> 1719.74]  long
+[1719.74 --> 1720.06]  ago
+[1720.06 --> 1720.50]  keeps
+[1720.50 --> 1720.92]  catching
+[1720.92 --> 1721.30]  him
+[1721.30 --> 1722.10]  in
+[1722.10 --> 1722.34]  the
+[1722.34 --> 1722.76]  sovereign
+[1722.76 --> 1723.16]  and
+[1723.16 --> 1723.64]  divine
+[1723.64 --> 1724.38]  arms
+[1724.38 --> 1725.06]  of
+[1725.06 --> 1725.48]  grace
+[1725.48 --> 1728.10]  and
+[1728.10 --> 1728.46]  while we
+[1728.46 --> 1728.78]  may not
+[1728.78 --> 1728.98]  have
+[1728.98 --> 1729.30]  all the
+[1729.30 --> 1729.68]  answers
+[1729.68 --> 1730.44]  to the
+[1730.44 --> 1730.78]  loose
+[1730.78 --> 1731.16]  ends
+[1731.16 --> 1731.52]  of
+[1731.52 --> 1732.16]  providence
+[1732.16 --> 1733.56]  there is
+[1733.56 --> 1734.02]  something
+[1734.02 --> 1734.64]  comforting
+[1734.64 --> 1735.82]  about the
+[1735.82 --> 1736.44]  divine
+[1736.44 --> 1737.90]  doggedness
+[1737.90 --> 1738.76]  and
+[1738.76 --> 1739.50]  persistence
+[1739.50 --> 1739.96]  and
+[1739.96 --> 1740.62]  determination
+[1740.62 --> 1741.36]  that we
+[1741.36 --> 1741.76]  see
+[1741.76 --> 1742.70]  not only
+[1742.70 --> 1743.12]  in the
+[1743.12 --> 1743.42]  Joseph
+[1743.42 --> 1743.96]  story
+[1743.96 --> 1745.74]  but in
+[1745.74 --> 1746.22]  all of
+[1746.22 --> 1746.62]  Genesis
+[1746.62 --> 1747.90]  and all
+[1747.90 --> 1748.16]  of the
+[1748.16 --> 1748.52]  Bible
+[1748.52 --> 1749.38]  isn't
+[1749.38 --> 1749.62]  there
+[1749.62 --> 1750.70]  come
+[1750.70 --> 1751.14]  hell
+[1751.14 --> 1751.66]  or high
+[1751.66 --> 1752.00]  water
+[1752.00 --> 1753.62]  God
+[1753.62 --> 1753.84]  will
+[1753.84 --> 1754.38]  realize
+[1754.38 --> 1754.60]  his
+[1754.60 --> 1754.98]  promise
+[1754.98 --> 1755.16]  to
+[1755.16 --> 1755.54]  Abraham
+[1755.54 --> 1756.62]  and
+[1756.62 --> 1756.76]  his
+[1756.76 --> 1757.02]  good
+[1757.02 --> 1757.42]  plan
+[1757.42 --> 1757.66]  to
+[1757.66 --> 1758.04]  bless
+[1758.04 --> 1758.68]  all
+[1758.68 --> 1759.14]  peoples
+[1759.14 --> 1759.46]  on
+[1759.46 --> 1759.76]  earth
+[1759.76 --> 1760.74]  in
+[1760.74 --> 1761.00]  that
+[1761.00 --> 1761.62]  determined
+[1761.62 --> 1762.34]  providence
+[1762.34 --> 1763.82]  is
+[1763.82 --> 1764.08]  our
+[1764.08 --> 1764.46]  every
+[1764.46 --> 1764.76]  hope
+[1764.76 --> 1766.02]  especially
+[1766.02 --> 1766.38]  in
+[1766.38 --> 1766.86]  times
+[1766.86 --> 1767.84]  when
+[1767.84 --> 1768.18]  like
+[1768.18 --> 1768.52]  Joseph
+[1768.52 --> 1769.38]  we
+[1769.38 --> 1769.68]  feel
+[1769.68 --> 1770.34]  confusion
+[1770.34 --> 1771.30]  and
+[1771.30 --> 1771.70]  pain
+[1771.70 --> 1773.50]  and
+[1773.50 --> 1773.74]  however
+[1773.74 --> 1774.18]  we
+[1774.18 --> 1774.74]  understand
+[1774.74 --> 1775.42]  providence
+[1775.42 --> 1776.68]  precisely
+[1776.68 --> 1777.14]  because
+[1777.14 --> 1777.48]  God
+[1777.48 --> 1777.86]  is
+[1777.86 --> 1778.20]  good
+[1778.20 --> 1778.90]  and
+[1778.90 --> 1779.20]  God
+[1779.20 --> 1779.54]  is
+[1779.54 --> 1779.96]  loving
+[1779.96 --> 1780.86]  and
+[1780.86 --> 1781.12]  God
+[1781.12 --> 1781.48]  is
+[1781.48 --> 1781.80]  also
+[1781.80 --> 1782.04]  so
+[1782.04 --> 1782.46]  very
+[1782.46 --> 1783.08]  powerful
+[1783.08 --> 1784.48]  we
+[1784.48 --> 1785.00]  know
+[1785.00 --> 1785.38]  he
+[1785.38 --> 1785.64]  will
+[1785.64 --> 1786.18]  never
+[1786.18 --> 1787.08]  let
+[1787.08 --> 1787.50]  this
+[1787.50 --> 1788.18]  life's
+[1788.18 --> 1788.98]  tragedies
+[1788.98 --> 1790.02]  have
+[1790.02 --> 1790.18]  the
+[1790.18 --> 1790.44]  last
+[1790.44 --> 1790.78]  word
+[1790.78 --> 1793.32]  and
+[1793.32 --> 1793.46]  we
+[1793.46 --> 1793.70]  know
+[1793.70 --> 1793.88]  it
+[1793.88 --> 1794.36]  because
+[1794.36 --> 1795.70]  as
+[1795.70 --> 1795.86]  we
+[1795.86 --> 1796.18]  follow
+[1796.18 --> 1796.78]  Joseph's
+[1796.78 --> 1797.12]  story
+[1797.12 --> 1798.22]  we
+[1798.22 --> 1798.48]  cannot
+[1798.48 --> 1798.78]  help
+[1798.78 --> 1798.94]  but
+[1798.94 --> 1799.08]  be
+[1799.08 --> 1799.52]  reminded
+[1799.52 --> 1799.80]  of
+[1799.80 --> 1800.06]  another
+[1800.06 --> 1800.56]  story
+[1800.56 --> 1801.60]  of
+[1801.60 --> 1801.84]  one
+[1801.84 --> 1802.04]  who
+[1802.04 --> 1802.30]  though
+[1802.30 --> 1802.78]  innocent
+[1802.78 --> 1803.56]  was
+[1803.56 --> 1804.02]  betrayed
+[1804.02 --> 1805.38]  whose
+[1805.38 --> 1806.00]  integrity
+[1806.00 --> 1806.64]  challenged
+[1806.64 --> 1807.04]  another
+[1807.04 --> 1807.58]  empire
+[1807.58 --> 1808.88]  and
+[1808.88 --> 1809.04]  whose
+[1809.04 --> 1809.38]  God
+[1809.38 --> 1809.68]  seemed
+[1809.68 --> 1809.86]  to
+[1809.86 --> 1810.30]  abandon
+[1810.30 --> 1810.66]  him
+[1810.66 --> 1811.40]  to
+[1811.40 --> 1811.58]  a
+[1811.58 --> 1811.94]  cross
+[1811.94 --> 1813.30]  we
+[1813.30 --> 1813.54]  know
+[1813.54 --> 1813.70]  it
+[1813.70 --> 1814.06]  because
+[1814.06 --> 1814.30]  we
+[1814.30 --> 1814.58]  know
+[1814.58 --> 1814.88]  our
+[1814.88 --> 1815.10]  Lord
+[1815.10 --> 1815.40]  Jesus
+[1815.40 --> 1815.86]  Christ
+[1815.86 --> 1816.06]  who
+[1816.06 --> 1816.26]  on
+[1816.26 --> 1816.42]  the
+[1816.42 --> 1816.76]  darkest
+[1816.76 --> 1817.20]  Friday
+[1817.20 --> 1817.44]  there
+[1817.44 --> 1817.72]  ever
+[1817.72 --> 1818.12]  was
+[1818.12 --> 1819.36]  as
+[1819.36 --> 1819.46]  he
+[1819.46 --> 1819.64]  was
+[1819.64 --> 1820.04]  dying
+[1820.04 --> 1820.38]  inch
+[1820.38 --> 1820.54]  by
+[1820.54 --> 1821.06]  painful
+[1821.06 --> 1821.52]  inch
+[1821.52 --> 1822.42]  on
+[1822.42 --> 1822.58]  a
+[1822.58 --> 1823.02]  cross
+[1823.02 --> 1823.82]  from
+[1823.82 --> 1824.06]  his
+[1824.06 --> 1824.38]  fatal
+[1824.38 --> 1824.82]  wounds
+[1824.82 --> 1825.94]  cried
+[1825.94 --> 1826.24]  out
+[1826.24 --> 1826.54]  my
+[1826.54 --> 1827.02]  God
+[1827.02 --> 1827.26]  my
+[1827.26 --> 1827.66]  God
+[1827.66 --> 1828.20]  why
+[1828.20 --> 1828.74]  have
+[1828.74 --> 1828.90]  you
+[1828.90 --> 1829.48]  forsaken
+[1829.48 --> 1829.82]  me
+[1829.82 --> 1832.00]  but
+[1832.00 --> 1832.24]  who
+[1832.24 --> 1832.62]  three
+[1832.62 --> 1832.90]  days
+[1832.90 --> 1833.28]  later
+[1833.28 --> 1834.76]  was
+[1834.76 --> 1835.26]  alive
+[1835.26 --> 1835.68]  again
+[1835.68 --> 1836.82]  appeared
+[1836.82 --> 1837.00]  to
+[1837.00 --> 1837.22]  his
+[1837.22 --> 1837.72]  disciples
+[1837.72 --> 1838.66]  and
+[1838.66 --> 1839.12]  said
+[1839.12 --> 1840.28]  peace
+[1840.28 --> 1841.32]  be
+[1841.32 --> 1841.58]  with
+[1841.58 --> 1841.84]  you
+[1841.84 --> 1844.10]  because
+[1844.10 --> 1844.46]  we
+[1844.46 --> 1844.76]  know
+[1844.76 --> 1845.20]  him
+[1845.20 --> 1845.86]  for
+[1845.86 --> 1846.30]  us
+[1846.30 --> 1847.08]  as
+[1847.08 --> 1847.28]  for
+[1847.28 --> 1847.70]  Joseph
+[1847.70 --> 1848.00]  in
+[1848.00 --> 1848.36]  Genesis
+[1848.36 --> 1848.92]  39
+[1848.92 --> 1850.16]  the
+[1850.16 --> 1850.56]  last
+[1850.56 --> 1850.78]  thing
+[1850.78 --> 1850.98]  to
+[1850.98 --> 1851.30]  say
+[1851.30 --> 1852.02]  will
+[1852.02 --> 1852.52]  always
+[1852.52 --> 1852.88]  be
+[1852.88 --> 1853.54]  the
+[1853.54 --> 1853.96]  same
+[1853.96 --> 1854.60]  as
+[1854.60 --> 1854.80]  the
+[1854.80 --> 1855.14]  first
+[1855.14 --> 1855.30]  thing
+[1855.30 --> 1855.50]  to
+[1855.50 --> 1855.78]  say
+[1855.78 --> 1857.50]  the
+[1857.50 --> 1857.84]  Lord
+[1857.84 --> 1858.72]  is
+[1858.72 --> 1859.00]  with
+[1859.00 --> 1859.36]  us
+[1859.36 --> 1860.74]  whatever
+[1860.74 --> 1861.26]  your
+[1861.26 --> 1862.14]  circumstances
+[1862.14 --> 1863.32]  the
+[1863.32 --> 1863.70]  Lord
+[1863.70 --> 1864.80]  is
+[1864.80 --> 1866.00]  with
+[1866.00 --> 1866.36]  us
+[1866.36 --> 1867.28]  in
+[1867.28 --> 1867.42]  the
+[1867.42 --> 1867.60]  name
+[1867.60 --> 1867.74]  of
+[1867.74 --> 1867.88]  the
+[1867.88 --> 1868.14]  Father
+[1868.14 --> 1868.40]  the
+[1868.40 --> 1868.66]  Son
+[1868.66 --> 1869.50]  and
+[1869.50 --> 1869.66]  the
+[1869.66 --> 1869.86]  Holy
+[1869.86 --> 1870.28]  Spirit
+[1870.28 --> 1871.98]  let's
+[1871.98 --> 1872.24]  pray
+[1872.24 --> 1874.26]  gracious
+[1874.26 --> 1874.68]  God
+[1874.68 --> 1876.36]  in
+[1876.36 --> 1876.74]  light of
+[1876.74 --> 1876.90]  that
+[1876.90 --> 1877.34]  promise
+[1877.34 --> 1877.56]  we
+[1877.56 --> 1877.90]  come
+[1877.90 --> 1878.24]  now
+[1878.24 --> 1878.46]  to
+[1878.46 --> 1878.64]  your
+[1878.64 --> 1879.00]  table
+[1879.00 --> 1882.40]  whatever
+[1882.40 --> 1882.72]  the
+[1882.72 --> 1883.40]  circumstances
+[1883.40 --> 1883.96]  of our
+[1883.96 --> 1884.28]  lives
+[1884.28 --> 1884.54]  might
+[1884.54 --> 1884.88]  be
+[1884.88 --> 1885.86]  those
+[1885.86 --> 1886.04]  of
+[1886.04 --> 1886.20]  us
+[1886.20 --> 1886.42]  here
+[1886.42 --> 1886.68]  those
+[1886.68 --> 1886.82]  of
+[1886.82 --> 1887.00]  us
+[1887.00 --> 1887.40]  listening
+[1887.40 --> 1890.72]  use
+[1890.72 --> 1891.00]  whatever
+[1891.00 --> 1891.30]  you
+[1891.30 --> 1891.50]  need
+[1891.50 --> 1891.66]  to
+[1891.66 --> 1891.96]  use
+[1891.96 --> 1892.22]  Lord
+[1892.22 --> 1892.66]  today
+[1892.66 --> 1894.18]  to
+[1894.18 --> 1894.56]  remind
+[1894.56 --> 1894.84]  us
+[1894.84 --> 1895.06]  that
+[1895.06 --> 1895.22]  you
+[1895.22 --> 1895.36]  are
+[1895.36 --> 1895.58]  with
+[1895.58 --> 1895.90]  us
+[1895.90 --> 1896.72]  always
+[1896.72 --> 1898.66]  always
+[1898.66 --> 1899.64]  and
+[1899.64 --> 1899.86]  that
+[1899.86 --> 1900.14]  you
+[1900.14 --> 1900.44]  will
+[1900.44 --> 1900.90]  never
+[1900.90 --> 1901.60]  forsake
+[1901.60 --> 1901.96]  your
+[1901.96 --> 1902.34]  children
+[1902.34 --> 1904.04]  and
+[1904.04 --> 1904.22]  so
+[1904.22 --> 1904.46]  Lord
+[1904.46 --> 1904.86]  especially
+[1904.86 --> 1905.18]  if we
+[1905.18 --> 1905.30]  are
+[1905.30 --> 1905.74]  experiencing
+[1905.74 --> 1906.12]  troubled
+[1906.12 --> 1906.62]  times
+[1906.62 --> 1908.16]  you
+[1908.16 --> 1908.32]  know
+[1908.32 --> 1908.48]  how
+[1908.48 --> 1908.68]  much
+[1908.68 --> 1908.82]  we
+[1908.82 --> 1909.00]  need
+[1909.00 --> 1909.20]  that
+[1909.20 --> 1909.66]  assurance
+[1909.66 --> 1909.86]  and
+[1909.86 --> 1910.04]  may
+[1910.04 --> 1910.38]  this
+[1910.38 --> 1910.86]  table
+[1910.86 --> 1911.16]  now
+[1911.16 --> 1911.36]  that
+[1911.36 --> 1911.50]  we
+[1911.50 --> 1911.74]  come
+[1911.74 --> 1911.96]  to
+[1911.96 --> 1913.02]  also
+[1913.02 --> 1913.44]  provide
+[1913.44 --> 1913.68]  that
+[1913.68 --> 1914.16]  assurance
+[1914.16 --> 1914.48]  for
+[1914.48 --> 1914.84]  us
+[1914.88 --> 1916.42]  that
+[1916.42 --> 1916.62]  in
+[1916.62 --> 1917.02]  Christ
+[1917.02 --> 1917.60]  Emmanuel
+[1917.60 --> 1918.18]  we
+[1918.18 --> 1918.46]  know
+[1918.46 --> 1920.34]  we
+[1920.34 --> 1920.58]  know
+[1920.58 --> 1920.70]  it
+[1920.70 --> 1920.90]  for
+[1920.90 --> 1921.16]  good
+[1921.16 --> 1922.36]  that
+[1922.36 --> 1922.74]  you
+[1922.74 --> 1923.12]  are
+[1923.12 --> 1923.78]  indeed
+[1923.78 --> 1924.38]  with
+[1924.38 --> 1924.70]  us
+[1924.70 --> 1925.18]  in
+[1925.18 --> 1925.44]  Jesus
+[1925.44 --> 1925.80]  name
+[1925.80 --> 1926.02]  we
+[1926.02 --> 1926.30]  pray
+[1926.30 --> 1927.12]  and
+[1927.12 --> 1927.40]  thank
+[1927.40 --> 1927.64]  you
+[1927.64 --> 1928.50]  amen
+[1928.50 --> 1930.20]  oh
+[1930.20 --> 1938.24]  to
+[1938.24 --> 1940.54]  Oh
+[1940.54 --> 1940.58]  to
+[1940.58 --> 1942.70]  you

Joseph #3—The Lord is With Us (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1977 @@
+[0.00 --> 13.06]  So today we're going to continue our series of messages on the story of Joseph in the latter part of the book of Genesis.
+[15.56 --> 19.76]  And today we are going to read together Genesis 39.
+[23.04 --> 24.70]  And this is the story.
+[24.82 --> 27.74]  Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt.
+[27.74 --> 39.42]  And the great Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
+[40.80 --> 48.12]  The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.
+[48.12 --> 58.52]  When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.
+[59.32 --> 66.36]  Potiphar put him in charge of his household and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.
+[66.36 --> 75.30]  From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph.
+[76.50 --> 81.84]  The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.
+[82.56 --> 85.62]  So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph's care.
+[86.18 --> 92.68]  With Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.
+[92.68 --> 99.20]  Now Joseph was well built and handsome.
+[100.86 --> 105.42]  And after a while, his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said,
+[105.96 --> 107.58]  Come to bed with me.
+[108.64 --> 109.90]  But he refused.
+[111.16 --> 116.16]  With me in charge, he told her, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house.
+[116.64 --> 119.14]  Everything he owns he has entrusted to my care.
+[119.56 --> 121.90]  No one is greater in this house than I am.
+[121.90 --> 127.92]  My master has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife.
+[128.70 --> 133.00]  How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?
+[134.04 --> 140.88]  And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.
+[142.18 --> 148.24]  One day he went into the house to attend to his duties and none of the household servants was inside.
+[148.24 --> 152.64]  She caught him by his cloak and said, Come to bed with me.
+[153.44 --> 157.04]  But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.
+[157.44 --> 163.34]  When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, she called her household servants.
+[163.70 --> 164.78]  Look, she said to them.
+[165.34 --> 168.80]  This Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us.
+[168.80 --> 171.82]  He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed.
+[172.16 --> 176.86]  When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.
+[178.20 --> 181.48]  She kept his cloak beside her until his master came home.
+[182.04 --> 183.52]  Then she told him this story.
+[184.38 --> 187.56]  That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me.
+[187.56 --> 192.84]  But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.
+[194.28 --> 203.20]  When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, This is how your slave treated me, he burned with anger.
+[204.70 --> 210.36]  Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined.
+[210.36 --> 216.30]  But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him.
+[217.34 --> 221.96]  He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
+[222.72 --> 232.02]  So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there.
+[232.74 --> 240.14]  The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success.
+[240.36 --> 243.10]  In whatever he did.
+[243.76 --> 245.76]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[247.62 --> 252.76]  A couple of weeks ago, you may remember, it's sort of an unforgettable story, isn't it?
+[253.66 --> 264.72]  We read the story about Judah, Joseph's older brother, who casually slept with a woman he thought was a prostitute, but ended up being his daughter-in-law.
+[267.02 --> 269.42]  Today you have a story of Joseph.
+[270.36 --> 277.96]  Who steadfastly steers clear of what he knows to be a sinful sexual liaison.
+[279.48 --> 293.54]  And so it seems after these two wild stories, we're all set for the Bible to give us some important moral lessons about God's gift of sexuality and how to avoid sexual temptation.
+[293.54 --> 302.86]  Except, this is really only part of the story.
+[303.38 --> 307.88]  And not contrary to what a lot of people think, the main part.
+[307.88 --> 315.04]  There is a much bigger issue in Genesis 39 than sex.
+[316.00 --> 317.00]  And it's this.
+[317.00 --> 336.18]  How do you bridge the gap that sometimes, maybe often, exists between God's covenant promises and the painful things we often experience as his children in everyday life?
+[336.18 --> 342.10]  On the one hand, the Bible clearly and everywhere teaches the truth of divine providence.
+[342.90 --> 352.02]  On the other hand, the lives of God's people can be so painful, we may sometimes be tempted to give up on God.
+[352.02 --> 358.00]  Leaving us with hard questions for which there are no easy answers.
+[358.00 --> 367.54]  And that's where Genesis 39, in the largest story of God's people, is a case in point.
+[367.54 --> 373.58]  I don't know if you noticed, but it is a story told between brackets.
+[375.40 --> 380.42]  And the brackets are these words found in verse 2.
+[381.54 --> 388.28]  And again, at the end of the chapter, twice no less, as though we needed some convincing, in verses 21 and 23.
+[388.66 --> 393.88]  These words, the Lord was with Joseph.
+[393.88 --> 397.74]  The Lord was with Joseph.
+[398.84 --> 407.12]  Because of this divine presence in Joseph's life, as you would expect, all kinds of good things do happen to him.
+[408.42 --> 411.54]  But this same story forces us to wonder,
+[412.74 --> 417.00]  if God is the source of the good in Joseph's life,
+[417.00 --> 427.58]  why doesn't or why can't that same God prevent the evil thing that stands at this story's center?
+[428.78 --> 433.14]  How can it be true that the Lord is so intimately with Joseph?
+[434.14 --> 440.16]  And that Joseph ends up being falsely accused and thrown into prison?
+[440.16 --> 446.24]  It's one of the greatest difficulties, I think, of the Christian life.
+[447.44 --> 451.74]  We celebrate the truth that God is with us, here at this table again this morning.
+[452.74 --> 455.60]  It is an ancient tradition, and it was always mine,
+[455.92 --> 459.28]  in the churches I served, to begin almost every worship service,
+[459.28 --> 461.62]  with the blessing, the Lord be with you,
+[461.84 --> 465.28]  and then the congregation would respond, and also with you.
+[466.44 --> 468.52]  It is what we pray for our children,
+[468.94 --> 470.84]  when they leave home on a date,
+[472.62 --> 473.52]  a weekend trip,
+[474.18 --> 474.88]  to college,
+[476.16 --> 477.20]  overseas missions.
+[478.20 --> 479.30]  But what happens
+[479.30 --> 482.20]  when we pray for God to be with our kids,
+[482.64 --> 483.98]  and a tragedy occurs?
+[483.98 --> 488.26]  What happens when we pray for God to be with us at work,
+[488.38 --> 489.32]  and we get laid off?
+[490.44 --> 491.28]  What happens
+[491.28 --> 494.80]  when we pray for God to bless our marriage,
+[495.20 --> 496.94]  and in spite of all of our efforts,
+[497.10 --> 498.12]  we end up divorced?
+[499.66 --> 502.00]  What happens when we pray for God to be with us,
+[502.02 --> 503.70]  when undergoing treatment for cancer,
+[503.96 --> 506.10]  and the tumor doesn't stop growing?
+[508.18 --> 508.96]  What then?
+[510.10 --> 510.50]  Joseph?
+[510.50 --> 514.06]  What about when you end up in prison,
+[514.16 --> 515.40]  even though you were obedient,
+[515.80 --> 517.12]  and you kept your integrity,
+[517.58 --> 520.64]  even though you faced three of the strongest temptations,
+[520.90 --> 521.88]  known to humans,
+[522.32 --> 522.82]  no less,
+[523.76 --> 525.94]  but remain faithful to God,
+[526.28 --> 527.24]  in each of them?
+[528.12 --> 528.68]  What then?
+[531.88 --> 536.00]  Yes, Joseph faced three significant temptations,
+[536.16 --> 536.84]  in the story.
+[536.84 --> 539.80]  And while the third of these
+[539.80 --> 542.08]  is the real issue of Genesis 39,
+[543.02 --> 544.94]  and the second is the one
+[544.94 --> 545.60]  that everyone,
+[545.80 --> 546.78]  for obvious reasons,
+[546.88 --> 547.32]  remembers,
+[548.76 --> 552.20]  the first temptation Joseph faced
+[552.20 --> 555.48]  was the temptation of power.
+[556.88 --> 559.50]  In a few short but sweeping sentences,
+[559.72 --> 562.46]  Genesis 39 describes how Joseph ends up
+[562.46 --> 565.10]  in one of Egypt's most powerful households,
+[565.10 --> 567.32]  the home of Potiphar,
+[567.76 --> 569.64]  captain of Pharaoh's guard,
+[570.36 --> 572.76]  and is soon promoted from captive slave
+[572.76 --> 574.84]  to chief administrator
+[574.84 --> 577.76]  over Potiphar's entire household.
+[579.84 --> 580.48]  Power
+[580.48 --> 584.26]  is perhaps the most seductive
+[584.26 --> 586.20]  of all temptations.
+[587.58 --> 589.74]  Not that it is wrong in itself,
+[590.04 --> 591.22]  it is a gift of God
+[591.22 --> 592.70]  meant to be used to serve
+[592.70 --> 594.02]  and to bless others.
+[595.10 --> 596.62]  It is what often comes
+[596.62 --> 598.36]  along with power
+[598.36 --> 599.94]  that is most seductive
+[599.94 --> 601.42]  to kings and queens,
+[601.86 --> 603.24]  presidents and prime ministers,
+[603.70 --> 605.50]  everybody bowing and scraping,
+[605.98 --> 606.82]  the limousines,
+[606.96 --> 608.06]  the luxury suites,
+[608.38 --> 609.06]  the servants,
+[609.22 --> 610.80]  the aides that you beck and call,
+[611.08 --> 612.54]  the ability to make war
+[612.54 --> 613.38]  or peace,
+[613.68 --> 615.40]  to hold the welfare of a nation
+[615.40 --> 616.20]  in your hands,
+[616.50 --> 617.86]  to have in some way
+[617.86 --> 619.58]  the power of death
+[619.58 --> 620.46]  and life
+[620.46 --> 621.72]  over others.
+[621.72 --> 624.90]  those
+[624.90 --> 626.78]  are God's powers
+[626.78 --> 627.54]  alone,
+[627.70 --> 628.26]  of course.
+[629.58 --> 630.88]  And in some way
+[630.88 --> 632.24]  they always suffer
+[632.24 --> 634.22]  when put into human hands,
+[634.76 --> 636.60]  which is why God
+[636.60 --> 637.70]  never wanted a king
+[637.70 --> 638.50]  for Israel.
+[639.98 --> 641.64]  God knew long before
+[641.64 --> 643.14]  Lord Acton of Britain
+[643.14 --> 644.28]  coined the phrase
+[644.28 --> 646.36]  that power corrupts
+[646.36 --> 647.62]  and absolute power
+[647.62 --> 648.98]  corrupts absolutely.
+[651.88 --> 652.90]  God knew
+[652.90 --> 654.34]  that only one king
+[654.34 --> 656.88]  never corrupts,
+[657.88 --> 659.08]  God himself.
+[660.42 --> 661.20]  And that even
+[661.20 --> 662.74]  the best king Israel
+[662.74 --> 663.78]  would ever get
+[663.78 --> 665.46]  as far as earthly kings go,
+[666.00 --> 666.34]  David,
+[666.86 --> 668.22]  described twice in the Bible
+[668.22 --> 670.08]  as a man after God's own heart,
+[670.08 --> 672.88]  would prove to be nothing
+[672.88 --> 674.34]  if not human,
+[675.28 --> 676.18]  as in the case
+[676.18 --> 677.50]  of his sexual assault
+[677.50 --> 678.36]  of Bathsheba
+[678.36 --> 680.16]  and the murder
+[680.16 --> 681.34]  of her husband,
+[681.76 --> 683.10]  Uriah the Hittite.
+[685.30 --> 686.38]  But power
+[686.38 --> 687.58]  not only corrupts,
+[687.82 --> 688.26]  power
+[688.26 --> 689.48]  also
+[689.48 --> 690.62]  reveals.
+[692.32 --> 693.28]  Sooner or later,
+[693.48 --> 694.68]  people with power
+[694.68 --> 696.38]  reveal their true
+[696.38 --> 697.38]  character
+[697.38 --> 697.50]  character
+[697.50 --> 698.96]  and their ultimate
+[698.96 --> 699.52]  goals
+[699.52 --> 700.84]  and values.
+[702.16 --> 703.22]  And never mind
+[703.22 --> 704.36]  everything we could say
+[704.36 --> 705.60]  here about politics
+[705.60 --> 706.50]  today,
+[706.74 --> 707.42]  either here
+[707.42 --> 708.62]  or especially
+[708.62 --> 709.80]  perhaps to the south
+[709.80 --> 710.74]  of us these days.
+[711.70 --> 712.98]  The truth is
+[712.98 --> 714.50]  we all
+[714.50 --> 715.10]  have
+[715.10 --> 715.90]  our own
+[715.90 --> 716.88]  little kingdoms
+[716.88 --> 718.36]  where our word
+[718.36 --> 719.08]  is final.
+[719.64 --> 720.48]  From the office
+[720.48 --> 721.34]  to the living room,
+[721.84 --> 722.48]  the classroom
+[722.48 --> 723.26]  to the company,
+[723.90 --> 724.58]  to your money,
+[724.86 --> 725.42]  right down
+[725.42 --> 726.14]  to the TV
+[726.14 --> 727.04]  remote control
+[727.04 --> 727.86]  in our hands
+[727.86 --> 729.74]  and where the way
+[729.74 --> 730.96]  we use our power
+[730.96 --> 732.22]  reveals
+[732.22 --> 734.16]  what is in our souls.
+[736.34 --> 737.32]  We read that
+[737.32 --> 738.68]  the Lord was with Joseph
+[738.68 --> 740.84]  and he prospered.
+[741.86 --> 742.58]  Joseph, that is,
+[742.64 --> 743.14]  became
+[743.14 --> 744.78]  a powerful man
+[744.78 --> 747.24]  who used the gift
+[747.24 --> 747.86]  wisely
+[747.86 --> 748.60]  and well
+[748.60 --> 750.48]  and was used
+[750.48 --> 751.02]  by God
+[751.02 --> 752.34]  to bless Potiphar,
+[752.64 --> 753.22]  the Egyptian,
+[753.84 --> 755.06]  and his whole household.
+[755.06 --> 757.34]  not as a missionary
+[757.34 --> 758.78]  or some other form
+[758.78 --> 759.54]  of what we sometimes
+[759.54 --> 760.30]  refer to as
+[760.30 --> 761.16]  full-time Christian
+[761.16 --> 762.08]  service either,
+[763.08 --> 764.32]  as though those
+[764.32 --> 765.30]  are the only forms
+[765.30 --> 766.28]  of full-time Christian
+[766.28 --> 766.74]  service,
+[767.32 --> 768.88]  but as a skilled
+[768.88 --> 769.88]  administrator
+[769.88 --> 771.28]  of Potiphar's
+[771.28 --> 772.18]  extensive
+[772.18 --> 773.90]  business interests.
+[775.56 --> 776.14]  God's kingdom
+[776.14 --> 776.72]  after all
+[776.72 --> 777.26]  is much bigger
+[777.26 --> 777.84]  than church.
+[777.84 --> 780.28]  God's desire
+[780.28 --> 781.34]  is that we
+[781.34 --> 782.30]  bless others
+[782.30 --> 783.36]  through the
+[783.36 --> 784.46]  successful use
+[784.46 --> 785.30]  of whatever
+[785.30 --> 787.04]  power you and I
+[787.04 --> 788.28]  have in our hands
+[788.28 --> 790.34]  in whatever we do.
+[791.34 --> 792.56]  You cannot help
+[792.56 --> 793.78]  but hear the echo
+[793.78 --> 794.82]  of God's promise
+[794.82 --> 795.46]  to Abraham.
+[796.46 --> 797.50]  I will bless you
+[797.50 --> 799.32]  and all peoples
+[799.32 --> 799.88]  on earth
+[799.88 --> 801.46]  will be blessed
+[801.46 --> 802.68]  through you.
+[802.68 --> 805.44]  You cannot help
+[805.44 --> 806.10]  but hear that
+[806.10 --> 807.08]  promise in this
+[807.08 --> 807.64]  description
+[807.64 --> 809.20]  of Joseph's role
+[809.20 --> 810.06]  in Potiphar's
+[810.06 --> 810.38]  house.
+[811.42 --> 811.58]  Listen,
+[811.78 --> 812.58]  from the time
+[812.58 --> 813.76]  Potiphar put
+[813.76 --> 814.68]  Joseph in charge
+[814.68 --> 815.46]  of his household
+[815.46 --> 816.22]  and of all
+[816.22 --> 816.84]  that he owned,
+[817.18 --> 817.52]  the Lord
+[817.52 --> 818.48]  blessed the
+[818.48 --> 819.04]  household
+[819.04 --> 820.30]  of the Egyptian
+[820.30 --> 822.26]  because of
+[822.26 --> 822.66]  Joseph.
+[822.66 --> 822.78]  Joseph,
+[823.68 --> 825.72]  it is a reminder
+[825.72 --> 826.86]  that all of us
+[826.86 --> 828.96]  have different
+[828.96 --> 830.00]  vocations
+[830.00 --> 832.22]  but we have
+[832.22 --> 833.44]  the same calling
+[833.44 --> 834.66]  in every one
+[834.66 --> 835.00]  of them
+[835.00 --> 837.14]  to use whatever
+[837.14 --> 838.66]  power and success
+[838.66 --> 840.36]  God gives you
+[840.36 --> 842.32]  to bless others
+[842.32 --> 843.68]  in your community
+[843.68 --> 845.20]  and to bless
+[845.20 --> 845.74]  the world.
+[847.08 --> 848.20]  Your professional
+[848.20 --> 848.96]  success
+[848.96 --> 850.34]  in medicine
+[850.34 --> 851.30]  or business
+[851.30 --> 852.30]  or administration
+[852.30 --> 853.30]  or education
+[853.30 --> 854.46]  or politics
+[854.46 --> 855.12]  or law
+[855.12 --> 856.00]  or agriculture
+[856.00 --> 857.22]  or any other
+[857.22 --> 857.88]  field you might
+[857.88 --> 858.18]  name.
+[859.34 --> 860.02]  The money
+[860.02 --> 860.92]  and the prosperity
+[860.92 --> 861.96]  you may have
+[861.96 --> 863.14]  as a result
+[863.14 --> 864.58]  is all a gift
+[864.58 --> 865.32]  of God.
+[866.46 --> 867.62]  God gave it
+[867.62 --> 868.16]  to you
+[868.16 --> 870.04]  as God gave
+[870.04 --> 870.82]  it to Joseph
+[870.82 --> 872.20]  and with the
+[872.20 --> 872.84]  same purpose
+[872.84 --> 874.36]  to extend
+[874.36 --> 875.38]  God's blessing
+[875.38 --> 877.04]  to his world
+[877.04 --> 878.38]  through you.
+[879.70 --> 880.76]  In a world
+[880.76 --> 881.10]  where the
+[881.10 --> 881.66]  temptation
+[881.66 --> 882.70]  or the misuse
+[882.70 --> 883.30]  and abuse
+[883.30 --> 883.82]  of power
+[883.82 --> 884.90]  is so seductive
+[884.90 --> 885.52]  and strong
+[885.52 --> 887.06]  we need to
+[887.06 --> 887.86]  look at ourselves
+[887.86 --> 888.62]  in the mirror
+[888.62 --> 889.44]  every morning
+[889.44 --> 890.14]  and say to
+[890.14 --> 890.56]  ourselves
+[890.56 --> 891.82]  God has
+[891.82 --> 892.42]  blessed me
+[892.42 --> 893.56]  with this
+[893.56 --> 894.62]  particular power
+[894.62 --> 895.32]  with this
+[895.32 --> 896.46]  particular success
+[896.46 --> 897.50]  God has
+[897.50 --> 898.22]  put me where
+[898.22 --> 898.70]  I am
+[898.70 --> 899.96]  and then ask
+[899.96 --> 902.12]  show me how
+[902.12 --> 902.44]  Lord
+[902.44 --> 904.08]  and use me
+[904.08 --> 904.72]  to bless
+[904.72 --> 905.86]  others around
+[905.86 --> 906.36]  me
+[906.36 --> 907.38]  today.
+[907.38 --> 909.76]  do that
+[909.76 --> 910.36]  as Joseph
+[910.36 --> 910.72]  did
+[910.72 --> 911.70]  and you
+[911.70 --> 912.14]  have a
+[912.14 --> 912.62]  powerful
+[912.62 --> 913.76]  driving force
+[913.76 --> 914.86]  for doing
+[914.86 --> 915.46]  good in
+[915.46 --> 916.04]  your life
+[916.04 --> 916.96]  and a
+[916.96 --> 917.52]  powerful
+[917.52 --> 918.30]  antidote
+[918.30 --> 918.98]  to the
+[918.98 --> 919.72]  corruptions
+[919.72 --> 921.06]  and temptations
+[921.06 --> 921.90]  of power.
+[921.90 --> 925.56]  all right
+[925.56 --> 925.82]  now
+[925.82 --> 927.02]  that brings us
+[927.02 --> 927.32]  to the
+[927.32 --> 927.80]  temptation
+[927.80 --> 928.42]  that appears
+[928.42 --> 928.92]  to be at
+[928.92 --> 929.58]  the center
+[929.58 --> 929.96]  of this
+[929.96 --> 930.30]  story
+[930.30 --> 931.96]  the temptation
+[931.96 --> 932.74]  for lack
+[932.74 --> 933.20]  of a better
+[933.20 --> 933.96]  way of putting
+[933.96 --> 934.20]  it
+[934.20 --> 935.36]  of illicit
+[935.36 --> 935.86]  sex
+[935.86 --> 937.46]  although
+[937.46 --> 938.74]  sexual matters
+[938.74 --> 939.66]  are also
+[939.66 --> 941.04]  so often
+[941.04 --> 942.44]  about power
+[942.44 --> 944.90]  for as
+[944.90 --> 945.56]  successful
+[945.56 --> 946.58]  and trusted
+[946.58 --> 947.42]  and administrator
+[947.42 --> 948.40]  as Joseph
+[948.40 --> 949.18]  had become
+[949.18 --> 950.52]  he was
+[950.52 --> 950.92]  still a
+[950.92 --> 951.22]  slave
+[951.22 --> 952.98]  and in
+[952.98 --> 953.70]  slave cultures
+[953.70 --> 954.26]  both then
+[954.26 --> 954.92]  and now
+[954.92 --> 956.84]  sex is an
+[956.84 --> 957.82]  often hidden
+[957.82 --> 958.68]  but important
+[958.68 --> 959.88]  part of the
+[959.88 --> 960.54]  relationship
+[960.54 --> 961.86]  slave owners
+[961.86 --> 963.14]  often exercise
+[963.14 --> 964.18]  their ownership
+[964.18 --> 965.82]  through sexual
+[965.82 --> 966.36]  advances
+[966.36 --> 967.64]  harassment
+[967.64 --> 968.88]  and rape
+[968.88 --> 971.56]  even today
+[971.56 --> 972.10]  so many
+[972.10 --> 972.62]  power
+[972.62 --> 973.30]  relationships
+[973.30 --> 975.14]  can be
+[975.14 --> 975.66]  sexually
+[975.66 --> 976.40]  charged
+[976.40 --> 978.22]  employers
+[978.22 --> 979.74]  supervisors
+[979.74 --> 981.00]  teachers
+[981.00 --> 982.24]  priests
+[982.24 --> 983.44]  pastors
+[983.44 --> 984.60]  parents
+[984.60 --> 985.82]  presidents
+[985.82 --> 986.84]  can
+[986.84 --> 987.72]  and sometimes
+[987.72 --> 988.08]  do
+[988.08 --> 988.98]  exploit
+[988.98 --> 989.70]  their power
+[989.70 --> 990.52]  over others
+[990.52 --> 992.18]  in sexual
+[992.18 --> 992.66]  ways
+[992.66 --> 995.00]  in such
+[995.00 --> 995.62]  relationships
+[995.62 --> 996.92]  there's really
+[996.92 --> 997.74]  no such thing
+[997.74 --> 998.68]  as consent
+[998.68 --> 999.34]  of course
+[999.34 --> 1000.86]  but only
+[1000.86 --> 1001.68]  constraint
+[1001.68 --> 1003.02]  or compulsion
+[1003.02 --> 1004.66]  however subtle
+[1004.66 --> 1005.66]  that may be
+[1005.66 --> 1007.62]  and just
+[1007.62 --> 1008.54]  so you
+[1008.54 --> 1008.88]  know
+[1008.88 --> 1009.80]  by law
+[1009.80 --> 1010.90]  and within
+[1010.90 --> 1011.96]  our denomination
+[1011.96 --> 1012.88]  when it comes
+[1012.88 --> 1013.46]  to church
+[1013.46 --> 1014.08]  leaders
+[1014.08 --> 1015.62]  any person
+[1015.62 --> 1016.66]  in authority
+[1016.66 --> 1017.86]  who engages
+[1017.86 --> 1018.86]  in a sexual
+[1018.86 --> 1019.54]  relationship
+[1019.54 --> 1020.58]  with someone
+[1020.58 --> 1021.52]  under his
+[1021.52 --> 1022.02]  or her
+[1022.02 --> 1022.70]  authority
+[1022.70 --> 1023.90]  even if the
+[1023.90 --> 1024.74]  victim is not
+[1024.74 --> 1025.30]  a minor
+[1025.30 --> 1026.78]  is guilty
+[1026.78 --> 1028.42]  of sexual
+[1028.42 --> 1029.36]  abuse
+[1029.36 --> 1030.94]  and rightly
+[1030.94 --> 1031.34]  so
+[1031.34 --> 1034.38]  Potiphar's
+[1034.38 --> 1034.76]  wife
+[1034.76 --> 1036.10]  is a
+[1036.10 --> 1036.78]  sex abuser
+[1036.78 --> 1038.82]  to set up
+[1038.82 --> 1039.32]  the scene
+[1039.32 --> 1040.02]  we are told
+[1040.02 --> 1040.82]  that on top
+[1040.82 --> 1041.34]  of everything
+[1041.34 --> 1041.68]  else
+[1041.68 --> 1042.70]  Joseph was
+[1042.70 --> 1043.68]  well built
+[1043.68 --> 1045.36]  and handsome
+[1045.36 --> 1047.58]  and wherever
+[1047.58 --> 1048.26]  this woman
+[1048.26 --> 1049.00]  with far
+[1049.00 --> 1049.44]  too much
+[1049.44 --> 1049.92]  time
+[1049.92 --> 1050.94]  and too
+[1050.94 --> 1051.74]  little husband
+[1051.74 --> 1052.64]  on her hands
+[1052.64 --> 1053.58]  turns in her
+[1053.58 --> 1054.14]  household
+[1054.14 --> 1055.94]  Joseph is
+[1055.94 --> 1056.26]  there
+[1056.26 --> 1057.58]  intelligent
+[1057.58 --> 1059.46]  good looking
+[1059.46 --> 1061.22]  well built
+[1061.22 --> 1062.08]  Joseph
+[1062.08 --> 1062.86]  apparently
+[1062.86 --> 1064.14]  was hot
+[1064.14 --> 1066.98]  and he
+[1066.98 --> 1067.76]  belongs to her
+[1067.76 --> 1068.38]  after all
+[1068.38 --> 1070.00]  he's a slave
+[1070.00 --> 1071.38]  she owns him
+[1071.38 --> 1073.88]  so one day
+[1073.88 --> 1074.46]  and obviously
+[1074.46 --> 1074.92]  not one
+[1074.92 --> 1075.54]  for a lot
+[1075.54 --> 1076.40]  of preliminaries
+[1076.40 --> 1077.64]  she confronts
+[1077.64 --> 1077.94]  Joseph
+[1077.94 --> 1078.64]  and according
+[1078.64 --> 1079.40]  to the original
+[1079.40 --> 1079.78]  Hebrew
+[1079.78 --> 1080.52]  demands
+[1080.52 --> 1081.68]  sex
+[1081.68 --> 1082.54]  now
+[1082.54 --> 1084.54]  that's
+[1084.54 --> 1085.48]  the sanitized
+[1085.48 --> 1085.86]  version
+[1085.86 --> 1086.84]  for churches
+[1086.84 --> 1090.00]  but Joseph
+[1090.00 --> 1090.60]  has a good
+[1090.60 --> 1090.88]  head
+[1090.88 --> 1091.32]  on his
+[1091.32 --> 1091.64]  broad
+[1091.64 --> 1092.04]  shoulders
+[1092.04 --> 1092.42]  and a
+[1092.42 --> 1092.78]  commitment
+[1092.78 --> 1093.30]  to God
+[1093.30 --> 1093.62]  in his
+[1093.62 --> 1093.92]  heart
+[1093.92 --> 1094.26]  and he
+[1094.26 --> 1094.74]  refuses
+[1094.74 --> 1096.60]  he gives
+[1096.60 --> 1096.94]  her a
+[1096.94 --> 1097.38]  reasoned
+[1097.38 --> 1097.86]  defense
+[1097.86 --> 1099.90]  he explains
+[1099.90 --> 1100.50]  the trust
+[1100.50 --> 1101.14]  Potiphar
+[1101.14 --> 1101.72]  has placed
+[1101.72 --> 1102.16]  in him
+[1102.16 --> 1103.70]  the betrayal
+[1103.70 --> 1104.34]  this liaison
+[1104.34 --> 1105.02]  would be
+[1105.02 --> 1106.72]  and maybe
+[1106.72 --> 1107.24]  she could
+[1107.24 --> 1107.96]  understand
+[1107.96 --> 1108.64]  that
+[1108.64 --> 1109.40]  but that
+[1109.40 --> 1109.72]  is not
+[1109.72 --> 1110.12]  the heart
+[1110.12 --> 1110.40]  of his
+[1110.40 --> 1110.90]  refusal
+[1110.90 --> 1111.84]  the heart
+[1111.84 --> 1112.14]  of his
+[1112.14 --> 1112.62]  refusal
+[1112.62 --> 1113.38]  is this
+[1113.38 --> 1115.10]  how then
+[1115.10 --> 1115.64]  could I
+[1115.64 --> 1116.16]  do such
+[1116.16 --> 1116.72]  a wicked
+[1116.72 --> 1117.24]  thing
+[1117.24 --> 1118.90]  and sin
+[1118.90 --> 1120.20]  against
+[1120.20 --> 1121.06]  God
+[1121.06 --> 1123.78]  but still
+[1123.78 --> 1124.34]  she's after
+[1124.34 --> 1124.54]  him
+[1124.54 --> 1125.02]  day after
+[1125.02 --> 1125.30]  day
+[1125.30 --> 1125.80]  we read
+[1125.80 --> 1126.16]  and day
+[1126.16 --> 1126.66]  after day
+[1126.66 --> 1127.34]  he refuses
+[1127.34 --> 1127.98]  making sure
+[1127.98 --> 1128.52]  he was never
+[1128.52 --> 1129.28]  again alone
+[1129.28 --> 1129.66]  with her
+[1129.66 --> 1130.64]  in the
+[1130.64 --> 1130.98]  house
+[1130.98 --> 1131.94]  until one
+[1131.94 --> 1132.28]  day he
+[1132.28 --> 1132.94]  came home
+[1132.94 --> 1133.42]  and found
+[1133.42 --> 1133.84]  the house
+[1133.84 --> 1134.96]  oddly quiet
+[1134.96 --> 1136.02]  with no one
+[1136.02 --> 1136.72]  there except
+[1136.72 --> 1137.48]  Mrs. P
+[1137.48 --> 1138.50]  who nearly
+[1138.50 --> 1139.24]  naked this
+[1139.24 --> 1139.58]  time
+[1139.58 --> 1140.50]  grabs him
+[1140.50 --> 1140.88]  by his
+[1140.88 --> 1141.16]  cloak
+[1141.16 --> 1141.88]  demands
+[1141.88 --> 1142.32]  sex
+[1142.32 --> 1142.88]  then
+[1142.88 --> 1143.60]  and there
+[1143.60 --> 1144.20]  and this
+[1144.20 --> 1144.52]  time
+[1144.52 --> 1145.12]  there are
+[1145.12 --> 1145.76]  no speeches
+[1145.76 --> 1147.64]  Joseph
+[1147.64 --> 1148.56]  knew
+[1148.56 --> 1149.92]  just knew
+[1149.92 --> 1150.90]  there was
+[1150.90 --> 1151.80]  no reasoning
+[1151.80 --> 1152.72]  out of
+[1152.72 --> 1153.64]  this situation
+[1153.64 --> 1155.10]  and so
+[1155.10 --> 1155.52]  Joseph
+[1155.52 --> 1156.10]  flees the
+[1156.10 --> 1156.46]  house
+[1156.46 --> 1158.02]  so fast
+[1158.02 --> 1159.26]  that once
+[1159.26 --> 1159.60]  again
+[1159.60 --> 1160.58]  he is left
+[1160.58 --> 1161.22]  without
+[1161.22 --> 1162.10]  his clothes
+[1162.10 --> 1164.36]  first it
+[1164.36 --> 1164.70]  was his
+[1164.70 --> 1164.98]  brother
+[1164.98 --> 1165.94]  stripping him
+[1165.94 --> 1166.54]  of his
+[1166.54 --> 1166.92]  coat of
+[1166.92 --> 1167.54]  many colors
+[1167.54 --> 1168.50]  dipping it
+[1168.50 --> 1169.00]  in goat's
+[1169.00 --> 1169.22]  blood
+[1169.22 --> 1170.12]  to fake
+[1170.12 --> 1170.62]  his death
+[1170.62 --> 1172.04]  now it
+[1172.04 --> 1172.38]  is the
+[1172.38 --> 1172.80]  angry
+[1172.80 --> 1173.76]  and humiliated
+[1173.76 --> 1174.24]  wife
+[1174.24 --> 1175.76]  of Potiphar
+[1175.76 --> 1177.26]  who has
+[1177.26 --> 1177.88]  stripped him
+[1177.88 --> 1179.08]  while she
+[1179.08 --> 1179.54]  cries
+[1179.54 --> 1180.18]  rape
+[1180.18 --> 1181.68]  with pretty
+[1181.68 --> 1182.06]  much
+[1182.06 --> 1183.08]  the same
+[1183.08 --> 1183.54]  result
+[1183.54 --> 1184.84]  Joseph
+[1184.84 --> 1185.68]  ends up
+[1185.68 --> 1186.38]  in prison
+[1186.38 --> 1187.76]  as good
+[1187.76 --> 1188.18]  as dead
+[1188.18 --> 1190.98]  we are
+[1190.98 --> 1191.00]  we are
+[1191.00 --> 1191.54]  not told
+[1191.54 --> 1192.88]  if Potiphar
+[1192.88 --> 1193.38]  really
+[1193.38 --> 1194.18]  believes
+[1194.18 --> 1194.74]  her story
+[1194.74 --> 1196.52]  interestingly
+[1196.52 --> 1197.12]  it says
+[1197.12 --> 1197.44]  that he
+[1197.44 --> 1197.80]  burned
+[1197.80 --> 1197.98]  with
+[1197.98 --> 1198.34]  anger
+[1198.34 --> 1200.54]  it does
+[1200.54 --> 1201.20]  not say
+[1201.20 --> 1202.32]  who he's
+[1202.32 --> 1202.62]  angry
+[1202.62 --> 1203.02]  with
+[1203.02 --> 1204.92]  nor does
+[1204.92 --> 1205.36]  he punish
+[1205.36 --> 1205.74]  Joseph
+[1205.74 --> 1206.28]  as you
+[1206.28 --> 1206.64]  would have
+[1206.64 --> 1207.12]  expected
+[1207.12 --> 1208.66]  with death
+[1208.66 --> 1210.48]  whatever
+[1210.48 --> 1211.10]  he thinks
+[1211.10 --> 1211.68]  really
+[1211.68 --> 1212.16]  happened
+[1212.16 --> 1212.78]  the end
+[1212.78 --> 1213.20]  result
+[1213.20 --> 1214.24]  for
+[1214.24 --> 1214.60]  Joseph
+[1214.60 --> 1215.58]  is the
+[1215.58 --> 1215.90]  same
+[1215.90 --> 1217.56]  prison
+[1217.56 --> 1220.56]  to the
+[1220.56 --> 1220.80]  world
+[1220.80 --> 1221.28]  of course
+[1221.28 --> 1222.22]  this whole
+[1222.22 --> 1222.62]  thing
+[1222.62 --> 1223.62]  is a
+[1223.62 --> 1223.88]  joke
+[1223.88 --> 1225.92]  in our
+[1225.92 --> 1226.32]  time
+[1226.32 --> 1226.68]  in which
+[1226.68 --> 1227.26]  adultery
+[1227.26 --> 1227.52]  is
+[1227.52 --> 1228.14]  entertainment
+[1228.14 --> 1229.02]  and lust
+[1229.02 --> 1229.78]  is constantly
+[1229.78 --> 1230.84]  being advertised
+[1230.84 --> 1231.68]  sex sells
+[1231.68 --> 1232.08]  everybody
+[1232.08 --> 1232.66]  knows
+[1232.66 --> 1233.56]  Joseph
+[1233.56 --> 1234.28]  isn't only
+[1234.28 --> 1235.06]  regarded as
+[1235.06 --> 1235.68]  a joke
+[1235.68 --> 1237.08]  but as
+[1237.08 --> 1237.70]  abnormal
+[1237.70 --> 1239.34]  one
+[1239.34 --> 1239.84]  psychologist
+[1239.84 --> 1240.58]  claims that
+[1240.58 --> 1240.88]  Joseph
+[1240.88 --> 1241.58]  was sexually
+[1241.58 --> 1242.06]  abnormal
+[1242.06 --> 1242.78]  due to
+[1242.78 --> 1242.94]  his
+[1242.94 --> 1243.32]  intimate
+[1243.32 --> 1243.72]  love
+[1243.72 --> 1244.28]  for his
+[1244.28 --> 1244.70]  father
+[1244.70 --> 1248.26]  but then
+[1248.26 --> 1248.72]  how can
+[1248.72 --> 1249.38]  you expect
+[1249.38 --> 1250.98]  the people
+[1250.98 --> 1251.54]  of this
+[1251.54 --> 1251.86]  world
+[1251.86 --> 1253.02]  to understand
+[1253.02 --> 1258.16]  to understand
+[1258.16 --> 1258.78]  Joseph
+[1258.78 --> 1260.16]  if they
+[1260.16 --> 1260.58]  do not
+[1260.58 --> 1260.98]  know
+[1260.98 --> 1261.92]  Joseph's
+[1261.92 --> 1262.24]  God
+[1262.24 --> 1263.94]  how
+[1263.94 --> 1264.24]  then
+[1264.24 --> 1264.66]  could I
+[1264.66 --> 1265.12]  do such
+[1265.12 --> 1265.60]  a wicked
+[1265.60 --> 1266.08]  thing
+[1266.08 --> 1266.86]  and sin
+[1266.86 --> 1267.54]  against
+[1267.54 --> 1268.54]  God
+[1268.54 --> 1270.30]  Joseph
+[1270.30 --> 1270.92]  is willing
+[1270.92 --> 1271.48]  to lose
+[1271.48 --> 1272.02]  both his
+[1272.02 --> 1272.48]  cloak
+[1272.48 --> 1274.34]  and his
+[1274.34 --> 1274.94]  dignity
+[1274.94 --> 1276.52]  as long
+[1276.52 --> 1276.96]  as he
+[1276.96 --> 1277.46]  can keep
+[1277.46 --> 1278.06]  faith
+[1278.06 --> 1279.32]  with God
+[1279.32 --> 1282.08]  and what
+[1282.08 --> 1282.60]  about us
+[1282.60 --> 1284.22]  God
+[1284.22 --> 1284.88]  calls us
+[1284.88 --> 1285.36]  to out
+[1285.36 --> 1285.60]  of the
+[1285.60 --> 1286.00]  land of
+[1286.00 --> 1286.30]  Egypt
+[1286.30 --> 1286.66]  out of
+[1286.66 --> 1287.02]  the house
+[1287.02 --> 1287.78]  of Potiphar's
+[1287.78 --> 1288.10]  wife
+[1288.10 --> 1288.70]  out of
+[1288.70 --> 1289.14]  the world
+[1289.14 --> 1289.84]  covenant
+[1289.84 --> 1290.28]  people
+[1290.28 --> 1290.92]  from Abraham
+[1290.92 --> 1291.56]  to Joseph
+[1291.56 --> 1291.98]  to the
+[1291.98 --> 1292.38]  disciples
+[1292.38 --> 1292.94]  of Jesus
+[1292.94 --> 1293.58]  then and
+[1293.58 --> 1293.98]  now
+[1293.98 --> 1295.18]  are holy
+[1295.18 --> 1295.98]  set
+[1295.98 --> 1296.60]  apart
+[1296.60 --> 1297.24]  people
+[1297.24 --> 1298.98]  in so
+[1298.98 --> 1299.58]  many ways
+[1299.58 --> 1300.04]  a Christian
+[1300.04 --> 1300.46]  in the
+[1300.46 --> 1300.76]  world
+[1300.76 --> 1301.38]  is like
+[1301.38 --> 1301.84]  a Christian
+[1301.84 --> 1302.20]  at a
+[1302.20 --> 1302.48]  party
+[1302.48 --> 1302.86]  which has
+[1302.86 --> 1303.36]  taken a
+[1303.36 --> 1303.94]  very ugly
+[1303.94 --> 1304.36]  turn
+[1304.36 --> 1305.08]  there is a
+[1305.08 --> 1305.44]  time
+[1305.44 --> 1306.10]  when you
+[1306.10 --> 1306.72]  may just
+[1306.72 --> 1307.20]  feel like
+[1307.20 --> 1307.48]  you just
+[1307.48 --> 1307.80]  got to
+[1307.80 --> 1308.26]  get up
+[1308.26 --> 1308.76]  and get
+[1308.76 --> 1309.06]  out
+[1309.06 --> 1310.46]  you don't
+[1310.46 --> 1310.84]  belong
+[1310.84 --> 1311.20]  there
+[1311.20 --> 1314.20]  and when
+[1314.20 --> 1314.72]  it comes
+[1314.72 --> 1315.44]  to God's
+[1315.44 --> 1316.02]  will for
+[1316.02 --> 1316.66]  sexuality
+[1316.66 --> 1317.30]  and yes
+[1317.30 --> 1317.82]  I know
+[1317.82 --> 1318.36]  we mess
+[1318.36 --> 1318.64]  up
+[1318.64 --> 1319.60]  and yes
+[1319.60 --> 1320.12]  there is
+[1320.12 --> 1320.56]  forgiveness
+[1320.56 --> 1321.14]  okay
+[1321.14 --> 1322.66]  but
+[1322.66 --> 1324.26]  God's
+[1324.26 --> 1324.66]  will
+[1324.66 --> 1325.52]  for
+[1325.52 --> 1326.12]  sexuality
+[1326.12 --> 1326.74]  is about
+[1326.74 --> 1327.48]  as simple
+[1327.48 --> 1327.78]  and
+[1327.78 --> 1328.26]  straightforward
+[1328.26 --> 1329.24]  as can
+[1329.24 --> 1329.62]  be
+[1329.62 --> 1331.14]  sex
+[1331.14 --> 1331.62]  is for
+[1331.62 --> 1332.10]  marriage
+[1332.10 --> 1333.68]  and marriage
+[1333.68 --> 1334.54]  is for
+[1334.54 --> 1334.90]  life
+[1334.90 --> 1336.84]  which means
+[1336.84 --> 1337.20]  that the
+[1337.20 --> 1338.10]  most significant
+[1338.10 --> 1338.84]  question
+[1338.84 --> 1339.60]  for us
+[1339.60 --> 1339.94]  in a
+[1339.94 --> 1340.24]  culture
+[1340.24 --> 1340.70]  that no
+[1340.70 --> 1341.04]  longer
+[1341.04 --> 1341.78]  recognizes
+[1341.78 --> 1342.42]  those
+[1342.42 --> 1342.72]  sorts
+[1342.72 --> 1342.88]  of
+[1342.88 --> 1343.30]  boundaries
+[1343.30 --> 1345.02]  is not
+[1345.02 --> 1345.84]  what is
+[1345.84 --> 1346.20]  right and
+[1346.20 --> 1346.44]  what is
+[1346.44 --> 1346.72]  wrong
+[1346.72 --> 1347.60]  but
+[1347.60 --> 1349.08]  what is
+[1349.08 --> 1349.76]  it that
+[1349.76 --> 1350.56]  we fear
+[1350.56 --> 1351.36]  most
+[1351.36 --> 1353.62]  that we
+[1353.62 --> 1354.28]  might sin
+[1354.28 --> 1355.08]  against our
+[1355.08 --> 1356.02]  faithful covenant
+[1356.02 --> 1356.72]  God
+[1356.72 --> 1357.78]  by our
+[1357.78 --> 1358.70]  disobedience
+[1358.70 --> 1359.90]  or
+[1359.90 --> 1361.18]  that we
+[1361.18 --> 1361.58]  might be
+[1361.58 --> 1362.38]  ridiculed
+[1362.38 --> 1363.46]  by a
+[1363.46 --> 1363.96]  world that
+[1363.96 --> 1364.38]  does not
+[1364.38 --> 1364.98]  know him
+[1364.98 --> 1366.72]  for our
+[1366.72 --> 1367.68]  obedience
+[1367.68 --> 1367.94]  obedience
+[1367.94 --> 1372.12]  meanwhile
+[1372.12 --> 1372.72]  the people
+[1372.72 --> 1373.04]  of our
+[1373.04 --> 1373.42]  world have
+[1373.42 --> 1374.06]  another reason
+[1374.06 --> 1375.12]  to laugh
+[1375.12 --> 1375.58]  at Joseph
+[1375.58 --> 1376.26]  because his
+[1376.26 --> 1377.18]  obedience lands
+[1377.18 --> 1377.80]  him in prison
+[1377.80 --> 1379.14]  and that
+[1379.14 --> 1379.78]  brings us to
+[1379.78 --> 1380.36]  the biggest
+[1380.36 --> 1380.88]  issue
+[1380.88 --> 1382.00]  of Genesis
+[1382.00 --> 1383.20]  to the
+[1383.20 --> 1383.74]  providence
+[1383.74 --> 1384.28]  question
+[1384.28 --> 1385.66]  and to
+[1385.66 --> 1386.22]  Joseph's
+[1386.22 --> 1386.84]  third and
+[1386.84 --> 1387.48]  perhaps
+[1387.48 --> 1388.66]  most difficult
+[1388.66 --> 1389.32]  temptation
+[1389.32 --> 1390.18]  the
+[1390.18 --> 1390.84]  temptation
+[1390.84 --> 1391.90]  to
+[1391.90 --> 1393.06]  despair
+[1393.06 --> 1395.28]  the
+[1395.28 --> 1395.74]  Lord was
+[1395.74 --> 1395.98]  with
+[1395.98 --> 1396.40]  Joseph
+[1396.40 --> 1397.18]  it
+[1397.18 --> 1397.60]  says so
+[1397.60 --> 1398.04]  no less
+[1398.04 --> 1398.20]  than
+[1398.20 --> 1398.40]  three
+[1398.40 --> 1398.86]  times
+[1398.86 --> 1400.38]  yet
+[1400.38 --> 1400.74]  Joseph
+[1400.74 --> 1401.18]  ends up
+[1401.18 --> 1401.60]  falsely
+[1401.60 --> 1402.12]  accused
+[1402.12 --> 1402.82]  and in
+[1402.82 --> 1403.10]  prison
+[1403.10 --> 1403.90]  and what
+[1403.90 --> 1404.34]  kind
+[1404.34 --> 1404.62]  of
+[1404.62 --> 1405.20]  providence
+[1405.20 --> 1406.14]  is that
+[1406.14 --> 1408.26]  if you
+[1408.26 --> 1408.58]  do the
+[1408.58 --> 1408.94]  right thing
+[1408.94 --> 1409.46]  for God
+[1409.46 --> 1410.74]  God
+[1410.74 --> 1411.14]  should do
+[1411.14 --> 1411.52]  the right
+[1411.52 --> 1411.74]  thing
+[1411.74 --> 1412.28]  for you
+[1412.28 --> 1412.68]  right
+[1412.68 --> 1414.58]  if you
+[1414.58 --> 1415.22]  mess up
+[1415.22 --> 1416.00]  like
+[1416.00 --> 1416.58]  Potiphar's
+[1416.58 --> 1416.94]  wife
+[1416.94 --> 1418.06]  then God
+[1418.06 --> 1418.64]  should punish
+[1418.64 --> 1419.08]  you and
+[1419.08 --> 1419.62]  you deserve
+[1419.62 --> 1420.02]  it
+[1420.02 --> 1422.16]  that's
+[1422.16 --> 1422.80]  the popular
+[1422.80 --> 1423.50]  simplistic
+[1423.50 --> 1424.14]  idea
+[1424.14 --> 1425.24]  of
+[1425.24 --> 1425.86]  providence
+[1425.86 --> 1426.38]  that's
+[1426.38 --> 1426.56]  the
+[1426.56 --> 1427.06]  heart
+[1427.06 --> 1427.44]  of the
+[1427.44 --> 1427.76]  health
+[1427.76 --> 1428.62]  and wealth
+[1428.62 --> 1429.32]  gospel
+[1429.32 --> 1429.84]  promoted
+[1429.84 --> 1430.36]  by so
+[1430.36 --> 1430.64]  many
+[1430.64 --> 1431.20]  evangelical
+[1431.20 --> 1431.72]  Christians
+[1431.72 --> 1432.16]  in North
+[1432.16 --> 1432.56]  America
+[1432.56 --> 1433.00]  today
+[1433.00 --> 1434.72]  but that's
+[1434.72 --> 1435.00]  not how
+[1435.00 --> 1435.42]  it works
+[1435.42 --> 1435.70]  here
+[1435.70 --> 1438.00]  and is
+[1438.00 --> 1438.36]  it hard
+[1438.36 --> 1438.96]  to imagine
+[1438.96 --> 1439.42]  that there
+[1439.42 --> 1439.86]  must have
+[1439.86 --> 1440.06]  been
+[1440.06 --> 1440.98]  so many
+[1440.98 --> 1441.38]  times
+[1441.38 --> 1441.88]  in prison
+[1441.88 --> 1442.16]  that
+[1442.16 --> 1442.52]  Joseph
+[1442.52 --> 1443.04]  wondered
+[1443.04 --> 1443.66]  where
+[1443.66 --> 1444.32]  is
+[1444.32 --> 1444.98]  God
+[1444.98 --> 1447.54]  what's
+[1447.54 --> 1447.90]  happened
+[1447.90 --> 1448.44]  to my
+[1448.44 --> 1448.92]  dreams
+[1448.92 --> 1450.68]  what
+[1450.68 --> 1450.98]  good
+[1450.98 --> 1451.36]  did it
+[1451.36 --> 1452.06]  do me
+[1452.06 --> 1452.70]  to stand
+[1452.70 --> 1452.92]  up
+[1452.92 --> 1453.32]  for my
+[1453.32 --> 1453.94]  integrity
+[1453.94 --> 1457.36]  the
+[1457.36 --> 1457.90]  temptation
+[1457.90 --> 1458.18]  to
+[1458.18 --> 1458.64]  despair
+[1458.64 --> 1458.94]  is to
+[1458.94 --> 1459.12]  come
+[1459.12 --> 1459.28]  to
+[1459.28 --> 1459.72]  believe
+[1459.72 --> 1460.58]  that
+[1460.58 --> 1460.88]  God
+[1460.88 --> 1461.20]  isn't
+[1461.20 --> 1461.52]  really
+[1461.52 --> 1461.92]  God
+[1461.92 --> 1462.14]  that
+[1462.14 --> 1462.68]  there
+[1462.68 --> 1462.92]  is
+[1462.92 --> 1463.42]  ultimately
+[1463.42 --> 1463.94]  no
+[1463.94 --> 1464.36]  justice
+[1464.36 --> 1464.70]  in the
+[1464.70 --> 1464.98]  world
+[1464.98 --> 1467.28]  let's
+[1467.28 --> 1467.56]  face
+[1467.56 --> 1467.80]  it
+[1467.80 --> 1468.98]  lies
+[1468.98 --> 1470.80]  power
+[1470.80 --> 1472.64]  lust
+[1472.64 --> 1473.60]  often
+[1473.60 --> 1474.04]  work out
+[1474.04 --> 1474.74]  just fine
+[1474.74 --> 1475.24]  in the
+[1475.24 --> 1475.68]  empires
+[1475.68 --> 1476.20]  of Egypt
+[1476.20 --> 1476.70]  and of
+[1476.70 --> 1476.88]  this
+[1476.88 --> 1477.22]  world
+[1477.22 --> 1479.28]  do I
+[1479.28 --> 1479.48]  really
+[1479.48 --> 1479.70]  need
+[1479.70 --> 1479.82]  to
+[1479.82 --> 1480.00]  name
+[1480.00 --> 1480.36]  names
+[1480.36 --> 1482.66]  how
+[1482.66 --> 1482.98]  often
+[1482.98 --> 1483.34]  didn't
+[1483.34 --> 1483.74]  psalmist
+[1483.74 --> 1484.32]  complain
+[1484.32 --> 1485.14]  about
+[1485.14 --> 1485.46]  just
+[1485.46 --> 1485.74]  this
+[1485.74 --> 1486.10]  matter
+[1486.10 --> 1487.82]  listen
+[1487.82 --> 1488.40]  this is
+[1488.40 --> 1488.68]  what the
+[1488.68 --> 1488.90]  wicked
+[1488.90 --> 1489.34]  are like
+[1489.34 --> 1489.94]  asap
+[1489.94 --> 1490.80]  psalm 73
+[1490.80 --> 1491.66]  always
+[1491.66 --> 1492.22]  carefree
+[1492.22 --> 1492.42]  they
+[1492.42 --> 1492.86]  increase
+[1492.86 --> 1493.02]  in
+[1493.02 --> 1493.34]  wealth
+[1493.34 --> 1493.76]  surely
+[1493.76 --> 1494.10]  in
+[1494.10 --> 1494.40]  vain
+[1494.40 --> 1494.62]  have
+[1494.62 --> 1494.76]  I
+[1494.76 --> 1494.94]  kept
+[1494.94 --> 1495.18]  my
+[1495.18 --> 1495.44]  heart
+[1495.44 --> 1495.78]  pure
+[1495.78 --> 1496.20]  in
+[1496.20 --> 1496.54]  vain
+[1496.54 --> 1496.76]  have
+[1496.76 --> 1496.92]  I
+[1496.92 --> 1497.30]  washed
+[1497.30 --> 1497.56]  my
+[1497.56 --> 1497.94]  hands
+[1497.94 --> 1498.46]  in
+[1498.46 --> 1498.92]  innocent
+[1498.92 --> 1501.96]  but
+[1501.96 --> 1502.14]  the
+[1502.14 --> 1502.46]  claim
+[1502.46 --> 1502.90]  of this
+[1502.90 --> 1503.40]  story
+[1503.40 --> 1504.04]  is not
+[1504.04 --> 1504.34]  that
+[1504.34 --> 1504.80]  everything
+[1504.80 --> 1505.08]  will
+[1505.08 --> 1505.38]  work
+[1505.38 --> 1505.58]  out
+[1505.58 --> 1505.94]  how
+[1505.94 --> 1506.16]  and
+[1506.16 --> 1506.40]  when
+[1506.40 --> 1506.62]  we
+[1506.62 --> 1506.94]  think
+[1506.94 --> 1507.14]  it
+[1507.14 --> 1507.50]  should
+[1507.50 --> 1508.46]  or
+[1508.46 --> 1508.70]  that
+[1508.70 --> 1508.94]  we
+[1508.94 --> 1509.16]  will
+[1509.16 --> 1509.34]  be
+[1509.34 --> 1509.62]  saved
+[1509.62 --> 1509.80]  from
+[1509.80 --> 1510.16]  every
+[1510.16 --> 1510.56]  trouble
+[1510.56 --> 1512.02]  or
+[1512.02 --> 1512.20]  that
+[1512.20 --> 1512.38]  the
+[1512.38 --> 1512.60]  wicked
+[1512.60 --> 1512.82]  will
+[1512.82 --> 1513.30]  always
+[1513.30 --> 1513.54]  get
+[1513.54 --> 1513.72]  their
+[1513.72 --> 1514.00]  just
+[1514.00 --> 1514.64]  deserts
+[1514.64 --> 1514.88]  here
+[1514.88 --> 1515.12]  and
+[1515.12 --> 1515.42]  now
+[1515.42 --> 1516.84]  no
+[1516.84 --> 1519.06]  God's
+[1519.06 --> 1519.34]  goodness
+[1519.34 --> 1519.72]  to the
+[1519.72 --> 1520.10]  faithful
+[1520.10 --> 1521.20]  is
+[1521.20 --> 1521.46]  very
+[1521.46 --> 1521.84]  real
+[1521.84 --> 1523.28]  but
+[1523.28 --> 1523.50]  it
+[1523.50 --> 1523.70]  is
+[1523.70 --> 1523.96]  not
+[1523.96 --> 1524.32]  part
+[1524.32 --> 1524.62]  of
+[1524.62 --> 1525.00]  any
+[1525.00 --> 1525.82]  bargain
+[1525.82 --> 1528.38]  just
+[1528.38 --> 1528.64]  read
+[1528.64 --> 1528.78]  the
+[1528.78 --> 1528.94]  book
+[1528.94 --> 1529.08]  of
+[1529.08 --> 1529.30]  Job
+[1529.30 --> 1530.76]  it
+[1530.76 --> 1531.14]  comes
+[1531.14 --> 1531.70]  only
+[1531.70 --> 1532.42]  as
+[1532.42 --> 1532.92]  grace
+[1532.92 --> 1534.58]  there
+[1534.58 --> 1534.78]  is
+[1534.78 --> 1535.16]  never
+[1535.16 --> 1536.18]  a
+[1536.18 --> 1536.78]  guarantee
+[1536.78 --> 1537.18]  that
+[1537.18 --> 1537.44]  as
+[1537.44 --> 1537.74]  Paul
+[1537.74 --> 1538.02]  wrote
+[1538.02 --> 1538.20]  to
+[1538.20 --> 1538.56]  Christians
+[1538.56 --> 1538.82]  in
+[1538.82 --> 1539.10]  Rome
+[1539.10 --> 1539.84]  that
+[1539.84 --> 1540.00]  we
+[1540.00 --> 1540.16]  will
+[1540.16 --> 1540.40]  not
+[1540.40 --> 1540.62]  have
+[1540.62 --> 1540.78]  to
+[1540.78 --> 1541.02]  suffer
+[1541.02 --> 1541.46]  trouble
+[1541.46 --> 1541.78]  or
+[1541.78 --> 1542.20]  hardship
+[1542.20 --> 1542.74]  or
+[1542.74 --> 1543.34]  persecution
+[1543.34 --> 1543.70]  or
+[1543.70 --> 1544.06]  famine
+[1544.06 --> 1544.28]  or
+[1544.28 --> 1544.82]  nakedness
+[1544.82 --> 1544.96]  or
+[1544.96 --> 1545.28]  danger
+[1545.28 --> 1545.50]  or
+[1545.50 --> 1545.84]  sword
+[1545.84 --> 1547.76]  there
+[1547.76 --> 1547.96]  is
+[1547.96 --> 1548.34]  only
+[1548.34 --> 1548.60]  a
+[1548.60 --> 1549.08]  promise
+[1549.08 --> 1549.88]  that
+[1549.88 --> 1550.04]  we
+[1550.04 --> 1550.22]  do
+[1550.22 --> 1550.54]  not
+[1550.54 --> 1550.98]  suffer
+[1550.98 --> 1551.30]  it
+[1551.30 --> 1551.98]  alone
+[1551.98 --> 1552.78]  and
+[1552.78 --> 1553.04]  that
+[1553.04 --> 1553.44]  God
+[1553.44 --> 1553.74]  will
+[1553.74 --> 1554.10]  work
+[1554.10 --> 1554.78]  some
+[1554.78 --> 1555.44]  good
+[1555.44 --> 1555.84]  from
+[1555.84 --> 1556.02]  it
+[1556.02 --> 1557.98]  the
+[1557.98 --> 1558.40]  claim
+[1558.40 --> 1558.62]  of
+[1558.62 --> 1559.00]  Genesis
+[1559.00 --> 1559.60]  39
+[1559.60 --> 1560.14]  is
+[1560.14 --> 1560.32]  that
+[1560.32 --> 1560.54]  the
+[1560.54 --> 1560.90]  covenant
+[1560.90 --> 1561.32]  God
+[1561.32 --> 1561.54]  is
+[1561.54 --> 1561.82]  with
+[1561.82 --> 1562.24]  Joseph
+[1562.24 --> 1562.52]  that
+[1562.52 --> 1562.86]  God
+[1562.86 --> 1563.02]  is
+[1563.02 --> 1563.22]  on
+[1563.22 --> 1563.80]  Joseph's
+[1563.80 --> 1564.20]  side
+[1564.20 --> 1565.84]  the
+[1565.84 --> 1566.22]  side
+[1566.22 --> 1566.34]  of
+[1566.34 --> 1566.48]  the
+[1566.48 --> 1566.88]  promise
+[1566.88 --> 1567.10]  the
+[1567.10 --> 1567.40]  side
+[1567.40 --> 1567.52]  of
+[1567.52 --> 1567.62]  the
+[1567.62 --> 1568.04]  dream
+[1568.04 --> 1568.90]  no
+[1568.90 --> 1569.22]  matter
+[1569.22 --> 1569.50]  what
+[1569.50 --> 1569.82]  evil
+[1569.82 --> 1570.34]  befalls
+[1570.34 --> 1570.64]  him
+[1570.64 --> 1571.28]  only
+[1571.28 --> 1571.54]  in
+[1571.54 --> 1572.06]  retrospect
+[1572.06 --> 1572.34]  and
+[1572.34 --> 1572.54]  many
+[1572.54 --> 1572.80]  years
+[1572.80 --> 1573.10]  later
+[1573.10 --> 1573.32]  as
+[1573.32 --> 1573.60]  many
+[1573.60 --> 1573.74]  of
+[1573.74 --> 1573.82]  you
+[1573.82 --> 1574.04]  already
+[1574.04 --> 1574.44]  know
+[1574.44 --> 1575.72]  will
+[1575.72 --> 1576.12]  Joseph
+[1576.12 --> 1576.60]  connect
+[1576.60 --> 1576.80]  all
+[1576.80 --> 1576.94]  the
+[1576.94 --> 1577.38]  dots
+[1577.38 --> 1578.40]  and
+[1578.40 --> 1578.62]  see
+[1578.62 --> 1578.80]  the
+[1578.80 --> 1579.00]  good
+[1579.00 --> 1579.40]  things
+[1579.40 --> 1579.58]  that
+[1579.58 --> 1579.94]  God
+[1579.94 --> 1580.30]  brought
+[1580.30 --> 1580.60]  out
+[1580.60 --> 1580.76]  of
+[1580.76 --> 1581.12]  every
+[1581.12 --> 1581.48]  evil
+[1581.48 --> 1581.66]  he
+[1581.66 --> 1582.26]  experienced
+[1582.26 --> 1582.86]  including
+[1582.86 --> 1583.18]  being
+[1583.18 --> 1583.68]  sold
+[1583.68 --> 1584.12]  as
+[1584.12 --> 1584.28]  a
+[1584.28 --> 1584.60]  slave
+[1584.60 --> 1584.82]  and
+[1584.82 --> 1585.30]  falsely
+[1585.30 --> 1586.10]  convicted
+[1586.10 --> 1586.42]  of
+[1586.42 --> 1586.84]  attempted
+[1586.84 --> 1587.36]  rape
+[1587.36 --> 1588.92]  but
+[1588.92 --> 1589.08]  it
+[1589.08 --> 1589.28]  does
+[1589.28 --> 1589.64]  not
+[1589.64 --> 1589.94]  mean
+[1589.94 --> 1590.16]  that
+[1592.24 --> 1592.64]  to
+[1592.64 --> 1592.92]  all
+[1592.92 --> 1593.06]  of
+[1593.06 --> 1593.20]  our
+[1593.20 --> 1593.72]  questions
+[1593.72 --> 1594.22]  about
+[1594.22 --> 1594.50]  all
+[1594.50 --> 1594.68]  the
+[1594.68 --> 1595.08]  ways
+[1595.08 --> 1595.46]  of
+[1595.46 --> 1595.86]  God's
+[1595.86 --> 1596.50]  providence
+[1596.50 --> 1598.04]  sometimes
+[1598.04 --> 1598.94]  you hear
+[1598.94 --> 1599.52]  people say
+[1599.52 --> 1599.82]  that
+[1599.82 --> 1601.04]  God
+[1601.04 --> 1601.36]  has a
+[1601.36 --> 1601.64]  plan
+[1601.64 --> 1601.84]  for
+[1601.84 --> 1602.00]  your
+[1602.00 --> 1602.38]  life
+[1602.38 --> 1604.12]  but
+[1604.12 --> 1604.28]  boy
+[1604.28 --> 1604.46]  that
+[1604.46 --> 1604.62]  can
+[1604.62 --> 1604.84]  leave
+[1604.84 --> 1604.94]  you
+[1604.94 --> 1605.10]  with
+[1605.10 --> 1605.24]  as
+[1605.24 --> 1605.52]  many
+[1605.52 --> 1606.06]  questions
+[1606.06 --> 1606.52]  as
+[1606.52 --> 1606.94]  answers
+[1606.94 --> 1608.50]  does
+[1608.50 --> 1608.64]  that
+[1608.64 --> 1608.82]  mean
+[1608.82 --> 1609.02]  that
+[1609.02 --> 1609.28]  Joseph
+[1609.28 --> 1609.64]  being
+[1609.64 --> 1610.04]  sold
+[1610.04 --> 1610.24]  and
+[1610.24 --> 1610.64]  falsely
+[1610.64 --> 1611.02]  accused
+[1611.02 --> 1611.22]  and
+[1611.22 --> 1611.42]  thrown
+[1611.42 --> 1611.64]  into
+[1611.64 --> 1611.94]  prison
+[1611.94 --> 1612.18]  is
+[1612.18 --> 1612.44]  all
+[1612.44 --> 1612.72]  part
+[1612.72 --> 1612.84]  of
+[1612.84 --> 1613.40]  some
+[1613.40 --> 1613.72]  bigger
+[1613.72 --> 1614.18]  divine
+[1614.18 --> 1614.58]  plan
+[1614.58 --> 1614.76]  that
+[1614.76 --> 1614.92]  has
+[1614.92 --> 1615.06]  been
+[1615.06 --> 1615.56]  carefully
+[1615.56 --> 1616.06]  sketched
+[1616.06 --> 1616.20]  out
+[1616.20 --> 1616.38]  on
+[1616.38 --> 1616.50]  a
+[1616.50 --> 1617.06]  providential
+[1617.06 --> 1617.42]  drawing
+[1617.42 --> 1617.74]  board
+[1617.74 --> 1618.40]  by God
+[1618.40 --> 1618.86]  himself
+[1618.86 --> 1619.62]  did
+[1619.62 --> 1620.02]  God
+[1620.02 --> 1620.52]  motivate
+[1620.52 --> 1620.90]  ten
+[1620.90 --> 1621.18]  brothers
+[1621.18 --> 1621.38]  to
+[1621.38 --> 1621.60]  hate
+[1621.60 --> 1621.74]  a
+[1621.74 --> 1621.94]  younger
+[1621.94 --> 1622.18]  brother
+[1622.18 --> 1622.56]  enough
+[1622.56 --> 1622.78]  to
+[1622.78 --> 1623.04]  sell
+[1623.04 --> 1623.32]  him
+[1623.32 --> 1624.06]  did
+[1624.06 --> 1624.32]  God
+[1624.32 --> 1624.74]  crank
+[1624.74 --> 1624.96]  up
+[1624.96 --> 1625.24]  Mrs.
+[1625.32 --> 1625.84]  Potiphar's
+[1625.84 --> 1626.24]  hormones
+[1626.24 --> 1626.52]  and
+[1626.52 --> 1626.68]  then
+[1626.68 --> 1627.22]  furthermore
+[1627.22 --> 1627.62]  entice
+[1627.62 --> 1627.72]  her
+[1627.72 --> 1627.88]  to
+[1627.88 --> 1628.24]  lie
+[1628.24 --> 1630.76]  or
+[1630.76 --> 1630.92]  is
+[1630.92 --> 1631.10]  it
+[1631.10 --> 1631.34]  truer
+[1631.34 --> 1631.56]  to
+[1631.56 --> 1631.86]  say
+[1631.86 --> 1633.28]  that
+[1633.28 --> 1633.66]  God
+[1633.66 --> 1633.88]  while
+[1633.88 --> 1634.36]  never
+[1634.36 --> 1635.24]  undone
+[1635.24 --> 1635.50]  by
+[1635.50 --> 1635.98]  anything
+[1635.98 --> 1636.20]  that
+[1636.20 --> 1636.74]  happens
+[1636.74 --> 1639.36]  especially
+[1639.36 --> 1640.08]  sinful
+[1640.08 --> 1641.02]  evil
+[1641.02 --> 1641.58]  things
+[1641.58 --> 1644.08]  including
+[1644.08 --> 1644.32]  the
+[1644.32 --> 1644.52]  sin
+[1644.52 --> 1644.72]  we
+[1644.72 --> 1645.00]  do
+[1645.00 --> 1646.48]  does
+[1646.48 --> 1646.76]  not
+[1646.76 --> 1647.24]  plan
+[1647.24 --> 1647.70]  every
+[1647.70 --> 1647.94]  one
+[1647.94 --> 1648.06]  of
+[1648.06 --> 1648.28]  them
+[1648.28 --> 1649.42]  but
+[1649.42 --> 1649.84]  grants
+[1649.84 --> 1650.10]  us
+[1650.10 --> 1650.54]  enough
+[1650.54 --> 1650.84]  free
+[1650.84 --> 1651.16]  will
+[1651.16 --> 1651.54]  so
+[1651.54 --> 1651.72]  that
+[1651.72 --> 1652.06]  often
+[1652.06 --> 1652.46]  things
+[1652.46 --> 1652.86]  happen
+[1652.86 --> 1653.10]  that
+[1653.10 --> 1653.56]  definitely
+[1653.56 --> 1653.88]  are
+[1653.88 --> 1654.46]  not
+[1654.46 --> 1655.70]  God's
+[1655.70 --> 1655.94]  will
+[1655.94 --> 1658.64]  whatever
+[1658.64 --> 1658.96]  way
+[1658.96 --> 1659.28]  you go
+[1659.28 --> 1659.72]  you still
+[1659.72 --> 1660.16]  end up
+[1660.16 --> 1660.48]  with a
+[1660.48 --> 1660.68]  good
+[1660.68 --> 1661.02]  covenant
+[1661.02 --> 1661.38]  God
+[1661.38 --> 1661.64]  on the
+[1661.64 --> 1661.86]  one
+[1661.86 --> 1662.16]  side
+[1662.16 --> 1662.34]  and
+[1662.34 --> 1662.78]  bad
+[1662.78 --> 1663.30]  stuff
+[1663.30 --> 1663.80]  happening
+[1663.80 --> 1664.64]  even
+[1664.64 --> 1664.86]  to
+[1664.86 --> 1665.04]  his
+[1665.04 --> 1665.38]  own
+[1665.38 --> 1666.04]  children
+[1666.04 --> 1666.78]  on the
+[1666.78 --> 1666.98]  other
+[1666.98 --> 1667.42]  side
+[1667.42 --> 1668.54]  the
+[1668.54 --> 1668.98]  connection
+[1668.98 --> 1669.44]  between
+[1669.44 --> 1669.68]  the
+[1669.68 --> 1669.94]  two
+[1669.94 --> 1670.54]  remaining
+[1670.54 --> 1671.02]  one
+[1671.02 --> 1671.74]  big
+[1671.74 --> 1672.52]  mystery
+[1672.52 --> 1674.80]  that's
+[1674.80 --> 1675.00]  the
+[1675.00 --> 1675.46]  dilemma
+[1675.46 --> 1676.10]  Genesis
+[1676.10 --> 1676.80]  39
+[1676.80 --> 1677.40]  raises
+[1677.40 --> 1678.32]  though
+[1678.32 --> 1678.46]  it
+[1678.46 --> 1678.72]  doesn't
+[1678.72 --> 1679.02]  solve
+[1679.02 --> 1679.20]  it
+[1679.20 --> 1680.42]  or
+[1680.42 --> 1680.64]  even
+[1680.64 --> 1681.10]  try
+[1681.10 --> 1682.56]  what
+[1682.56 --> 1682.70]  it
+[1682.70 --> 1682.98]  shows
+[1682.98 --> 1683.54]  instead
+[1683.54 --> 1684.56]  is
+[1684.56 --> 1684.74]  that
+[1684.74 --> 1685.14]  God
+[1685.14 --> 1685.44]  is
+[1685.44 --> 1685.76]  with
+[1685.76 --> 1685.96]  his
+[1685.96 --> 1686.30]  people
+[1686.30 --> 1686.68]  God
+[1686.68 --> 1687.24]  sticks
+[1687.24 --> 1687.54]  with
+[1687.54 --> 1687.80]  them
+[1687.80 --> 1688.42]  and
+[1688.42 --> 1688.72]  even
+[1688.72 --> 1689.08]  some
+[1689.08 --> 1689.22]  of
+[1689.22 --> 1689.38]  the
+[1689.38 --> 1689.72]  worst
+[1689.72 --> 1690.04]  things
+[1690.04 --> 1690.24]  that
+[1690.24 --> 1690.56]  come
+[1690.56 --> 1690.90]  our
+[1690.90 --> 1691.24]  way
+[1691.24 --> 1692.14]  don't
+[1692.14 --> 1692.70]  and
+[1692.70 --> 1693.26]  cannot
+[1693.26 --> 1694.18]  derail
+[1694.18 --> 1694.58]  him
+[1694.58 --> 1696.94]  Mrs. P
+[1696.94 --> 1697.42]  might have
+[1697.42 --> 1697.72]  thought
+[1697.72 --> 1699.18]  she'd
+[1699.18 --> 1699.38]  seen
+[1699.38 --> 1699.54]  the
+[1699.54 --> 1699.82]  last
+[1699.82 --> 1699.98]  of
+[1699.98 --> 1700.32]  Joseph
+[1700.32 --> 1703.04]  she is
+[1703.04 --> 1703.34]  going to
+[1703.34 --> 1703.66]  be in
+[1703.66 --> 1704.02]  for the
+[1704.02 --> 1704.28]  same
+[1704.28 --> 1704.96]  surprise
+[1704.96 --> 1706.18]  one
+[1706.18 --> 1706.52]  day
+[1706.52 --> 1707.14]  as
+[1707.14 --> 1707.58]  Joseph's
+[1707.58 --> 1707.98]  brothers
+[1707.98 --> 1709.94]  for as
+[1709.94 --> 1710.52]  long as
+[1710.52 --> 1711.24]  people keep
+[1711.24 --> 1711.82]  tossing
+[1711.82 --> 1712.24]  Joseph
+[1712.24 --> 1712.82]  aside
+[1712.82 --> 1713.62]  like a
+[1713.62 --> 1713.84]  dirty
+[1713.84 --> 1714.14]  old
+[1714.14 --> 1714.50]  rag
+[1714.50 --> 1715.86]  the
+[1715.86 --> 1716.18]  God
+[1716.18 --> 1716.64]  who gave
+[1716.64 --> 1717.10]  Joseph
+[1717.10 --> 1717.36]  his
+[1717.36 --> 1717.82]  dreams
+[1717.82 --> 1718.04]  of
+[1718.04 --> 1718.46]  greatness
+[1718.46 --> 1719.42]  so
+[1719.42 --> 1719.74]  long
+[1719.74 --> 1720.06]  ago
+[1720.06 --> 1720.50]  keeps
+[1720.50 --> 1720.92]  catching
+[1720.92 --> 1721.30]  him
+[1721.30 --> 1722.10]  in
+[1722.10 --> 1722.34]  the
+[1722.34 --> 1722.76]  sovereign
+[1722.76 --> 1723.16]  and
+[1723.16 --> 1723.64]  divine
+[1723.64 --> 1724.38]  arms
+[1724.38 --> 1725.06]  of
+[1725.06 --> 1725.48]  grace
+[1725.48 --> 1728.10]  and
+[1728.10 --> 1728.46]  while we
+[1728.46 --> 1728.78]  may not
+[1728.78 --> 1728.98]  have
+[1728.98 --> 1729.30]  all the
+[1729.30 --> 1729.68]  answers
+[1729.68 --> 1730.44]  to the
+[1730.44 --> 1730.78]  loose
+[1730.78 --> 1731.16]  ends
+[1731.16 --> 1731.52]  of
+[1731.52 --> 1732.16]  providence
+[1732.16 --> 1733.56]  there is
+[1733.56 --> 1734.02]  something
+[1734.02 --> 1734.64]  comforting
+[1734.64 --> 1735.82]  about the
+[1735.82 --> 1736.44]  divine
+[1736.44 --> 1737.90]  doggedness
+[1737.90 --> 1738.76]  and
+[1738.76 --> 1739.50]  persistence
+[1739.50 --> 1739.96]  and
+[1739.96 --> 1740.62]  determination
+[1740.62 --> 1741.36]  that we
+[1741.36 --> 1741.76]  see
+[1741.76 --> 1742.70]  not only
+[1742.70 --> 1743.12]  in the
+[1743.12 --> 1743.42]  Joseph
+[1743.42 --> 1743.96]  story
+[1743.96 --> 1745.74]  but in
+[1745.74 --> 1746.22]  all of
+[1746.22 --> 1746.62]  Genesis
+[1746.62 --> 1747.90]  and all
+[1747.90 --> 1748.16]  of the
+[1748.16 --> 1748.52]  Bible
+[1748.52 --> 1749.38]  isn't
+[1749.38 --> 1749.62]  there
+[1749.62 --> 1750.70]  come
+[1750.70 --> 1751.14]  hell
+[1751.14 --> 1751.66]  or high
+[1751.66 --> 1752.00]  water
+[1752.00 --> 1753.62]  God
+[1753.62 --> 1753.84]  will
+[1753.84 --> 1754.38]  realize
+[1754.38 --> 1754.60]  his
+[1754.60 --> 1754.98]  promise
+[1754.98 --> 1755.16]  to
+[1755.16 --> 1755.54]  Abraham
+[1755.54 --> 1756.62]  and
+[1756.62 --> 1756.76]  his
+[1756.76 --> 1757.02]  good
+[1757.02 --> 1757.42]  plan
+[1757.42 --> 1757.66]  to
+[1757.66 --> 1758.04]  bless
+[1758.04 --> 1758.68]  all
+[1758.68 --> 1759.14]  peoples
+[1759.14 --> 1759.46]  on
+[1759.46 --> 1759.76]  earth
+[1759.76 --> 1760.74]  in
+[1760.74 --> 1761.00]  that
+[1761.00 --> 1761.62]  determined
+[1761.62 --> 1762.34]  providence
+[1762.34 --> 1763.82]  is
+[1763.82 --> 1764.08]  our
+[1764.08 --> 1764.46]  every
+[1764.46 --> 1764.76]  hope
+[1764.76 --> 1766.02]  especially
+[1766.02 --> 1766.38]  in
+[1766.38 --> 1766.86]  times
+[1766.86 --> 1767.84]  when
+[1767.84 --> 1768.18]  like
+[1768.18 --> 1768.52]  Joseph
+[1768.52 --> 1769.38]  we
+[1769.38 --> 1769.68]  feel
+[1769.68 --> 1770.34]  confusion
+[1770.34 --> 1771.30]  and
+[1771.30 --> 1771.70]  pain
+[1771.70 --> 1773.50]  and
+[1773.50 --> 1773.74]  however
+[1773.74 --> 1774.18]  we
+[1774.18 --> 1774.74]  understand
+[1774.74 --> 1775.42]  providence
+[1775.42 --> 1776.68]  precisely
+[1776.68 --> 1777.14]  because
+[1777.14 --> 1777.48]  God
+[1777.48 --> 1777.86]  is
+[1777.86 --> 1778.20]  good
+[1778.20 --> 1778.90]  and
+[1778.90 --> 1779.20]  God
+[1779.20 --> 1779.54]  is
+[1779.54 --> 1779.96]  loving
+[1779.96 --> 1780.86]  and
+[1780.86 --> 1781.12]  God
+[1781.12 --> 1781.48]  is
+[1781.48 --> 1781.80]  also
+[1781.80 --> 1782.04]  so
+[1782.04 --> 1782.46]  very
+[1782.46 --> 1783.08]  powerful
+[1783.08 --> 1784.48]  we
+[1784.48 --> 1785.00]  know
+[1785.00 --> 1785.38]  he
+[1785.38 --> 1785.64]  will
+[1785.64 --> 1786.18]  never
+[1786.18 --> 1787.08]  let
+[1787.08 --> 1787.50]  this
+[1787.50 --> 1788.18]  life's
+[1788.18 --> 1788.98]  tragedies
+[1788.98 --> 1790.02]  have
+[1790.02 --> 1790.18]  the
+[1790.18 --> 1790.44]  last
+[1790.44 --> 1790.78]  word
+[1790.78 --> 1793.32]  and
+[1793.32 --> 1793.46]  we
+[1793.46 --> 1793.70]  know
+[1793.70 --> 1793.88]  it
+[1793.88 --> 1794.36]  because
+[1794.36 --> 1795.70]  as
+[1795.70 --> 1795.86]  we
+[1795.86 --> 1796.18]  follow
+[1796.18 --> 1796.78]  Joseph's
+[1796.78 --> 1797.12]  story
+[1797.12 --> 1798.22]  we
+[1798.22 --> 1798.48]  cannot
+[1798.48 --> 1798.78]  help
+[1798.78 --> 1798.94]  but
+[1798.94 --> 1799.08]  be
+[1799.08 --> 1799.52]  reminded
+[1799.52 --> 1799.80]  of
+[1799.80 --> 1800.06]  another
+[1800.06 --> 1800.56]  story
+[1800.56 --> 1801.60]  of
+[1801.60 --> 1801.84]  one
+[1801.84 --> 1802.04]  who
+[1802.04 --> 1802.30]  though
+[1802.30 --> 1802.78]  innocent
+[1802.78 --> 1803.56]  was
+[1803.56 --> 1804.02]  betrayed
+[1804.02 --> 1805.38]  whose
+[1805.38 --> 1806.00]  integrity
+[1806.00 --> 1806.64]  challenged
+[1806.64 --> 1807.04]  another
+[1807.04 --> 1807.58]  empire
+[1807.58 --> 1808.88]  and
+[1808.88 --> 1809.04]  whose
+[1809.04 --> 1809.38]  God
+[1809.38 --> 1809.68]  seemed
+[1809.68 --> 1809.86]  to
+[1809.86 --> 1810.30]  abandon
+[1810.30 --> 1810.66]  him
+[1810.66 --> 1811.40]  to
+[1811.40 --> 1811.58]  a
+[1811.58 --> 1811.94]  cross
+[1811.94 --> 1813.30]  we
+[1813.30 --> 1813.54]  know
+[1813.54 --> 1813.70]  it
+[1813.70 --> 1814.06]  because
+[1814.06 --> 1814.30]  we
+[1814.30 --> 1814.58]  know
+[1814.58 --> 1814.88]  our
+[1814.88 --> 1815.10]  Lord
+[1815.10 --> 1815.40]  Jesus
+[1815.40 --> 1815.86]  Christ
+[1815.86 --> 1816.06]  who
+[1816.06 --> 1816.26]  on
+[1816.26 --> 1816.42]  the
+[1816.42 --> 1816.76]  darkest
+[1816.76 --> 1817.20]  Friday
+[1817.20 --> 1817.44]  there
+[1817.44 --> 1817.72]  ever
+[1817.72 --> 1818.12]  was
+[1818.12 --> 1819.36]  as
+[1819.36 --> 1819.46]  he
+[1819.46 --> 1819.64]  was
+[1819.64 --> 1820.04]  dying
+[1820.04 --> 1820.38]  inch
+[1820.38 --> 1820.54]  by
+[1820.54 --> 1821.06]  painful
+[1821.06 --> 1821.52]  inch
+[1821.52 --> 1822.42]  on
+[1822.42 --> 1822.58]  a
+[1822.58 --> 1823.02]  cross
+[1823.02 --> 1823.82]  from
+[1823.82 --> 1824.06]  his
+[1824.06 --> 1824.38]  fatal
+[1824.38 --> 1824.82]  wounds
+[1824.82 --> 1825.94]  cried
+[1825.94 --> 1826.24]  out
+[1826.24 --> 1826.54]  my
+[1826.54 --> 1827.02]  God
+[1827.02 --> 1827.26]  my
+[1827.26 --> 1827.66]  God
+[1827.66 --> 1828.20]  why
+[1828.20 --> 1828.74]  have
+[1828.74 --> 1828.90]  you
+[1828.90 --> 1829.48]  forsaken
+[1829.48 --> 1829.82]  me
+[1829.82 --> 1832.00]  but
+[1832.00 --> 1832.24]  who
+[1832.24 --> 1832.62]  three
+[1832.62 --> 1832.90]  days
+[1832.90 --> 1833.28]  later
+[1833.28 --> 1834.76]  was
+[1834.76 --> 1835.26]  alive
+[1835.26 --> 1835.68]  again
+[1835.68 --> 1836.82]  appeared
+[1836.82 --> 1837.00]  to
+[1837.00 --> 1837.22]  his
+[1837.22 --> 1837.72]  disciples
+[1837.72 --> 1838.66]  and
+[1838.66 --> 1839.12]  said
+[1839.12 --> 1840.28]  peace
+[1840.28 --> 1841.32]  be
+[1841.32 --> 1841.58]  with
+[1841.58 --> 1841.84]  you
+[1841.84 --> 1844.10]  because
+[1844.10 --> 1844.46]  we
+[1844.46 --> 1844.76]  know
+[1844.76 --> 1845.20]  him
+[1845.20 --> 1845.86]  for
+[1845.86 --> 1846.30]  us
+[1846.30 --> 1847.08]  as
+[1847.08 --> 1847.28]  for
+[1847.28 --> 1847.70]  Joseph
+[1847.70 --> 1848.00]  in
+[1848.00 --> 1848.36]  Genesis
+[1848.36 --> 1848.92]  39
+[1848.92 --> 1850.16]  the
+[1850.16 --> 1850.56]  last
+[1850.56 --> 1850.78]  thing
+[1850.78 --> 1850.98]  to
+[1850.98 --> 1851.30]  say
+[1851.30 --> 1852.02]  will
+[1852.02 --> 1852.52]  always
+[1852.52 --> 1852.88]  be
+[1852.88 --> 1853.54]  the
+[1853.54 --> 1853.96]  same
+[1853.96 --> 1854.60]  as
+[1854.60 --> 1854.80]  the
+[1854.80 --> 1855.14]  first
+[1855.14 --> 1855.30]  thing
+[1855.30 --> 1855.50]  to
+[1855.50 --> 1855.78]  say
+[1855.78 --> 1857.50]  the
+[1857.50 --> 1857.84]  Lord
+[1857.84 --> 1858.72]  is
+[1858.72 --> 1859.00]  with
+[1859.00 --> 1859.36]  us
+[1859.36 --> 1860.74]  whatever
+[1860.74 --> 1861.26]  your
+[1861.26 --> 1862.14]  circumstances
+[1862.14 --> 1863.32]  the
+[1863.32 --> 1863.70]  Lord
+[1863.70 --> 1864.80]  is
+[1864.80 --> 1866.00]  with
+[1866.00 --> 1866.36]  us
+[1866.36 --> 1867.28]  in
+[1867.28 --> 1867.42]  the
+[1867.42 --> 1867.60]  name
+[1867.60 --> 1867.74]  of
+[1867.74 --> 1867.88]  the
+[1867.88 --> 1868.14]  Father
+[1868.14 --> 1868.40]  the
+[1868.40 --> 1868.66]  Son
+[1868.66 --> 1869.50]  and
+[1869.50 --> 1869.66]  the
+[1869.66 --> 1869.86]  Holy
+[1869.86 --> 1870.28]  Spirit
+[1870.28 --> 1871.98]  let's
+[1871.98 --> 1872.24]  pray
+[1872.24 --> 1874.26]  gracious
+[1874.26 --> 1874.68]  God
+[1874.68 --> 1876.36]  in
+[1876.36 --> 1876.74]  light of
+[1876.74 --> 1876.90]  that
+[1876.90 --> 1877.34]  promise
+[1877.34 --> 1877.56]  we
+[1877.56 --> 1877.90]  come
+[1877.90 --> 1878.24]  now
+[1878.24 --> 1878.46]  to
+[1878.46 --> 1878.64]  your
+[1878.64 --> 1879.00]  table
+[1879.00 --> 1882.40]  whatever
+[1882.40 --> 1882.72]  the
+[1882.72 --> 1883.40]  circumstances
+[1883.40 --> 1883.96]  of our
+[1883.96 --> 1884.28]  lives
+[1884.28 --> 1884.54]  might
+[1884.54 --> 1884.88]  be
+[1884.88 --> 1885.86]  those
+[1885.86 --> 1886.04]  of
+[1886.04 --> 1886.20]  us
+[1886.20 --> 1886.42]  here
+[1886.42 --> 1886.68]  those
+[1886.68 --> 1886.82]  of
+[1886.82 --> 1887.00]  us
+[1887.00 --> 1887.40]  listening
+[1887.40 --> 1890.72]  use
+[1890.72 --> 1891.00]  whatever
+[1891.00 --> 1891.30]  you
+[1891.30 --> 1891.50]  need
+[1891.50 --> 1891.66]  to
+[1891.66 --> 1891.96]  use
+[1891.96 --> 1892.22]  Lord
+[1892.22 --> 1892.66]  today
+[1892.66 --> 1894.18]  to
+[1894.18 --> 1894.56]  remind
+[1894.56 --> 1894.84]  us
+[1894.84 --> 1895.06]  that
+[1895.06 --> 1895.22]  you
+[1895.22 --> 1895.36]  are
+[1895.36 --> 1895.58]  with
+[1895.58 --> 1895.90]  us
+[1895.90 --> 1896.72]  always
+[1896.72 --> 1898.66]  always
+[1898.66 --> 1899.64]  and
+[1899.64 --> 1899.86]  that
+[1899.86 --> 1900.14]  you
+[1900.14 --> 1900.44]  will
+[1900.44 --> 1900.90]  never
+[1900.90 --> 1901.60]  forsake
+[1901.60 --> 1901.96]  your
+[1901.96 --> 1902.34]  children
+[1902.34 --> 1904.04]  and
+[1904.04 --> 1904.22]  so
+[1904.22 --> 1904.46]  Lord
+[1904.46 --> 1904.86]  especially
+[1904.86 --> 1905.18]  if we
+[1905.18 --> 1905.30]  are
+[1905.30 --> 1905.74]  experiencing
+[1905.74 --> 1906.12]  troubled
+[1906.12 --> 1906.62]  times
+[1906.62 --> 1908.16]  you
+[1908.16 --> 1908.32]  know
+[1908.32 --> 1908.48]  how
+[1908.48 --> 1908.68]  much
+[1908.68 --> 1908.82]  we
+[1908.82 --> 1909.00]  need
+[1909.00 --> 1909.20]  that
+[1909.20 --> 1909.66]  assurance
+[1909.66 --> 1909.86]  and
+[1909.86 --> 1910.04]  may
+[1910.04 --> 1910.38]  this
+[1910.38 --> 1910.86]  table
+[1910.86 --> 1911.16]  now
+[1911.16 --> 1911.36]  that
+[1911.36 --> 1911.50]  we
+[1911.50 --> 1911.74]  come
+[1911.74 --> 1911.96]  to
+[1911.96 --> 1913.02]  also
+[1913.02 --> 1913.44]  provide
+[1913.44 --> 1913.68]  that
+[1913.68 --> 1914.16]  assurance
+[1914.16 --> 1914.48]  for
+[1914.48 --> 1914.84]  us
+[1914.88 --> 1916.42]  that
+[1916.42 --> 1916.62]  in
+[1916.62 --> 1917.02]  Christ
+[1917.02 --> 1917.60]  Emmanuel
+[1917.60 --> 1918.18]  we
+[1918.18 --> 1918.46]  know
+[1918.46 --> 1920.34]  we
+[1920.34 --> 1920.58]  know
+[1920.58 --> 1920.70]  it
+[1920.70 --> 1920.90]  for
+[1920.90 --> 1921.16]  good
+[1921.16 --> 1922.36]  that
+[1922.36 --> 1922.74]  you
+[1922.74 --> 1923.12]  are
+[1923.12 --> 1923.78]  indeed
+[1923.78 --> 1924.38]  with
+[1924.38 --> 1924.70]  us
+[1924.70 --> 1925.18]  in
+[1925.18 --> 1925.44]  Jesus
+[1925.44 --> 1925.80]  name
+[1925.80 --> 1926.02]  we
+[1926.02 --> 1926.30]  pray
+[1926.30 --> 1927.12]  and
+[1927.12 --> 1927.40]  thank
+[1927.40 --> 1927.64]  you
+[1927.64 --> 1928.50]  amen
+[1928.50 --> 1930.20]  oh
+[1930.20 --> 1938.24]  to
+[1938.24 --> 1940.54]  Oh
+[1940.54 --> 1940.58]  to
+[1940.58 --> 1942.70]  you

Joseph #4—God Remembers (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,2236 @@
+[0.00 --> 13.12]  So this morning we continue our study, our study, our series on the story of Joseph in the latter part of the book of Genesis.
+[13.12 --> 23.94]  This is the fourth installment. I hope you've been following along with the first three, but even if you haven't been able to, I'm sure that today's message will still make sense to you.
+[23.94 --> 33.98]  And the scripture reading this morning is from Genesis 40, and then also Genesis 41, but not the entire chapter.
+[33.98 --> 40.68]  So it's a fairly long reading this morning, but we've got to get the whole story, right?
+[40.84 --> 43.78]  So here goes, Genesis 40, beginning at verse 1.
+[43.86 --> 50.82]  We read that sometime later, that is after Joseph had been in prison because of Potiphar's wife,
+[50.82 --> 57.64]  Sometime later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt.
+[58.34 --> 62.82]  Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker,
+[63.46 --> 70.76]  and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard in the same prison where Joseph was confined.
+[71.76 --> 75.20]  The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them.
+[75.20 --> 82.20]  After they had been in custody for some time, each of the two men, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt,
+[82.32 --> 85.82]  who were being held in prison, had a dream the same night.
+[86.52 --> 89.18]  And each dream had a meaning of its own.
+[90.24 --> 93.78]  When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected.
+[94.34 --> 98.50]  And so he asked Pharaoh's officials who were in custody with him in his master's house,
+[98.50 --> 100.62]  Why do you look so sad today?
+[101.84 --> 105.66]  We both had dreams, they answered, but there was no one to interpret them.
+[106.58 --> 110.60]  Then Joseph said to them, Do not interpretations belong to God?
+[111.36 --> 112.34]  Tell me your dreams.
+[113.16 --> 115.42]  So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream.
+[115.50 --> 120.98]  He said to him, In my dream I saw a vine in front of me, and on the vine were three branches.
+[121.56 --> 126.40]  As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes.
+[126.40 --> 131.94]  It says, Pharaoh's cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh's cup,
+[132.06 --> 133.60]  and put the cup in his hand.
+[135.72 --> 137.78]  This is what it means, Joseph said to him.
+[138.44 --> 140.34]  The three branches are three days.
+[141.80 --> 146.98]  Within three days, Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position,
+[147.42 --> 153.58]  and you will put Pharaoh's cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer.
+[153.58 --> 159.78]  But when all goes well with you, remember me, and show me kindness.
+[160.34 --> 162.90]  Mention me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this prison.
+[163.40 --> 167.20]  I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here,
+[167.56 --> 171.10]  I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.
+[171.10 --> 178.26]  When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph,
+[179.04 --> 180.10]  I too had a dream.
+[180.88 --> 183.28]  On my head were three baskets of bread.
+[184.14 --> 187.18]  In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh,
+[187.46 --> 190.46]  but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.
+[190.46 --> 194.42]  This is what it means, Joseph said.
+[195.28 --> 197.22]  The three baskets are three days.
+[198.02 --> 204.50]  Within three days, Pharaoh will lift off your head and impale your body on a pole,
+[204.88 --> 208.00]  and the birds will eat away your flesh.
+[209.30 --> 213.28]  Now the third day was Pharaoh's birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials.
+[213.64 --> 218.42]  He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence of his officials.
+[218.42 --> 221.50]  He restored the chief cupbearer to his position,
+[221.70 --> 224.64]  so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh's hand,
+[224.86 --> 230.66]  but he impaled the chief baker just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation.
+[231.74 --> 237.90]  The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph.
+[238.90 --> 241.02]  He forgot him.
+[243.88 --> 246.76]  When two full years had passed,
+[246.76 --> 250.00]  Pharaoh had a dream.
+[251.44 --> 252.66]  He was standing by the Nile,
+[252.76 --> 254.92]  and out of the river there came up seven cows,
+[255.08 --> 256.46]  sleek and fat,
+[256.66 --> 258.52]  and they grazed among the reeds.
+[259.16 --> 260.70]  After them, seven other cows,
+[260.92 --> 261.94]  ugly and gaunt,
+[262.04 --> 263.14]  came up out of the Nile
+[263.14 --> 265.32]  and stood beside those on the riverbank.
+[265.68 --> 268.24]  And the cows that were ugly and gaunt
+[268.24 --> 270.66]  ate up the sleek, fat cows.
+[271.66 --> 273.20]  Then Pharaoh woke up.
+[273.20 --> 276.40]  He fell asleep again and had a second dream.
+[276.76 --> 277.76]  Seven heads of grain,
+[277.90 --> 278.70]  healthy and good,
+[278.96 --> 280.44]  were growing on a single stalk.
+[280.88 --> 281.42]  After them,
+[281.56 --> 283.38]  seven other heads of grain sprouted,
+[283.60 --> 285.56]  thin and scorched by the east wind.
+[286.10 --> 288.78]  The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy,
+[289.02 --> 289.58]  full heads.
+[290.28 --> 291.60]  Then Pharaoh woke up.
+[292.28 --> 293.24]  It had been a dream.
+[294.30 --> 295.06]  In the morning,
+[295.46 --> 296.76]  his mind was troubled.
+[297.14 --> 300.14]  So he sent for all the magicians and the wise men of Egypt.
+[300.14 --> 301.86]  Pharaoh told them his dreams,
+[301.98 --> 303.74]  but no one could interpret them for him.
+[305.04 --> 306.86]  Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh,
+[307.58 --> 311.44]  Today I am reminded of my shortcomings.
+[312.56 --> 314.56]  Pharaoh was once angry with his servants,
+[314.68 --> 316.34]  and he imprisoned me and the chief baker
+[316.34 --> 318.42]  in the house of the captain of the guard.
+[318.86 --> 321.04]  Each of us had a dream the same night,
+[321.26 --> 323.36]  and each dream had a meaning of its own.
+[324.02 --> 326.02]  Now a young Hebrew was there with us,
+[326.06 --> 327.74]  a servant of the captain of the guard.
+[327.74 --> 329.44]  We told him our dreams,
+[329.76 --> 331.30]  and he interpreted them for us,
+[331.68 --> 334.26]  giving each man the interpretation of his dream,
+[334.50 --> 338.02]  and things turned out exactly as he interpreted them to us.
+[338.78 --> 340.62]  I was restored to my position,
+[341.12 --> 343.10]  and the other man was impaled.
+[344.48 --> 346.38]  So Pharaoh sent for Joseph,
+[346.66 --> 348.48]  and he was quickly brought from the dungeon.
+[348.70 --> 350.60]  When he had shaved and changed his clothes,
+[350.78 --> 352.08]  he came before Pharaoh.
+[352.60 --> 353.92]  Pharaoh said to Joseph,
+[353.92 --> 355.26]  I had a dream,
+[355.78 --> 357.26]  and no one can interpret it,
+[357.68 --> 359.04]  but I have heard it said of you
+[359.04 --> 360.24]  that when you hear a dream,
+[360.48 --> 361.64]  you can interpret it.
+[362.58 --> 363.76]  I cannot do it.
+[364.50 --> 365.84]  Joseph replied to Pharaoh,
+[366.42 --> 368.08]  I cannot do it,
+[368.60 --> 370.70]  but God will give Pharaoh
+[370.70 --> 372.88]  the answer he desires.
+[373.84 --> 376.08]  We're now moving on to verse 25 in the chapter.
+[376.08 --> 377.78]  Then Joseph said to Pharaoh,
+[378.24 --> 380.90]  The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same.
+[380.90 --> 382.88]  God has revealed to Pharaoh
+[382.88 --> 384.24]  what he is about to do.
+[385.04 --> 387.00]  The seven good cows are seven years,
+[387.32 --> 389.94]  and the seven good heads of grain are seven years.
+[390.32 --> 391.94]  It is one and the same dream.
+[392.76 --> 394.24]  The seven lean, ugly cows
+[394.24 --> 396.16]  that came up afterward are seven years,
+[396.42 --> 398.52]  and so are the seven worthless heads of grain
+[398.52 --> 399.80]  scorched by the east wind.
+[400.16 --> 402.34]  They are seven years of famine.
+[403.58 --> 405.50]  It is just as I said to Pharaoh.
+[405.94 --> 407.32]  God has shown Pharaoh
+[407.32 --> 408.88]  what he is about to do.
+[408.88 --> 411.32]  Seven years of great abundance
+[411.32 --> 413.26]  are coming throughout the land of Egypt,
+[413.68 --> 415.46]  but seven years of famine
+[415.46 --> 416.40]  will follow them.
+[417.28 --> 418.98]  Then all the abundance in Egypt
+[418.98 --> 420.18]  will be forgotten,
+[420.54 --> 422.58]  and the famine will ravage the land.
+[422.88 --> 423.98]  The abundance in the land
+[423.98 --> 425.08]  will not be remembered
+[425.08 --> 426.96]  because the famine that follows it
+[426.96 --> 428.10]  will be so severe.
+[429.02 --> 431.06]  The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh
+[431.06 --> 432.08]  in two forms
+[432.08 --> 432.94]  is that the matter
+[432.94 --> 435.26]  has been firmly decided by God,
+[435.52 --> 438.16]  and God will do it soon.
+[438.88 --> 442.26]  And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning
+[442.26 --> 443.28]  and wise man
+[443.28 --> 445.52]  and put him in charge of the land of Egypt.
+[445.78 --> 448.40]  Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land
+[448.40 --> 450.58]  to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt
+[450.58 --> 452.62]  during the seven years of abundance.
+[453.16 --> 454.86]  They should collect all the food
+[454.86 --> 456.36]  of these good years that are coming,
+[456.78 --> 459.18]  store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh
+[459.18 --> 461.58]  to be kept in the cities for food.
+[462.06 --> 464.38]  This food should be held in reserve
+[464.38 --> 465.12]  for the country
+[465.12 --> 467.66]  to be used during the seven years of famine
+[467.66 --> 469.26]  that will come upon Egypt
+[469.26 --> 470.70]  so that the country
+[470.70 --> 473.18]  may not be ruined by the famine.
+[474.40 --> 476.46]  The plan seemed good to Pharaoh
+[476.46 --> 478.12]  and to all his officials.
+[478.84 --> 480.24]  So Pharaoh asked him,
+[480.80 --> 483.24]  Can we find anyone like this man,
+[483.72 --> 485.52]  one in whom is the Spirit of God?
+[485.52 --> 488.26]  Then Pharaoh said to Joseph,
+[488.90 --> 491.04]  Since God has made all this known to you,
+[491.28 --> 494.56]  there is no one so discerning and wise as you.
+[494.70 --> 496.56]  You shall be in charge of my palace,
+[496.72 --> 499.88]  and all my people are to submit to your orders.
+[500.42 --> 502.26]  Only with respect to the throne
+[502.26 --> 505.26]  will I be greater than you.
+[505.84 --> 507.88]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[507.88 --> 515.34]  It is those devastating,
+[515.86 --> 518.56]  crushing three words
+[518.56 --> 521.54]  that come at the end of chapter 40.
+[522.94 --> 524.60]  He forgot him.
+[525.60 --> 527.56]  That remind me of a story
+[527.56 --> 529.34]  about an experience which,
+[529.52 --> 531.00]  if it has ever happened to you,
+[531.88 --> 534.24]  you are not likely ever to forget.
+[534.24 --> 538.12]  It happened to an older colleague of mine,
+[538.84 --> 540.34]  Tony DeJager, now deceased,
+[540.88 --> 542.62]  back in the 1960s
+[542.62 --> 545.42]  while he was a pastor in Sarnia, Ontario,
+[546.06 --> 547.58]  on a hot summer day.
+[548.38 --> 551.16]  He decided to give his wife a break
+[551.16 --> 552.62]  and take their six sons,
+[553.18 --> 555.72]  ages 2 to 14, to the beach.
+[556.80 --> 558.52]  Loading them in a station wagon
+[558.52 --> 560.06]  together with some friends,
+[560.14 --> 561.38]  they made lots of noise,
+[561.64 --> 562.82]  they had lots of fun,
+[562.82 --> 564.18]  and hours later,
+[564.50 --> 565.58]  they drove home again,
+[565.88 --> 567.14]  and they got about halfway
+[567.14 --> 568.64]  when one of his boys
+[568.64 --> 570.42]  shouted above all the noise,
+[570.82 --> 572.90]  hey, dad, where's Ted?
+[575.70 --> 577.46]  Instant panic.
+[578.44 --> 580.96]  The youngest son had been forgotten.
+[581.78 --> 582.88]  Left at the beach,
+[583.46 --> 585.34]  dad made a screeching U-turn,
+[585.72 --> 587.62]  ignored all posted speed limits
+[587.62 --> 589.44]  and stop signs where possible,
+[589.82 --> 591.76]  arrived breathless at the beach.
+[592.82 --> 593.86]  And there was Ted,
+[594.96 --> 596.26]  still sitting, playing,
+[596.46 --> 598.60]  at the same spot they had left him.
+[599.28 --> 600.68]  He'd never even noticed
+[600.68 --> 602.14]  his family's absence.
+[605.02 --> 607.16]  If that happened to you as a parent,
+[608.16 --> 611.00]  I doubt that you would have reacted
+[611.00 --> 613.40]  any differently than Ted's dad.
+[613.40 --> 619.18]  But suppose that when he discovered Ted missing,
+[620.02 --> 621.56]  he would have calmly said,
+[622.88 --> 623.40]  oh well,
+[624.04 --> 625.38]  no need to hurry.
+[626.14 --> 627.54]  I have five other sons.
+[627.66 --> 628.92]  What's one more or less?
+[631.54 --> 632.52]  Can you imagine?
+[632.52 --> 637.50]  And yet, I think there are times
+[637.50 --> 640.70]  when we wonder if that is not
+[640.70 --> 644.02]  how our Heavenly Father feels about us.
+[645.62 --> 646.56]  Little Ted,
+[646.78 --> 648.02]  one among six,
+[648.98 --> 650.92]  did not realize he had been forgotten.
+[650.92 --> 653.56]  But haven't you,
+[653.56 --> 656.20]  one among seven billion plus
+[656.20 --> 658.08]  currently living on earth,
+[658.46 --> 661.20]  never mind the billions and billions more
+[661.20 --> 663.34]  who have lived and died in history,
+[663.74 --> 665.26]  each person unique,
+[665.66 --> 668.00]  each person with his or her own story,
+[668.64 --> 671.40]  haven't you ever felt forgotten
+[671.40 --> 673.30]  by God?
+[673.30 --> 676.68]  We tell each other
+[676.68 --> 677.58]  and we tell our kids
+[677.58 --> 680.12]  how important it is to know God.
+[680.92 --> 682.94]  But in the final analysis,
+[683.22 --> 685.96]  is it not this that really matters,
+[686.46 --> 688.92]  that God knows my name,
+[689.96 --> 691.42]  that God remembers,
+[691.88 --> 694.42]  God cares about me?
+[697.30 --> 698.68]  There is an old saying
+[698.68 --> 701.28]  that everybody dies twice.
+[701.28 --> 704.62]  First, we die physically
+[704.62 --> 706.40]  and they bury us into the ground
+[706.40 --> 708.18]  or they cremate our remains,
+[708.30 --> 708.52]  whatever.
+[710.10 --> 711.68]  We die a second time
+[711.68 --> 714.38]  when the last relative or friend
+[714.38 --> 715.88]  who can recall us
+[715.88 --> 717.20]  passes away.
+[718.36 --> 720.46]  And then the memory of us
+[720.46 --> 722.48]  is buried too.
+[723.94 --> 726.58]  Then in the words of Psalm 103,
+[727.12 --> 728.52]  we become like grass,
+[728.82 --> 730.30]  like a flower of the field,
+[730.30 --> 732.14]  the wind blows over it
+[732.14 --> 733.28]  and its place
+[733.28 --> 735.84]  remembers it no more.
+[738.22 --> 739.34]  And it's true.
+[741.48 --> 745.38]  So, unless God remembers me,
+[746.34 --> 748.28]  what hope do I have,
+[748.36 --> 749.88]  do you have for the future?
+[751.14 --> 752.48]  And without such hope,
+[752.64 --> 754.10]  what meaning or purpose
+[754.10 --> 756.92]  is there to your life?
+[756.92 --> 762.52]  The gospel of Genesis 40 and 41,
+[762.74 --> 763.10]  however,
+[763.46 --> 765.76]  is that God does remember.
+[767.76 --> 770.18]  God remembers his promise
+[770.18 --> 772.46]  to bless Abraham and his descendants
+[772.46 --> 775.04]  and thereby assures me
+[775.04 --> 777.10]  that he knows my name.
+[778.70 --> 780.62]  God remembers his promise
+[780.62 --> 782.28]  to bless all people
+[782.28 --> 784.30]  through Abraham and his descendants
+[784.30 --> 786.30]  and thereby assures me
+[786.30 --> 787.84]  that he knows and rules
+[787.84 --> 790.68]  all peoples and events.
+[792.76 --> 794.84]  He remembers first his promise
+[794.84 --> 797.16]  to bless Abraham and his descendants
+[797.16 --> 798.54]  and this in spite
+[798.54 --> 801.00]  all evidence to the contrary.
+[801.72 --> 804.34]  Joseph could tell you about that.
+[804.34 --> 808.42]  When we left off his story last week,
+[808.68 --> 810.00]  he'd been falsely accused
+[810.00 --> 811.10]  of attempted rape
+[811.10 --> 812.58]  and been thrown into prison.
+[813.66 --> 814.96]  But just as Joseph
+[814.96 --> 816.00]  had found himself
+[816.00 --> 817.10]  stripped of his clothes
+[817.10 --> 818.24]  for a second time,
+[818.54 --> 820.42]  the victim of other people's spite,
+[820.86 --> 822.54]  so for a second time,
+[822.80 --> 825.44]  because the Lord was with Joseph,
+[826.44 --> 829.12]  he prospered again
+[829.12 --> 831.22]  in difficult circumstances.
+[831.22 --> 833.32]  Before you know it,
+[833.38 --> 834.76]  the warden entrusts Joseph
+[834.76 --> 836.22]  with running the whole prison,
+[836.60 --> 839.08]  just as Potiphar had entrusted Joseph
+[839.08 --> 841.04]  with running his whole household.
+[841.82 --> 842.68]  But of course,
+[843.22 --> 844.68]  it is still prison.
+[846.18 --> 847.46]  Then one day,
+[848.16 --> 849.28]  it so happens.
+[850.34 --> 851.88]  A ridiculous term I know
+[851.88 --> 854.02]  in a story where nothing so happens.
+[854.72 --> 856.26]  But it so happens
+[856.26 --> 857.76]  that the pharaohs,
+[857.94 --> 858.96]  butler and baker,
+[858.96 --> 860.40]  for no reason given,
+[861.30 --> 862.40]  join him in prison,
+[863.12 --> 864.52]  and the captain of the guard,
+[865.18 --> 866.76]  our old friend Potiphar,
+[868.06 --> 870.62]  assigns their care to Joseph.
+[871.88 --> 873.30]  And before you know it,
+[873.40 --> 874.46]  Joseph finds himself
+[874.46 --> 876.22]  in the dream business again.
+[877.36 --> 878.70]  Both butler and baker
+[878.70 --> 879.94]  have a similar dream
+[879.94 --> 881.34]  at the same night,
+[881.70 --> 883.10]  and Joseph, with God's help,
+[883.26 --> 883.98]  interprets them.
+[884.78 --> 886.16]  And it's almost funny,
+[886.16 --> 887.56]  if it weren't so sad,
+[887.94 --> 889.06]  because both dreams
+[889.06 --> 890.32]  involve the expression
+[890.32 --> 891.72]  lifting your head.
+[892.88 --> 893.46]  Your head,
+[893.66 --> 895.40]  Joseph says to the cupbearer,
+[895.56 --> 896.70]  will be lifted up.
+[896.80 --> 897.30]  That is,
+[897.52 --> 898.60]  you will be restored
+[898.60 --> 899.52]  to your position,
+[899.82 --> 900.70]  but your head,
+[901.04 --> 902.26]  says Joseph to the baker,
+[902.50 --> 904.42]  will be lifted off.
+[905.42 --> 906.36]  That is,
+[906.72 --> 908.68]  you will be executed.
+[908.68 --> 911.28]  Wow.
+[912.06 --> 913.42]  You may wonder
+[913.42 --> 914.36]  if Joseph
+[914.36 --> 916.06]  could not have sugar-coated
+[916.06 --> 916.78]  that message
+[916.78 --> 917.92]  to the baker
+[917.92 --> 919.30]  just a little bit.
+[921.70 --> 922.80]  But remember
+[922.80 --> 924.02]  that Joseph's hopes
+[924.02 --> 924.98]  were now riding
+[924.98 --> 926.50]  on the cupbearer.
+[926.80 --> 927.92]  Had he lied,
+[928.28 --> 929.44]  just to be kind,
+[929.76 --> 930.60]  the cupbearer
+[930.60 --> 931.86]  would not have been convinced
+[931.86 --> 932.72]  of his ability
+[932.72 --> 933.94]  to interpret dreams.
+[934.38 --> 935.98]  He would have seen Joseph
+[935.98 --> 937.20]  as a well-meaning guy
+[937.20 --> 938.20]  who flipped the coin
+[938.20 --> 939.84]  and got one right
+[939.84 --> 940.68]  and one wrong.
+[942.20 --> 943.20]  Honesty and integrity
+[943.76 --> 945.48]  in revealing God's meaning,
+[945.76 --> 946.20]  however painful,
+[947.06 --> 947.94]  were required
+[947.94 --> 949.20]  to convince the cupbearer
+[949.86 --> 950.62]  that Joseph
+[950.62 --> 951.80]  was the real deal
+[951.80 --> 953.42]  and worth a recommendation
+[953.42 --> 954.16]  to Pharaoh
+[954.16 --> 955.64]  because you don't
+[955.64 --> 956.82]  mess with Pharaoh,
+[956.98 --> 957.36]  you know.
+[958.26 --> 959.28]  Not when he's got
+[959.28 --> 960.98]  your life in his hands.
+[960.98 --> 963.86]  And he does
+[963.86 --> 965.80]  because when Pharaoh
+[965.80 --> 967.14]  celebrates his birthday
+[967.14 --> 967.98]  three days later
+[967.98 --> 968.90]  and throws a party
+[968.90 --> 970.20]  for all of his officials,
+[970.76 --> 971.58]  what happens?
+[971.72 --> 972.54]  Both cupbearer
+[972.54 --> 973.04]  and baker
+[973.04 --> 973.80]  are invited
+[973.80 --> 974.86]  and we read
+[974.86 --> 976.06]  he lifted up
+[976.06 --> 976.50]  the heads
+[976.50 --> 977.80]  of the chief cupbearer
+[977.80 --> 979.12]  and the chief baker.
+[979.46 --> 980.04]  That is,
+[980.10 --> 981.44]  he restored the butler
+[981.44 --> 983.04]  but beheaded
+[983.04 --> 984.26]  the baker.
+[984.26 --> 986.96]  And surely
+[986.96 --> 987.88]  the cupbearer
+[987.88 --> 988.82]  in his relief
+[988.82 --> 989.46]  and joy
+[989.46 --> 990.40]  would remember
+[990.40 --> 991.40]  Joseph's plea
+[991.40 --> 992.58]  to remember him
+[992.58 --> 993.98]  and tell Pharaoh
+[993.98 --> 995.40]  about this amazing
+[995.40 --> 996.02]  young man
+[996.02 --> 996.94]  he had met
+[996.94 --> 997.54]  in prison.
+[998.90 --> 999.86]  But no.
+[1001.08 --> 1001.54]  Instead,
+[1001.76 --> 1002.16]  you read
+[1002.16 --> 1002.92]  those last
+[1002.92 --> 1004.46]  awful words
+[1004.46 --> 1005.70]  of chapter 40.
+[1006.84 --> 1008.08]  The chief cupbearer,
+[1008.14 --> 1008.54]  however,
+[1009.14 --> 1010.16]  did not remember
+[1010.16 --> 1010.56]  Joseph.
+[1011.72 --> 1012.68]  He forgot him.
+[1014.26 --> 1018.02]  Think about the pain
+[1018.02 --> 1020.24]  in those three words.
+[1021.34 --> 1022.50]  He forgot him.
+[1024.72 --> 1026.70]  Joseph was 17 years old
+[1026.70 --> 1028.06]  when his brother
+[1028.06 --> 1029.40]  sold him into slavery.
+[1030.50 --> 1031.18]  17.
+[1032.78 --> 1034.74]  And most of the 11 years
+[1034.74 --> 1035.16]  since,
+[1035.30 --> 1036.72]  11 years of his
+[1036.72 --> 1037.78]  precious youth
+[1037.78 --> 1039.34]  had been lost
+[1039.34 --> 1040.40]  in prison.
+[1041.90 --> 1043.32]  Imagine the crushing
+[1043.32 --> 1044.10]  disappointment
+[1044.10 --> 1045.10]  he must have felt
+[1045.10 --> 1045.84]  most strongly
+[1045.84 --> 1047.36]  after the cupbearer's
+[1047.36 --> 1047.80]  release.
+[1048.18 --> 1048.50]  Here,
+[1048.80 --> 1049.28]  finally,
+[1049.60 --> 1050.22]  was a ray
+[1050.22 --> 1050.98]  of hope.
+[1052.54 --> 1054.04]  But the cupbearer
+[1054.04 --> 1055.22]  forgot him.
+[1056.20 --> 1057.20]  Joseph hears
+[1057.20 --> 1058.34]  nothing.
+[1058.92 --> 1059.84]  Not a card.
+[1060.18 --> 1061.02]  Not a visit
+[1061.02 --> 1061.98]  for two
+[1061.98 --> 1063.18]  whole years.
+[1063.18 --> 1066.60]  is it hard
+[1066.60 --> 1067.24]  to imagine
+[1067.24 --> 1068.34]  that there were
+[1068.34 --> 1068.74]  days,
+[1068.86 --> 1069.46]  maybe weeks
+[1069.46 --> 1070.22]  and months
+[1070.22 --> 1070.78]  when Joseph
+[1070.78 --> 1071.30]  wondered
+[1071.30 --> 1073.08]  whether God
+[1073.08 --> 1074.28]  had simply
+[1074.28 --> 1075.04]  forgotten him.
+[1077.92 --> 1078.48]  Forgotten.
+[1079.82 --> 1080.66]  Haven't you ever
+[1080.66 --> 1081.08]  been there?
+[1082.48 --> 1083.54]  It can happen
+[1083.54 --> 1084.82]  that there are
+[1084.82 --> 1085.68]  times and seasons
+[1085.68 --> 1086.54]  in your life
+[1086.54 --> 1087.24]  when you feel
+[1087.24 --> 1088.10]  as though the whole
+[1088.10 --> 1089.10]  world is lined up
+[1089.10 --> 1089.78]  against you,
+[1090.04 --> 1090.94]  as though you are
+[1090.94 --> 1091.64]  all alone
+[1091.64 --> 1092.84]  where you call
+[1092.84 --> 1094.22]  out and nobody
+[1094.22 --> 1095.06]  answers.
+[1096.64 --> 1097.84]  It can happen
+[1097.84 --> 1099.22]  when you stand
+[1099.22 --> 1100.02]  at a graveside
+[1100.02 --> 1100.52]  of someone
+[1100.52 --> 1101.22]  you loved
+[1101.22 --> 1103.08]  or in the middle
+[1103.08 --> 1103.58]  of the night
+[1103.58 --> 1104.66]  while lying
+[1104.66 --> 1105.70]  in a hospital bed
+[1105.70 --> 1107.00]  or when you're
+[1107.00 --> 1107.42]  struggling
+[1107.42 --> 1108.68]  with depression.
+[1109.38 --> 1110.24]  The world
+[1110.24 --> 1110.86]  goes on
+[1110.86 --> 1111.76]  but you are
+[1111.76 --> 1112.80]  mired in pain.
+[1113.92 --> 1114.54]  Other people's
+[1114.54 --> 1115.38]  prayers are answered
+[1115.38 --> 1116.70]  but heaven seems
+[1116.70 --> 1117.76]  deaf to your pleading.
+[1117.76 --> 1119.30]  Other people
+[1119.30 --> 1119.84]  talk about
+[1119.84 --> 1120.96]  wonderful experiences
+[1120.96 --> 1121.68]  of God's
+[1121.68 --> 1122.16]  blessing
+[1122.16 --> 1123.00]  and God's
+[1123.00 --> 1123.44]  care
+[1123.44 --> 1126.12]  while you wonder
+[1126.12 --> 1126.86]  what in the world
+[1126.86 --> 1127.84]  God is doing
+[1127.84 --> 1129.16]  in your life.
+[1130.46 --> 1131.44]  It can happen
+[1131.44 --> 1132.34]  in lots of ways
+[1132.34 --> 1133.88]  and lots of times.
+[1134.96 --> 1136.24]  I'm just
+[1136.24 --> 1137.68]  forgotten.
+[1140.96 --> 1141.64]  Forgotten.
+[1142.00 --> 1142.52]  That's
+[1142.52 --> 1143.60]  Joseph's story.
+[1143.60 --> 1145.24]  for two
+[1145.24 --> 1146.00]  whole
+[1146.00 --> 1146.90]  silent
+[1146.90 --> 1147.76]  years
+[1147.76 --> 1151.00]  and then
+[1151.00 --> 1152.32]  one day
+[1152.32 --> 1153.96]  the silence
+[1153.96 --> 1155.36]  is broken.
+[1156.64 --> 1157.18]  Pharaoh's
+[1157.18 --> 1157.62]  court
+[1157.62 --> 1158.46]  is in a
+[1158.46 --> 1158.96]  frenzy.
+[1160.08 --> 1160.64]  Pharaoh has
+[1160.64 --> 1161.38]  had dreams
+[1161.38 --> 1161.98]  disturbing
+[1161.98 --> 1162.56]  dreams
+[1162.56 --> 1163.74]  like Joseph's
+[1163.74 --> 1164.04]  dreams
+[1164.04 --> 1164.52]  like those
+[1164.52 --> 1164.80]  of the
+[1164.80 --> 1165.30]  cup bearer
+[1165.30 --> 1165.58]  and the
+[1165.58 --> 1165.84]  baker
+[1165.84 --> 1166.58]  not some
+[1166.58 --> 1166.90]  hazy
+[1166.90 --> 1167.32]  nonsense
+[1167.32 --> 1168.12]  between sleep
+[1168.12 --> 1168.56]  and waking
+[1168.56 --> 1169.22]  who knows
+[1169.22 --> 1169.54]  what it
+[1169.54 --> 1169.84]  means.
+[1169.84 --> 1170.62]  this
+[1170.62 --> 1171.06]  Pharaoh
+[1171.06 --> 1171.98]  instinctively
+[1171.98 --> 1172.28]  knew
+[1172.28 --> 1172.90]  was the
+[1172.90 --> 1173.48]  real thing.
+[1173.60 --> 1173.90]  This was
+[1173.90 --> 1174.20]  something
+[1174.20 --> 1174.56]  more
+[1174.56 --> 1175.22]  something
+[1175.22 --> 1175.58]  from
+[1175.58 --> 1176.10]  beyond
+[1176.10 --> 1177.32]  but none
+[1177.32 --> 1177.58]  of his
+[1177.58 --> 1178.18]  magicians
+[1178.18 --> 1178.76]  none of
+[1178.76 --> 1179.22]  his wise
+[1179.22 --> 1179.54]  men
+[1179.54 --> 1180.38]  had a
+[1180.38 --> 1180.64]  clue.
+[1182.20 --> 1182.28]  And
+[1182.28 --> 1182.72]  then
+[1182.72 --> 1183.44]  the
+[1183.44 --> 1183.72]  chief
+[1183.72 --> 1184.10]  cup
+[1184.10 --> 1184.92]  bearer
+[1184.92 --> 1185.56]  remembered
+[1185.56 --> 1187.42]  and
+[1187.42 --> 1187.92]  God
+[1187.92 --> 1189.02]  remembered.
+[1189.98 --> 1190.46]  Joseph
+[1190.46 --> 1191.00]  is down
+[1191.00 --> 1191.48]  10-0
+[1191.48 --> 1192.16]  at the
+[1192.16 --> 1192.42]  second
+[1192.42 --> 1193.02]  intermission
+[1193.02 --> 1193.66]  and it's
+[1193.66 --> 1193.96]  comeback
+[1193.96 --> 1194.46]  time.
+[1194.98 --> 1195.14]  One
+[1195.14 --> 1195.44]  little
+[1195.44 --> 1195.88]  cog
+[1195.88 --> 1196.18]  in the
+[1196.18 --> 1196.38]  wheel
+[1196.38 --> 1196.56]  of
+[1196.56 --> 1197.04]  providence
+[1197.04 --> 1197.44]  connects
+[1197.44 --> 1197.90]  with
+[1197.90 --> 1198.22]  another
+[1198.22 --> 1198.68]  and the
+[1198.68 --> 1198.96]  gears
+[1198.96 --> 1199.56]  of God's
+[1199.56 --> 1199.94]  purposes
+[1199.94 --> 1200.50]  move
+[1200.50 --> 1200.96]  forward.
+[1202.00 --> 1202.24]  Joseph
+[1202.24 --> 1202.52]  gets
+[1202.52 --> 1202.88]  hauled
+[1202.88 --> 1203.00]  out
+[1203.00 --> 1203.12]  of
+[1203.12 --> 1203.36]  prison
+[1203.36 --> 1203.58]  to
+[1203.58 --> 1203.92]  stand
+[1203.92 --> 1204.28]  before
+[1204.28 --> 1204.48]  the
+[1204.48 --> 1204.80]  Pharaoh
+[1204.80 --> 1205.44]  and he
+[1205.44 --> 1205.76]  comes
+[1205.76 --> 1206.04]  through
+[1206.04 --> 1206.42]  again.
+[1207.42 --> 1207.52]  He
+[1207.52 --> 1208.18]  acknowledges
+[1208.18 --> 1208.56]  God
+[1208.56 --> 1208.92]  as the
+[1208.92 --> 1209.20]  source
+[1209.20 --> 1209.50]  of the
+[1209.50 --> 1209.94]  dreams
+[1209.94 --> 1210.70]  then he
+[1210.70 --> 1211.12]  tells it
+[1211.12 --> 1211.46]  like it
+[1211.46 --> 1211.70]  is.
+[1212.02 --> 1212.30]  Seven
+[1212.30 --> 1212.64]  years
+[1212.64 --> 1212.84]  of
+[1212.84 --> 1213.44]  incredible
+[1213.44 --> 1214.04]  abundance
+[1214.04 --> 1214.40]  followed
+[1214.40 --> 1215.04]  by seven
+[1215.04 --> 1215.50]  years
+[1215.50 --> 1216.54]  of equally
+[1216.54 --> 1217.22]  incredible
+[1217.22 --> 1217.94]  famine.
+[1218.82 --> 1218.92]  And
+[1218.92 --> 1219.44]  before you
+[1219.44 --> 1219.82]  know it
+[1219.82 --> 1220.44]  Joseph's
+[1220.44 --> 1220.66]  head
+[1220.66 --> 1221.40]  is lifted
+[1221.40 --> 1221.74]  up.
+[1222.42 --> 1222.58]  As
+[1222.58 --> 1222.86]  quickly
+[1222.86 --> 1223.20]  as he
+[1223.20 --> 1223.70]  was buried
+[1223.70 --> 1224.24]  in prison
+[1224.24 --> 1225.36]  by Potiphar
+[1225.36 --> 1225.88]  Joseph
+[1225.88 --> 1226.50]  has raised
+[1226.50 --> 1226.80]  a new
+[1226.80 --> 1227.10]  life
+[1227.10 --> 1227.66]  in the
+[1227.66 --> 1227.88]  kingdom
+[1227.88 --> 1228.48]  of Egypt
+[1228.48 --> 1229.58]  second in
+[1229.58 --> 1229.96]  power
+[1229.96 --> 1230.66]  only to
+[1230.66 --> 1231.00]  Pharaoh
+[1231.00 --> 1232.02]  given a
+[1232.02 --> 1232.30]  wife
+[1232.30 --> 1232.86]  who bears
+[1232.86 --> 1233.06]  him
+[1233.06 --> 1233.52]  children
+[1233.52 --> 1234.28]  blessed
+[1234.28 --> 1234.76]  beyond
+[1234.76 --> 1235.26]  measure
+[1235.26 --> 1236.16]  because
+[1236.16 --> 1236.94]  finally
+[1236.94 --> 1237.62]  the cup
+[1237.62 --> 1238.02]  bearer
+[1238.02 --> 1238.70]  remembered
+[1238.70 --> 1239.08]  him.
+[1240.08 --> 1240.96]  No.
+[1241.96 --> 1242.80]  No.
+[1243.80 --> 1244.20]  Because
+[1244.20 --> 1244.76]  God
+[1244.76 --> 1245.90]  had never
+[1245.90 --> 1246.48]  forgotten
+[1246.48 --> 1247.12]  Joseph.
+[1248.12 --> 1248.68]  God
+[1248.68 --> 1249.18]  remembered
+[1249.18 --> 1249.64]  Joseph
+[1249.64 --> 1250.32]  even when
+[1250.32 --> 1251.16]  all others
+[1251.16 --> 1252.26]  had forgotten.
+[1252.26 --> 1253.64]  God
+[1253.64 --> 1253.88]  remembers
+[1253.88 --> 1254.64]  God
+[1254.64 --> 1254.94]  remembers
+[1254.94 --> 1255.80]  God
+[1255.80 --> 1256.80]  remembers
+[1256.80 --> 1257.72]  God
+[1257.72 --> 1259.74]  remembers
+[1259.74 --> 1261.70]  us.
+[1261.70 --> 1263.88]  God
+[1263.88 --> 1264.80]  remembers
+[1264.80 --> 1266.52]  and
+[1266.52 --> 1266.86]  throughout
+[1266.86 --> 1267.42]  the Old
+[1267.42 --> 1267.86]  Testament
+[1267.86 --> 1268.70]  this fact
+[1268.70 --> 1269.10]  is a
+[1269.10 --> 1269.66]  consistent
+[1269.66 --> 1270.24]  source
+[1270.24 --> 1271.06]  of deep
+[1271.06 --> 1271.56]  comfort
+[1271.56 --> 1272.08]  and
+[1272.08 --> 1272.74]  thanksgiving.
+[1274.30 --> 1274.62]  God
+[1274.62 --> 1275.20]  remembers
+[1275.20 --> 1275.64]  us.
+[1276.12 --> 1276.32]  God
+[1276.32 --> 1276.86]  remembers
+[1276.86 --> 1277.28]  that we
+[1277.28 --> 1277.78]  are but
+[1277.78 --> 1278.38]  dust.
+[1278.94 --> 1279.14]  God
+[1279.14 --> 1279.66]  remembers
+[1279.66 --> 1280.32]  his promise
+[1280.32 --> 1280.90]  to Abraham
+[1280.90 --> 1281.42]  and his
+[1281.42 --> 1281.94]  descendants.
+[1282.56 --> 1282.84]  Hundreds
+[1282.84 --> 1283.50]  of years
+[1283.50 --> 1284.06]  after
+[1284.06 --> 1284.54]  Joseph
+[1284.54 --> 1285.00]  when
+[1285.00 --> 1285.32]  Egypt
+[1285.32 --> 1285.70]  gets
+[1285.70 --> 1286.06]  a new
+[1286.06 --> 1286.34]  king
+[1286.34 --> 1286.70]  who
+[1286.70 --> 1287.20]  doesn't
+[1287.20 --> 1287.60]  know
+[1287.60 --> 1288.08]  Joseph
+[1288.08 --> 1288.62]  and
+[1288.62 --> 1289.02]  Israel
+[1289.02 --> 1289.50]  finds
+[1289.50 --> 1289.86]  herself
+[1289.86 --> 1290.06]  in
+[1290.06 --> 1290.50]  hopeless
+[1290.50 --> 1291.04]  slavery
+[1291.04 --> 1291.48]  in
+[1291.48 --> 1291.86]  Egypt
+[1291.86 --> 1292.58]  Moses
+[1292.58 --> 1293.04]  writes
+[1293.04 --> 1293.38]  these
+[1293.38 --> 1293.76]  words
+[1293.76 --> 1294.44]  God
+[1294.44 --> 1295.02]  heard
+[1295.02 --> 1295.24]  their
+[1295.24 --> 1295.74]  groaning
+[1295.74 --> 1296.26]  and
+[1296.26 --> 1296.46]  he
+[1296.46 --> 1297.20]  remembered
+[1297.20 --> 1297.60]  his
+[1297.60 --> 1298.14]  covenant
+[1298.14 --> 1298.98]  with
+[1298.98 --> 1299.50]  Abraham
+[1299.50 --> 1300.20]  with
+[1300.20 --> 1300.78]  Isaac
+[1300.78 --> 1301.32]  and
+[1301.32 --> 1301.54]  with
+[1301.54 --> 1301.94]  Jacob
+[1301.94 --> 1303.42]  and
+[1303.42 --> 1303.94]  God's
+[1303.94 --> 1304.46]  remembering
+[1304.46 --> 1304.94]  gives
+[1304.94 --> 1305.26]  new
+[1305.26 --> 1305.70]  hope
+[1305.70 --> 1306.44]  and
+[1306.44 --> 1306.64]  new
+[1306.64 --> 1307.08]  future.
+[1308.12 --> 1308.48]  Later
+[1308.48 --> 1308.80]  in the
+[1308.80 --> 1308.96]  Old
+[1308.96 --> 1309.34]  Testament
+[1309.34 --> 1309.62]  when
+[1309.62 --> 1309.98]  God's
+[1309.98 --> 1310.14]  Old
+[1310.14 --> 1310.48]  Testament
+[1310.48 --> 1310.92]  people
+[1310.92 --> 1311.40]  are
+[1311.40 --> 1311.62]  in
+[1311.62 --> 1312.08]  exile
+[1312.08 --> 1312.32]  and
+[1312.32 --> 1312.70]  slavery
+[1312.70 --> 1312.94]  in
+[1312.94 --> 1313.22]  another
+[1313.22 --> 1313.80]  empire
+[1313.80 --> 1314.50]  Babylon
+[1314.50 --> 1314.88]  they
+[1314.88 --> 1315.24]  said
+[1315.24 --> 1315.68]  the
+[1315.68 --> 1315.98]  Lord
+[1315.98 --> 1316.24]  has
+[1316.24 --> 1316.80]  forsaken
+[1316.80 --> 1317.08]  me
+[1317.08 --> 1317.90]  the
+[1317.90 --> 1318.18]  Lord
+[1318.18 --> 1318.46]  has
+[1318.46 --> 1319.02]  forgotten
+[1319.02 --> 1319.48]  me
+[1319.48 --> 1321.38]  but
+[1321.38 --> 1321.56]  the
+[1321.56 --> 1321.92]  prophet
+[1321.92 --> 1322.36]  Isaiah
+[1322.36 --> 1322.80]  speaking
+[1322.80 --> 1323.04]  on
+[1323.04 --> 1323.44]  behalf
+[1323.44 --> 1323.64]  of
+[1323.64 --> 1323.96]  God
+[1323.96 --> 1324.48]  asked
+[1324.48 --> 1324.68]  the
+[1324.68 --> 1325.04]  question
+[1325.04 --> 1325.56]  can
+[1325.56 --> 1325.78]  a
+[1325.78 --> 1326.00]  mother
+[1326.00 --> 1326.44]  forget
+[1326.44 --> 1326.68]  the
+[1326.68 --> 1327.02]  baby
+[1327.02 --> 1327.48]  at
+[1327.48 --> 1327.66]  her
+[1327.66 --> 1328.04]  breast
+[1328.04 --> 1328.24]  and
+[1328.24 --> 1328.48]  have
+[1328.48 --> 1328.78]  no
+[1328.78 --> 1329.48]  compassion
+[1329.48 --> 1329.98]  on
+[1329.98 --> 1330.14]  the
+[1330.14 --> 1330.54]  child
+[1330.54 --> 1330.72]  she
+[1330.72 --> 1330.92]  has
+[1330.92 --> 1331.28]  born
+[1331.28 --> 1332.76]  and
+[1332.76 --> 1332.96]  of
+[1332.96 --> 1333.26]  course
+[1333.26 --> 1333.46]  a
+[1333.46 --> 1333.82]  normal
+[1333.82 --> 1334.12]  mother
+[1334.12 --> 1334.50]  never
+[1334.50 --> 1334.80]  would
+[1334.80 --> 1336.18]  even
+[1336.18 --> 1336.42]  though
+[1336.42 --> 1336.74]  mothers
+[1336.74 --> 1337.18]  are not
+[1337.18 --> 1337.60]  perfect
+[1337.60 --> 1338.16]  anymore
+[1338.16 --> 1338.76]  than
+[1338.76 --> 1339.40]  fathers who
+[1339.40 --> 1339.76]  leave their
+[1339.76 --> 1340.04]  youngest
+[1340.04 --> 1340.38]  alone
+[1340.38 --> 1340.76]  on a
+[1340.76 --> 1341.06]  beach
+[1341.06 --> 1341.98]  any more
+[1341.98 --> 1342.48]  than our
+[1342.48 --> 1342.90]  children
+[1342.90 --> 1344.08]  it is impossible
+[1344.08 --> 1345.10]  to imagine
+[1345.10 --> 1346.02]  a normal
+[1346.02 --> 1346.42]  mother
+[1346.42 --> 1347.40]  forgetting the
+[1347.40 --> 1348.06]  face of the
+[1348.06 --> 1348.46]  one she
+[1348.46 --> 1348.96]  carried
+[1348.96 --> 1350.12]  and birthed
+[1350.12 --> 1350.98]  and nursed
+[1350.98 --> 1351.76]  forget
+[1351.76 --> 1352.74]  never
+[1352.74 --> 1356.46]  sadly
+[1356.46 --> 1356.48]  sadly
+[1356.48 --> 1356.92]  however
+[1356.92 --> 1357.30]  as
+[1357.30 --> 1357.56]  God
+[1357.56 --> 1358.04]  admits
+[1358.04 --> 1359.12]  though
+[1359.12 --> 1359.44]  she
+[1359.44 --> 1359.70]  may
+[1359.70 --> 1360.18]  forget
+[1360.18 --> 1360.46]  he
+[1360.46 --> 1360.92]  says
+[1360.92 --> 1362.24]  there
+[1362.24 --> 1362.58]  are
+[1362.58 --> 1363.26]  exceptions
+[1363.26 --> 1364.08]  some
+[1364.08 --> 1364.38]  thrown
+[1364.38 --> 1364.86]  through
+[1364.86 --> 1365.40]  no fault
+[1365.40 --> 1365.68]  of their
+[1365.68 --> 1365.94]  own
+[1365.94 --> 1366.36]  such as
+[1366.36 --> 1366.64]  mental
+[1366.64 --> 1367.22]  disease
+[1367.22 --> 1367.92]  others
+[1367.92 --> 1368.36]  because
+[1368.36 --> 1368.56]  of
+[1368.56 --> 1368.90]  sinful
+[1368.90 --> 1369.42]  neglect
+[1369.42 --> 1370.12]  but
+[1370.12 --> 1370.86]  though
+[1370.86 --> 1371.22]  she
+[1371.22 --> 1371.54]  may
+[1371.54 --> 1372.04]  forget
+[1372.04 --> 1373.76]  says
+[1373.76 --> 1373.96]  the
+[1373.96 --> 1374.24]  Lord
+[1374.24 --> 1375.50]  I
+[1375.50 --> 1376.00]  will
+[1376.00 --> 1376.44]  not
+[1376.44 --> 1377.12]  forget
+[1377.12 --> 1378.24]  you
+[1378.24 --> 1381.60]  see
+[1381.60 --> 1382.12]  I have
+[1382.12 --> 1382.74]  engraved
+[1382.74 --> 1383.00]  you
+[1383.00 --> 1384.10]  on the
+[1384.10 --> 1384.52]  palms
+[1384.52 --> 1385.00]  of my
+[1385.00 --> 1385.46]  hands
+[1385.46 --> 1386.84]  your
+[1386.84 --> 1387.32]  names
+[1387.32 --> 1387.76]  written
+[1387.76 --> 1388.56]  on God's
+[1388.56 --> 1388.98]  hands
+[1388.98 --> 1389.80]  not just
+[1389.80 --> 1390.18]  with a
+[1390.18 --> 1390.48]  pen
+[1390.48 --> 1391.34]  so that
+[1391.34 --> 1391.52]  they're
+[1391.52 --> 1391.84]  easily
+[1391.84 --> 1392.26]  rubbed
+[1392.26 --> 1392.54]  off
+[1392.54 --> 1393.08]  or washed
+[1393.08 --> 1393.42]  away
+[1393.42 --> 1393.82]  the first
+[1393.82 --> 1394.16]  time you
+[1394.16 --> 1394.42]  wash
+[1394.42 --> 1394.96]  your hands
+[1394.96 --> 1395.82]  but
+[1395.82 --> 1396.70]  engraved
+[1396.70 --> 1397.52]  carved
+[1397.52 --> 1398.54]  with a
+[1398.54 --> 1398.96]  knife
+[1398.96 --> 1399.82]  into
+[1399.82 --> 1400.12]  his
+[1400.12 --> 1400.58]  hand
+[1400.58 --> 1401.60]  a
+[1401.60 --> 1402.22]  permanent
+[1402.22 --> 1403.04]  mark
+[1403.04 --> 1405.22]  God
+[1405.22 --> 1405.76]  remembers
+[1405.76 --> 1406.46]  and it
+[1406.46 --> 1406.78]  is what
+[1406.78 --> 1407.00]  his
+[1407.00 --> 1407.32]  son
+[1407.32 --> 1408.04]  came to
+[1408.04 --> 1408.50]  tell us
+[1408.50 --> 1408.72]  too
+[1408.72 --> 1409.30]  Jesus
+[1409.30 --> 1409.86]  told us
+[1409.86 --> 1410.38]  to address
+[1410.38 --> 1410.74]  God
+[1410.74 --> 1411.02]  as
+[1411.02 --> 1411.50]  our
+[1411.50 --> 1411.98]  father
+[1411.98 --> 1413.18]  to
+[1413.18 --> 1413.68]  teach us
+[1413.68 --> 1413.86]  that
+[1413.86 --> 1414.18]  God
+[1414.18 --> 1414.42]  does
+[1414.42 --> 1414.62]  not
+[1414.62 --> 1414.94]  care
+[1414.94 --> 1415.18]  about
+[1415.18 --> 1415.36]  the
+[1415.36 --> 1415.62]  world
+[1415.62 --> 1415.86]  like
+[1415.86 --> 1416.04]  a
+[1416.04 --> 1416.36]  distant
+[1416.36 --> 1416.84]  CEO
+[1416.84 --> 1417.26]  might
+[1417.26 --> 1417.52]  care
+[1417.52 --> 1417.74]  about
+[1417.74 --> 1417.92]  the
+[1417.92 --> 1418.44]  company's
+[1418.44 --> 1418.70]  bottom
+[1418.70 --> 1419.26]  line
+[1419.26 --> 1420.68]  are
+[1420.68 --> 1420.92]  not
+[1420.92 --> 1421.12]  two
+[1421.12 --> 1422.26]  sparrows
+[1422.26 --> 1422.60]  sold
+[1422.60 --> 1423.00]  for a
+[1423.00 --> 1423.24]  penny
+[1423.24 --> 1423.56]  Jesus
+[1423.56 --> 1423.92]  once
+[1423.92 --> 1424.32]  asked
+[1424.32 --> 1425.40]  yet
+[1425.40 --> 1425.60]  not
+[1425.60 --> 1425.94]  one
+[1425.94 --> 1426.04]  of
+[1426.04 --> 1426.16]  them
+[1426.16 --> 1426.34]  will
+[1426.34 --> 1426.58]  fall
+[1426.58 --> 1426.74]  to
+[1426.74 --> 1426.90]  the
+[1426.90 --> 1427.18]  ground
+[1427.18 --> 1427.46]  without
+[1427.46 --> 1427.78]  your
+[1427.78 --> 1428.18]  father
+[1428.18 --> 1428.78]  or
+[1428.78 --> 1429.14]  apart
+[1429.14 --> 1429.38]  from
+[1429.38 --> 1429.56]  your
+[1429.56 --> 1429.90]  father
+[1429.90 --> 1430.28]  and
+[1430.28 --> 1430.52]  even
+[1430.52 --> 1430.74]  the
+[1430.74 --> 1431.30]  hairs
+[1431.30 --> 1431.54]  of
+[1431.54 --> 1431.72]  your
+[1431.72 --> 1432.12]  head
+[1432.12 --> 1433.26]  are
+[1433.26 --> 1433.50]  all
+[1433.50 --> 1433.98]  numbered
+[1433.98 --> 1436.82]  yes
+[1436.82 --> 1437.28]  sparrows
+[1437.28 --> 1437.46]  do
+[1437.46 --> 1437.78]  fall
+[1437.78 --> 1438.02]  and
+[1438.02 --> 1438.56]  sadly
+[1438.56 --> 1438.94]  so
+[1438.94 --> 1439.12]  do
+[1439.12 --> 1439.28]  the
+[1439.28 --> 1439.50]  hairs
+[1439.50 --> 1439.68]  of
+[1439.68 --> 1439.82]  our
+[1439.82 --> 1440.12]  head
+[1440.12 --> 1441.14]  some
+[1441.14 --> 1441.30]  of
+[1441.30 --> 1441.50]  ours
+[1441.50 --> 1441.76]  a lot
+[1441.76 --> 1442.02]  quicker
+[1442.02 --> 1442.20]  than
+[1442.20 --> 1442.54]  others
+[1442.54 --> 1443.76]  but
+[1443.76 --> 1444.20]  not
+[1444.20 --> 1444.80]  apart
+[1444.80 --> 1445.20]  from
+[1445.20 --> 1445.40]  the
+[1445.40 --> 1445.78]  father
+[1445.78 --> 1447.06]  not
+[1447.06 --> 1447.46]  apart
+[1447.46 --> 1447.70]  from
+[1447.70 --> 1447.94]  his
+[1447.94 --> 1448.54]  knowledge
+[1448.54 --> 1449.42]  says
+[1449.42 --> 1449.86]  Jesus
+[1449.86 --> 1450.28]  his
+[1450.28 --> 1450.76]  love
+[1450.76 --> 1451.76]  his
+[1451.76 --> 1452.18]  care
+[1452.18 --> 1454.54]  his
+[1454.54 --> 1454.90]  eye
+[1454.90 --> 1455.08]  is
+[1455.08 --> 1455.26]  on
+[1455.26 --> 1455.44]  the
+[1455.44 --> 1455.90]  sparrow
+[1455.90 --> 1456.42]  wrote
+[1456.42 --> 1457.04]  Sevilla
+[1457.04 --> 1457.36]  D.
+[1457.48 --> 1457.76]  Martin
+[1457.76 --> 1458.06]  in
+[1458.06 --> 1458.92]  1905
+[1458.92 --> 1459.72]  and
+[1459.72 --> 1459.96]  I
+[1459.96 --> 1460.42]  know
+[1460.42 --> 1461.08]  he
+[1461.08 --> 1461.54]  watches
+[1461.54 --> 1461.92]  me
+[1461.92 --> 1463.52]  she
+[1463.52 --> 1463.76]  wrote
+[1463.76 --> 1463.96]  those
+[1463.96 --> 1464.26]  words
+[1464.26 --> 1464.56]  after
+[1464.56 --> 1465.00]  visiting
+[1465.00 --> 1465.52]  friends
+[1465.52 --> 1465.70]  the
+[1465.70 --> 1466.00]  couple
+[1466.00 --> 1467.00]  the
+[1467.00 --> 1467.24]  wife
+[1467.24 --> 1467.40]  had
+[1467.40 --> 1467.56]  been
+[1467.56 --> 1467.80]  bread
+[1467.80 --> 1468.04]  ridden
+[1468.04 --> 1468.24]  for
+[1468.24 --> 1468.56]  20
+[1468.56 --> 1468.86]  years
+[1468.86 --> 1469.04]  the
+[1469.04 --> 1469.32]  husband
+[1469.32 --> 1469.64]  needed
+[1469.64 --> 1469.84]  a
+[1469.84 --> 1470.14]  wheelchair
+[1470.14 --> 1470.42]  to
+[1470.42 --> 1470.62]  get
+[1470.62 --> 1470.94]  around
+[1470.94 --> 1471.26]  both
+[1471.26 --> 1471.40]  of
+[1471.40 --> 1471.56]  them
+[1471.56 --> 1471.68]  in
+[1471.68 --> 1471.84]  a
+[1471.84 --> 1472.18]  sense
+[1472.18 --> 1472.90]  imprisoned
+[1472.90 --> 1474.78]  forgotten
+[1474.78 --> 1476.90]  but
+[1476.90 --> 1477.22]  both
+[1477.22 --> 1477.46]  lived
+[1477.46 --> 1477.88]  lives
+[1477.88 --> 1478.10]  of
+[1478.10 --> 1478.42]  faith
+[1478.42 --> 1478.62]  and
+[1478.62 --> 1479.00]  courage
+[1479.00 --> 1479.20]  that
+[1479.20 --> 1479.44]  brought
+[1479.44 --> 1480.10]  inspiration
+[1480.10 --> 1480.34]  and
+[1480.34 --> 1480.66]  comfort
+[1480.66 --> 1480.88]  to
+[1480.88 --> 1481.16]  all
+[1481.16 --> 1481.36]  who
+[1481.36 --> 1481.56]  knew
+[1481.56 --> 1481.86]  them
+[1481.86 --> 1482.62]  when
+[1482.62 --> 1482.88]  asked
+[1482.88 --> 1483.04]  the
+[1483.04 --> 1483.32]  secret
+[1483.32 --> 1483.52]  of
+[1483.52 --> 1483.66]  their
+[1483.66 --> 1484.26]  hopefulness
+[1484.26 --> 1484.44]  and
+[1484.44 --> 1484.78]  life
+[1484.78 --> 1484.98]  the
+[1484.98 --> 1485.26]  wife
+[1485.26 --> 1485.52]  gave
+[1485.52 --> 1485.72]  this
+[1485.72 --> 1486.08]  answer
+[1486.08 --> 1486.30]  that
+[1486.30 --> 1486.70]  Sevilla
+[1486.70 --> 1487.12]  turned
+[1487.12 --> 1487.62]  into
+[1487.62 --> 1487.86]  that
+[1491.08 --> 1496.60]  God
+[1496.60 --> 1497.18]  remembers
+[1497.18 --> 1498.80]  God
+[1498.80 --> 1499.18]  knows
+[1499.18 --> 1499.48]  my
+[1499.48 --> 1499.80]  name
+[1499.80 --> 1501.08]  this
+[1501.08 --> 1501.24]  is
+[1501.24 --> 1501.40]  the
+[1501.40 --> 1501.64]  good
+[1501.64 --> 1501.96]  news
+[1501.96 --> 1502.16]  of
+[1502.16 --> 1502.58]  Genesis
+[1502.58 --> 1503.14]  40
+[1503.14 --> 1503.52]  and
+[1503.52 --> 1504.06]  41
+[1504.06 --> 1505.36]  he
+[1505.36 --> 1505.64]  will
+[1505.64 --> 1505.96]  not
+[1505.96 --> 1506.18]  he
+[1506.18 --> 1506.52]  cannot
+[1506.52 --> 1507.42]  forget
+[1507.42 --> 1508.62]  you
+[1508.62 --> 1510.30]  and
+[1510.30 --> 1510.48]  when
+[1510.48 --> 1510.64]  you
+[1510.64 --> 1511.00]  find
+[1511.00 --> 1511.16]  it
+[1511.16 --> 1511.46]  hard
+[1511.46 --> 1511.68]  to
+[1511.68 --> 1512.04]  believe
+[1512.04 --> 1512.30]  that
+[1512.30 --> 1512.48]  to
+[1512.48 --> 1512.74]  keep
+[1512.74 --> 1513.20]  trusting
+[1513.20 --> 1513.48]  through
+[1513.48 --> 1513.80]  days
+[1513.80 --> 1513.98]  of
+[1513.98 --> 1514.26]  your
+[1514.26 --> 1514.80]  seeming
+[1514.80 --> 1515.26]  forgotten
+[1515.26 --> 1516.18]  let me
+[1516.18 --> 1516.70]  suggest
+[1516.70 --> 1517.76]  at least
+[1517.76 --> 1518.20]  a couple
+[1518.20 --> 1518.42]  of
+[1518.42 --> 1518.82]  things
+[1518.82 --> 1519.54]  we
+[1519.54 --> 1519.82]  see
+[1519.82 --> 1520.10]  in
+[1520.10 --> 1520.70]  Joseph's
+[1520.70 --> 1521.28]  seeming
+[1521.28 --> 1521.70]  forgotten
+[1521.70 --> 1522.82]  that
+[1522.82 --> 1523.10]  might
+[1523.10 --> 1523.42]  help
+[1523.42 --> 1523.68]  you
+[1523.68 --> 1524.50]  as
+[1524.50 --> 1524.62]  you
+[1524.62 --> 1525.30]  experience
+[1525.30 --> 1525.58]  or
+[1525.58 --> 1525.80]  when
+[1525.80 --> 1525.96]  you
+[1525.96 --> 1526.66]  experience
+[1526.66 --> 1527.52]  yours
+[1527.52 --> 1529.28]  one
+[1529.28 --> 1529.70]  was
+[1529.70 --> 1529.88]  his
+[1529.88 --> 1530.44]  concern
+[1530.44 --> 1531.12]  for
+[1531.12 --> 1531.52]  others
+[1531.52 --> 1532.94]  rather
+[1532.94 --> 1533.20]  than
+[1533.20 --> 1533.36]  be
+[1533.36 --> 1533.74]  so
+[1533.74 --> 1534.44]  consumed
+[1534.44 --> 1534.70]  with
+[1534.70 --> 1534.88]  the
+[1534.88 --> 1535.32]  wrong
+[1535.32 --> 1535.94]  that
+[1535.94 --> 1536.14]  he
+[1536.14 --> 1536.66]  suffered
+[1536.66 --> 1537.72]  that
+[1537.72 --> 1537.86]  he
+[1537.86 --> 1538.36]  ignored
+[1538.36 --> 1538.62]  the
+[1538.62 --> 1538.88]  needs
+[1538.88 --> 1539.06]  of
+[1539.06 --> 1539.54]  everybody
+[1539.54 --> 1540.02]  else
+[1540.02 --> 1541.24]  his
+[1541.24 --> 1541.62]  care
+[1541.62 --> 1541.86]  for
+[1541.86 --> 1542.18]  others
+[1542.18 --> 1542.36]  and
+[1542.36 --> 1542.60]  his
+[1542.60 --> 1543.08]  willingness
+[1543.08 --> 1544.06]  to
+[1544.06 --> 1544.28]  get
+[1544.28 --> 1544.72]  involved
+[1544.72 --> 1544.94]  in
+[1544.94 --> 1545.20]  their
+[1545.20 --> 1545.68]  troubles
+[1545.68 --> 1546.92]  become
+[1546.92 --> 1547.18]  the
+[1547.18 --> 1547.42]  means
+[1547.42 --> 1547.60]  of
+[1547.60 --> 1547.74]  his
+[1547.74 --> 1547.98]  own
+[1547.98 --> 1548.44]  freedom
+[1548.44 --> 1549.90]  however
+[1549.90 --> 1550.28]  slow
+[1550.28 --> 1550.46]  in
+[1550.46 --> 1550.72]  coming
+[1550.72 --> 1551.06]  as
+[1551.06 --> 1551.46]  you
+[1551.46 --> 1551.60]  and
+[1551.60 --> 1551.76]  I
+[1551.76 --> 1552.02]  measure
+[1552.02 --> 1552.42]  time
+[1552.42 --> 1554.16]  it
+[1554.16 --> 1554.30]  is
+[1554.30 --> 1554.48]  at
+[1554.48 --> 1554.66]  least
+[1554.66 --> 1555.36]  possible
+[1555.36 --> 1556.72]  that
+[1556.72 --> 1557.38]  sometimes
+[1557.38 --> 1557.96]  God
+[1557.96 --> 1558.24]  may
+[1558.24 --> 1558.70]  have
+[1558.70 --> 1558.96]  you
+[1558.96 --> 1559.30]  where
+[1559.30 --> 1559.54]  he
+[1559.54 --> 1559.92]  has
+[1559.92 --> 1560.06]  you
+[1560.06 --> 1560.36]  not
+[1560.36 --> 1560.76]  only
+[1560.76 --> 1561.04]  as
+[1561.04 --> 1561.36]  part
+[1561.36 --> 1562.02]  of
+[1562.02 --> 1562.20]  what
+[1562.20 --> 1562.34]  he
+[1562.34 --> 1562.54]  is
+[1562.54 --> 1562.82]  doing
+[1562.82 --> 1563.08]  in
+[1563.08 --> 1563.38]  your
+[1563.38 --> 1563.80]  life
+[1563.80 --> 1566.06]  but
+[1566.06 --> 1566.26]  so
+[1566.26 --> 1566.52]  that
+[1566.52 --> 1566.90]  you
+[1566.90 --> 1567.30]  can
+[1567.30 --> 1567.48]  be
+[1567.48 --> 1567.90]  part
+[1567.90 --> 1568.56]  of
+[1568.56 --> 1568.74]  what
+[1568.74 --> 1569.02]  God
+[1569.02 --> 1569.18]  is
+[1569.18 --> 1569.52]  doing
+[1569.52 --> 1570.20]  in
+[1570.20 --> 1570.50]  someone
+[1570.50 --> 1570.94]  else's
+[1570.94 --> 1571.24]  life
+[1571.24 --> 1573.34]  we
+[1573.34 --> 1573.52]  can
+[1573.52 --> 1573.88]  focus
+[1573.88 --> 1574.10]  on
+[1574.10 --> 1574.24]  the
+[1574.24 --> 1574.48]  part
+[1574.48 --> 1574.58]  of
+[1574.58 --> 1574.78]  the
+[1574.78 --> 1575.42]  promise
+[1575.42 --> 1575.70]  that
+[1575.70 --> 1576.04]  says
+[1576.04 --> 1576.36]  we
+[1576.36 --> 1576.54]  will
+[1576.54 --> 1576.70]  be
+[1576.70 --> 1577.14]  blessed
+[1577.14 --> 1578.80]  and
+[1578.80 --> 1579.12]  forget
+[1579.12 --> 1580.00]  that
+[1580.00 --> 1580.14]  we
+[1580.14 --> 1580.26]  are
+[1580.26 --> 1580.58]  also
+[1580.58 --> 1580.98]  called
+[1580.98 --> 1581.42]  to
+[1581.42 --> 1581.64]  be
+[1581.64 --> 1581.78]  a
+[1581.78 --> 1582.10]  blessing
+[1582.10 --> 1582.54]  to
+[1582.54 --> 1582.92]  others
+[1582.92 --> 1584.54]  in
+[1584.54 --> 1585.02]  Joseph's
+[1585.02 --> 1585.30]  case
+[1585.30 --> 1585.70]  God
+[1585.70 --> 1586.12]  worked
+[1586.12 --> 1586.86]  on
+[1586.86 --> 1587.12]  both
+[1587.12 --> 1587.54]  others
+[1587.54 --> 1587.92]  and
+[1587.92 --> 1588.36]  Joseph
+[1588.36 --> 1589.40]  at
+[1589.40 --> 1589.88]  once
+[1589.88 --> 1590.32]  at
+[1590.32 --> 1590.46]  the
+[1590.46 --> 1590.62]  same
+[1590.62 --> 1591.04]  time
+[1591.04 --> 1593.24]  another
+[1593.24 --> 1593.56]  thing
+[1593.56 --> 1593.84]  is to
+[1593.84 --> 1594.16]  see
+[1594.16 --> 1594.48]  that
+[1594.48 --> 1594.96]  God's
+[1594.96 --> 1595.34]  delay
+[1595.34 --> 1596.28]  sometimes
+[1596.28 --> 1596.88]  serves
+[1596.88 --> 1597.14]  a
+[1597.14 --> 1597.68]  necessary
+[1597.68 --> 1598.26]  purpose
+[1598.26 --> 1599.74]  what
+[1599.74 --> 1599.88]  of
+[1599.88 --> 1600.02]  the
+[1600.02 --> 1600.24]  cub
+[1600.24 --> 1601.26]  bearer
+[1601.26 --> 1602.58]  had
+[1602.58 --> 1603.00]  remembered
+[1603.00 --> 1603.42]  Joseph
+[1603.42 --> 1603.76]  the
+[1603.76 --> 1604.12]  moment
+[1604.12 --> 1604.32]  he
+[1604.32 --> 1604.74]  himself
+[1604.74 --> 1604.96]  was
+[1604.96 --> 1605.38]  restored
+[1605.38 --> 1607.00]  and
+[1607.00 --> 1607.44]  somehow
+[1607.44 --> 1608.00]  convinced
+[1608.00 --> 1608.44]  Pharaoh
+[1608.44 --> 1609.46]  to
+[1609.46 --> 1609.70]  have
+[1609.70 --> 1610.06]  Joseph
+[1610.06 --> 1610.60]  released
+[1610.60 --> 1611.40]  immediately
+[1611.40 --> 1612.26]  I know
+[1612.26 --> 1612.58]  this is
+[1612.58 --> 1612.78]  all
+[1612.78 --> 1613.30]  speculation
+[1613.30 --> 1613.72]  but
+[1613.72 --> 1614.20]  Joseph
+[1614.20 --> 1614.62]  might
+[1614.62 --> 1614.72]  have
+[1614.72 --> 1614.92]  gone
+[1614.92 --> 1615.16]  back
+[1615.16 --> 1615.48]  home
+[1615.48 --> 1616.72]  and
+[1616.72 --> 1617.08]  God
+[1617.08 --> 1617.32]  needs
+[1617.32 --> 1617.48]  him
+[1617.48 --> 1617.62]  in
+[1617.62 --> 1618.06]  Egypt
+[1618.06 --> 1619.32]  God
+[1619.32 --> 1619.52]  has
+[1619.52 --> 1619.80]  something
+[1619.80 --> 1620.22]  bigger
+[1620.22 --> 1620.50]  and
+[1620.50 --> 1620.76]  better
+[1620.76 --> 1621.02]  for
+[1621.02 --> 1621.26]  him
+[1621.26 --> 1623.36]  so
+[1623.36 --> 1623.68]  if
+[1623.68 --> 1623.98]  your
+[1623.98 --> 1624.68]  deliverance
+[1624.68 --> 1625.00]  is
+[1625.00 --> 1625.48]  delayed
+[1625.48 --> 1626.26]  just
+[1626.26 --> 1626.96]  maybe
+[1626.96 --> 1627.44]  it
+[1627.44 --> 1627.74]  has
+[1627.74 --> 1627.92]  to
+[1627.92 --> 1628.12]  do
+[1628.12 --> 1628.56]  with
+[1628.56 --> 1629.10]  something
+[1629.10 --> 1629.50]  God
+[1629.50 --> 1629.80]  wants
+[1629.80 --> 1629.96]  to
+[1629.96 --> 1630.22]  do
+[1630.22 --> 1630.82]  in
+[1630.82 --> 1631.20]  you
+[1631.20 --> 1633.08]  just
+[1633.08 --> 1634.02]  maybe
+[1634.02 --> 1634.68]  it's
+[1634.68 --> 1635.14]  because
+[1635.14 --> 1635.46]  there
+[1635.46 --> 1635.68]  is
+[1635.68 --> 1636.02]  more
+[1636.02 --> 1636.26]  that
+[1636.26 --> 1636.56]  God
+[1636.56 --> 1636.72]  is
+[1636.72 --> 1637.02]  dealing
+[1637.02 --> 1637.40]  with
+[1637.40 --> 1638.44]  than
+[1638.44 --> 1638.82]  just
+[1638.82 --> 1639.10]  you
+[1639.10 --> 1641.36]  now
+[1641.36 --> 1641.68]  I
+[1641.68 --> 1641.82]  don't
+[1641.82 --> 1641.96]  know
+[1641.96 --> 1642.16]  for
+[1642.16 --> 1642.38]  sure
+[1642.38 --> 1642.64]  about
+[1642.64 --> 1642.92]  that
+[1642.92 --> 1644.12]  okay
+[1644.12 --> 1644.38]  but
+[1644.38 --> 1644.52]  I
+[1644.52 --> 1644.68]  do
+[1644.68 --> 1644.88]  know
+[1644.88 --> 1645.24]  this
+[1645.24 --> 1646.62]  God
+[1646.62 --> 1647.80]  remembers
+[1647.80 --> 1649.40]  God
+[1649.40 --> 1649.64]  does
+[1649.64 --> 1649.94]  not
+[1649.94 --> 1650.34]  forget
+[1650.34 --> 1650.80]  Joseph
+[1650.80 --> 1652.04]  God
+[1652.04 --> 1652.56]  knows
+[1652.56 --> 1653.54]  your
+[1653.54 --> 1653.98]  name
+[1653.98 --> 1655.40]  and
+[1655.40 --> 1655.56]  in
+[1655.56 --> 1655.80]  that
+[1655.80 --> 1656.38]  remembering
+[1656.38 --> 1656.78]  we
+[1656.78 --> 1657.34]  find a
+[1657.34 --> 1657.70]  purpose
+[1657.70 --> 1658.20]  and hope
+[1658.20 --> 1658.68]  that
+[1658.68 --> 1659.14]  nothing
+[1659.14 --> 1659.50]  and
+[1659.50 --> 1659.76]  no
+[1659.76 --> 1659.96]  one
+[1659.96 --> 1660.42]  not
+[1660.42 --> 1660.76]  even
+[1660.76 --> 1661.14]  death
+[1661.14 --> 1661.68]  can
+[1661.68 --> 1662.18]  destroy
+[1662.18 --> 1664.02]  that's
+[1664.02 --> 1664.22]  what
+[1664.22 --> 1664.54]  Jesus
+[1664.54 --> 1664.98]  taught
+[1664.98 --> 1665.18]  us
+[1665.18 --> 1665.64]  when
+[1665.64 --> 1665.80]  he
+[1665.80 --> 1666.00]  was
+[1666.00 --> 1666.16]  on
+[1666.16 --> 1666.30]  a
+[1666.30 --> 1666.66]  cross
+[1666.66 --> 1668.12]  that
+[1668.12 --> 1668.30]  to
+[1668.30 --> 1668.48]  be
+[1668.48 --> 1669.06]  remembered
+[1669.06 --> 1669.32]  by
+[1669.32 --> 1669.72]  God
+[1669.72 --> 1670.92]  and
+[1670.92 --> 1671.12]  in
+[1671.12 --> 1671.34]  turn
+[1671.34 --> 1671.54]  to
+[1671.54 --> 1672.06]  remember
+[1672.06 --> 1672.34]  this
+[1672.34 --> 1672.62]  God
+[1672.62 --> 1673.26]  ourselves
+[1673.26 --> 1674.20]  is
+[1674.20 --> 1674.36]  to
+[1674.36 --> 1674.60]  have
+[1674.60 --> 1674.76]  a
+[1674.76 --> 1675.14]  future
+[1675.14 --> 1676.12]  a
+[1676.12 --> 1676.44]  sure
+[1676.44 --> 1676.82]  hope
+[1676.82 --> 1678.18]  Jesus
+[1678.18 --> 1678.54]  said
+[1678.54 --> 1678.70]  the
+[1678.70 --> 1678.92]  one
+[1678.92 --> 1679.38]  criminal
+[1679.38 --> 1679.74]  hanging
+[1679.74 --> 1680.18]  beside
+[1680.18 --> 1680.36]  him
+[1680.36 --> 1681.00]  remember
+[1681.00 --> 1681.34]  me
+[1681.34 --> 1681.60]  when
+[1681.60 --> 1681.72]  you
+[1681.72 --> 1682.00]  come
+[1682.00 --> 1682.22]  into
+[1682.22 --> 1682.42]  your
+[1682.42 --> 1682.74]  kingdom
+[1682.74 --> 1683.26]  and
+[1683.26 --> 1683.40]  he
+[1683.40 --> 1683.62]  was
+[1683.62 --> 1683.94]  not
+[1683.94 --> 1684.32]  hoping
+[1684.32 --> 1684.54]  that
+[1684.54 --> 1684.76]  one
+[1684.76 --> 1684.94]  day
+[1684.94 --> 1685.26]  Jesus
+[1685.26 --> 1685.48]  would
+[1685.48 --> 1685.60]  be
+[1685.60 --> 1685.92]  riding
+[1685.92 --> 1686.28]  some
+[1686.28 --> 1686.58]  white
+[1686.58 --> 1687.14]  stallion
+[1687.14 --> 1687.58]  into
+[1687.58 --> 1687.80]  his
+[1687.80 --> 1688.14]  heavenly
+[1688.14 --> 1688.54]  kingdom
+[1688.54 --> 1688.84]  only
+[1688.84 --> 1689.06]  to
+[1689.06 --> 1689.22]  say
+[1689.22 --> 1689.38]  to
+[1689.38 --> 1689.80]  somebody
+[1689.80 --> 1690.34]  say
+[1690.34 --> 1690.64]  do you
+[1690.64 --> 1691.08]  remember
+[1691.08 --> 1691.48]  that
+[1691.48 --> 1691.68]  other
+[1691.68 --> 1691.96]  fellow
+[1691.96 --> 1692.12]  who
+[1692.12 --> 1692.38]  died
+[1692.38 --> 1692.54]  with
+[1692.54 --> 1692.66]  me
+[1692.66 --> 1692.76]  at
+[1692.76 --> 1693.14]  Golgotha
+[1693.14 --> 1693.42]  I
+[1693.42 --> 1694.04]  remember
+[1694.04 --> 1694.42]  him
+[1694.42 --> 1694.98]  not
+[1694.98 --> 1695.14]  a
+[1695.14 --> 1695.38]  bad
+[1695.38 --> 1695.64]  fellow
+[1695.64 --> 1695.80]  in
+[1695.80 --> 1695.92]  the
+[1695.92 --> 1696.12]  end
+[1696.12 --> 1696.36]  too
+[1696.36 --> 1696.74]  bad
+[1696.74 --> 1697.16]  he's
+[1697.16 --> 1697.42]  gone
+[1697.42 --> 1697.76]  now
+[1697.76 --> 1699.92]  no
+[1699.92 --> 1700.42]  God's
+[1700.42 --> 1700.86]  remembering
+[1700.86 --> 1701.44]  is not
+[1701.44 --> 1701.94]  about
+[1701.94 --> 1703.24]  recalling
+[1703.24 --> 1703.72]  your
+[1703.72 --> 1704.14]  CV
+[1704.14 --> 1705.64]  but about
+[1705.64 --> 1706.22]  remembering
+[1706.22 --> 1706.98]  you
+[1706.98 --> 1707.74]  loving
+[1707.74 --> 1708.68]  you
+[1708.68 --> 1709.62]  caring
+[1709.62 --> 1710.58]  for you
+[1710.58 --> 1711.16]  giving
+[1711.16 --> 1711.74]  you
+[1711.74 --> 1712.54]  a reason
+[1712.54 --> 1713.14]  to live
+[1713.14 --> 1714.00]  to be
+[1714.00 --> 1714.38]  blessed
+[1714.38 --> 1714.82]  and bless
+[1714.82 --> 1715.28]  others
+[1715.28 --> 1716.56]  and assure
+[1716.56 --> 1717.14]  an eternal
+[1717.14 --> 1717.60]  hope
+[1717.60 --> 1718.64]  for the
+[1718.64 --> 1719.02]  future
+[1719.02 --> 1721.32]  God
+[1721.32 --> 1721.82]  remembers
+[1721.82 --> 1722.54]  his promise
+[1722.54 --> 1723.06]  to bless
+[1723.06 --> 1723.50]  Abraham
+[1723.50 --> 1724.74]  and his
+[1724.74 --> 1725.24]  descendants
+[1725.24 --> 1726.04]  and thereby
+[1726.04 --> 1726.66]  assures
+[1726.66 --> 1726.96]  me
+[1726.96 --> 1728.18]  he knows
+[1728.18 --> 1729.02]  my name
+[1729.02 --> 1730.90]  but he
+[1730.90 --> 1731.30]  also
+[1731.30 --> 1731.88]  remembers
+[1731.88 --> 1732.56]  his promise
+[1732.56 --> 1733.08]  to bless
+[1733.08 --> 1733.88]  all peoples
+[1733.88 --> 1734.60]  through
+[1734.60 --> 1735.02]  Abraham
+[1735.02 --> 1735.62]  and his
+[1735.62 --> 1736.12]  descendants
+[1736.12 --> 1736.86]  and thereby
+[1736.86 --> 1737.48]  assures
+[1737.48 --> 1737.76]  me
+[1737.76 --> 1738.54]  that he
+[1738.54 --> 1738.96]  knows
+[1738.96 --> 1739.40]  and he
+[1739.40 --> 1739.80]  rules
+[1739.80 --> 1740.54]  all peoples
+[1740.54 --> 1741.10]  and events
+[1741.10 --> 1742.02]  today
+[1742.02 --> 1744.16]  notice how
+[1744.16 --> 1744.80]  Joseph tells
+[1744.80 --> 1745.14]  Pharaoh
+[1745.14 --> 1745.66]  like it
+[1745.66 --> 1746.00]  is
+[1746.00 --> 1748.44]  you see
+[1748.44 --> 1749.40]  Pharaoh's
+[1749.40 --> 1750.08]  authority
+[1750.08 --> 1751.04]  and Pharaoh's
+[1751.04 --> 1751.52]  power
+[1751.52 --> 1752.16]  came from
+[1752.16 --> 1752.68]  the fact
+[1752.68 --> 1754.28]  that people
+[1754.28 --> 1754.84]  believed
+[1754.84 --> 1755.54]  Pharaoh
+[1755.54 --> 1756.50]  was a
+[1756.50 --> 1756.80]  god
+[1756.80 --> 1758.62]  that Pharaoh
+[1758.62 --> 1759.20]  could give
+[1759.20 --> 1760.06]  them life
+[1760.06 --> 1760.86]  and a
+[1760.86 --> 1761.18]  future
+[1761.18 --> 1762.50]  and that
+[1762.50 --> 1763.00]  life and
+[1763.00 --> 1763.34]  future
+[1763.34 --> 1763.86]  were tied
+[1763.86 --> 1764.42]  up with
+[1764.42 --> 1764.80]  the Nile
+[1764.80 --> 1765.18]  river
+[1765.18 --> 1766.30]  Egyptian
+[1766.30 --> 1766.88]  religion
+[1766.88 --> 1767.32]  taught
+[1767.32 --> 1768.16]  that Ra
+[1768.16 --> 1768.94]  the sun
+[1768.94 --> 1769.36]  god
+[1769.36 --> 1770.24]  whose priests
+[1770.24 --> 1770.70]  were on
+[1770.70 --> 1771.36]  Pharaoh's
+[1771.36 --> 1771.88]  payroll
+[1771.88 --> 1772.90]  guaranteed
+[1772.90 --> 1773.64]  the regular
+[1773.64 --> 1774.38]  annual
+[1774.38 --> 1775.38]  Nile floods
+[1775.38 --> 1776.12]  that watered
+[1776.12 --> 1776.74]  the crops
+[1776.74 --> 1777.36]  of Egypt
+[1777.36 --> 1778.38]  the regular
+[1778.38 --> 1779.16]  ebb and
+[1779.16 --> 1779.72]  flow of
+[1779.72 --> 1780.22]  the Nile
+[1780.22 --> 1780.94]  under the
+[1780.94 --> 1781.70]  control of
+[1781.70 --> 1782.24]  Ra and
+[1782.24 --> 1782.78]  his agent
+[1782.78 --> 1783.26]  Pharaoh
+[1783.26 --> 1784.22]  allowed
+[1784.22 --> 1784.78]  Pharaoh
+[1784.78 --> 1785.36]  in the
+[1785.36 --> 1785.70]  eyes
+[1785.70 --> 1785.98]  of the
+[1785.98 --> 1786.34]  people
+[1786.34 --> 1786.82]  to
+[1786.82 --> 1787.50]  generate
+[1787.50 --> 1787.98]  and
+[1787.98 --> 1788.52]  guarantee
+[1788.52 --> 1789.64]  life
+[1789.64 --> 1792.26]  now
+[1792.26 --> 1792.94]  here
+[1792.94 --> 1793.78]  is this
+[1793.78 --> 1794.26]  Hebrew
+[1794.26 --> 1795.18]  jailbird
+[1795.18 --> 1796.26]  Joseph
+[1796.26 --> 1797.68]  standing
+[1797.68 --> 1798.12]  in front
+[1798.12 --> 1798.30]  of
+[1798.30 --> 1798.64]  Pharaoh
+[1798.64 --> 1799.64]  with
+[1799.64 --> 1800.16]  the gall
+[1800.16 --> 1800.86]  to declare
+[1800.86 --> 1802.82]  God
+[1802.82 --> 1803.54]  has revealed
+[1803.54 --> 1804.16]  to the
+[1804.16 --> 1804.48]  Pharaoh
+[1804.48 --> 1805.26]  what
+[1805.26 --> 1805.92]  God
+[1805.92 --> 1806.88]  is about
+[1806.88 --> 1807.36]  to do
+[1807.36 --> 1809.34]  in that
+[1809.34 --> 1810.22]  one sentence
+[1810.22 --> 1810.74]  there is
+[1810.74 --> 1811.54]  a major
+[1811.54 --> 1812.40]  shift
+[1812.40 --> 1812.82]  in the
+[1812.82 --> 1813.14]  whole
+[1813.14 --> 1813.70]  balance
+[1813.70 --> 1814.36]  of power
+[1814.36 --> 1814.98]  in the
+[1814.98 --> 1815.56]  throne room
+[1815.56 --> 1816.40]  of Egypt
+[1816.40 --> 1818.02]  Pharaoh's
+[1818.02 --> 1818.38]  dreams
+[1818.38 --> 1819.16]  reveal a
+[1819.16 --> 1819.56]  future
+[1819.56 --> 1820.12]  over which
+[1820.12 --> 1820.66]  Pharaoh
+[1820.66 --> 1822.20]  cannot cause
+[1822.20 --> 1823.44]  rather
+[1823.44 --> 1824.14]  over which
+[1824.14 --> 1824.52]  Pharaoh
+[1824.52 --> 1824.90]  and his
+[1824.90 --> 1825.14]  priests
+[1825.14 --> 1825.38]  have
+[1825.38 --> 1826.10]  absolutely
+[1826.10 --> 1827.48]  no control
+[1827.48 --> 1828.96]  suddenly
+[1828.96 --> 1829.38]  it is
+[1829.38 --> 1829.72]  clear
+[1829.72 --> 1829.98]  that
+[1829.98 --> 1830.42]  Pharaoh
+[1830.42 --> 1831.02]  cannot
+[1831.02 --> 1831.56]  cause
+[1831.56 --> 1832.20]  Pharaoh
+[1832.20 --> 1832.80]  cannot
+[1832.80 --> 1833.28]  guarantee
+[1833.28 --> 1834.28]  the future
+[1834.28 --> 1835.90]  it is
+[1835.90 --> 1836.30]  the God
+[1836.30 --> 1836.84]  of Israel
+[1836.84 --> 1838.80]  not Ra
+[1838.80 --> 1840.56]  not
+[1840.56 --> 1840.98]  Pharaoh
+[1840.98 --> 1842.60]  the God
+[1842.60 --> 1843.12]  of Israel
+[1843.12 --> 1844.38]  who controls
+[1844.38 --> 1845.20]  plenty
+[1845.20 --> 1846.24]  and famine
+[1846.24 --> 1847.52]  the God
+[1847.52 --> 1848.06]  of Israel
+[1848.06 --> 1849.02]  who has
+[1849.02 --> 1849.60]  the taps
+[1849.60 --> 1850.02]  of the
+[1850.02 --> 1850.60]  great Nile
+[1850.60 --> 1850.94]  river
+[1850.94 --> 1852.04]  in his
+[1852.04 --> 1852.42]  hand
+[1852.42 --> 1855.34]  Joseph
+[1855.34 --> 1856.00]  declares
+[1856.00 --> 1856.52]  that his
+[1856.52 --> 1856.94]  God
+[1856.94 --> 1857.36]  the God
+[1857.36 --> 1857.86]  of Abraham
+[1857.86 --> 1858.68]  Isaac
+[1858.68 --> 1859.36]  and Jacob
+[1859.36 --> 1860.98]  owns
+[1860.98 --> 1861.64]  the future
+[1861.64 --> 1863.62]  a claim
+[1863.62 --> 1864.08]  that is at
+[1864.08 --> 1864.70]  the very
+[1864.70 --> 1865.44]  foundation
+[1865.44 --> 1866.38]  of biblical
+[1866.38 --> 1867.36]  faith
+[1867.36 --> 1868.62]  we see it
+[1868.62 --> 1869.06]  again
+[1869.06 --> 1870.04]  and again
+[1870.04 --> 1870.94]  we see it
+[1870.94 --> 1871.28]  when a
+[1871.28 --> 1871.58]  Pharaoh
+[1871.58 --> 1872.58]  400 years
+[1872.58 --> 1873.00]  later
+[1873.00 --> 1873.90]  responds
+[1873.90 --> 1874.38]  to Moses
+[1874.38 --> 1874.88]  demand
+[1874.88 --> 1875.18]  that he
+[1875.18 --> 1875.84]  let God's
+[1875.84 --> 1876.38]  people go
+[1876.38 --> 1877.00]  by saying
+[1877.00 --> 1877.74]  who is the
+[1877.74 --> 1877.94]  Lord
+[1877.94 --> 1878.32]  that I
+[1878.32 --> 1878.50]  should
+[1878.50 --> 1879.08]  obey him
+[1879.08 --> 1880.14]  and let
+[1880.14 --> 1880.46]  Israel
+[1880.46 --> 1880.84]  go
+[1880.84 --> 1883.00]  and God
+[1883.00 --> 1883.86]  destroys him
+[1883.86 --> 1884.14]  and his
+[1884.14 --> 1884.52]  army
+[1884.52 --> 1885.46]  in the
+[1885.46 --> 1885.98]  Red Sea
+[1885.98 --> 1888.12]  we see it
+[1888.12 --> 1888.38]  when the
+[1888.38 --> 1889.04]  infant Jesus
+[1889.04 --> 1889.72]  is threatened
+[1889.72 --> 1890.42]  by the
+[1890.42 --> 1890.74]  envious
+[1890.74 --> 1891.28]  power
+[1891.28 --> 1892.02]  of King
+[1892.02 --> 1892.42]  Herod
+[1892.42 --> 1894.14]  we see it
+[1894.14 --> 1894.50]  when Jesus
+[1894.50 --> 1894.98]  stands
+[1894.98 --> 1895.80]  before Pilate
+[1895.80 --> 1896.36]  and declares
+[1896.36 --> 1897.08]  you would
+[1897.08 --> 1897.48]  have no
+[1897.48 --> 1898.18]  power over
+[1898.18 --> 1898.56]  me
+[1898.56 --> 1899.24]  if it
+[1899.24 --> 1899.54]  were not
+[1899.54 --> 1900.06]  given to
+[1900.06 --> 1900.42]  you
+[1900.42 --> 1901.50]  from above
+[1901.50 --> 1903.72]  no matter
+[1903.72 --> 1904.18]  what the
+[1904.18 --> 1904.80]  history books
+[1904.80 --> 1905.12]  say
+[1905.12 --> 1906.46]  no matter
+[1906.46 --> 1907.54]  whose hand
+[1907.54 --> 1908.36]  seems to be
+[1908.36 --> 1908.72]  on the
+[1908.72 --> 1909.06]  levers
+[1909.06 --> 1910.14]  of power
+[1910.14 --> 1910.62]  in our
+[1910.62 --> 1911.30]  world today
+[1911.30 --> 1912.42]  you can name
+[1912.42 --> 1912.96]  every name
+[1912.96 --> 1913.48]  you care to
+[1913.48 --> 1913.74]  name
+[1913.74 --> 1915.34]  ultimately
+[1915.34 --> 1916.42]  God
+[1916.42 --> 1917.00]  is in
+[1917.00 --> 1917.38]  charge
+[1917.38 --> 1919.06]  this is
+[1919.06 --> 1920.06]  Joseph's
+[1920.06 --> 1920.32]  earth
+[1920.32 --> 1921.30]  shaking
+[1921.30 --> 1922.20]  claim
+[1922.20 --> 1923.94]  Egypt
+[1923.94 --> 1924.56]  shaking
+[1924.56 --> 1925.04]  claim
+[1925.04 --> 1926.38]  as
+[1926.38 --> 1926.54]  he
+[1926.54 --> 1927.16]  interprets
+[1927.16 --> 1927.74]  Pharaoh's
+[1927.74 --> 1928.06]  dream
+[1928.06 --> 1930.38]  and God
+[1930.38 --> 1931.30]  uses us
+[1931.30 --> 1931.92]  to stake
+[1931.92 --> 1932.68]  his claim
+[1932.68 --> 1933.80]  to bless
+[1933.80 --> 1934.28]  others
+[1934.28 --> 1935.48]  God
+[1935.48 --> 1935.96]  and Joseph
+[1935.96 --> 1936.82]  work together
+[1936.82 --> 1937.56]  toward the
+[1937.56 --> 1938.18]  future of
+[1938.18 --> 1938.70]  feeding a
+[1938.70 --> 1939.38]  hungry world
+[1939.38 --> 1941.22]  God's plan
+[1941.22 --> 1941.98]  is implemented
+[1941.98 --> 1943.26]  by Joseph's
+[1943.26 --> 1943.74]  gifts of
+[1943.74 --> 1944.46]  imagination
+[1944.46 --> 1945.54]  and administration
+[1945.54 --> 1946.82]  it is one
+[1946.82 --> 1947.38]  thing that is
+[1947.38 --> 1948.04]  to trust in
+[1948.04 --> 1948.50]  the God
+[1948.50 --> 1949.16]  who knows
+[1949.16 --> 1949.50]  when the
+[1949.50 --> 1949.84]  sparrow
+[1949.84 --> 1950.30]  falls
+[1950.30 --> 1950.96]  who numbers
+[1950.96 --> 1951.44]  the very
+[1951.44 --> 1951.96]  hairs on
+[1951.96 --> 1952.44]  my head
+[1952.44 --> 1953.40]  God also
+[1953.40 --> 1954.38]  uses those
+[1954.38 --> 1954.78]  heads
+[1954.78 --> 1955.74]  of ours
+[1955.74 --> 1957.10]  God's
+[1957.10 --> 1957.66]  plans
+[1957.66 --> 1958.56]  to bless
+[1958.56 --> 1959.36]  all peoples
+[1959.36 --> 1959.78]  do not
+[1959.78 --> 1960.44]  override
+[1960.44 --> 1961.16]  our human
+[1961.16 --> 1961.92]  intelligence
+[1961.92 --> 1962.88]  discernment
+[1962.88 --> 1963.46]  care
+[1963.46 --> 1964.14]  and planning
+[1964.14 --> 1964.94]  but God
+[1964.94 --> 1965.54]  invites
+[1965.54 --> 1966.22]  commands
+[1966.22 --> 1966.92]  our
+[1966.92 --> 1967.50]  participation
+[1967.50 --> 1968.30]  with him
+[1968.30 --> 1969.14]  love the
+[1969.14 --> 1969.52]  Lord your
+[1969.52 --> 1969.86]  God
+[1969.86 --> 1970.34]  it says
+[1970.34 --> 1970.62]  in the
+[1970.62 --> 1971.16]  New Testament
+[1971.16 --> 1971.70]  with all
+[1971.70 --> 1972.38]  your heart
+[1972.38 --> 1973.28]  soul
+[1973.28 --> 1974.12]  strength
+[1974.12 --> 1975.72]  and mind
+[1975.72 --> 1977.70]  yes
+[1977.70 --> 1978.32]  Joseph's
+[1978.32 --> 1978.74]  godliness
+[1978.74 --> 1979.54]  shines through
+[1979.54 --> 1980.06]  in his
+[1980.06 --> 1980.50]  resistance
+[1980.50 --> 1980.88]  to the
+[1980.88 --> 1981.46]  temptations
+[1981.46 --> 1982.28]  of Potiphar's
+[1982.28 --> 1982.62]  wife
+[1982.62 --> 1983.62]  in his
+[1983.62 --> 1984.02]  faith
+[1984.02 --> 1984.30]  while he
+[1984.30 --> 1984.92]  is begotten
+[1984.92 --> 1985.42]  in prison
+[1985.42 --> 1985.96]  in his
+[1985.96 --> 1986.72]  interpretation
+[1986.72 --> 1987.62]  of the
+[1987.62 --> 1988.16]  pharaoh's
+[1988.16 --> 1988.54]  dream
+[1988.54 --> 1990.30]  but it
+[1990.30 --> 1991.16]  also comes
+[1991.16 --> 1991.52]  through
+[1991.52 --> 1992.26]  in a
+[1992.26 --> 1992.70]  grand
+[1992.70 --> 1993.76]  14 year
+[1993.76 --> 1994.46]  economic
+[1994.46 --> 1994.98]  plan
+[1994.98 --> 1995.72]  that will
+[1995.72 --> 1996.14]  feed
+[1996.14 --> 1996.78]  a hungry
+[1996.78 --> 1997.46]  world
+[1997.46 --> 1999.42]  God's
+[1999.42 --> 1999.86]  work is
+[1999.86 --> 2000.40]  not limited
+[2000.40 --> 2000.86]  to what
+[2000.86 --> 2001.46]  goes on
+[2001.46 --> 2001.92]  in church
+[2001.92 --> 2002.26]  or in
+[2002.26 --> 2002.76]  our personal
+[2002.76 --> 2003.22]  lives
+[2003.22 --> 2004.10]  God works
+[2004.10 --> 2004.80]  in politics
+[2004.80 --> 2005.54]  and government
+[2005.54 --> 2006.40]  and management
+[2006.40 --> 2007.30]  of the economy
+[2007.30 --> 2008.28]  God doesn't
+[2008.28 --> 2008.94]  just feed
+[2008.94 --> 2009.36]  the poor
+[2009.36 --> 2009.72]  with an
+[2009.72 --> 2010.26]  occasional
+[2010.26 --> 2011.16]  miraculous
+[2011.16 --> 2011.86]  multiplying
+[2011.86 --> 2012.32]  of a few
+[2012.32 --> 2012.70]  loaves
+[2012.70 --> 2013.20]  and fish
+[2013.20 --> 2014.06]  but also
+[2014.06 --> 2014.74]  through spirit
+[2014.74 --> 2015.66]  gifted people
+[2015.66 --> 2016.78]  the policies
+[2016.78 --> 2017.36]  of just
+[2017.36 --> 2017.84]  and caring
+[2017.84 --> 2018.30]  leaders
+[2018.30 --> 2019.16]  of business
+[2019.16 --> 2019.56]  people
+[2019.56 --> 2020.34]  of relief
+[2020.34 --> 2020.72]  planners
+[2020.72 --> 2021.34]  and yes
+[2021.34 --> 2022.80]  even ordinary
+[2022.80 --> 2023.70]  people like
+[2023.70 --> 2024.08]  us
+[2024.08 --> 2025.10]  giving and
+[2025.10 --> 2025.52]  sharing
+[2025.52 --> 2026.46]  where we are
+[2026.46 --> 2026.88]  able
+[2026.88 --> 2028.12]  especially this
+[2028.12 --> 2028.58]  Thanksgiving
+[2028.58 --> 2029.12]  weekend
+[2029.12 --> 2031.44]  but listen
+[2031.44 --> 2032.24]  God
+[2032.24 --> 2033.34]  is in
+[2033.34 --> 2033.80]  control
+[2033.80 --> 2035.38]  God
+[2035.38 --> 2036.38]  ultimately
+[2036.38 --> 2037.12]  rules
+[2037.12 --> 2037.78]  world
+[2037.78 --> 2038.42]  affairs
+[2038.42 --> 2039.42]  this
+[2039.42 --> 2039.78]  too
+[2039.78 --> 2040.08]  is
+[2040.08 --> 2040.26]  the
+[2040.26 --> 2040.68]  gospel
+[2040.68 --> 2041.02]  of
+[2041.02 --> 2041.40]  Genesis
+[2041.40 --> 2041.90]  40
+[2041.90 --> 2042.88]  and 41
+[2042.88 --> 2044.62]  and ultimately
+[2044.62 --> 2045.38]  that gospel
+[2045.38 --> 2045.94]  of Joseph
+[2045.94 --> 2046.56]  points to
+[2046.56 --> 2047.12]  the person
+[2047.12 --> 2048.12]  in the center
+[2048.12 --> 2048.76]  of all
+[2048.76 --> 2049.32]  of history
+[2049.32 --> 2050.66]  Jesus Christ
+[2050.66 --> 2051.46]  God
+[2051.46 --> 2052.68]  with us
+[2052.68 --> 2053.74]  who also
+[2053.74 --> 2054.38]  challenged
+[2054.38 --> 2055.02]  the powers
+[2055.02 --> 2055.68]  of this world
+[2055.68 --> 2056.00]  and they
+[2056.00 --> 2056.72]  lifted him
+[2056.72 --> 2057.00]  up
+[2057.00 --> 2058.64]  on a cross
+[2058.64 --> 2059.62]  and they
+[2059.62 --> 2060.24]  killed him
+[2060.24 --> 2061.74]  but on the
+[2061.74 --> 2062.24]  third day
+[2062.24 --> 2062.80]  he rose
+[2062.80 --> 2063.16]  from the
+[2063.16 --> 2063.42]  dead
+[2063.42 --> 2064.56]  and just
+[2064.56 --> 2065.04]  as all
+[2065.04 --> 2065.52]  were once
+[2065.52 --> 2065.98]  commanded
+[2065.98 --> 2066.58]  to bow
+[2066.58 --> 2067.00]  before
+[2067.00 --> 2067.50]  Joseph
+[2067.50 --> 2068.48]  so as
+[2068.48 --> 2069.22]  Paul wrote
+[2069.22 --> 2069.84]  to Christians
+[2069.84 --> 2070.60]  in Philippi
+[2070.60 --> 2071.42]  God
+[2071.42 --> 2072.06]  exalted
+[2072.06 --> 2072.52]  Jesus
+[2072.52 --> 2073.54]  to the
+[2073.54 --> 2073.96]  highest
+[2073.96 --> 2074.44]  place
+[2074.44 --> 2075.44]  and gave
+[2075.44 --> 2075.92]  him the
+[2075.92 --> 2076.14]  name
+[2076.14 --> 2076.52]  that is
+[2076.52 --> 2076.84]  above
+[2076.84 --> 2077.44]  every
+[2077.44 --> 2077.82]  name
+[2077.82 --> 2078.70]  that at
+[2078.70 --> 2079.24]  the name
+[2079.24 --> 2079.76]  of Jesus
+[2079.76 --> 2080.74]  every knee
+[2080.74 --> 2081.36]  should bow
+[2081.36 --> 2082.34]  in heaven
+[2082.34 --> 2083.00]  and on earth
+[2083.00 --> 2083.46]  and under
+[2083.46 --> 2083.98]  the earth
+[2083.98 --> 2085.28]  and every
+[2085.28 --> 2085.56]  tongue
+[2085.56 --> 2086.18]  confess
+[2086.18 --> 2087.40]  that Jesus
+[2087.40 --> 2088.04]  Christ
+[2088.04 --> 2088.76]  is Lord
+[2088.76 --> 2090.10]  to the glory
+[2090.10 --> 2091.08]  of God
+[2091.08 --> 2091.64]  the Father
+[2091.64 --> 2092.96]  this
+[2092.96 --> 2094.88]  this is
+[2094.88 --> 2095.52]  God's
+[2095.52 --> 2096.34]  ultimate
+[2096.34 --> 2097.26]  dream
+[2097.26 --> 2098.94]  the ultimate
+[2098.94 --> 2099.58]  fulfillment
+[2099.58 --> 2100.02]  of his
+[2100.02 --> 2100.52]  promise
+[2100.52 --> 2101.72]  to Abraham
+[2101.72 --> 2103.32]  in that
+[2103.32 --> 2103.72]  dream
+[2103.72 --> 2104.44]  lies the
+[2104.44 --> 2104.82]  hope
+[2104.82 --> 2105.52]  and the
+[2105.52 --> 2105.90]  future
+[2105.90 --> 2106.66]  and the
+[2106.66 --> 2107.04]  blessing
+[2107.04 --> 2107.96]  of the
+[2107.96 --> 2108.40]  world
+[2108.40 --> 2110.02]  this
+[2110.02 --> 2110.54]  faithful
+[2110.54 --> 2111.02]  covenant
+[2111.02 --> 2111.56]  God
+[2111.56 --> 2112.66]  always
+[2112.66 --> 2113.24]  remembers
+[2113.24 --> 2114.64]  he knows
+[2114.64 --> 2115.82]  my name
+[2115.82 --> 2117.74]  which
+[2117.74 --> 2118.24]  leaves us
+[2118.24 --> 2118.76]  to answer
+[2118.76 --> 2119.44]  just one
+[2119.44 --> 2120.58]  very simple
+[2120.58 --> 2121.34]  but important
+[2121.34 --> 2121.88]  question
+[2121.88 --> 2123.72]  what will
+[2123.72 --> 2124.16]  you do
+[2124.16 --> 2124.64]  even
+[2124.64 --> 2125.54]  this week
+[2125.54 --> 2126.86]  so that
+[2126.86 --> 2127.40]  others in
+[2127.40 --> 2128.10]  your circle
+[2128.10 --> 2128.90]  of influence
+[2128.90 --> 2130.12]  and in the
+[2130.12 --> 2130.48]  world
+[2130.48 --> 2131.62]  will come
+[2131.62 --> 2132.16]  to know
+[2132.16 --> 2133.64]  his name
+[2133.64 --> 2135.64]  in the name
+[2135.64 --> 2135.92]  of the
+[2135.92 --> 2136.38]  Father and
+[2136.38 --> 2136.78]  the Son
+[2136.78 --> 2138.04]  and the Holy
+[2138.04 --> 2138.42]  Spirit
+[2138.42 --> 2139.82]  let's pray
+[2139.82 --> 2142.52]  gracious God
+[2142.52 --> 2143.26]  we thank you
+[2143.26 --> 2144.80]  especially on
+[2144.80 --> 2145.08]  this
+[2145.08 --> 2146.38]  Thanksgiving
+[2146.38 --> 2146.98]  weekend
+[2146.98 --> 2148.46]  for the
+[2148.46 --> 2148.86]  gospel
+[2148.86 --> 2149.70]  that we
+[2149.70 --> 2150.12]  have heard
+[2150.12 --> 2150.52]  today
+[2150.52 --> 2152.28]  that you
+[2152.28 --> 2152.76]  remember
+[2152.76 --> 2153.02]  your
+[2153.02 --> 2153.38]  covenant
+[2153.38 --> 2155.10]  and you
+[2155.10 --> 2155.56]  know our
+[2155.56 --> 2155.86]  name
+[2155.86 --> 2157.46]  that you
+[2157.46 --> 2157.92]  remember
+[2157.92 --> 2158.56]  your covenant
+[2158.56 --> 2159.22]  with Abraham
+[2159.22 --> 2161.18]  and you
+[2161.18 --> 2161.46]  are the
+[2161.46 --> 2161.74]  one
+[2161.74 --> 2162.88]  who rules
+[2162.88 --> 2163.98]  all things
+[2163.98 --> 2165.58]  may that
+[2165.58 --> 2166.02]  give us
+[2166.02 --> 2166.56]  Lord in
+[2166.56 --> 2167.32]  these chaotic
+[2167.32 --> 2167.92]  times
+[2167.92 --> 2169.60]  a sense
+[2169.60 --> 2170.16]  of peace
+[2170.16 --> 2171.68]  a sense
+[2171.68 --> 2172.54]  of confidence
+[2172.54 --> 2173.60]  a sense
+[2173.60 --> 2174.22]  of trust
+[2174.22 --> 2175.84]  and a
+[2175.84 --> 2176.32]  strong
+[2176.32 --> 2177.02]  and firm
+[2177.02 --> 2177.48]  hope
+[2177.48 --> 2179.06]  for this
+[2179.06 --> 2179.38]  day
+[2179.38 --> 2180.30]  and for
+[2180.30 --> 2180.80]  the future
+[2180.80 --> 2182.58]  we pray
+[2182.58 --> 2183.10]  in Jesus
+[2183.10 --> 2183.54]  name
+[2183.54 --> 2184.34]  amen

Joseph #4—God Remembers (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,2236 @@
+[0.00 --> 13.12]  So this morning we continue our study, our study, our series on the story of Joseph in the latter part of the book of Genesis.
+[13.12 --> 23.94]  This is the fourth installment. I hope you've been following along with the first three, but even if you haven't been able to, I'm sure that today's message will still make sense to you.
+[23.94 --> 33.98]  And the scripture reading this morning is from Genesis 40, and then also Genesis 41, but not the entire chapter.
+[33.98 --> 40.68]  So it's a fairly long reading this morning, but we've got to get the whole story, right?
+[40.84 --> 43.78]  So here goes, Genesis 40, beginning at verse 1.
+[43.86 --> 50.82]  We read that sometime later, that is after Joseph had been in prison because of Potiphar's wife,
+[50.82 --> 57.64]  Sometime later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt.
+[58.34 --> 62.82]  Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker,
+[63.46 --> 70.76]  and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard in the same prison where Joseph was confined.
+[71.76 --> 75.20]  The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them.
+[75.20 --> 82.20]  After they had been in custody for some time, each of the two men, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt,
+[82.32 --> 85.82]  who were being held in prison, had a dream the same night.
+[86.52 --> 89.18]  And each dream had a meaning of its own.
+[90.24 --> 93.78]  When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected.
+[94.34 --> 98.50]  And so he asked Pharaoh's officials who were in custody with him in his master's house,
+[98.50 --> 100.62]  Why do you look so sad today?
+[101.84 --> 105.66]  We both had dreams, they answered, but there was no one to interpret them.
+[106.58 --> 110.60]  Then Joseph said to them, Do not interpretations belong to God?
+[111.36 --> 112.34]  Tell me your dreams.
+[113.16 --> 115.42]  So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream.
+[115.50 --> 120.98]  He said to him, In my dream I saw a vine in front of me, and on the vine were three branches.
+[121.56 --> 126.40]  As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes.
+[126.40 --> 131.94]  It says, Pharaoh's cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh's cup,
+[132.06 --> 133.60]  and put the cup in his hand.
+[135.72 --> 137.78]  This is what it means, Joseph said to him.
+[138.44 --> 140.34]  The three branches are three days.
+[141.80 --> 146.98]  Within three days, Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position,
+[147.42 --> 153.58]  and you will put Pharaoh's cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer.
+[153.58 --> 159.78]  But when all goes well with you, remember me, and show me kindness.
+[160.34 --> 162.90]  Mention me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this prison.
+[163.40 --> 167.20]  I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here,
+[167.56 --> 171.10]  I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.
+[171.10 --> 178.26]  When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph,
+[179.04 --> 180.10]  I too had a dream.
+[180.88 --> 183.28]  On my head were three baskets of bread.
+[184.14 --> 187.18]  In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh,
+[187.46 --> 190.46]  but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.
+[190.46 --> 194.42]  This is what it means, Joseph said.
+[195.28 --> 197.22]  The three baskets are three days.
+[198.02 --> 204.50]  Within three days, Pharaoh will lift off your head and impale your body on a pole,
+[204.88 --> 208.00]  and the birds will eat away your flesh.
+[209.30 --> 213.28]  Now the third day was Pharaoh's birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials.
+[213.64 --> 218.42]  He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence of his officials.
+[218.42 --> 221.50]  He restored the chief cupbearer to his position,
+[221.70 --> 224.64]  so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh's hand,
+[224.86 --> 230.66]  but he impaled the chief baker just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation.
+[231.74 --> 237.90]  The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph.
+[238.90 --> 241.02]  He forgot him.
+[243.88 --> 246.76]  When two full years had passed,
+[246.76 --> 250.00]  Pharaoh had a dream.
+[251.44 --> 252.66]  He was standing by the Nile,
+[252.76 --> 254.92]  and out of the river there came up seven cows,
+[255.08 --> 256.46]  sleek and fat,
+[256.66 --> 258.52]  and they grazed among the reeds.
+[259.16 --> 260.70]  After them, seven other cows,
+[260.92 --> 261.94]  ugly and gaunt,
+[262.04 --> 263.14]  came up out of the Nile
+[263.14 --> 265.32]  and stood beside those on the riverbank.
+[265.68 --> 268.24]  And the cows that were ugly and gaunt
+[268.24 --> 270.66]  ate up the sleek, fat cows.
+[271.66 --> 273.20]  Then Pharaoh woke up.
+[273.20 --> 276.40]  He fell asleep again and had a second dream.
+[276.76 --> 277.76]  Seven heads of grain,
+[277.90 --> 278.70]  healthy and good,
+[278.96 --> 280.44]  were growing on a single stalk.
+[280.88 --> 281.42]  After them,
+[281.56 --> 283.38]  seven other heads of grain sprouted,
+[283.60 --> 285.56]  thin and scorched by the east wind.
+[286.10 --> 288.78]  The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy,
+[289.02 --> 289.58]  full heads.
+[290.28 --> 291.60]  Then Pharaoh woke up.
+[292.28 --> 293.24]  It had been a dream.
+[294.30 --> 295.06]  In the morning,
+[295.46 --> 296.76]  his mind was troubled.
+[297.14 --> 300.14]  So he sent for all the magicians and the wise men of Egypt.
+[300.14 --> 301.86]  Pharaoh told them his dreams,
+[301.98 --> 303.74]  but no one could interpret them for him.
+[305.04 --> 306.86]  Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh,
+[307.58 --> 311.44]  Today I am reminded of my shortcomings.
+[312.56 --> 314.56]  Pharaoh was once angry with his servants,
+[314.68 --> 316.34]  and he imprisoned me and the chief baker
+[316.34 --> 318.42]  in the house of the captain of the guard.
+[318.86 --> 321.04]  Each of us had a dream the same night,
+[321.26 --> 323.36]  and each dream had a meaning of its own.
+[324.02 --> 326.02]  Now a young Hebrew was there with us,
+[326.06 --> 327.74]  a servant of the captain of the guard.
+[327.74 --> 329.44]  We told him our dreams,
+[329.76 --> 331.30]  and he interpreted them for us,
+[331.68 --> 334.26]  giving each man the interpretation of his dream,
+[334.50 --> 338.02]  and things turned out exactly as he interpreted them to us.
+[338.78 --> 340.62]  I was restored to my position,
+[341.12 --> 343.10]  and the other man was impaled.
+[344.48 --> 346.38]  So Pharaoh sent for Joseph,
+[346.66 --> 348.48]  and he was quickly brought from the dungeon.
+[348.70 --> 350.60]  When he had shaved and changed his clothes,
+[350.78 --> 352.08]  he came before Pharaoh.
+[352.60 --> 353.92]  Pharaoh said to Joseph,
+[353.92 --> 355.26]  I had a dream,
+[355.78 --> 357.26]  and no one can interpret it,
+[357.68 --> 359.04]  but I have heard it said of you
+[359.04 --> 360.24]  that when you hear a dream,
+[360.48 --> 361.64]  you can interpret it.
+[362.58 --> 363.76]  I cannot do it.
+[364.50 --> 365.84]  Joseph replied to Pharaoh,
+[366.42 --> 368.08]  I cannot do it,
+[368.60 --> 370.70]  but God will give Pharaoh
+[370.70 --> 372.88]  the answer he desires.
+[373.84 --> 376.08]  We're now moving on to verse 25 in the chapter.
+[376.08 --> 377.78]  Then Joseph said to Pharaoh,
+[378.24 --> 380.90]  The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same.
+[380.90 --> 382.88]  God has revealed to Pharaoh
+[382.88 --> 384.24]  what he is about to do.
+[385.04 --> 387.00]  The seven good cows are seven years,
+[387.32 --> 389.94]  and the seven good heads of grain are seven years.
+[390.32 --> 391.94]  It is one and the same dream.
+[392.76 --> 394.24]  The seven lean, ugly cows
+[394.24 --> 396.16]  that came up afterward are seven years,
+[396.42 --> 398.52]  and so are the seven worthless heads of grain
+[398.52 --> 399.80]  scorched by the east wind.
+[400.16 --> 402.34]  They are seven years of famine.
+[403.58 --> 405.50]  It is just as I said to Pharaoh.
+[405.94 --> 407.32]  God has shown Pharaoh
+[407.32 --> 408.88]  what he is about to do.
+[408.88 --> 411.32]  Seven years of great abundance
+[411.32 --> 413.26]  are coming throughout the land of Egypt,
+[413.68 --> 415.46]  but seven years of famine
+[415.46 --> 416.40]  will follow them.
+[417.28 --> 418.98]  Then all the abundance in Egypt
+[418.98 --> 420.18]  will be forgotten,
+[420.54 --> 422.58]  and the famine will ravage the land.
+[422.88 --> 423.98]  The abundance in the land
+[423.98 --> 425.08]  will not be remembered
+[425.08 --> 426.96]  because the famine that follows it
+[426.96 --> 428.10]  will be so severe.
+[429.02 --> 431.06]  The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh
+[431.06 --> 432.08]  in two forms
+[432.08 --> 432.94]  is that the matter
+[432.94 --> 435.26]  has been firmly decided by God,
+[435.52 --> 438.16]  and God will do it soon.
+[438.88 --> 442.26]  And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning
+[442.26 --> 443.28]  and wise man
+[443.28 --> 445.52]  and put him in charge of the land of Egypt.
+[445.78 --> 448.40]  Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land
+[448.40 --> 450.58]  to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt
+[450.58 --> 452.62]  during the seven years of abundance.
+[453.16 --> 454.86]  They should collect all the food
+[454.86 --> 456.36]  of these good years that are coming,
+[456.78 --> 459.18]  store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh
+[459.18 --> 461.58]  to be kept in the cities for food.
+[462.06 --> 464.38]  This food should be held in reserve
+[464.38 --> 465.12]  for the country
+[465.12 --> 467.66]  to be used during the seven years of famine
+[467.66 --> 469.26]  that will come upon Egypt
+[469.26 --> 470.70]  so that the country
+[470.70 --> 473.18]  may not be ruined by the famine.
+[474.40 --> 476.46]  The plan seemed good to Pharaoh
+[476.46 --> 478.12]  and to all his officials.
+[478.84 --> 480.24]  So Pharaoh asked him,
+[480.80 --> 483.24]  Can we find anyone like this man,
+[483.72 --> 485.52]  one in whom is the Spirit of God?
+[485.52 --> 488.26]  Then Pharaoh said to Joseph,
+[488.90 --> 491.04]  Since God has made all this known to you,
+[491.28 --> 494.56]  there is no one so discerning and wise as you.
+[494.70 --> 496.56]  You shall be in charge of my palace,
+[496.72 --> 499.88]  and all my people are to submit to your orders.
+[500.42 --> 502.26]  Only with respect to the throne
+[502.26 --> 505.26]  will I be greater than you.
+[505.84 --> 507.88]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[507.88 --> 515.34]  It is those devastating,
+[515.86 --> 518.56]  crushing three words
+[518.56 --> 521.54]  that come at the end of chapter 40.
+[522.94 --> 524.60]  He forgot him.
+[525.60 --> 527.56]  That remind me of a story
+[527.56 --> 529.34]  about an experience which,
+[529.52 --> 531.00]  if it has ever happened to you,
+[531.88 --> 534.24]  you are not likely ever to forget.
+[534.24 --> 538.12]  It happened to an older colleague of mine,
+[538.84 --> 540.34]  Tony DeJager, now deceased,
+[540.88 --> 542.62]  back in the 1960s
+[542.62 --> 545.42]  while he was a pastor in Sarnia, Ontario,
+[546.06 --> 547.58]  on a hot summer day.
+[548.38 --> 551.16]  He decided to give his wife a break
+[551.16 --> 552.62]  and take their six sons,
+[553.18 --> 555.72]  ages 2 to 14, to the beach.
+[556.80 --> 558.52]  Loading them in a station wagon
+[558.52 --> 560.06]  together with some friends,
+[560.14 --> 561.38]  they made lots of noise,
+[561.64 --> 562.82]  they had lots of fun,
+[562.82 --> 564.18]  and hours later,
+[564.50 --> 565.58]  they drove home again,
+[565.88 --> 567.14]  and they got about halfway
+[567.14 --> 568.64]  when one of his boys
+[568.64 --> 570.42]  shouted above all the noise,
+[570.82 --> 572.90]  hey, dad, where's Ted?
+[575.70 --> 577.46]  Instant panic.
+[578.44 --> 580.96]  The youngest son had been forgotten.
+[581.78 --> 582.88]  Left at the beach,
+[583.46 --> 585.34]  dad made a screeching U-turn,
+[585.72 --> 587.62]  ignored all posted speed limits
+[587.62 --> 589.44]  and stop signs where possible,
+[589.82 --> 591.76]  arrived breathless at the beach.
+[592.82 --> 593.86]  And there was Ted,
+[594.96 --> 596.26]  still sitting, playing,
+[596.46 --> 598.60]  at the same spot they had left him.
+[599.28 --> 600.68]  He'd never even noticed
+[600.68 --> 602.14]  his family's absence.
+[605.02 --> 607.16]  If that happened to you as a parent,
+[608.16 --> 611.00]  I doubt that you would have reacted
+[611.00 --> 613.40]  any differently than Ted's dad.
+[613.40 --> 619.18]  But suppose that when he discovered Ted missing,
+[620.02 --> 621.56]  he would have calmly said,
+[622.88 --> 623.40]  oh well,
+[624.04 --> 625.38]  no need to hurry.
+[626.14 --> 627.54]  I have five other sons.
+[627.66 --> 628.92]  What's one more or less?
+[631.54 --> 632.52]  Can you imagine?
+[632.52 --> 637.50]  And yet, I think there are times
+[637.50 --> 640.70]  when we wonder if that is not
+[640.70 --> 644.02]  how our Heavenly Father feels about us.
+[645.62 --> 646.56]  Little Ted,
+[646.78 --> 648.02]  one among six,
+[648.98 --> 650.92]  did not realize he had been forgotten.
+[650.92 --> 653.56]  But haven't you,
+[653.56 --> 656.20]  one among seven billion plus
+[656.20 --> 658.08]  currently living on earth,
+[658.46 --> 661.20]  never mind the billions and billions more
+[661.20 --> 663.34]  who have lived and died in history,
+[663.74 --> 665.26]  each person unique,
+[665.66 --> 668.00]  each person with his or her own story,
+[668.64 --> 671.40]  haven't you ever felt forgotten
+[671.40 --> 673.30]  by God?
+[673.30 --> 676.68]  We tell each other
+[676.68 --> 677.58]  and we tell our kids
+[677.58 --> 680.12]  how important it is to know God.
+[680.92 --> 682.94]  But in the final analysis,
+[683.22 --> 685.96]  is it not this that really matters,
+[686.46 --> 688.92]  that God knows my name,
+[689.96 --> 691.42]  that God remembers,
+[691.88 --> 694.42]  God cares about me?
+[697.30 --> 698.68]  There is an old saying
+[698.68 --> 701.28]  that everybody dies twice.
+[701.28 --> 704.62]  First, we die physically
+[704.62 --> 706.40]  and they bury us into the ground
+[706.40 --> 708.18]  or they cremate our remains,
+[708.30 --> 708.52]  whatever.
+[710.10 --> 711.68]  We die a second time
+[711.68 --> 714.38]  when the last relative or friend
+[714.38 --> 715.88]  who can recall us
+[715.88 --> 717.20]  passes away.
+[718.36 --> 720.46]  And then the memory of us
+[720.46 --> 722.48]  is buried too.
+[723.94 --> 726.58]  Then in the words of Psalm 103,
+[727.12 --> 728.52]  we become like grass,
+[728.82 --> 730.30]  like a flower of the field,
+[730.30 --> 732.14]  the wind blows over it
+[732.14 --> 733.28]  and its place
+[733.28 --> 735.84]  remembers it no more.
+[738.22 --> 739.34]  And it's true.
+[741.48 --> 745.38]  So, unless God remembers me,
+[746.34 --> 748.28]  what hope do I have,
+[748.36 --> 749.88]  do you have for the future?
+[751.14 --> 752.48]  And without such hope,
+[752.64 --> 754.10]  what meaning or purpose
+[754.10 --> 756.92]  is there to your life?
+[756.92 --> 762.52]  The gospel of Genesis 40 and 41,
+[762.74 --> 763.10]  however,
+[763.46 --> 765.76]  is that God does remember.
+[767.76 --> 770.18]  God remembers his promise
+[770.18 --> 772.46]  to bless Abraham and his descendants
+[772.46 --> 775.04]  and thereby assures me
+[775.04 --> 777.10]  that he knows my name.
+[778.70 --> 780.62]  God remembers his promise
+[780.62 --> 782.28]  to bless all people
+[782.28 --> 784.30]  through Abraham and his descendants
+[784.30 --> 786.30]  and thereby assures me
+[786.30 --> 787.84]  that he knows and rules
+[787.84 --> 790.68]  all peoples and events.
+[792.76 --> 794.84]  He remembers first his promise
+[794.84 --> 797.16]  to bless Abraham and his descendants
+[797.16 --> 798.54]  and this in spite
+[798.54 --> 801.00]  all evidence to the contrary.
+[801.72 --> 804.34]  Joseph could tell you about that.
+[804.34 --> 808.42]  When we left off his story last week,
+[808.68 --> 810.00]  he'd been falsely accused
+[810.00 --> 811.10]  of attempted rape
+[811.10 --> 812.58]  and been thrown into prison.
+[813.66 --> 814.96]  But just as Joseph
+[814.96 --> 816.00]  had found himself
+[816.00 --> 817.10]  stripped of his clothes
+[817.10 --> 818.24]  for a second time,
+[818.54 --> 820.42]  the victim of other people's spite,
+[820.86 --> 822.54]  so for a second time,
+[822.80 --> 825.44]  because the Lord was with Joseph,
+[826.44 --> 829.12]  he prospered again
+[829.12 --> 831.22]  in difficult circumstances.
+[831.22 --> 833.32]  Before you know it,
+[833.38 --> 834.76]  the warden entrusts Joseph
+[834.76 --> 836.22]  with running the whole prison,
+[836.60 --> 839.08]  just as Potiphar had entrusted Joseph
+[839.08 --> 841.04]  with running his whole household.
+[841.82 --> 842.68]  But of course,
+[843.22 --> 844.68]  it is still prison.
+[846.18 --> 847.46]  Then one day,
+[848.16 --> 849.28]  it so happens.
+[850.34 --> 851.88]  A ridiculous term I know
+[851.88 --> 854.02]  in a story where nothing so happens.
+[854.72 --> 856.26]  But it so happens
+[856.26 --> 857.76]  that the pharaohs,
+[857.94 --> 858.96]  butler and baker,
+[858.96 --> 860.40]  for no reason given,
+[861.30 --> 862.40]  join him in prison,
+[863.12 --> 864.52]  and the captain of the guard,
+[865.18 --> 866.76]  our old friend Potiphar,
+[868.06 --> 870.62]  assigns their care to Joseph.
+[871.88 --> 873.30]  And before you know it,
+[873.40 --> 874.46]  Joseph finds himself
+[874.46 --> 876.22]  in the dream business again.
+[877.36 --> 878.70]  Both butler and baker
+[878.70 --> 879.94]  have a similar dream
+[879.94 --> 881.34]  at the same night,
+[881.70 --> 883.10]  and Joseph, with God's help,
+[883.26 --> 883.98]  interprets them.
+[884.78 --> 886.16]  And it's almost funny,
+[886.16 --> 887.56]  if it weren't so sad,
+[887.94 --> 889.06]  because both dreams
+[889.06 --> 890.32]  involve the expression
+[890.32 --> 891.72]  lifting your head.
+[892.88 --> 893.46]  Your head,
+[893.66 --> 895.40]  Joseph says to the cupbearer,
+[895.56 --> 896.70]  will be lifted up.
+[896.80 --> 897.30]  That is,
+[897.52 --> 898.60]  you will be restored
+[898.60 --> 899.52]  to your position,
+[899.82 --> 900.70]  but your head,
+[901.04 --> 902.26]  says Joseph to the baker,
+[902.50 --> 904.42]  will be lifted off.
+[905.42 --> 906.36]  That is,
+[906.72 --> 908.68]  you will be executed.
+[908.68 --> 911.28]  Wow.
+[912.06 --> 913.42]  You may wonder
+[913.42 --> 914.36]  if Joseph
+[914.36 --> 916.06]  could not have sugar-coated
+[916.06 --> 916.78]  that message
+[916.78 --> 917.92]  to the baker
+[917.92 --> 919.30]  just a little bit.
+[921.70 --> 922.80]  But remember
+[922.80 --> 924.02]  that Joseph's hopes
+[924.02 --> 924.98]  were now riding
+[924.98 --> 926.50]  on the cupbearer.
+[926.80 --> 927.92]  Had he lied,
+[928.28 --> 929.44]  just to be kind,
+[929.76 --> 930.60]  the cupbearer
+[930.60 --> 931.86]  would not have been convinced
+[931.86 --> 932.72]  of his ability
+[932.72 --> 933.94]  to interpret dreams.
+[934.38 --> 935.98]  He would have seen Joseph
+[935.98 --> 937.20]  as a well-meaning guy
+[937.20 --> 938.20]  who flipped the coin
+[938.20 --> 939.84]  and got one right
+[939.84 --> 940.68]  and one wrong.
+[942.20 --> 943.20]  Honesty and integrity
+[943.76 --> 945.48]  in revealing God's meaning,
+[945.76 --> 946.20]  however painful,
+[947.06 --> 947.94]  were required
+[947.94 --> 949.20]  to convince the cupbearer
+[949.86 --> 950.62]  that Joseph
+[950.62 --> 951.80]  was the real deal
+[951.80 --> 953.42]  and worth a recommendation
+[953.42 --> 954.16]  to Pharaoh
+[954.16 --> 955.64]  because you don't
+[955.64 --> 956.82]  mess with Pharaoh,
+[956.98 --> 957.36]  you know.
+[958.26 --> 959.28]  Not when he's got
+[959.28 --> 960.98]  your life in his hands.
+[960.98 --> 963.86]  And he does
+[963.86 --> 965.80]  because when Pharaoh
+[965.80 --> 967.14]  celebrates his birthday
+[967.14 --> 967.98]  three days later
+[967.98 --> 968.90]  and throws a party
+[968.90 --> 970.20]  for all of his officials,
+[970.76 --> 971.58]  what happens?
+[971.72 --> 972.54]  Both cupbearer
+[972.54 --> 973.04]  and baker
+[973.04 --> 973.80]  are invited
+[973.80 --> 974.86]  and we read
+[974.86 --> 976.06]  he lifted up
+[976.06 --> 976.50]  the heads
+[976.50 --> 977.80]  of the chief cupbearer
+[977.80 --> 979.12]  and the chief baker.
+[979.46 --> 980.04]  That is,
+[980.10 --> 981.44]  he restored the butler
+[981.44 --> 983.04]  but beheaded
+[983.04 --> 984.26]  the baker.
+[984.26 --> 986.96]  And surely
+[986.96 --> 987.88]  the cupbearer
+[987.88 --> 988.82]  in his relief
+[988.82 --> 989.46]  and joy
+[989.46 --> 990.40]  would remember
+[990.40 --> 991.40]  Joseph's plea
+[991.40 --> 992.58]  to remember him
+[992.58 --> 993.98]  and tell Pharaoh
+[993.98 --> 995.40]  about this amazing
+[995.40 --> 996.02]  young man
+[996.02 --> 996.94]  he had met
+[996.94 --> 997.54]  in prison.
+[998.90 --> 999.86]  But no.
+[1001.08 --> 1001.54]  Instead,
+[1001.76 --> 1002.16]  you read
+[1002.16 --> 1002.92]  those last
+[1002.92 --> 1004.46]  awful words
+[1004.46 --> 1005.70]  of chapter 40.
+[1006.84 --> 1008.08]  The chief cupbearer,
+[1008.14 --> 1008.54]  however,
+[1009.14 --> 1010.16]  did not remember
+[1010.16 --> 1010.56]  Joseph.
+[1011.72 --> 1012.68]  He forgot him.
+[1014.26 --> 1018.02]  Think about the pain
+[1018.02 --> 1020.24]  in those three words.
+[1021.34 --> 1022.50]  He forgot him.
+[1024.72 --> 1026.70]  Joseph was 17 years old
+[1026.70 --> 1028.06]  when his brother
+[1028.06 --> 1029.40]  sold him into slavery.
+[1030.50 --> 1031.18]  17.
+[1032.78 --> 1034.74]  And most of the 11 years
+[1034.74 --> 1035.16]  since,
+[1035.30 --> 1036.72]  11 years of his
+[1036.72 --> 1037.78]  precious youth
+[1037.78 --> 1039.34]  had been lost
+[1039.34 --> 1040.40]  in prison.
+[1041.90 --> 1043.32]  Imagine the crushing
+[1043.32 --> 1044.10]  disappointment
+[1044.10 --> 1045.10]  he must have felt
+[1045.10 --> 1045.84]  most strongly
+[1045.84 --> 1047.36]  after the cupbearer's
+[1047.36 --> 1047.80]  release.
+[1048.18 --> 1048.50]  Here,
+[1048.80 --> 1049.28]  finally,
+[1049.60 --> 1050.22]  was a ray
+[1050.22 --> 1050.98]  of hope.
+[1052.54 --> 1054.04]  But the cupbearer
+[1054.04 --> 1055.22]  forgot him.
+[1056.20 --> 1057.20]  Joseph hears
+[1057.20 --> 1058.34]  nothing.
+[1058.92 --> 1059.84]  Not a card.
+[1060.18 --> 1061.02]  Not a visit
+[1061.02 --> 1061.98]  for two
+[1061.98 --> 1063.18]  whole years.
+[1063.18 --> 1066.60]  is it hard
+[1066.60 --> 1067.24]  to imagine
+[1067.24 --> 1068.34]  that there were
+[1068.34 --> 1068.74]  days,
+[1068.86 --> 1069.46]  maybe weeks
+[1069.46 --> 1070.22]  and months
+[1070.22 --> 1070.78]  when Joseph
+[1070.78 --> 1071.30]  wondered
+[1071.30 --> 1073.08]  whether God
+[1073.08 --> 1074.28]  had simply
+[1074.28 --> 1075.04]  forgotten him.
+[1077.92 --> 1078.48]  Forgotten.
+[1079.82 --> 1080.66]  Haven't you ever
+[1080.66 --> 1081.08]  been there?
+[1082.48 --> 1083.54]  It can happen
+[1083.54 --> 1084.82]  that there are
+[1084.82 --> 1085.68]  times and seasons
+[1085.68 --> 1086.54]  in your life
+[1086.54 --> 1087.24]  when you feel
+[1087.24 --> 1088.10]  as though the whole
+[1088.10 --> 1089.10]  world is lined up
+[1089.10 --> 1089.78]  against you,
+[1090.04 --> 1090.94]  as though you are
+[1090.94 --> 1091.64]  all alone
+[1091.64 --> 1092.84]  where you call
+[1092.84 --> 1094.22]  out and nobody
+[1094.22 --> 1095.06]  answers.
+[1096.64 --> 1097.84]  It can happen
+[1097.84 --> 1099.22]  when you stand
+[1099.22 --> 1100.02]  at a graveside
+[1100.02 --> 1100.52]  of someone
+[1100.52 --> 1101.22]  you loved
+[1101.22 --> 1103.08]  or in the middle
+[1103.08 --> 1103.58]  of the night
+[1103.58 --> 1104.66]  while lying
+[1104.66 --> 1105.70]  in a hospital bed
+[1105.70 --> 1107.00]  or when you're
+[1107.00 --> 1107.42]  struggling
+[1107.42 --> 1108.68]  with depression.
+[1109.38 --> 1110.24]  The world
+[1110.24 --> 1110.86]  goes on
+[1110.86 --> 1111.76]  but you are
+[1111.76 --> 1112.80]  mired in pain.
+[1113.92 --> 1114.54]  Other people's
+[1114.54 --> 1115.38]  prayers are answered
+[1115.38 --> 1116.70]  but heaven seems
+[1116.70 --> 1117.76]  deaf to your pleading.
+[1117.76 --> 1119.30]  Other people
+[1119.30 --> 1119.84]  talk about
+[1119.84 --> 1120.96]  wonderful experiences
+[1120.96 --> 1121.68]  of God's
+[1121.68 --> 1122.16]  blessing
+[1122.16 --> 1123.00]  and God's
+[1123.00 --> 1123.44]  care
+[1123.44 --> 1126.12]  while you wonder
+[1126.12 --> 1126.86]  what in the world
+[1126.86 --> 1127.84]  God is doing
+[1127.84 --> 1129.16]  in your life.
+[1130.46 --> 1131.44]  It can happen
+[1131.44 --> 1132.34]  in lots of ways
+[1132.34 --> 1133.88]  and lots of times.
+[1134.96 --> 1136.24]  I'm just
+[1136.24 --> 1137.68]  forgotten.
+[1140.96 --> 1141.64]  Forgotten.
+[1142.00 --> 1142.52]  That's
+[1142.52 --> 1143.60]  Joseph's story.
+[1143.60 --> 1145.24]  for two
+[1145.24 --> 1146.00]  whole
+[1146.00 --> 1146.90]  silent
+[1146.90 --> 1147.76]  years
+[1147.76 --> 1151.00]  and then
+[1151.00 --> 1152.32]  one day
+[1152.32 --> 1153.96]  the silence
+[1153.96 --> 1155.36]  is broken.
+[1156.64 --> 1157.18]  Pharaoh's
+[1157.18 --> 1157.62]  court
+[1157.62 --> 1158.46]  is in a
+[1158.46 --> 1158.96]  frenzy.
+[1160.08 --> 1160.64]  Pharaoh has
+[1160.64 --> 1161.38]  had dreams
+[1161.38 --> 1161.98]  disturbing
+[1161.98 --> 1162.56]  dreams
+[1162.56 --> 1163.74]  like Joseph's
+[1163.74 --> 1164.04]  dreams
+[1164.04 --> 1164.52]  like those
+[1164.52 --> 1164.80]  of the
+[1164.80 --> 1165.30]  cup bearer
+[1165.30 --> 1165.58]  and the
+[1165.58 --> 1165.84]  baker
+[1165.84 --> 1166.58]  not some
+[1166.58 --> 1166.90]  hazy
+[1166.90 --> 1167.32]  nonsense
+[1167.32 --> 1168.12]  between sleep
+[1168.12 --> 1168.56]  and waking
+[1168.56 --> 1169.22]  who knows
+[1169.22 --> 1169.54]  what it
+[1169.54 --> 1169.84]  means.
+[1169.84 --> 1170.62]  this
+[1170.62 --> 1171.06]  Pharaoh
+[1171.06 --> 1171.98]  instinctively
+[1171.98 --> 1172.28]  knew
+[1172.28 --> 1172.90]  was the
+[1172.90 --> 1173.48]  real thing.
+[1173.60 --> 1173.90]  This was
+[1173.90 --> 1174.20]  something
+[1174.20 --> 1174.56]  more
+[1174.56 --> 1175.22]  something
+[1175.22 --> 1175.58]  from
+[1175.58 --> 1176.10]  beyond
+[1176.10 --> 1177.32]  but none
+[1177.32 --> 1177.58]  of his
+[1177.58 --> 1178.18]  magicians
+[1178.18 --> 1178.76]  none of
+[1178.76 --> 1179.22]  his wise
+[1179.22 --> 1179.54]  men
+[1179.54 --> 1180.38]  had a
+[1180.38 --> 1180.64]  clue.
+[1182.20 --> 1182.28]  And
+[1182.28 --> 1182.72]  then
+[1182.72 --> 1183.44]  the
+[1183.44 --> 1183.72]  chief
+[1183.72 --> 1184.10]  cup
+[1184.10 --> 1184.92]  bearer
+[1184.92 --> 1185.56]  remembered
+[1185.56 --> 1187.42]  and
+[1187.42 --> 1187.92]  God
+[1187.92 --> 1189.02]  remembered.
+[1189.98 --> 1190.46]  Joseph
+[1190.46 --> 1191.00]  is down
+[1191.00 --> 1191.48]  10-0
+[1191.48 --> 1192.16]  at the
+[1192.16 --> 1192.42]  second
+[1192.42 --> 1193.02]  intermission
+[1193.02 --> 1193.66]  and it's
+[1193.66 --> 1193.96]  comeback
+[1193.96 --> 1194.46]  time.
+[1194.98 --> 1195.14]  One
+[1195.14 --> 1195.44]  little
+[1195.44 --> 1195.88]  cog
+[1195.88 --> 1196.18]  in the
+[1196.18 --> 1196.38]  wheel
+[1196.38 --> 1196.56]  of
+[1196.56 --> 1197.04]  providence
+[1197.04 --> 1197.44]  connects
+[1197.44 --> 1197.90]  with
+[1197.90 --> 1198.22]  another
+[1198.22 --> 1198.68]  and the
+[1198.68 --> 1198.96]  gears
+[1198.96 --> 1199.56]  of God's
+[1199.56 --> 1199.94]  purposes
+[1199.94 --> 1200.50]  move
+[1200.50 --> 1200.96]  forward.
+[1202.00 --> 1202.24]  Joseph
+[1202.24 --> 1202.52]  gets
+[1202.52 --> 1202.88]  hauled
+[1202.88 --> 1203.00]  out
+[1203.00 --> 1203.12]  of
+[1203.12 --> 1203.36]  prison
+[1203.36 --> 1203.58]  to
+[1203.58 --> 1203.92]  stand
+[1203.92 --> 1204.28]  before
+[1204.28 --> 1204.48]  the
+[1204.48 --> 1204.80]  Pharaoh
+[1204.80 --> 1205.44]  and he
+[1205.44 --> 1205.76]  comes
+[1205.76 --> 1206.04]  through
+[1206.04 --> 1206.42]  again.
+[1207.42 --> 1207.52]  He
+[1207.52 --> 1208.18]  acknowledges
+[1208.18 --> 1208.56]  God
+[1208.56 --> 1208.92]  as the
+[1208.92 --> 1209.20]  source
+[1209.20 --> 1209.50]  of the
+[1209.50 --> 1209.94]  dreams
+[1209.94 --> 1210.70]  then he
+[1210.70 --> 1211.12]  tells it
+[1211.12 --> 1211.46]  like it
+[1211.46 --> 1211.70]  is.
+[1212.02 --> 1212.30]  Seven
+[1212.30 --> 1212.64]  years
+[1212.64 --> 1212.84]  of
+[1212.84 --> 1213.44]  incredible
+[1213.44 --> 1214.04]  abundance
+[1214.04 --> 1214.40]  followed
+[1214.40 --> 1215.04]  by seven
+[1215.04 --> 1215.50]  years
+[1215.50 --> 1216.54]  of equally
+[1216.54 --> 1217.22]  incredible
+[1217.22 --> 1217.94]  famine.
+[1218.82 --> 1218.92]  And
+[1218.92 --> 1219.44]  before you
+[1219.44 --> 1219.82]  know it
+[1219.82 --> 1220.44]  Joseph's
+[1220.44 --> 1220.66]  head
+[1220.66 --> 1221.40]  is lifted
+[1221.40 --> 1221.74]  up.
+[1222.42 --> 1222.58]  As
+[1222.58 --> 1222.86]  quickly
+[1222.86 --> 1223.20]  as he
+[1223.20 --> 1223.70]  was buried
+[1223.70 --> 1224.24]  in prison
+[1224.24 --> 1225.36]  by Potiphar
+[1225.36 --> 1225.88]  Joseph
+[1225.88 --> 1226.50]  has raised
+[1226.50 --> 1226.80]  a new
+[1226.80 --> 1227.10]  life
+[1227.10 --> 1227.66]  in the
+[1227.66 --> 1227.88]  kingdom
+[1227.88 --> 1228.48]  of Egypt
+[1228.48 --> 1229.58]  second in
+[1229.58 --> 1229.96]  power
+[1229.96 --> 1230.66]  only to
+[1230.66 --> 1231.00]  Pharaoh
+[1231.00 --> 1232.02]  given a
+[1232.02 --> 1232.30]  wife
+[1232.30 --> 1232.86]  who bears
+[1232.86 --> 1233.06]  him
+[1233.06 --> 1233.52]  children
+[1233.52 --> 1234.28]  blessed
+[1234.28 --> 1234.76]  beyond
+[1234.76 --> 1235.26]  measure
+[1235.26 --> 1236.16]  because
+[1236.16 --> 1236.94]  finally
+[1236.94 --> 1237.62]  the cup
+[1237.62 --> 1238.02]  bearer
+[1238.02 --> 1238.70]  remembered
+[1238.70 --> 1239.08]  him.
+[1240.08 --> 1240.96]  No.
+[1241.96 --> 1242.80]  No.
+[1243.80 --> 1244.20]  Because
+[1244.20 --> 1244.76]  God
+[1244.76 --> 1245.90]  had never
+[1245.90 --> 1246.48]  forgotten
+[1246.48 --> 1247.12]  Joseph.
+[1248.12 --> 1248.68]  God
+[1248.68 --> 1249.18]  remembered
+[1249.18 --> 1249.64]  Joseph
+[1249.64 --> 1250.32]  even when
+[1250.32 --> 1251.16]  all others
+[1251.16 --> 1252.26]  had forgotten.
+[1252.26 --> 1253.64]  God
+[1253.64 --> 1253.88]  remembers
+[1253.88 --> 1254.64]  God
+[1254.64 --> 1254.94]  remembers
+[1254.94 --> 1255.80]  God
+[1255.80 --> 1256.80]  remembers
+[1256.80 --> 1257.72]  God
+[1257.72 --> 1259.74]  remembers
+[1259.74 --> 1261.70]  us.
+[1261.70 --> 1263.88]  God
+[1263.88 --> 1264.80]  remembers
+[1264.80 --> 1266.52]  and
+[1266.52 --> 1266.86]  throughout
+[1266.86 --> 1267.42]  the Old
+[1267.42 --> 1267.86]  Testament
+[1267.86 --> 1268.70]  this fact
+[1268.70 --> 1269.10]  is a
+[1269.10 --> 1269.66]  consistent
+[1269.66 --> 1270.24]  source
+[1270.24 --> 1271.06]  of deep
+[1271.06 --> 1271.56]  comfort
+[1271.56 --> 1272.08]  and
+[1272.08 --> 1272.74]  thanksgiving.
+[1274.30 --> 1274.62]  God
+[1274.62 --> 1275.20]  remembers
+[1275.20 --> 1275.64]  us.
+[1276.12 --> 1276.32]  God
+[1276.32 --> 1276.86]  remembers
+[1276.86 --> 1277.28]  that we
+[1277.28 --> 1277.78]  are but
+[1277.78 --> 1278.38]  dust.
+[1278.94 --> 1279.14]  God
+[1279.14 --> 1279.66]  remembers
+[1279.66 --> 1280.32]  his promise
+[1280.32 --> 1280.90]  to Abraham
+[1280.90 --> 1281.42]  and his
+[1281.42 --> 1281.94]  descendants.
+[1282.56 --> 1282.84]  Hundreds
+[1282.84 --> 1283.50]  of years
+[1283.50 --> 1284.06]  after
+[1284.06 --> 1284.54]  Joseph
+[1284.54 --> 1285.00]  when
+[1285.00 --> 1285.32]  Egypt
+[1285.32 --> 1285.70]  gets
+[1285.70 --> 1286.06]  a new
+[1286.06 --> 1286.34]  king
+[1286.34 --> 1286.70]  who
+[1286.70 --> 1287.20]  doesn't
+[1287.20 --> 1287.60]  know
+[1287.60 --> 1288.08]  Joseph
+[1288.08 --> 1288.62]  and
+[1288.62 --> 1289.02]  Israel
+[1289.02 --> 1289.50]  finds
+[1289.50 --> 1289.86]  herself
+[1289.86 --> 1290.06]  in
+[1290.06 --> 1290.50]  hopeless
+[1290.50 --> 1291.04]  slavery
+[1291.04 --> 1291.48]  in
+[1291.48 --> 1291.86]  Egypt
+[1291.86 --> 1292.58]  Moses
+[1292.58 --> 1293.04]  writes
+[1293.04 --> 1293.38]  these
+[1293.38 --> 1293.76]  words
+[1293.76 --> 1294.44]  God
+[1294.44 --> 1295.02]  heard
+[1295.02 --> 1295.24]  their
+[1295.24 --> 1295.74]  groaning
+[1295.74 --> 1296.26]  and
+[1296.26 --> 1296.46]  he
+[1296.46 --> 1297.20]  remembered
+[1297.20 --> 1297.60]  his
+[1297.60 --> 1298.14]  covenant
+[1298.14 --> 1298.98]  with
+[1298.98 --> 1299.50]  Abraham
+[1299.50 --> 1300.20]  with
+[1300.20 --> 1300.78]  Isaac
+[1300.78 --> 1301.32]  and
+[1301.32 --> 1301.54]  with
+[1301.54 --> 1301.94]  Jacob
+[1301.94 --> 1303.42]  and
+[1303.42 --> 1303.94]  God's
+[1303.94 --> 1304.46]  remembering
+[1304.46 --> 1304.94]  gives
+[1304.94 --> 1305.26]  new
+[1305.26 --> 1305.70]  hope
+[1305.70 --> 1306.44]  and
+[1306.44 --> 1306.64]  new
+[1306.64 --> 1307.08]  future.
+[1308.12 --> 1308.48]  Later
+[1308.48 --> 1308.80]  in the
+[1308.80 --> 1308.96]  Old
+[1308.96 --> 1309.34]  Testament
+[1309.34 --> 1309.62]  when
+[1309.62 --> 1309.98]  God's
+[1309.98 --> 1310.14]  Old
+[1310.14 --> 1310.48]  Testament
+[1310.48 --> 1310.92]  people
+[1310.92 --> 1311.40]  are
+[1311.40 --> 1311.62]  in
+[1311.62 --> 1312.08]  exile
+[1312.08 --> 1312.32]  and
+[1312.32 --> 1312.70]  slavery
+[1312.70 --> 1312.94]  in
+[1312.94 --> 1313.22]  another
+[1313.22 --> 1313.80]  empire
+[1313.80 --> 1314.50]  Babylon
+[1314.50 --> 1314.88]  they
+[1314.88 --> 1315.24]  said
+[1315.24 --> 1315.68]  the
+[1315.68 --> 1315.98]  Lord
+[1315.98 --> 1316.24]  has
+[1316.24 --> 1316.80]  forsaken
+[1316.80 --> 1317.08]  me
+[1317.08 --> 1317.90]  the
+[1317.90 --> 1318.18]  Lord
+[1318.18 --> 1318.46]  has
+[1318.46 --> 1319.02]  forgotten
+[1319.02 --> 1319.48]  me
+[1319.48 --> 1321.38]  but
+[1321.38 --> 1321.56]  the
+[1321.56 --> 1321.92]  prophet
+[1321.92 --> 1322.36]  Isaiah
+[1322.36 --> 1322.80]  speaking
+[1322.80 --> 1323.04]  on
+[1323.04 --> 1323.44]  behalf
+[1323.44 --> 1323.64]  of
+[1323.64 --> 1323.96]  God
+[1323.96 --> 1324.48]  asked
+[1324.48 --> 1324.68]  the
+[1324.68 --> 1325.04]  question
+[1325.04 --> 1325.56]  can
+[1325.56 --> 1325.78]  a
+[1325.78 --> 1326.00]  mother
+[1326.00 --> 1326.44]  forget
+[1326.44 --> 1326.68]  the
+[1326.68 --> 1327.02]  baby
+[1327.02 --> 1327.48]  at
+[1327.48 --> 1327.66]  her
+[1327.66 --> 1328.04]  breast
+[1328.04 --> 1328.24]  and
+[1328.24 --> 1328.48]  have
+[1328.48 --> 1328.78]  no
+[1328.78 --> 1329.48]  compassion
+[1329.48 --> 1329.98]  on
+[1329.98 --> 1330.14]  the
+[1330.14 --> 1330.54]  child
+[1330.54 --> 1330.72]  she
+[1330.72 --> 1330.92]  has
+[1330.92 --> 1331.28]  born
+[1331.28 --> 1332.76]  and
+[1332.76 --> 1332.96]  of
+[1332.96 --> 1333.26]  course
+[1333.26 --> 1333.46]  a
+[1333.46 --> 1333.82]  normal
+[1333.82 --> 1334.12]  mother
+[1334.12 --> 1334.50]  never
+[1334.50 --> 1334.80]  would
+[1334.80 --> 1336.18]  even
+[1336.18 --> 1336.42]  though
+[1336.42 --> 1336.74]  mothers
+[1336.74 --> 1337.18]  are not
+[1337.18 --> 1337.60]  perfect
+[1337.60 --> 1338.16]  anymore
+[1338.16 --> 1338.76]  than
+[1338.76 --> 1339.40]  fathers who
+[1339.40 --> 1339.76]  leave their
+[1339.76 --> 1340.04]  youngest
+[1340.04 --> 1340.38]  alone
+[1340.38 --> 1340.76]  on a
+[1340.76 --> 1341.06]  beach
+[1341.06 --> 1341.98]  any more
+[1341.98 --> 1342.48]  than our
+[1342.48 --> 1342.90]  children
+[1342.90 --> 1344.08]  it is impossible
+[1344.08 --> 1345.10]  to imagine
+[1345.10 --> 1346.02]  a normal
+[1346.02 --> 1346.42]  mother
+[1346.42 --> 1347.40]  forgetting the
+[1347.40 --> 1348.06]  face of the
+[1348.06 --> 1348.46]  one she
+[1348.46 --> 1348.96]  carried
+[1348.96 --> 1350.12]  and birthed
+[1350.12 --> 1350.98]  and nursed
+[1350.98 --> 1351.76]  forget
+[1351.76 --> 1352.74]  never
+[1352.74 --> 1356.46]  sadly
+[1356.46 --> 1356.48]  sadly
+[1356.48 --> 1356.92]  however
+[1356.92 --> 1357.30]  as
+[1357.30 --> 1357.56]  God
+[1357.56 --> 1358.04]  admits
+[1358.04 --> 1359.12]  though
+[1359.12 --> 1359.44]  she
+[1359.44 --> 1359.70]  may
+[1359.70 --> 1360.18]  forget
+[1360.18 --> 1360.46]  he
+[1360.46 --> 1360.92]  says
+[1360.92 --> 1362.24]  there
+[1362.24 --> 1362.58]  are
+[1362.58 --> 1363.26]  exceptions
+[1363.26 --> 1364.08]  some
+[1364.08 --> 1364.38]  thrown
+[1364.38 --> 1364.86]  through
+[1364.86 --> 1365.40]  no fault
+[1365.40 --> 1365.68]  of their
+[1365.68 --> 1365.94]  own
+[1365.94 --> 1366.36]  such as
+[1366.36 --> 1366.64]  mental
+[1366.64 --> 1367.22]  disease
+[1367.22 --> 1367.92]  others
+[1367.92 --> 1368.36]  because
+[1368.36 --> 1368.56]  of
+[1368.56 --> 1368.90]  sinful
+[1368.90 --> 1369.42]  neglect
+[1369.42 --> 1370.12]  but
+[1370.12 --> 1370.86]  though
+[1370.86 --> 1371.22]  she
+[1371.22 --> 1371.54]  may
+[1371.54 --> 1372.04]  forget
+[1372.04 --> 1373.76]  says
+[1373.76 --> 1373.96]  the
+[1373.96 --> 1374.24]  Lord
+[1374.24 --> 1375.50]  I
+[1375.50 --> 1376.00]  will
+[1376.00 --> 1376.44]  not
+[1376.44 --> 1377.12]  forget
+[1377.12 --> 1378.24]  you
+[1378.24 --> 1381.60]  see
+[1381.60 --> 1382.12]  I have
+[1382.12 --> 1382.74]  engraved
+[1382.74 --> 1383.00]  you
+[1383.00 --> 1384.10]  on the
+[1384.10 --> 1384.52]  palms
+[1384.52 --> 1385.00]  of my
+[1385.00 --> 1385.46]  hands
+[1385.46 --> 1386.84]  your
+[1386.84 --> 1387.32]  names
+[1387.32 --> 1387.76]  written
+[1387.76 --> 1388.56]  on God's
+[1388.56 --> 1388.98]  hands
+[1388.98 --> 1389.80]  not just
+[1389.80 --> 1390.18]  with a
+[1390.18 --> 1390.48]  pen
+[1390.48 --> 1391.34]  so that
+[1391.34 --> 1391.52]  they're
+[1391.52 --> 1391.84]  easily
+[1391.84 --> 1392.26]  rubbed
+[1392.26 --> 1392.54]  off
+[1392.54 --> 1393.08]  or washed
+[1393.08 --> 1393.42]  away
+[1393.42 --> 1393.82]  the first
+[1393.82 --> 1394.16]  time you
+[1394.16 --> 1394.42]  wash
+[1394.42 --> 1394.96]  your hands
+[1394.96 --> 1395.82]  but
+[1395.82 --> 1396.70]  engraved
+[1396.70 --> 1397.52]  carved
+[1397.52 --> 1398.54]  with a
+[1398.54 --> 1398.96]  knife
+[1398.96 --> 1399.82]  into
+[1399.82 --> 1400.12]  his
+[1400.12 --> 1400.58]  hand
+[1400.58 --> 1401.60]  a
+[1401.60 --> 1402.22]  permanent
+[1402.22 --> 1403.04]  mark
+[1403.04 --> 1405.22]  God
+[1405.22 --> 1405.76]  remembers
+[1405.76 --> 1406.46]  and it
+[1406.46 --> 1406.78]  is what
+[1406.78 --> 1407.00]  his
+[1407.00 --> 1407.32]  son
+[1407.32 --> 1408.04]  came to
+[1408.04 --> 1408.50]  tell us
+[1408.50 --> 1408.72]  too
+[1408.72 --> 1409.30]  Jesus
+[1409.30 --> 1409.86]  told us
+[1409.86 --> 1410.38]  to address
+[1410.38 --> 1410.74]  God
+[1410.74 --> 1411.02]  as
+[1411.02 --> 1411.50]  our
+[1411.50 --> 1411.98]  father
+[1411.98 --> 1413.18]  to
+[1413.18 --> 1413.68]  teach us
+[1413.68 --> 1413.86]  that
+[1413.86 --> 1414.18]  God
+[1414.18 --> 1414.42]  does
+[1414.42 --> 1414.62]  not
+[1414.62 --> 1414.94]  care
+[1414.94 --> 1415.18]  about
+[1415.18 --> 1415.36]  the
+[1415.36 --> 1415.62]  world
+[1415.62 --> 1415.86]  like
+[1415.86 --> 1416.04]  a
+[1416.04 --> 1416.36]  distant
+[1416.36 --> 1416.84]  CEO
+[1416.84 --> 1417.26]  might
+[1417.26 --> 1417.52]  care
+[1417.52 --> 1417.74]  about
+[1417.74 --> 1417.92]  the
+[1417.92 --> 1418.44]  company's
+[1418.44 --> 1418.70]  bottom
+[1418.70 --> 1419.26]  line
+[1419.26 --> 1420.68]  are
+[1420.68 --> 1420.92]  not
+[1420.92 --> 1421.12]  two
+[1421.12 --> 1422.26]  sparrows
+[1422.26 --> 1422.60]  sold
+[1422.60 --> 1423.00]  for a
+[1423.00 --> 1423.24]  penny
+[1423.24 --> 1423.56]  Jesus
+[1423.56 --> 1423.92]  once
+[1423.92 --> 1424.32]  asked
+[1424.32 --> 1425.40]  yet
+[1425.40 --> 1425.60]  not
+[1425.60 --> 1425.94]  one
+[1425.94 --> 1426.04]  of
+[1426.04 --> 1426.16]  them
+[1426.16 --> 1426.34]  will
+[1426.34 --> 1426.58]  fall
+[1426.58 --> 1426.74]  to
+[1426.74 --> 1426.90]  the
+[1426.90 --> 1427.18]  ground
+[1427.18 --> 1427.46]  without
+[1427.46 --> 1427.78]  your
+[1427.78 --> 1428.18]  father
+[1428.18 --> 1428.78]  or
+[1428.78 --> 1429.14]  apart
+[1429.14 --> 1429.38]  from
+[1429.38 --> 1429.56]  your
+[1429.56 --> 1429.90]  father
+[1429.90 --> 1430.28]  and
+[1430.28 --> 1430.52]  even
+[1430.52 --> 1430.74]  the
+[1430.74 --> 1431.30]  hairs
+[1431.30 --> 1431.54]  of
+[1431.54 --> 1431.72]  your
+[1431.72 --> 1432.12]  head
+[1432.12 --> 1433.26]  are
+[1433.26 --> 1433.50]  all
+[1433.50 --> 1433.98]  numbered
+[1433.98 --> 1436.82]  yes
+[1436.82 --> 1437.28]  sparrows
+[1437.28 --> 1437.46]  do
+[1437.46 --> 1437.78]  fall
+[1437.78 --> 1438.02]  and
+[1438.02 --> 1438.56]  sadly
+[1438.56 --> 1438.94]  so
+[1438.94 --> 1439.12]  do
+[1439.12 --> 1439.28]  the
+[1439.28 --> 1439.50]  hairs
+[1439.50 --> 1439.68]  of
+[1439.68 --> 1439.82]  our
+[1439.82 --> 1440.12]  head
+[1440.12 --> 1441.14]  some
+[1441.14 --> 1441.30]  of
+[1441.30 --> 1441.50]  ours
+[1441.50 --> 1441.76]  a lot
+[1441.76 --> 1442.02]  quicker
+[1442.02 --> 1442.20]  than
+[1442.20 --> 1442.54]  others
+[1442.54 --> 1443.76]  but
+[1443.76 --> 1444.20]  not
+[1444.20 --> 1444.80]  apart
+[1444.80 --> 1445.20]  from
+[1445.20 --> 1445.40]  the
+[1445.40 --> 1445.78]  father
+[1445.78 --> 1447.06]  not
+[1447.06 --> 1447.46]  apart
+[1447.46 --> 1447.70]  from
+[1447.70 --> 1447.94]  his
+[1447.94 --> 1448.54]  knowledge
+[1448.54 --> 1449.42]  says
+[1449.42 --> 1449.86]  Jesus
+[1449.86 --> 1450.28]  his
+[1450.28 --> 1450.76]  love
+[1450.76 --> 1451.76]  his
+[1451.76 --> 1452.18]  care
+[1452.18 --> 1454.54]  his
+[1454.54 --> 1454.90]  eye
+[1454.90 --> 1455.08]  is
+[1455.08 --> 1455.26]  on
+[1455.26 --> 1455.44]  the
+[1455.44 --> 1455.90]  sparrow
+[1455.90 --> 1456.42]  wrote
+[1456.42 --> 1457.04]  Sevilla
+[1457.04 --> 1457.36]  D.
+[1457.48 --> 1457.76]  Martin
+[1457.76 --> 1458.06]  in
+[1458.06 --> 1458.92]  1905
+[1458.92 --> 1459.72]  and
+[1459.72 --> 1459.96]  I
+[1459.96 --> 1460.42]  know
+[1460.42 --> 1461.08]  he
+[1461.08 --> 1461.54]  watches
+[1461.54 --> 1461.92]  me
+[1461.92 --> 1463.52]  she
+[1463.52 --> 1463.76]  wrote
+[1463.76 --> 1463.96]  those
+[1463.96 --> 1464.26]  words
+[1464.26 --> 1464.56]  after
+[1464.56 --> 1465.00]  visiting
+[1465.00 --> 1465.52]  friends
+[1465.52 --> 1465.70]  the
+[1465.70 --> 1466.00]  couple
+[1466.00 --> 1467.00]  the
+[1467.00 --> 1467.24]  wife
+[1467.24 --> 1467.40]  had
+[1467.40 --> 1467.56]  been
+[1467.56 --> 1467.80]  bread
+[1467.80 --> 1468.04]  ridden
+[1468.04 --> 1468.24]  for
+[1468.24 --> 1468.56]  20
+[1468.56 --> 1468.86]  years
+[1468.86 --> 1469.04]  the
+[1469.04 --> 1469.32]  husband
+[1469.32 --> 1469.64]  needed
+[1469.64 --> 1469.84]  a
+[1469.84 --> 1470.14]  wheelchair
+[1470.14 --> 1470.42]  to
+[1470.42 --> 1470.62]  get
+[1470.62 --> 1470.94]  around
+[1470.94 --> 1471.26]  both
+[1471.26 --> 1471.40]  of
+[1471.40 --> 1471.56]  them
+[1471.56 --> 1471.68]  in
+[1471.68 --> 1471.84]  a
+[1471.84 --> 1472.18]  sense
+[1472.18 --> 1472.90]  imprisoned
+[1472.90 --> 1474.78]  forgotten
+[1474.78 --> 1476.90]  but
+[1476.90 --> 1477.22]  both
+[1477.22 --> 1477.46]  lived
+[1477.46 --> 1477.88]  lives
+[1477.88 --> 1478.10]  of
+[1478.10 --> 1478.42]  faith
+[1478.42 --> 1478.62]  and
+[1478.62 --> 1479.00]  courage
+[1479.00 --> 1479.20]  that
+[1479.20 --> 1479.44]  brought
+[1479.44 --> 1480.10]  inspiration
+[1480.10 --> 1480.34]  and
+[1480.34 --> 1480.66]  comfort
+[1480.66 --> 1480.88]  to
+[1480.88 --> 1481.16]  all
+[1481.16 --> 1481.36]  who
+[1481.36 --> 1481.56]  knew
+[1481.56 --> 1481.86]  them
+[1481.86 --> 1482.62]  when
+[1482.62 --> 1482.88]  asked
+[1482.88 --> 1483.04]  the
+[1483.04 --> 1483.32]  secret
+[1483.32 --> 1483.52]  of
+[1483.52 --> 1483.66]  their
+[1483.66 --> 1484.26]  hopefulness
+[1484.26 --> 1484.44]  and
+[1484.44 --> 1484.78]  life
+[1484.78 --> 1484.98]  the
+[1484.98 --> 1485.26]  wife
+[1485.26 --> 1485.52]  gave
+[1485.52 --> 1485.72]  this
+[1485.72 --> 1486.08]  answer
+[1486.08 --> 1486.30]  that
+[1486.30 --> 1486.70]  Sevilla
+[1486.70 --> 1487.12]  turned
+[1487.12 --> 1487.62]  into
+[1487.62 --> 1487.86]  that
+[1491.08 --> 1496.60]  God
+[1496.60 --> 1497.18]  remembers
+[1497.18 --> 1498.80]  God
+[1498.80 --> 1499.18]  knows
+[1499.18 --> 1499.48]  my
+[1499.48 --> 1499.80]  name
+[1499.80 --> 1501.08]  this
+[1501.08 --> 1501.24]  is
+[1501.24 --> 1501.40]  the
+[1501.40 --> 1501.64]  good
+[1501.64 --> 1501.96]  news
+[1501.96 --> 1502.16]  of
+[1502.16 --> 1502.58]  Genesis
+[1502.58 --> 1503.14]  40
+[1503.14 --> 1503.52]  and
+[1503.52 --> 1504.06]  41
+[1504.06 --> 1505.36]  he
+[1505.36 --> 1505.64]  will
+[1505.64 --> 1505.96]  not
+[1505.96 --> 1506.18]  he
+[1506.18 --> 1506.52]  cannot
+[1506.52 --> 1507.42]  forget
+[1507.42 --> 1508.62]  you
+[1508.62 --> 1510.30]  and
+[1510.30 --> 1510.48]  when
+[1510.48 --> 1510.64]  you
+[1510.64 --> 1511.00]  find
+[1511.00 --> 1511.16]  it
+[1511.16 --> 1511.46]  hard
+[1511.46 --> 1511.68]  to
+[1511.68 --> 1512.04]  believe
+[1512.04 --> 1512.30]  that
+[1512.30 --> 1512.48]  to
+[1512.48 --> 1512.74]  keep
+[1512.74 --> 1513.20]  trusting
+[1513.20 --> 1513.48]  through
+[1513.48 --> 1513.80]  days
+[1513.80 --> 1513.98]  of
+[1513.98 --> 1514.26]  your
+[1514.26 --> 1514.80]  seeming
+[1514.80 --> 1515.26]  forgotten
+[1515.26 --> 1516.18]  let me
+[1516.18 --> 1516.70]  suggest
+[1516.70 --> 1517.76]  at least
+[1517.76 --> 1518.20]  a couple
+[1518.20 --> 1518.42]  of
+[1518.42 --> 1518.82]  things
+[1518.82 --> 1519.54]  we
+[1519.54 --> 1519.82]  see
+[1519.82 --> 1520.10]  in
+[1520.10 --> 1520.70]  Joseph's
+[1520.70 --> 1521.28]  seeming
+[1521.28 --> 1521.70]  forgotten
+[1521.70 --> 1522.82]  that
+[1522.82 --> 1523.10]  might
+[1523.10 --> 1523.42]  help
+[1523.42 --> 1523.68]  you
+[1523.68 --> 1524.50]  as
+[1524.50 --> 1524.62]  you
+[1524.62 --> 1525.30]  experience
+[1525.30 --> 1525.58]  or
+[1525.58 --> 1525.80]  when
+[1525.80 --> 1525.96]  you
+[1525.96 --> 1526.66]  experience
+[1526.66 --> 1527.52]  yours
+[1527.52 --> 1529.28]  one
+[1529.28 --> 1529.70]  was
+[1529.70 --> 1529.88]  his
+[1529.88 --> 1530.44]  concern
+[1530.44 --> 1531.12]  for
+[1531.12 --> 1531.52]  others
+[1531.52 --> 1532.94]  rather
+[1532.94 --> 1533.20]  than
+[1533.20 --> 1533.36]  be
+[1533.36 --> 1533.74]  so
+[1533.74 --> 1534.44]  consumed
+[1534.44 --> 1534.70]  with
+[1534.70 --> 1534.88]  the
+[1534.88 --> 1535.32]  wrong
+[1535.32 --> 1535.94]  that
+[1535.94 --> 1536.14]  he
+[1536.14 --> 1536.66]  suffered
+[1536.66 --> 1537.72]  that
+[1537.72 --> 1537.86]  he
+[1537.86 --> 1538.36]  ignored
+[1538.36 --> 1538.62]  the
+[1538.62 --> 1538.88]  needs
+[1538.88 --> 1539.06]  of
+[1539.06 --> 1539.54]  everybody
+[1539.54 --> 1540.02]  else
+[1540.02 --> 1541.24]  his
+[1541.24 --> 1541.62]  care
+[1541.62 --> 1541.86]  for
+[1541.86 --> 1542.18]  others
+[1542.18 --> 1542.36]  and
+[1542.36 --> 1542.60]  his
+[1542.60 --> 1543.08]  willingness
+[1543.08 --> 1544.06]  to
+[1544.06 --> 1544.28]  get
+[1544.28 --> 1544.72]  involved
+[1544.72 --> 1544.94]  in
+[1544.94 --> 1545.20]  their
+[1545.20 --> 1545.68]  troubles
+[1545.68 --> 1546.92]  become
+[1546.92 --> 1547.18]  the
+[1547.18 --> 1547.42]  means
+[1547.42 --> 1547.60]  of
+[1547.60 --> 1547.74]  his
+[1547.74 --> 1547.98]  own
+[1547.98 --> 1548.44]  freedom
+[1548.44 --> 1549.90]  however
+[1549.90 --> 1550.28]  slow
+[1550.28 --> 1550.46]  in
+[1550.46 --> 1550.72]  coming
+[1550.72 --> 1551.06]  as
+[1551.06 --> 1551.46]  you
+[1551.46 --> 1551.60]  and
+[1551.60 --> 1551.76]  I
+[1551.76 --> 1552.02]  measure
+[1552.02 --> 1552.42]  time
+[1552.42 --> 1554.16]  it
+[1554.16 --> 1554.30]  is
+[1554.30 --> 1554.48]  at
+[1554.48 --> 1554.66]  least
+[1554.66 --> 1555.36]  possible
+[1555.36 --> 1556.72]  that
+[1556.72 --> 1557.38]  sometimes
+[1557.38 --> 1557.96]  God
+[1557.96 --> 1558.24]  may
+[1558.24 --> 1558.70]  have
+[1558.70 --> 1558.96]  you
+[1558.96 --> 1559.30]  where
+[1559.30 --> 1559.54]  he
+[1559.54 --> 1559.92]  has
+[1559.92 --> 1560.06]  you
+[1560.06 --> 1560.36]  not
+[1560.36 --> 1560.76]  only
+[1560.76 --> 1561.04]  as
+[1561.04 --> 1561.36]  part
+[1561.36 --> 1562.02]  of
+[1562.02 --> 1562.20]  what
+[1562.20 --> 1562.34]  he
+[1562.34 --> 1562.54]  is
+[1562.54 --> 1562.82]  doing
+[1562.82 --> 1563.08]  in
+[1563.08 --> 1563.38]  your
+[1563.38 --> 1563.80]  life
+[1563.80 --> 1566.06]  but
+[1566.06 --> 1566.26]  so
+[1566.26 --> 1566.52]  that
+[1566.52 --> 1566.90]  you
+[1566.90 --> 1567.30]  can
+[1567.30 --> 1567.48]  be
+[1567.48 --> 1567.90]  part
+[1567.90 --> 1568.56]  of
+[1568.56 --> 1568.74]  what
+[1568.74 --> 1569.02]  God
+[1569.02 --> 1569.18]  is
+[1569.18 --> 1569.52]  doing
+[1569.52 --> 1570.20]  in
+[1570.20 --> 1570.50]  someone
+[1570.50 --> 1570.94]  else's
+[1570.94 --> 1571.24]  life
+[1571.24 --> 1573.34]  we
+[1573.34 --> 1573.52]  can
+[1573.52 --> 1573.88]  focus
+[1573.88 --> 1574.10]  on
+[1574.10 --> 1574.24]  the
+[1574.24 --> 1574.48]  part
+[1574.48 --> 1574.58]  of
+[1574.58 --> 1574.78]  the
+[1574.78 --> 1575.42]  promise
+[1575.42 --> 1575.70]  that
+[1575.70 --> 1576.04]  says
+[1576.04 --> 1576.36]  we
+[1576.36 --> 1576.54]  will
+[1576.54 --> 1576.70]  be
+[1576.70 --> 1577.14]  blessed
+[1577.14 --> 1578.80]  and
+[1578.80 --> 1579.12]  forget
+[1579.12 --> 1580.00]  that
+[1580.00 --> 1580.14]  we
+[1580.14 --> 1580.26]  are
+[1580.26 --> 1580.58]  also
+[1580.58 --> 1580.98]  called
+[1580.98 --> 1581.42]  to
+[1581.42 --> 1581.64]  be
+[1581.64 --> 1581.78]  a
+[1581.78 --> 1582.10]  blessing
+[1582.10 --> 1582.54]  to
+[1582.54 --> 1582.92]  others
+[1582.92 --> 1584.54]  in
+[1584.54 --> 1585.02]  Joseph's
+[1585.02 --> 1585.30]  case
+[1585.30 --> 1585.70]  God
+[1585.70 --> 1586.12]  worked
+[1586.12 --> 1586.86]  on
+[1586.86 --> 1587.12]  both
+[1587.12 --> 1587.54]  others
+[1587.54 --> 1587.92]  and
+[1587.92 --> 1588.36]  Joseph
+[1588.36 --> 1589.40]  at
+[1589.40 --> 1589.88]  once
+[1589.88 --> 1590.32]  at
+[1590.32 --> 1590.46]  the
+[1590.46 --> 1590.62]  same
+[1590.62 --> 1591.04]  time
+[1591.04 --> 1593.24]  another
+[1593.24 --> 1593.56]  thing
+[1593.56 --> 1593.84]  is to
+[1593.84 --> 1594.16]  see
+[1594.16 --> 1594.48]  that
+[1594.48 --> 1594.96]  God's
+[1594.96 --> 1595.34]  delay
+[1595.34 --> 1596.28]  sometimes
+[1596.28 --> 1596.88]  serves
+[1596.88 --> 1597.14]  a
+[1597.14 --> 1597.68]  necessary
+[1597.68 --> 1598.26]  purpose
+[1598.26 --> 1599.74]  what
+[1599.74 --> 1599.88]  of
+[1599.88 --> 1600.02]  the
+[1600.02 --> 1600.24]  cub
+[1600.24 --> 1601.26]  bearer
+[1601.26 --> 1602.58]  had
+[1602.58 --> 1603.00]  remembered
+[1603.00 --> 1603.42]  Joseph
+[1603.42 --> 1603.76]  the
+[1603.76 --> 1604.12]  moment
+[1604.12 --> 1604.32]  he
+[1604.32 --> 1604.74]  himself
+[1604.74 --> 1604.96]  was
+[1604.96 --> 1605.38]  restored
+[1605.38 --> 1607.00]  and
+[1607.00 --> 1607.44]  somehow
+[1607.44 --> 1608.00]  convinced
+[1608.00 --> 1608.44]  Pharaoh
+[1608.44 --> 1609.46]  to
+[1609.46 --> 1609.70]  have
+[1609.70 --> 1610.06]  Joseph
+[1610.06 --> 1610.60]  released
+[1610.60 --> 1611.40]  immediately
+[1611.40 --> 1612.26]  I know
+[1612.26 --> 1612.58]  this is
+[1612.58 --> 1612.78]  all
+[1612.78 --> 1613.30]  speculation
+[1613.30 --> 1613.72]  but
+[1613.72 --> 1614.20]  Joseph
+[1614.20 --> 1614.62]  might
+[1614.62 --> 1614.72]  have
+[1614.72 --> 1614.92]  gone
+[1614.92 --> 1615.16]  back
+[1615.16 --> 1615.48]  home
+[1615.48 --> 1616.72]  and
+[1616.72 --> 1617.08]  God
+[1617.08 --> 1617.32]  needs
+[1617.32 --> 1617.48]  him
+[1617.48 --> 1617.62]  in
+[1617.62 --> 1618.06]  Egypt
+[1618.06 --> 1619.32]  God
+[1619.32 --> 1619.52]  has
+[1619.52 --> 1619.80]  something
+[1619.80 --> 1620.22]  bigger
+[1620.22 --> 1620.50]  and
+[1620.50 --> 1620.76]  better
+[1620.76 --> 1621.02]  for
+[1621.02 --> 1621.26]  him
+[1621.26 --> 1623.36]  so
+[1623.36 --> 1623.68]  if
+[1623.68 --> 1623.98]  your
+[1623.98 --> 1624.68]  deliverance
+[1624.68 --> 1625.00]  is
+[1625.00 --> 1625.48]  delayed
+[1625.48 --> 1626.26]  just
+[1626.26 --> 1626.96]  maybe
+[1626.96 --> 1627.44]  it
+[1627.44 --> 1627.74]  has
+[1627.74 --> 1627.92]  to
+[1627.92 --> 1628.12]  do
+[1628.12 --> 1628.56]  with
+[1628.56 --> 1629.10]  something
+[1629.10 --> 1629.50]  God
+[1629.50 --> 1629.80]  wants
+[1629.80 --> 1629.96]  to
+[1629.96 --> 1630.22]  do
+[1630.22 --> 1630.82]  in
+[1630.82 --> 1631.20]  you
+[1631.20 --> 1633.08]  just
+[1633.08 --> 1634.02]  maybe
+[1634.02 --> 1634.68]  it's
+[1634.68 --> 1635.14]  because
+[1635.14 --> 1635.46]  there
+[1635.46 --> 1635.68]  is
+[1635.68 --> 1636.02]  more
+[1636.02 --> 1636.26]  that
+[1636.26 --> 1636.56]  God
+[1636.56 --> 1636.72]  is
+[1636.72 --> 1637.02]  dealing
+[1637.02 --> 1637.40]  with
+[1637.40 --> 1638.44]  than
+[1638.44 --> 1638.82]  just
+[1638.82 --> 1639.10]  you
+[1639.10 --> 1641.36]  now
+[1641.36 --> 1641.68]  I
+[1641.68 --> 1641.82]  don't
+[1641.82 --> 1641.96]  know
+[1641.96 --> 1642.16]  for
+[1642.16 --> 1642.38]  sure
+[1642.38 --> 1642.64]  about
+[1642.64 --> 1642.92]  that
+[1642.92 --> 1644.12]  okay
+[1644.12 --> 1644.38]  but
+[1644.38 --> 1644.52]  I
+[1644.52 --> 1644.68]  do
+[1644.68 --> 1644.88]  know
+[1644.88 --> 1645.24]  this
+[1645.24 --> 1646.62]  God
+[1646.62 --> 1647.80]  remembers
+[1647.80 --> 1649.40]  God
+[1649.40 --> 1649.64]  does
+[1649.64 --> 1649.94]  not
+[1649.94 --> 1650.34]  forget
+[1650.34 --> 1650.80]  Joseph
+[1650.80 --> 1652.04]  God
+[1652.04 --> 1652.56]  knows
+[1652.56 --> 1653.54]  your
+[1653.54 --> 1653.98]  name
+[1653.98 --> 1655.40]  and
+[1655.40 --> 1655.56]  in
+[1655.56 --> 1655.80]  that
+[1655.80 --> 1656.38]  remembering
+[1656.38 --> 1656.78]  we
+[1656.78 --> 1657.34]  find a
+[1657.34 --> 1657.70]  purpose
+[1657.70 --> 1658.20]  and hope
+[1658.20 --> 1658.68]  that
+[1658.68 --> 1659.14]  nothing
+[1659.14 --> 1659.50]  and
+[1659.50 --> 1659.76]  no
+[1659.76 --> 1659.96]  one
+[1659.96 --> 1660.42]  not
+[1660.42 --> 1660.76]  even
+[1660.76 --> 1661.14]  death
+[1661.14 --> 1661.68]  can
+[1661.68 --> 1662.18]  destroy
+[1662.18 --> 1664.02]  that's
+[1664.02 --> 1664.22]  what
+[1664.22 --> 1664.54]  Jesus
+[1664.54 --> 1664.98]  taught
+[1664.98 --> 1665.18]  us
+[1665.18 --> 1665.64]  when
+[1665.64 --> 1665.80]  he
+[1665.80 --> 1666.00]  was
+[1666.00 --> 1666.16]  on
+[1666.16 --> 1666.30]  a
+[1666.30 --> 1666.66]  cross
+[1666.66 --> 1668.12]  that
+[1668.12 --> 1668.30]  to
+[1668.30 --> 1668.48]  be
+[1668.48 --> 1669.06]  remembered
+[1669.06 --> 1669.32]  by
+[1669.32 --> 1669.72]  God
+[1669.72 --> 1670.92]  and
+[1670.92 --> 1671.12]  in
+[1671.12 --> 1671.34]  turn
+[1671.34 --> 1671.54]  to
+[1671.54 --> 1672.06]  remember
+[1672.06 --> 1672.34]  this
+[1672.34 --> 1672.62]  God
+[1672.62 --> 1673.26]  ourselves
+[1673.26 --> 1674.20]  is
+[1674.20 --> 1674.36]  to
+[1674.36 --> 1674.60]  have
+[1674.60 --> 1674.76]  a
+[1674.76 --> 1675.14]  future
+[1675.14 --> 1676.12]  a
+[1676.12 --> 1676.44]  sure
+[1676.44 --> 1676.82]  hope
+[1676.82 --> 1678.18]  Jesus
+[1678.18 --> 1678.54]  said
+[1678.54 --> 1678.70]  the
+[1678.70 --> 1678.92]  one
+[1678.92 --> 1679.38]  criminal
+[1679.38 --> 1679.74]  hanging
+[1679.74 --> 1680.18]  beside
+[1680.18 --> 1680.36]  him
+[1680.36 --> 1681.00]  remember
+[1681.00 --> 1681.34]  me
+[1681.34 --> 1681.60]  when
+[1681.60 --> 1681.72]  you
+[1681.72 --> 1682.00]  come
+[1682.00 --> 1682.22]  into
+[1682.22 --> 1682.42]  your
+[1682.42 --> 1682.74]  kingdom
+[1682.74 --> 1683.26]  and
+[1683.26 --> 1683.40]  he
+[1683.40 --> 1683.62]  was
+[1683.62 --> 1683.94]  not
+[1683.94 --> 1684.32]  hoping
+[1684.32 --> 1684.54]  that
+[1684.54 --> 1684.76]  one
+[1684.76 --> 1684.94]  day
+[1684.94 --> 1685.26]  Jesus
+[1685.26 --> 1685.48]  would
+[1685.48 --> 1685.60]  be
+[1685.60 --> 1685.92]  riding
+[1685.92 --> 1686.28]  some
+[1686.28 --> 1686.58]  white
+[1686.58 --> 1687.14]  stallion
+[1687.14 --> 1687.58]  into
+[1687.58 --> 1687.80]  his
+[1687.80 --> 1688.14]  heavenly
+[1688.14 --> 1688.54]  kingdom
+[1688.54 --> 1688.84]  only
+[1688.84 --> 1689.06]  to
+[1689.06 --> 1689.22]  say
+[1689.22 --> 1689.38]  to
+[1689.38 --> 1689.80]  somebody
+[1689.80 --> 1690.34]  say
+[1690.34 --> 1690.64]  do you
+[1690.64 --> 1691.08]  remember
+[1691.08 --> 1691.48]  that
+[1691.48 --> 1691.68]  other
+[1691.68 --> 1691.96]  fellow
+[1691.96 --> 1692.12]  who
+[1692.12 --> 1692.38]  died
+[1692.38 --> 1692.54]  with
+[1692.54 --> 1692.66]  me
+[1692.66 --> 1692.76]  at
+[1692.76 --> 1693.14]  Golgotha
+[1693.14 --> 1693.42]  I
+[1693.42 --> 1694.04]  remember
+[1694.04 --> 1694.42]  him
+[1694.42 --> 1694.98]  not
+[1694.98 --> 1695.14]  a
+[1695.14 --> 1695.38]  bad
+[1695.38 --> 1695.64]  fellow
+[1695.64 --> 1695.80]  in
+[1695.80 --> 1695.92]  the
+[1695.92 --> 1696.12]  end
+[1696.12 --> 1696.36]  too
+[1696.36 --> 1696.74]  bad
+[1696.74 --> 1697.16]  he's
+[1697.16 --> 1697.42]  gone
+[1697.42 --> 1697.76]  now
+[1697.76 --> 1699.92]  no
+[1699.92 --> 1700.42]  God's
+[1700.42 --> 1700.86]  remembering
+[1700.86 --> 1701.44]  is not
+[1701.44 --> 1701.94]  about
+[1701.94 --> 1703.24]  recalling
+[1703.24 --> 1703.72]  your
+[1703.72 --> 1704.14]  CV
+[1704.14 --> 1705.64]  but about
+[1705.64 --> 1706.22]  remembering
+[1706.22 --> 1706.98]  you
+[1706.98 --> 1707.74]  loving
+[1707.74 --> 1708.68]  you
+[1708.68 --> 1709.62]  caring
+[1709.62 --> 1710.58]  for you
+[1710.58 --> 1711.16]  giving
+[1711.16 --> 1711.74]  you
+[1711.74 --> 1712.54]  a reason
+[1712.54 --> 1713.14]  to live
+[1713.14 --> 1714.00]  to be
+[1714.00 --> 1714.38]  blessed
+[1714.38 --> 1714.82]  and bless
+[1714.82 --> 1715.28]  others
+[1715.28 --> 1716.56]  and assure
+[1716.56 --> 1717.14]  an eternal
+[1717.14 --> 1717.60]  hope
+[1717.60 --> 1718.64]  for the
+[1718.64 --> 1719.02]  future
+[1719.02 --> 1721.32]  God
+[1721.32 --> 1721.82]  remembers
+[1721.82 --> 1722.54]  his promise
+[1722.54 --> 1723.06]  to bless
+[1723.06 --> 1723.50]  Abraham
+[1723.50 --> 1724.74]  and his
+[1724.74 --> 1725.24]  descendants
+[1725.24 --> 1726.04]  and thereby
+[1726.04 --> 1726.66]  assures
+[1726.66 --> 1726.96]  me
+[1726.96 --> 1728.18]  he knows
+[1728.18 --> 1729.02]  my name
+[1729.02 --> 1730.90]  but he
+[1730.90 --> 1731.30]  also
+[1731.30 --> 1731.88]  remembers
+[1731.88 --> 1732.56]  his promise
+[1732.56 --> 1733.08]  to bless
+[1733.08 --> 1733.88]  all peoples
+[1733.88 --> 1734.60]  through
+[1734.60 --> 1735.02]  Abraham
+[1735.02 --> 1735.62]  and his
+[1735.62 --> 1736.12]  descendants
+[1736.12 --> 1736.86]  and thereby
+[1736.86 --> 1737.48]  assures
+[1737.48 --> 1737.76]  me
+[1737.76 --> 1738.54]  that he
+[1738.54 --> 1738.96]  knows
+[1738.96 --> 1739.40]  and he
+[1739.40 --> 1739.80]  rules
+[1739.80 --> 1740.54]  all peoples
+[1740.54 --> 1741.10]  and events
+[1741.10 --> 1742.02]  today
+[1742.02 --> 1744.16]  notice how
+[1744.16 --> 1744.80]  Joseph tells
+[1744.80 --> 1745.14]  Pharaoh
+[1745.14 --> 1745.66]  like it
+[1745.66 --> 1746.00]  is
+[1746.00 --> 1748.44]  you see
+[1748.44 --> 1749.40]  Pharaoh's
+[1749.40 --> 1750.08]  authority
+[1750.08 --> 1751.04]  and Pharaoh's
+[1751.04 --> 1751.52]  power
+[1751.52 --> 1752.16]  came from
+[1752.16 --> 1752.68]  the fact
+[1752.68 --> 1754.28]  that people
+[1754.28 --> 1754.84]  believed
+[1754.84 --> 1755.54]  Pharaoh
+[1755.54 --> 1756.50]  was a
+[1756.50 --> 1756.80]  god
+[1756.80 --> 1758.62]  that Pharaoh
+[1758.62 --> 1759.20]  could give
+[1759.20 --> 1760.06]  them life
+[1760.06 --> 1760.86]  and a
+[1760.86 --> 1761.18]  future
+[1761.18 --> 1762.50]  and that
+[1762.50 --> 1763.00]  life and
+[1763.00 --> 1763.34]  future
+[1763.34 --> 1763.86]  were tied
+[1763.86 --> 1764.42]  up with
+[1764.42 --> 1764.80]  the Nile
+[1764.80 --> 1765.18]  river
+[1765.18 --> 1766.30]  Egyptian
+[1766.30 --> 1766.88]  religion
+[1766.88 --> 1767.32]  taught
+[1767.32 --> 1768.16]  that Ra
+[1768.16 --> 1768.94]  the sun
+[1768.94 --> 1769.36]  god
+[1769.36 --> 1770.24]  whose priests
+[1770.24 --> 1770.70]  were on
+[1770.70 --> 1771.36]  Pharaoh's
+[1771.36 --> 1771.88]  payroll
+[1771.88 --> 1772.90]  guaranteed
+[1772.90 --> 1773.64]  the regular
+[1773.64 --> 1774.38]  annual
+[1774.38 --> 1775.38]  Nile floods
+[1775.38 --> 1776.12]  that watered
+[1776.12 --> 1776.74]  the crops
+[1776.74 --> 1777.36]  of Egypt
+[1777.36 --> 1778.38]  the regular
+[1778.38 --> 1779.16]  ebb and
+[1779.16 --> 1779.72]  flow of
+[1779.72 --> 1780.22]  the Nile
+[1780.22 --> 1780.94]  under the
+[1780.94 --> 1781.70]  control of
+[1781.70 --> 1782.24]  Ra and
+[1782.24 --> 1782.78]  his agent
+[1782.78 --> 1783.26]  Pharaoh
+[1783.26 --> 1784.22]  allowed
+[1784.22 --> 1784.78]  Pharaoh
+[1784.78 --> 1785.36]  in the
+[1785.36 --> 1785.70]  eyes
+[1785.70 --> 1785.98]  of the
+[1785.98 --> 1786.34]  people
+[1786.34 --> 1786.82]  to
+[1786.82 --> 1787.50]  generate
+[1787.50 --> 1787.98]  and
+[1787.98 --> 1788.52]  guarantee
+[1788.52 --> 1789.64]  life
+[1789.64 --> 1792.26]  now
+[1792.26 --> 1792.94]  here
+[1792.94 --> 1793.78]  is this
+[1793.78 --> 1794.26]  Hebrew
+[1794.26 --> 1795.18]  jailbird
+[1795.18 --> 1796.26]  Joseph
+[1796.26 --> 1797.68]  standing
+[1797.68 --> 1798.12]  in front
+[1798.12 --> 1798.30]  of
+[1798.30 --> 1798.64]  Pharaoh
+[1798.64 --> 1799.64]  with
+[1799.64 --> 1800.16]  the gall
+[1800.16 --> 1800.86]  to declare
+[1800.86 --> 1802.82]  God
+[1802.82 --> 1803.54]  has revealed
+[1803.54 --> 1804.16]  to the
+[1804.16 --> 1804.48]  Pharaoh
+[1804.48 --> 1805.26]  what
+[1805.26 --> 1805.92]  God
+[1805.92 --> 1806.88]  is about
+[1806.88 --> 1807.36]  to do
+[1807.36 --> 1809.34]  in that
+[1809.34 --> 1810.22]  one sentence
+[1810.22 --> 1810.74]  there is
+[1810.74 --> 1811.54]  a major
+[1811.54 --> 1812.40]  shift
+[1812.40 --> 1812.82]  in the
+[1812.82 --> 1813.14]  whole
+[1813.14 --> 1813.70]  balance
+[1813.70 --> 1814.36]  of power
+[1814.36 --> 1814.98]  in the
+[1814.98 --> 1815.56]  throne room
+[1815.56 --> 1816.40]  of Egypt
+[1816.40 --> 1818.02]  Pharaoh's
+[1818.02 --> 1818.38]  dreams
+[1818.38 --> 1819.16]  reveal a
+[1819.16 --> 1819.56]  future
+[1819.56 --> 1820.12]  over which
+[1820.12 --> 1820.66]  Pharaoh
+[1820.66 --> 1822.20]  cannot cause
+[1822.20 --> 1823.44]  rather
+[1823.44 --> 1824.14]  over which
+[1824.14 --> 1824.52]  Pharaoh
+[1824.52 --> 1824.90]  and his
+[1824.90 --> 1825.14]  priests
+[1825.14 --> 1825.38]  have
+[1825.38 --> 1826.10]  absolutely
+[1826.10 --> 1827.48]  no control
+[1827.48 --> 1828.96]  suddenly
+[1828.96 --> 1829.38]  it is
+[1829.38 --> 1829.72]  clear
+[1829.72 --> 1829.98]  that
+[1829.98 --> 1830.42]  Pharaoh
+[1830.42 --> 1831.02]  cannot
+[1831.02 --> 1831.56]  cause
+[1831.56 --> 1832.20]  Pharaoh
+[1832.20 --> 1832.80]  cannot
+[1832.80 --> 1833.28]  guarantee
+[1833.28 --> 1834.28]  the future
+[1834.28 --> 1835.90]  it is
+[1835.90 --> 1836.30]  the God
+[1836.30 --> 1836.84]  of Israel
+[1836.84 --> 1838.80]  not Ra
+[1838.80 --> 1840.56]  not
+[1840.56 --> 1840.98]  Pharaoh
+[1840.98 --> 1842.60]  the God
+[1842.60 --> 1843.12]  of Israel
+[1843.12 --> 1844.38]  who controls
+[1844.38 --> 1845.20]  plenty
+[1845.20 --> 1846.24]  and famine
+[1846.24 --> 1847.52]  the God
+[1847.52 --> 1848.06]  of Israel
+[1848.06 --> 1849.02]  who has
+[1849.02 --> 1849.60]  the taps
+[1849.60 --> 1850.02]  of the
+[1850.02 --> 1850.60]  great Nile
+[1850.60 --> 1850.94]  river
+[1850.94 --> 1852.04]  in his
+[1852.04 --> 1852.42]  hand
+[1852.42 --> 1855.34]  Joseph
+[1855.34 --> 1856.00]  declares
+[1856.00 --> 1856.52]  that his
+[1856.52 --> 1856.94]  God
+[1856.94 --> 1857.36]  the God
+[1857.36 --> 1857.86]  of Abraham
+[1857.86 --> 1858.68]  Isaac
+[1858.68 --> 1859.36]  and Jacob
+[1859.36 --> 1860.98]  owns
+[1860.98 --> 1861.64]  the future
+[1861.64 --> 1863.62]  a claim
+[1863.62 --> 1864.08]  that is at
+[1864.08 --> 1864.70]  the very
+[1864.70 --> 1865.44]  foundation
+[1865.44 --> 1866.38]  of biblical
+[1866.38 --> 1867.36]  faith
+[1867.36 --> 1868.62]  we see it
+[1868.62 --> 1869.06]  again
+[1869.06 --> 1870.04]  and again
+[1870.04 --> 1870.94]  we see it
+[1870.94 --> 1871.28]  when a
+[1871.28 --> 1871.58]  Pharaoh
+[1871.58 --> 1872.58]  400 years
+[1872.58 --> 1873.00]  later
+[1873.00 --> 1873.90]  responds
+[1873.90 --> 1874.38]  to Moses
+[1874.38 --> 1874.88]  demand
+[1874.88 --> 1875.18]  that he
+[1875.18 --> 1875.84]  let God's
+[1875.84 --> 1876.38]  people go
+[1876.38 --> 1877.00]  by saying
+[1877.00 --> 1877.74]  who is the
+[1877.74 --> 1877.94]  Lord
+[1877.94 --> 1878.32]  that I
+[1878.32 --> 1878.50]  should
+[1878.50 --> 1879.08]  obey him
+[1879.08 --> 1880.14]  and let
+[1880.14 --> 1880.46]  Israel
+[1880.46 --> 1880.84]  go
+[1880.84 --> 1883.00]  and God
+[1883.00 --> 1883.86]  destroys him
+[1883.86 --> 1884.14]  and his
+[1884.14 --> 1884.52]  army
+[1884.52 --> 1885.46]  in the
+[1885.46 --> 1885.98]  Red Sea
+[1885.98 --> 1888.12]  we see it
+[1888.12 --> 1888.38]  when the
+[1888.38 --> 1889.04]  infant Jesus
+[1889.04 --> 1889.72]  is threatened
+[1889.72 --> 1890.42]  by the
+[1890.42 --> 1890.74]  envious
+[1890.74 --> 1891.28]  power
+[1891.28 --> 1892.02]  of King
+[1892.02 --> 1892.42]  Herod
+[1892.42 --> 1894.14]  we see it
+[1894.14 --> 1894.50]  when Jesus
+[1894.50 --> 1894.98]  stands
+[1894.98 --> 1895.80]  before Pilate
+[1895.80 --> 1896.36]  and declares
+[1896.36 --> 1897.08]  you would
+[1897.08 --> 1897.48]  have no
+[1897.48 --> 1898.18]  power over
+[1898.18 --> 1898.56]  me
+[1898.56 --> 1899.24]  if it
+[1899.24 --> 1899.54]  were not
+[1899.54 --> 1900.06]  given to
+[1900.06 --> 1900.42]  you
+[1900.42 --> 1901.50]  from above
+[1901.50 --> 1903.72]  no matter
+[1903.72 --> 1904.18]  what the
+[1904.18 --> 1904.80]  history books
+[1904.80 --> 1905.12]  say
+[1905.12 --> 1906.46]  no matter
+[1906.46 --> 1907.54]  whose hand
+[1907.54 --> 1908.36]  seems to be
+[1908.36 --> 1908.72]  on the
+[1908.72 --> 1909.06]  levers
+[1909.06 --> 1910.14]  of power
+[1910.14 --> 1910.62]  in our
+[1910.62 --> 1911.30]  world today
+[1911.30 --> 1912.42]  you can name
+[1912.42 --> 1912.96]  every name
+[1912.96 --> 1913.48]  you care to
+[1913.48 --> 1913.74]  name
+[1913.74 --> 1915.34]  ultimately
+[1915.34 --> 1916.42]  God
+[1916.42 --> 1917.00]  is in
+[1917.00 --> 1917.38]  charge
+[1917.38 --> 1919.06]  this is
+[1919.06 --> 1920.06]  Joseph's
+[1920.06 --> 1920.32]  earth
+[1920.32 --> 1921.30]  shaking
+[1921.30 --> 1922.20]  claim
+[1922.20 --> 1923.94]  Egypt
+[1923.94 --> 1924.56]  shaking
+[1924.56 --> 1925.04]  claim
+[1925.04 --> 1926.38]  as
+[1926.38 --> 1926.54]  he
+[1926.54 --> 1927.16]  interprets
+[1927.16 --> 1927.74]  Pharaoh's
+[1927.74 --> 1928.06]  dream
+[1928.06 --> 1930.38]  and God
+[1930.38 --> 1931.30]  uses us
+[1931.30 --> 1931.92]  to stake
+[1931.92 --> 1932.68]  his claim
+[1932.68 --> 1933.80]  to bless
+[1933.80 --> 1934.28]  others
+[1934.28 --> 1935.48]  God
+[1935.48 --> 1935.96]  and Joseph
+[1935.96 --> 1936.82]  work together
+[1936.82 --> 1937.56]  toward the
+[1937.56 --> 1938.18]  future of
+[1938.18 --> 1938.70]  feeding a
+[1938.70 --> 1939.38]  hungry world
+[1939.38 --> 1941.22]  God's plan
+[1941.22 --> 1941.98]  is implemented
+[1941.98 --> 1943.26]  by Joseph's
+[1943.26 --> 1943.74]  gifts of
+[1943.74 --> 1944.46]  imagination
+[1944.46 --> 1945.54]  and administration
+[1945.54 --> 1946.82]  it is one
+[1946.82 --> 1947.38]  thing that is
+[1947.38 --> 1948.04]  to trust in
+[1948.04 --> 1948.50]  the God
+[1948.50 --> 1949.16]  who knows
+[1949.16 --> 1949.50]  when the
+[1949.50 --> 1949.84]  sparrow
+[1949.84 --> 1950.30]  falls
+[1950.30 --> 1950.96]  who numbers
+[1950.96 --> 1951.44]  the very
+[1951.44 --> 1951.96]  hairs on
+[1951.96 --> 1952.44]  my head
+[1952.44 --> 1953.40]  God also
+[1953.40 --> 1954.38]  uses those
+[1954.38 --> 1954.78]  heads
+[1954.78 --> 1955.74]  of ours
+[1955.74 --> 1957.10]  God's
+[1957.10 --> 1957.66]  plans
+[1957.66 --> 1958.56]  to bless
+[1958.56 --> 1959.36]  all peoples
+[1959.36 --> 1959.78]  do not
+[1959.78 --> 1960.44]  override
+[1960.44 --> 1961.16]  our human
+[1961.16 --> 1961.92]  intelligence
+[1961.92 --> 1962.88]  discernment
+[1962.88 --> 1963.46]  care
+[1963.46 --> 1964.14]  and planning
+[1964.14 --> 1964.94]  but God
+[1964.94 --> 1965.54]  invites
+[1965.54 --> 1966.22]  commands
+[1966.22 --> 1966.92]  our
+[1966.92 --> 1967.50]  participation
+[1967.50 --> 1968.30]  with him
+[1968.30 --> 1969.14]  love the
+[1969.14 --> 1969.52]  Lord your
+[1969.52 --> 1969.86]  God
+[1969.86 --> 1970.34]  it says
+[1970.34 --> 1970.62]  in the
+[1970.62 --> 1971.16]  New Testament
+[1971.16 --> 1971.70]  with all
+[1971.70 --> 1972.38]  your heart
+[1972.38 --> 1973.28]  soul
+[1973.28 --> 1974.12]  strength
+[1974.12 --> 1975.72]  and mind
+[1975.72 --> 1977.70]  yes
+[1977.70 --> 1978.32]  Joseph's
+[1978.32 --> 1978.74]  godliness
+[1978.74 --> 1979.54]  shines through
+[1979.54 --> 1980.06]  in his
+[1980.06 --> 1980.50]  resistance
+[1980.50 --> 1980.88]  to the
+[1980.88 --> 1981.46]  temptations
+[1981.46 --> 1982.28]  of Potiphar's
+[1982.28 --> 1982.62]  wife
+[1982.62 --> 1983.62]  in his
+[1983.62 --> 1984.02]  faith
+[1984.02 --> 1984.30]  while he
+[1984.30 --> 1984.92]  is begotten
+[1984.92 --> 1985.42]  in prison
+[1985.42 --> 1985.96]  in his
+[1985.96 --> 1986.72]  interpretation
+[1986.72 --> 1987.62]  of the
+[1987.62 --> 1988.16]  pharaoh's
+[1988.16 --> 1988.54]  dream
+[1988.54 --> 1990.30]  but it
+[1990.30 --> 1991.16]  also comes
+[1991.16 --> 1991.52]  through
+[1991.52 --> 1992.26]  in a
+[1992.26 --> 1992.70]  grand
+[1992.70 --> 1993.76]  14 year
+[1993.76 --> 1994.46]  economic
+[1994.46 --> 1994.98]  plan
+[1994.98 --> 1995.72]  that will
+[1995.72 --> 1996.14]  feed
+[1996.14 --> 1996.78]  a hungry
+[1996.78 --> 1997.46]  world
+[1997.46 --> 1999.42]  God's
+[1999.42 --> 1999.86]  work is
+[1999.86 --> 2000.40]  not limited
+[2000.40 --> 2000.86]  to what
+[2000.86 --> 2001.46]  goes on
+[2001.46 --> 2001.92]  in church
+[2001.92 --> 2002.26]  or in
+[2002.26 --> 2002.76]  our personal
+[2002.76 --> 2003.22]  lives
+[2003.22 --> 2004.10]  God works
+[2004.10 --> 2004.80]  in politics
+[2004.80 --> 2005.54]  and government
+[2005.54 --> 2006.40]  and management
+[2006.40 --> 2007.30]  of the economy
+[2007.30 --> 2008.28]  God doesn't
+[2008.28 --> 2008.94]  just feed
+[2008.94 --> 2009.36]  the poor
+[2009.36 --> 2009.72]  with an
+[2009.72 --> 2010.26]  occasional
+[2010.26 --> 2011.16]  miraculous
+[2011.16 --> 2011.86]  multiplying
+[2011.86 --> 2012.32]  of a few
+[2012.32 --> 2012.70]  loaves
+[2012.70 --> 2013.20]  and fish
+[2013.20 --> 2014.06]  but also
+[2014.06 --> 2014.74]  through spirit
+[2014.74 --> 2015.66]  gifted people
+[2015.66 --> 2016.78]  the policies
+[2016.78 --> 2017.36]  of just
+[2017.36 --> 2017.84]  and caring
+[2017.84 --> 2018.30]  leaders
+[2018.30 --> 2019.16]  of business
+[2019.16 --> 2019.56]  people
+[2019.56 --> 2020.34]  of relief
+[2020.34 --> 2020.72]  planners
+[2020.72 --> 2021.34]  and yes
+[2021.34 --> 2022.80]  even ordinary
+[2022.80 --> 2023.70]  people like
+[2023.70 --> 2024.08]  us
+[2024.08 --> 2025.10]  giving and
+[2025.10 --> 2025.52]  sharing
+[2025.52 --> 2026.46]  where we are
+[2026.46 --> 2026.88]  able
+[2026.88 --> 2028.12]  especially this
+[2028.12 --> 2028.58]  Thanksgiving
+[2028.58 --> 2029.12]  weekend
+[2029.12 --> 2031.44]  but listen
+[2031.44 --> 2032.24]  God
+[2032.24 --> 2033.34]  is in
+[2033.34 --> 2033.80]  control
+[2033.80 --> 2035.38]  God
+[2035.38 --> 2036.38]  ultimately
+[2036.38 --> 2037.12]  rules
+[2037.12 --> 2037.78]  world
+[2037.78 --> 2038.42]  affairs
+[2038.42 --> 2039.42]  this
+[2039.42 --> 2039.78]  too
+[2039.78 --> 2040.08]  is
+[2040.08 --> 2040.26]  the
+[2040.26 --> 2040.68]  gospel
+[2040.68 --> 2041.02]  of
+[2041.02 --> 2041.40]  Genesis
+[2041.40 --> 2041.90]  40
+[2041.90 --> 2042.88]  and 41
+[2042.88 --> 2044.62]  and ultimately
+[2044.62 --> 2045.38]  that gospel
+[2045.38 --> 2045.94]  of Joseph
+[2045.94 --> 2046.56]  points to
+[2046.56 --> 2047.12]  the person
+[2047.12 --> 2048.12]  in the center
+[2048.12 --> 2048.76]  of all
+[2048.76 --> 2049.32]  of history
+[2049.32 --> 2050.66]  Jesus Christ
+[2050.66 --> 2051.46]  God
+[2051.46 --> 2052.68]  with us
+[2052.68 --> 2053.74]  who also
+[2053.74 --> 2054.38]  challenged
+[2054.38 --> 2055.02]  the powers
+[2055.02 --> 2055.68]  of this world
+[2055.68 --> 2056.00]  and they
+[2056.00 --> 2056.72]  lifted him
+[2056.72 --> 2057.00]  up
+[2057.00 --> 2058.64]  on a cross
+[2058.64 --> 2059.62]  and they
+[2059.62 --> 2060.24]  killed him
+[2060.24 --> 2061.74]  but on the
+[2061.74 --> 2062.24]  third day
+[2062.24 --> 2062.80]  he rose
+[2062.80 --> 2063.16]  from the
+[2063.16 --> 2063.42]  dead
+[2063.42 --> 2064.56]  and just
+[2064.56 --> 2065.04]  as all
+[2065.04 --> 2065.52]  were once
+[2065.52 --> 2065.98]  commanded
+[2065.98 --> 2066.58]  to bow
+[2066.58 --> 2067.00]  before
+[2067.00 --> 2067.50]  Joseph
+[2067.50 --> 2068.48]  so as
+[2068.48 --> 2069.22]  Paul wrote
+[2069.22 --> 2069.84]  to Christians
+[2069.84 --> 2070.60]  in Philippi
+[2070.60 --> 2071.42]  God
+[2071.42 --> 2072.06]  exalted
+[2072.06 --> 2072.52]  Jesus
+[2072.52 --> 2073.54]  to the
+[2073.54 --> 2073.96]  highest
+[2073.96 --> 2074.44]  place
+[2074.44 --> 2075.44]  and gave
+[2075.44 --> 2075.92]  him the
+[2075.92 --> 2076.14]  name
+[2076.14 --> 2076.52]  that is
+[2076.52 --> 2076.84]  above
+[2076.84 --> 2077.44]  every
+[2077.44 --> 2077.82]  name
+[2077.82 --> 2078.70]  that at
+[2078.70 --> 2079.24]  the name
+[2079.24 --> 2079.76]  of Jesus
+[2079.76 --> 2080.74]  every knee
+[2080.74 --> 2081.36]  should bow
+[2081.36 --> 2082.34]  in heaven
+[2082.34 --> 2083.00]  and on earth
+[2083.00 --> 2083.46]  and under
+[2083.46 --> 2083.98]  the earth
+[2083.98 --> 2085.28]  and every
+[2085.28 --> 2085.56]  tongue
+[2085.56 --> 2086.18]  confess
+[2086.18 --> 2087.40]  that Jesus
+[2087.40 --> 2088.04]  Christ
+[2088.04 --> 2088.76]  is Lord
+[2088.76 --> 2090.10]  to the glory
+[2090.10 --> 2091.08]  of God
+[2091.08 --> 2091.64]  the Father
+[2091.64 --> 2092.96]  this
+[2092.96 --> 2094.88]  this is
+[2094.88 --> 2095.52]  God's
+[2095.52 --> 2096.34]  ultimate
+[2096.34 --> 2097.26]  dream
+[2097.26 --> 2098.94]  the ultimate
+[2098.94 --> 2099.58]  fulfillment
+[2099.58 --> 2100.02]  of his
+[2100.02 --> 2100.52]  promise
+[2100.52 --> 2101.72]  to Abraham
+[2101.72 --> 2103.32]  in that
+[2103.32 --> 2103.72]  dream
+[2103.72 --> 2104.44]  lies the
+[2104.44 --> 2104.82]  hope
+[2104.82 --> 2105.52]  and the
+[2105.52 --> 2105.90]  future
+[2105.90 --> 2106.66]  and the
+[2106.66 --> 2107.04]  blessing
+[2107.04 --> 2107.96]  of the
+[2107.96 --> 2108.40]  world
+[2108.40 --> 2110.02]  this
+[2110.02 --> 2110.54]  faithful
+[2110.54 --> 2111.02]  covenant
+[2111.02 --> 2111.56]  God
+[2111.56 --> 2112.66]  always
+[2112.66 --> 2113.24]  remembers
+[2113.24 --> 2114.64]  he knows
+[2114.64 --> 2115.82]  my name
+[2115.82 --> 2117.74]  which
+[2117.74 --> 2118.24]  leaves us
+[2118.24 --> 2118.76]  to answer
+[2118.76 --> 2119.44]  just one
+[2119.44 --> 2120.58]  very simple
+[2120.58 --> 2121.34]  but important
+[2121.34 --> 2121.88]  question
+[2121.88 --> 2123.72]  what will
+[2123.72 --> 2124.16]  you do
+[2124.16 --> 2124.64]  even
+[2124.64 --> 2125.54]  this week
+[2125.54 --> 2126.86]  so that
+[2126.86 --> 2127.40]  others in
+[2127.40 --> 2128.10]  your circle
+[2128.10 --> 2128.90]  of influence
+[2128.90 --> 2130.12]  and in the
+[2130.12 --> 2130.48]  world
+[2130.48 --> 2131.62]  will come
+[2131.62 --> 2132.16]  to know
+[2132.16 --> 2133.64]  his name
+[2133.64 --> 2135.64]  in the name
+[2135.64 --> 2135.92]  of the
+[2135.92 --> 2136.38]  Father and
+[2136.38 --> 2136.78]  the Son
+[2136.78 --> 2138.04]  and the Holy
+[2138.04 --> 2138.42]  Spirit
+[2138.42 --> 2139.82]  let's pray
+[2139.82 --> 2142.52]  gracious God
+[2142.52 --> 2143.26]  we thank you
+[2143.26 --> 2144.80]  especially on
+[2144.80 --> 2145.08]  this
+[2145.08 --> 2146.38]  Thanksgiving
+[2146.38 --> 2146.98]  weekend
+[2146.98 --> 2148.46]  for the
+[2148.46 --> 2148.86]  gospel
+[2148.86 --> 2149.70]  that we
+[2149.70 --> 2150.12]  have heard
+[2150.12 --> 2150.52]  today
+[2150.52 --> 2152.28]  that you
+[2152.28 --> 2152.76]  remember
+[2152.76 --> 2153.02]  your
+[2153.02 --> 2153.38]  covenant
+[2153.38 --> 2155.10]  and you
+[2155.10 --> 2155.56]  know our
+[2155.56 --> 2155.86]  name
+[2155.86 --> 2157.46]  that you
+[2157.46 --> 2157.92]  remember
+[2157.92 --> 2158.56]  your covenant
+[2158.56 --> 2159.22]  with Abraham
+[2159.22 --> 2161.18]  and you
+[2161.18 --> 2161.46]  are the
+[2161.46 --> 2161.74]  one
+[2161.74 --> 2162.88]  who rules
+[2162.88 --> 2163.98]  all things
+[2163.98 --> 2165.58]  may that
+[2165.58 --> 2166.02]  give us
+[2166.02 --> 2166.56]  Lord in
+[2166.56 --> 2167.32]  these chaotic
+[2167.32 --> 2167.92]  times
+[2167.92 --> 2169.60]  a sense
+[2169.60 --> 2170.16]  of peace
+[2170.16 --> 2171.68]  a sense
+[2171.68 --> 2172.54]  of confidence
+[2172.54 --> 2173.60]  a sense
+[2173.60 --> 2174.22]  of trust
+[2174.22 --> 2175.84]  and a
+[2175.84 --> 2176.32]  strong
+[2176.32 --> 2177.02]  and firm
+[2177.02 --> 2177.48]  hope
+[2177.48 --> 2179.06]  for this
+[2179.06 --> 2179.38]  day
+[2179.38 --> 2180.30]  and for
+[2180.30 --> 2180.80]  the future
+[2180.80 --> 2182.58]  we pray
+[2182.58 --> 2183.10]  in Jesus
+[2183.10 --> 2183.54]  name
+[2183.54 --> 2184.34]  amen

Joseph #5—Truth and Reconciliation (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,1406 @@
+[0.00 --> 12.08]  Well, this is week number five of the Joseph series, and we're going to read today from
+[12.08 --> 17.60]  the latter part of Genesis 41 and then all of chapter 42.
+[22.04 --> 29.72]  And we last left Joseph when he had just been taken out of prison and had a pretty incredible
+[29.72 --> 35.16]  promotion from prisoner to second in command in the Egyptian empire.
+[38.22 --> 44.14]  Joseph was 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.
+[45.26 --> 49.60]  And Joseph went out from Pharaoh's presence and traveled throughout Egypt.
+[50.54 --> 54.30]  During the seven years of abundance, the land produced plentifully.
+[55.12 --> 60.00]  Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and
+[60.00 --> 61.16]  stored it in the cities.
+[61.58 --> 65.52]  In each city, he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it.
+[66.34 --> 70.32]  Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea.
+[70.50 --> 75.60]  It was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure.
+[75.60 --> 83.16]  Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath, daughter of Potipharah,
+[83.60 --> 84.40]  priest of On.
+[85.04 --> 87.74]  Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said,
+[88.46 --> 93.52]  It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household.
+[94.60 --> 97.00]  The second son he named Ephraim and said,
+[97.50 --> 101.56]  It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my sovereign.
+[101.56 --> 107.02]  The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end.
+[107.74 --> 111.64]  And the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said.
+[112.56 --> 117.38]  There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food.
+[118.24 --> 122.32]  When all Egypt began to fuel the famine, the people cried out to Pharaoh for food.
+[122.72 --> 124.38]  Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians,
+[124.70 --> 126.52]  Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.
+[126.52 --> 129.70]  When the famine had spread over the whole country,
+[130.32 --> 133.74]  Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians,
+[134.10 --> 136.58]  for the famine was severe throughout Egypt.
+[137.02 --> 140.36]  And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph,
+[140.70 --> 143.66]  because the famine was severe everywhere.
+[145.42 --> 148.66]  When Jacob learned there was grain in Egypt,
+[148.84 --> 150.14]  he said to his sons,
+[150.62 --> 153.02]  Why do you just keep looking at each other?
+[153.02 --> 155.50]  I have heard that there is grain in Egypt.
+[155.70 --> 157.36]  Go down there and buy some for us,
+[157.38 --> 159.18]  so that we may live and not die.
+[160.88 --> 163.96]  Then ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt.
+[164.32 --> 166.92]  But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother,
+[167.14 --> 170.90]  with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him.
+[171.68 --> 174.68]  So Israel's sons were among those who went to buy grain,
+[174.88 --> 178.06]  for there was famine in the land of Canaan also.
+[178.06 --> 181.58]  Now Joseph was the governor of the land,
+[181.68 --> 183.76]  the person who sold grain to all its people.
+[184.40 --> 186.00]  So when Joseph's brothers arrived,
+[186.10 --> 188.54]  they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.
+[189.36 --> 191.26]  As soon as Joseph saw his brothers,
+[191.58 --> 192.90]  he recognized them.
+[193.66 --> 195.46]  But he pretended to be a stranger
+[195.46 --> 197.40]  and spoke harshly to them.
+[197.90 --> 199.48]  Where do you come from? he asked.
+[200.08 --> 202.02]  From the land of Canaan, they replied,
+[202.18 --> 203.04]  to buy food.
+[204.28 --> 205.94]  Although Joseph recognized his brothers,
+[205.94 --> 207.52]  they did not recognize him.
+[208.06 --> 210.12]  Then he remembered his dreams about them
+[210.12 --> 210.80]  and said to them,
+[211.08 --> 211.72]  You are spies.
+[212.42 --> 214.66]  You have come to see where our land is unprotected.
+[215.48 --> 216.78]  No, my lord, they answered.
+[217.18 --> 219.06]  Your servants have come to buy food.
+[219.42 --> 221.18]  We are all the sons of one man.
+[221.66 --> 224.24]  Your servants are honest men, not spies.
+[224.68 --> 225.86]  No, he said to them.
+[226.28 --> 228.82]  You have come to see where our land is unprotected.
+[229.70 --> 230.76]  But they replied,
+[230.96 --> 232.52]  Your servants were twelve brothers,
+[232.88 --> 235.32]  the sons of one man who lives in the land of Canaan.
+[235.32 --> 237.20]  The youngest is now with our father,
+[237.38 --> 238.56]  and one is no more.
+[239.26 --> 240.28]  Joseph said to them,
+[240.40 --> 241.76]  It is just as I told you.
+[241.98 --> 242.90]  You are spies,
+[243.26 --> 244.86]  and this is how you will be tested.
+[245.42 --> 247.14]  As surely as Pharaoh lives,
+[247.28 --> 248.94]  you will not leave this place
+[248.94 --> 251.72]  unless your youngest brother comes here.
+[252.52 --> 254.50]  Send one of your number to get your brother.
+[254.78 --> 256.42]  The rest of you will be kept in prison
+[256.42 --> 258.54]  so that your words may be tested
+[258.54 --> 260.64]  to see if you are telling the truth.
+[260.64 --> 262.08]  If you are not,
+[262.46 --> 263.26]  then surely,
+[263.38 --> 265.08]  as surely as Pharaoh lives,
+[265.48 --> 266.98]  you are spies.
+[267.68 --> 270.48]  And he put them all in custody for three days.
+[271.56 --> 272.60]  On the third day,
+[272.66 --> 273.50]  Joseph said to them,
+[273.90 --> 274.60]  Do this,
+[275.20 --> 276.14]  and you will live,
+[276.60 --> 277.44]  for I fear God.
+[278.50 --> 279.68]  If you are honest men,
+[279.74 --> 281.54]  let one of your brothers stay here in prison
+[281.54 --> 282.88]  while the rest of you go
+[282.88 --> 285.30]  and take grain back for your starving households.
+[285.76 --> 288.40]  But you must bring your youngest brother to me
+[288.40 --> 290.58]  so that your words may be verified
+[290.58 --> 292.58]  and that you may not die.
+[294.04 --> 296.06]  This they proceeded to do.
+[297.22 --> 298.36]  They said to one another,
+[298.94 --> 301.36]  Surely we are being punished because of our brother.
+[302.02 --> 303.92]  We saw how distressed he was
+[303.92 --> 305.68]  when he pleaded with us for his life,
+[305.80 --> 307.06]  but we would not listen.
+[307.24 --> 309.90]  That's why this distress has come on us.
+[310.96 --> 311.84]  Reuben replied,
+[312.26 --> 314.36]  Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy?
+[314.50 --> 315.58]  But you wouldn't listen.
+[315.58 --> 318.44]  Now we must give an accounting for his blood.
+[319.98 --> 323.26]  They did not realize that Joseph could understand them
+[323.26 --> 325.68]  since he was using an interpreter.
+[327.36 --> 330.22]  He turned away from them and began to weep,
+[330.68 --> 332.64]  but then came back and spoke to them again.
+[333.42 --> 334.54]  He had Simeon bound,
+[334.68 --> 335.90]  of Simeon taken from them
+[335.90 --> 337.32]  and bound before their eyes.
+[337.88 --> 340.22]  Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain,
+[340.40 --> 342.82]  to put each man's silver back in his sack,
+[342.82 --> 344.98]  and to give them provisions for their journey.
+[345.58 --> 347.14]  After this was done for them,
+[347.22 --> 349.66]  they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left.
+[350.56 --> 352.14]  At the place where they stopped for the night,
+[352.26 --> 353.48]  one of them opened his sack
+[353.48 --> 355.04]  to get feed for his donkey,
+[355.36 --> 358.52]  and he saw his silver in the mouth of his sack.
+[359.18 --> 360.98]  My silver has been returned,
+[361.46 --> 363.04]  he said to my brother, his brothers.
+[363.44 --> 365.44]  Here it is in my sack.
+[366.28 --> 367.50]  Their hearts sank,
+[367.60 --> 369.58]  and they turned to each other trembling and said,
+[369.98 --> 373.04]  What is this that God has done to us?
+[373.04 --> 377.26]  When they came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan,
+[377.42 --> 379.10]  they told him all that had happened to them.
+[379.50 --> 379.90]  They said,
+[380.02 --> 382.74]  The man who was lord over the land spoke harshly to us
+[382.74 --> 385.42]  and treated us as though we were spying on the land.
+[386.06 --> 387.10]  But we said to him,
+[387.26 --> 388.40]  We are honest men.
+[388.68 --> 389.82]  We are not spies.
+[390.62 --> 391.68]  We were twelve brothers,
+[391.88 --> 392.94]  sons of one father.
+[393.26 --> 394.12]  One is no more,
+[394.18 --> 396.34]  and the youngest is now with our father in Canaan.
+[396.34 --> 399.98]  Then the man who was lord over the land said to us,
+[400.48 --> 402.76]  This is how I will know whether you are honest men.
+[403.42 --> 405.34]  Leave one of your brothers here with me
+[405.34 --> 408.22]  and take food for your starving households and go.
+[408.74 --> 410.46]  But bring your youngest brother to me
+[410.46 --> 413.86]  so I will know that you are not spies but honest men.
+[414.46 --> 416.22]  Then I will give your brother back to you,
+[416.56 --> 418.10]  and you can trade in the land.
+[419.42 --> 421.20]  As they were emptying their sacks,
+[421.38 --> 424.84]  there in each man's sack was his pouch of silver.
+[424.84 --> 428.28]  When they and their father saw the money pouches,
+[428.44 --> 429.56]  they were frightened.
+[430.42 --> 431.96]  Their father Jacob said to them,
+[432.48 --> 434.62]  You have deprived me of my children.
+[435.38 --> 436.52]  Joseph is no more,
+[436.96 --> 438.30]  and Simeon is no more,
+[438.48 --> 440.14]  and now you want to take Benjamin.
+[440.40 --> 442.24]  Everything is against me.
+[443.54 --> 445.04]  Then Reuben said to his father,
+[445.80 --> 448.08]  You may put both of my sons to death
+[448.08 --> 450.36]  if I do not bring him back to you.
+[451.08 --> 452.40]  Entrust him to my care,
+[452.90 --> 454.04]  and I will bring him back.
+[454.84 --> 456.16]  But Jacob said,
+[456.48 --> 458.34]  My son will not go down there with you.
+[458.84 --> 459.98]  His brother is dead,
+[460.18 --> 462.66]  and he is the only one left.
+[463.28 --> 465.74]  If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking,
+[466.16 --> 470.32]  you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow.
+[471.00 --> 473.20]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[474.10 --> 474.86]  Let's pray.
+[475.20 --> 475.88]  Gracious God,
+[476.88 --> 479.78]  help us to understand
+[479.78 --> 484.68]  this story in the context of our own lives as well.
+[486.68 --> 488.24]  Open the eyes of our heart
+[488.24 --> 490.30]  to hear your word to us today.
+[491.00 --> 492.88]  In Jesus' name, amen.
+[492.88 --> 499.42]  During the hearings a number of years ago
+[499.42 --> 504.14]  of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Committee,
+[506.14 --> 507.86]  an aging mother and wife
+[507.86 --> 510.70]  stood in an emotionally charged courtroom,
+[511.98 --> 514.34]  listening to police officers admit
+[514.34 --> 518.60]  to the atrocities committed in the name of apartheid
+[518.60 --> 520.48]  against her family.
+[522.14 --> 524.50]  One of them, Officer Vanderbrook,
+[525.58 --> 527.98]  admitted his responsibility in the death
+[527.98 --> 530.08]  of her 18-year-old son.
+[531.76 --> 533.22]  Along with other officers,
+[533.56 --> 537.04]  he shot the young man at point-blank range,
+[537.04 --> 541.52]  then partied as the young man's body
+[541.52 --> 543.48]  was slowly reduced to ashes
+[543.48 --> 546.42]  while roasting over an open fire.
+[548.08 --> 550.20]  Eight years later, Vanderbrook,
+[550.90 --> 551.74]  along with others,
+[552.00 --> 554.14]  returned and seized her husband.
+[555.36 --> 556.72]  She was forced to watch
+[556.72 --> 559.42]  as his body was doused with gasoline
+[559.42 --> 562.74]  and the police officers ignited the flames
+[562.74 --> 565.42]  that consumed and killed him.
+[567.04 --> 571.18]  Now, Vanderbrook stood before her,
+[571.90 --> 573.14]  awaiting judgment.
+[574.66 --> 576.70]  He caused her incredible pain,
+[577.30 --> 578.72]  taken so much from her,
+[578.80 --> 581.48]  but today the tables were turned.
+[582.54 --> 584.30]  Now, as the committee asked her
+[584.30 --> 586.46]  what she would want in this matter
+[586.46 --> 587.94]  to bring about justice,
+[588.34 --> 591.70]  she had the power to influence his future,
+[592.86 --> 595.56]  a future that could mean life imprisonment,
+[595.56 --> 599.12]  even, perhaps, death.
+[602.00 --> 603.18]  Speaking calmly,
+[604.30 --> 607.04]  this is what she told the committee.
+[608.32 --> 610.66]  I would like three things.
+[611.72 --> 615.14]  First, I would like Mr. Vanderbrook
+[615.14 --> 617.96]  to take me where my husband's body was burned.
+[617.96 --> 621.14]  I would like to sweep up the dust
+[621.14 --> 624.22]  so I could give him a decent burial.
+[625.92 --> 628.82]  Second, Mr. Vanderbrook
+[628.82 --> 631.96]  has taken all the family I have from me,
+[632.52 --> 635.68]  and I have a lot of love to give.
+[637.10 --> 638.70]  So twice a month,
+[639.24 --> 640.72]  I'd like him to come down
+[640.72 --> 643.42]  and spend a day with me in the ghetto
+[643.42 --> 646.48]  so I could be a mother to him.
+[648.28 --> 649.68]  Third, and finally,
+[650.08 --> 652.08]  I'd like Mr. Vanderbrook to know
+[652.08 --> 653.76]  that God has forgiven him,
+[654.56 --> 656.68]  and I can forgive him too.
+[656.68 --> 660.84]  So that he knows my forgiveness is real,
+[660.84 --> 662.40]  I would like someone
+[662.40 --> 664.72]  to lead me across the courtroom
+[664.72 --> 667.34]  so I can give him a hug.
+[669.28 --> 672.08]  As she was slowly led across the courtroom,
+[672.96 --> 675.82]  Vanderbrook, overwhelmed by her response,
+[676.90 --> 678.18]  fainted dead away.
+[679.28 --> 682.36]  One person started singing Amazing Grace,
+[682.36 --> 685.12]  and by the time the song ended,
+[685.72 --> 688.70]  all who were in the courtroom joined in.
+[689.48 --> 690.10]  True story.
+[694.94 --> 697.94]  Nobody started singing Amazing Grace
+[697.94 --> 701.30]  the day Joseph's brothers arrived in Egypt.
+[703.60 --> 706.76]  Driven by need because of severe famine everywhere,
+[708.32 --> 710.02]  Jacob sent his sons there
+[710.02 --> 712.64]  where they faced Joseph for the first time
+[712.64 --> 714.42]  since they had sold him
+[714.42 --> 717.66]  into slavery over 20 years before.
+[719.42 --> 721.66]  They didn't know it was Joseph at the time,
+[721.74 --> 723.70]  and they would not know for quite some time yet.
+[724.98 --> 727.30]  But Joseph recognized his brothers
+[727.30 --> 729.28]  and found himself in a position
+[729.28 --> 731.42]  like that South African mother
+[731.42 --> 733.76]  where he had those responsible
+[733.76 --> 736.44]  for so much pain in his life
+[736.44 --> 737.60]  over a barrel.
+[737.60 --> 741.94]  Not only does he have some influence
+[741.94 --> 743.04]  in how they are treated,
+[743.28 --> 745.48]  he literally has the power of life
+[745.48 --> 746.60]  and death over them.
+[748.30 --> 750.76]  And what would Joseph do?
+[753.36 --> 754.42]  For that matter,
+[754.56 --> 756.20]  and just to make it more personal
+[756.20 --> 757.78]  and get you involved in the story
+[757.78 --> 758.58]  right from the start,
+[758.74 --> 760.52]  what would you do?
+[762.30 --> 763.96]  What would each of us,
+[764.06 --> 765.96]  each with our own unique stories,
+[765.96 --> 767.98]  what would you do
+[767.98 --> 769.38]  if you had a person,
+[769.48 --> 771.18]  and maybe someone comes to mind,
+[771.56 --> 773.62]  who caused you a lot of pain
+[773.62 --> 775.74]  if you had that person
+[775.74 --> 777.08]  over a barrel?
+[778.76 --> 779.78]  Or perhaps,
+[779.90 --> 781.88]  what have you done?
+[785.14 --> 787.32]  I don't know how you'd answer that question.
+[787.32 --> 792.04]  You know how one South African mother did,
+[793.00 --> 795.46]  and Genesis 42 tells us
+[795.46 --> 797.10]  how Joseph did.
+[799.28 --> 801.32]  Try to imagine this situation
+[801.32 --> 804.88]  as Joseph suddenly and unexpectedly
+[804.88 --> 807.30]  relives his painful past.
+[807.30 --> 810.84]  He thought he'd put it behind him.
+[811.64 --> 812.04]  In fact,
+[812.12 --> 813.30]  the end of Genesis 41
+[813.30 --> 814.50]  tells us that Joseph
+[814.50 --> 817.52]  named his firstborn son Manasseh
+[817.52 --> 819.06]  because he said,
+[819.86 --> 821.80]  God has made me forget
+[821.80 --> 823.22]  all my troubles
+[823.22 --> 825.28]  and all my father's household.
+[826.64 --> 828.40]  Except that life
+[828.40 --> 830.38]  doesn't really work like that,
+[830.66 --> 831.14]  does it?
+[831.14 --> 834.58]  The past has a way
+[834.58 --> 836.08]  of coming back to us.
+[836.40 --> 838.42]  We can talk until we are blue in the face
+[838.42 --> 839.42]  about how important,
+[839.74 --> 841.16]  how necessary it is
+[841.16 --> 842.94]  to forgive and to forget.
+[843.16 --> 845.48]  But most of us know by experience
+[845.48 --> 848.28]  that as difficult as forgiving can be,
+[849.22 --> 852.44]  forgetting is almost impossible.
+[853.82 --> 855.64]  Even if by God's grace
+[855.64 --> 857.08]  we have managed to forgive,
+[857.48 --> 860.16]  do we ever really forget?
+[860.16 --> 865.46]  Genesis 42 brings back,
+[865.56 --> 868.18]  the past back into Joseph's present
+[868.18 --> 870.54]  in a dramatic way.
+[872.20 --> 874.36]  His father and brothers back home
+[874.36 --> 876.54]  in Canaan are in desperate straits
+[876.54 --> 878.86]  as they too have been affected
+[878.86 --> 880.96]  by a worldwide famine.
+[882.24 --> 884.72]  The situation is obviously serious
+[884.72 --> 886.88]  for Jacob sends his son to Egypt
+[886.88 --> 888.88]  to get grains as the storyteller
+[888.88 --> 890.32]  so that we may live
+[890.32 --> 891.42]  and not die.
+[892.78 --> 893.90]  And so all the brothers,
+[894.86 --> 895.74]  except for one,
+[896.62 --> 897.66]  head down to Egypt.
+[898.88 --> 900.26]  Benjamin, the youngest,
+[900.86 --> 901.66]  Jacob's favorite,
+[901.82 --> 903.06]  now that Joseph is gone,
+[903.70 --> 904.30]  stays home.
+[905.62 --> 907.00]  Jacob's parenting skills
+[907.00 --> 909.08]  haven't improved much over time.
+[910.46 --> 911.80]  Did you notice what he says
+[911.80 --> 913.56]  at the end of Genesis 42
+[913.56 --> 916.18]  in refusing to let Benjamin go to Egypt?
+[916.84 --> 917.50]  Listen again.
+[918.30 --> 920.30]  My son will not go down there with you.
+[920.56 --> 921.64]  His brother is dead
+[921.64 --> 923.52]  and he is the only one left.
+[924.26 --> 926.84]  Like I thought there were 10 others,
+[927.10 --> 928.76]  but I digress.
+[929.96 --> 932.36]  The 10 brothers arrived in Egypt.
+[933.76 --> 935.84]  And as ridiculous as you know it is
+[935.84 --> 936.66]  to say by now,
+[936.66 --> 937.98]  it so happens
+[937.98 --> 940.48]  that although masses of foreigners
+[940.48 --> 942.04]  were streaming into Egypt
+[942.04 --> 943.44]  on a regular basis,
+[943.88 --> 945.40]  Jacob's 10 sons
+[945.40 --> 947.40]  easily lost in that crowd.
+[947.78 --> 948.60]  And although someone
+[948.60 --> 950.46]  in Joseph's lofty position
+[950.46 --> 952.26]  would hardly have been on hand
+[952.26 --> 952.90]  to approve
+[952.90 --> 954.86]  every last grain customer,
+[955.32 --> 956.90]  not only does Joseph manage
+[956.90 --> 958.06]  to see his brothers,
+[958.32 --> 959.68]  he recognizes them.
+[959.68 --> 964.14]  But 20 years have changed Joseph,
+[964.54 --> 966.72]  much more so than his brothers.
+[967.92 --> 968.76]  And so the brothers
+[968.76 --> 970.44]  do not recognize Joseph.
+[971.66 --> 973.08]  The spoiled teenagers
+[973.08 --> 973.90]  they had sold
+[973.90 --> 975.64]  over 20 years ago
+[975.64 --> 976.98]  was now almost 40.
+[977.72 --> 978.50]  And he walked
+[978.50 --> 979.88]  and he talked.
+[980.54 --> 981.70]  Joseph deliberately chose
+[981.70 --> 982.80]  to speak through an interpreter.
+[983.64 --> 985.00]  He walked and he talked
+[985.00 --> 987.34]  and looked like an Egyptian.
+[987.34 --> 990.78]  Now imagine
+[990.78 --> 993.06]  you are Joseph
+[993.06 --> 994.84]  in this situation.
+[996.04 --> 997.20]  You experience
+[997.20 --> 998.84]  a series of flashbacks.
+[1000.70 --> 1001.48]  Flashback one,
+[1001.58 --> 1003.32]  you're sitting in a deep hole
+[1003.32 --> 1003.96]  in the ground,
+[1004.08 --> 1005.00]  nothing but darkness
+[1005.00 --> 1005.72]  around you
+[1005.72 --> 1007.00]  in a round circle of light
+[1007.00 --> 1007.78]  high above you.
+[1008.06 --> 1009.08]  Your coat is gone.
+[1009.38 --> 1010.12]  You are cold.
+[1010.26 --> 1011.38]  And we finally learn
+[1011.38 --> 1012.20]  from this chapter
+[1012.20 --> 1013.30]  you are scared
+[1013.30 --> 1014.52]  and you are crying
+[1014.52 --> 1015.64]  and you are pleading
+[1015.64 --> 1016.62]  for your life.
+[1017.34 --> 1020.04]  flashback two,
+[1020.78 --> 1022.12]  your brothers sell you
+[1022.12 --> 1023.38]  to some strange men
+[1023.38 --> 1024.68]  for 20 pieces of silver.
+[1025.62 --> 1026.64]  The men bind your wrists
+[1026.64 --> 1027.56]  so there's no escape
+[1027.56 --> 1028.34]  and you're on your way
+[1028.34 --> 1028.82]  to Egypt
+[1028.82 --> 1029.82]  where you've never been
+[1029.82 --> 1030.90]  and to slavery
+[1030.90 --> 1032.50]  where you do the best you can
+[1032.50 --> 1033.24]  for your master
+[1033.24 --> 1034.46]  but can never forget
+[1034.46 --> 1035.70]  that you are a slave
+[1035.70 --> 1037.74]  to whatever your master desires.
+[1039.74 --> 1040.62]  Flashback three,
+[1040.84 --> 1041.98]  you are thrown into prison
+[1041.98 --> 1042.78]  where you remain
+[1042.78 --> 1045.32]  for close to 10 plus years
+[1045.32 --> 1048.02]  because your master's wife
+[1048.02 --> 1049.28]  falsely accused you
+[1049.28 --> 1050.38]  of sexual assault
+[1050.38 --> 1051.54]  and who listens
+[1051.54 --> 1052.62]  to a slave.
+[1054.42 --> 1056.28]  But now you have become
+[1056.28 --> 1057.80]  incredibly powerful.
+[1058.82 --> 1059.82]  God has blessed you.
+[1059.92 --> 1061.20]  You are second in command
+[1061.20 --> 1063.02]  in the whole land of Egypt
+[1063.02 --> 1063.90]  and one day
+[1063.90 --> 1064.76]  the perpetrators
+[1064.76 --> 1065.54]  of your misery,
+[1065.70 --> 1067.14]  of your past misery,
+[1067.14 --> 1069.06]  bow down before you,
+[1069.32 --> 1070.60]  not recognizing you,
+[1070.60 --> 1072.42]  but you recognize them
+[1072.42 --> 1075.02]  and you remember.
+[1075.66 --> 1077.00]  How could you possibly
+[1077.00 --> 1079.60]  ever really forget?
+[1082.22 --> 1083.66]  And wouldn't you want
+[1083.66 --> 1085.16]  a little revenge?
+[1086.54 --> 1087.84]  Wouldn't there be a voice
+[1087.84 --> 1088.44]  in your head
+[1088.44 --> 1089.38]  telling you to give them
+[1089.38 --> 1090.10]  what they deserve,
+[1090.24 --> 1090.82]  make them pay
+[1090.82 --> 1091.92]  for what they put you through?
+[1092.92 --> 1093.84]  Wouldn't you be tempted
+[1093.84 --> 1094.64]  to mess with them
+[1094.64 --> 1095.72]  just a little bit
+[1095.72 --> 1098.28]  or at least get in their face
+[1098.28 --> 1098.66]  and say,
+[1098.78 --> 1099.70]  do you know how much pain
+[1099.70 --> 1100.90]  you have caused me?
+[1101.12 --> 1102.34]  Do you have any idea
+[1102.34 --> 1103.82]  what the last 20 years
+[1103.82 --> 1104.64]  of my life
+[1104.64 --> 1105.76]  have been like?
+[1110.40 --> 1111.50]  Amazingly, however,
+[1112.36 --> 1114.18]  it is grace
+[1114.18 --> 1115.78]  that is on Joseph's mind.
+[1115.78 --> 1118.16]  Even though it comes
+[1118.16 --> 1119.56]  in the form of a sort of
+[1119.56 --> 1120.42]  what I would call
+[1120.42 --> 1121.60]  holy revenge.
+[1122.86 --> 1124.40]  Because in every detail
+[1124.40 --> 1125.28]  of the story,
+[1125.66 --> 1126.92]  Joseph gives his brothers
+[1126.92 --> 1128.96]  a taste of what they did
+[1128.96 --> 1129.44]  to him
+[1129.44 --> 1131.26]  by putting them
+[1131.26 --> 1132.76]  in the same sort
+[1132.76 --> 1133.60]  of circumstances
+[1133.60 --> 1135.10]  into which they had placed
+[1135.10 --> 1135.88]  Joseph.
+[1137.94 --> 1138.48]  One,
+[1139.68 --> 1140.90]  he accuses them
+[1140.90 --> 1141.44]  of coming
+[1141.44 --> 1142.42]  to spy out
+[1142.42 --> 1143.32]  where the land of Egypt
+[1143.32 --> 1144.26]  is unprotected,
+[1144.26 --> 1146.14]  but what he literally says,
+[1147.50 --> 1148.60]  shades of the false
+[1148.60 --> 1149.62]  accusation Joseph
+[1149.62 --> 1150.22]  had suffered
+[1150.22 --> 1151.34]  from Mrs. Potiphar,
+[1151.76 --> 1153.06]  what he literally says
+[1153.06 --> 1154.32]  is that they have come
+[1154.32 --> 1155.18]  to violate
+[1155.18 --> 1156.62]  the nakedness
+[1156.62 --> 1157.36]  of the land.
+[1159.14 --> 1160.32]  For a second thing,
+[1160.40 --> 1161.38]  they all spend time
+[1161.38 --> 1161.88]  in prison.
+[1162.86 --> 1163.60]  In all likelihood,
+[1163.78 --> 1164.48]  the same prison
+[1164.48 --> 1165.08]  where Joseph
+[1165.08 --> 1165.72]  had spent
+[1165.72 --> 1166.96]  the precious years
+[1166.96 --> 1167.82]  of his youth.
+[1168.80 --> 1169.94]  For a third thing,
+[1170.02 --> 1170.88]  he binds Satan
+[1170.88 --> 1171.80]  before their eyes
+[1171.80 --> 1172.30]  as he sends
+[1172.30 --> 1172.96]  the rest of them
+[1172.96 --> 1173.96]  back to Canaan.
+[1173.96 --> 1175.64]  and just as Joseph himself
+[1175.64 --> 1176.34]  had been bound
+[1176.34 --> 1177.38]  by the slave traders.
+[1178.38 --> 1179.88]  And for a fourth thing,
+[1180.58 --> 1181.30]  he returns
+[1181.30 --> 1182.40]  each man's silver,
+[1183.34 --> 1183.92]  a reminder
+[1183.92 --> 1184.84]  of his own
+[1184.84 --> 1185.96]  purchase price.
+[1187.18 --> 1188.42]  And because he is
+[1188.42 --> 1189.92]  only human after all,
+[1189.98 --> 1190.64]  it is hard
+[1190.64 --> 1192.14]  to believe,
+[1192.92 --> 1193.88]  or it is not
+[1193.88 --> 1194.64]  hard to believe,
+[1195.32 --> 1196.12]  that he might have
+[1196.12 --> 1197.18]  enjoyed this
+[1197.18 --> 1198.02]  holy revenge
+[1198.02 --> 1200.12]  just a little bit.
+[1200.12 --> 1203.42]  still,
+[1203.58 --> 1206.46]  it is a holy revenge
+[1206.46 --> 1208.34]  because the goal
+[1208.34 --> 1210.02]  is not payback.
+[1211.16 --> 1212.54]  What Joseph seeks
+[1212.54 --> 1214.06]  is reconciliation.
+[1214.06 --> 1216.06]  And reconciliation,
+[1217.80 --> 1219.06]  genuine reconciliation,
+[1220.68 --> 1221.80]  as South Africa
+[1221.80 --> 1223.36]  recognized when it
+[1223.36 --> 1224.62]  appointed the Truth
+[1224.62 --> 1226.44]  and Reconciliation Commission
+[1226.44 --> 1227.76]  to deal with the
+[1227.76 --> 1228.74]  terrible abuses
+[1228.74 --> 1229.44]  that happened
+[1229.44 --> 1231.46]  during apartheid,
+[1232.28 --> 1233.20]  and as our own
+[1233.20 --> 1233.52]  country,
+[1233.68 --> 1234.04]  Canada,
+[1234.20 --> 1235.58]  recognized when it
+[1235.58 --> 1236.74]  appointed a similar
+[1236.74 --> 1238.86]  commission in 2008
+[1238.86 --> 1240.06]  to deal with the
+[1240.06 --> 1241.34]  painful and awful
+[1241.34 --> 1242.32]  legacy of the
+[1242.32 --> 1243.40]  residential schools
+[1243.40 --> 1244.62]  among our country's
+[1244.62 --> 1245.72]  indigenous people,
+[1246.52 --> 1248.10]  genuine reconciliation
+[1248.10 --> 1249.78]  cannot happen
+[1249.78 --> 1252.04]  without truth.
+[1252.04 --> 1255.74]  Joseph wants the
+[1255.74 --> 1256.16]  truth.
+[1257.56 --> 1258.48]  He wants to test
+[1258.48 --> 1259.06]  the character
+[1259.06 --> 1259.76]  of his brothers.
+[1260.68 --> 1261.36]  He wants to know
+[1261.36 --> 1262.06]  their heart,
+[1262.88 --> 1264.18]  not for the sake
+[1264.18 --> 1264.88]  of revenge,
+[1265.02 --> 1265.82]  but for the sake
+[1265.82 --> 1266.16]  of,
+[1266.64 --> 1267.42]  with the goal
+[1267.42 --> 1267.86]  of,
+[1268.52 --> 1269.16]  reconciliation.
+[1272.08 --> 1273.44]  We can only imagine,
+[1273.58 --> 1274.38]  some of us perhaps
+[1274.38 --> 1275.30]  better than others,
+[1275.54 --> 1276.48]  the mixed feelings
+[1276.48 --> 1277.74]  Joseph must have had
+[1277.74 --> 1278.72]  as his past
+[1278.72 --> 1279.28]  came back
+[1279.28 --> 1280.20]  into his present.
+[1280.20 --> 1281.96]  But if there is
+[1281.96 --> 1282.64]  one thing
+[1282.64 --> 1284.00]  both his past
+[1284.00 --> 1284.72]  and his present
+[1284.72 --> 1285.76]  had taught Joseph
+[1285.76 --> 1286.36]  by now,
+[1286.52 --> 1287.66]  it was to always
+[1287.66 --> 1288.52]  see the bigger
+[1288.52 --> 1289.06]  picture,
+[1290.56 --> 1292.74]  God's picture.
+[1294.34 --> 1295.68]  And that bigger
+[1295.68 --> 1296.12]  picture,
+[1296.34 --> 1297.24]  both in Genesis
+[1297.24 --> 1298.52]  and in the whole
+[1298.52 --> 1298.96]  Bible,
+[1299.20 --> 1299.84]  and the key
+[1299.84 --> 1300.80]  to understanding
+[1300.80 --> 1301.92]  Joseph's actions
+[1301.92 --> 1303.08]  is the promise
+[1303.08 --> 1303.74]  of God
+[1303.74 --> 1304.68]  to Abraham
+[1304.68 --> 1305.60]  to bless him
+[1305.60 --> 1306.46]  and his descendants
+[1306.46 --> 1307.66]  and through them
+[1307.66 --> 1308.82]  to bless all
+[1308.82 --> 1309.40]  the peoples
+[1309.40 --> 1310.30]  of the earth.
+[1312.42 --> 1313.42]  The tip-off
+[1313.42 --> 1314.30]  is verse 9,
+[1314.96 --> 1315.60]  when Joseph's
+[1315.60 --> 1316.16]  brothers bowed
+[1316.16 --> 1316.64]  before him
+[1316.64 --> 1317.28]  and then it says,
+[1317.66 --> 1318.14]  then Joseph
+[1318.14 --> 1318.94]  remembered
+[1318.94 --> 1320.24]  his dream
+[1320.24 --> 1321.08]  about them.
+[1321.94 --> 1322.54]  And you know
+[1322.54 --> 1323.56]  what dreams he meant,
+[1323.90 --> 1324.40]  don't you?
+[1325.40 --> 1325.96]  You go back
+[1325.96 --> 1326.60]  to the beginning
+[1326.60 --> 1327.66]  of Joseph's story,
+[1328.22 --> 1329.34]  Genesis 37,
+[1329.60 --> 1330.50]  verses 7,
+[1330.92 --> 1331.56]  verse 9,
+[1331.94 --> 1332.74]  about his brothers
+[1332.74 --> 1333.86]  sheaves of grain
+[1333.86 --> 1334.86]  bowing down
+[1334.86 --> 1335.64]  to Joseph's
+[1335.64 --> 1336.36]  sheave of grain,
+[1336.60 --> 1337.38]  about the sun
+[1337.38 --> 1337.94]  and the moon
+[1337.94 --> 1339.08]  and the 11 stars
+[1339.08 --> 1340.12]  bowing down
+[1340.12 --> 1341.02]  to Joseph.
+[1341.74 --> 1342.94]  Dreams that echo
+[1342.94 --> 1343.90]  God's promise
+[1343.90 --> 1344.80]  to Abraham
+[1344.80 --> 1345.92]  that looked forward
+[1345.92 --> 1347.06]  also to the day
+[1347.06 --> 1348.40]  when Abraham's
+[1348.40 --> 1349.52]  great-grandson
+[1349.52 --> 1351.08]  is indeed blessed
+[1351.08 --> 1352.04]  and through him
+[1352.04 --> 1353.24]  all peoples
+[1353.24 --> 1353.96]  in Egypt
+[1353.96 --> 1355.16]  and on the earth.
+[1355.16 --> 1358.54]  it is the moment
+[1358.54 --> 1359.50]  when more than ever
+[1359.50 --> 1360.76]  before,
+[1360.90 --> 1361.82]  up till now,
+[1362.08 --> 1362.78]  Joseph sees
+[1362.78 --> 1364.26]  two important things.
+[1365.56 --> 1367.04]  He sees his brothers
+[1367.04 --> 1367.94]  in light
+[1367.94 --> 1369.42]  of God's purpose
+[1369.42 --> 1370.08]  for him
+[1370.08 --> 1371.80]  as instruments
+[1371.80 --> 1372.54]  in the hands
+[1372.54 --> 1373.04]  of God.
+[1374.40 --> 1375.78]  And seeing his brothers
+[1375.78 --> 1376.40]  that way,
+[1377.04 --> 1377.98]  he sees that
+[1377.98 --> 1378.96]  if there is any
+[1378.96 --> 1379.68]  hell to pay,
+[1380.44 --> 1381.98]  it is God's business
+[1381.98 --> 1382.80]  to see to it,
+[1382.80 --> 1384.18]  not his.
+[1386.06 --> 1387.74]  Joseph sees his brothers
+[1387.74 --> 1389.16]  in light of God's purpose
+[1389.16 --> 1389.68]  for him,
+[1390.64 --> 1391.54]  realizing more
+[1391.54 --> 1393.02]  than ever before,
+[1393.78 --> 1394.98]  both because of them
+[1394.98 --> 1396.06]  and in spite of them,
+[1396.90 --> 1397.96]  he is living
+[1397.96 --> 1398.84]  the reality
+[1398.84 --> 1400.04]  of God's plan
+[1400.04 --> 1401.20]  for him.
+[1401.20 --> 1403.82]  What an incredibly
+[1403.82 --> 1404.48]  twisted,
+[1405.26 --> 1406.40]  painful road
+[1406.40 --> 1406.88]  it's been,
+[1407.80 --> 1408.64]  dumped in a pit,
+[1408.80 --> 1409.66]  sold into slavery,
+[1409.82 --> 1410.74]  locked into prison.
+[1410.74 --> 1412.64]  But here today,
+[1412.76 --> 1413.64]  Joseph is the number
+[1413.64 --> 1415.00]  two man in Egypt,
+[1415.36 --> 1416.12]  really the number
+[1416.12 --> 1416.72]  two man
+[1416.72 --> 1418.20]  in that civilized world.
+[1419.54 --> 1420.58]  And Joseph could only
+[1420.58 --> 1421.32]  look at his brothers
+[1421.32 --> 1422.02]  and say,
+[1422.76 --> 1423.66]  they were tools,
+[1424.54 --> 1425.76]  they were instruments
+[1425.76 --> 1427.80]  in the hand of God.
+[1428.00 --> 1428.76]  They were part
+[1428.76 --> 1429.78]  of God's means
+[1429.78 --> 1430.74]  and God's method
+[1430.74 --> 1431.68]  to work out
+[1431.68 --> 1432.46]  his plan
+[1432.46 --> 1433.02]  and purpose
+[1433.02 --> 1434.08]  for my life
+[1434.08 --> 1436.06]  and let it go.
+[1436.06 --> 1440.48]  easy to say,
+[1440.56 --> 1441.00]  of course,
+[1441.52 --> 1443.04]  but not always
+[1443.04 --> 1443.74]  easy to do.
+[1444.98 --> 1445.42]  And yet,
+[1445.56 --> 1446.78]  this is the perspective
+[1446.78 --> 1449.02]  we need especially
+[1449.02 --> 1450.36]  as followers
+[1450.36 --> 1450.96]  of Jesus.
+[1452.60 --> 1453.40]  This is how
+[1453.40 --> 1454.18]  we need to think
+[1454.18 --> 1455.60]  about that spouse
+[1455.60 --> 1456.04]  who said,
+[1456.16 --> 1457.16]  till death do us part
+[1457.16 --> 1458.84]  and then left
+[1458.84 --> 1459.52]  long before.
+[1461.32 --> 1462.48]  The business partner
+[1462.48 --> 1463.10]  who left you
+[1463.10 --> 1464.54]  in serious financial straits
+[1464.54 --> 1465.30]  when he cheated you
+[1465.30 --> 1465.86]  out of your money.
+[1466.96 --> 1467.90]  That child who
+[1467.90 --> 1468.80]  in all these years
+[1468.80 --> 1469.52]  hasn't expressed
+[1469.52 --> 1470.46]  an ounce of gratitude.
+[1471.88 --> 1472.60]  The parent
+[1472.60 --> 1473.26]  who's never there
+[1473.26 --> 1473.68]  for you.
+[1474.76 --> 1475.36]  The friend
+[1475.36 --> 1476.28]  who so violated
+[1476.28 --> 1477.46]  your trust.
+[1479.48 --> 1480.40]  What would you do
+[1480.40 --> 1481.08]  if you had them
+[1481.08 --> 1482.82]  at a point of need?
+[1484.40 --> 1485.32]  What would you do
+[1485.32 --> 1485.94]  if you had them
+[1485.94 --> 1486.52]  over a barrel?
+[1489.44 --> 1490.18]  Joseph's story
+[1490.18 --> 1491.34]  teaches us to see
+[1491.34 --> 1492.84]  those people
+[1492.84 --> 1493.58]  in light of
+[1493.58 --> 1494.40]  the bigger picture
+[1494.40 --> 1496.42]  as instruments.
+[1496.56 --> 1497.32]  However sinful,
+[1497.50 --> 1498.66]  however disobedient,
+[1499.08 --> 1500.18]  however wrongly
+[1500.18 --> 1501.06]  and unfairly
+[1501.06 --> 1502.06]  and unjustly
+[1502.06 --> 1502.70]  and contrary
+[1502.70 --> 1503.66]  to the will of God
+[1503.66 --> 1504.10]  they may have
+[1504.10 --> 1504.68]  treated you
+[1504.68 --> 1507.50]  in God's hands.
+[1508.96 --> 1510.22]  As part of God's
+[1510.22 --> 1511.32]  means to work out
+[1511.32 --> 1511.90]  his purposes
+[1511.90 --> 1512.72]  for your life
+[1512.72 --> 1513.64]  and for mine.
+[1514.74 --> 1515.88]  Oh, it may be hard.
+[1516.44 --> 1517.02]  It may be
+[1517.02 --> 1518.36]  almost impossible
+[1518.36 --> 1518.94]  at times
+[1518.94 --> 1519.84]  to see God
+[1519.84 --> 1520.18]  at work
+[1520.18 --> 1521.06]  keeping his promise
+[1521.06 --> 1521.88]  even through people
+[1521.88 --> 1522.56]  who have caused
+[1522.56 --> 1523.52]  both you and God
+[1523.52 --> 1524.14]  pain.
+[1525.00 --> 1525.98]  I get that.
+[1527.04 --> 1527.98]  Maybe you'll never
+[1527.98 --> 1529.04]  see it as clearly
+[1529.04 --> 1529.82]  as Joseph did
+[1529.82 --> 1530.32]  at least not
+[1530.32 --> 1531.26]  this side of the grave.
+[1532.48 --> 1533.54]  But then part of
+[1533.54 --> 1534.24]  being a Christian
+[1534.24 --> 1535.66]  on this side
+[1535.66 --> 1536.24]  of the grave
+[1536.24 --> 1537.28]  is that we live
+[1537.28 --> 1538.10]  by faith
+[1538.10 --> 1539.32]  rather than by sight.
+[1541.32 --> 1542.18]  Joseph's story
+[1542.18 --> 1543.40]  encourages us
+[1543.40 --> 1545.34]  by faith
+[1545.34 --> 1546.98]  to thank God
+[1546.98 --> 1549.56]  not for all circumstances
+[1549.56 --> 1551.76]  but in all circumstances
+[1551.76 --> 1553.26]  and to believe
+[1553.26 --> 1554.02]  that somehow
+[1554.02 --> 1555.32]  even people
+[1555.32 --> 1556.26]  who have caused
+[1556.26 --> 1557.24]  or are causing you
+[1557.24 --> 1558.40]  pain in your life
+[1558.40 --> 1560.64]  can and will be used
+[1560.64 --> 1561.30]  by God
+[1561.30 --> 1562.80]  to mold
+[1562.80 --> 1563.92]  and shape you
+[1563.92 --> 1564.70]  into the kind
+[1564.70 --> 1565.30]  of person
+[1565.30 --> 1566.10]  blessed
+[1566.10 --> 1567.14]  and being a blessing
+[1567.14 --> 1569.10]  God intends
+[1569.10 --> 1569.88]  for you to be.
+[1571.96 --> 1572.92]  Because he saw
+[1572.92 --> 1574.40]  that bigger picture
+[1574.40 --> 1575.94]  Joseph saw his brothers
+[1575.94 --> 1576.62]  as instruments
+[1576.62 --> 1577.28]  in the hands
+[1577.28 --> 1578.34]  of a faithful God.
+[1578.34 --> 1579.98]  a God
+[1579.98 --> 1580.52]  who could
+[1580.52 --> 1581.30]  and can
+[1581.30 --> 1582.06]  shoot straight
+[1582.06 --> 1583.68]  with crooked arrows.
+[1585.68 --> 1586.52]  And seeing that
+[1586.52 --> 1587.72]  Joseph was determined
+[1587.72 --> 1589.86]  to forego revenge.
+[1590.42 --> 1591.02]  Vengeance
+[1591.02 --> 1592.78]  is God's business
+[1592.78 --> 1593.90]  not his
+[1593.90 --> 1595.78]  not ours
+[1595.78 --> 1597.40]  not mine.
+[1598.90 --> 1599.56]  Joseph could not
+[1599.56 --> 1600.34]  live in a world
+[1600.34 --> 1601.04]  where
+[1601.04 --> 1603.04]  evils of the past
+[1603.04 --> 1606.12]  became the main factor
+[1606.12 --> 1607.22]  that shaped
+[1607.22 --> 1608.06]  his present.
+[1608.34 --> 1610.34]  in the long run
+[1610.34 --> 1611.60]  none of us
+[1611.60 --> 1612.42]  can live that way.
+[1613.18 --> 1613.74]  In an eye
+[1613.74 --> 1614.44]  for an eye
+[1614.44 --> 1614.74]  world
+[1614.74 --> 1615.12]  everybody
+[1615.12 --> 1616.02]  sooner or later
+[1616.02 --> 1616.78]  ends up blind.
+[1618.62 --> 1619.56]  If the hurts
+[1619.56 --> 1620.14]  and the evils
+[1620.14 --> 1620.78]  of the past
+[1620.78 --> 1621.90]  become the primary
+[1621.90 --> 1622.66]  guiding
+[1622.66 --> 1623.28]  and shaping
+[1623.28 --> 1623.72]  force
+[1623.72 --> 1624.78]  for your future
+[1624.78 --> 1627.18]  then none of us
+[1627.18 --> 1628.62]  have a very bright future.
+[1629.98 --> 1630.64]  That's true
+[1630.64 --> 1631.40]  in our relationship
+[1631.40 --> 1632.04]  with God
+[1632.04 --> 1633.82]  it's just as true
+[1633.82 --> 1634.88]  in our relationships
+[1634.88 --> 1636.22]  with each other.
+[1637.88 --> 1638.80]  Do you remember
+[1638.80 --> 1639.80]  what Jesus once said?
+[1641.26 --> 1642.46]  Love your enemies
+[1642.46 --> 1644.56]  and pray for those
+[1644.56 --> 1645.54]  who persecute you
+[1645.54 --> 1646.76]  that you may be
+[1646.76 --> 1648.42]  sons and daughters
+[1648.42 --> 1649.10]  of your Father
+[1649.10 --> 1649.66]  in heaven.
+[1650.66 --> 1651.50]  He causes
+[1651.50 --> 1651.92]  his Son
+[1651.92 --> 1652.42]  to rise
+[1652.42 --> 1652.98]  on the evil
+[1652.98 --> 1653.52]  and the good
+[1653.52 --> 1654.40]  on the Jews
+[1654.40 --> 1655.40]  and on the Egyptians
+[1655.40 --> 1656.84]  and sends rain
+[1656.84 --> 1658.10]  on the righteous
+[1658.10 --> 1659.66]  and the unrighteous.
+[1660.84 --> 1661.74]  Too often
+[1661.74 --> 1662.90]  those words of Jesus
+[1662.90 --> 1664.48]  are drowned out
+[1664.48 --> 1665.42]  by the cries
+[1665.42 --> 1666.34]  for revenge
+[1666.34 --> 1667.80]  in each of us.
+[1669.02 --> 1669.92]  We know
+[1669.92 --> 1671.02]  how gratifying
+[1671.02 --> 1671.66]  it can be
+[1671.66 --> 1673.14]  to see those
+[1673.14 --> 1674.40]  who have wronged us
+[1674.40 --> 1675.66]  fall.
+[1677.24 --> 1678.38]  But haven't we
+[1678.38 --> 1679.26]  also learned
+[1679.26 --> 1681.36]  if not in our own lives
+[1681.36 --> 1682.20]  and in the lives
+[1682.20 --> 1682.88]  of others
+[1682.88 --> 1683.80]  and of nations
+[1683.80 --> 1685.84]  that retaliation
+[1685.84 --> 1687.28]  is never
+[1687.28 --> 1688.64]  the end of the matter.
+[1689.78 --> 1691.20]  It's only the beginning
+[1691.20 --> 1693.46]  of an endless cycle
+[1693.46 --> 1694.84]  of rage
+[1694.84 --> 1695.58]  that only grows
+[1695.58 --> 1696.06]  hotter
+[1696.06 --> 1697.40]  and stronger
+[1697.40 --> 1699.06]  with every new action
+[1699.06 --> 1700.50]  and reaction.
+[1702.28 --> 1703.48]  People in our world
+[1703.48 --> 1704.12]  talk about
+[1704.12 --> 1705.38]  revenge or retaliation
+[1705.38 --> 1706.12]  as a way of
+[1706.12 --> 1707.46]  getting even.
+[1709.16 --> 1710.66]  But Jesus told us
+[1710.66 --> 1711.34]  in his sermon
+[1711.34 --> 1711.98]  on the mount
+[1711.98 --> 1713.32]  not to resist
+[1713.32 --> 1714.24]  an evil person.
+[1714.74 --> 1715.62]  And Paul instructed
+[1715.62 --> 1716.14]  the church
+[1716.14 --> 1717.22]  in Romans 12
+[1717.22 --> 1718.58]  not to return
+[1718.58 --> 1719.58]  evil for evil
+[1719.58 --> 1720.64]  because here is
+[1720.64 --> 1721.20]  the problem
+[1721.20 --> 1722.62]  with trying to get even.
+[1722.98 --> 1723.68]  You never do.
+[1724.96 --> 1725.88]  You never do.
+[1726.94 --> 1727.80]  Returning evil
+[1727.80 --> 1728.34]  for evil
+[1728.34 --> 1728.74]  leaves you
+[1728.74 --> 1729.26]  with a memory
+[1729.26 --> 1729.92]  of two evils
+[1729.92 --> 1730.60]  instead of one.
+[1732.00 --> 1732.98]  More importantly
+[1732.98 --> 1733.58]  revenge
+[1733.58 --> 1734.56]  and retaliation
+[1734.56 --> 1735.72]  almost always
+[1735.72 --> 1737.36]  begin a chain reaction
+[1737.36 --> 1738.70]  that gets worse
+[1738.70 --> 1740.42]  as it goes along.
+[1741.24 --> 1742.56]  It is a rare thing
+[1742.56 --> 1744.24]  when two people
+[1744.24 --> 1744.94]  weigh pain
+[1744.94 --> 1746.42]  on the same scale.
+[1746.58 --> 1748.16]  Any hurt I cause you
+[1748.16 --> 1749.94]  will always feel
+[1749.94 --> 1750.48]  worse to you
+[1750.48 --> 1751.40]  than it does to me.
+[1752.60 --> 1753.58]  The two don't
+[1753.58 --> 1754.40]  balance out
+[1754.40 --> 1754.90]  and so
+[1754.90 --> 1756.80]  you never get even.
+[1758.16 --> 1758.88]  An insult
+[1758.88 --> 1759.48]  is returned
+[1759.48 --> 1760.34]  by a shove,
+[1760.42 --> 1760.88]  is returned
+[1760.88 --> 1761.62]  by a punch
+[1761.62 --> 1762.24]  in the face,
+[1762.52 --> 1763.02]  is returned
+[1763.02 --> 1763.92]  by a knockdown
+[1763.92 --> 1764.74]  and several kicks
+[1764.74 --> 1765.28]  in the head,
+[1765.56 --> 1766.12]  is returned
+[1766.12 --> 1767.28]  by getting one's friends
+[1767.28 --> 1768.26]  and ganging up
+[1768.26 --> 1768.76]  on the other
+[1768.76 --> 1769.84]  which finally leads
+[1769.84 --> 1770.44]  to somebody
+[1770.44 --> 1771.34]  pulling on a knife
+[1771.34 --> 1771.88]  or a gun
+[1771.88 --> 1773.36]  with deadly consequences.
+[1776.08 --> 1776.60]  Revenge,
+[1777.92 --> 1778.98]  wrote Lewis Smeades,
+[1779.34 --> 1780.14]  locks you
+[1780.14 --> 1782.20]  into an escalation
+[1782.20 --> 1783.24]  of evil
+[1783.24 --> 1785.68]  and the only way
+[1785.68 --> 1786.14]  to get off
+[1786.14 --> 1786.86]  that escalator
+[1786.86 --> 1788.30]  for evil
+[1788.30 --> 1789.12]  to be overcome
+[1789.12 --> 1790.48]  is not
+[1790.48 --> 1791.76]  passive
+[1791.76 --> 1793.30]  non-resistance
+[1793.30 --> 1795.70]  but active
+[1795.70 --> 1797.38]  non-resistance
+[1797.38 --> 1798.82]  an active
+[1798.82 --> 1799.68]  deed
+[1799.68 --> 1800.72]  of grace
+[1800.72 --> 1802.28]  on your part.
+[1803.52 --> 1804.52]  That doesn't
+[1804.52 --> 1805.04]  guarantee
+[1805.04 --> 1805.98]  no more evil.
+[1806.28 --> 1807.02]  It might not
+[1807.02 --> 1807.60]  be fair
+[1807.60 --> 1808.94]  but the alternative
+[1808.94 --> 1809.96]  more evil
+[1809.96 --> 1811.88]  is far worse.
+[1814.36 --> 1815.58]  There are times
+[1815.58 --> 1816.54]  when it is important
+[1816.54 --> 1818.16]  to stand up
+[1818.16 --> 1818.86]  for our rights.
+[1820.24 --> 1821.32]  There are times
+[1821.32 --> 1822.08]  when we are injured
+[1822.08 --> 1823.40]  and justice
+[1823.40 --> 1824.38]  must be sought.
+[1825.46 --> 1826.38]  There are times
+[1826.38 --> 1826.76]  and others
+[1826.76 --> 1827.48]  take advantage
+[1827.48 --> 1828.00]  of us
+[1828.00 --> 1829.16]  and it's necessary
+[1829.16 --> 1830.28]  to seek damages.
+[1832.00 --> 1832.82]  We should not
+[1832.82 --> 1833.32]  misunderstand
+[1833.32 --> 1834.30]  Jesus' words
+[1834.30 --> 1835.08]  as an invitation
+[1835.08 --> 1836.24]  to live as doormats.
+[1838.38 --> 1839.44]  There are times
+[1839.44 --> 1840.06]  and occasions
+[1840.06 --> 1841.96]  when the right
+[1841.96 --> 1842.60]  thing to do
+[1842.60 --> 1844.16]  is to fight
+[1844.16 --> 1844.92]  against the wrong
+[1844.92 --> 1845.48]  being done
+[1845.48 --> 1846.22]  against you
+[1846.22 --> 1847.26]  or someone else
+[1847.26 --> 1848.24]  but there is
+[1848.24 --> 1848.72]  never
+[1848.72 --> 1850.70]  a good
+[1850.70 --> 1851.60]  or right time
+[1851.60 --> 1853.58]  for revenge.
+[1854.84 --> 1855.36]  Payback
+[1855.36 --> 1857.06]  trying to get
+[1857.06 --> 1857.40]  even.
+[1859.58 --> 1860.58]  So how do we
+[1860.58 --> 1860.98]  deal with
+[1860.98 --> 1861.76]  past things
+[1861.76 --> 1862.80]  we cannot
+[1862.80 --> 1863.32]  forget?
+[1864.92 --> 1866.04]  Is there a way
+[1866.04 --> 1867.00]  to remember
+[1867.00 --> 1867.56]  them without
+[1867.56 --> 1868.40]  allowing them
+[1868.40 --> 1869.24]  to dictate
+[1869.24 --> 1870.78]  our lives?
+[1872.46 --> 1873.32]  There is.
+[1874.32 --> 1875.06]  And it comes
+[1875.06 --> 1876.06]  only by the grace
+[1876.06 --> 1876.76]  and the power
+[1876.76 --> 1877.42]  of God.
+[1878.42 --> 1879.26]  It comes
+[1879.26 --> 1879.92]  only by
+[1879.92 --> 1880.66]  constantly
+[1880.66 --> 1881.94]  being aware
+[1881.94 --> 1884.30]  of the big
+[1884.30 --> 1884.82]  picture
+[1884.82 --> 1885.74]  we see
+[1885.74 --> 1886.40]  even more
+[1886.40 --> 1886.78]  clearly
+[1886.78 --> 1887.46]  than Joseph
+[1887.46 --> 1887.80]  could
+[1887.80 --> 1888.16]  and by
+[1888.16 --> 1888.80]  answering
+[1888.80 --> 1889.92]  the question
+[1889.92 --> 1890.32]  that the
+[1890.32 --> 1891.14]  brothers asked
+[1891.14 --> 1891.92]  at one point
+[1891.92 --> 1893.32]  in Genesis 42
+[1893.32 --> 1894.38]  when they open
+[1894.38 --> 1895.34]  a bag of grain
+[1895.34 --> 1896.24]  and discover
+[1896.24 --> 1897.28]  that their silver
+[1897.28 --> 1898.08]  has been returned
+[1898.08 --> 1898.52]  to them.
+[1898.88 --> 1899.60]  This question,
+[1899.82 --> 1901.10]  what is this
+[1901.10 --> 1903.24]  that God
+[1903.24 --> 1904.22]  has done
+[1904.22 --> 1904.84]  to us?
+[1904.84 --> 1908.06]  their thinking
+[1908.06 --> 1908.74]  at that point
+[1908.74 --> 1909.38]  was that God
+[1909.38 --> 1910.06]  was punishing
+[1910.06 --> 1910.84]  them for
+[1910.84 --> 1911.42]  their past
+[1911.42 --> 1911.98]  evils.
+[1913.76 --> 1914.68]  But we know
+[1914.68 --> 1915.02]  better.
+[1916.36 --> 1917.16]  We know
+[1917.16 --> 1917.56]  what they
+[1917.56 --> 1917.98]  don't yet
+[1917.98 --> 1918.32]  know.
+[1919.28 --> 1920.06]  That God
+[1920.06 --> 1920.80]  through Joseph
+[1920.80 --> 1921.44]  was seeking
+[1921.44 --> 1922.22]  their healing
+[1922.22 --> 1923.96]  and reconciliation.
+[1924.82 --> 1925.46]  A healing
+[1925.46 --> 1926.48]  and reconciliation
+[1926.48 --> 1927.64]  that for Abraham
+[1927.64 --> 1928.28]  and his
+[1928.28 --> 1928.78]  descendants
+[1928.78 --> 1929.42]  in the days
+[1929.42 --> 1930.00]  of Joseph
+[1930.00 --> 1930.86]  was only
+[1930.86 --> 1931.78]  yet a promise
+[1931.78 --> 1933.44]  but that
+[1933.44 --> 1933.98]  for us
+[1933.98 --> 1934.90]  is reality
+[1934.90 --> 1936.36]  as we sang
+[1936.36 --> 1936.92]  this morning
+[1936.92 --> 1938.24]  in the cross
+[1938.24 --> 1939.34]  of Jesus Christ
+[1939.34 --> 1940.86]  the Lamb of God
+[1940.86 --> 1942.12]  who takes away
+[1942.12 --> 1943.14]  the sin
+[1943.14 --> 1943.66]  of the world.
+[1945.10 --> 1946.10]  The power
+[1946.10 --> 1946.78]  of the past
+[1946.78 --> 1947.32]  for Joseph
+[1947.32 --> 1947.86]  and us
+[1947.86 --> 1949.72]  is undeniably
+[1949.72 --> 1950.24]  strong.
+[1951.16 --> 1951.94]  It is
+[1951.94 --> 1952.90]  unimaginably
+[1952.90 --> 1953.50]  stronger
+[1953.50 --> 1954.90]  for God.
+[1956.08 --> 1956.72]  Listen,
+[1957.84 --> 1958.64]  if God
+[1958.64 --> 1959.54]  remembers
+[1959.54 --> 1960.76]  everything
+[1960.76 --> 1962.94]  God
+[1962.94 --> 1963.08]  can you
+[1963.08 --> 1963.56]  even
+[1963.56 --> 1963.98]  begin
+[1963.98 --> 1965.10]  to imagine
+[1965.10 --> 1966.32]  how terribly
+[1966.32 --> 1966.98]  God
+[1966.98 --> 1968.32]  must suffer?
+[1970.16 --> 1970.80]  How can
+[1970.80 --> 1971.40]  God
+[1971.40 --> 1972.30]  possibly
+[1972.30 --> 1972.92]  endure
+[1972.92 --> 1974.12]  the world
+[1974.12 --> 1975.00]  if God
+[1975.00 --> 1975.56]  remembers
+[1975.56 --> 1976.34]  as clearly
+[1976.34 --> 1976.98]  as if it
+[1976.98 --> 1977.80]  were yesterday
+[1977.80 --> 1979.14]  all the
+[1979.14 --> 1979.52]  evils
+[1979.52 --> 1980.18]  ever
+[1980.18 --> 1980.92]  perpetrated
+[1980.92 --> 1981.72]  by every
+[1981.72 --> 1982.16]  nation
+[1982.16 --> 1983.06]  and every
+[1983.06 --> 1983.52]  person
+[1983.52 --> 1984.28]  that ever
+[1984.28 --> 1984.62]  lived
+[1984.62 --> 1984.98]  and that
+[1984.98 --> 1985.60]  lives today?
+[1988.02 --> 1989.04]  How does
+[1989.04 --> 1989.90]  even God
+[1989.90 --> 1990.34]  deal
+[1990.34 --> 1991.54]  with that
+[1991.54 --> 1992.04]  entire
+[1992.04 --> 1992.66]  universe
+[1992.66 --> 1993.34]  of past
+[1993.34 --> 1993.72]  evil
+[1993.72 --> 1993.98]  without
+[1993.98 --> 1994.30]  just
+[1994.30 --> 1995.44]  lashing out
+[1995.44 --> 1996.44]  at every
+[1996.44 --> 1997.00]  one
+[1997.00 --> 1997.94]  of us
+[1997.94 --> 1999.62]  and every
+[1999.62 --> 2000.30]  person on
+[2000.30 --> 2000.64]  earth
+[2000.64 --> 2001.64]  once and
+[2001.64 --> 2002.14]  for all?
+[2003.50 --> 2004.34]  But you
+[2004.34 --> 2004.66]  know,
+[2005.22 --> 2006.42]  you know
+[2006.42 --> 2006.82]  how he
+[2006.82 --> 2007.24]  does.
+[2008.84 --> 2009.62]  God too,
+[2009.76 --> 2010.48]  once as he
+[2010.48 --> 2011.12]  looked ahead,
+[2012.06 --> 2012.92]  now as he
+[2012.92 --> 2013.72]  looks back,
+[2014.64 --> 2015.48]  holds in his
+[2015.48 --> 2015.98]  memory,
+[2016.66 --> 2017.30]  above all,
+[2017.30 --> 2018.44]  the cross
+[2018.44 --> 2019.98]  of Jesus
+[2019.98 --> 2020.48]  Christ.
+[2021.94 --> 2022.86]  As God
+[2022.86 --> 2023.82]  remembers that
+[2023.82 --> 2024.30]  and we
+[2024.30 --> 2024.70]  are not
+[2024.70 --> 2025.20]  destroyed,
+[2026.32 --> 2027.22]  so must
+[2027.22 --> 2027.50]  we.
+[2028.50 --> 2029.08]  Remember
+[2029.08 --> 2029.72]  that any
+[2029.72 --> 2030.38]  and every
+[2030.38 --> 2031.16]  evil ever
+[2031.16 --> 2031.68]  done to
+[2031.68 --> 2032.56]  you has
+[2032.56 --> 2033.12]  itself
+[2033.12 --> 2033.66]  already
+[2033.66 --> 2034.28]  been taken
+[2034.28 --> 2035.20]  up into
+[2035.20 --> 2035.80]  God
+[2035.80 --> 2036.74]  through the
+[2036.74 --> 2037.36]  suffering of
+[2037.36 --> 2038.24]  Jesus for
+[2038.24 --> 2038.64]  the sin
+[2038.64 --> 2038.90]  of the
+[2038.90 --> 2039.18]  world.
+[2041.06 --> 2041.76]  Remembering
+[2041.76 --> 2042.34]  that may
+[2042.34 --> 2043.18]  not erase
+[2043.18 --> 2044.08]  your memory.
+[2044.08 --> 2045.60]  it may
+[2045.60 --> 2045.82]  not,
+[2045.94 --> 2046.28]  in this
+[2046.28 --> 2046.80]  life at
+[2046.80 --> 2047.06]  least,
+[2047.58 --> 2048.04]  eliminate
+[2048.04 --> 2048.68]  every
+[2048.68 --> 2049.08]  twinge
+[2049.08 --> 2049.58]  of pain,
+[2049.94 --> 2050.20]  every
+[2050.20 --> 2050.78]  temptation
+[2050.78 --> 2051.60]  to take
+[2051.60 --> 2052.20]  revenge.
+[2052.70 --> 2052.92]  But
+[2052.92 --> 2053.60]  perhaps,
+[2054.60 --> 2055.58]  perhaps it
+[2055.58 --> 2056.06]  helps to
+[2056.06 --> 2056.50]  remember
+[2056.50 --> 2057.70]  that someone
+[2057.70 --> 2058.60]  bigger,
+[2059.34 --> 2059.74]  better,
+[2060.40 --> 2060.98]  stronger,
+[2061.52 --> 2062.16]  more gracious
+[2062.16 --> 2062.74]  than you
+[2062.74 --> 2063.18]  or I
+[2063.18 --> 2064.90]  has dealt
+[2064.90 --> 2065.30]  with our
+[2065.30 --> 2066.44]  hurts and
+[2066.44 --> 2067.10]  will continue
+[2067.10 --> 2067.48]  to deal
+[2067.48 --> 2067.82]  with them
+[2067.82 --> 2068.48]  until that
+[2068.48 --> 2068.92]  day when
+[2068.92 --> 2069.96]  every tear
+[2069.96 --> 2070.28]  will be
+[2070.28 --> 2070.64]  wiped
+[2070.64 --> 2071.36]  from our
+[2071.36 --> 2071.72]  eyes,
+[2072.08 --> 2072.84]  every old
+[2072.84 --> 2073.46]  enemy will
+[2073.46 --> 2074.38]  be reconciled
+[2074.38 --> 2075.24]  and every
+[2075.24 --> 2076.10]  bad memory
+[2076.10 --> 2076.62]  will be
+[2076.62 --> 2077.98]  deprived of
+[2077.98 --> 2078.66]  its power
+[2078.66 --> 2079.64]  to hurt
+[2079.64 --> 2080.76]  anymore.
+[2084.22 --> 2085.06]  In the
+[2085.06 --> 2085.66]  courtroom of
+[2085.66 --> 2086.02]  the Truth
+[2086.02 --> 2086.82]  and Reconciliation
+[2086.82 --> 2087.52]  Commission
+[2087.52 --> 2088.10]  one day,
+[2089.10 --> 2089.80]  the shock
+[2089.80 --> 2090.14]  of the
+[2090.14 --> 2091.20]  amazing grace
+[2091.20 --> 2092.22]  in the
+[2092.22 --> 2092.68]  lives of
+[2092.68 --> 2093.04]  one of
+[2093.04 --> 2093.42]  God's
+[2093.42 --> 2093.90]  children
+[2093.90 --> 2095.28]  was so
+[2095.28 --> 2095.86]  great as
+[2095.86 --> 2096.20]  to make
+[2096.20 --> 2097.02]  a perpetrator
+[2097.02 --> 2098.24]  of unimaginable
+[2098.24 --> 2098.72]  evil
+[2098.72 --> 2099.70]  faint
+[2099.70 --> 2100.58]  dead
+[2100.58 --> 2100.94]  away.
+[2103.46 --> 2104.48]  Perhaps
+[2104.48 --> 2105.34]  nobody
+[2105.34 --> 2105.84]  started
+[2105.84 --> 2106.32]  singing
+[2106.32 --> 2106.78]  amazing
+[2106.78 --> 2107.24]  grace
+[2107.24 --> 2108.96]  the day
+[2108.96 --> 2109.60]  Joseph's
+[2109.60 --> 2110.06]  brothers
+[2110.06 --> 2110.48]  faced
+[2110.48 --> 2110.98]  Joseph
+[2110.98 --> 2111.86]  for the
+[2111.86 --> 2112.38]  first time
+[2112.38 --> 2112.82]  since they
+[2112.82 --> 2113.26]  sold him
+[2113.26 --> 2113.88]  into slavery
+[2113.88 --> 2114.48]  over 20
+[2114.48 --> 2115.66]  years earlier.
+[2116.82 --> 2117.86]  The truth
+[2117.86 --> 2118.16]  is,
+[2118.36 --> 2118.78]  Joseph's
+[2118.78 --> 2119.32]  actions
+[2119.32 --> 2120.68]  in measures
+[2120.68 --> 2121.36]  that made
+[2121.36 --> 2122.04]  his brothers
+[2122.04 --> 2122.60]  relive
+[2122.60 --> 2123.54]  his own
+[2123.54 --> 2123.92]  painful
+[2123.92 --> 2124.64]  experiences
+[2124.64 --> 2125.80]  might better
+[2125.80 --> 2126.56]  be called
+[2126.56 --> 2127.92]  severe
+[2127.92 --> 2128.42]  grace
+[2128.42 --> 2130.04]  rather than
+[2130.04 --> 2131.34]  amazing
+[2131.34 --> 2131.84]  grace.
+[2131.84 --> 2131.94]  grace.
+[2132.94 --> 2133.74]  But for
+[2133.74 --> 2134.14]  all of
+[2134.14 --> 2134.42]  that,
+[2135.16 --> 2135.80]  it is
+[2135.80 --> 2136.56]  still
+[2136.56 --> 2137.48]  grace.
+[2138.48 --> 2139.12]  Grace
+[2139.12 --> 2139.56]  by which
+[2139.56 --> 2139.92]  the ten
+[2139.92 --> 2140.30]  brothers,
+[2140.94 --> 2141.38]  like the
+[2141.38 --> 2141.82]  prodigal
+[2141.82 --> 2142.30]  son in
+[2142.30 --> 2142.52]  Jesus'
+[2142.70 --> 2143.04]  well-known
+[2143.04 --> 2143.54]  parable,
+[2144.18 --> 2144.86]  begin to
+[2144.86 --> 2145.40]  come to
+[2145.40 --> 2146.18]  their senses
+[2146.18 --> 2147.90]  by openly
+[2147.90 --> 2149.02]  if unknowingly
+[2149.02 --> 2149.96]  confessing
+[2149.96 --> 2150.42]  their sin
+[2150.42 --> 2150.96]  before the
+[2150.96 --> 2151.66]  very brother
+[2151.66 --> 2152.06]  they had
+[2152.06 --> 2152.54]  wronged
+[2152.54 --> 2154.28]  and by
+[2154.28 --> 2154.94]  recognizing
+[2154.94 --> 2155.72]  the powerful
+[2155.72 --> 2156.28]  hand of
+[2156.28 --> 2156.58]  God
+[2156.58 --> 2157.38]  orchestrating
+[2157.38 --> 2158.14]  the events
+[2158.14 --> 2159.04]  of their
+[2159.04 --> 2159.52]  lives.
+[2159.52 --> 2161.12]  and the
+[2161.12 --> 2161.58]  door to
+[2161.58 --> 2162.04]  God's
+[2162.04 --> 2162.70]  new future
+[2162.70 --> 2163.72]  of blessing
+[2163.72 --> 2164.18]  for his
+[2164.18 --> 2164.56]  children
+[2164.56 --> 2165.84]  is opened
+[2165.84 --> 2167.08]  even if
+[2167.08 --> 2168.36]  only a
+[2168.36 --> 2168.74]  crack
+[2168.74 --> 2169.92]  as yet.
+[2171.62 --> 2172.66]  For now,
+[2173.54 --> 2174.42]  that is
+[2174.42 --> 2175.16]  amazing
+[2175.16 --> 2176.42]  enough
+[2176.42 --> 2176.90]  grace.
+[2178.22 --> 2178.66]  Already
+[2178.66 --> 2179.24]  now you
+[2179.24 --> 2179.76]  can hear
+[2179.76 --> 2180.70]  the Spirit
+[2180.70 --> 2181.28]  of God
+[2181.28 --> 2181.64]  humming
+[2181.64 --> 2182.32]  the tune.
+[2183.74 --> 2184.08]  Everyone
+[2184.08 --> 2184.90]  just hasn't
+[2184.90 --> 2185.34]  caught on
+[2185.34 --> 2185.58]  yet
+[2185.58 --> 2187.36]  and hasn't
+[2187.36 --> 2187.80]  joined in
+[2187.80 --> 2188.06]  yet,
+[2188.76 --> 2189.50]  but they
+[2189.50 --> 2189.76]  will.
+[2190.88 --> 2191.12]  And
+[2191.12 --> 2192.02]  knowing the
+[2192.02 --> 2192.64]  bigger picture,
+[2193.46 --> 2194.48]  not in
+[2194.48 --> 2194.90]  Joseph,
+[2195.66 --> 2196.46]  but in
+[2196.46 --> 2196.80]  Jesus,
+[2198.12 --> 2199.26]  so will
+[2199.26 --> 2199.52]  you,
+[2200.18 --> 2200.66]  won't you?
+[2201.56 --> 2202.44]  In the name
+[2202.44 --> 2202.72]  of the
+[2202.72 --> 2203.32]  Father and
+[2203.32 --> 2203.72]  the Son
+[2203.72 --> 2204.98]  and the
+[2204.98 --> 2205.52]  Holy Spirit.
+[2205.52 --> 2205.62]  Amen.

Joseph #5—Truth and Reconciliation (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1406 @@
+[0.00 --> 12.08]  Well, this is week number five of the Joseph series, and we're going to read today from
+[12.08 --> 17.60]  the latter part of Genesis 41 and then all of chapter 42.
+[22.04 --> 29.72]  And we last left Joseph when he had just been taken out of prison and had a pretty incredible
+[29.72 --> 35.16]  promotion from prisoner to second in command in the Egyptian empire.
+[38.22 --> 44.14]  Joseph was 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.
+[45.26 --> 49.60]  And Joseph went out from Pharaoh's presence and traveled throughout Egypt.
+[50.54 --> 54.30]  During the seven years of abundance, the land produced plentifully.
+[55.12 --> 60.00]  Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and
+[60.00 --> 61.16]  stored it in the cities.
+[61.58 --> 65.52]  In each city, he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it.
+[66.34 --> 70.32]  Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea.
+[70.50 --> 75.60]  It was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure.
+[75.60 --> 83.16]  Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath, daughter of Potipharah,
+[83.60 --> 84.40]  priest of On.
+[85.04 --> 87.74]  Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said,
+[88.46 --> 93.52]  It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household.
+[94.60 --> 97.00]  The second son he named Ephraim and said,
+[97.50 --> 101.56]  It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my sovereign.
+[101.56 --> 107.02]  The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end.
+[107.74 --> 111.64]  And the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said.
+[112.56 --> 117.38]  There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food.
+[118.24 --> 122.32]  When all Egypt began to fuel the famine, the people cried out to Pharaoh for food.
+[122.72 --> 124.38]  Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians,
+[124.70 --> 126.52]  Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.
+[126.52 --> 129.70]  When the famine had spread over the whole country,
+[130.32 --> 133.74]  Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians,
+[134.10 --> 136.58]  for the famine was severe throughout Egypt.
+[137.02 --> 140.36]  And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph,
+[140.70 --> 143.66]  because the famine was severe everywhere.
+[145.42 --> 148.66]  When Jacob learned there was grain in Egypt,
+[148.84 --> 150.14]  he said to his sons,
+[150.62 --> 153.02]  Why do you just keep looking at each other?
+[153.02 --> 155.50]  I have heard that there is grain in Egypt.
+[155.70 --> 157.36]  Go down there and buy some for us,
+[157.38 --> 159.18]  so that we may live and not die.
+[160.88 --> 163.96]  Then ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt.
+[164.32 --> 166.92]  But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother,
+[167.14 --> 170.90]  with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him.
+[171.68 --> 174.68]  So Israel's sons were among those who went to buy grain,
+[174.88 --> 178.06]  for there was famine in the land of Canaan also.
+[178.06 --> 181.58]  Now Joseph was the governor of the land,
+[181.68 --> 183.76]  the person who sold grain to all its people.
+[184.40 --> 186.00]  So when Joseph's brothers arrived,
+[186.10 --> 188.54]  they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.
+[189.36 --> 191.26]  As soon as Joseph saw his brothers,
+[191.58 --> 192.90]  he recognized them.
+[193.66 --> 195.46]  But he pretended to be a stranger
+[195.46 --> 197.40]  and spoke harshly to them.
+[197.90 --> 199.48]  Where do you come from? he asked.
+[200.08 --> 202.02]  From the land of Canaan, they replied,
+[202.18 --> 203.04]  to buy food.
+[204.28 --> 205.94]  Although Joseph recognized his brothers,
+[205.94 --> 207.52]  they did not recognize him.
+[208.06 --> 210.12]  Then he remembered his dreams about them
+[210.12 --> 210.80]  and said to them,
+[211.08 --> 211.72]  You are spies.
+[212.42 --> 214.66]  You have come to see where our land is unprotected.
+[215.48 --> 216.78]  No, my lord, they answered.
+[217.18 --> 219.06]  Your servants have come to buy food.
+[219.42 --> 221.18]  We are all the sons of one man.
+[221.66 --> 224.24]  Your servants are honest men, not spies.
+[224.68 --> 225.86]  No, he said to them.
+[226.28 --> 228.82]  You have come to see where our land is unprotected.
+[229.70 --> 230.76]  But they replied,
+[230.96 --> 232.52]  Your servants were twelve brothers,
+[232.88 --> 235.32]  the sons of one man who lives in the land of Canaan.
+[235.32 --> 237.20]  The youngest is now with our father,
+[237.38 --> 238.56]  and one is no more.
+[239.26 --> 240.28]  Joseph said to them,
+[240.40 --> 241.76]  It is just as I told you.
+[241.98 --> 242.90]  You are spies,
+[243.26 --> 244.86]  and this is how you will be tested.
+[245.42 --> 247.14]  As surely as Pharaoh lives,
+[247.28 --> 248.94]  you will not leave this place
+[248.94 --> 251.72]  unless your youngest brother comes here.
+[252.52 --> 254.50]  Send one of your number to get your brother.
+[254.78 --> 256.42]  The rest of you will be kept in prison
+[256.42 --> 258.54]  so that your words may be tested
+[258.54 --> 260.64]  to see if you are telling the truth.
+[260.64 --> 262.08]  If you are not,
+[262.46 --> 263.26]  then surely,
+[263.38 --> 265.08]  as surely as Pharaoh lives,
+[265.48 --> 266.98]  you are spies.
+[267.68 --> 270.48]  And he put them all in custody for three days.
+[271.56 --> 272.60]  On the third day,
+[272.66 --> 273.50]  Joseph said to them,
+[273.90 --> 274.60]  Do this,
+[275.20 --> 276.14]  and you will live,
+[276.60 --> 277.44]  for I fear God.
+[278.50 --> 279.68]  If you are honest men,
+[279.74 --> 281.54]  let one of your brothers stay here in prison
+[281.54 --> 282.88]  while the rest of you go
+[282.88 --> 285.30]  and take grain back for your starving households.
+[285.76 --> 288.40]  But you must bring your youngest brother to me
+[288.40 --> 290.58]  so that your words may be verified
+[290.58 --> 292.58]  and that you may not die.
+[294.04 --> 296.06]  This they proceeded to do.
+[297.22 --> 298.36]  They said to one another,
+[298.94 --> 301.36]  Surely we are being punished because of our brother.
+[302.02 --> 303.92]  We saw how distressed he was
+[303.92 --> 305.68]  when he pleaded with us for his life,
+[305.80 --> 307.06]  but we would not listen.
+[307.24 --> 309.90]  That's why this distress has come on us.
+[310.96 --> 311.84]  Reuben replied,
+[312.26 --> 314.36]  Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy?
+[314.50 --> 315.58]  But you wouldn't listen.
+[315.58 --> 318.44]  Now we must give an accounting for his blood.
+[319.98 --> 323.26]  They did not realize that Joseph could understand them
+[323.26 --> 325.68]  since he was using an interpreter.
+[327.36 --> 330.22]  He turned away from them and began to weep,
+[330.68 --> 332.64]  but then came back and spoke to them again.
+[333.42 --> 334.54]  He had Simeon bound,
+[334.68 --> 335.90]  of Simeon taken from them
+[335.90 --> 337.32]  and bound before their eyes.
+[337.88 --> 340.22]  Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain,
+[340.40 --> 342.82]  to put each man's silver back in his sack,
+[342.82 --> 344.98]  and to give them provisions for their journey.
+[345.58 --> 347.14]  After this was done for them,
+[347.22 --> 349.66]  they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left.
+[350.56 --> 352.14]  At the place where they stopped for the night,
+[352.26 --> 353.48]  one of them opened his sack
+[353.48 --> 355.04]  to get feed for his donkey,
+[355.36 --> 358.52]  and he saw his silver in the mouth of his sack.
+[359.18 --> 360.98]  My silver has been returned,
+[361.46 --> 363.04]  he said to my brother, his brothers.
+[363.44 --> 365.44]  Here it is in my sack.
+[366.28 --> 367.50]  Their hearts sank,
+[367.60 --> 369.58]  and they turned to each other trembling and said,
+[369.98 --> 373.04]  What is this that God has done to us?
+[373.04 --> 377.26]  When they came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan,
+[377.42 --> 379.10]  they told him all that had happened to them.
+[379.50 --> 379.90]  They said,
+[380.02 --> 382.74]  The man who was lord over the land spoke harshly to us
+[382.74 --> 385.42]  and treated us as though we were spying on the land.
+[386.06 --> 387.10]  But we said to him,
+[387.26 --> 388.40]  We are honest men.
+[388.68 --> 389.82]  We are not spies.
+[390.62 --> 391.68]  We were twelve brothers,
+[391.88 --> 392.94]  sons of one father.
+[393.26 --> 394.12]  One is no more,
+[394.18 --> 396.34]  and the youngest is now with our father in Canaan.
+[396.34 --> 399.98]  Then the man who was lord over the land said to us,
+[400.48 --> 402.76]  This is how I will know whether you are honest men.
+[403.42 --> 405.34]  Leave one of your brothers here with me
+[405.34 --> 408.22]  and take food for your starving households and go.
+[408.74 --> 410.46]  But bring your youngest brother to me
+[410.46 --> 413.86]  so I will know that you are not spies but honest men.
+[414.46 --> 416.22]  Then I will give your brother back to you,
+[416.56 --> 418.10]  and you can trade in the land.
+[419.42 --> 421.20]  As they were emptying their sacks,
+[421.38 --> 424.84]  there in each man's sack was his pouch of silver.
+[424.84 --> 428.28]  When they and their father saw the money pouches,
+[428.44 --> 429.56]  they were frightened.
+[430.42 --> 431.96]  Their father Jacob said to them,
+[432.48 --> 434.62]  You have deprived me of my children.
+[435.38 --> 436.52]  Joseph is no more,
+[436.96 --> 438.30]  and Simeon is no more,
+[438.48 --> 440.14]  and now you want to take Benjamin.
+[440.40 --> 442.24]  Everything is against me.
+[443.54 --> 445.04]  Then Reuben said to his father,
+[445.80 --> 448.08]  You may put both of my sons to death
+[448.08 --> 450.36]  if I do not bring him back to you.
+[451.08 --> 452.40]  Entrust him to my care,
+[452.90 --> 454.04]  and I will bring him back.
+[454.84 --> 456.16]  But Jacob said,
+[456.48 --> 458.34]  My son will not go down there with you.
+[458.84 --> 459.98]  His brother is dead,
+[460.18 --> 462.66]  and he is the only one left.
+[463.28 --> 465.74]  If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking,
+[466.16 --> 470.32]  you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow.
+[471.00 --> 473.20]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[474.10 --> 474.86]  Let's pray.
+[475.20 --> 475.88]  Gracious God,
+[476.88 --> 479.78]  help us to understand
+[479.78 --> 484.68]  this story in the context of our own lives as well.
+[486.68 --> 488.24]  Open the eyes of our heart
+[488.24 --> 490.30]  to hear your word to us today.
+[491.00 --> 492.88]  In Jesus' name, amen.
+[492.88 --> 499.42]  During the hearings a number of years ago
+[499.42 --> 504.14]  of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Committee,
+[506.14 --> 507.86]  an aging mother and wife
+[507.86 --> 510.70]  stood in an emotionally charged courtroom,
+[511.98 --> 514.34]  listening to police officers admit
+[514.34 --> 518.60]  to the atrocities committed in the name of apartheid
+[518.60 --> 520.48]  against her family.
+[522.14 --> 524.50]  One of them, Officer Vanderbrook,
+[525.58 --> 527.98]  admitted his responsibility in the death
+[527.98 --> 530.08]  of her 18-year-old son.
+[531.76 --> 533.22]  Along with other officers,
+[533.56 --> 537.04]  he shot the young man at point-blank range,
+[537.04 --> 541.52]  then partied as the young man's body
+[541.52 --> 543.48]  was slowly reduced to ashes
+[543.48 --> 546.42]  while roasting over an open fire.
+[548.08 --> 550.20]  Eight years later, Vanderbrook,
+[550.90 --> 551.74]  along with others,
+[552.00 --> 554.14]  returned and seized her husband.
+[555.36 --> 556.72]  She was forced to watch
+[556.72 --> 559.42]  as his body was doused with gasoline
+[559.42 --> 562.74]  and the police officers ignited the flames
+[562.74 --> 565.42]  that consumed and killed him.
+[567.04 --> 571.18]  Now, Vanderbrook stood before her,
+[571.90 --> 573.14]  awaiting judgment.
+[574.66 --> 576.70]  He caused her incredible pain,
+[577.30 --> 578.72]  taken so much from her,
+[578.80 --> 581.48]  but today the tables were turned.
+[582.54 --> 584.30]  Now, as the committee asked her
+[584.30 --> 586.46]  what she would want in this matter
+[586.46 --> 587.94]  to bring about justice,
+[588.34 --> 591.70]  she had the power to influence his future,
+[592.86 --> 595.56]  a future that could mean life imprisonment,
+[595.56 --> 599.12]  even, perhaps, death.
+[602.00 --> 603.18]  Speaking calmly,
+[604.30 --> 607.04]  this is what she told the committee.
+[608.32 --> 610.66]  I would like three things.
+[611.72 --> 615.14]  First, I would like Mr. Vanderbrook
+[615.14 --> 617.96]  to take me where my husband's body was burned.
+[617.96 --> 621.14]  I would like to sweep up the dust
+[621.14 --> 624.22]  so I could give him a decent burial.
+[625.92 --> 628.82]  Second, Mr. Vanderbrook
+[628.82 --> 631.96]  has taken all the family I have from me,
+[632.52 --> 635.68]  and I have a lot of love to give.
+[637.10 --> 638.70]  So twice a month,
+[639.24 --> 640.72]  I'd like him to come down
+[640.72 --> 643.42]  and spend a day with me in the ghetto
+[643.42 --> 646.48]  so I could be a mother to him.
+[648.28 --> 649.68]  Third, and finally,
+[650.08 --> 652.08]  I'd like Mr. Vanderbrook to know
+[652.08 --> 653.76]  that God has forgiven him,
+[654.56 --> 656.68]  and I can forgive him too.
+[656.68 --> 660.84]  So that he knows my forgiveness is real,
+[660.84 --> 662.40]  I would like someone
+[662.40 --> 664.72]  to lead me across the courtroom
+[664.72 --> 667.34]  so I can give him a hug.
+[669.28 --> 672.08]  As she was slowly led across the courtroom,
+[672.96 --> 675.82]  Vanderbrook, overwhelmed by her response,
+[676.90 --> 678.18]  fainted dead away.
+[679.28 --> 682.36]  One person started singing Amazing Grace,
+[682.36 --> 685.12]  and by the time the song ended,
+[685.72 --> 688.70]  all who were in the courtroom joined in.
+[689.48 --> 690.10]  True story.
+[694.94 --> 697.94]  Nobody started singing Amazing Grace
+[697.94 --> 701.30]  the day Joseph's brothers arrived in Egypt.
+[703.60 --> 706.76]  Driven by need because of severe famine everywhere,
+[708.32 --> 710.02]  Jacob sent his sons there
+[710.02 --> 712.64]  where they faced Joseph for the first time
+[712.64 --> 714.42]  since they had sold him
+[714.42 --> 717.66]  into slavery over 20 years before.
+[719.42 --> 721.66]  They didn't know it was Joseph at the time,
+[721.74 --> 723.70]  and they would not know for quite some time yet.
+[724.98 --> 727.30]  But Joseph recognized his brothers
+[727.30 --> 729.28]  and found himself in a position
+[729.28 --> 731.42]  like that South African mother
+[731.42 --> 733.76]  where he had those responsible
+[733.76 --> 736.44]  for so much pain in his life
+[736.44 --> 737.60]  over a barrel.
+[737.60 --> 741.94]  Not only does he have some influence
+[741.94 --> 743.04]  in how they are treated,
+[743.28 --> 745.48]  he literally has the power of life
+[745.48 --> 746.60]  and death over them.
+[748.30 --> 750.76]  And what would Joseph do?
+[753.36 --> 754.42]  For that matter,
+[754.56 --> 756.20]  and just to make it more personal
+[756.20 --> 757.78]  and get you involved in the story
+[757.78 --> 758.58]  right from the start,
+[758.74 --> 760.52]  what would you do?
+[762.30 --> 763.96]  What would each of us,
+[764.06 --> 765.96]  each with our own unique stories,
+[765.96 --> 767.98]  what would you do
+[767.98 --> 769.38]  if you had a person,
+[769.48 --> 771.18]  and maybe someone comes to mind,
+[771.56 --> 773.62]  who caused you a lot of pain
+[773.62 --> 775.74]  if you had that person
+[775.74 --> 777.08]  over a barrel?
+[778.76 --> 779.78]  Or perhaps,
+[779.90 --> 781.88]  what have you done?
+[785.14 --> 787.32]  I don't know how you'd answer that question.
+[787.32 --> 792.04]  You know how one South African mother did,
+[793.00 --> 795.46]  and Genesis 42 tells us
+[795.46 --> 797.10]  how Joseph did.
+[799.28 --> 801.32]  Try to imagine this situation
+[801.32 --> 804.88]  as Joseph suddenly and unexpectedly
+[804.88 --> 807.30]  relives his painful past.
+[807.30 --> 810.84]  He thought he'd put it behind him.
+[811.64 --> 812.04]  In fact,
+[812.12 --> 813.30]  the end of Genesis 41
+[813.30 --> 814.50]  tells us that Joseph
+[814.50 --> 817.52]  named his firstborn son Manasseh
+[817.52 --> 819.06]  because he said,
+[819.86 --> 821.80]  God has made me forget
+[821.80 --> 823.22]  all my troubles
+[823.22 --> 825.28]  and all my father's household.
+[826.64 --> 828.40]  Except that life
+[828.40 --> 830.38]  doesn't really work like that,
+[830.66 --> 831.14]  does it?
+[831.14 --> 834.58]  The past has a way
+[834.58 --> 836.08]  of coming back to us.
+[836.40 --> 838.42]  We can talk until we are blue in the face
+[838.42 --> 839.42]  about how important,
+[839.74 --> 841.16]  how necessary it is
+[841.16 --> 842.94]  to forgive and to forget.
+[843.16 --> 845.48]  But most of us know by experience
+[845.48 --> 848.28]  that as difficult as forgiving can be,
+[849.22 --> 852.44]  forgetting is almost impossible.
+[853.82 --> 855.64]  Even if by God's grace
+[855.64 --> 857.08]  we have managed to forgive,
+[857.48 --> 860.16]  do we ever really forget?
+[860.16 --> 865.46]  Genesis 42 brings back,
+[865.56 --> 868.18]  the past back into Joseph's present
+[868.18 --> 870.54]  in a dramatic way.
+[872.20 --> 874.36]  His father and brothers back home
+[874.36 --> 876.54]  in Canaan are in desperate straits
+[876.54 --> 878.86]  as they too have been affected
+[878.86 --> 880.96]  by a worldwide famine.
+[882.24 --> 884.72]  The situation is obviously serious
+[884.72 --> 886.88]  for Jacob sends his son to Egypt
+[886.88 --> 888.88]  to get grains as the storyteller
+[888.88 --> 890.32]  so that we may live
+[890.32 --> 891.42]  and not die.
+[892.78 --> 893.90]  And so all the brothers,
+[894.86 --> 895.74]  except for one,
+[896.62 --> 897.66]  head down to Egypt.
+[898.88 --> 900.26]  Benjamin, the youngest,
+[900.86 --> 901.66]  Jacob's favorite,
+[901.82 --> 903.06]  now that Joseph is gone,
+[903.70 --> 904.30]  stays home.
+[905.62 --> 907.00]  Jacob's parenting skills
+[907.00 --> 909.08]  haven't improved much over time.
+[910.46 --> 911.80]  Did you notice what he says
+[911.80 --> 913.56]  at the end of Genesis 42
+[913.56 --> 916.18]  in refusing to let Benjamin go to Egypt?
+[916.84 --> 917.50]  Listen again.
+[918.30 --> 920.30]  My son will not go down there with you.
+[920.56 --> 921.64]  His brother is dead
+[921.64 --> 923.52]  and he is the only one left.
+[924.26 --> 926.84]  Like I thought there were 10 others,
+[927.10 --> 928.76]  but I digress.
+[929.96 --> 932.36]  The 10 brothers arrived in Egypt.
+[933.76 --> 935.84]  And as ridiculous as you know it is
+[935.84 --> 936.66]  to say by now,
+[936.66 --> 937.98]  it so happens
+[937.98 --> 940.48]  that although masses of foreigners
+[940.48 --> 942.04]  were streaming into Egypt
+[942.04 --> 943.44]  on a regular basis,
+[943.88 --> 945.40]  Jacob's 10 sons
+[945.40 --> 947.40]  easily lost in that crowd.
+[947.78 --> 948.60]  And although someone
+[948.60 --> 950.46]  in Joseph's lofty position
+[950.46 --> 952.26]  would hardly have been on hand
+[952.26 --> 952.90]  to approve
+[952.90 --> 954.86]  every last grain customer,
+[955.32 --> 956.90]  not only does Joseph manage
+[956.90 --> 958.06]  to see his brothers,
+[958.32 --> 959.68]  he recognizes them.
+[959.68 --> 964.14]  But 20 years have changed Joseph,
+[964.54 --> 966.72]  much more so than his brothers.
+[967.92 --> 968.76]  And so the brothers
+[968.76 --> 970.44]  do not recognize Joseph.
+[971.66 --> 973.08]  The spoiled teenagers
+[973.08 --> 973.90]  they had sold
+[973.90 --> 975.64]  over 20 years ago
+[975.64 --> 976.98]  was now almost 40.
+[977.72 --> 978.50]  And he walked
+[978.50 --> 979.88]  and he talked.
+[980.54 --> 981.70]  Joseph deliberately chose
+[981.70 --> 982.80]  to speak through an interpreter.
+[983.64 --> 985.00]  He walked and he talked
+[985.00 --> 987.34]  and looked like an Egyptian.
+[987.34 --> 990.78]  Now imagine
+[990.78 --> 993.06]  you are Joseph
+[993.06 --> 994.84]  in this situation.
+[996.04 --> 997.20]  You experience
+[997.20 --> 998.84]  a series of flashbacks.
+[1000.70 --> 1001.48]  Flashback one,
+[1001.58 --> 1003.32]  you're sitting in a deep hole
+[1003.32 --> 1003.96]  in the ground,
+[1004.08 --> 1005.00]  nothing but darkness
+[1005.00 --> 1005.72]  around you
+[1005.72 --> 1007.00]  in a round circle of light
+[1007.00 --> 1007.78]  high above you.
+[1008.06 --> 1009.08]  Your coat is gone.
+[1009.38 --> 1010.12]  You are cold.
+[1010.26 --> 1011.38]  And we finally learn
+[1011.38 --> 1012.20]  from this chapter
+[1012.20 --> 1013.30]  you are scared
+[1013.30 --> 1014.52]  and you are crying
+[1014.52 --> 1015.64]  and you are pleading
+[1015.64 --> 1016.62]  for your life.
+[1017.34 --> 1020.04]  flashback two,
+[1020.78 --> 1022.12]  your brothers sell you
+[1022.12 --> 1023.38]  to some strange men
+[1023.38 --> 1024.68]  for 20 pieces of silver.
+[1025.62 --> 1026.64]  The men bind your wrists
+[1026.64 --> 1027.56]  so there's no escape
+[1027.56 --> 1028.34]  and you're on your way
+[1028.34 --> 1028.82]  to Egypt
+[1028.82 --> 1029.82]  where you've never been
+[1029.82 --> 1030.90]  and to slavery
+[1030.90 --> 1032.50]  where you do the best you can
+[1032.50 --> 1033.24]  for your master
+[1033.24 --> 1034.46]  but can never forget
+[1034.46 --> 1035.70]  that you are a slave
+[1035.70 --> 1037.74]  to whatever your master desires.
+[1039.74 --> 1040.62]  Flashback three,
+[1040.84 --> 1041.98]  you are thrown into prison
+[1041.98 --> 1042.78]  where you remain
+[1042.78 --> 1045.32]  for close to 10 plus years
+[1045.32 --> 1048.02]  because your master's wife
+[1048.02 --> 1049.28]  falsely accused you
+[1049.28 --> 1050.38]  of sexual assault
+[1050.38 --> 1051.54]  and who listens
+[1051.54 --> 1052.62]  to a slave.
+[1054.42 --> 1056.28]  But now you have become
+[1056.28 --> 1057.80]  incredibly powerful.
+[1058.82 --> 1059.82]  God has blessed you.
+[1059.92 --> 1061.20]  You are second in command
+[1061.20 --> 1063.02]  in the whole land of Egypt
+[1063.02 --> 1063.90]  and one day
+[1063.90 --> 1064.76]  the perpetrators
+[1064.76 --> 1065.54]  of your misery,
+[1065.70 --> 1067.14]  of your past misery,
+[1067.14 --> 1069.06]  bow down before you,
+[1069.32 --> 1070.60]  not recognizing you,
+[1070.60 --> 1072.42]  but you recognize them
+[1072.42 --> 1075.02]  and you remember.
+[1075.66 --> 1077.00]  How could you possibly
+[1077.00 --> 1079.60]  ever really forget?
+[1082.22 --> 1083.66]  And wouldn't you want
+[1083.66 --> 1085.16]  a little revenge?
+[1086.54 --> 1087.84]  Wouldn't there be a voice
+[1087.84 --> 1088.44]  in your head
+[1088.44 --> 1089.38]  telling you to give them
+[1089.38 --> 1090.10]  what they deserve,
+[1090.24 --> 1090.82]  make them pay
+[1090.82 --> 1091.92]  for what they put you through?
+[1092.92 --> 1093.84]  Wouldn't you be tempted
+[1093.84 --> 1094.64]  to mess with them
+[1094.64 --> 1095.72]  just a little bit
+[1095.72 --> 1098.28]  or at least get in their face
+[1098.28 --> 1098.66]  and say,
+[1098.78 --> 1099.70]  do you know how much pain
+[1099.70 --> 1100.90]  you have caused me?
+[1101.12 --> 1102.34]  Do you have any idea
+[1102.34 --> 1103.82]  what the last 20 years
+[1103.82 --> 1104.64]  of my life
+[1104.64 --> 1105.76]  have been like?
+[1110.40 --> 1111.50]  Amazingly, however,
+[1112.36 --> 1114.18]  it is grace
+[1114.18 --> 1115.78]  that is on Joseph's mind.
+[1115.78 --> 1118.16]  Even though it comes
+[1118.16 --> 1119.56]  in the form of a sort of
+[1119.56 --> 1120.42]  what I would call
+[1120.42 --> 1121.60]  holy revenge.
+[1122.86 --> 1124.40]  Because in every detail
+[1124.40 --> 1125.28]  of the story,
+[1125.66 --> 1126.92]  Joseph gives his brothers
+[1126.92 --> 1128.96]  a taste of what they did
+[1128.96 --> 1129.44]  to him
+[1129.44 --> 1131.26]  by putting them
+[1131.26 --> 1132.76]  in the same sort
+[1132.76 --> 1133.60]  of circumstances
+[1133.60 --> 1135.10]  into which they had placed
+[1135.10 --> 1135.88]  Joseph.
+[1137.94 --> 1138.48]  One,
+[1139.68 --> 1140.90]  he accuses them
+[1140.90 --> 1141.44]  of coming
+[1141.44 --> 1142.42]  to spy out
+[1142.42 --> 1143.32]  where the land of Egypt
+[1143.32 --> 1144.26]  is unprotected,
+[1144.26 --> 1146.14]  but what he literally says,
+[1147.50 --> 1148.60]  shades of the false
+[1148.60 --> 1149.62]  accusation Joseph
+[1149.62 --> 1150.22]  had suffered
+[1150.22 --> 1151.34]  from Mrs. Potiphar,
+[1151.76 --> 1153.06]  what he literally says
+[1153.06 --> 1154.32]  is that they have come
+[1154.32 --> 1155.18]  to violate
+[1155.18 --> 1156.62]  the nakedness
+[1156.62 --> 1157.36]  of the land.
+[1159.14 --> 1160.32]  For a second thing,
+[1160.40 --> 1161.38]  they all spend time
+[1161.38 --> 1161.88]  in prison.
+[1162.86 --> 1163.60]  In all likelihood,
+[1163.78 --> 1164.48]  the same prison
+[1164.48 --> 1165.08]  where Joseph
+[1165.08 --> 1165.72]  had spent
+[1165.72 --> 1166.96]  the precious years
+[1166.96 --> 1167.82]  of his youth.
+[1168.80 --> 1169.94]  For a third thing,
+[1170.02 --> 1170.88]  he binds Satan
+[1170.88 --> 1171.80]  before their eyes
+[1171.80 --> 1172.30]  as he sends
+[1172.30 --> 1172.96]  the rest of them
+[1172.96 --> 1173.96]  back to Canaan.
+[1173.96 --> 1175.64]  and just as Joseph himself
+[1175.64 --> 1176.34]  had been bound
+[1176.34 --> 1177.38]  by the slave traders.
+[1178.38 --> 1179.88]  And for a fourth thing,
+[1180.58 --> 1181.30]  he returns
+[1181.30 --> 1182.40]  each man's silver,
+[1183.34 --> 1183.92]  a reminder
+[1183.92 --> 1184.84]  of his own
+[1184.84 --> 1185.96]  purchase price.
+[1187.18 --> 1188.42]  And because he is
+[1188.42 --> 1189.92]  only human after all,
+[1189.98 --> 1190.64]  it is hard
+[1190.64 --> 1192.14]  to believe,
+[1192.92 --> 1193.88]  or it is not
+[1193.88 --> 1194.64]  hard to believe,
+[1195.32 --> 1196.12]  that he might have
+[1196.12 --> 1197.18]  enjoyed this
+[1197.18 --> 1198.02]  holy revenge
+[1198.02 --> 1200.12]  just a little bit.
+[1200.12 --> 1203.42]  still,
+[1203.58 --> 1206.46]  it is a holy revenge
+[1206.46 --> 1208.34]  because the goal
+[1208.34 --> 1210.02]  is not payback.
+[1211.16 --> 1212.54]  What Joseph seeks
+[1212.54 --> 1214.06]  is reconciliation.
+[1214.06 --> 1216.06]  And reconciliation,
+[1217.80 --> 1219.06]  genuine reconciliation,
+[1220.68 --> 1221.80]  as South Africa
+[1221.80 --> 1223.36]  recognized when it
+[1223.36 --> 1224.62]  appointed the Truth
+[1224.62 --> 1226.44]  and Reconciliation Commission
+[1226.44 --> 1227.76]  to deal with the
+[1227.76 --> 1228.74]  terrible abuses
+[1228.74 --> 1229.44]  that happened
+[1229.44 --> 1231.46]  during apartheid,
+[1232.28 --> 1233.20]  and as our own
+[1233.20 --> 1233.52]  country,
+[1233.68 --> 1234.04]  Canada,
+[1234.20 --> 1235.58]  recognized when it
+[1235.58 --> 1236.74]  appointed a similar
+[1236.74 --> 1238.86]  commission in 2008
+[1238.86 --> 1240.06]  to deal with the
+[1240.06 --> 1241.34]  painful and awful
+[1241.34 --> 1242.32]  legacy of the
+[1242.32 --> 1243.40]  residential schools
+[1243.40 --> 1244.62]  among our country's
+[1244.62 --> 1245.72]  indigenous people,
+[1246.52 --> 1248.10]  genuine reconciliation
+[1248.10 --> 1249.78]  cannot happen
+[1249.78 --> 1252.04]  without truth.
+[1252.04 --> 1255.74]  Joseph wants the
+[1255.74 --> 1256.16]  truth.
+[1257.56 --> 1258.48]  He wants to test
+[1258.48 --> 1259.06]  the character
+[1259.06 --> 1259.76]  of his brothers.
+[1260.68 --> 1261.36]  He wants to know
+[1261.36 --> 1262.06]  their heart,
+[1262.88 --> 1264.18]  not for the sake
+[1264.18 --> 1264.88]  of revenge,
+[1265.02 --> 1265.82]  but for the sake
+[1265.82 --> 1266.16]  of,
+[1266.64 --> 1267.42]  with the goal
+[1267.42 --> 1267.86]  of,
+[1268.52 --> 1269.16]  reconciliation.
+[1272.08 --> 1273.44]  We can only imagine,
+[1273.58 --> 1274.38]  some of us perhaps
+[1274.38 --> 1275.30]  better than others,
+[1275.54 --> 1276.48]  the mixed feelings
+[1276.48 --> 1277.74]  Joseph must have had
+[1277.74 --> 1278.72]  as his past
+[1278.72 --> 1279.28]  came back
+[1279.28 --> 1280.20]  into his present.
+[1280.20 --> 1281.96]  But if there is
+[1281.96 --> 1282.64]  one thing
+[1282.64 --> 1284.00]  both his past
+[1284.00 --> 1284.72]  and his present
+[1284.72 --> 1285.76]  had taught Joseph
+[1285.76 --> 1286.36]  by now,
+[1286.52 --> 1287.66]  it was to always
+[1287.66 --> 1288.52]  see the bigger
+[1288.52 --> 1289.06]  picture,
+[1290.56 --> 1292.74]  God's picture.
+[1294.34 --> 1295.68]  And that bigger
+[1295.68 --> 1296.12]  picture,
+[1296.34 --> 1297.24]  both in Genesis
+[1297.24 --> 1298.52]  and in the whole
+[1298.52 --> 1298.96]  Bible,
+[1299.20 --> 1299.84]  and the key
+[1299.84 --> 1300.80]  to understanding
+[1300.80 --> 1301.92]  Joseph's actions
+[1301.92 --> 1303.08]  is the promise
+[1303.08 --> 1303.74]  of God
+[1303.74 --> 1304.68]  to Abraham
+[1304.68 --> 1305.60]  to bless him
+[1305.60 --> 1306.46]  and his descendants
+[1306.46 --> 1307.66]  and through them
+[1307.66 --> 1308.82]  to bless all
+[1308.82 --> 1309.40]  the peoples
+[1309.40 --> 1310.30]  of the earth.
+[1312.42 --> 1313.42]  The tip-off
+[1313.42 --> 1314.30]  is verse 9,
+[1314.96 --> 1315.60]  when Joseph's
+[1315.60 --> 1316.16]  brothers bowed
+[1316.16 --> 1316.64]  before him
+[1316.64 --> 1317.28]  and then it says,
+[1317.66 --> 1318.14]  then Joseph
+[1318.14 --> 1318.94]  remembered
+[1318.94 --> 1320.24]  his dream
+[1320.24 --> 1321.08]  about them.
+[1321.94 --> 1322.54]  And you know
+[1322.54 --> 1323.56]  what dreams he meant,
+[1323.90 --> 1324.40]  don't you?
+[1325.40 --> 1325.96]  You go back
+[1325.96 --> 1326.60]  to the beginning
+[1326.60 --> 1327.66]  of Joseph's story,
+[1328.22 --> 1329.34]  Genesis 37,
+[1329.60 --> 1330.50]  verses 7,
+[1330.92 --> 1331.56]  verse 9,
+[1331.94 --> 1332.74]  about his brothers
+[1332.74 --> 1333.86]  sheaves of grain
+[1333.86 --> 1334.86]  bowing down
+[1334.86 --> 1335.64]  to Joseph's
+[1335.64 --> 1336.36]  sheave of grain,
+[1336.60 --> 1337.38]  about the sun
+[1337.38 --> 1337.94]  and the moon
+[1337.94 --> 1339.08]  and the 11 stars
+[1339.08 --> 1340.12]  bowing down
+[1340.12 --> 1341.02]  to Joseph.
+[1341.74 --> 1342.94]  Dreams that echo
+[1342.94 --> 1343.90]  God's promise
+[1343.90 --> 1344.80]  to Abraham
+[1344.80 --> 1345.92]  that looked forward
+[1345.92 --> 1347.06]  also to the day
+[1347.06 --> 1348.40]  when Abraham's
+[1348.40 --> 1349.52]  great-grandson
+[1349.52 --> 1351.08]  is indeed blessed
+[1351.08 --> 1352.04]  and through him
+[1352.04 --> 1353.24]  all peoples
+[1353.24 --> 1353.96]  in Egypt
+[1353.96 --> 1355.16]  and on the earth.
+[1355.16 --> 1358.54]  it is the moment
+[1358.54 --> 1359.50]  when more than ever
+[1359.50 --> 1360.76]  before,
+[1360.90 --> 1361.82]  up till now,
+[1362.08 --> 1362.78]  Joseph sees
+[1362.78 --> 1364.26]  two important things.
+[1365.56 --> 1367.04]  He sees his brothers
+[1367.04 --> 1367.94]  in light
+[1367.94 --> 1369.42]  of God's purpose
+[1369.42 --> 1370.08]  for him
+[1370.08 --> 1371.80]  as instruments
+[1371.80 --> 1372.54]  in the hands
+[1372.54 --> 1373.04]  of God.
+[1374.40 --> 1375.78]  And seeing his brothers
+[1375.78 --> 1376.40]  that way,
+[1377.04 --> 1377.98]  he sees that
+[1377.98 --> 1378.96]  if there is any
+[1378.96 --> 1379.68]  hell to pay,
+[1380.44 --> 1381.98]  it is God's business
+[1381.98 --> 1382.80]  to see to it,
+[1382.80 --> 1384.18]  not his.
+[1386.06 --> 1387.74]  Joseph sees his brothers
+[1387.74 --> 1389.16]  in light of God's purpose
+[1389.16 --> 1389.68]  for him,
+[1390.64 --> 1391.54]  realizing more
+[1391.54 --> 1393.02]  than ever before,
+[1393.78 --> 1394.98]  both because of them
+[1394.98 --> 1396.06]  and in spite of them,
+[1396.90 --> 1397.96]  he is living
+[1397.96 --> 1398.84]  the reality
+[1398.84 --> 1400.04]  of God's plan
+[1400.04 --> 1401.20]  for him.
+[1401.20 --> 1403.82]  What an incredibly
+[1403.82 --> 1404.48]  twisted,
+[1405.26 --> 1406.40]  painful road
+[1406.40 --> 1406.88]  it's been,
+[1407.80 --> 1408.64]  dumped in a pit,
+[1408.80 --> 1409.66]  sold into slavery,
+[1409.82 --> 1410.74]  locked into prison.
+[1410.74 --> 1412.64]  But here today,
+[1412.76 --> 1413.64]  Joseph is the number
+[1413.64 --> 1415.00]  two man in Egypt,
+[1415.36 --> 1416.12]  really the number
+[1416.12 --> 1416.72]  two man
+[1416.72 --> 1418.20]  in that civilized world.
+[1419.54 --> 1420.58]  And Joseph could only
+[1420.58 --> 1421.32]  look at his brothers
+[1421.32 --> 1422.02]  and say,
+[1422.76 --> 1423.66]  they were tools,
+[1424.54 --> 1425.76]  they were instruments
+[1425.76 --> 1427.80]  in the hand of God.
+[1428.00 --> 1428.76]  They were part
+[1428.76 --> 1429.78]  of God's means
+[1429.78 --> 1430.74]  and God's method
+[1430.74 --> 1431.68]  to work out
+[1431.68 --> 1432.46]  his plan
+[1432.46 --> 1433.02]  and purpose
+[1433.02 --> 1434.08]  for my life
+[1434.08 --> 1436.06]  and let it go.
+[1436.06 --> 1440.48]  easy to say,
+[1440.56 --> 1441.00]  of course,
+[1441.52 --> 1443.04]  but not always
+[1443.04 --> 1443.74]  easy to do.
+[1444.98 --> 1445.42]  And yet,
+[1445.56 --> 1446.78]  this is the perspective
+[1446.78 --> 1449.02]  we need especially
+[1449.02 --> 1450.36]  as followers
+[1450.36 --> 1450.96]  of Jesus.
+[1452.60 --> 1453.40]  This is how
+[1453.40 --> 1454.18]  we need to think
+[1454.18 --> 1455.60]  about that spouse
+[1455.60 --> 1456.04]  who said,
+[1456.16 --> 1457.16]  till death do us part
+[1457.16 --> 1458.84]  and then left
+[1458.84 --> 1459.52]  long before.
+[1461.32 --> 1462.48]  The business partner
+[1462.48 --> 1463.10]  who left you
+[1463.10 --> 1464.54]  in serious financial straits
+[1464.54 --> 1465.30]  when he cheated you
+[1465.30 --> 1465.86]  out of your money.
+[1466.96 --> 1467.90]  That child who
+[1467.90 --> 1468.80]  in all these years
+[1468.80 --> 1469.52]  hasn't expressed
+[1469.52 --> 1470.46]  an ounce of gratitude.
+[1471.88 --> 1472.60]  The parent
+[1472.60 --> 1473.26]  who's never there
+[1473.26 --> 1473.68]  for you.
+[1474.76 --> 1475.36]  The friend
+[1475.36 --> 1476.28]  who so violated
+[1476.28 --> 1477.46]  your trust.
+[1479.48 --> 1480.40]  What would you do
+[1480.40 --> 1481.08]  if you had them
+[1481.08 --> 1482.82]  at a point of need?
+[1484.40 --> 1485.32]  What would you do
+[1485.32 --> 1485.94]  if you had them
+[1485.94 --> 1486.52]  over a barrel?
+[1489.44 --> 1490.18]  Joseph's story
+[1490.18 --> 1491.34]  teaches us to see
+[1491.34 --> 1492.84]  those people
+[1492.84 --> 1493.58]  in light of
+[1493.58 --> 1494.40]  the bigger picture
+[1494.40 --> 1496.42]  as instruments.
+[1496.56 --> 1497.32]  However sinful,
+[1497.50 --> 1498.66]  however disobedient,
+[1499.08 --> 1500.18]  however wrongly
+[1500.18 --> 1501.06]  and unfairly
+[1501.06 --> 1502.06]  and unjustly
+[1502.06 --> 1502.70]  and contrary
+[1502.70 --> 1503.66]  to the will of God
+[1503.66 --> 1504.10]  they may have
+[1504.10 --> 1504.68]  treated you
+[1504.68 --> 1507.50]  in God's hands.
+[1508.96 --> 1510.22]  As part of God's
+[1510.22 --> 1511.32]  means to work out
+[1511.32 --> 1511.90]  his purposes
+[1511.90 --> 1512.72]  for your life
+[1512.72 --> 1513.64]  and for mine.
+[1514.74 --> 1515.88]  Oh, it may be hard.
+[1516.44 --> 1517.02]  It may be
+[1517.02 --> 1518.36]  almost impossible
+[1518.36 --> 1518.94]  at times
+[1518.94 --> 1519.84]  to see God
+[1519.84 --> 1520.18]  at work
+[1520.18 --> 1521.06]  keeping his promise
+[1521.06 --> 1521.88]  even through people
+[1521.88 --> 1522.56]  who have caused
+[1522.56 --> 1523.52]  both you and God
+[1523.52 --> 1524.14]  pain.
+[1525.00 --> 1525.98]  I get that.
+[1527.04 --> 1527.98]  Maybe you'll never
+[1527.98 --> 1529.04]  see it as clearly
+[1529.04 --> 1529.82]  as Joseph did
+[1529.82 --> 1530.32]  at least not
+[1530.32 --> 1531.26]  this side of the grave.
+[1532.48 --> 1533.54]  But then part of
+[1533.54 --> 1534.24]  being a Christian
+[1534.24 --> 1535.66]  on this side
+[1535.66 --> 1536.24]  of the grave
+[1536.24 --> 1537.28]  is that we live
+[1537.28 --> 1538.10]  by faith
+[1538.10 --> 1539.32]  rather than by sight.
+[1541.32 --> 1542.18]  Joseph's story
+[1542.18 --> 1543.40]  encourages us
+[1543.40 --> 1545.34]  by faith
+[1545.34 --> 1546.98]  to thank God
+[1546.98 --> 1549.56]  not for all circumstances
+[1549.56 --> 1551.76]  but in all circumstances
+[1551.76 --> 1553.26]  and to believe
+[1553.26 --> 1554.02]  that somehow
+[1554.02 --> 1555.32]  even people
+[1555.32 --> 1556.26]  who have caused
+[1556.26 --> 1557.24]  or are causing you
+[1557.24 --> 1558.40]  pain in your life
+[1558.40 --> 1560.64]  can and will be used
+[1560.64 --> 1561.30]  by God
+[1561.30 --> 1562.80]  to mold
+[1562.80 --> 1563.92]  and shape you
+[1563.92 --> 1564.70]  into the kind
+[1564.70 --> 1565.30]  of person
+[1565.30 --> 1566.10]  blessed
+[1566.10 --> 1567.14]  and being a blessing
+[1567.14 --> 1569.10]  God intends
+[1569.10 --> 1569.88]  for you to be.
+[1571.96 --> 1572.92]  Because he saw
+[1572.92 --> 1574.40]  that bigger picture
+[1574.40 --> 1575.94]  Joseph saw his brothers
+[1575.94 --> 1576.62]  as instruments
+[1576.62 --> 1577.28]  in the hands
+[1577.28 --> 1578.34]  of a faithful God.
+[1578.34 --> 1579.98]  a God
+[1579.98 --> 1580.52]  who could
+[1580.52 --> 1581.30]  and can
+[1581.30 --> 1582.06]  shoot straight
+[1582.06 --> 1583.68]  with crooked arrows.
+[1585.68 --> 1586.52]  And seeing that
+[1586.52 --> 1587.72]  Joseph was determined
+[1587.72 --> 1589.86]  to forego revenge.
+[1590.42 --> 1591.02]  Vengeance
+[1591.02 --> 1592.78]  is God's business
+[1592.78 --> 1593.90]  not his
+[1593.90 --> 1595.78]  not ours
+[1595.78 --> 1597.40]  not mine.
+[1598.90 --> 1599.56]  Joseph could not
+[1599.56 --> 1600.34]  live in a world
+[1600.34 --> 1601.04]  where
+[1601.04 --> 1603.04]  evils of the past
+[1603.04 --> 1606.12]  became the main factor
+[1606.12 --> 1607.22]  that shaped
+[1607.22 --> 1608.06]  his present.
+[1608.34 --> 1610.34]  in the long run
+[1610.34 --> 1611.60]  none of us
+[1611.60 --> 1612.42]  can live that way.
+[1613.18 --> 1613.74]  In an eye
+[1613.74 --> 1614.44]  for an eye
+[1614.44 --> 1614.74]  world
+[1614.74 --> 1615.12]  everybody
+[1615.12 --> 1616.02]  sooner or later
+[1616.02 --> 1616.78]  ends up blind.
+[1618.62 --> 1619.56]  If the hurts
+[1619.56 --> 1620.14]  and the evils
+[1620.14 --> 1620.78]  of the past
+[1620.78 --> 1621.90]  become the primary
+[1621.90 --> 1622.66]  guiding
+[1622.66 --> 1623.28]  and shaping
+[1623.28 --> 1623.72]  force
+[1623.72 --> 1624.78]  for your future
+[1624.78 --> 1627.18]  then none of us
+[1627.18 --> 1628.62]  have a very bright future.
+[1629.98 --> 1630.64]  That's true
+[1630.64 --> 1631.40]  in our relationship
+[1631.40 --> 1632.04]  with God
+[1632.04 --> 1633.82]  it's just as true
+[1633.82 --> 1634.88]  in our relationships
+[1634.88 --> 1636.22]  with each other.
+[1637.88 --> 1638.80]  Do you remember
+[1638.80 --> 1639.80]  what Jesus once said?
+[1641.26 --> 1642.46]  Love your enemies
+[1642.46 --> 1644.56]  and pray for those
+[1644.56 --> 1645.54]  who persecute you
+[1645.54 --> 1646.76]  that you may be
+[1646.76 --> 1648.42]  sons and daughters
+[1648.42 --> 1649.10]  of your Father
+[1649.10 --> 1649.66]  in heaven.
+[1650.66 --> 1651.50]  He causes
+[1651.50 --> 1651.92]  his Son
+[1651.92 --> 1652.42]  to rise
+[1652.42 --> 1652.98]  on the evil
+[1652.98 --> 1653.52]  and the good
+[1653.52 --> 1654.40]  on the Jews
+[1654.40 --> 1655.40]  and on the Egyptians
+[1655.40 --> 1656.84]  and sends rain
+[1656.84 --> 1658.10]  on the righteous
+[1658.10 --> 1659.66]  and the unrighteous.
+[1660.84 --> 1661.74]  Too often
+[1661.74 --> 1662.90]  those words of Jesus
+[1662.90 --> 1664.48]  are drowned out
+[1664.48 --> 1665.42]  by the cries
+[1665.42 --> 1666.34]  for revenge
+[1666.34 --> 1667.80]  in each of us.
+[1669.02 --> 1669.92]  We know
+[1669.92 --> 1671.02]  how gratifying
+[1671.02 --> 1671.66]  it can be
+[1671.66 --> 1673.14]  to see those
+[1673.14 --> 1674.40]  who have wronged us
+[1674.40 --> 1675.66]  fall.
+[1677.24 --> 1678.38]  But haven't we
+[1678.38 --> 1679.26]  also learned
+[1679.26 --> 1681.36]  if not in our own lives
+[1681.36 --> 1682.20]  and in the lives
+[1682.20 --> 1682.88]  of others
+[1682.88 --> 1683.80]  and of nations
+[1683.80 --> 1685.84]  that retaliation
+[1685.84 --> 1687.28]  is never
+[1687.28 --> 1688.64]  the end of the matter.
+[1689.78 --> 1691.20]  It's only the beginning
+[1691.20 --> 1693.46]  of an endless cycle
+[1693.46 --> 1694.84]  of rage
+[1694.84 --> 1695.58]  that only grows
+[1695.58 --> 1696.06]  hotter
+[1696.06 --> 1697.40]  and stronger
+[1697.40 --> 1699.06]  with every new action
+[1699.06 --> 1700.50]  and reaction.
+[1702.28 --> 1703.48]  People in our world
+[1703.48 --> 1704.12]  talk about
+[1704.12 --> 1705.38]  revenge or retaliation
+[1705.38 --> 1706.12]  as a way of
+[1706.12 --> 1707.46]  getting even.
+[1709.16 --> 1710.66]  But Jesus told us
+[1710.66 --> 1711.34]  in his sermon
+[1711.34 --> 1711.98]  on the mount
+[1711.98 --> 1713.32]  not to resist
+[1713.32 --> 1714.24]  an evil person.
+[1714.74 --> 1715.62]  And Paul instructed
+[1715.62 --> 1716.14]  the church
+[1716.14 --> 1717.22]  in Romans 12
+[1717.22 --> 1718.58]  not to return
+[1718.58 --> 1719.58]  evil for evil
+[1719.58 --> 1720.64]  because here is
+[1720.64 --> 1721.20]  the problem
+[1721.20 --> 1722.62]  with trying to get even.
+[1722.98 --> 1723.68]  You never do.
+[1724.96 --> 1725.88]  You never do.
+[1726.94 --> 1727.80]  Returning evil
+[1727.80 --> 1728.34]  for evil
+[1728.34 --> 1728.74]  leaves you
+[1728.74 --> 1729.26]  with a memory
+[1729.26 --> 1729.92]  of two evils
+[1729.92 --> 1730.60]  instead of one.
+[1732.00 --> 1732.98]  More importantly
+[1732.98 --> 1733.58]  revenge
+[1733.58 --> 1734.56]  and retaliation
+[1734.56 --> 1735.72]  almost always
+[1735.72 --> 1737.36]  begin a chain reaction
+[1737.36 --> 1738.70]  that gets worse
+[1738.70 --> 1740.42]  as it goes along.
+[1741.24 --> 1742.56]  It is a rare thing
+[1742.56 --> 1744.24]  when two people
+[1744.24 --> 1744.94]  weigh pain
+[1744.94 --> 1746.42]  on the same scale.
+[1746.58 --> 1748.16]  Any hurt I cause you
+[1748.16 --> 1749.94]  will always feel
+[1749.94 --> 1750.48]  worse to you
+[1750.48 --> 1751.40]  than it does to me.
+[1752.60 --> 1753.58]  The two don't
+[1753.58 --> 1754.40]  balance out
+[1754.40 --> 1754.90]  and so
+[1754.90 --> 1756.80]  you never get even.
+[1758.16 --> 1758.88]  An insult
+[1758.88 --> 1759.48]  is returned
+[1759.48 --> 1760.34]  by a shove,
+[1760.42 --> 1760.88]  is returned
+[1760.88 --> 1761.62]  by a punch
+[1761.62 --> 1762.24]  in the face,
+[1762.52 --> 1763.02]  is returned
+[1763.02 --> 1763.92]  by a knockdown
+[1763.92 --> 1764.74]  and several kicks
+[1764.74 --> 1765.28]  in the head,
+[1765.56 --> 1766.12]  is returned
+[1766.12 --> 1767.28]  by getting one's friends
+[1767.28 --> 1768.26]  and ganging up
+[1768.26 --> 1768.76]  on the other
+[1768.76 --> 1769.84]  which finally leads
+[1769.84 --> 1770.44]  to somebody
+[1770.44 --> 1771.34]  pulling on a knife
+[1771.34 --> 1771.88]  or a gun
+[1771.88 --> 1773.36]  with deadly consequences.
+[1776.08 --> 1776.60]  Revenge,
+[1777.92 --> 1778.98]  wrote Lewis Smeades,
+[1779.34 --> 1780.14]  locks you
+[1780.14 --> 1782.20]  into an escalation
+[1782.20 --> 1783.24]  of evil
+[1783.24 --> 1785.68]  and the only way
+[1785.68 --> 1786.14]  to get off
+[1786.14 --> 1786.86]  that escalator
+[1786.86 --> 1788.30]  for evil
+[1788.30 --> 1789.12]  to be overcome
+[1789.12 --> 1790.48]  is not
+[1790.48 --> 1791.76]  passive
+[1791.76 --> 1793.30]  non-resistance
+[1793.30 --> 1795.70]  but active
+[1795.70 --> 1797.38]  non-resistance
+[1797.38 --> 1798.82]  an active
+[1798.82 --> 1799.68]  deed
+[1799.68 --> 1800.72]  of grace
+[1800.72 --> 1802.28]  on your part.
+[1803.52 --> 1804.52]  That doesn't
+[1804.52 --> 1805.04]  guarantee
+[1805.04 --> 1805.98]  no more evil.
+[1806.28 --> 1807.02]  It might not
+[1807.02 --> 1807.60]  be fair
+[1807.60 --> 1808.94]  but the alternative
+[1808.94 --> 1809.96]  more evil
+[1809.96 --> 1811.88]  is far worse.
+[1814.36 --> 1815.58]  There are times
+[1815.58 --> 1816.54]  when it is important
+[1816.54 --> 1818.16]  to stand up
+[1818.16 --> 1818.86]  for our rights.
+[1820.24 --> 1821.32]  There are times
+[1821.32 --> 1822.08]  when we are injured
+[1822.08 --> 1823.40]  and justice
+[1823.40 --> 1824.38]  must be sought.
+[1825.46 --> 1826.38]  There are times
+[1826.38 --> 1826.76]  and others
+[1826.76 --> 1827.48]  take advantage
+[1827.48 --> 1828.00]  of us
+[1828.00 --> 1829.16]  and it's necessary
+[1829.16 --> 1830.28]  to seek damages.
+[1832.00 --> 1832.82]  We should not
+[1832.82 --> 1833.32]  misunderstand
+[1833.32 --> 1834.30]  Jesus' words
+[1834.30 --> 1835.08]  as an invitation
+[1835.08 --> 1836.24]  to live as doormats.
+[1838.38 --> 1839.44]  There are times
+[1839.44 --> 1840.06]  and occasions
+[1840.06 --> 1841.96]  when the right
+[1841.96 --> 1842.60]  thing to do
+[1842.60 --> 1844.16]  is to fight
+[1844.16 --> 1844.92]  against the wrong
+[1844.92 --> 1845.48]  being done
+[1845.48 --> 1846.22]  against you
+[1846.22 --> 1847.26]  or someone else
+[1847.26 --> 1848.24]  but there is
+[1848.24 --> 1848.72]  never
+[1848.72 --> 1850.70]  a good
+[1850.70 --> 1851.60]  or right time
+[1851.60 --> 1853.58]  for revenge.
+[1854.84 --> 1855.36]  Payback
+[1855.36 --> 1857.06]  trying to get
+[1857.06 --> 1857.40]  even.
+[1859.58 --> 1860.58]  So how do we
+[1860.58 --> 1860.98]  deal with
+[1860.98 --> 1861.76]  past things
+[1861.76 --> 1862.80]  we cannot
+[1862.80 --> 1863.32]  forget?
+[1864.92 --> 1866.04]  Is there a way
+[1866.04 --> 1867.00]  to remember
+[1867.00 --> 1867.56]  them without
+[1867.56 --> 1868.40]  allowing them
+[1868.40 --> 1869.24]  to dictate
+[1869.24 --> 1870.78]  our lives?
+[1872.46 --> 1873.32]  There is.
+[1874.32 --> 1875.06]  And it comes
+[1875.06 --> 1876.06]  only by the grace
+[1876.06 --> 1876.76]  and the power
+[1876.76 --> 1877.42]  of God.
+[1878.42 --> 1879.26]  It comes
+[1879.26 --> 1879.92]  only by
+[1879.92 --> 1880.66]  constantly
+[1880.66 --> 1881.94]  being aware
+[1881.94 --> 1884.30]  of the big
+[1884.30 --> 1884.82]  picture
+[1884.82 --> 1885.74]  we see
+[1885.74 --> 1886.40]  even more
+[1886.40 --> 1886.78]  clearly
+[1886.78 --> 1887.46]  than Joseph
+[1887.46 --> 1887.80]  could
+[1887.80 --> 1888.16]  and by
+[1888.16 --> 1888.80]  answering
+[1888.80 --> 1889.92]  the question
+[1889.92 --> 1890.32]  that the
+[1890.32 --> 1891.14]  brothers asked
+[1891.14 --> 1891.92]  at one point
+[1891.92 --> 1893.32]  in Genesis 42
+[1893.32 --> 1894.38]  when they open
+[1894.38 --> 1895.34]  a bag of grain
+[1895.34 --> 1896.24]  and discover
+[1896.24 --> 1897.28]  that their silver
+[1897.28 --> 1898.08]  has been returned
+[1898.08 --> 1898.52]  to them.
+[1898.88 --> 1899.60]  This question,
+[1899.82 --> 1901.10]  what is this
+[1901.10 --> 1903.24]  that God
+[1903.24 --> 1904.22]  has done
+[1904.22 --> 1904.84]  to us?
+[1904.84 --> 1908.06]  their thinking
+[1908.06 --> 1908.74]  at that point
+[1908.74 --> 1909.38]  was that God
+[1909.38 --> 1910.06]  was punishing
+[1910.06 --> 1910.84]  them for
+[1910.84 --> 1911.42]  their past
+[1911.42 --> 1911.98]  evils.
+[1913.76 --> 1914.68]  But we know
+[1914.68 --> 1915.02]  better.
+[1916.36 --> 1917.16]  We know
+[1917.16 --> 1917.56]  what they
+[1917.56 --> 1917.98]  don't yet
+[1917.98 --> 1918.32]  know.
+[1919.28 --> 1920.06]  That God
+[1920.06 --> 1920.80]  through Joseph
+[1920.80 --> 1921.44]  was seeking
+[1921.44 --> 1922.22]  their healing
+[1922.22 --> 1923.96]  and reconciliation.
+[1924.82 --> 1925.46]  A healing
+[1925.46 --> 1926.48]  and reconciliation
+[1926.48 --> 1927.64]  that for Abraham
+[1927.64 --> 1928.28]  and his
+[1928.28 --> 1928.78]  descendants
+[1928.78 --> 1929.42]  in the days
+[1929.42 --> 1930.00]  of Joseph
+[1930.00 --> 1930.86]  was only
+[1930.86 --> 1931.78]  yet a promise
+[1931.78 --> 1933.44]  but that
+[1933.44 --> 1933.98]  for us
+[1933.98 --> 1934.90]  is reality
+[1934.90 --> 1936.36]  as we sang
+[1936.36 --> 1936.92]  this morning
+[1936.92 --> 1938.24]  in the cross
+[1938.24 --> 1939.34]  of Jesus Christ
+[1939.34 --> 1940.86]  the Lamb of God
+[1940.86 --> 1942.12]  who takes away
+[1942.12 --> 1943.14]  the sin
+[1943.14 --> 1943.66]  of the world.
+[1945.10 --> 1946.10]  The power
+[1946.10 --> 1946.78]  of the past
+[1946.78 --> 1947.32]  for Joseph
+[1947.32 --> 1947.86]  and us
+[1947.86 --> 1949.72]  is undeniably
+[1949.72 --> 1950.24]  strong.
+[1951.16 --> 1951.94]  It is
+[1951.94 --> 1952.90]  unimaginably
+[1952.90 --> 1953.50]  stronger
+[1953.50 --> 1954.90]  for God.
+[1956.08 --> 1956.72]  Listen,
+[1957.84 --> 1958.64]  if God
+[1958.64 --> 1959.54]  remembers
+[1959.54 --> 1960.76]  everything
+[1960.76 --> 1962.94]  God
+[1962.94 --> 1963.08]  can you
+[1963.08 --> 1963.56]  even
+[1963.56 --> 1963.98]  begin
+[1963.98 --> 1965.10]  to imagine
+[1965.10 --> 1966.32]  how terribly
+[1966.32 --> 1966.98]  God
+[1966.98 --> 1968.32]  must suffer?
+[1970.16 --> 1970.80]  How can
+[1970.80 --> 1971.40]  God
+[1971.40 --> 1972.30]  possibly
+[1972.30 --> 1972.92]  endure
+[1972.92 --> 1974.12]  the world
+[1974.12 --> 1975.00]  if God
+[1975.00 --> 1975.56]  remembers
+[1975.56 --> 1976.34]  as clearly
+[1976.34 --> 1976.98]  as if it
+[1976.98 --> 1977.80]  were yesterday
+[1977.80 --> 1979.14]  all the
+[1979.14 --> 1979.52]  evils
+[1979.52 --> 1980.18]  ever
+[1980.18 --> 1980.92]  perpetrated
+[1980.92 --> 1981.72]  by every
+[1981.72 --> 1982.16]  nation
+[1982.16 --> 1983.06]  and every
+[1983.06 --> 1983.52]  person
+[1983.52 --> 1984.28]  that ever
+[1984.28 --> 1984.62]  lived
+[1984.62 --> 1984.98]  and that
+[1984.98 --> 1985.60]  lives today?
+[1988.02 --> 1989.04]  How does
+[1989.04 --> 1989.90]  even God
+[1989.90 --> 1990.34]  deal
+[1990.34 --> 1991.54]  with that
+[1991.54 --> 1992.04]  entire
+[1992.04 --> 1992.66]  universe
+[1992.66 --> 1993.34]  of past
+[1993.34 --> 1993.72]  evil
+[1993.72 --> 1993.98]  without
+[1993.98 --> 1994.30]  just
+[1994.30 --> 1995.44]  lashing out
+[1995.44 --> 1996.44]  at every
+[1996.44 --> 1997.00]  one
+[1997.00 --> 1997.94]  of us
+[1997.94 --> 1999.62]  and every
+[1999.62 --> 2000.30]  person on
+[2000.30 --> 2000.64]  earth
+[2000.64 --> 2001.64]  once and
+[2001.64 --> 2002.14]  for all?
+[2003.50 --> 2004.34]  But you
+[2004.34 --> 2004.66]  know,
+[2005.22 --> 2006.42]  you know
+[2006.42 --> 2006.82]  how he
+[2006.82 --> 2007.24]  does.
+[2008.84 --> 2009.62]  God too,
+[2009.76 --> 2010.48]  once as he
+[2010.48 --> 2011.12]  looked ahead,
+[2012.06 --> 2012.92]  now as he
+[2012.92 --> 2013.72]  looks back,
+[2014.64 --> 2015.48]  holds in his
+[2015.48 --> 2015.98]  memory,
+[2016.66 --> 2017.30]  above all,
+[2017.30 --> 2018.44]  the cross
+[2018.44 --> 2019.98]  of Jesus
+[2019.98 --> 2020.48]  Christ.
+[2021.94 --> 2022.86]  As God
+[2022.86 --> 2023.82]  remembers that
+[2023.82 --> 2024.30]  and we
+[2024.30 --> 2024.70]  are not
+[2024.70 --> 2025.20]  destroyed,
+[2026.32 --> 2027.22]  so must
+[2027.22 --> 2027.50]  we.
+[2028.50 --> 2029.08]  Remember
+[2029.08 --> 2029.72]  that any
+[2029.72 --> 2030.38]  and every
+[2030.38 --> 2031.16]  evil ever
+[2031.16 --> 2031.68]  done to
+[2031.68 --> 2032.56]  you has
+[2032.56 --> 2033.12]  itself
+[2033.12 --> 2033.66]  already
+[2033.66 --> 2034.28]  been taken
+[2034.28 --> 2035.20]  up into
+[2035.20 --> 2035.80]  God
+[2035.80 --> 2036.74]  through the
+[2036.74 --> 2037.36]  suffering of
+[2037.36 --> 2038.24]  Jesus for
+[2038.24 --> 2038.64]  the sin
+[2038.64 --> 2038.90]  of the
+[2038.90 --> 2039.18]  world.
+[2041.06 --> 2041.76]  Remembering
+[2041.76 --> 2042.34]  that may
+[2042.34 --> 2043.18]  not erase
+[2043.18 --> 2044.08]  your memory.
+[2044.08 --> 2045.60]  it may
+[2045.60 --> 2045.82]  not,
+[2045.94 --> 2046.28]  in this
+[2046.28 --> 2046.80]  life at
+[2046.80 --> 2047.06]  least,
+[2047.58 --> 2048.04]  eliminate
+[2048.04 --> 2048.68]  every
+[2048.68 --> 2049.08]  twinge
+[2049.08 --> 2049.58]  of pain,
+[2049.94 --> 2050.20]  every
+[2050.20 --> 2050.78]  temptation
+[2050.78 --> 2051.60]  to take
+[2051.60 --> 2052.20]  revenge.
+[2052.70 --> 2052.92]  But
+[2052.92 --> 2053.60]  perhaps,
+[2054.60 --> 2055.58]  perhaps it
+[2055.58 --> 2056.06]  helps to
+[2056.06 --> 2056.50]  remember
+[2056.50 --> 2057.70]  that someone
+[2057.70 --> 2058.60]  bigger,
+[2059.34 --> 2059.74]  better,
+[2060.40 --> 2060.98]  stronger,
+[2061.52 --> 2062.16]  more gracious
+[2062.16 --> 2062.74]  than you
+[2062.74 --> 2063.18]  or I
+[2063.18 --> 2064.90]  has dealt
+[2064.90 --> 2065.30]  with our
+[2065.30 --> 2066.44]  hurts and
+[2066.44 --> 2067.10]  will continue
+[2067.10 --> 2067.48]  to deal
+[2067.48 --> 2067.82]  with them
+[2067.82 --> 2068.48]  until that
+[2068.48 --> 2068.92]  day when
+[2068.92 --> 2069.96]  every tear
+[2069.96 --> 2070.28]  will be
+[2070.28 --> 2070.64]  wiped
+[2070.64 --> 2071.36]  from our
+[2071.36 --> 2071.72]  eyes,
+[2072.08 --> 2072.84]  every old
+[2072.84 --> 2073.46]  enemy will
+[2073.46 --> 2074.38]  be reconciled
+[2074.38 --> 2075.24]  and every
+[2075.24 --> 2076.10]  bad memory
+[2076.10 --> 2076.62]  will be
+[2076.62 --> 2077.98]  deprived of
+[2077.98 --> 2078.66]  its power
+[2078.66 --> 2079.64]  to hurt
+[2079.64 --> 2080.76]  anymore.
+[2084.22 --> 2085.06]  In the
+[2085.06 --> 2085.66]  courtroom of
+[2085.66 --> 2086.02]  the Truth
+[2086.02 --> 2086.82]  and Reconciliation
+[2086.82 --> 2087.52]  Commission
+[2087.52 --> 2088.10]  one day,
+[2089.10 --> 2089.80]  the shock
+[2089.80 --> 2090.14]  of the
+[2090.14 --> 2091.20]  amazing grace
+[2091.20 --> 2092.22]  in the
+[2092.22 --> 2092.68]  lives of
+[2092.68 --> 2093.04]  one of
+[2093.04 --> 2093.42]  God's
+[2093.42 --> 2093.90]  children
+[2093.90 --> 2095.28]  was so
+[2095.28 --> 2095.86]  great as
+[2095.86 --> 2096.20]  to make
+[2096.20 --> 2097.02]  a perpetrator
+[2097.02 --> 2098.24]  of unimaginable
+[2098.24 --> 2098.72]  evil
+[2098.72 --> 2099.70]  faint
+[2099.70 --> 2100.58]  dead
+[2100.58 --> 2100.94]  away.
+[2103.46 --> 2104.48]  Perhaps
+[2104.48 --> 2105.34]  nobody
+[2105.34 --> 2105.84]  started
+[2105.84 --> 2106.32]  singing
+[2106.32 --> 2106.78]  amazing
+[2106.78 --> 2107.24]  grace
+[2107.24 --> 2108.96]  the day
+[2108.96 --> 2109.60]  Joseph's
+[2109.60 --> 2110.06]  brothers
+[2110.06 --> 2110.48]  faced
+[2110.48 --> 2110.98]  Joseph
+[2110.98 --> 2111.86]  for the
+[2111.86 --> 2112.38]  first time
+[2112.38 --> 2112.82]  since they
+[2112.82 --> 2113.26]  sold him
+[2113.26 --> 2113.88]  into slavery
+[2113.88 --> 2114.48]  over 20
+[2114.48 --> 2115.66]  years earlier.
+[2116.82 --> 2117.86]  The truth
+[2117.86 --> 2118.16]  is,
+[2118.36 --> 2118.78]  Joseph's
+[2118.78 --> 2119.32]  actions
+[2119.32 --> 2120.68]  in measures
+[2120.68 --> 2121.36]  that made
+[2121.36 --> 2122.04]  his brothers
+[2122.04 --> 2122.60]  relive
+[2122.60 --> 2123.54]  his own
+[2123.54 --> 2123.92]  painful
+[2123.92 --> 2124.64]  experiences
+[2124.64 --> 2125.80]  might better
+[2125.80 --> 2126.56]  be called
+[2126.56 --> 2127.92]  severe
+[2127.92 --> 2128.42]  grace
+[2128.42 --> 2130.04]  rather than
+[2130.04 --> 2131.34]  amazing
+[2131.34 --> 2131.84]  grace.
+[2131.84 --> 2131.94]  grace.
+[2132.94 --> 2133.74]  But for
+[2133.74 --> 2134.14]  all of
+[2134.14 --> 2134.42]  that,
+[2135.16 --> 2135.80]  it is
+[2135.80 --> 2136.56]  still
+[2136.56 --> 2137.48]  grace.
+[2138.48 --> 2139.12]  Grace
+[2139.12 --> 2139.56]  by which
+[2139.56 --> 2139.92]  the ten
+[2139.92 --> 2140.30]  brothers,
+[2140.94 --> 2141.38]  like the
+[2141.38 --> 2141.82]  prodigal
+[2141.82 --> 2142.30]  son in
+[2142.30 --> 2142.52]  Jesus'
+[2142.70 --> 2143.04]  well-known
+[2143.04 --> 2143.54]  parable,
+[2144.18 --> 2144.86]  begin to
+[2144.86 --> 2145.40]  come to
+[2145.40 --> 2146.18]  their senses
+[2146.18 --> 2147.90]  by openly
+[2147.90 --> 2149.02]  if unknowingly
+[2149.02 --> 2149.96]  confessing
+[2149.96 --> 2150.42]  their sin
+[2150.42 --> 2150.96]  before the
+[2150.96 --> 2151.66]  very brother
+[2151.66 --> 2152.06]  they had
+[2152.06 --> 2152.54]  wronged
+[2152.54 --> 2154.28]  and by
+[2154.28 --> 2154.94]  recognizing
+[2154.94 --> 2155.72]  the powerful
+[2155.72 --> 2156.28]  hand of
+[2156.28 --> 2156.58]  God
+[2156.58 --> 2157.38]  orchestrating
+[2157.38 --> 2158.14]  the events
+[2158.14 --> 2159.04]  of their
+[2159.04 --> 2159.52]  lives.
+[2159.52 --> 2161.12]  and the
+[2161.12 --> 2161.58]  door to
+[2161.58 --> 2162.04]  God's
+[2162.04 --> 2162.70]  new future
+[2162.70 --> 2163.72]  of blessing
+[2163.72 --> 2164.18]  for his
+[2164.18 --> 2164.56]  children
+[2164.56 --> 2165.84]  is opened
+[2165.84 --> 2167.08]  even if
+[2167.08 --> 2168.36]  only a
+[2168.36 --> 2168.74]  crack
+[2168.74 --> 2169.92]  as yet.
+[2171.62 --> 2172.66]  For now,
+[2173.54 --> 2174.42]  that is
+[2174.42 --> 2175.16]  amazing
+[2175.16 --> 2176.42]  enough
+[2176.42 --> 2176.90]  grace.
+[2178.22 --> 2178.66]  Already
+[2178.66 --> 2179.24]  now you
+[2179.24 --> 2179.76]  can hear
+[2179.76 --> 2180.70]  the Spirit
+[2180.70 --> 2181.28]  of God
+[2181.28 --> 2181.64]  humming
+[2181.64 --> 2182.32]  the tune.
+[2183.74 --> 2184.08]  Everyone
+[2184.08 --> 2184.90]  just hasn't
+[2184.90 --> 2185.34]  caught on
+[2185.34 --> 2185.58]  yet
+[2185.58 --> 2187.36]  and hasn't
+[2187.36 --> 2187.80]  joined in
+[2187.80 --> 2188.06]  yet,
+[2188.76 --> 2189.50]  but they
+[2189.50 --> 2189.76]  will.
+[2190.88 --> 2191.12]  And
+[2191.12 --> 2192.02]  knowing the
+[2192.02 --> 2192.64]  bigger picture,
+[2193.46 --> 2194.48]  not in
+[2194.48 --> 2194.90]  Joseph,
+[2195.66 --> 2196.46]  but in
+[2196.46 --> 2196.80]  Jesus,
+[2198.12 --> 2199.26]  so will
+[2199.26 --> 2199.52]  you,
+[2200.18 --> 2200.66]  won't you?
+[2201.56 --> 2202.44]  In the name
+[2202.44 --> 2202.72]  of the
+[2202.72 --> 2203.32]  Father and
+[2203.32 --> 2203.72]  the Son
+[2203.72 --> 2204.98]  and the
+[2204.98 --> 2205.52]  Holy Spirit.
+[2205.52 --> 2205.62]  Amen.

Joseph #6—Listening to Your Life (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,1509 @@
+[0.00 --> 10.92]  so this is the sixth installment of our series on the story of Joseph at the end of Genesis and
+[10.92 --> 16.20]  today we have quite a few I'm not going to announce the scripture readings because their
+[16.20 --> 20.54]  selections from chapter 43 and 44 and it's going to take me five minutes just to say that so I'm
+[20.54 --> 27.04]  just going to read them but it's good that they'll be on screen and if you want to read obviously if
+[27.04 --> 33.96]  you want to read the whole chapters please do so at home because there's stuff that will be missing
+[33.96 --> 40.72]  but I want to just get to the heart of this story today so we begin today at 43 verse 1 through 9 and
+[40.72 --> 49.86]  I'm just going to read through everything without any further announcement now the famine was still
+[49.86 --> 55.90]  severe in the land so when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt these are the
+[55.90 --> 63.28]  brothers of Joseph and Jacob's family their father said to them go back and buy us a little more food
+[63.28 --> 72.14]  but Judah said to him the man warned us solemnly you will not see my face again unless your brother is
+[72.14 --> 77.68]  with you if you will send our brother along with us we will go down and buy food for you but if you
+[77.68 --> 84.84]  will not send him we will not go down because the man said to us you will not see my face again unless
+[84.84 --> 92.92]  your brother is with you Israel asked why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man you
+[92.92 --> 100.26]  had another brother they replied the man questioned us closely about ourselves and our family is your
+[100.26 --> 106.42]  father still living he asked us do you have another brother we simply answered his questions how were we
+[106.42 --> 114.90]  to know he would say bring your brother down here then Judah said to Israel his father send the boy along
+[114.90 --> 122.30]  with me and we will go at once so that we and you and our children may live and not die I myself will
+[122.30 --> 129.84]  guarantee his safety you can hold me personally responsible for him if I do not bring him back to you
+[129.84 --> 137.70]  and set him here before you I will bear the blame before you all my life so the men took the gifts and
+[137.70 --> 144.00]  double the amount of silver and Benjamin also they hurried down to Egypt and presented themselves to
+[144.00 --> 152.08]  Joseph when Joseph saw Benjamin with them he said to the steward of his house take these men to my house
+[152.08 --> 160.72]  slaughter an animal and prepare a meal they are to eat with me at noon as he looked about and saw his
+[160.72 --> 166.44]  brother Benjamin his own mother's son he asked is this your youngest brother the one you told me about
+[166.44 --> 175.02]  and he said God be gracious to you my son deeply moved at the sight of his brother Joseph hurried out and
+[175.02 --> 182.34]  looked for a place to weep he went into his private room and wept there after he had washed his face he
+[182.34 --> 190.00]  came out and controlling himself said serve the food they served him by himself the brothers by themselves
+[190.00 --> 197.02]  and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews for that
+[197.02 --> 204.92]  is detestable to Egyptians the men had been seated before him in the order of their ages from the firstborn to
+[204.92 --> 211.20]  the youngest and they looked at each other in astonishment when portions were served to them
+[211.20 --> 217.44]  from Joseph's table Benjamin's portion was five times as much as anyone else's hard to imagine
+[217.44 --> 225.82]  so they feasted and drank freely with him now Joseph gave these instructions to the steward of his house
+[225.82 --> 232.08]  fill the men's sacks with as much food as they can carry and put each man's silver in the mouth of his sack
+[232.08 --> 238.72]  then put my cup the silver one in the mouth of the youngest one's sack along with the silver for his
+[238.72 --> 245.24]  grain and he did as Joseph said as morning dawn the men were sent on their way with their donkeys
+[245.24 --> 251.12]  they had not gone far from the city when Joseph said to his steward go after those men at once and
+[251.12 --> 256.96]  when you catch up with them say to them why have you repaid good with evil isn't this the cup my master
+[256.96 --> 261.92]  drinks from and also uses for divination this is a wicked thing you have done
+[261.92 --> 268.90]  when he caught up with them he repeated these words to them but they said to him why does my lord say
+[268.90 --> 274.22]  such things far be it from your servants to do anything like that we even brought back to you from
+[274.22 --> 280.58]  the land of Canaan the silver we found inside the mouths of our sacks so why would we steal silver or gold
+[280.58 --> 286.46]  from your master's house if any of your servants is found to have it he will die and the rest of us
+[286.46 --> 293.88]  will become my lord's slaves very well then he said let it be as you say whoever is found to have it
+[293.88 --> 300.40]  will become my slave the rest of you will be free from blame each of them quickly lowered his sack to
+[300.40 --> 305.70]  the ground and opened it then the steward proceeded to search beginning with the oldest and ending with
+[305.70 --> 313.78]  the youngest and the cup was found in benjamin's sack at this they tore their clothes then they all
+[313.78 --> 319.20]  loaded their donkeys and returned to the city joseph was still in the house when judah and his brothers
+[319.20 --> 324.98]  came in and they threw themselves to the ground before him joseph said to them what is this you have
+[324.98 --> 331.88]  done don't you know that a man like me can find things out by divination what can we say to my lord
+[331.88 --> 338.52]  judah replied what can we say how can we prove our innocence god has uncovered your servant's guilt
+[338.52 --> 343.56]  we are now my lord's slaves we ourselves and the one who was found to have the cup
+[343.56 --> 350.28]  but joseph said far be it from me to do such a thing only the man who was found to have the cup
+[350.28 --> 357.86]  will become my slave the rest of you go back to your father in peace then judah went up to him and said
+[357.86 --> 364.86]  so now if the boy is not with us when i go back to your servant my father and if my father whose
+[364.86 --> 371.76]  life is closely bound up with the boy's life sees that the boy is not there he will die your servants
+[371.76 --> 377.78]  will bring the gray head of our father down to the grave in sorrow your servant guaranteed the boy's
+[377.78 --> 384.68]  safety to my father i said if i do not bring him back to you i will bear the blame before you my father
+[384.68 --> 391.48]  all my life now then please let your servant remain here as my lord's slave in place of the boy
+[391.48 --> 397.68]  and let the boy return with his brothers how can i go back to my father if the boy is not with me
+[397.68 --> 402.44]  no do not let me see the misery that would come on my father
+[402.44 --> 411.58]  then joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendance and he cried out have everyone
+[411.58 --> 418.26]  leave my presence so there was no one with joseph when he made himself known to his brothers
+[418.26 --> 426.82]  and he wept so loudly that the egyptians heard him and pharaoh's household heard about it joseph said
+[426.82 --> 435.08]  to his brothers i am joseph is my father still living but his brothers were not able to answer him
+[435.08 --> 442.96]  because they were terrified at his presence then joseph said to his brothers come close to me
+[442.96 --> 451.72]  when they had done so he said i am your brother joseph the one you sold into egypt and now do not
+[451.72 --> 458.40]  be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here because it was to save lives that
+[458.40 --> 464.80]  god sent me ahead of you for two years now there has been famine in the land and for the next five
+[464.80 --> 470.92]  years there will be no plowing and reaping but god sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant
+[470.92 --> 477.60]  on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance so then it was not you who sent me here
+[477.60 --> 481.68]  but god this is the word of the lord
+[481.68 --> 491.96]  so as we watch what happens in joseph's story today
+[491.96 --> 499.88]  i can't help but think of that famous scene from mark twain's book the adventures of tom sawyer
+[499.88 --> 512.26]  tom sawyer huckleberry finn and joe harper stinkers rotters one and all had set sail on a raft down the
+[512.26 --> 521.62]  mississippi river to become pirates but without telling anyone after many days their families concluded
+[521.62 --> 528.84]  they were lost and dead and so a funeral was planned for them on a sunday morning
+[528.84 --> 536.10]  at sunday school that day all people could talk about was the three boys and after sunday school
+[536.10 --> 544.38]  everyone filed solemnly into the sanctuary for the memorial service as the preacher began to talk about
+[544.38 --> 551.46]  those three lost boys he told stories so moving and so touching that the people felt pangs of guilt
+[551.46 --> 555.32]  for not having seen such good in these boys when they lived
+[555.32 --> 564.36]  but only their many faults and their flaws soon everybody was sobbing in grief
+[564.36 --> 577.40]  now what nobody knows but we do is that tom and joe and huck had come home and they were hiding in the balcony to watch their own funeral
+[577.40 --> 584.34]  but it doesn't make the moment any less wonderful and dramatic when at the end of the sermon
+[584.34 --> 592.34]  everyone hears this rustle in the back of the balcony and then the back door creaking open and to everyone's shock
+[592.34 --> 598.08]  the three boys come down the aisle with the whole congregation rushing to embrace them
+[598.08 --> 601.74]  the minister shouting praise god from whom all blessings flow
+[601.74 --> 606.28]  some stories
+[606.28 --> 609.28]  pack a punch because the climax
+[609.28 --> 612.04]  is something you did not see coming
+[612.04 --> 615.94]  the villain ends up being the last person you suspected
+[615.94 --> 619.58]  the hero you've grown to identify with
+[619.58 --> 622.36]  and love is suddenly killed
+[622.36 --> 631.40]  other times the climax is something you've seen coming all along but you still sit on the edge of your seat to see that moment happen
+[631.40 --> 634.52]  and the fact that you knew it was coming
+[634.52 --> 637.56]  doesn't make it any less dramatic
+[637.56 --> 643.40]  it's like that with the story of tom and huck and joe
+[643.40 --> 647.18]  we knowing the boys were alive everybody else thinking they were dead
+[647.18 --> 653.10]  it is like that with the climax of the joseph story too isn't it
+[653.10 --> 656.82]  the story began with two dreams
+[656.82 --> 659.66]  then took a terrible twist
+[659.66 --> 662.68]  with joseph's apparent death
+[662.68 --> 665.66]  but we've known all along
+[665.66 --> 667.62]  that joseph was not dead
+[667.62 --> 669.74]  so neither were the dreams
+[669.74 --> 672.14]  we've known all along
+[672.14 --> 673.32]  about the secret guilt
+[673.32 --> 675.58]  that the brothers carried with them every day
+[675.58 --> 677.66]  since they had sold joseph into slavery
+[677.66 --> 680.46]  and lied to their old father about it
+[680.46 --> 683.62]  we have known since three chapters ago
+[683.62 --> 685.74]  that the stern governor of egypt
+[685.74 --> 687.90]  before whom jacob's sons bowed
+[687.90 --> 689.20]  and at whose hands
+[689.20 --> 691.00]  they were treated so harshly
+[691.00 --> 692.12]  was joseph
+[692.12 --> 695.48]  all along the story so far
+[695.48 --> 697.80]  we have known things jacob did not know
+[697.80 --> 699.74]  that the brothers did not know
+[699.74 --> 702.16]  that even joseph himself missed
+[702.16 --> 707.98]  and so we have seen genesis 45 coming
+[707.98 --> 713.08]  but that does not make it any less dramatic or powerful does it
+[713.08 --> 716.92]  and it is judah of all people
+[716.92 --> 721.28]  judah whose idea it had been to sell his brother
+[721.28 --> 725.80]  who had treated his daughter-in-law tamar so shamefully
+[725.80 --> 730.28]  it is judah who brings the story to its climax
+[730.28 --> 734.20]  the hard mask joseph had worn up to now
+[734.20 --> 735.86]  in his dealings with his brothers
+[735.86 --> 740.38]  finally cracks before judah's passionate commitment
+[740.38 --> 742.30]  to his old father jacob
+[742.30 --> 745.28]  and judah's plea that he be allowed
+[745.28 --> 747.96]  to take little brother benjamin's place
+[747.96 --> 749.98]  as joseph's slave
+[749.98 --> 752.80]  finally convinced
+[752.80 --> 756.24]  that his brothers really had changed
+[756.24 --> 759.86]  and no longer able to control himself
+[759.86 --> 763.54]  joseph reveals himself to his brothers
+[763.54 --> 766.60]  i am joseph
+[766.60 --> 769.94]  and would you not have loved
+[769.94 --> 771.74]  to see their faces
+[771.74 --> 774.20]  at that precise moment
+[774.20 --> 780.18]  but what makes this climax so powerful
+[780.18 --> 784.36]  is not just that joseph reveals himself
+[784.36 --> 789.40]  here the main character of the book of genesis
+[789.40 --> 791.34]  reveals himself
+[791.34 --> 796.18]  here the main character of the book of genesis
+[796.18 --> 800.34]  who you could argue had been missing up until this point
+[800.34 --> 804.66]  finally also shows up
+[804.66 --> 807.00]  god
+[807.00 --> 811.80]  before joseph's story
+[811.80 --> 814.26]  god was easy to find
+[814.26 --> 818.12]  in the beginning god walked and talked with adam and eve
+[818.12 --> 819.32]  in the garden every day
+[819.32 --> 823.88]  noah abraham isaac jacob
+[823.88 --> 826.84]  they all heard the voice of god
+[826.84 --> 829.30]  telling them exactly what to do
+[829.30 --> 832.20]  exactly what was going to happen
+[832.20 --> 835.50]  but that all changed
+[835.50 --> 837.48]  with the beginning of the joseph story
+[837.48 --> 841.66]  god had become silent
+[841.66 --> 843.94]  not absent
+[843.94 --> 845.56]  just silent
+[845.56 --> 849.20]  in joseph's life up to now
+[849.20 --> 851.10]  there were no divine speeches
+[851.10 --> 853.76]  there were no set of instructions
+[853.76 --> 857.58]  there were no obvious proofs of god's presence
+[857.58 --> 861.78]  when joseph wanted to hear the voice of god
+[861.78 --> 863.72]  he listened
+[863.72 --> 865.06]  to his life
+[865.06 --> 867.46]  to his dreams
+[867.46 --> 870.18]  to the people he met along the way
+[870.18 --> 873.14]  to the things that happened to him each day
+[873.14 --> 873.80]  whether good
+[873.80 --> 874.66]  or evil
+[874.66 --> 877.78]  these were how god spoke
+[877.78 --> 878.60]  to joseph
+[878.60 --> 879.20]  except
+[879.20 --> 881.94]  that none of it made a whole lot of sense
+[881.94 --> 882.90]  in bits and pieces
+[882.90 --> 884.86]  joseph
+[884.86 --> 886.70]  but when his brother showed up
+[886.70 --> 889.44]  joseph began to see
+[889.44 --> 890.32]  a pattern
+[890.32 --> 894.24]  and now in this moment of revelation
+[894.24 --> 895.06]  with his brothers
+[895.06 --> 895.82]  joseph
+[895.82 --> 896.88]  finally
+[896.88 --> 898.68]  and fully gets it
+[898.68 --> 900.36]  the lights went on
+[900.36 --> 902.82]  i am your brother
+[902.82 --> 903.90]  joseph
+[903.90 --> 906.90]  and now do not be distressed
+[906.90 --> 909.28]  and do not be angry with yourselves
+[909.28 --> 910.98]  for selling me here
+[910.98 --> 913.80]  because it was to save lives
+[913.80 --> 915.64]  that god
+[915.64 --> 917.38]  sent me
+[917.38 --> 918.50]  ahead of you
+[918.50 --> 920.42]  suddenly
+[920.42 --> 921.98]  it's all clear to joseph
+[921.98 --> 923.60]  nobody explains it to him
+[923.60 --> 924.78]  looking back
+[924.78 --> 926.36]  now he just sees
+[926.36 --> 928.26]  god's fingerprints
+[928.26 --> 930.48]  all over the place
+[930.48 --> 933.92]  his brothers clearly did not
+[933.92 --> 935.96]  which is why joseph says it
+[935.96 --> 937.10]  three times
+[937.10 --> 937.78]  did you catch that
+[937.78 --> 939.76]  three times in genesis 45
+[939.76 --> 941.32]  in verses 5
+[941.32 --> 942.34]  7 and 8
+[942.34 --> 944.22]  god sent me ahead of you
+[944.22 --> 946.44]  but god sent me ahead of you
+[946.44 --> 948.10]  so then it was not you
+[948.10 --> 949.32]  who sent me here
+[949.32 --> 950.40]  but god
+[950.40 --> 954.62]  although joseph had already
+[954.62 --> 956.92]  forgiven them for what they had done to them
+[956.92 --> 957.84]  to him
+[957.84 --> 960.06]  their guilt still made them
+[960.06 --> 960.90]  afraid
+[960.90 --> 962.14]  of joseph
+[962.14 --> 963.20]  after all
+[963.20 --> 965.84]  ten against one
+[965.84 --> 968.30]  they had thrown him into a pit
+[968.30 --> 969.84]  to die
+[969.84 --> 972.78]  then they sold him for a profit
+[972.78 --> 974.20]  rather than kill him for nothing
+[974.20 --> 976.56]  then they lied to their father
+[976.56 --> 977.48]  about his fate
+[977.48 --> 978.32]  all of that
+[978.32 --> 980.32]  and everything in between
+[980.32 --> 981.96]  and now
+[981.96 --> 983.84]  he was saving their lives
+[983.84 --> 987.36]  it would have been easier
+[987.36 --> 989.68]  if he had beaten them first
+[989.68 --> 993.18]  or made them his slaves
+[993.18 --> 994.26]  for life
+[994.26 --> 996.86]  they might have understood that better
+[996.86 --> 998.30]  because that is how the world
+[998.30 --> 999.04]  usually works
+[999.04 --> 999.30]  right
+[999.30 --> 1000.04]  crime
+[1000.04 --> 1001.38]  and punishment
+[1001.38 --> 1003.24]  do the crime
+[1003.24 --> 1004.46]  you do the time
+[1004.46 --> 1006.92]  retaliation and revenge
+[1006.92 --> 1008.18]  there is often no place
+[1008.18 --> 1009.60]  for grace
+[1009.60 --> 1013.82]  but that's not how joseph sees it
+[1013.82 --> 1016.46]  when he looked at his life
+[1016.46 --> 1019.48]  he did not see a series of senseless tragedies
+[1019.48 --> 1021.90]  he didn't see himself
+[1021.90 --> 1023.04]  as anybody's victim
+[1023.04 --> 1026.02]  he saw a lighted path
+[1026.02 --> 1028.18]  that went through a pit
+[1028.18 --> 1029.34]  in the ground
+[1029.34 --> 1030.94]  then down to Egypt
+[1030.94 --> 1032.62]  winding for years
+[1032.62 --> 1034.34]  through pharaoh's prison system
+[1034.34 --> 1035.32]  until finally
+[1035.32 --> 1037.22]  the road led straight
+[1037.22 --> 1038.38]  to where he stood
+[1038.38 --> 1039.46]  this day
+[1039.46 --> 1041.98]  it was not you
+[1041.98 --> 1043.12]  who sent me here
+[1043.12 --> 1045.26]  but god
+[1045.26 --> 1048.48]  sadly
+[1048.48 --> 1050.60]  up to the day
+[1050.60 --> 1052.00]  that father jacob died
+[1052.00 --> 1052.72]  his brothers
+[1052.72 --> 1054.46]  never really got it
+[1054.46 --> 1056.62]  joseph
+[1056.62 --> 1058.26]  remained a mystery to them
+[1058.26 --> 1060.98]  and they never fully trusted him
+[1060.98 --> 1062.00]  because no sooner
+[1062.00 --> 1063.58]  is father jacob dead
+[1063.58 --> 1064.16]  and buried
+[1064.16 --> 1065.38]  and they were right back
+[1065.38 --> 1066.02]  at it again
+[1066.02 --> 1068.42]  scheming to save their lives
+[1068.42 --> 1070.04]  bowing before joseph
+[1070.04 --> 1070.62]  once more
+[1070.62 --> 1072.06]  we read in the last chapter
+[1072.06 --> 1073.06]  of genesis
+[1073.06 --> 1073.90]  chapter 50
+[1073.90 --> 1075.90]  that this is what they say to joseph
+[1075.90 --> 1078.94]  your father left these instructions
+[1078.94 --> 1079.90]  before he died
+[1079.90 --> 1082.54]  this is what you are to say to joseph
+[1082.54 --> 1084.78]  i ask you to forgive your brothers
+[1084.78 --> 1086.48]  the sins and the wrongs they committed
+[1086.48 --> 1088.14]  in treating you so badly
+[1088.14 --> 1090.46]  now please forgive the sins
+[1090.46 --> 1091.84]  of the servants of the god
+[1091.84 --> 1092.84]  of your father
+[1092.84 --> 1094.92]  now we don't know
+[1094.92 --> 1097.58]  if father jacob really said that or not
+[1097.58 --> 1100.86]  but it was entirely beside the point
+[1100.86 --> 1102.24]  because for joseph
+[1102.24 --> 1104.26]  nothing was beyond
+[1104.26 --> 1106.74]  the creative power of god
+[1106.74 --> 1108.52]  not lies
+[1108.52 --> 1110.22]  not treachery
+[1110.22 --> 1112.06]  not years in prison
+[1112.06 --> 1113.38]  not death
+[1113.38 --> 1116.80]  as terrible as all the things
+[1116.80 --> 1118.62]  that had happened to joseph were
+[1118.62 --> 1121.18]  they were also redeemable
+[1121.18 --> 1123.76]  in god's hands
+[1123.76 --> 1125.84]  by themselves
+[1125.84 --> 1127.12]  they had no meaning
+[1127.12 --> 1128.48]  their meaning
+[1128.48 --> 1128.50]  their meaning
+[1128.50 --> 1130.06]  was what god
+[1130.06 --> 1131.28]  and what joseph
+[1131.28 --> 1132.60]  made of them
+[1132.60 --> 1135.48]  and so once more
+[1135.48 --> 1136.52]  joseph does not
+[1136.52 --> 1137.14]  blame
+[1137.14 --> 1138.14]  but he explains
+[1138.14 --> 1138.56]  and says
+[1138.56 --> 1140.02]  you intended to harm me
+[1140.02 --> 1141.44]  but god intended it
+[1141.44 --> 1142.28]  for good
+[1142.28 --> 1144.78]  the brothers thought
+[1144.78 --> 1145.68]  they were in charge
+[1145.68 --> 1146.78]  of the meaning of things
+[1146.78 --> 1148.20]  that if they meant harm
+[1148.20 --> 1149.08]  when they sold joseph
+[1149.08 --> 1149.74]  into slavery
+[1149.74 --> 1150.34]  well then
+[1150.34 --> 1151.70]  even if they were sorry
+[1151.70 --> 1152.28]  afterwards
+[1152.28 --> 1153.78]  the harm could not be undone
+[1153.78 --> 1155.06]  and their guilt remained
+[1155.06 --> 1157.66]  the one thing
+[1157.66 --> 1159.30]  they had not
+[1159.30 --> 1160.44]  and still did not
+[1160.44 --> 1161.38]  reckon on
+[1161.38 --> 1162.58]  was the intent
+[1162.58 --> 1163.26]  of god
+[1163.26 --> 1165.12]  and god
+[1165.12 --> 1166.04]  joseph does his
+[1166.04 --> 1167.52]  very best to explain
+[1167.52 --> 1169.90]  is an inventive god
+[1169.90 --> 1171.52]  god is like one of those
+[1171.52 --> 1172.80]  genius sculptors
+[1172.80 --> 1173.78]  who can make art
+[1173.78 --> 1174.50]  out of anything
+[1174.50 --> 1175.96]  give him a tire rim
+[1175.96 --> 1177.44]  give him a wrecked bicycle
+[1177.44 --> 1178.62]  the brass bed post
+[1178.62 --> 1179.90]  some old duck work
+[1179.90 --> 1181.30]  and he'll weld it all
+[1181.30 --> 1182.30]  into an eagle
+[1182.30 --> 1183.86]  nothing
+[1183.86 --> 1185.40]  is too bent
+[1185.40 --> 1186.16]  to be used
+[1186.16 --> 1187.46]  not even tragedies
+[1187.46 --> 1189.68]  not even bad decisions
+[1189.68 --> 1190.78]  not even plain
+[1190.78 --> 1192.74]  human meanness
+[1192.74 --> 1196.18]  you intended to harm me
+[1196.18 --> 1196.96]  said joseph
+[1196.96 --> 1198.34]  who was a living work
+[1198.34 --> 1198.80]  of art
+[1198.80 --> 1200.96]  but god
+[1200.96 --> 1202.44]  intended it
+[1202.44 --> 1203.88]  shaped it
+[1203.88 --> 1205.16]  for good
+[1205.16 --> 1209.40]  that is joseph's
+[1209.40 --> 1209.96]  conclusion
+[1209.96 --> 1211.66]  as he listened
+[1211.66 --> 1212.90]  to his own life
+[1212.90 --> 1214.54]  and the climactic
+[1214.54 --> 1215.44]  point and meaning
+[1215.44 --> 1216.94]  of the whole story
+[1216.94 --> 1218.24]  in the first place
+[1218.24 --> 1220.12]  god's plan
+[1220.12 --> 1220.88]  and desire
+[1220.88 --> 1221.60]  and promise
+[1221.60 --> 1222.20]  to bless
+[1222.20 --> 1222.74]  abraham
+[1222.74 --> 1224.66]  and his descendants
+[1224.66 --> 1226.12]  and to bless
+[1226.12 --> 1227.12]  all peoples
+[1227.12 --> 1228.06]  egyptians
+[1228.06 --> 1228.86]  and everyone else
+[1228.86 --> 1229.38]  on earth
+[1229.38 --> 1230.44]  through them
+[1230.44 --> 1232.20]  no matter what
+[1232.20 --> 1234.36]  to bless
+[1234.36 --> 1236.28]  even you
+[1236.28 --> 1237.72]  no matter what
+[1237.72 --> 1240.06]  even though
+[1240.06 --> 1241.04]  listening to our
+[1241.04 --> 1241.76]  own lives
+[1241.76 --> 1243.20]  doesn't always
+[1243.20 --> 1244.24]  even usually
+[1244.24 --> 1244.80]  perhaps
+[1244.80 --> 1245.44]  give us
+[1245.44 --> 1246.08]  the kind of
+[1246.08 --> 1246.56]  clarity
+[1246.56 --> 1247.24]  or hindsight
+[1247.24 --> 1248.48]  that joseph
+[1248.48 --> 1249.60]  received
+[1249.60 --> 1252.24]  truth is
+[1252.24 --> 1252.80]  i think
+[1252.80 --> 1254.32]  we probably
+[1254.32 --> 1254.90]  live more
+[1254.90 --> 1255.66]  with questions
+[1255.66 --> 1256.76]  than answers
+[1256.76 --> 1259.28]  the question
+[1259.28 --> 1259.58]  is
+[1259.58 --> 1260.20]  how are
+[1260.20 --> 1260.72]  we
+[1260.72 --> 1262.06]  to live
+[1262.06 --> 1262.78]  with divine
+[1262.78 --> 1263.54]  providence
+[1263.54 --> 1263.96]  without
+[1263.96 --> 1265.36]  such clarity
+[1265.36 --> 1267.30]  in light of
+[1267.30 --> 1267.96]  anything and
+[1267.96 --> 1268.62]  everything that
+[1268.62 --> 1269.34]  we wish we
+[1269.34 --> 1269.88]  could change
+[1269.88 --> 1270.42]  in our own
+[1270.42 --> 1270.72]  lives
+[1270.72 --> 1272.24]  but can't
+[1272.24 --> 1274.64]  then joseph's
+[1274.64 --> 1275.00]  story
+[1275.00 --> 1276.76]  and conclusion
+[1276.76 --> 1277.44]  points us
+[1277.44 --> 1277.88]  i think
+[1277.88 --> 1279.06]  in at least
+[1279.06 --> 1279.82]  three directions
+[1279.82 --> 1280.82]  first
+[1280.82 --> 1283.38]  it tells us
+[1283.38 --> 1283.92]  to be very
+[1283.92 --> 1284.78]  careful of how
+[1284.78 --> 1285.76]  you understand
+[1285.76 --> 1286.76]  divine
+[1286.76 --> 1287.52]  providence
+[1287.52 --> 1290.18]  you intended
+[1290.18 --> 1290.86]  to harm me
+[1290.86 --> 1291.36]  but god
+[1291.36 --> 1292.14]  intended it
+[1292.14 --> 1293.16]  for good
+[1293.16 --> 1293.60]  well
+[1293.60 --> 1294.22]  yes
+[1294.22 --> 1296.06]  and we've
+[1296.06 --> 1296.78]  all heard
+[1296.78 --> 1297.38]  any number
+[1297.38 --> 1298.22]  of variations
+[1298.22 --> 1299.12]  on that
+[1299.12 --> 1299.48]  theme
+[1299.48 --> 1300.04]  haven't we
+[1300.04 --> 1301.90]  god will
+[1301.90 --> 1302.52]  find a way
+[1302.52 --> 1305.38]  or the
+[1305.38 --> 1305.82]  lord will
+[1305.82 --> 1306.28]  provide
+[1306.28 --> 1308.60]  or god
+[1308.60 --> 1308.98]  will not
+[1308.98 --> 1309.34]  give you
+[1309.34 --> 1309.70]  more
+[1309.70 --> 1310.36]  than you
+[1310.36 --> 1310.86]  can bear
+[1310.86 --> 1313.44]  platitudes
+[1313.44 --> 1314.46]  about providence
+[1314.46 --> 1315.14]  abound
+[1315.14 --> 1316.98]  and the
+[1316.98 --> 1317.34]  problem
+[1317.34 --> 1317.86]  with most
+[1317.86 --> 1318.12]  of them
+[1318.12 --> 1318.60]  is not
+[1318.60 --> 1319.18]  that they
+[1319.18 --> 1319.98]  are false
+[1319.98 --> 1322.86]  it is how
+[1322.86 --> 1323.60]  people often
+[1323.60 --> 1324.28]  say them
+[1324.28 --> 1326.10]  with a
+[1326.10 --> 1326.94]  knowing smile
+[1326.94 --> 1328.14]  while they
+[1328.14 --> 1328.70]  pat you on
+[1328.70 --> 1329.06]  the arm
+[1329.06 --> 1331.16]  they mean
+[1331.16 --> 1331.82]  well but
+[1331.82 --> 1332.42]  instead of
+[1332.42 --> 1333.26]  feeling comforted
+[1333.26 --> 1333.80]  more often
+[1333.80 --> 1334.46]  you feel
+[1334.46 --> 1335.04]  dismissed
+[1335.04 --> 1337.24]  there there dear
+[1337.24 --> 1337.80]  I know you
+[1337.80 --> 1338.22]  are hurting
+[1338.22 --> 1338.68]  but I don't
+[1338.68 --> 1339.08]  really want
+[1339.08 --> 1339.58]  to hear about
+[1339.58 --> 1339.68]  it
+[1339.68 --> 1340.08]  the lord
+[1340.08 --> 1340.82]  will provide
+[1340.82 --> 1341.90]  run along
+[1341.90 --> 1342.60]  now and
+[1342.60 --> 1342.98]  say your
+[1342.98 --> 1343.42]  prayers
+[1343.42 --> 1347.12]  divine providence
+[1347.12 --> 1347.86]  that is does
+[1347.86 --> 1348.62]  not mean
+[1348.62 --> 1349.48]  that we do
+[1349.48 --> 1350.18]  not look
+[1350.18 --> 1350.84]  evil in the
+[1350.84 --> 1351.66]  face and
+[1351.66 --> 1352.12]  call it
+[1352.12 --> 1352.86]  exactly what
+[1352.86 --> 1353.38]  it is
+[1353.38 --> 1353.98]  evil
+[1353.98 --> 1356.74]  in his book
+[1356.74 --> 1357.42]  on genesis
+[1357.42 --> 1358.08]  Walter
+[1358.08 --> 1358.66]  Brueggemann
+[1358.66 --> 1359.90]  talks about
+[1359.90 --> 1360.56]  the tension
+[1360.56 --> 1361.12]  built into
+[1361.12 --> 1361.64]  the story
+[1361.64 --> 1362.30]  of joseph
+[1362.30 --> 1363.16]  and his
+[1363.16 --> 1363.48]  brothers
+[1363.48 --> 1365.10]  there are
+[1365.10 --> 1366.28]  two very
+[1366.28 --> 1367.24]  real dimensions
+[1367.24 --> 1367.64]  to it
+[1367.64 --> 1368.10]  he says
+[1368.10 --> 1369.12]  first there
+[1369.12 --> 1369.66]  is real
+[1369.66 --> 1370.52]  human
+[1370.52 --> 1371.66]  jeopardy
+[1371.66 --> 1372.78]  real betrayal
+[1372.78 --> 1373.66]  real grief
+[1373.66 --> 1374.54]  real weeping
+[1374.54 --> 1376.28]  you intended
+[1376.28 --> 1376.96]  to harm
+[1376.96 --> 1377.40]  me
+[1377.40 --> 1380.20]  second
+[1380.20 --> 1381.02]  there is
+[1381.02 --> 1382.06]  real divine
+[1382.06 --> 1382.92]  faithfulness
+[1382.92 --> 1384.24]  rescue
+[1384.24 --> 1385.08]  blessing
+[1385.08 --> 1385.90]  healing
+[1385.90 --> 1387.20]  real food
+[1387.20 --> 1388.92]  but God
+[1388.92 --> 1389.78]  intended it
+[1389.78 --> 1390.70]  for good
+[1390.70 --> 1392.52]  emphasize
+[1392.52 --> 1393.28]  one at the
+[1393.28 --> 1393.82]  expense of
+[1393.82 --> 1394.18]  the other
+[1394.18 --> 1395.72]  and you
+[1395.72 --> 1396.18]  missed the
+[1396.18 --> 1396.50]  point
+[1396.50 --> 1397.88]  because
+[1397.88 --> 1398.68]  neither one
+[1398.68 --> 1399.10]  is the
+[1399.10 --> 1399.42]  truth
+[1399.42 --> 1400.12]  all by
+[1400.12 --> 1400.68]  itself
+[1400.68 --> 1403.16]  it is no
+[1403.16 --> 1403.74]  different in
+[1403.74 --> 1404.12]  the world
+[1404.12 --> 1404.70]  in which we
+[1404.70 --> 1405.00]  live
+[1405.00 --> 1406.74]  all by
+[1406.74 --> 1407.12]  itself
+[1407.12 --> 1407.64]  the human
+[1407.64 --> 1408.36]  situation
+[1408.36 --> 1409.14]  looks pretty
+[1409.14 --> 1409.62]  bleak at
+[1409.62 --> 1410.06]  times
+[1410.06 --> 1412.26]  in our
+[1412.26 --> 1412.80]  fear and
+[1412.80 --> 1413.06]  greed
+[1413.06 --> 1413.46]  we do
+[1413.46 --> 1413.92]  terrible
+[1413.92 --> 1414.58]  things to
+[1414.58 --> 1415.08]  each other
+[1415.08 --> 1416.68]  nations
+[1416.68 --> 1417.58]  not at war
+[1417.58 --> 1418.12]  with other
+[1418.12 --> 1418.50]  nations
+[1418.50 --> 1419.18]  are at war
+[1419.18 --> 1419.50]  within
+[1419.50 --> 1420.06]  themselves
+[1420.06 --> 1420.86]  and that
+[1420.86 --> 1421.22]  battle
+[1421.22 --> 1422.00]  goes on
+[1422.00 --> 1422.42]  often
+[1422.42 --> 1422.98]  inside
+[1422.98 --> 1423.50]  each one
+[1423.50 --> 1424.02]  of us
+[1424.02 --> 1425.90]  danger
+[1425.90 --> 1426.56]  betrayal
+[1426.56 --> 1427.26]  grief
+[1427.26 --> 1428.00]  famine
+[1428.00 --> 1428.56]  weeping
+[1428.56 --> 1429.04]  these things
+[1429.04 --> 1429.52]  are real
+[1429.52 --> 1429.98]  and if that's
+[1429.98 --> 1430.68]  all we know
+[1430.68 --> 1431.40]  then we are
+[1431.40 --> 1431.92]  doomed to
+[1431.92 --> 1432.40]  despair
+[1432.40 --> 1433.04]  because there
+[1433.04 --> 1433.72]  is no way
+[1433.72 --> 1434.34]  out for us
+[1434.34 --> 1435.12]  under our
+[1435.12 --> 1435.44]  own
+[1435.44 --> 1436.08]  steam
+[1436.08 --> 1438.72]  but jumping
+[1438.72 --> 1439.26]  from that
+[1439.26 --> 1440.06]  to absolute
+[1440.06 --> 1440.80]  certainty
+[1440.80 --> 1442.08]  about God's
+[1442.08 --> 1442.88]  plan for my
+[1442.88 --> 1443.34]  life
+[1443.34 --> 1445.06]  is not the
+[1445.06 --> 1445.92]  answer either
+[1445.92 --> 1446.76]  not all by
+[1446.76 --> 1447.34]  itself
+[1447.34 --> 1449.78]  all by itself
+[1449.78 --> 1450.22]  that would
+[1450.22 --> 1450.78]  ignore
+[1450.78 --> 1451.34]  human
+[1451.34 --> 1452.00]  suffering
+[1452.00 --> 1453.96]  and turn
+[1453.96 --> 1454.42]  into some
+[1454.42 --> 1454.90]  sort of
+[1454.90 --> 1455.36]  religious
+[1455.36 --> 1456.44]  romanticism
+[1456.44 --> 1457.78]  that dismisses
+[1457.78 --> 1458.66]  pain and
+[1458.66 --> 1459.46]  doubt and
+[1459.46 --> 1460.20]  sickness and
+[1460.20 --> 1461.04]  grief as
+[1461.04 --> 1461.98]  failures of
+[1461.98 --> 1462.44]  faith
+[1462.44 --> 1465.10]  as though
+[1465.10 --> 1465.56]  all that
+[1465.56 --> 1466.30]  counts is
+[1466.30 --> 1466.66]  the coming
+[1466.66 --> 1467.14]  victory
+[1467.14 --> 1469.30]  can you
+[1469.30 --> 1469.68]  imagine
+[1469.68 --> 1470.20]  somebody
+[1470.20 --> 1470.86]  leaning down
+[1470.86 --> 1471.26]  over the
+[1471.26 --> 1471.60]  edge of
+[1471.60 --> 1472.00]  the pit
+[1472.00 --> 1472.60]  while the
+[1472.60 --> 1473.48]  brothers are
+[1473.48 --> 1473.82]  busy
+[1473.82 --> 1474.46]  bargaining
+[1474.46 --> 1474.86]  with the
+[1474.86 --> 1475.48]  slave traders
+[1475.48 --> 1476.00]  and yelling
+[1476.00 --> 1476.32]  out
+[1476.32 --> 1477.16]  don't worry
+[1477.16 --> 1477.54]  Joseph
+[1477.54 --> 1478.34]  everything will
+[1478.34 --> 1478.80]  turn out
+[1478.80 --> 1479.38]  with God
+[1479.38 --> 1479.98]  in the
+[1479.98 --> 1480.26]  end
+[1480.26 --> 1484.12]  that would
+[1484.12 --> 1484.42]  be a
+[1484.42 --> 1484.72]  miserable
+[1484.72 --> 1485.40]  denial of
+[1485.40 --> 1485.68]  God
+[1485.68 --> 1487.14]  the God
+[1487.14 --> 1487.42]  who does
+[1487.42 --> 1487.78]  not live
+[1487.78 --> 1488.34]  way up
+[1488.34 --> 1489.00]  above us
+[1489.00 --> 1489.76]  somewhere
+[1489.76 --> 1490.20]  pulling
+[1490.20 --> 1490.70]  strings
+[1490.70 --> 1491.82]  and calling
+[1491.82 --> 1492.60]  the shots
+[1492.60 --> 1495.24]  but who
+[1495.24 --> 1495.90]  lives right
+[1495.90 --> 1496.74]  here among
+[1496.74 --> 1497.66]  us giving
+[1497.66 --> 1499.08]  us our
+[1499.08 --> 1500.82]  freedom and
+[1500.82 --> 1501.48]  holding his
+[1501.48 --> 1502.32]  divine breath
+[1502.32 --> 1503.50]  while we make
+[1503.50 --> 1504.18]  our choices
+[1504.18 --> 1506.08]  sometimes those
+[1506.08 --> 1506.78]  choices are
+[1506.78 --> 1507.50]  very good and
+[1507.50 --> 1508.70]  sometimes they
+[1508.70 --> 1509.76]  are very bad
+[1509.76 --> 1511.42]  but either way
+[1511.42 --> 1513.02]  God does
+[1513.02 --> 1514.86]  not leave
+[1514.86 --> 1517.46]  divine
+[1517.46 --> 1518.46]  providence is
+[1518.46 --> 1519.20]  about a God
+[1519.20 --> 1520.22]  who is committed
+[1520.22 --> 1520.84]  to us
+[1520.84 --> 1522.58]  and to
+[1522.58 --> 1522.92]  working
+[1522.92 --> 1523.84]  through us
+[1523.84 --> 1526.16]  it is not
+[1526.16 --> 1527.04]  about God's
+[1527.04 --> 1528.34]  will overriding
+[1528.34 --> 1529.34]  our own
+[1529.34 --> 1531.82]  as writer
+[1531.82 --> 1532.52]  Barbara
+[1532.52 --> 1533.34]  Brown Taylor
+[1533.34 --> 1534.36]  put it
+[1534.36 --> 1535.34]  it is more
+[1535.34 --> 1535.86]  like a
+[1535.86 --> 1536.34]  dance
+[1536.34 --> 1538.02]  that totally
+[1538.02 --> 1538.66]  mysterious
+[1538.66 --> 1539.34]  dance
+[1539.34 --> 1540.24]  that takes
+[1540.24 --> 1540.94]  place between
+[1540.94 --> 1541.74]  God's freedom
+[1541.74 --> 1542.72]  and ours
+[1542.72 --> 1544.44]  between God's
+[1544.44 --> 1544.70]  will
+[1544.70 --> 1545.40]  and our
+[1545.40 --> 1545.76]  own
+[1545.76 --> 1547.42]  in this
+[1547.42 --> 1547.88]  dance
+[1547.88 --> 1548.46]  she writes
+[1548.46 --> 1549.12]  it is not
+[1549.12 --> 1550.36]  God's job
+[1550.36 --> 1550.82]  to keep
+[1550.82 --> 1551.36]  bad things
+[1551.36 --> 1552.00]  from happening
+[1552.00 --> 1553.26]  though he
+[1553.26 --> 1553.64]  can
+[1553.64 --> 1554.58]  and he
+[1554.58 --> 1555.28]  often does
+[1555.28 --> 1556.02]  and I'm
+[1556.02 --> 1556.36]  sure we
+[1556.36 --> 1556.74]  can all
+[1556.74 --> 1557.24]  name such
+[1557.24 --> 1557.74]  times
+[1557.74 --> 1559.80]  but bad
+[1559.80 --> 1560.28]  things do
+[1560.28 --> 1560.78]  happen
+[1560.78 --> 1562.30]  brothers turn
+[1562.30 --> 1563.00]  against brothers
+[1563.00 --> 1563.64]  people are
+[1563.64 --> 1564.14]  bought and
+[1564.14 --> 1564.50]  sold
+[1564.50 --> 1565.14]  famine
+[1565.14 --> 1565.86]  devastates
+[1565.86 --> 1566.40]  the land
+[1566.40 --> 1568.60]  God's job
+[1568.60 --> 1569.32]  and God's
+[1569.32 --> 1569.72]  commitment
+[1569.72 --> 1570.70]  is not always
+[1570.70 --> 1571.18]  or even
+[1571.18 --> 1571.72]  usually
+[1571.72 --> 1572.62]  to prevent
+[1572.62 --> 1573.28]  these things
+[1573.28 --> 1573.96]  from happening
+[1573.96 --> 1575.04]  God's job
+[1575.04 --> 1577.30]  so to speak
+[1577.30 --> 1579.72]  is to stay
+[1579.72 --> 1580.46]  present in
+[1580.46 --> 1580.70]  them
+[1580.70 --> 1582.18]  and keep
+[1582.18 --> 1582.68]  on being
+[1582.68 --> 1583.14]  God
+[1583.14 --> 1584.10]  taking the
+[1584.10 --> 1584.52]  jumbled
+[1584.52 --> 1585.26]  wreckage
+[1585.26 --> 1585.68]  of our
+[1585.68 --> 1586.10]  lives
+[1586.10 --> 1587.22]  and making
+[1587.22 --> 1588.24]  something fine
+[1588.24 --> 1588.82]  out of them
+[1588.82 --> 1589.92]  in spite
+[1589.92 --> 1590.46]  of us
+[1590.46 --> 1593.14]  sometimes
+[1593.14 --> 1594.02]  it's obvious
+[1594.02 --> 1595.60]  and sometimes
+[1595.60 --> 1596.16]  it's not
+[1596.16 --> 1597.90]  sometimes
+[1597.90 --> 1598.44]  the work
+[1598.44 --> 1599.02]  of God's
+[1599.02 --> 1599.32]  hands
+[1599.32 --> 1600.28]  is so evident
+[1600.28 --> 1600.90]  you can see
+[1600.90 --> 1601.42]  it a mile
+[1601.42 --> 1601.74]  away
+[1601.74 --> 1603.24]  and sometimes
+[1603.24 --> 1604.48]  frankly
+[1604.48 --> 1605.00]  you have
+[1605.00 --> 1605.38]  to dust
+[1605.38 --> 1606.02]  for fingerprints
+[1606.02 --> 1608.16]  sometimes
+[1608.16 --> 1608.96]  God's voice
+[1608.96 --> 1609.42]  seems to come
+[1609.42 --> 1610.08]  straight from
+[1610.08 --> 1610.40]  heaven
+[1610.40 --> 1612.06]  and sometimes
+[1612.06 --> 1612.48]  it comes
+[1612.48 --> 1612.78]  through the
+[1612.78 --> 1613.28]  voices of
+[1613.28 --> 1613.80]  strangers
+[1613.80 --> 1615.42]  or friends
+[1615.42 --> 1617.74]  when Joseph
+[1617.74 --> 1618.42]  wanted to
+[1618.42 --> 1619.18]  hear God
+[1619.18 --> 1621.10]  he listened
+[1621.10 --> 1622.44]  to his life
+[1622.44 --> 1623.48]  all of it
+[1623.48 --> 1625.22]  and what he
+[1625.22 --> 1625.60]  learned
+[1625.60 --> 1626.26]  he told his
+[1626.26 --> 1626.60]  brothers
+[1626.60 --> 1627.74]  before he
+[1627.74 --> 1628.04]  died
+[1628.04 --> 1630.24]  God
+[1630.24 --> 1631.12]  sent me
+[1631.12 --> 1631.72]  ahead of you
+[1631.72 --> 1633.72]  you intended
+[1633.72 --> 1634.26]  to harm
+[1634.26 --> 1634.52]  me
+[1634.52 --> 1635.54]  but God
+[1635.54 --> 1636.40]  intended
+[1636.40 --> 1636.74]  it
+[1636.74 --> 1637.86]  for good
+[1637.86 --> 1640.48]  so be
+[1640.48 --> 1640.86]  careful
+[1640.86 --> 1641.52]  how you
+[1641.52 --> 1642.22]  understand
+[1642.22 --> 1643.14]  divine
+[1643.14 --> 1643.82]  providence
+[1643.82 --> 1645.82]  do not
+[1645.82 --> 1646.34]  deny
+[1646.34 --> 1647.04]  the reality
+[1647.04 --> 1647.54]  of pain
+[1647.54 --> 1648.00]  and evil
+[1648.00 --> 1649.68]  do not
+[1649.68 --> 1649.94]  ever
+[1649.94 --> 1650.40]  somehow
+[1650.40 --> 1651.16]  suggest
+[1651.16 --> 1652.06]  that God
+[1652.06 --> 1652.70]  approves
+[1652.70 --> 1653.06]  of it
+[1653.06 --> 1654.90]  and don't
+[1654.90 --> 1655.48]  expect God
+[1655.48 --> 1655.96]  to do
+[1655.96 --> 1656.86]  what he
+[1656.86 --> 1657.18]  doesn't
+[1657.18 --> 1657.56]  promise
+[1657.56 --> 1658.06]  to do
+[1658.06 --> 1658.84]  for now
+[1658.84 --> 1662.54]  then
+[1662.54 --> 1663.20]  second
+[1663.20 --> 1665.36]  especially
+[1665.36 --> 1665.80]  when you
+[1665.80 --> 1666.10]  are not
+[1666.10 --> 1666.54]  given the
+[1666.54 --> 1666.94]  kind of
+[1666.94 --> 1667.26]  hindsight
+[1667.26 --> 1667.66]  that
+[1667.66 --> 1667.94]  Joseph
+[1667.94 --> 1668.44]  was
+[1668.44 --> 1670.74]  realize
+[1670.74 --> 1671.30]  that the
+[1671.30 --> 1671.76]  goal
+[1671.76 --> 1672.48]  of faith
+[1672.48 --> 1674.28]  is not
+[1674.28 --> 1674.78]  to seek
+[1674.78 --> 1675.32]  God's
+[1675.32 --> 1676.30]  so-called
+[1676.30 --> 1676.88]  hidden
+[1676.88 --> 1677.32]  will
+[1677.32 --> 1678.50]  this hidden
+[1678.50 --> 1679.12]  plan
+[1679.12 --> 1679.46]  in the
+[1679.46 --> 1679.94]  background
+[1679.94 --> 1682.10]  as much
+[1682.10 --> 1682.52]  as it
+[1682.52 --> 1683.08]  is about
+[1683.08 --> 1683.54]  God
+[1683.54 --> 1684.28]  obeying
+[1684.28 --> 1685.48]  God's
+[1685.48 --> 1686.34]  revealed
+[1686.34 --> 1687.06]  will
+[1687.06 --> 1689.56]  years
+[1689.56 --> 1690.00]  ago
+[1690.00 --> 1691.06]  I still
+[1691.06 --> 1691.48]  remember
+[1691.48 --> 1692.08]  during an
+[1692.08 --> 1692.38]  interview
+[1692.38 --> 1693.16]  on CNN
+[1693.16 --> 1694.44]  Robert
+[1694.44 --> 1695.16]  Shuler
+[1695.16 --> 1695.62]  member
+[1695.62 --> 1696.44]  of old
+[1696.44 --> 1696.72]  Crystal
+[1696.72 --> 1697.10]  Cathedral
+[1697.10 --> 1697.52]  fame
+[1697.52 --> 1699.00]  was asked
+[1699.00 --> 1699.84]  by Larry
+[1699.84 --> 1700.26]  King
+[1700.26 --> 1702.62]  why do
+[1702.62 --> 1703.32]  bad things
+[1703.32 --> 1703.72]  happen
+[1703.72 --> 1704.46]  to good
+[1704.46 --> 1704.82]  people
+[1704.82 --> 1707.90]  his answer
+[1707.90 --> 1708.42]  and I
+[1708.42 --> 1708.92]  didn't always
+[1708.92 --> 1709.26]  agree with
+[1709.26 --> 1709.48]  Shuler
+[1709.48 --> 1710.12]  but he
+[1710.12 --> 1710.46]  was good
+[1710.46 --> 1710.88]  on this
+[1710.88 --> 1711.58]  his answer
+[1711.58 --> 1712.00]  was
+[1712.00 --> 1712.98]  that we
+[1712.98 --> 1713.40]  could never
+[1713.40 --> 1713.68]  know
+[1713.68 --> 1714.16]  but that
+[1714.16 --> 1714.96]  this was
+[1714.96 --> 1715.64]  the wrong
+[1715.64 --> 1716.20]  question
+[1716.20 --> 1717.40]  in any
+[1717.40 --> 1717.78]  case
+[1717.78 --> 1719.42]  the right
+[1719.42 --> 1719.84]  question
+[1719.84 --> 1720.54]  is this
+[1720.54 --> 1722.50]  how do
+[1722.50 --> 1723.50]  good people
+[1723.50 --> 1724.90]  respond
+[1724.90 --> 1726.42]  when bad
+[1726.42 --> 1726.82]  things
+[1726.82 --> 1727.60]  happen
+[1727.60 --> 1731.54]  sometimes
+[1731.54 --> 1732.52]  I think
+[1732.52 --> 1733.86]  we do
+[1733.86 --> 1734.16]  know
+[1734.16 --> 1735.68]  at least
+[1735.68 --> 1736.16]  in part
+[1736.16 --> 1736.98]  why bad
+[1736.98 --> 1737.28]  things
+[1737.28 --> 1737.94]  happen to
+[1737.94 --> 1738.22]  us
+[1738.22 --> 1739.52]  I mean
+[1739.52 --> 1740.12]  obviously
+[1740.12 --> 1740.88]  aside from
+[1740.88 --> 1741.34]  the times
+[1741.34 --> 1742.06]  that we
+[1742.06 --> 1742.52]  basically
+[1742.52 --> 1743.34]  asked for
+[1743.34 --> 1743.56]  it
+[1743.56 --> 1744.96]  do stupid
+[1744.96 --> 1745.36]  things
+[1745.36 --> 1747.46]  we may
+[1747.46 --> 1748.02]  not always
+[1748.02 --> 1748.32]  have
+[1748.32 --> 1748.86]  Joseph's
+[1748.86 --> 1749.32]  kind of
+[1749.32 --> 1749.78]  clarity
+[1749.78 --> 1750.38]  but now
+[1750.38 --> 1750.74]  and then
+[1750.74 --> 1751.10]  there are
+[1751.10 --> 1751.46]  moments
+[1751.46 --> 1751.78]  when we
+[1751.78 --> 1752.14]  catch
+[1752.14 --> 1752.68]  at least
+[1752.68 --> 1753.56]  a glimmer
+[1753.56 --> 1753.94]  of the
+[1753.94 --> 1754.16]  what
+[1754.16 --> 1754.52]  and the
+[1754.52 --> 1754.80]  why
+[1754.80 --> 1755.18]  of what
+[1755.18 --> 1755.44]  God
+[1755.44 --> 1755.84]  is doing
+[1755.84 --> 1756.14]  in our
+[1756.14 --> 1756.38]  lives
+[1756.38 --> 1756.70]  something
+[1756.70 --> 1757.08]  that we
+[1757.08 --> 1757.40]  missed
+[1757.40 --> 1758.12]  at the
+[1758.12 --> 1758.40]  time
+[1758.40 --> 1758.80]  but see
+[1758.80 --> 1759.50]  only later
+[1759.50 --> 1760.22]  a low
+[1760.22 --> 1760.72]  point
+[1760.72 --> 1761.68]  in our
+[1761.68 --> 1762.04]  past
+[1762.04 --> 1762.50]  turns out
+[1762.50 --> 1762.72]  to be
+[1762.72 --> 1763.28]  the moment
+[1763.28 --> 1764.00]  in which
+[1764.00 --> 1764.30]  God
+[1764.30 --> 1764.78]  was breaking
+[1764.78 --> 1765.44]  an addiction
+[1765.44 --> 1767.64]  a great
+[1767.64 --> 1768.20]  pain
+[1768.20 --> 1768.64]  that we
+[1768.64 --> 1769.32]  experienced
+[1769.32 --> 1769.76]  later
+[1769.76 --> 1770.64]  helped us
+[1770.64 --> 1771.06]  to weep
+[1771.06 --> 1771.50]  with another
+[1771.50 --> 1771.90]  person
+[1771.90 --> 1772.42]  in pain
+[1772.42 --> 1773.16]  someone
+[1773.16 --> 1773.60]  who might
+[1773.60 --> 1773.84]  have been
+[1773.84 --> 1774.28]  alone
+[1774.28 --> 1775.06]  were it
+[1775.06 --> 1775.42]  not for
+[1775.42 --> 1775.66]  our
+[1775.66 --> 1776.12]  presence
+[1776.12 --> 1777.72]  a hard
+[1777.72 --> 1778.14]  knock
+[1778.14 --> 1778.94]  taught us
+[1778.94 --> 1779.24]  a thing
+[1779.24 --> 1779.66]  or two
+[1779.66 --> 1780.60]  and we
+[1780.60 --> 1781.00]  then helped
+[1781.00 --> 1781.40]  a friend
+[1781.40 --> 1781.92]  avoid the
+[1781.92 --> 1782.58]  same mistake
+[1782.58 --> 1785.72]  still
+[1785.72 --> 1788.08]  because here
+[1788.08 --> 1788.68]  we always
+[1788.68 --> 1788.98]  know
+[1788.98 --> 1789.76]  only in
+[1789.76 --> 1790.10]  part
+[1790.10 --> 1791.92]  the right
+[1791.92 --> 1792.38]  question
+[1792.38 --> 1792.88]  is
+[1792.88 --> 1794.22]  just this
+[1794.22 --> 1795.66]  how do
+[1795.66 --> 1796.64]  we respond
+[1796.64 --> 1797.66]  when bad
+[1797.66 --> 1798.24]  things happen
+[1798.24 --> 1800.44]  and then you
+[1800.44 --> 1800.80]  think of
+[1800.80 --> 1801.48]  Joseph again
+[1801.48 --> 1802.06]  remembering
+[1802.06 --> 1802.84]  that through
+[1802.84 --> 1803.72]  all those
+[1803.72 --> 1804.18]  years of
+[1804.18 --> 1804.42]  grief
+[1804.42 --> 1804.88]  Joseph
+[1804.88 --> 1806.12]  had no
+[1806.12 --> 1806.92]  idea
+[1806.92 --> 1807.76]  what God
+[1807.76 --> 1808.14]  had in
+[1808.14 --> 1808.50]  mind
+[1808.50 --> 1810.54]  he had
+[1810.54 --> 1811.30]  no guarantee
+[1811.30 --> 1811.74]  he would
+[1811.74 --> 1812.38]  ever know
+[1812.38 --> 1813.00]  what good
+[1813.00 --> 1813.66]  God might
+[1813.66 --> 1814.22]  bring out
+[1814.22 --> 1814.46]  of the
+[1814.46 --> 1814.80]  evil
+[1814.80 --> 1815.72]  he suffered
+[1815.72 --> 1816.54]  none at
+[1816.54 --> 1816.92]  all
+[1816.92 --> 1819.36]  but Joseph
+[1819.36 --> 1819.92]  knew
+[1819.92 --> 1820.80]  God's
+[1820.80 --> 1821.24]  revealed
+[1821.24 --> 1821.58]  will
+[1821.58 --> 1823.42]  and he
+[1823.42 --> 1824.28]  obeyed it
+[1824.28 --> 1825.24]  regardless
+[1825.24 --> 1827.42]  when Joseph
+[1827.42 --> 1828.04]  worked in the
+[1828.04 --> 1828.68]  household of
+[1828.68 --> 1829.16]  Potiphar
+[1829.16 --> 1829.84]  he was
+[1829.84 --> 1830.56]  faithful in
+[1830.56 --> 1830.86]  the work
+[1830.86 --> 1831.18]  he was
+[1831.18 --> 1831.48]  given
+[1831.48 --> 1832.78]  when
+[1832.78 --> 1833.44]  Potiphar's
+[1833.44 --> 1833.90]  wife tried
+[1833.90 --> 1834.52]  to seduce
+[1834.52 --> 1834.86]  him
+[1834.86 --> 1835.96]  Joseph
+[1835.96 --> 1836.32]  said
+[1836.32 --> 1836.88]  no
+[1836.88 --> 1838.50]  while he
+[1838.50 --> 1839.00]  worked in
+[1839.00 --> 1839.36]  prison
+[1839.36 --> 1839.70]  he was
+[1839.70 --> 1839.92]  made
+[1839.92 --> 1840.54]  responsible
+[1840.54 --> 1841.60]  for certain
+[1841.60 --> 1841.98]  duties
+[1841.98 --> 1842.38]  because
+[1842.38 --> 1843.34]  he lived
+[1843.34 --> 1843.74]  with his
+[1843.74 --> 1844.22]  God
+[1844.22 --> 1845.54]  when his
+[1845.54 --> 1845.94]  patience
+[1845.94 --> 1846.62]  was tested
+[1846.62 --> 1847.38]  he endured
+[1847.38 --> 1848.32]  when power
+[1848.32 --> 1848.88]  was given
+[1848.88 --> 1849.32]  to him
+[1849.32 --> 1849.84]  he was
+[1849.84 --> 1850.50]  gracious
+[1850.50 --> 1852.84]  Joseph
+[1852.84 --> 1853.30]  that is
+[1853.30 --> 1853.84]  obeyed
+[1853.84 --> 1854.22]  God's
+[1854.22 --> 1854.70]  revealed
+[1854.70 --> 1855.10]  will
+[1855.10 --> 1855.94]  and only
+[1855.94 --> 1856.64]  much later
+[1856.64 --> 1857.06]  was he
+[1857.06 --> 1857.48]  allowed
+[1857.48 --> 1857.96]  to see
+[1857.96 --> 1858.42]  God's
+[1858.42 --> 1858.88]  plan
+[1858.88 --> 1860.48]  you see
+[1860.48 --> 1861.28]  our primary
+[1861.28 --> 1861.82]  calling
+[1861.82 --> 1863.36]  as Joseph
+[1863.36 --> 1863.94]  understood
+[1863.94 --> 1864.36]  it was
+[1864.36 --> 1864.82]  his
+[1864.82 --> 1866.28]  and no
+[1866.28 --> 1866.76]  matter what
+[1866.76 --> 1867.26]  happens
+[1867.26 --> 1867.68]  in our
+[1867.68 --> 1868.16]  lives
+[1868.16 --> 1869.62]  has
+[1869.62 --> 1870.12]  always
+[1870.12 --> 1870.50]  been
+[1870.50 --> 1871.46]  and
+[1871.46 --> 1872.10]  remains
+[1872.10 --> 1872.76]  no
+[1872.76 --> 1873.22]  less
+[1873.22 --> 1874.90]  to show
+[1874.90 --> 1876.04]  by faith
+[1876.04 --> 1877.28]  ordinary
+[1877.28 --> 1878.18]  everyday
+[1878.18 --> 1879.08]  obedience
+[1879.08 --> 1880.64]  to God's
+[1880.64 --> 1881.06]  revealed
+[1881.06 --> 1881.42]  will
+[1881.42 --> 1881.86]  in the
+[1881.86 --> 1882.16]  Bible
+[1882.16 --> 1884.80]  that also
+[1884.80 --> 1885.60]  happens to be
+[1885.60 --> 1886.52]  the only way
+[1886.52 --> 1887.84]  that we
+[1887.84 --> 1888.98]  learn how
+[1888.98 --> 1889.58]  to listen
+[1889.58 --> 1890.02]  to our
+[1890.02 --> 1890.44]  lives
+[1890.44 --> 1891.72]  and see
+[1891.72 --> 1892.12]  God
+[1892.12 --> 1893.00]  at all
+[1893.00 --> 1896.82]  how do
+[1896.82 --> 1897.26]  we live
+[1897.26 --> 1897.88]  with divine
+[1897.88 --> 1898.52]  providence
+[1898.52 --> 1900.22]  in faith
+[1900.22 --> 1901.10]  in light
+[1901.10 --> 1901.54]  of all
+[1901.54 --> 1902.02]  those things
+[1902.02 --> 1902.40]  we wish
+[1902.40 --> 1902.70]  we could
+[1902.70 --> 1903.18]  change
+[1903.18 --> 1903.86]  whether
+[1903.86 --> 1904.32]  past
+[1904.32 --> 1904.74]  present
+[1904.74 --> 1905.40]  or future
+[1905.40 --> 1906.62]  but can
+[1906.62 --> 1908.82]  then last
+[1908.82 --> 1909.88]  but certainly
+[1909.88 --> 1910.52]  not least
+[1910.52 --> 1911.84]  it is to
+[1911.84 --> 1912.22]  remember
+[1912.22 --> 1912.82]  that though
+[1912.82 --> 1913.44]  we cannot
+[1913.44 --> 1914.08]  change
+[1914.08 --> 1915.10]  what has
+[1915.10 --> 1915.56]  happened
+[1915.56 --> 1915.96]  in our
+[1915.96 --> 1916.34]  lives
+[1916.34 --> 1917.80]  and we
+[1917.80 --> 1918.18]  do not
+[1918.18 --> 1918.42]  know
+[1918.42 --> 1919.06]  what will
+[1919.06 --> 1919.50]  happen
+[1919.50 --> 1920.08]  to us
+[1920.08 --> 1920.50]  tomorrow
+[1920.50 --> 1922.46]  we do
+[1922.46 --> 1922.78]  know
+[1922.78 --> 1923.88]  what cannot
+[1923.88 --> 1924.92]  happen
+[1924.92 --> 1925.44]  to us
+[1925.44 --> 1928.00]  when Joseph
+[1928.00 --> 1928.72]  himself is
+[1928.72 --> 1929.18]  about to
+[1929.18 --> 1929.48]  die
+[1929.48 --> 1930.44]  he tells
+[1930.44 --> 1930.88]  his brothers
+[1930.88 --> 1931.42]  twice
+[1931.42 --> 1932.76]  but God
+[1932.76 --> 1933.42]  will surely
+[1933.42 --> 1933.98]  come to
+[1933.98 --> 1934.50]  your aid
+[1934.50 --> 1935.44]  Genesis 50
+[1935.44 --> 1937.96]  and he
+[1937.96 --> 1938.46]  was right
+[1938.46 --> 1939.50]  wasn't he
+[1939.50 --> 1941.36]  without
+[1941.36 --> 1942.18]  discounting
+[1942.18 --> 1943.30]  centuries of
+[1943.30 --> 1944.00]  history between
+[1944.00 --> 1944.66]  Joseph and
+[1944.66 --> 1945.02]  Jesus
+[1945.02 --> 1947.02]  more than
+[1947.02 --> 1947.46]  anything
+[1947.46 --> 1948.14]  the Joseph
+[1948.14 --> 1948.76]  story
+[1948.76 --> 1949.66]  does
+[1949.66 --> 1950.50]  foreshadow
+[1950.50 --> 1951.38]  that Jesus
+[1951.38 --> 1951.88]  story
+[1951.88 --> 1953.78]  but when
+[1953.78 --> 1954.30]  the time
+[1954.30 --> 1955.84]  had fully
+[1955.84 --> 1956.22]  come
+[1956.22 --> 1956.90]  Paul wrote
+[1956.90 --> 1957.46]  to Christians
+[1957.46 --> 1958.18]  in Galatia
+[1958.18 --> 1960.40]  God sent
+[1960.40 --> 1960.98]  his son
+[1960.98 --> 1962.76]  at no
+[1962.76 --> 1963.34]  time in
+[1963.34 --> 1963.90]  history could
+[1963.90 --> 1964.40]  it be said
+[1964.40 --> 1964.94]  with greater
+[1964.94 --> 1965.86]  force that
+[1965.86 --> 1966.92]  men intended
+[1966.92 --> 1967.92]  a person's
+[1967.92 --> 1968.44]  death for
+[1968.44 --> 1968.86]  evil
+[1968.86 --> 1970.46]  they condemned
+[1970.46 --> 1971.36]  the innocent
+[1971.36 --> 1972.10]  son of God
+[1972.10 --> 1972.66]  to die
+[1972.66 --> 1973.02]  and they
+[1973.02 --> 1973.74]  nailed him
+[1973.74 --> 1974.82]  to a cross
+[1974.82 --> 1977.00]  but God
+[1977.00 --> 1977.98]  intended it
+[1977.98 --> 1978.72]  for the
+[1978.72 --> 1979.56]  world's good
+[1979.56 --> 1980.40]  and for
+[1980.40 --> 1980.86]  ours
+[1980.86 --> 1982.38]  to make
+[1982.38 --> 1982.74]  a way
+[1982.74 --> 1983.36]  for persons
+[1983.36 --> 1983.98]  of every
+[1983.98 --> 1984.40]  age
+[1984.40 --> 1985.58]  to be
+[1985.58 --> 1986.00]  forgiven
+[1986.00 --> 1986.56]  of sin
+[1986.56 --> 1987.70]  and come
+[1987.70 --> 1988.22]  into the
+[1988.22 --> 1988.66]  family
+[1988.66 --> 1989.92]  of God
+[1989.92 --> 1992.68]  knowing
+[1992.68 --> 1993.16]  Joseph
+[1993.16 --> 1994.06]  we understand
+[1994.06 --> 1995.24]  that our
+[1995.24 --> 1995.92]  lives are not
+[1995.92 --> 1996.60]  controlled by
+[1996.60 --> 1997.06]  fate
+[1997.06 --> 1998.54]  not by
+[1998.54 --> 1999.14]  chance
+[1999.14 --> 2000.40]  but by the
+[2000.40 --> 2000.86]  hands
+[2000.86 --> 2001.76]  of a living
+[2001.76 --> 2002.66]  and faithful
+[2002.66 --> 2003.10]  God
+[2003.10 --> 2004.96]  knowing
+[2004.96 --> 2005.52]  Jesus
+[2005.52 --> 2006.12]  we are
+[2006.12 --> 2006.68]  assured
+[2006.68 --> 2008.20]  that though
+[2008.20 --> 2008.68]  we cannot
+[2008.68 --> 2009.26]  change the
+[2009.26 --> 2009.62]  past
+[2009.62 --> 2010.02]  much as
+[2010.02 --> 2010.30]  we might
+[2010.30 --> 2010.76]  want to
+[2010.76 --> 2011.80]  and though
+[2011.80 --> 2012.10]  we do
+[2012.10 --> 2012.58]  not know
+[2012.58 --> 2012.92]  what will
+[2012.92 --> 2013.40]  happen to
+[2013.40 --> 2013.58]  us
+[2013.58 --> 2013.82]  even
+[2013.82 --> 2014.30]  tomorrow
+[2014.30 --> 2015.82]  one thing
+[2015.82 --> 2016.90]  cannot ever
+[2016.90 --> 2017.64]  happen to
+[2017.64 --> 2018.06]  us
+[2018.06 --> 2019.26]  because of
+[2019.26 --> 2019.76]  what happened
+[2019.76 --> 2020.20]  to our
+[2020.20 --> 2020.52]  Savior
+[2020.52 --> 2022.62]  we cannot
+[2022.62 --> 2023.78]  ever
+[2023.78 --> 2025.18]  be separated
+[2025.18 --> 2026.54]  from God's
+[2026.54 --> 2027.24]  love in
+[2027.24 --> 2027.98]  Christ Jesus
+[2027.98 --> 2028.96]  our Lord
+[2028.96 --> 2033.30]  and as
+[2033.30 --> 2033.64]  for all
+[2033.64 --> 2034.02]  the other
+[2034.02 --> 2034.44]  remaining
+[2034.44 --> 2035.00]  questions
+[2035.00 --> 2035.38]  about
+[2035.38 --> 2036.10]  divine
+[2036.10 --> 2036.72]  providence
+[2036.72 --> 2038.08]  well
+[2038.08 --> 2038.72]  I like
+[2038.72 --> 2039.16]  the way
+[2039.16 --> 2040.06]  the first
+[2040.06 --> 2040.48]  part of
+[2040.48 --> 2040.82]  Genesis
+[2040.82 --> 2041.38]  45
+[2041.38 --> 2042.46]  ends
+[2042.46 --> 2044.50]  although
+[2044.50 --> 2044.88]  we did
+[2044.88 --> 2045.34]  not read
+[2045.34 --> 2045.98]  these verses
+[2045.98 --> 2046.58]  this morning
+[2046.58 --> 2048.62]  but after
+[2048.62 --> 2049.12]  the shock
+[2049.12 --> 2049.74]  of it all
+[2049.74 --> 2051.74]  wore off
+[2051.74 --> 2052.58]  after all
+[2052.58 --> 2053.20]  the crying
+[2053.20 --> 2054.50]  all the
+[2054.50 --> 2054.82]  hugging
+[2054.82 --> 2055.24]  all the
+[2055.24 --> 2055.82]  expressions
+[2055.82 --> 2056.76]  of disbelief
+[2056.76 --> 2057.48]  everybody
+[2057.48 --> 2057.96]  took a
+[2057.96 --> 2058.54]  deep breath
+[2058.54 --> 2059.66]  and this
+[2059.66 --> 2059.92]  is what
+[2059.92 --> 2060.54]  verse 15
+[2060.54 --> 2060.96]  says
+[2060.96 --> 2061.98]  afterwards
+[2061.98 --> 2063.32]  his brothers
+[2063.32 --> 2064.92]  talked with
+[2064.92 --> 2065.30]  Joseph
+[2065.30 --> 2067.58]  such a
+[2067.58 --> 2067.84]  simple
+[2067.84 --> 2068.28]  sentence
+[2068.28 --> 2068.86]  afterwards
+[2068.86 --> 2069.76]  his brothers
+[2069.76 --> 2070.92]  talked with
+[2070.92 --> 2071.26]  Joseph
+[2071.26 --> 2073.26]  it is such
+[2073.26 --> 2073.84]  a common
+[2073.84 --> 2074.38]  image
+[2074.38 --> 2075.24]  with which
+[2075.24 --> 2075.68]  to end
+[2075.68 --> 2076.36]  such an
+[2076.36 --> 2076.94]  uncommon
+[2076.94 --> 2077.62]  story
+[2077.62 --> 2079.38]  and yet
+[2079.38 --> 2079.70]  somehow
+[2079.70 --> 2080.26]  it fits
+[2080.26 --> 2080.60]  doesn't
+[2080.60 --> 2081.26]  it
+[2081.26 --> 2082.86]  isn't
+[2082.86 --> 2083.28]  this what
+[2083.28 --> 2083.74]  we hope
+[2083.74 --> 2084.30]  will happen
+[2084.30 --> 2085.70]  when God's
+[2085.70 --> 2086.06]  kingdom
+[2086.06 --> 2087.02]  fully
+[2087.02 --> 2087.50]  comes
+[2087.50 --> 2089.52]  then the
+[2089.52 --> 2090.18]  big picture
+[2090.18 --> 2090.78]  of God's
+[2090.78 --> 2091.38]  providence
+[2091.38 --> 2092.10]  throughout
+[2092.10 --> 2092.62]  history
+[2092.62 --> 2093.02]  and in
+[2093.02 --> 2093.54]  our world
+[2093.54 --> 2094.56]  and in
+[2094.56 --> 2094.94]  each of
+[2094.94 --> 2095.56]  our lives
+[2095.56 --> 2096.72]  will be
+[2096.72 --> 2097.22]  revealed
+[2097.22 --> 2098.14]  for everyone
+[2098.14 --> 2098.70]  to see
+[2098.70 --> 2100.52]  there will be
+[2100.52 --> 2101.42]  astonishment
+[2101.42 --> 2102.42]  wow
+[2102.42 --> 2103.98]  tears of
+[2103.98 --> 2104.42]  joy
+[2104.42 --> 2105.76]  gasps of
+[2105.76 --> 2106.34]  surprise
+[2106.34 --> 2106.92]  wonder
+[2106.92 --> 2107.58]  amazing
+[2107.58 --> 2108.04]  really
+[2108.04 --> 2111.16]  but once
+[2111.16 --> 2111.42]  we get
+[2111.42 --> 2112.16]  past that
+[2112.16 --> 2112.78]  we'll all
+[2112.78 --> 2113.22]  be able
+[2113.22 --> 2113.68]  to take
+[2113.68 --> 2114.16]  a deep
+[2114.16 --> 2114.58]  breath
+[2114.58 --> 2116.50]  sit down
+[2116.50 --> 2117.22]  with our
+[2117.22 --> 2117.82]  Lord Jesus
+[2117.82 --> 2118.58]  with each
+[2118.58 --> 2118.84]  other
+[2118.84 --> 2120.46]  and spend
+[2120.46 --> 2121.04]  a long
+[2121.04 --> 2121.80]  time just
+[2121.80 --> 2122.62]  talking about
+[2122.62 --> 2123.04]  it all
+[2123.04 --> 2125.30]  and we'll
+[2125.30 --> 2125.90]  have plenty
+[2125.90 --> 2126.44]  of time
+[2126.44 --> 2127.08]  won't we
+[2127.08 --> 2128.66]  an eternity
+[2128.66 --> 2130.02]  in which
+[2130.02 --> 2130.92]  to explore
+[2130.92 --> 2131.60]  the riches
+[2131.60 --> 2132.66]  of the
+[2132.66 --> 2133.16]  mysteries
+[2133.16 --> 2134.24]  of our
+[2134.24 --> 2134.66]  great
+[2134.66 --> 2136.00]  and faithful
+[2136.00 --> 2137.12]  covenant
+[2137.12 --> 2138.48]  God
+[2138.48 --> 2140.32]  in the name
+[2140.32 --> 2140.64]  of the
+[2140.64 --> 2141.14]  Father and
+[2141.14 --> 2141.58]  the Son
+[2141.58 --> 2143.00]  and the
+[2143.00 --> 2143.62]  Holy Spirit
+[2143.62 --> 2145.74]  let's pray
+[2145.74 --> 2147.78]  gracious God
+[2147.78 --> 2150.40]  help us
+[2150.40 --> 2151.14]  to listen
+[2151.14 --> 2151.98]  to our
+[2151.98 --> 2152.40]  lives
+[2152.40 --> 2154.82]  help us
+[2154.82 --> 2155.66]  above all
+[2155.66 --> 2156.88]  every day
+[2156.88 --> 2157.44]  to open
+[2157.44 --> 2158.24]  our eyes
+[2158.24 --> 2159.68]  to Jesus
+[2159.68 --> 2161.74]  to turn
+[2161.74 --> 2162.28]  our eyes
+[2162.28 --> 2162.98]  towards him
+[2162.98 --> 2164.20]  and to
+[2164.20 --> 2164.70]  know that
+[2164.70 --> 2165.12]  no matter
+[2165.12 --> 2166.00]  what happens
+[2166.00 --> 2167.22]  good or
+[2167.22 --> 2167.58]  evil
+[2167.58 --> 2168.92]  we belong
+[2168.92 --> 2169.44]  to you
+[2169.44 --> 2170.22]  for now
+[2170.22 --> 2171.54]  and forever
+[2171.54 --> 2173.16]  and now
+[2173.16 --> 2173.54]  we pray
+[2173.54 --> 2174.14]  bless us
+[2174.14 --> 2174.76]  as we come
+[2174.76 --> 2175.14]  to your
+[2175.14 --> 2175.70]  table this
+[2175.70 --> 2175.98]  morning
+[2175.98 --> 2177.42]  in Jesus
+[2177.42 --> 2177.88]  name
+[2177.88 --> 2179.38]  amen

Joseph #6—Listening to Your Life (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1509 @@
+[0.00 --> 10.92]  so this is the sixth installment of our series on the story of Joseph at the end of Genesis and
+[10.92 --> 16.20]  today we have quite a few I'm not going to announce the scripture readings because their
+[16.20 --> 20.54]  selections from chapter 43 and 44 and it's going to take me five minutes just to say that so I'm
+[20.54 --> 27.04]  just going to read them but it's good that they'll be on screen and if you want to read obviously if
+[27.04 --> 33.96]  you want to read the whole chapters please do so at home because there's stuff that will be missing
+[33.96 --> 40.72]  but I want to just get to the heart of this story today so we begin today at 43 verse 1 through 9 and
+[40.72 --> 49.86]  I'm just going to read through everything without any further announcement now the famine was still
+[49.86 --> 55.90]  severe in the land so when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt these are the
+[55.90 --> 63.28]  brothers of Joseph and Jacob's family their father said to them go back and buy us a little more food
+[63.28 --> 72.14]  but Judah said to him the man warned us solemnly you will not see my face again unless your brother is
+[72.14 --> 77.68]  with you if you will send our brother along with us we will go down and buy food for you but if you
+[77.68 --> 84.84]  will not send him we will not go down because the man said to us you will not see my face again unless
+[84.84 --> 92.92]  your brother is with you Israel asked why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man you
+[92.92 --> 100.26]  had another brother they replied the man questioned us closely about ourselves and our family is your
+[100.26 --> 106.42]  father still living he asked us do you have another brother we simply answered his questions how were we
+[106.42 --> 114.90]  to know he would say bring your brother down here then Judah said to Israel his father send the boy along
+[114.90 --> 122.30]  with me and we will go at once so that we and you and our children may live and not die I myself will
+[122.30 --> 129.84]  guarantee his safety you can hold me personally responsible for him if I do not bring him back to you
+[129.84 --> 137.70]  and set him here before you I will bear the blame before you all my life so the men took the gifts and
+[137.70 --> 144.00]  double the amount of silver and Benjamin also they hurried down to Egypt and presented themselves to
+[144.00 --> 152.08]  Joseph when Joseph saw Benjamin with them he said to the steward of his house take these men to my house
+[152.08 --> 160.72]  slaughter an animal and prepare a meal they are to eat with me at noon as he looked about and saw his
+[160.72 --> 166.44]  brother Benjamin his own mother's son he asked is this your youngest brother the one you told me about
+[166.44 --> 175.02]  and he said God be gracious to you my son deeply moved at the sight of his brother Joseph hurried out and
+[175.02 --> 182.34]  looked for a place to weep he went into his private room and wept there after he had washed his face he
+[182.34 --> 190.00]  came out and controlling himself said serve the food they served him by himself the brothers by themselves
+[190.00 --> 197.02]  and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews for that
+[197.02 --> 204.92]  is detestable to Egyptians the men had been seated before him in the order of their ages from the firstborn to
+[204.92 --> 211.20]  the youngest and they looked at each other in astonishment when portions were served to them
+[211.20 --> 217.44]  from Joseph's table Benjamin's portion was five times as much as anyone else's hard to imagine
+[217.44 --> 225.82]  so they feasted and drank freely with him now Joseph gave these instructions to the steward of his house
+[225.82 --> 232.08]  fill the men's sacks with as much food as they can carry and put each man's silver in the mouth of his sack
+[232.08 --> 238.72]  then put my cup the silver one in the mouth of the youngest one's sack along with the silver for his
+[238.72 --> 245.24]  grain and he did as Joseph said as morning dawn the men were sent on their way with their donkeys
+[245.24 --> 251.12]  they had not gone far from the city when Joseph said to his steward go after those men at once and
+[251.12 --> 256.96]  when you catch up with them say to them why have you repaid good with evil isn't this the cup my master
+[256.96 --> 261.92]  drinks from and also uses for divination this is a wicked thing you have done
+[261.92 --> 268.90]  when he caught up with them he repeated these words to them but they said to him why does my lord say
+[268.90 --> 274.22]  such things far be it from your servants to do anything like that we even brought back to you from
+[274.22 --> 280.58]  the land of Canaan the silver we found inside the mouths of our sacks so why would we steal silver or gold
+[280.58 --> 286.46]  from your master's house if any of your servants is found to have it he will die and the rest of us
+[286.46 --> 293.88]  will become my lord's slaves very well then he said let it be as you say whoever is found to have it
+[293.88 --> 300.40]  will become my slave the rest of you will be free from blame each of them quickly lowered his sack to
+[300.40 --> 305.70]  the ground and opened it then the steward proceeded to search beginning with the oldest and ending with
+[305.70 --> 313.78]  the youngest and the cup was found in benjamin's sack at this they tore their clothes then they all
+[313.78 --> 319.20]  loaded their donkeys and returned to the city joseph was still in the house when judah and his brothers
+[319.20 --> 324.98]  came in and they threw themselves to the ground before him joseph said to them what is this you have
+[324.98 --> 331.88]  done don't you know that a man like me can find things out by divination what can we say to my lord
+[331.88 --> 338.52]  judah replied what can we say how can we prove our innocence god has uncovered your servant's guilt
+[338.52 --> 343.56]  we are now my lord's slaves we ourselves and the one who was found to have the cup
+[343.56 --> 350.28]  but joseph said far be it from me to do such a thing only the man who was found to have the cup
+[350.28 --> 357.86]  will become my slave the rest of you go back to your father in peace then judah went up to him and said
+[357.86 --> 364.86]  so now if the boy is not with us when i go back to your servant my father and if my father whose
+[364.86 --> 371.76]  life is closely bound up with the boy's life sees that the boy is not there he will die your servants
+[371.76 --> 377.78]  will bring the gray head of our father down to the grave in sorrow your servant guaranteed the boy's
+[377.78 --> 384.68]  safety to my father i said if i do not bring him back to you i will bear the blame before you my father
+[384.68 --> 391.48]  all my life now then please let your servant remain here as my lord's slave in place of the boy
+[391.48 --> 397.68]  and let the boy return with his brothers how can i go back to my father if the boy is not with me
+[397.68 --> 402.44]  no do not let me see the misery that would come on my father
+[402.44 --> 411.58]  then joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendance and he cried out have everyone
+[411.58 --> 418.26]  leave my presence so there was no one with joseph when he made himself known to his brothers
+[418.26 --> 426.82]  and he wept so loudly that the egyptians heard him and pharaoh's household heard about it joseph said
+[426.82 --> 435.08]  to his brothers i am joseph is my father still living but his brothers were not able to answer him
+[435.08 --> 442.96]  because they were terrified at his presence then joseph said to his brothers come close to me
+[442.96 --> 451.72]  when they had done so he said i am your brother joseph the one you sold into egypt and now do not
+[451.72 --> 458.40]  be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here because it was to save lives that
+[458.40 --> 464.80]  god sent me ahead of you for two years now there has been famine in the land and for the next five
+[464.80 --> 470.92]  years there will be no plowing and reaping but god sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant
+[470.92 --> 477.60]  on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance so then it was not you who sent me here
+[477.60 --> 481.68]  but god this is the word of the lord
+[481.68 --> 491.96]  so as we watch what happens in joseph's story today
+[491.96 --> 499.88]  i can't help but think of that famous scene from mark twain's book the adventures of tom sawyer
+[499.88 --> 512.26]  tom sawyer huckleberry finn and joe harper stinkers rotters one and all had set sail on a raft down the
+[512.26 --> 521.62]  mississippi river to become pirates but without telling anyone after many days their families concluded
+[521.62 --> 528.84]  they were lost and dead and so a funeral was planned for them on a sunday morning
+[528.84 --> 536.10]  at sunday school that day all people could talk about was the three boys and after sunday school
+[536.10 --> 544.38]  everyone filed solemnly into the sanctuary for the memorial service as the preacher began to talk about
+[544.38 --> 551.46]  those three lost boys he told stories so moving and so touching that the people felt pangs of guilt
+[551.46 --> 555.32]  for not having seen such good in these boys when they lived
+[555.32 --> 564.36]  but only their many faults and their flaws soon everybody was sobbing in grief
+[564.36 --> 577.40]  now what nobody knows but we do is that tom and joe and huck had come home and they were hiding in the balcony to watch their own funeral
+[577.40 --> 584.34]  but it doesn't make the moment any less wonderful and dramatic when at the end of the sermon
+[584.34 --> 592.34]  everyone hears this rustle in the back of the balcony and then the back door creaking open and to everyone's shock
+[592.34 --> 598.08]  the three boys come down the aisle with the whole congregation rushing to embrace them
+[598.08 --> 601.74]  the minister shouting praise god from whom all blessings flow
+[601.74 --> 606.28]  some stories
+[606.28 --> 609.28]  pack a punch because the climax
+[609.28 --> 612.04]  is something you did not see coming
+[612.04 --> 615.94]  the villain ends up being the last person you suspected
+[615.94 --> 619.58]  the hero you've grown to identify with
+[619.58 --> 622.36]  and love is suddenly killed
+[622.36 --> 631.40]  other times the climax is something you've seen coming all along but you still sit on the edge of your seat to see that moment happen
+[631.40 --> 634.52]  and the fact that you knew it was coming
+[634.52 --> 637.56]  doesn't make it any less dramatic
+[637.56 --> 643.40]  it's like that with the story of tom and huck and joe
+[643.40 --> 647.18]  we knowing the boys were alive everybody else thinking they were dead
+[647.18 --> 653.10]  it is like that with the climax of the joseph story too isn't it
+[653.10 --> 656.82]  the story began with two dreams
+[656.82 --> 659.66]  then took a terrible twist
+[659.66 --> 662.68]  with joseph's apparent death
+[662.68 --> 665.66]  but we've known all along
+[665.66 --> 667.62]  that joseph was not dead
+[667.62 --> 669.74]  so neither were the dreams
+[669.74 --> 672.14]  we've known all along
+[672.14 --> 673.32]  about the secret guilt
+[673.32 --> 675.58]  that the brothers carried with them every day
+[675.58 --> 677.66]  since they had sold joseph into slavery
+[677.66 --> 680.46]  and lied to their old father about it
+[680.46 --> 683.62]  we have known since three chapters ago
+[683.62 --> 685.74]  that the stern governor of egypt
+[685.74 --> 687.90]  before whom jacob's sons bowed
+[687.90 --> 689.20]  and at whose hands
+[689.20 --> 691.00]  they were treated so harshly
+[691.00 --> 692.12]  was joseph
+[692.12 --> 695.48]  all along the story so far
+[695.48 --> 697.80]  we have known things jacob did not know
+[697.80 --> 699.74]  that the brothers did not know
+[699.74 --> 702.16]  that even joseph himself missed
+[702.16 --> 707.98]  and so we have seen genesis 45 coming
+[707.98 --> 713.08]  but that does not make it any less dramatic or powerful does it
+[713.08 --> 716.92]  and it is judah of all people
+[716.92 --> 721.28]  judah whose idea it had been to sell his brother
+[721.28 --> 725.80]  who had treated his daughter-in-law tamar so shamefully
+[725.80 --> 730.28]  it is judah who brings the story to its climax
+[730.28 --> 734.20]  the hard mask joseph had worn up to now
+[734.20 --> 735.86]  in his dealings with his brothers
+[735.86 --> 740.38]  finally cracks before judah's passionate commitment
+[740.38 --> 742.30]  to his old father jacob
+[742.30 --> 745.28]  and judah's plea that he be allowed
+[745.28 --> 747.96]  to take little brother benjamin's place
+[747.96 --> 749.98]  as joseph's slave
+[749.98 --> 752.80]  finally convinced
+[752.80 --> 756.24]  that his brothers really had changed
+[756.24 --> 759.86]  and no longer able to control himself
+[759.86 --> 763.54]  joseph reveals himself to his brothers
+[763.54 --> 766.60]  i am joseph
+[766.60 --> 769.94]  and would you not have loved
+[769.94 --> 771.74]  to see their faces
+[771.74 --> 774.20]  at that precise moment
+[774.20 --> 780.18]  but what makes this climax so powerful
+[780.18 --> 784.36]  is not just that joseph reveals himself
+[784.36 --> 789.40]  here the main character of the book of genesis
+[789.40 --> 791.34]  reveals himself
+[791.34 --> 796.18]  here the main character of the book of genesis
+[796.18 --> 800.34]  who you could argue had been missing up until this point
+[800.34 --> 804.66]  finally also shows up
+[804.66 --> 807.00]  god
+[807.00 --> 811.80]  before joseph's story
+[811.80 --> 814.26]  god was easy to find
+[814.26 --> 818.12]  in the beginning god walked and talked with adam and eve
+[818.12 --> 819.32]  in the garden every day
+[819.32 --> 823.88]  noah abraham isaac jacob
+[823.88 --> 826.84]  they all heard the voice of god
+[826.84 --> 829.30]  telling them exactly what to do
+[829.30 --> 832.20]  exactly what was going to happen
+[832.20 --> 835.50]  but that all changed
+[835.50 --> 837.48]  with the beginning of the joseph story
+[837.48 --> 841.66]  god had become silent
+[841.66 --> 843.94]  not absent
+[843.94 --> 845.56]  just silent
+[845.56 --> 849.20]  in joseph's life up to now
+[849.20 --> 851.10]  there were no divine speeches
+[851.10 --> 853.76]  there were no set of instructions
+[853.76 --> 857.58]  there were no obvious proofs of god's presence
+[857.58 --> 861.78]  when joseph wanted to hear the voice of god
+[861.78 --> 863.72]  he listened
+[863.72 --> 865.06]  to his life
+[865.06 --> 867.46]  to his dreams
+[867.46 --> 870.18]  to the people he met along the way
+[870.18 --> 873.14]  to the things that happened to him each day
+[873.14 --> 873.80]  whether good
+[873.80 --> 874.66]  or evil
+[874.66 --> 877.78]  these were how god spoke
+[877.78 --> 878.60]  to joseph
+[878.60 --> 879.20]  except
+[879.20 --> 881.94]  that none of it made a whole lot of sense
+[881.94 --> 882.90]  in bits and pieces
+[882.90 --> 884.86]  joseph
+[884.86 --> 886.70]  but when his brother showed up
+[886.70 --> 889.44]  joseph began to see
+[889.44 --> 890.32]  a pattern
+[890.32 --> 894.24]  and now in this moment of revelation
+[894.24 --> 895.06]  with his brothers
+[895.06 --> 895.82]  joseph
+[895.82 --> 896.88]  finally
+[896.88 --> 898.68]  and fully gets it
+[898.68 --> 900.36]  the lights went on
+[900.36 --> 902.82]  i am your brother
+[902.82 --> 903.90]  joseph
+[903.90 --> 906.90]  and now do not be distressed
+[906.90 --> 909.28]  and do not be angry with yourselves
+[909.28 --> 910.98]  for selling me here
+[910.98 --> 913.80]  because it was to save lives
+[913.80 --> 915.64]  that god
+[915.64 --> 917.38]  sent me
+[917.38 --> 918.50]  ahead of you
+[918.50 --> 920.42]  suddenly
+[920.42 --> 921.98]  it's all clear to joseph
+[921.98 --> 923.60]  nobody explains it to him
+[923.60 --> 924.78]  looking back
+[924.78 --> 926.36]  now he just sees
+[926.36 --> 928.26]  god's fingerprints
+[928.26 --> 930.48]  all over the place
+[930.48 --> 933.92]  his brothers clearly did not
+[933.92 --> 935.96]  which is why joseph says it
+[935.96 --> 937.10]  three times
+[937.10 --> 937.78]  did you catch that
+[937.78 --> 939.76]  three times in genesis 45
+[939.76 --> 941.32]  in verses 5
+[941.32 --> 942.34]  7 and 8
+[942.34 --> 944.22]  god sent me ahead of you
+[944.22 --> 946.44]  but god sent me ahead of you
+[946.44 --> 948.10]  so then it was not you
+[948.10 --> 949.32]  who sent me here
+[949.32 --> 950.40]  but god
+[950.40 --> 954.62]  although joseph had already
+[954.62 --> 956.92]  forgiven them for what they had done to them
+[956.92 --> 957.84]  to him
+[957.84 --> 960.06]  their guilt still made them
+[960.06 --> 960.90]  afraid
+[960.90 --> 962.14]  of joseph
+[962.14 --> 963.20]  after all
+[963.20 --> 965.84]  ten against one
+[965.84 --> 968.30]  they had thrown him into a pit
+[968.30 --> 969.84]  to die
+[969.84 --> 972.78]  then they sold him for a profit
+[972.78 --> 974.20]  rather than kill him for nothing
+[974.20 --> 976.56]  then they lied to their father
+[976.56 --> 977.48]  about his fate
+[977.48 --> 978.32]  all of that
+[978.32 --> 980.32]  and everything in between
+[980.32 --> 981.96]  and now
+[981.96 --> 983.84]  he was saving their lives
+[983.84 --> 987.36]  it would have been easier
+[987.36 --> 989.68]  if he had beaten them first
+[989.68 --> 993.18]  or made them his slaves
+[993.18 --> 994.26]  for life
+[994.26 --> 996.86]  they might have understood that better
+[996.86 --> 998.30]  because that is how the world
+[998.30 --> 999.04]  usually works
+[999.04 --> 999.30]  right
+[999.30 --> 1000.04]  crime
+[1000.04 --> 1001.38]  and punishment
+[1001.38 --> 1003.24]  do the crime
+[1003.24 --> 1004.46]  you do the time
+[1004.46 --> 1006.92]  retaliation and revenge
+[1006.92 --> 1008.18]  there is often no place
+[1008.18 --> 1009.60]  for grace
+[1009.60 --> 1013.82]  but that's not how joseph sees it
+[1013.82 --> 1016.46]  when he looked at his life
+[1016.46 --> 1019.48]  he did not see a series of senseless tragedies
+[1019.48 --> 1021.90]  he didn't see himself
+[1021.90 --> 1023.04]  as anybody's victim
+[1023.04 --> 1026.02]  he saw a lighted path
+[1026.02 --> 1028.18]  that went through a pit
+[1028.18 --> 1029.34]  in the ground
+[1029.34 --> 1030.94]  then down to Egypt
+[1030.94 --> 1032.62]  winding for years
+[1032.62 --> 1034.34]  through pharaoh's prison system
+[1034.34 --> 1035.32]  until finally
+[1035.32 --> 1037.22]  the road led straight
+[1037.22 --> 1038.38]  to where he stood
+[1038.38 --> 1039.46]  this day
+[1039.46 --> 1041.98]  it was not you
+[1041.98 --> 1043.12]  who sent me here
+[1043.12 --> 1045.26]  but god
+[1045.26 --> 1048.48]  sadly
+[1048.48 --> 1050.60]  up to the day
+[1050.60 --> 1052.00]  that father jacob died
+[1052.00 --> 1052.72]  his brothers
+[1052.72 --> 1054.46]  never really got it
+[1054.46 --> 1056.62]  joseph
+[1056.62 --> 1058.26]  remained a mystery to them
+[1058.26 --> 1060.98]  and they never fully trusted him
+[1060.98 --> 1062.00]  because no sooner
+[1062.00 --> 1063.58]  is father jacob dead
+[1063.58 --> 1064.16]  and buried
+[1064.16 --> 1065.38]  and they were right back
+[1065.38 --> 1066.02]  at it again
+[1066.02 --> 1068.42]  scheming to save their lives
+[1068.42 --> 1070.04]  bowing before joseph
+[1070.04 --> 1070.62]  once more
+[1070.62 --> 1072.06]  we read in the last chapter
+[1072.06 --> 1073.06]  of genesis
+[1073.06 --> 1073.90]  chapter 50
+[1073.90 --> 1075.90]  that this is what they say to joseph
+[1075.90 --> 1078.94]  your father left these instructions
+[1078.94 --> 1079.90]  before he died
+[1079.90 --> 1082.54]  this is what you are to say to joseph
+[1082.54 --> 1084.78]  i ask you to forgive your brothers
+[1084.78 --> 1086.48]  the sins and the wrongs they committed
+[1086.48 --> 1088.14]  in treating you so badly
+[1088.14 --> 1090.46]  now please forgive the sins
+[1090.46 --> 1091.84]  of the servants of the god
+[1091.84 --> 1092.84]  of your father
+[1092.84 --> 1094.92]  now we don't know
+[1094.92 --> 1097.58]  if father jacob really said that or not
+[1097.58 --> 1100.86]  but it was entirely beside the point
+[1100.86 --> 1102.24]  because for joseph
+[1102.24 --> 1104.26]  nothing was beyond
+[1104.26 --> 1106.74]  the creative power of god
+[1106.74 --> 1108.52]  not lies
+[1108.52 --> 1110.22]  not treachery
+[1110.22 --> 1112.06]  not years in prison
+[1112.06 --> 1113.38]  not death
+[1113.38 --> 1116.80]  as terrible as all the things
+[1116.80 --> 1118.62]  that had happened to joseph were
+[1118.62 --> 1121.18]  they were also redeemable
+[1121.18 --> 1123.76]  in god's hands
+[1123.76 --> 1125.84]  by themselves
+[1125.84 --> 1127.12]  they had no meaning
+[1127.12 --> 1128.48]  their meaning
+[1128.48 --> 1128.50]  their meaning
+[1128.50 --> 1130.06]  was what god
+[1130.06 --> 1131.28]  and what joseph
+[1131.28 --> 1132.60]  made of them
+[1132.60 --> 1135.48]  and so once more
+[1135.48 --> 1136.52]  joseph does not
+[1136.52 --> 1137.14]  blame
+[1137.14 --> 1138.14]  but he explains
+[1138.14 --> 1138.56]  and says
+[1138.56 --> 1140.02]  you intended to harm me
+[1140.02 --> 1141.44]  but god intended it
+[1141.44 --> 1142.28]  for good
+[1142.28 --> 1144.78]  the brothers thought
+[1144.78 --> 1145.68]  they were in charge
+[1145.68 --> 1146.78]  of the meaning of things
+[1146.78 --> 1148.20]  that if they meant harm
+[1148.20 --> 1149.08]  when they sold joseph
+[1149.08 --> 1149.74]  into slavery
+[1149.74 --> 1150.34]  well then
+[1150.34 --> 1151.70]  even if they were sorry
+[1151.70 --> 1152.28]  afterwards
+[1152.28 --> 1153.78]  the harm could not be undone
+[1153.78 --> 1155.06]  and their guilt remained
+[1155.06 --> 1157.66]  the one thing
+[1157.66 --> 1159.30]  they had not
+[1159.30 --> 1160.44]  and still did not
+[1160.44 --> 1161.38]  reckon on
+[1161.38 --> 1162.58]  was the intent
+[1162.58 --> 1163.26]  of god
+[1163.26 --> 1165.12]  and god
+[1165.12 --> 1166.04]  joseph does his
+[1166.04 --> 1167.52]  very best to explain
+[1167.52 --> 1169.90]  is an inventive god
+[1169.90 --> 1171.52]  god is like one of those
+[1171.52 --> 1172.80]  genius sculptors
+[1172.80 --> 1173.78]  who can make art
+[1173.78 --> 1174.50]  out of anything
+[1174.50 --> 1175.96]  give him a tire rim
+[1175.96 --> 1177.44]  give him a wrecked bicycle
+[1177.44 --> 1178.62]  the brass bed post
+[1178.62 --> 1179.90]  some old duck work
+[1179.90 --> 1181.30]  and he'll weld it all
+[1181.30 --> 1182.30]  into an eagle
+[1182.30 --> 1183.86]  nothing
+[1183.86 --> 1185.40]  is too bent
+[1185.40 --> 1186.16]  to be used
+[1186.16 --> 1187.46]  not even tragedies
+[1187.46 --> 1189.68]  not even bad decisions
+[1189.68 --> 1190.78]  not even plain
+[1190.78 --> 1192.74]  human meanness
+[1192.74 --> 1196.18]  you intended to harm me
+[1196.18 --> 1196.96]  said joseph
+[1196.96 --> 1198.34]  who was a living work
+[1198.34 --> 1198.80]  of art
+[1198.80 --> 1200.96]  but god
+[1200.96 --> 1202.44]  intended it
+[1202.44 --> 1203.88]  shaped it
+[1203.88 --> 1205.16]  for good
+[1205.16 --> 1209.40]  that is joseph's
+[1209.40 --> 1209.96]  conclusion
+[1209.96 --> 1211.66]  as he listened
+[1211.66 --> 1212.90]  to his own life
+[1212.90 --> 1214.54]  and the climactic
+[1214.54 --> 1215.44]  point and meaning
+[1215.44 --> 1216.94]  of the whole story
+[1216.94 --> 1218.24]  in the first place
+[1218.24 --> 1220.12]  god's plan
+[1220.12 --> 1220.88]  and desire
+[1220.88 --> 1221.60]  and promise
+[1221.60 --> 1222.20]  to bless
+[1222.20 --> 1222.74]  abraham
+[1222.74 --> 1224.66]  and his descendants
+[1224.66 --> 1226.12]  and to bless
+[1226.12 --> 1227.12]  all peoples
+[1227.12 --> 1228.06]  egyptians
+[1228.06 --> 1228.86]  and everyone else
+[1228.86 --> 1229.38]  on earth
+[1229.38 --> 1230.44]  through them
+[1230.44 --> 1232.20]  no matter what
+[1232.20 --> 1234.36]  to bless
+[1234.36 --> 1236.28]  even you
+[1236.28 --> 1237.72]  no matter what
+[1237.72 --> 1240.06]  even though
+[1240.06 --> 1241.04]  listening to our
+[1241.04 --> 1241.76]  own lives
+[1241.76 --> 1243.20]  doesn't always
+[1243.20 --> 1244.24]  even usually
+[1244.24 --> 1244.80]  perhaps
+[1244.80 --> 1245.44]  give us
+[1245.44 --> 1246.08]  the kind of
+[1246.08 --> 1246.56]  clarity
+[1246.56 --> 1247.24]  or hindsight
+[1247.24 --> 1248.48]  that joseph
+[1248.48 --> 1249.60]  received
+[1249.60 --> 1252.24]  truth is
+[1252.24 --> 1252.80]  i think
+[1252.80 --> 1254.32]  we probably
+[1254.32 --> 1254.90]  live more
+[1254.90 --> 1255.66]  with questions
+[1255.66 --> 1256.76]  than answers
+[1256.76 --> 1259.28]  the question
+[1259.28 --> 1259.58]  is
+[1259.58 --> 1260.20]  how are
+[1260.20 --> 1260.72]  we
+[1260.72 --> 1262.06]  to live
+[1262.06 --> 1262.78]  with divine
+[1262.78 --> 1263.54]  providence
+[1263.54 --> 1263.96]  without
+[1263.96 --> 1265.36]  such clarity
+[1265.36 --> 1267.30]  in light of
+[1267.30 --> 1267.96]  anything and
+[1267.96 --> 1268.62]  everything that
+[1268.62 --> 1269.34]  we wish we
+[1269.34 --> 1269.88]  could change
+[1269.88 --> 1270.42]  in our own
+[1270.42 --> 1270.72]  lives
+[1270.72 --> 1272.24]  but can't
+[1272.24 --> 1274.64]  then joseph's
+[1274.64 --> 1275.00]  story
+[1275.00 --> 1276.76]  and conclusion
+[1276.76 --> 1277.44]  points us
+[1277.44 --> 1277.88]  i think
+[1277.88 --> 1279.06]  in at least
+[1279.06 --> 1279.82]  three directions
+[1279.82 --> 1280.82]  first
+[1280.82 --> 1283.38]  it tells us
+[1283.38 --> 1283.92]  to be very
+[1283.92 --> 1284.78]  careful of how
+[1284.78 --> 1285.76]  you understand
+[1285.76 --> 1286.76]  divine
+[1286.76 --> 1287.52]  providence
+[1287.52 --> 1290.18]  you intended
+[1290.18 --> 1290.86]  to harm me
+[1290.86 --> 1291.36]  but god
+[1291.36 --> 1292.14]  intended it
+[1292.14 --> 1293.16]  for good
+[1293.16 --> 1293.60]  well
+[1293.60 --> 1294.22]  yes
+[1294.22 --> 1296.06]  and we've
+[1296.06 --> 1296.78]  all heard
+[1296.78 --> 1297.38]  any number
+[1297.38 --> 1298.22]  of variations
+[1298.22 --> 1299.12]  on that
+[1299.12 --> 1299.48]  theme
+[1299.48 --> 1300.04]  haven't we
+[1300.04 --> 1301.90]  god will
+[1301.90 --> 1302.52]  find a way
+[1302.52 --> 1305.38]  or the
+[1305.38 --> 1305.82]  lord will
+[1305.82 --> 1306.28]  provide
+[1306.28 --> 1308.60]  or god
+[1308.60 --> 1308.98]  will not
+[1308.98 --> 1309.34]  give you
+[1309.34 --> 1309.70]  more
+[1309.70 --> 1310.36]  than you
+[1310.36 --> 1310.86]  can bear
+[1310.86 --> 1313.44]  platitudes
+[1313.44 --> 1314.46]  about providence
+[1314.46 --> 1315.14]  abound
+[1315.14 --> 1316.98]  and the
+[1316.98 --> 1317.34]  problem
+[1317.34 --> 1317.86]  with most
+[1317.86 --> 1318.12]  of them
+[1318.12 --> 1318.60]  is not
+[1318.60 --> 1319.18]  that they
+[1319.18 --> 1319.98]  are false
+[1319.98 --> 1322.86]  it is how
+[1322.86 --> 1323.60]  people often
+[1323.60 --> 1324.28]  say them
+[1324.28 --> 1326.10]  with a
+[1326.10 --> 1326.94]  knowing smile
+[1326.94 --> 1328.14]  while they
+[1328.14 --> 1328.70]  pat you on
+[1328.70 --> 1329.06]  the arm
+[1329.06 --> 1331.16]  they mean
+[1331.16 --> 1331.82]  well but
+[1331.82 --> 1332.42]  instead of
+[1332.42 --> 1333.26]  feeling comforted
+[1333.26 --> 1333.80]  more often
+[1333.80 --> 1334.46]  you feel
+[1334.46 --> 1335.04]  dismissed
+[1335.04 --> 1337.24]  there there dear
+[1337.24 --> 1337.80]  I know you
+[1337.80 --> 1338.22]  are hurting
+[1338.22 --> 1338.68]  but I don't
+[1338.68 --> 1339.08]  really want
+[1339.08 --> 1339.58]  to hear about
+[1339.58 --> 1339.68]  it
+[1339.68 --> 1340.08]  the lord
+[1340.08 --> 1340.82]  will provide
+[1340.82 --> 1341.90]  run along
+[1341.90 --> 1342.60]  now and
+[1342.60 --> 1342.98]  say your
+[1342.98 --> 1343.42]  prayers
+[1343.42 --> 1347.12]  divine providence
+[1347.12 --> 1347.86]  that is does
+[1347.86 --> 1348.62]  not mean
+[1348.62 --> 1349.48]  that we do
+[1349.48 --> 1350.18]  not look
+[1350.18 --> 1350.84]  evil in the
+[1350.84 --> 1351.66]  face and
+[1351.66 --> 1352.12]  call it
+[1352.12 --> 1352.86]  exactly what
+[1352.86 --> 1353.38]  it is
+[1353.38 --> 1353.98]  evil
+[1353.98 --> 1356.74]  in his book
+[1356.74 --> 1357.42]  on genesis
+[1357.42 --> 1358.08]  Walter
+[1358.08 --> 1358.66]  Brueggemann
+[1358.66 --> 1359.90]  talks about
+[1359.90 --> 1360.56]  the tension
+[1360.56 --> 1361.12]  built into
+[1361.12 --> 1361.64]  the story
+[1361.64 --> 1362.30]  of joseph
+[1362.30 --> 1363.16]  and his
+[1363.16 --> 1363.48]  brothers
+[1363.48 --> 1365.10]  there are
+[1365.10 --> 1366.28]  two very
+[1366.28 --> 1367.24]  real dimensions
+[1367.24 --> 1367.64]  to it
+[1367.64 --> 1368.10]  he says
+[1368.10 --> 1369.12]  first there
+[1369.12 --> 1369.66]  is real
+[1369.66 --> 1370.52]  human
+[1370.52 --> 1371.66]  jeopardy
+[1371.66 --> 1372.78]  real betrayal
+[1372.78 --> 1373.66]  real grief
+[1373.66 --> 1374.54]  real weeping
+[1374.54 --> 1376.28]  you intended
+[1376.28 --> 1376.96]  to harm
+[1376.96 --> 1377.40]  me
+[1377.40 --> 1380.20]  second
+[1380.20 --> 1381.02]  there is
+[1381.02 --> 1382.06]  real divine
+[1382.06 --> 1382.92]  faithfulness
+[1382.92 --> 1384.24]  rescue
+[1384.24 --> 1385.08]  blessing
+[1385.08 --> 1385.90]  healing
+[1385.90 --> 1387.20]  real food
+[1387.20 --> 1388.92]  but God
+[1388.92 --> 1389.78]  intended it
+[1389.78 --> 1390.70]  for good
+[1390.70 --> 1392.52]  emphasize
+[1392.52 --> 1393.28]  one at the
+[1393.28 --> 1393.82]  expense of
+[1393.82 --> 1394.18]  the other
+[1394.18 --> 1395.72]  and you
+[1395.72 --> 1396.18]  missed the
+[1396.18 --> 1396.50]  point
+[1396.50 --> 1397.88]  because
+[1397.88 --> 1398.68]  neither one
+[1398.68 --> 1399.10]  is the
+[1399.10 --> 1399.42]  truth
+[1399.42 --> 1400.12]  all by
+[1400.12 --> 1400.68]  itself
+[1400.68 --> 1403.16]  it is no
+[1403.16 --> 1403.74]  different in
+[1403.74 --> 1404.12]  the world
+[1404.12 --> 1404.70]  in which we
+[1404.70 --> 1405.00]  live
+[1405.00 --> 1406.74]  all by
+[1406.74 --> 1407.12]  itself
+[1407.12 --> 1407.64]  the human
+[1407.64 --> 1408.36]  situation
+[1408.36 --> 1409.14]  looks pretty
+[1409.14 --> 1409.62]  bleak at
+[1409.62 --> 1410.06]  times
+[1410.06 --> 1412.26]  in our
+[1412.26 --> 1412.80]  fear and
+[1412.80 --> 1413.06]  greed
+[1413.06 --> 1413.46]  we do
+[1413.46 --> 1413.92]  terrible
+[1413.92 --> 1414.58]  things to
+[1414.58 --> 1415.08]  each other
+[1415.08 --> 1416.68]  nations
+[1416.68 --> 1417.58]  not at war
+[1417.58 --> 1418.12]  with other
+[1418.12 --> 1418.50]  nations
+[1418.50 --> 1419.18]  are at war
+[1419.18 --> 1419.50]  within
+[1419.50 --> 1420.06]  themselves
+[1420.06 --> 1420.86]  and that
+[1420.86 --> 1421.22]  battle
+[1421.22 --> 1422.00]  goes on
+[1422.00 --> 1422.42]  often
+[1422.42 --> 1422.98]  inside
+[1422.98 --> 1423.50]  each one
+[1423.50 --> 1424.02]  of us
+[1424.02 --> 1425.90]  danger
+[1425.90 --> 1426.56]  betrayal
+[1426.56 --> 1427.26]  grief
+[1427.26 --> 1428.00]  famine
+[1428.00 --> 1428.56]  weeping
+[1428.56 --> 1429.04]  these things
+[1429.04 --> 1429.52]  are real
+[1429.52 --> 1429.98]  and if that's
+[1429.98 --> 1430.68]  all we know
+[1430.68 --> 1431.40]  then we are
+[1431.40 --> 1431.92]  doomed to
+[1431.92 --> 1432.40]  despair
+[1432.40 --> 1433.04]  because there
+[1433.04 --> 1433.72]  is no way
+[1433.72 --> 1434.34]  out for us
+[1434.34 --> 1435.12]  under our
+[1435.12 --> 1435.44]  own
+[1435.44 --> 1436.08]  steam
+[1436.08 --> 1438.72]  but jumping
+[1438.72 --> 1439.26]  from that
+[1439.26 --> 1440.06]  to absolute
+[1440.06 --> 1440.80]  certainty
+[1440.80 --> 1442.08]  about God's
+[1442.08 --> 1442.88]  plan for my
+[1442.88 --> 1443.34]  life
+[1443.34 --> 1445.06]  is not the
+[1445.06 --> 1445.92]  answer either
+[1445.92 --> 1446.76]  not all by
+[1446.76 --> 1447.34]  itself
+[1447.34 --> 1449.78]  all by itself
+[1449.78 --> 1450.22]  that would
+[1450.22 --> 1450.78]  ignore
+[1450.78 --> 1451.34]  human
+[1451.34 --> 1452.00]  suffering
+[1452.00 --> 1453.96]  and turn
+[1453.96 --> 1454.42]  into some
+[1454.42 --> 1454.90]  sort of
+[1454.90 --> 1455.36]  religious
+[1455.36 --> 1456.44]  romanticism
+[1456.44 --> 1457.78]  that dismisses
+[1457.78 --> 1458.66]  pain and
+[1458.66 --> 1459.46]  doubt and
+[1459.46 --> 1460.20]  sickness and
+[1460.20 --> 1461.04]  grief as
+[1461.04 --> 1461.98]  failures of
+[1461.98 --> 1462.44]  faith
+[1462.44 --> 1465.10]  as though
+[1465.10 --> 1465.56]  all that
+[1465.56 --> 1466.30]  counts is
+[1466.30 --> 1466.66]  the coming
+[1466.66 --> 1467.14]  victory
+[1467.14 --> 1469.30]  can you
+[1469.30 --> 1469.68]  imagine
+[1469.68 --> 1470.20]  somebody
+[1470.20 --> 1470.86]  leaning down
+[1470.86 --> 1471.26]  over the
+[1471.26 --> 1471.60]  edge of
+[1471.60 --> 1472.00]  the pit
+[1472.00 --> 1472.60]  while the
+[1472.60 --> 1473.48]  brothers are
+[1473.48 --> 1473.82]  busy
+[1473.82 --> 1474.46]  bargaining
+[1474.46 --> 1474.86]  with the
+[1474.86 --> 1475.48]  slave traders
+[1475.48 --> 1476.00]  and yelling
+[1476.00 --> 1476.32]  out
+[1476.32 --> 1477.16]  don't worry
+[1477.16 --> 1477.54]  Joseph
+[1477.54 --> 1478.34]  everything will
+[1478.34 --> 1478.80]  turn out
+[1478.80 --> 1479.38]  with God
+[1479.38 --> 1479.98]  in the
+[1479.98 --> 1480.26]  end
+[1480.26 --> 1484.12]  that would
+[1484.12 --> 1484.42]  be a
+[1484.42 --> 1484.72]  miserable
+[1484.72 --> 1485.40]  denial of
+[1485.40 --> 1485.68]  God
+[1485.68 --> 1487.14]  the God
+[1487.14 --> 1487.42]  who does
+[1487.42 --> 1487.78]  not live
+[1487.78 --> 1488.34]  way up
+[1488.34 --> 1489.00]  above us
+[1489.00 --> 1489.76]  somewhere
+[1489.76 --> 1490.20]  pulling
+[1490.20 --> 1490.70]  strings
+[1490.70 --> 1491.82]  and calling
+[1491.82 --> 1492.60]  the shots
+[1492.60 --> 1495.24]  but who
+[1495.24 --> 1495.90]  lives right
+[1495.90 --> 1496.74]  here among
+[1496.74 --> 1497.66]  us giving
+[1497.66 --> 1499.08]  us our
+[1499.08 --> 1500.82]  freedom and
+[1500.82 --> 1501.48]  holding his
+[1501.48 --> 1502.32]  divine breath
+[1502.32 --> 1503.50]  while we make
+[1503.50 --> 1504.18]  our choices
+[1504.18 --> 1506.08]  sometimes those
+[1506.08 --> 1506.78]  choices are
+[1506.78 --> 1507.50]  very good and
+[1507.50 --> 1508.70]  sometimes they
+[1508.70 --> 1509.76]  are very bad
+[1509.76 --> 1511.42]  but either way
+[1511.42 --> 1513.02]  God does
+[1513.02 --> 1514.86]  not leave
+[1514.86 --> 1517.46]  divine
+[1517.46 --> 1518.46]  providence is
+[1518.46 --> 1519.20]  about a God
+[1519.20 --> 1520.22]  who is committed
+[1520.22 --> 1520.84]  to us
+[1520.84 --> 1522.58]  and to
+[1522.58 --> 1522.92]  working
+[1522.92 --> 1523.84]  through us
+[1523.84 --> 1526.16]  it is not
+[1526.16 --> 1527.04]  about God's
+[1527.04 --> 1528.34]  will overriding
+[1528.34 --> 1529.34]  our own
+[1529.34 --> 1531.82]  as writer
+[1531.82 --> 1532.52]  Barbara
+[1532.52 --> 1533.34]  Brown Taylor
+[1533.34 --> 1534.36]  put it
+[1534.36 --> 1535.34]  it is more
+[1535.34 --> 1535.86]  like a
+[1535.86 --> 1536.34]  dance
+[1536.34 --> 1538.02]  that totally
+[1538.02 --> 1538.66]  mysterious
+[1538.66 --> 1539.34]  dance
+[1539.34 --> 1540.24]  that takes
+[1540.24 --> 1540.94]  place between
+[1540.94 --> 1541.74]  God's freedom
+[1541.74 --> 1542.72]  and ours
+[1542.72 --> 1544.44]  between God's
+[1544.44 --> 1544.70]  will
+[1544.70 --> 1545.40]  and our
+[1545.40 --> 1545.76]  own
+[1545.76 --> 1547.42]  in this
+[1547.42 --> 1547.88]  dance
+[1547.88 --> 1548.46]  she writes
+[1548.46 --> 1549.12]  it is not
+[1549.12 --> 1550.36]  God's job
+[1550.36 --> 1550.82]  to keep
+[1550.82 --> 1551.36]  bad things
+[1551.36 --> 1552.00]  from happening
+[1552.00 --> 1553.26]  though he
+[1553.26 --> 1553.64]  can
+[1553.64 --> 1554.58]  and he
+[1554.58 --> 1555.28]  often does
+[1555.28 --> 1556.02]  and I'm
+[1556.02 --> 1556.36]  sure we
+[1556.36 --> 1556.74]  can all
+[1556.74 --> 1557.24]  name such
+[1557.24 --> 1557.74]  times
+[1557.74 --> 1559.80]  but bad
+[1559.80 --> 1560.28]  things do
+[1560.28 --> 1560.78]  happen
+[1560.78 --> 1562.30]  brothers turn
+[1562.30 --> 1563.00]  against brothers
+[1563.00 --> 1563.64]  people are
+[1563.64 --> 1564.14]  bought and
+[1564.14 --> 1564.50]  sold
+[1564.50 --> 1565.14]  famine
+[1565.14 --> 1565.86]  devastates
+[1565.86 --> 1566.40]  the land
+[1566.40 --> 1568.60]  God's job
+[1568.60 --> 1569.32]  and God's
+[1569.32 --> 1569.72]  commitment
+[1569.72 --> 1570.70]  is not always
+[1570.70 --> 1571.18]  or even
+[1571.18 --> 1571.72]  usually
+[1571.72 --> 1572.62]  to prevent
+[1572.62 --> 1573.28]  these things
+[1573.28 --> 1573.96]  from happening
+[1573.96 --> 1575.04]  God's job
+[1575.04 --> 1577.30]  so to speak
+[1577.30 --> 1579.72]  is to stay
+[1579.72 --> 1580.46]  present in
+[1580.46 --> 1580.70]  them
+[1580.70 --> 1582.18]  and keep
+[1582.18 --> 1582.68]  on being
+[1582.68 --> 1583.14]  God
+[1583.14 --> 1584.10]  taking the
+[1584.10 --> 1584.52]  jumbled
+[1584.52 --> 1585.26]  wreckage
+[1585.26 --> 1585.68]  of our
+[1585.68 --> 1586.10]  lives
+[1586.10 --> 1587.22]  and making
+[1587.22 --> 1588.24]  something fine
+[1588.24 --> 1588.82]  out of them
+[1588.82 --> 1589.92]  in spite
+[1589.92 --> 1590.46]  of us
+[1590.46 --> 1593.14]  sometimes
+[1593.14 --> 1594.02]  it's obvious
+[1594.02 --> 1595.60]  and sometimes
+[1595.60 --> 1596.16]  it's not
+[1596.16 --> 1597.90]  sometimes
+[1597.90 --> 1598.44]  the work
+[1598.44 --> 1599.02]  of God's
+[1599.02 --> 1599.32]  hands
+[1599.32 --> 1600.28]  is so evident
+[1600.28 --> 1600.90]  you can see
+[1600.90 --> 1601.42]  it a mile
+[1601.42 --> 1601.74]  away
+[1601.74 --> 1603.24]  and sometimes
+[1603.24 --> 1604.48]  frankly
+[1604.48 --> 1605.00]  you have
+[1605.00 --> 1605.38]  to dust
+[1605.38 --> 1606.02]  for fingerprints
+[1606.02 --> 1608.16]  sometimes
+[1608.16 --> 1608.96]  God's voice
+[1608.96 --> 1609.42]  seems to come
+[1609.42 --> 1610.08]  straight from
+[1610.08 --> 1610.40]  heaven
+[1610.40 --> 1612.06]  and sometimes
+[1612.06 --> 1612.48]  it comes
+[1612.48 --> 1612.78]  through the
+[1612.78 --> 1613.28]  voices of
+[1613.28 --> 1613.80]  strangers
+[1613.80 --> 1615.42]  or friends
+[1615.42 --> 1617.74]  when Joseph
+[1617.74 --> 1618.42]  wanted to
+[1618.42 --> 1619.18]  hear God
+[1619.18 --> 1621.10]  he listened
+[1621.10 --> 1622.44]  to his life
+[1622.44 --> 1623.48]  all of it
+[1623.48 --> 1625.22]  and what he
+[1625.22 --> 1625.60]  learned
+[1625.60 --> 1626.26]  he told his
+[1626.26 --> 1626.60]  brothers
+[1626.60 --> 1627.74]  before he
+[1627.74 --> 1628.04]  died
+[1628.04 --> 1630.24]  God
+[1630.24 --> 1631.12]  sent me
+[1631.12 --> 1631.72]  ahead of you
+[1631.72 --> 1633.72]  you intended
+[1633.72 --> 1634.26]  to harm
+[1634.26 --> 1634.52]  me
+[1634.52 --> 1635.54]  but God
+[1635.54 --> 1636.40]  intended
+[1636.40 --> 1636.74]  it
+[1636.74 --> 1637.86]  for good
+[1637.86 --> 1640.48]  so be
+[1640.48 --> 1640.86]  careful
+[1640.86 --> 1641.52]  how you
+[1641.52 --> 1642.22]  understand
+[1642.22 --> 1643.14]  divine
+[1643.14 --> 1643.82]  providence
+[1643.82 --> 1645.82]  do not
+[1645.82 --> 1646.34]  deny
+[1646.34 --> 1647.04]  the reality
+[1647.04 --> 1647.54]  of pain
+[1647.54 --> 1648.00]  and evil
+[1648.00 --> 1649.68]  do not
+[1649.68 --> 1649.94]  ever
+[1649.94 --> 1650.40]  somehow
+[1650.40 --> 1651.16]  suggest
+[1651.16 --> 1652.06]  that God
+[1652.06 --> 1652.70]  approves
+[1652.70 --> 1653.06]  of it
+[1653.06 --> 1654.90]  and don't
+[1654.90 --> 1655.48]  expect God
+[1655.48 --> 1655.96]  to do
+[1655.96 --> 1656.86]  what he
+[1656.86 --> 1657.18]  doesn't
+[1657.18 --> 1657.56]  promise
+[1657.56 --> 1658.06]  to do
+[1658.06 --> 1658.84]  for now
+[1658.84 --> 1662.54]  then
+[1662.54 --> 1663.20]  second
+[1663.20 --> 1665.36]  especially
+[1665.36 --> 1665.80]  when you
+[1665.80 --> 1666.10]  are not
+[1666.10 --> 1666.54]  given the
+[1666.54 --> 1666.94]  kind of
+[1666.94 --> 1667.26]  hindsight
+[1667.26 --> 1667.66]  that
+[1667.66 --> 1667.94]  Joseph
+[1667.94 --> 1668.44]  was
+[1668.44 --> 1670.74]  realize
+[1670.74 --> 1671.30]  that the
+[1671.30 --> 1671.76]  goal
+[1671.76 --> 1672.48]  of faith
+[1672.48 --> 1674.28]  is not
+[1674.28 --> 1674.78]  to seek
+[1674.78 --> 1675.32]  God's
+[1675.32 --> 1676.30]  so-called
+[1676.30 --> 1676.88]  hidden
+[1676.88 --> 1677.32]  will
+[1677.32 --> 1678.50]  this hidden
+[1678.50 --> 1679.12]  plan
+[1679.12 --> 1679.46]  in the
+[1679.46 --> 1679.94]  background
+[1679.94 --> 1682.10]  as much
+[1682.10 --> 1682.52]  as it
+[1682.52 --> 1683.08]  is about
+[1683.08 --> 1683.54]  God
+[1683.54 --> 1684.28]  obeying
+[1684.28 --> 1685.48]  God's
+[1685.48 --> 1686.34]  revealed
+[1686.34 --> 1687.06]  will
+[1687.06 --> 1689.56]  years
+[1689.56 --> 1690.00]  ago
+[1690.00 --> 1691.06]  I still
+[1691.06 --> 1691.48]  remember
+[1691.48 --> 1692.08]  during an
+[1692.08 --> 1692.38]  interview
+[1692.38 --> 1693.16]  on CNN
+[1693.16 --> 1694.44]  Robert
+[1694.44 --> 1695.16]  Shuler
+[1695.16 --> 1695.62]  member
+[1695.62 --> 1696.44]  of old
+[1696.44 --> 1696.72]  Crystal
+[1696.72 --> 1697.10]  Cathedral
+[1697.10 --> 1697.52]  fame
+[1697.52 --> 1699.00]  was asked
+[1699.00 --> 1699.84]  by Larry
+[1699.84 --> 1700.26]  King
+[1700.26 --> 1702.62]  why do
+[1702.62 --> 1703.32]  bad things
+[1703.32 --> 1703.72]  happen
+[1703.72 --> 1704.46]  to good
+[1704.46 --> 1704.82]  people
+[1704.82 --> 1707.90]  his answer
+[1707.90 --> 1708.42]  and I
+[1708.42 --> 1708.92]  didn't always
+[1708.92 --> 1709.26]  agree with
+[1709.26 --> 1709.48]  Shuler
+[1709.48 --> 1710.12]  but he
+[1710.12 --> 1710.46]  was good
+[1710.46 --> 1710.88]  on this
+[1710.88 --> 1711.58]  his answer
+[1711.58 --> 1712.00]  was
+[1712.00 --> 1712.98]  that we
+[1712.98 --> 1713.40]  could never
+[1713.40 --> 1713.68]  know
+[1713.68 --> 1714.16]  but that
+[1714.16 --> 1714.96]  this was
+[1714.96 --> 1715.64]  the wrong
+[1715.64 --> 1716.20]  question
+[1716.20 --> 1717.40]  in any
+[1717.40 --> 1717.78]  case
+[1717.78 --> 1719.42]  the right
+[1719.42 --> 1719.84]  question
+[1719.84 --> 1720.54]  is this
+[1720.54 --> 1722.50]  how do
+[1722.50 --> 1723.50]  good people
+[1723.50 --> 1724.90]  respond
+[1724.90 --> 1726.42]  when bad
+[1726.42 --> 1726.82]  things
+[1726.82 --> 1727.60]  happen
+[1727.60 --> 1731.54]  sometimes
+[1731.54 --> 1732.52]  I think
+[1732.52 --> 1733.86]  we do
+[1733.86 --> 1734.16]  know
+[1734.16 --> 1735.68]  at least
+[1735.68 --> 1736.16]  in part
+[1736.16 --> 1736.98]  why bad
+[1736.98 --> 1737.28]  things
+[1737.28 --> 1737.94]  happen to
+[1737.94 --> 1738.22]  us
+[1738.22 --> 1739.52]  I mean
+[1739.52 --> 1740.12]  obviously
+[1740.12 --> 1740.88]  aside from
+[1740.88 --> 1741.34]  the times
+[1741.34 --> 1742.06]  that we
+[1742.06 --> 1742.52]  basically
+[1742.52 --> 1743.34]  asked for
+[1743.34 --> 1743.56]  it
+[1743.56 --> 1744.96]  do stupid
+[1744.96 --> 1745.36]  things
+[1745.36 --> 1747.46]  we may
+[1747.46 --> 1748.02]  not always
+[1748.02 --> 1748.32]  have
+[1748.32 --> 1748.86]  Joseph's
+[1748.86 --> 1749.32]  kind of
+[1749.32 --> 1749.78]  clarity
+[1749.78 --> 1750.38]  but now
+[1750.38 --> 1750.74]  and then
+[1750.74 --> 1751.10]  there are
+[1751.10 --> 1751.46]  moments
+[1751.46 --> 1751.78]  when we
+[1751.78 --> 1752.14]  catch
+[1752.14 --> 1752.68]  at least
+[1752.68 --> 1753.56]  a glimmer
+[1753.56 --> 1753.94]  of the
+[1753.94 --> 1754.16]  what
+[1754.16 --> 1754.52]  and the
+[1754.52 --> 1754.80]  why
+[1754.80 --> 1755.18]  of what
+[1755.18 --> 1755.44]  God
+[1755.44 --> 1755.84]  is doing
+[1755.84 --> 1756.14]  in our
+[1756.14 --> 1756.38]  lives
+[1756.38 --> 1756.70]  something
+[1756.70 --> 1757.08]  that we
+[1757.08 --> 1757.40]  missed
+[1757.40 --> 1758.12]  at the
+[1758.12 --> 1758.40]  time
+[1758.40 --> 1758.80]  but see
+[1758.80 --> 1759.50]  only later
+[1759.50 --> 1760.22]  a low
+[1760.22 --> 1760.72]  point
+[1760.72 --> 1761.68]  in our
+[1761.68 --> 1762.04]  past
+[1762.04 --> 1762.50]  turns out
+[1762.50 --> 1762.72]  to be
+[1762.72 --> 1763.28]  the moment
+[1763.28 --> 1764.00]  in which
+[1764.00 --> 1764.30]  God
+[1764.30 --> 1764.78]  was breaking
+[1764.78 --> 1765.44]  an addiction
+[1765.44 --> 1767.64]  a great
+[1767.64 --> 1768.20]  pain
+[1768.20 --> 1768.64]  that we
+[1768.64 --> 1769.32]  experienced
+[1769.32 --> 1769.76]  later
+[1769.76 --> 1770.64]  helped us
+[1770.64 --> 1771.06]  to weep
+[1771.06 --> 1771.50]  with another
+[1771.50 --> 1771.90]  person
+[1771.90 --> 1772.42]  in pain
+[1772.42 --> 1773.16]  someone
+[1773.16 --> 1773.60]  who might
+[1773.60 --> 1773.84]  have been
+[1773.84 --> 1774.28]  alone
+[1774.28 --> 1775.06]  were it
+[1775.06 --> 1775.42]  not for
+[1775.42 --> 1775.66]  our
+[1775.66 --> 1776.12]  presence
+[1776.12 --> 1777.72]  a hard
+[1777.72 --> 1778.14]  knock
+[1778.14 --> 1778.94]  taught us
+[1778.94 --> 1779.24]  a thing
+[1779.24 --> 1779.66]  or two
+[1779.66 --> 1780.60]  and we
+[1780.60 --> 1781.00]  then helped
+[1781.00 --> 1781.40]  a friend
+[1781.40 --> 1781.92]  avoid the
+[1781.92 --> 1782.58]  same mistake
+[1782.58 --> 1785.72]  still
+[1785.72 --> 1788.08]  because here
+[1788.08 --> 1788.68]  we always
+[1788.68 --> 1788.98]  know
+[1788.98 --> 1789.76]  only in
+[1789.76 --> 1790.10]  part
+[1790.10 --> 1791.92]  the right
+[1791.92 --> 1792.38]  question
+[1792.38 --> 1792.88]  is
+[1792.88 --> 1794.22]  just this
+[1794.22 --> 1795.66]  how do
+[1795.66 --> 1796.64]  we respond
+[1796.64 --> 1797.66]  when bad
+[1797.66 --> 1798.24]  things happen
+[1798.24 --> 1800.44]  and then you
+[1800.44 --> 1800.80]  think of
+[1800.80 --> 1801.48]  Joseph again
+[1801.48 --> 1802.06]  remembering
+[1802.06 --> 1802.84]  that through
+[1802.84 --> 1803.72]  all those
+[1803.72 --> 1804.18]  years of
+[1804.18 --> 1804.42]  grief
+[1804.42 --> 1804.88]  Joseph
+[1804.88 --> 1806.12]  had no
+[1806.12 --> 1806.92]  idea
+[1806.92 --> 1807.76]  what God
+[1807.76 --> 1808.14]  had in
+[1808.14 --> 1808.50]  mind
+[1808.50 --> 1810.54]  he had
+[1810.54 --> 1811.30]  no guarantee
+[1811.30 --> 1811.74]  he would
+[1811.74 --> 1812.38]  ever know
+[1812.38 --> 1813.00]  what good
+[1813.00 --> 1813.66]  God might
+[1813.66 --> 1814.22]  bring out
+[1814.22 --> 1814.46]  of the
+[1814.46 --> 1814.80]  evil
+[1814.80 --> 1815.72]  he suffered
+[1815.72 --> 1816.54]  none at
+[1816.54 --> 1816.92]  all
+[1816.92 --> 1819.36]  but Joseph
+[1819.36 --> 1819.92]  knew
+[1819.92 --> 1820.80]  God's
+[1820.80 --> 1821.24]  revealed
+[1821.24 --> 1821.58]  will
+[1821.58 --> 1823.42]  and he
+[1823.42 --> 1824.28]  obeyed it
+[1824.28 --> 1825.24]  regardless
+[1825.24 --> 1827.42]  when Joseph
+[1827.42 --> 1828.04]  worked in the
+[1828.04 --> 1828.68]  household of
+[1828.68 --> 1829.16]  Potiphar
+[1829.16 --> 1829.84]  he was
+[1829.84 --> 1830.56]  faithful in
+[1830.56 --> 1830.86]  the work
+[1830.86 --> 1831.18]  he was
+[1831.18 --> 1831.48]  given
+[1831.48 --> 1832.78]  when
+[1832.78 --> 1833.44]  Potiphar's
+[1833.44 --> 1833.90]  wife tried
+[1833.90 --> 1834.52]  to seduce
+[1834.52 --> 1834.86]  him
+[1834.86 --> 1835.96]  Joseph
+[1835.96 --> 1836.32]  said
+[1836.32 --> 1836.88]  no
+[1836.88 --> 1838.50]  while he
+[1838.50 --> 1839.00]  worked in
+[1839.00 --> 1839.36]  prison
+[1839.36 --> 1839.70]  he was
+[1839.70 --> 1839.92]  made
+[1839.92 --> 1840.54]  responsible
+[1840.54 --> 1841.60]  for certain
+[1841.60 --> 1841.98]  duties
+[1841.98 --> 1842.38]  because
+[1842.38 --> 1843.34]  he lived
+[1843.34 --> 1843.74]  with his
+[1843.74 --> 1844.22]  God
+[1844.22 --> 1845.54]  when his
+[1845.54 --> 1845.94]  patience
+[1845.94 --> 1846.62]  was tested
+[1846.62 --> 1847.38]  he endured
+[1847.38 --> 1848.32]  when power
+[1848.32 --> 1848.88]  was given
+[1848.88 --> 1849.32]  to him
+[1849.32 --> 1849.84]  he was
+[1849.84 --> 1850.50]  gracious
+[1850.50 --> 1852.84]  Joseph
+[1852.84 --> 1853.30]  that is
+[1853.30 --> 1853.84]  obeyed
+[1853.84 --> 1854.22]  God's
+[1854.22 --> 1854.70]  revealed
+[1854.70 --> 1855.10]  will
+[1855.10 --> 1855.94]  and only
+[1855.94 --> 1856.64]  much later
+[1856.64 --> 1857.06]  was he
+[1857.06 --> 1857.48]  allowed
+[1857.48 --> 1857.96]  to see
+[1857.96 --> 1858.42]  God's
+[1858.42 --> 1858.88]  plan
+[1858.88 --> 1860.48]  you see
+[1860.48 --> 1861.28]  our primary
+[1861.28 --> 1861.82]  calling
+[1861.82 --> 1863.36]  as Joseph
+[1863.36 --> 1863.94]  understood
+[1863.94 --> 1864.36]  it was
+[1864.36 --> 1864.82]  his
+[1864.82 --> 1866.28]  and no
+[1866.28 --> 1866.76]  matter what
+[1866.76 --> 1867.26]  happens
+[1867.26 --> 1867.68]  in our
+[1867.68 --> 1868.16]  lives
+[1868.16 --> 1869.62]  has
+[1869.62 --> 1870.12]  always
+[1870.12 --> 1870.50]  been
+[1870.50 --> 1871.46]  and
+[1871.46 --> 1872.10]  remains
+[1872.10 --> 1872.76]  no
+[1872.76 --> 1873.22]  less
+[1873.22 --> 1874.90]  to show
+[1874.90 --> 1876.04]  by faith
+[1876.04 --> 1877.28]  ordinary
+[1877.28 --> 1878.18]  everyday
+[1878.18 --> 1879.08]  obedience
+[1879.08 --> 1880.64]  to God's
+[1880.64 --> 1881.06]  revealed
+[1881.06 --> 1881.42]  will
+[1881.42 --> 1881.86]  in the
+[1881.86 --> 1882.16]  Bible
+[1882.16 --> 1884.80]  that also
+[1884.80 --> 1885.60]  happens to be
+[1885.60 --> 1886.52]  the only way
+[1886.52 --> 1887.84]  that we
+[1887.84 --> 1888.98]  learn how
+[1888.98 --> 1889.58]  to listen
+[1889.58 --> 1890.02]  to our
+[1890.02 --> 1890.44]  lives
+[1890.44 --> 1891.72]  and see
+[1891.72 --> 1892.12]  God
+[1892.12 --> 1893.00]  at all
+[1893.00 --> 1896.82]  how do
+[1896.82 --> 1897.26]  we live
+[1897.26 --> 1897.88]  with divine
+[1897.88 --> 1898.52]  providence
+[1898.52 --> 1900.22]  in faith
+[1900.22 --> 1901.10]  in light
+[1901.10 --> 1901.54]  of all
+[1901.54 --> 1902.02]  those things
+[1902.02 --> 1902.40]  we wish
+[1902.40 --> 1902.70]  we could
+[1902.70 --> 1903.18]  change
+[1903.18 --> 1903.86]  whether
+[1903.86 --> 1904.32]  past
+[1904.32 --> 1904.74]  present
+[1904.74 --> 1905.40]  or future
+[1905.40 --> 1906.62]  but can
+[1906.62 --> 1908.82]  then last
+[1908.82 --> 1909.88]  but certainly
+[1909.88 --> 1910.52]  not least
+[1910.52 --> 1911.84]  it is to
+[1911.84 --> 1912.22]  remember
+[1912.22 --> 1912.82]  that though
+[1912.82 --> 1913.44]  we cannot
+[1913.44 --> 1914.08]  change
+[1914.08 --> 1915.10]  what has
+[1915.10 --> 1915.56]  happened
+[1915.56 --> 1915.96]  in our
+[1915.96 --> 1916.34]  lives
+[1916.34 --> 1917.80]  and we
+[1917.80 --> 1918.18]  do not
+[1918.18 --> 1918.42]  know
+[1918.42 --> 1919.06]  what will
+[1919.06 --> 1919.50]  happen
+[1919.50 --> 1920.08]  to us
+[1920.08 --> 1920.50]  tomorrow
+[1920.50 --> 1922.46]  we do
+[1922.46 --> 1922.78]  know
+[1922.78 --> 1923.88]  what cannot
+[1923.88 --> 1924.92]  happen
+[1924.92 --> 1925.44]  to us
+[1925.44 --> 1928.00]  when Joseph
+[1928.00 --> 1928.72]  himself is
+[1928.72 --> 1929.18]  about to
+[1929.18 --> 1929.48]  die
+[1929.48 --> 1930.44]  he tells
+[1930.44 --> 1930.88]  his brothers
+[1930.88 --> 1931.42]  twice
+[1931.42 --> 1932.76]  but God
+[1932.76 --> 1933.42]  will surely
+[1933.42 --> 1933.98]  come to
+[1933.98 --> 1934.50]  your aid
+[1934.50 --> 1935.44]  Genesis 50
+[1935.44 --> 1937.96]  and he
+[1937.96 --> 1938.46]  was right
+[1938.46 --> 1939.50]  wasn't he
+[1939.50 --> 1941.36]  without
+[1941.36 --> 1942.18]  discounting
+[1942.18 --> 1943.30]  centuries of
+[1943.30 --> 1944.00]  history between
+[1944.00 --> 1944.66]  Joseph and
+[1944.66 --> 1945.02]  Jesus
+[1945.02 --> 1947.02]  more than
+[1947.02 --> 1947.46]  anything
+[1947.46 --> 1948.14]  the Joseph
+[1948.14 --> 1948.76]  story
+[1948.76 --> 1949.66]  does
+[1949.66 --> 1950.50]  foreshadow
+[1950.50 --> 1951.38]  that Jesus
+[1951.38 --> 1951.88]  story
+[1951.88 --> 1953.78]  but when
+[1953.78 --> 1954.30]  the time
+[1954.30 --> 1955.84]  had fully
+[1955.84 --> 1956.22]  come
+[1956.22 --> 1956.90]  Paul wrote
+[1956.90 --> 1957.46]  to Christians
+[1957.46 --> 1958.18]  in Galatia
+[1958.18 --> 1960.40]  God sent
+[1960.40 --> 1960.98]  his son
+[1960.98 --> 1962.76]  at no
+[1962.76 --> 1963.34]  time in
+[1963.34 --> 1963.90]  history could
+[1963.90 --> 1964.40]  it be said
+[1964.40 --> 1964.94]  with greater
+[1964.94 --> 1965.86]  force that
+[1965.86 --> 1966.92]  men intended
+[1966.92 --> 1967.92]  a person's
+[1967.92 --> 1968.44]  death for
+[1968.44 --> 1968.86]  evil
+[1968.86 --> 1970.46]  they condemned
+[1970.46 --> 1971.36]  the innocent
+[1971.36 --> 1972.10]  son of God
+[1972.10 --> 1972.66]  to die
+[1972.66 --> 1973.02]  and they
+[1973.02 --> 1973.74]  nailed him
+[1973.74 --> 1974.82]  to a cross
+[1974.82 --> 1977.00]  but God
+[1977.00 --> 1977.98]  intended it
+[1977.98 --> 1978.72]  for the
+[1978.72 --> 1979.56]  world's good
+[1979.56 --> 1980.40]  and for
+[1980.40 --> 1980.86]  ours
+[1980.86 --> 1982.38]  to make
+[1982.38 --> 1982.74]  a way
+[1982.74 --> 1983.36]  for persons
+[1983.36 --> 1983.98]  of every
+[1983.98 --> 1984.40]  age
+[1984.40 --> 1985.58]  to be
+[1985.58 --> 1986.00]  forgiven
+[1986.00 --> 1986.56]  of sin
+[1986.56 --> 1987.70]  and come
+[1987.70 --> 1988.22]  into the
+[1988.22 --> 1988.66]  family
+[1988.66 --> 1989.92]  of God
+[1989.92 --> 1992.68]  knowing
+[1992.68 --> 1993.16]  Joseph
+[1993.16 --> 1994.06]  we understand
+[1994.06 --> 1995.24]  that our
+[1995.24 --> 1995.92]  lives are not
+[1995.92 --> 1996.60]  controlled by
+[1996.60 --> 1997.06]  fate
+[1997.06 --> 1998.54]  not by
+[1998.54 --> 1999.14]  chance
+[1999.14 --> 2000.40]  but by the
+[2000.40 --> 2000.86]  hands
+[2000.86 --> 2001.76]  of a living
+[2001.76 --> 2002.66]  and faithful
+[2002.66 --> 2003.10]  God
+[2003.10 --> 2004.96]  knowing
+[2004.96 --> 2005.52]  Jesus
+[2005.52 --> 2006.12]  we are
+[2006.12 --> 2006.68]  assured
+[2006.68 --> 2008.20]  that though
+[2008.20 --> 2008.68]  we cannot
+[2008.68 --> 2009.26]  change the
+[2009.26 --> 2009.62]  past
+[2009.62 --> 2010.02]  much as
+[2010.02 --> 2010.30]  we might
+[2010.30 --> 2010.76]  want to
+[2010.76 --> 2011.80]  and though
+[2011.80 --> 2012.10]  we do
+[2012.10 --> 2012.58]  not know
+[2012.58 --> 2012.92]  what will
+[2012.92 --> 2013.40]  happen to
+[2013.40 --> 2013.58]  us
+[2013.58 --> 2013.82]  even
+[2013.82 --> 2014.30]  tomorrow
+[2014.30 --> 2015.82]  one thing
+[2015.82 --> 2016.90]  cannot ever
+[2016.90 --> 2017.64]  happen to
+[2017.64 --> 2018.06]  us
+[2018.06 --> 2019.26]  because of
+[2019.26 --> 2019.76]  what happened
+[2019.76 --> 2020.20]  to our
+[2020.20 --> 2020.52]  Savior
+[2020.52 --> 2022.62]  we cannot
+[2022.62 --> 2023.78]  ever
+[2023.78 --> 2025.18]  be separated
+[2025.18 --> 2026.54]  from God's
+[2026.54 --> 2027.24]  love in
+[2027.24 --> 2027.98]  Christ Jesus
+[2027.98 --> 2028.96]  our Lord
+[2028.96 --> 2033.30]  and as
+[2033.30 --> 2033.64]  for all
+[2033.64 --> 2034.02]  the other
+[2034.02 --> 2034.44]  remaining
+[2034.44 --> 2035.00]  questions
+[2035.00 --> 2035.38]  about
+[2035.38 --> 2036.10]  divine
+[2036.10 --> 2036.72]  providence
+[2036.72 --> 2038.08]  well
+[2038.08 --> 2038.72]  I like
+[2038.72 --> 2039.16]  the way
+[2039.16 --> 2040.06]  the first
+[2040.06 --> 2040.48]  part of
+[2040.48 --> 2040.82]  Genesis
+[2040.82 --> 2041.38]  45
+[2041.38 --> 2042.46]  ends
+[2042.46 --> 2044.50]  although
+[2044.50 --> 2044.88]  we did
+[2044.88 --> 2045.34]  not read
+[2045.34 --> 2045.98]  these verses
+[2045.98 --> 2046.58]  this morning
+[2046.58 --> 2048.62]  but after
+[2048.62 --> 2049.12]  the shock
+[2049.12 --> 2049.74]  of it all
+[2049.74 --> 2051.74]  wore off
+[2051.74 --> 2052.58]  after all
+[2052.58 --> 2053.20]  the crying
+[2053.20 --> 2054.50]  all the
+[2054.50 --> 2054.82]  hugging
+[2054.82 --> 2055.24]  all the
+[2055.24 --> 2055.82]  expressions
+[2055.82 --> 2056.76]  of disbelief
+[2056.76 --> 2057.48]  everybody
+[2057.48 --> 2057.96]  took a
+[2057.96 --> 2058.54]  deep breath
+[2058.54 --> 2059.66]  and this
+[2059.66 --> 2059.92]  is what
+[2059.92 --> 2060.54]  verse 15
+[2060.54 --> 2060.96]  says
+[2060.96 --> 2061.98]  afterwards
+[2061.98 --> 2063.32]  his brothers
+[2063.32 --> 2064.92]  talked with
+[2064.92 --> 2065.30]  Joseph
+[2065.30 --> 2067.58]  such a
+[2067.58 --> 2067.84]  simple
+[2067.84 --> 2068.28]  sentence
+[2068.28 --> 2068.86]  afterwards
+[2068.86 --> 2069.76]  his brothers
+[2069.76 --> 2070.92]  talked with
+[2070.92 --> 2071.26]  Joseph
+[2071.26 --> 2073.26]  it is such
+[2073.26 --> 2073.84]  a common
+[2073.84 --> 2074.38]  image
+[2074.38 --> 2075.24]  with which
+[2075.24 --> 2075.68]  to end
+[2075.68 --> 2076.36]  such an
+[2076.36 --> 2076.94]  uncommon
+[2076.94 --> 2077.62]  story
+[2077.62 --> 2079.38]  and yet
+[2079.38 --> 2079.70]  somehow
+[2079.70 --> 2080.26]  it fits
+[2080.26 --> 2080.60]  doesn't
+[2080.60 --> 2081.26]  it
+[2081.26 --> 2082.86]  isn't
+[2082.86 --> 2083.28]  this what
+[2083.28 --> 2083.74]  we hope
+[2083.74 --> 2084.30]  will happen
+[2084.30 --> 2085.70]  when God's
+[2085.70 --> 2086.06]  kingdom
+[2086.06 --> 2087.02]  fully
+[2087.02 --> 2087.50]  comes
+[2087.50 --> 2089.52]  then the
+[2089.52 --> 2090.18]  big picture
+[2090.18 --> 2090.78]  of God's
+[2090.78 --> 2091.38]  providence
+[2091.38 --> 2092.10]  throughout
+[2092.10 --> 2092.62]  history
+[2092.62 --> 2093.02]  and in
+[2093.02 --> 2093.54]  our world
+[2093.54 --> 2094.56]  and in
+[2094.56 --> 2094.94]  each of
+[2094.94 --> 2095.56]  our lives
+[2095.56 --> 2096.72]  will be
+[2096.72 --> 2097.22]  revealed
+[2097.22 --> 2098.14]  for everyone
+[2098.14 --> 2098.70]  to see
+[2098.70 --> 2100.52]  there will be
+[2100.52 --> 2101.42]  astonishment
+[2101.42 --> 2102.42]  wow
+[2102.42 --> 2103.98]  tears of
+[2103.98 --> 2104.42]  joy
+[2104.42 --> 2105.76]  gasps of
+[2105.76 --> 2106.34]  surprise
+[2106.34 --> 2106.92]  wonder
+[2106.92 --> 2107.58]  amazing
+[2107.58 --> 2108.04]  really
+[2108.04 --> 2111.16]  but once
+[2111.16 --> 2111.42]  we get
+[2111.42 --> 2112.16]  past that
+[2112.16 --> 2112.78]  we'll all
+[2112.78 --> 2113.22]  be able
+[2113.22 --> 2113.68]  to take
+[2113.68 --> 2114.16]  a deep
+[2114.16 --> 2114.58]  breath
+[2114.58 --> 2116.50]  sit down
+[2116.50 --> 2117.22]  with our
+[2117.22 --> 2117.82]  Lord Jesus
+[2117.82 --> 2118.58]  with each
+[2118.58 --> 2118.84]  other
+[2118.84 --> 2120.46]  and spend
+[2120.46 --> 2121.04]  a long
+[2121.04 --> 2121.80]  time just
+[2121.80 --> 2122.62]  talking about
+[2122.62 --> 2123.04]  it all
+[2123.04 --> 2125.30]  and we'll
+[2125.30 --> 2125.90]  have plenty
+[2125.90 --> 2126.44]  of time
+[2126.44 --> 2127.08]  won't we
+[2127.08 --> 2128.66]  an eternity
+[2128.66 --> 2130.02]  in which
+[2130.02 --> 2130.92]  to explore
+[2130.92 --> 2131.60]  the riches
+[2131.60 --> 2132.66]  of the
+[2132.66 --> 2133.16]  mysteries
+[2133.16 --> 2134.24]  of our
+[2134.24 --> 2134.66]  great
+[2134.66 --> 2136.00]  and faithful
+[2136.00 --> 2137.12]  covenant
+[2137.12 --> 2138.48]  God
+[2138.48 --> 2140.32]  in the name
+[2140.32 --> 2140.64]  of the
+[2140.64 --> 2141.14]  Father and
+[2141.14 --> 2141.58]  the Son
+[2141.58 --> 2143.00]  and the
+[2143.00 --> 2143.62]  Holy Spirit
+[2143.62 --> 2145.74]  let's pray
+[2145.74 --> 2147.78]  gracious God
+[2147.78 --> 2150.40]  help us
+[2150.40 --> 2151.14]  to listen
+[2151.14 --> 2151.98]  to our
+[2151.98 --> 2152.40]  lives
+[2152.40 --> 2154.82]  help us
+[2154.82 --> 2155.66]  above all
+[2155.66 --> 2156.88]  every day
+[2156.88 --> 2157.44]  to open
+[2157.44 --> 2158.24]  our eyes
+[2158.24 --> 2159.68]  to Jesus
+[2159.68 --> 2161.74]  to turn
+[2161.74 --> 2162.28]  our eyes
+[2162.28 --> 2162.98]  towards him
+[2162.98 --> 2164.20]  and to
+[2164.20 --> 2164.70]  know that
+[2164.70 --> 2165.12]  no matter
+[2165.12 --> 2166.00]  what happens
+[2166.00 --> 2167.22]  good or
+[2167.22 --> 2167.58]  evil
+[2167.58 --> 2168.92]  we belong
+[2168.92 --> 2169.44]  to you
+[2169.44 --> 2170.22]  for now
+[2170.22 --> 2171.54]  and forever
+[2171.54 --> 2173.16]  and now
+[2173.16 --> 2173.54]  we pray
+[2173.54 --> 2174.14]  bless us
+[2174.14 --> 2174.76]  as we come
+[2174.76 --> 2175.14]  to your
+[2175.14 --> 2175.70]  table this
+[2175.70 --> 2175.98]  morning
+[2175.98 --> 2177.42]  in Jesus
+[2177.42 --> 2177.88]  name
+[2177.88 --> 2179.38]  amen

Joseph #7—A Coffin Egypt (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,1291 @@
+[0.00 --> 6.58]  and just by way of reminder two weeks ago as you know Joseph finally revealed himself to his
+[6.58 --> 13.04]  brothers and the whole clan the whole kit and caboodle moved to Egypt and now it's a number
+[13.04 --> 19.64]  of years later Jacob has just finished blessing all of his sons and then he says to them and
+[19.64 --> 26.00]  that's the beginning of our reading in Genesis 49 then Jacob gave them these instructions
+[26.00 --> 30.10]  I think you had the wrong reading up there
+[30.10 --> 34.74]  yeah 49 should be 49 verse
+[34.74 --> 45.68]  yeah that's the wrong reading okay so I'm just gonna maybe you want to take that off sorry folks
+[45.68 --> 50.92]  I thought that had been correct let's just listen then Jacob gave them these instructions
+[50.92 --> 57.72]  I am about to be gathered to my people bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron
+[57.72 --> 65.36]  the Hittite the cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre in Canaan which Abraham bought along with
+[65.36 --> 72.48]  the field as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite there Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried
+[72.48 --> 80.18]  there Isaac and his wife Rebecca were buried and there I buried Leah the field and the cave in it
+[80.18 --> 87.14]  were brought from the Hittites when Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons he drew
+[87.14 --> 95.50]  his feet up into the bed breathed his last and was gathered to his people Joseph threw himself on his
+[95.50 --> 103.60]  father and wept over him and kissed him then Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his
+[103.60 --> 111.88]  father Israel so the physicians embalm him taking a full 40 days for that was the time required for
+[111.88 --> 121.50]  embalming and the Egyptians mourned for him 70 days when the days of mourning had passed Joseph said to
+[121.50 --> 129.44]  Pharaoh's court if I have found favor in your eyes speak to Pharaoh for me tell father made me swear an oath
+[129.44 --> 137.78]  and said I am about to die bury me in the tomb I dug for myself in the land of Canaan now let me go up
+[137.78 --> 145.88]  and bury my father I will return Pharaoh said go up and bury your father as he made you swear to do
+[145.88 --> 153.56]  so Jacob's sons did as he had commanded them they carried him to the land of Canaan and they buried him
+[153.56 --> 159.70]  in the cave in the field of Machmela near Mamre him had bought along with the field as a burial place
+[159.70 --> 167.02]  from Ephron the Hittite after burying his father Joseph returned to Egypt together with his brothers
+[167.02 --> 175.98]  and all the others who had gone with him to bury his father Joseph stayed in Egypt along with all his
+[175.98 --> 185.38]  father's family he lived 110 years and saw the third generation of Ephraim's children also the children of
+[185.38 --> 195.24]  Machir son of Manasseh were placed at birth on Joseph's knees then Joseph said to his brothers I am about to die
+[195.24 --> 203.90]  but God and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham Isaac and Jacob
+[203.90 --> 215.16]  swear an oath and said God will surely come to your aid and then you must carry my bones up from this place
+[215.16 --> 225.50]  so Joseph died at the age of 110 and after they embalmed him he was placed in Egypt
+[225.50 --> 235.48]  and then this New Testament reading one verse Hebrews 11 verse 17 the chapter on the heroes of faith
+[235.48 --> 242.64]  where we read this by faith Joseph when spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt
+[242.64 --> 250.88]  and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones this is the word of the Lord
+[250.88 --> 264.92]  in a time of deep despair in South Africa when there was no sign anywhere in that sad land yet of a better
+[264.92 --> 279.22]  future for black people Archbishop Desmond Tutu spoke to a group of white leaders who had the power to see to it
+[279.22 --> 288.74]  that what Tutu so deeply hoped for would never happen and this is what he said to them and I quote
+[288.74 --> 299.10]  in the enveloping darkness as the lights of freedom are extinguished one by one I have come here to say evil
+[299.10 --> 312.70]  and injustice and oppression and exploitation cannot prevail you may be very powerful but you are not God
+[312.70 --> 323.04]  in fact you have already lost we are inviting you to come and join the winning side
+[323.04 --> 336.52]  this is the message that we as Christians need to hear over and over in a culture and world that ignores and or denies God
+[336.52 --> 341.66]  where it is very hard to be optimistic about the future
+[341.66 --> 346.28]  listen if you are a Christian
+[346.28 --> 349.64]  you are on the winning side
+[349.64 --> 353.04]  God is going to win
+[353.04 --> 356.84]  life is going to win over death
+[356.84 --> 358.40]  love is
+[358.40 --> 359.76]  and indifference
+[359.76 --> 363.64]  peace is going to win over terror and violence
+[363.64 --> 366.92]  righteousness is going to win over injustice
+[366.92 --> 370.30]  good is going to win over evil
+[370.30 --> 372.60]  so don't ever
+[372.60 --> 373.72]  ever
+[373.72 --> 374.96]  give up hope
+[374.96 --> 376.66]  not for people
+[376.66 --> 377.38]  for yourself
+[377.38 --> 379.04]  not for the church
+[379.04 --> 380.72]  not for the world
+[380.72 --> 382.78]  not for God
+[382.78 --> 387.18]  such hope is what today's text
+[387.18 --> 388.24]  is all about
+[388.24 --> 390.88]  although on the surface it sure
+[390.88 --> 392.16]  doesn't look like it
+[392.16 --> 395.68]  we have come to the end of the Joseph story
+[395.68 --> 397.50]  and not only of the Joseph story
+[397.50 --> 399.86]  but also of the book of Genesis
+[399.86 --> 403.90]  and on the surface what a sad
+[403.90 --> 406.36]  anticlimactic
+[406.36 --> 408.06]  hopeless end
+[408.06 --> 414.06]  the book that begins with nothing less
+[414.06 --> 417.62]  than the creation of the entire universe
+[417.62 --> 419.74]  and all things living
+[419.74 --> 421.48]  ends
+[421.48 --> 423.24]  in a pine box
+[423.24 --> 424.86]  with death
+[424.86 --> 427.08]  first
+[427.08 --> 428.16]  Jacob dies
+[428.16 --> 429.26]  and Joseph
+[429.26 --> 430.10]  dies
+[430.10 --> 430.80]  too
+[430.80 --> 434.88]  remember the very first words
+[434.88 --> 436.18]  almost the very first words
+[436.18 --> 437.00]  of the book of Genesis
+[437.00 --> 438.40]  God said
+[438.40 --> 439.80]  let there
+[439.80 --> 440.50]  be
+[440.50 --> 441.36]  light
+[441.36 --> 443.16]  and you imagine
+[443.16 --> 444.70]  this explosion of light
+[444.70 --> 445.68]  in the universe
+[445.68 --> 446.78]  that was so dark
+[446.78 --> 450.32]  the very last words
+[450.32 --> 451.58]  in Genesis are
+[451.58 --> 454.06]  Joseph was placed
+[454.06 --> 455.18]  in a coffin
+[455.18 --> 456.52]  in Egypt
+[456.52 --> 458.54]  and can you think of
+[458.54 --> 459.64]  a darker place
+[459.64 --> 461.24]  than a coffin
+[461.24 --> 465.62]  if that doesn't sound
+[465.62 --> 466.68]  hopeless enough
+[466.68 --> 468.74]  remember that you have to see
+[468.74 --> 469.62]  Joseph's story
+[469.62 --> 471.40]  along with all Genesis
+[471.40 --> 473.10]  in light of God's covenant
+[473.10 --> 474.56]  promise to Abraham
+[474.56 --> 477.18]  a promise that included
+[477.18 --> 478.52]  descendants as numerous
+[478.52 --> 480.16]  as the stars in the sky
+[480.16 --> 483.00]  and the land of their own
+[483.00 --> 485.22]  but in the end
+[485.22 --> 487.28]  Jacob is buried
+[487.28 --> 489.64]  in the cave of Machpelah
+[489.64 --> 490.82]  in Canaan
+[490.82 --> 493.14]  a graveyard owned
+[493.14 --> 494.78]  by grandfather Abraham
+[494.78 --> 497.18]  the only piece
+[497.18 --> 498.66]  of the promised land
+[498.66 --> 500.54]  to which Abraham
+[500.54 --> 501.30]  held title
+[501.30 --> 502.96]  when he died
+[502.96 --> 505.76]  in the end
+[505.76 --> 506.98]  God's people
+[506.98 --> 508.22]  are from Canaan
+[508.22 --> 510.22]  living in Egypt
+[510.22 --> 511.98]  in the end
+[511.98 --> 513.52]  Joseph's body
+[513.52 --> 514.28]  is placed
+[514.28 --> 515.50]  in a coffin
+[515.50 --> 517.06]  in Egypt
+[517.06 --> 520.22]  where on earth
+[520.22 --> 521.56]  is hope
+[521.56 --> 523.60]  at the end of Genesis
+[523.60 --> 527.44]  well that depends
+[527.44 --> 528.40]  on your perspective
+[528.40 --> 530.62]  and what we need
+[530.62 --> 531.46]  is the perspective
+[531.46 --> 532.78]  of the New Testament
+[532.78 --> 535.60]  Joseph is mentioned
+[535.60 --> 536.74]  four times
+[536.74 --> 537.56]  in the New Testament
+[537.56 --> 539.14]  twice
+[539.14 --> 540.16]  his name alone
+[540.16 --> 540.68]  is mentioned
+[540.68 --> 541.44]  in passing
+[541.44 --> 543.90]  and in Acts 7
+[543.90 --> 544.94]  in Stephen's speech
+[544.94 --> 545.64]  to the Jewish
+[545.64 --> 546.64]  religious leaders
+[546.64 --> 548.26]  before they convict
+[548.26 --> 548.82]  and kill him
+[548.82 --> 549.60]  for his faith
+[549.60 --> 551.56]  the facts
+[551.56 --> 552.70]  of Joseph's story
+[552.70 --> 554.66]  are briefly summarized
+[554.66 --> 556.86]  then there is
+[556.86 --> 557.34]  Hebrews
+[557.34 --> 559.02]  chapter 11
+[559.02 --> 560.50]  part of that
+[560.50 --> 561.62]  long chapter
+[561.62 --> 562.96]  about all the heroes
+[562.96 --> 563.50]  of faith
+[563.50 --> 565.84]  the only
+[565.84 --> 566.58]  New Testament
+[566.58 --> 567.18]  passage
+[567.18 --> 568.14]  which comments
+[568.14 --> 570.10]  on Joseph's character
+[570.10 --> 571.70]  and then
+[571.70 --> 573.40]  he gets just
+[573.40 --> 574.54]  one verse
+[574.54 --> 577.22]  but what a verse
+[577.22 --> 577.68]  it is
+[577.68 --> 578.34]  listen
+[578.34 --> 580.26]  by faith
+[580.26 --> 580.82]  Joseph
+[580.82 --> 582.30]  when his end
+[582.30 --> 582.88]  was near
+[582.88 --> 584.42]  spoke about
+[584.42 --> 585.10]  the exodus
+[585.10 --> 585.96]  of the Israelites
+[585.96 --> 586.88]  from Egypt
+[586.88 --> 589.00]  and gave instructions
+[589.00 --> 590.70]  about his bones
+[590.70 --> 593.82]  it is such
+[593.82 --> 594.60]  a striking
+[594.60 --> 595.42]  verse
+[595.42 --> 595.96]  isn't it
+[595.96 --> 597.02]  I mean
+[597.02 --> 597.56]  Genesis
+[597.56 --> 598.18]  devotes
+[598.18 --> 600.08]  13 chapters
+[600.08 --> 601.62]  to Joseph's story
+[601.62 --> 603.56]  and while he's not
+[603.56 --> 603.96]  perfect
+[603.96 --> 604.72]  in Joseph's
+[604.72 --> 605.14]  character
+[605.14 --> 605.66]  in life
+[605.66 --> 606.46]  we see this
+[606.46 --> 607.54]  incredible picture
+[607.54 --> 608.20]  of faithful
+[608.20 --> 608.58]  obedience
+[608.58 --> 609.20]  love
+[609.20 --> 610.16]  and forgiveness
+[610.16 --> 611.16]  in the kind
+[611.16 --> 611.84]  of extreme
+[611.84 --> 612.74]  circumstances
+[612.74 --> 613.54]  most of us
+[613.54 --> 614.52]  will never know
+[614.52 --> 617.34]  Joseph is one
+[617.34 --> 617.76]  of the most
+[617.76 --> 619.06]  winsome characters
+[619.06 --> 619.52]  I think
+[619.52 --> 620.10]  in the Bible
+[620.10 --> 622.22]  yet he gets
+[622.22 --> 623.42]  only one verse
+[623.42 --> 626.58]  in the New Testament
+[626.58 --> 628.30]  and the only
+[628.30 --> 629.10]  thing for which
+[629.10 --> 629.62]  the writer
+[629.62 --> 630.16]  of Hebrews
+[630.16 --> 630.88]  goes out
+[630.88 --> 631.28]  of his way
+[631.28 --> 631.76]  to commend
+[631.76 --> 632.26]  Joseph
+[632.26 --> 634.30]  are his
+[634.30 --> 635.12]  dying words
+[635.12 --> 637.40]  by faith
+[637.40 --> 637.88]  Joseph
+[637.88 --> 638.52]  when his end
+[638.52 --> 639.06]  was near
+[639.06 --> 640.40]  spoke about
+[640.40 --> 641.06]  the exodus
+[641.06 --> 641.92]  of the Israelites
+[641.92 --> 642.90]  from Egypt
+[642.90 --> 643.96]  and gave
+[643.96 --> 644.82]  instructions
+[644.82 --> 645.88]  about his
+[645.88 --> 646.30]  bones
+[646.30 --> 650.50]  but then
+[650.50 --> 652.06]  to use
+[652.06 --> 652.90]  the first
+[652.90 --> 654.28]  four words
+[654.28 --> 656.48]  that Rick Warren
+[656.48 --> 657.42]  passed in California
+[657.42 --> 659.84]  that he wrote
+[659.84 --> 661.12]  in his 2002
+[661.12 --> 662.22]  best-selling book
+[662.22 --> 663.68]  The Purpose Driven Life
+[663.68 --> 665.32]  the first four words
+[665.32 --> 665.86]  were
+[665.86 --> 667.98]  it's not
+[667.98 --> 669.72]  about you
+[669.72 --> 672.66]  it's not
+[672.66 --> 673.58]  about you
+[673.58 --> 675.56]  it's not
+[675.56 --> 676.66]  about me
+[676.66 --> 677.34]  either
+[677.34 --> 679.90]  it is about
+[679.90 --> 681.22]  the bigger picture
+[681.22 --> 681.92]  it is about
+[681.92 --> 682.44]  God
+[682.44 --> 683.36]  it is about
+[683.36 --> 684.32]  God's purpose
+[684.32 --> 685.14]  for and through
+[685.14 --> 685.60]  Joseph
+[685.60 --> 687.08]  God's purpose
+[687.08 --> 687.92]  for and through
+[687.92 --> 688.76]  you and me
+[688.76 --> 690.10]  God's purpose
+[690.10 --> 691.24]  for and through
+[691.24 --> 692.04]  his church
+[692.04 --> 693.42]  God's purpose
+[693.42 --> 694.44]  for his world
+[694.44 --> 696.92]  it's about
+[696.92 --> 697.76]  God's promise
+[697.76 --> 698.34]  to bless
+[698.34 --> 698.80]  Abraham
+[698.80 --> 700.20]  and his descendants
+[700.20 --> 700.72]  and through
+[700.72 --> 701.46]  to bless
+[701.46 --> 702.36]  all people
+[702.36 --> 702.80]  on earth
+[702.80 --> 703.44]  and all
+[703.44 --> 704.20]  means
+[704.20 --> 705.12]  all
+[705.12 --> 709.02]  that remains
+[709.02 --> 710.52]  front and center
+[710.52 --> 711.48]  especially
+[711.48 --> 712.30]  at the end
+[712.30 --> 713.06]  of this story
+[713.06 --> 715.20]  father Jacob
+[715.20 --> 715.92]  is dead
+[715.92 --> 717.68]  and according
+[717.68 --> 718.50]  to his request
+[718.50 --> 719.18]  he is buried
+[719.18 --> 720.10]  in the land
+[720.10 --> 721.24]  of God's promise
+[721.24 --> 722.18]  Canaan
+[722.18 --> 724.26]  and now
+[724.26 --> 725.70]  56 years later
+[725.70 --> 727.22]  Joseph
+[727.22 --> 727.76]  has come
+[727.76 --> 728.32]  to the end
+[728.32 --> 729.38]  of his life
+[729.38 --> 731.70]  and he remembers
+[731.70 --> 732.94]  these words
+[732.94 --> 734.28]  spoken to
+[734.28 --> 734.64]  great
+[734.64 --> 735.32]  grandfather
+[735.32 --> 735.96]  Abraham
+[735.96 --> 737.14]  words
+[737.14 --> 737.84]  rehearsed
+[737.84 --> 738.84]  passed down
+[738.84 --> 739.58]  from one
+[739.58 --> 740.12]  generation
+[740.12 --> 741.20]  to the next
+[741.20 --> 743.22]  these words
+[743.22 --> 744.46]  from Genesis 15
+[744.46 --> 746.30]  know for certain
+[746.30 --> 748.40]  that your descendants
+[748.40 --> 749.44]  will be strangers
+[749.44 --> 750.38]  in a country
+[750.38 --> 751.56]  not their own
+[751.56 --> 753.00]  and this
+[753.00 --> 753.36]  treated
+[753.36 --> 754.86]  400 years
+[754.86 --> 756.94]  but I will punish
+[756.94 --> 757.50]  the nation
+[757.50 --> 758.14]  they serve
+[758.14 --> 758.72]  as slaves
+[758.72 --> 759.74]  and afterward
+[759.74 --> 760.84]  they will come
+[760.84 --> 761.14]  out
+[761.14 --> 762.32]  with great
+[762.32 --> 762.84]  possessions
+[762.84 --> 766.72]  we are not
+[766.72 --> 767.10]  told
+[767.10 --> 768.34]  if it was
+[768.34 --> 769.02]  faith alone
+[769.02 --> 770.22]  or faith
+[770.22 --> 770.70]  and fact
+[770.70 --> 771.14]  together
+[771.14 --> 772.64]  that made
+[772.64 --> 773.44]  Joseph focus
+[773.44 --> 773.90]  on this
+[773.90 --> 774.70]  old promise
+[774.70 --> 775.48]  that was
+[775.48 --> 776.08]  generations
+[776.08 --> 776.58]  old
+[776.58 --> 777.60]  and generations
+[777.60 --> 779.02]  from fulfillment
+[779.02 --> 781.70]  Joseph had been
+[781.70 --> 782.18]  in Egypt
+[782.18 --> 782.56]  now
+[782.56 --> 784.10]  for 93
+[784.10 --> 785.12]  years
+[785.12 --> 787.08]  his family
+[787.08 --> 788.60]  for 73
+[788.60 --> 789.14]  years
+[789.14 --> 790.98]  the famine
+[790.98 --> 791.84]  was long
+[791.84 --> 792.26]  over
+[792.26 --> 793.66]  Joseph had
+[793.66 --> 794.12]  no doubt
+[794.12 --> 794.96]  long since
+[794.96 --> 795.52]  retired
+[795.52 --> 796.98]  and at the
+[796.98 --> 797.56]  time of his
+[797.56 --> 797.80]  death
+[797.80 --> 798.28]  the children
+[798.28 --> 798.84]  of Israel
+[798.84 --> 799.46]  were not
+[799.46 --> 800.16]  yet slaves
+[800.16 --> 801.12]  or prisoners
+[801.12 --> 801.94]  in Egypt
+[801.94 --> 803.88]  all we know
+[803.88 --> 804.62]  is that Joseph
+[804.62 --> 806.00]  somehow knew
+[806.00 --> 806.52]  the truth
+[806.52 --> 806.94]  of what
+[806.94 --> 807.70]  Exodus 1
+[807.70 --> 808.20]  verse 8
+[808.20 --> 809.10]  tells us
+[809.10 --> 810.18]  that a new
+[810.18 --> 810.54]  king
+[810.54 --> 812.00]  who did not
+[812.00 --> 812.80]  know Joseph
+[812.80 --> 814.08]  would come
+[814.08 --> 815.18]  to power
+[815.18 --> 816.14]  and that
+[816.14 --> 816.60]  everything
+[816.60 --> 817.66]  would change
+[817.66 --> 819.12]  for the worse
+[819.12 --> 821.08]  that hardship
+[821.08 --> 821.86]  was coming
+[821.86 --> 822.80]  for his
+[822.80 --> 823.22]  brothers
+[823.22 --> 824.68]  slavery
+[824.68 --> 825.80]  for his
+[825.80 --> 826.16]  people
+[826.16 --> 827.96]  we also
+[827.96 --> 828.50]  know that
+[828.50 --> 828.80]  Joseph
+[828.80 --> 829.48]  believes
+[829.48 --> 830.62]  all of the
+[830.62 --> 831.06]  promises
+[831.06 --> 832.28]  that the
+[832.28 --> 832.72]  end
+[832.72 --> 833.82]  will be
+[833.82 --> 834.22]  glory
+[834.22 --> 836.46]  I am
+[836.46 --> 837.32]  about to
+[837.32 --> 837.66]  die
+[837.66 --> 838.20]  he tells
+[838.20 --> 838.68]  his brothers
+[838.68 --> 840.16]  but God
+[840.16 --> 840.98]  will surely
+[840.98 --> 841.96]  come to
+[841.96 --> 842.50]  your aid
+[842.50 --> 843.80]  that is
+[843.80 --> 844.14]  you will
+[844.14 --> 844.74]  need to
+[844.74 --> 845.28]  be rescued
+[845.28 --> 845.92]  by God
+[845.92 --> 846.60]  and God
+[846.60 --> 847.30]  will rescue
+[847.30 --> 847.64]  you
+[847.64 --> 848.34]  and take
+[848.34 --> 848.74]  you up
+[848.74 --> 849.16]  out of
+[849.16 --> 849.64]  this land
+[849.64 --> 850.30]  to the
+[850.30 --> 850.74]  land he
+[850.74 --> 851.28]  promised
+[851.28 --> 852.02]  on oath
+[852.02 --> 852.66]  to Abraham
+[852.66 --> 853.28]  Isaac
+[853.28 --> 854.10]  and Jacob
+[854.10 --> 857.06]  then Joseph
+[857.06 --> 857.64]  makes his
+[857.64 --> 858.70]  family swear
+[858.70 --> 859.22]  an oath
+[859.22 --> 860.60]  and with his
+[860.60 --> 861.48]  very last
+[861.48 --> 861.86]  words
+[861.86 --> 862.36]  says
+[862.36 --> 863.58]  God
+[863.58 --> 864.46]  will surely
+[864.46 --> 865.06]  come to
+[865.06 --> 865.60]  your aid
+[865.60 --> 866.98]  and then
+[866.98 --> 867.54]  you must
+[867.54 --> 868.14]  carry my
+[868.14 --> 868.70]  bones up
+[868.70 --> 869.66]  from this
+[869.66 --> 870.10]  place
+[870.10 --> 872.58]  so
+[872.58 --> 872.94]  Joseph
+[872.94 --> 873.42]  died
+[873.42 --> 875.60]  and
+[875.60 --> 876.28]  verse 26
+[876.28 --> 877.10]  tells us
+[877.10 --> 878.10]  after they
+[878.10 --> 878.72]  embalmed
+[878.72 --> 879.00]  him
+[879.00 --> 880.04]  he was
+[880.04 --> 880.72]  placed in
+[880.72 --> 881.22]  a coffin
+[881.22 --> 882.34]  in Egypt
+[882.34 --> 884.78]  they
+[884.78 --> 885.36]  embalmed
+[885.36 --> 885.64]  him
+[885.64 --> 887.74]  they
+[887.74 --> 888.22]  don't
+[888.22 --> 889.08]  bury
+[889.08 --> 889.48]  him
+[889.48 --> 891.64]  why not
+[891.64 --> 892.08]  because
+[892.08 --> 892.74]  they're
+[892.74 --> 893.46]  supposed to
+[893.46 --> 893.86]  carry
+[893.86 --> 894.82]  his bones
+[894.82 --> 895.40]  out when
+[895.40 --> 895.88]  they go
+[895.88 --> 897.26]  because
+[897.26 --> 897.66]  God
+[897.66 --> 898.10]  is coming
+[898.10 --> 898.48]  for them
+[898.48 --> 899.10]  to rescue
+[899.10 --> 899.42]  them
+[899.42 --> 899.98]  and they
+[899.98 --> 900.44]  need to
+[900.44 --> 900.86]  be ready
+[900.86 --> 901.42]  to pick
+[901.42 --> 901.74]  up his
+[901.74 --> 902.10]  bones
+[902.10 --> 903.06]  and leave
+[903.06 --> 904.52]  Joseph's
+[904.52 --> 904.88]  coffin
+[904.88 --> 905.44]  becomes
+[905.44 --> 906.06]  a symbol
+[906.06 --> 907.06]  of hope
+[907.06 --> 907.68]  that the
+[907.68 --> 908.10]  gathering
+[908.10 --> 908.56]  storm
+[908.56 --> 908.96]  that is
+[908.96 --> 909.34]  coming
+[909.34 --> 910.12]  slavery
+[910.12 --> 910.44]  and
+[910.44 --> 910.88]  hardship
+[910.88 --> 911.72]  is not
+[911.72 --> 912.10]  going to
+[912.10 --> 912.74]  be terminal
+[912.74 --> 913.38]  that the
+[913.38 --> 913.78]  present
+[913.78 --> 914.32]  darkness
+[914.32 --> 915.12]  will not
+[915.12 --> 915.78]  be forever
+[915.78 --> 916.66]  don't
+[916.66 --> 917.58]  bury me
+[917.58 --> 918.00]  because
+[918.00 --> 918.46]  God
+[918.46 --> 918.86]  will come
+[918.86 --> 919.14]  back
+[919.14 --> 919.76]  for us
+[919.76 --> 921.00]  and when
+[921.00 --> 921.60]  you must
+[921.60 --> 922.14]  carry my
+[922.14 --> 922.42]  bones
+[922.42 --> 922.84]  home
+[922.84 --> 923.98]  and bury
+[923.98 --> 924.34]  me
+[924.34 --> 925.12]  in the
+[925.12 --> 925.36]  land
+[925.36 --> 925.52]  of
+[925.52 --> 926.04]  promise
+[926.04 --> 929.44]  you see
+[929.44 --> 929.80]  the end
+[929.80 --> 929.96]  of
+[929.96 --> 930.34]  Genesis
+[930.34 --> 931.78]  is all
+[931.78 --> 932.08]  about
+[932.08 --> 932.44]  hope
+[932.44 --> 933.46]  after all
+[933.46 --> 935.20]  and the
+[935.20 --> 935.46]  Bible
+[935.46 --> 936.18]  says a lot
+[936.18 --> 936.74]  about hope
+[936.74 --> 938.22]  that biblical
+[938.22 --> 938.92]  hope does
+[938.92 --> 939.74]  not disappoint
+[939.74 --> 941.42]  that it's
+[941.42 --> 941.76]  not an
+[941.76 --> 942.06]  empty
+[942.06 --> 942.54]  wish
+[942.54 --> 943.70]  that biblical
+[943.70 --> 944.44]  hope is a
+[944.44 --> 945.10]  given because
+[945.10 --> 945.58]  it is a
+[945.58 --> 945.84]  hope
+[945.84 --> 947.06]  in God
+[947.06 --> 949.74]  Lewis
+[949.74 --> 950.14]  Meads
+[950.14 --> 950.86]  once pointed
+[950.86 --> 951.14]  out
+[951.14 --> 952.24]  that when
+[952.24 --> 952.66]  it comes
+[952.66 --> 953.22]  to ordinary
+[953.22 --> 953.98]  human
+[953.98 --> 954.44]  hoping
+[954.44 --> 955.72]  there are
+[955.72 --> 956.36]  three things
+[956.36 --> 957.02]  going on
+[957.02 --> 958.62]  one is
+[958.62 --> 959.52]  desire
+[959.52 --> 960.30]  we want
+[960.30 --> 960.62]  what we
+[960.62 --> 961.24]  hope for
+[961.24 --> 964.16]  two is
+[964.16 --> 965.06]  belief
+[965.06 --> 966.78]  we believe
+[966.78 --> 967.30]  that what we
+[967.30 --> 967.70]  hope for
+[967.70 --> 968.40]  is possible
+[968.40 --> 970.26]  though not
+[970.26 --> 970.72]  inevitable
+[970.72 --> 972.80]  which leads
+[972.80 --> 973.14]  to number
+[973.14 --> 973.58]  three
+[973.58 --> 974.90]  doubt
+[974.90 --> 976.72]  we fear
+[976.72 --> 977.10]  that what
+[977.10 --> 977.58]  we hope
+[977.58 --> 978.06]  for
+[978.06 --> 979.34]  may not
+[979.34 --> 979.64]  happen
+[979.64 --> 981.38]  hope for
+[981.38 --> 982.18]  the difference
+[982.18 --> 982.84]  in Christian
+[982.84 --> 983.44]  and biblical
+[983.44 --> 983.92]  hope
+[983.92 --> 986.58]  has to do
+[986.58 --> 986.90]  with that
+[986.90 --> 987.68]  third element
+[987.68 --> 989.02]  doubt
+[989.02 --> 991.36]  Christian hope
+[991.36 --> 991.86]  is not
+[991.86 --> 992.16]  evil
+[992.16 --> 993.38]  it is a
+[993.38 --> 994.06]  conviction
+[994.06 --> 995.30]  about what
+[995.30 --> 996.16]  is sure
+[996.16 --> 997.22]  because it is
+[997.22 --> 997.76]  a faith
+[997.76 --> 998.86]  not in human
+[998.86 --> 999.58]  possibility
+[999.58 --> 1001.26]  but in God's
+[1001.26 --> 1001.72]  promise
+[1001.72 --> 1003.96]  that's why
+[1003.96 --> 1004.72]  hope rules
+[1004.72 --> 1005.22]  at the end
+[1005.22 --> 1005.50]  of the
+[1005.50 --> 1006.30]  Joseph story
+[1006.30 --> 1006.98]  and at the
+[1006.98 --> 1007.38]  end of
+[1007.38 --> 1007.80]  Genesis
+[1007.80 --> 1008.44]  even though
+[1008.44 --> 1009.00]  we know
+[1009.00 --> 1009.62]  when as
+[1009.62 --> 1010.02]  Genesis
+[1010.02 --> 1010.64]  closes
+[1010.64 --> 1012.14]  hardship
+[1012.14 --> 1013.58]  slavery
+[1013.58 --> 1015.04]  brick making
+[1015.04 --> 1015.98]  genocide
+[1015.98 --> 1016.80]  through the
+[1016.80 --> 1017.28]  murder of
+[1017.28 --> 1017.66]  their male
+[1017.66 --> 1018.08]  children
+[1018.08 --> 1019.24]  one generation
+[1019.24 --> 1020.46]  after another
+[1020.46 --> 1021.80]  and yes
+[1021.80 --> 1022.62]  all the while
+[1022.62 --> 1023.28]  the silence
+[1023.28 --> 1023.82]  of God
+[1023.82 --> 1024.96]  is deafening
+[1024.96 --> 1027.44]  there is no
+[1027.44 --> 1027.92]  word from
+[1027.92 --> 1028.26]  God
+[1028.26 --> 1029.42]  there is no
+[1029.42 --> 1030.10]  message from
+[1030.10 --> 1030.42]  heaven
+[1030.42 --> 1032.02]  and so
+[1032.02 --> 1032.74]  where is the
+[1032.74 --> 1033.52]  hope in all
+[1033.52 --> 1034.00]  of this
+[1034.00 --> 1037.08]  it is in
+[1037.08 --> 1038.24]  Joseph's
+[1038.24 --> 1038.66]  coffin
+[1038.66 --> 1041.10]  Joseph's
+[1041.10 --> 1041.52]  coffin
+[1041.52 --> 1042.08]  becomes
+[1042.08 --> 1042.98]  the message
+[1042.98 --> 1043.58]  of hope
+[1043.58 --> 1044.36]  it is the
+[1044.36 --> 1045.06]  box if you
+[1045.06 --> 1045.32]  will
+[1045.32 --> 1046.42]  that speaks
+[1046.42 --> 1048.00]  it is the
+[1048.00 --> 1048.60]  symbol that
+[1048.60 --> 1049.44]  says this
+[1049.44 --> 1049.92]  suffering
+[1049.92 --> 1050.72]  is not
+[1050.72 --> 1051.18]  forever
+[1051.18 --> 1052.94]  God has
+[1052.94 --> 1053.64]  not forgotten
+[1053.64 --> 1054.04]  you
+[1054.04 --> 1055.00]  someday he
+[1055.00 --> 1055.42]  will come
+[1055.42 --> 1056.00]  back for
+[1056.00 --> 1056.26]  you
+[1056.26 --> 1057.26]  by faith
+[1057.26 --> 1057.72]  Joseph
+[1057.72 --> 1058.16]  when his
+[1058.16 --> 1058.58]  end was
+[1058.58 --> 1058.84]  near
+[1058.84 --> 1059.80]  spoke about
+[1059.80 --> 1060.46]  the exodus
+[1060.46 --> 1060.82]  of the
+[1060.82 --> 1061.26]  Israelites
+[1061.26 --> 1061.88]  from Egypt
+[1061.88 --> 1062.74]  and gave
+[1062.74 --> 1063.44]  instructions
+[1063.44 --> 1064.52]  about his
+[1064.52 --> 1065.04]  bones
+[1065.04 --> 1066.24]  as the
+[1066.24 --> 1066.72]  children of
+[1066.72 --> 1067.08]  Israel
+[1067.08 --> 1067.70]  suffer
+[1067.70 --> 1068.72]  year after
+[1068.72 --> 1069.16]  year
+[1069.16 --> 1070.04]  of awful
+[1070.04 --> 1070.62]  slavery
+[1070.62 --> 1071.34]  and life
+[1071.34 --> 1072.02]  is hard
+[1072.02 --> 1072.58]  and the
+[1072.58 --> 1072.88]  future
+[1072.88 --> 1073.22]  seems
+[1073.22 --> 1073.88]  hopeless
+[1073.88 --> 1076.08]  fathers
+[1076.08 --> 1077.40]  and mothers
+[1077.40 --> 1079.20]  will walk
+[1079.20 --> 1079.78]  with sons
+[1079.78 --> 1080.58]  and daughters
+[1080.58 --> 1081.84]  past the
+[1081.84 --> 1082.44]  place where
+[1082.44 --> 1083.08]  the coffin
+[1083.08 --> 1083.94]  lays
+[1083.94 --> 1084.84]  and
+[1084.84 --> 1085.42]  generation
+[1085.42 --> 1085.78]  after
+[1085.78 --> 1086.50]  generation
+[1086.50 --> 1087.14]  will ask
+[1087.14 --> 1088.06]  what does
+[1088.06 --> 1088.72]  that box
+[1088.72 --> 1089.36]  mean
+[1089.36 --> 1091.40]  and fathers
+[1091.40 --> 1092.00]  and mothers
+[1092.00 --> 1093.06]  will tell
+[1093.06 --> 1093.64]  their children
+[1093.64 --> 1094.82]  as hard
+[1094.82 --> 1095.22]  as life
+[1095.22 --> 1095.56]  is
+[1095.56 --> 1097.04]  as hopeless
+[1097.04 --> 1097.78]  as the future
+[1097.78 --> 1098.32]  seems
+[1098.32 --> 1100.04]  this box
+[1100.04 --> 1100.90]  this coffin
+[1100.90 --> 1101.46]  means
+[1101.46 --> 1102.40]  that one
+[1102.40 --> 1103.02]  day soon
+[1103.02 --> 1103.44]  we're gone
+[1103.44 --> 1105.36]  we close
+[1105.36 --> 1105.98]  with Joseph
+[1105.98 --> 1106.74]  in a coffin
+[1106.74 --> 1107.84]  in Egypt
+[1107.84 --> 1109.30]  and from the
+[1109.30 --> 1110.12]  outside looking
+[1110.12 --> 1110.48]  in
+[1110.48 --> 1112.30]  things don't
+[1112.30 --> 1113.14]  look all that
+[1113.14 --> 1113.48]  hopeful
+[1113.48 --> 1115.70]  but the
+[1115.70 --> 1116.46]  last verse
+[1116.46 --> 1117.08]  of Genesis
+[1117.08 --> 1118.66]  is part
+[1118.66 --> 1118.92]  of this
+[1118.92 --> 1119.54]  larger
+[1119.54 --> 1120.00]  biblical
+[1120.00 --> 1120.60]  story
+[1120.60 --> 1121.72]  that lets
+[1121.72 --> 1122.22]  us know
+[1122.22 --> 1123.34]  this is
+[1123.34 --> 1123.86]  not the
+[1123.86 --> 1124.20]  end
+[1124.20 --> 1125.90]  not by
+[1125.90 --> 1126.62]  a long
+[1126.62 --> 1127.06]  shot
+[1127.06 --> 1128.26]  it isn't
+[1128.26 --> 1130.16]  the road
+[1130.16 --> 1130.68]  ahead will
+[1130.68 --> 1131.08]  not be
+[1131.08 --> 1131.44]  easy
+[1131.44 --> 1133.00]  but some
+[1133.00 --> 1134.42]  430 years
+[1134.42 --> 1134.98]  Joseph was
+[1134.98 --> 1135.50]  sold in
+[1135.50 --> 1136.02]  Egypt as
+[1136.02 --> 1136.52]  a slave
+[1136.52 --> 1139.30]  God
+[1139.30 --> 1139.90]  called up
+[1139.90 --> 1140.46]  another
+[1140.46 --> 1141.34]  deliverer
+[1141.34 --> 1142.50]  Moses
+[1142.50 --> 1144.20]  and as
+[1144.20 --> 1144.62]  Moses
+[1144.62 --> 1145.22]  leads the
+[1145.22 --> 1145.72]  children of
+[1145.72 --> 1146.10]  Israel
+[1146.10 --> 1146.54]  out of
+[1146.54 --> 1146.70]  their
+[1146.70 --> 1147.08]  slavery
+[1147.08 --> 1147.70]  in Egypt
+[1147.70 --> 1148.70]  you read
+[1148.70 --> 1149.18]  this in
+[1149.18 --> 1150.24]  Exodus 13
+[1150.24 --> 1151.18]  Moses
+[1151.18 --> 1152.00]  took the
+[1152.00 --> 1152.66]  bones of
+[1152.66 --> 1153.02]  Joseph
+[1153.02 --> 1154.10]  with him
+[1154.10 --> 1155.62]  because
+[1155.62 --> 1156.14]  Joseph
+[1156.14 --> 1156.86]  had made
+[1156.86 --> 1157.42]  the sons
+[1157.42 --> 1157.98]  of Israel
+[1157.98 --> 1159.10]  swear an
+[1159.10 --> 1159.46]  oath
+[1159.46 --> 1160.64]  he had
+[1160.64 --> 1161.02]  said
+[1161.02 --> 1161.80]  God
+[1161.80 --> 1162.58]  will surely
+[1162.58 --> 1163.04]  come to
+[1163.04 --> 1163.62]  your aid
+[1163.62 --> 1164.70]  and then
+[1164.70 --> 1165.24]  you must
+[1165.24 --> 1165.70]  carry
+[1165.70 --> 1166.64]  my bones
+[1166.64 --> 1167.26]  up with
+[1167.26 --> 1167.60]  you
+[1167.60 --> 1168.70]  from this
+[1168.70 --> 1169.18]  place
+[1169.18 --> 1172.14]  through 40
+[1172.14 --> 1173.06]  years of
+[1173.06 --> 1173.62]  their desert
+[1173.62 --> 1174.48]  pilgrimage
+[1174.48 --> 1176.32]  along with
+[1176.32 --> 1177.14]  everything else
+[1177.14 --> 1177.76]  they carried
+[1177.76 --> 1178.20]  for their
+[1178.20 --> 1178.58]  journey
+[1178.58 --> 1180.54]  they carried
+[1180.54 --> 1181.42]  that coffin
+[1181.42 --> 1182.62]  through the
+[1182.62 --> 1183.18]  Red Sea
+[1183.18 --> 1184.62]  to the foot
+[1184.62 --> 1184.98]  of Mount
+[1184.98 --> 1185.42]  Sinai
+[1185.42 --> 1185.92]  where God
+[1185.92 --> 1186.38]  renewed
+[1186.38 --> 1187.26]  his covenant
+[1187.26 --> 1187.74]  with his
+[1187.74 --> 1188.08]  people
+[1188.08 --> 1189.68]  through years
+[1189.68 --> 1190.44]  of doubts
+[1190.44 --> 1191.24]  and murmuring
+[1191.24 --> 1192.04]  and complaining
+[1192.04 --> 1194.26]  through years
+[1194.26 --> 1194.86]  of struggle
+[1194.86 --> 1197.26]  until finally
+[1197.26 --> 1197.68]  they took
+[1197.68 --> 1198.18]  possession
+[1198.18 --> 1198.66]  of the
+[1198.66 --> 1199.10]  land of
+[1199.10 --> 1199.50]  promise
+[1199.50 --> 1200.22]  and at
+[1200.22 --> 1200.62]  the end
+[1200.62 --> 1201.06]  of the
+[1201.06 --> 1201.46]  book of
+[1201.46 --> 1201.86]  Joshua
+[1201.86 --> 1202.60]  you read
+[1202.60 --> 1203.36]  these words
+[1203.36 --> 1204.70]  Joseph's
+[1204.70 --> 1205.16]  bones
+[1205.16 --> 1206.34]  which the
+[1206.34 --> 1206.80]  Israelites
+[1206.80 --> 1207.52]  had brought
+[1207.52 --> 1207.88]  up from
+[1207.88 --> 1208.32]  Egypt
+[1208.32 --> 1210.00]  were buried
+[1210.00 --> 1210.66]  at Shechem
+[1210.66 --> 1211.62]  in the
+[1211.62 --> 1212.28]  tract of
+[1212.28 --> 1212.88]  land that
+[1212.88 --> 1213.58]  Jacob bought
+[1213.58 --> 1214.60]  for 100
+[1214.60 --> 1215.42]  pieces of
+[1215.42 --> 1215.82]  silver
+[1215.82 --> 1216.82]  from the
+[1216.82 --> 1217.24]  sons of
+[1217.24 --> 1217.68]  Hamor
+[1217.68 --> 1219.30]  this became
+[1219.30 --> 1220.08]  the inheritance
+[1220.08 --> 1221.78]  of Joseph's
+[1221.78 --> 1222.78]  descendants
+[1222.78 --> 1225.60]  no coffin
+[1225.60 --> 1226.20]  in Egypt
+[1226.20 --> 1227.42]  is going
+[1227.42 --> 1228.08]  to stop
+[1228.08 --> 1228.68]  the Lord
+[1228.68 --> 1229.88]  God Almighty
+[1229.88 --> 1230.66]  from fulfilling
+[1230.66 --> 1231.42]  his promise
+[1231.42 --> 1232.10]  to Abraham
+[1232.10 --> 1233.04]  Isaac
+[1233.04 --> 1233.96]  Jacob
+[1233.96 --> 1235.78]  and Joseph
+[1235.78 --> 1238.04]  nor will
+[1238.04 --> 1238.78]  anything
+[1238.78 --> 1239.58]  stop
+[1239.58 --> 1240.44]  the Lord
+[1240.44 --> 1241.60]  God Almighty
+[1241.60 --> 1242.48]  from fulfilling
+[1242.48 --> 1243.42]  his promise
+[1243.42 --> 1244.50]  to us
+[1244.50 --> 1246.84]  I know
+[1246.84 --> 1247.34]  the people
+[1247.34 --> 1247.76]  of God
+[1247.76 --> 1248.06]  throughout
+[1248.06 --> 1248.52]  history
+[1248.52 --> 1249.02]  have had
+[1249.02 --> 1249.54]  their share
+[1249.54 --> 1250.04]  of hard
+[1250.04 --> 1250.46]  times
+[1250.46 --> 1250.82]  I know
+[1250.82 --> 1251.28]  violence
+[1251.28 --> 1251.94]  and terror
+[1251.94 --> 1252.72]  of hunger
+[1252.72 --> 1253.40]  and poverty
+[1253.40 --> 1254.26]  of crime
+[1254.26 --> 1255.00]  and immorality
+[1255.00 --> 1255.66]  of sickness
+[1255.66 --> 1256.40]  and pandemic
+[1256.40 --> 1258.62]  I know
+[1258.62 --> 1259.22]  that the evil
+[1259.22 --> 1259.96]  and the injustice
+[1259.96 --> 1260.74]  and the oppression
+[1260.74 --> 1261.94]  and the exploitation
+[1261.94 --> 1262.98]  that Archbishop
+[1262.98 --> 1264.06]  Tutu spoke
+[1264.06 --> 1264.72]  about still
+[1264.72 --> 1265.28]  prevails
+[1265.28 --> 1266.12]  in almost
+[1266.12 --> 1267.08]  every corner
+[1267.08 --> 1267.72]  of our world
+[1267.72 --> 1268.82]  also frankly
+[1268.82 --> 1269.84]  in our corner
+[1269.84 --> 1270.64]  of the world
+[1270.64 --> 1272.90]  I know
+[1272.90 --> 1273.64]  that we are
+[1273.64 --> 1274.28]  not winning
+[1274.28 --> 1275.02]  the battle
+[1275.02 --> 1275.98]  in our culture
+[1275.98 --> 1276.56]  to reach
+[1276.56 --> 1277.66]  the whole world
+[1277.66 --> 1278.90]  for Jesus Christ
+[1278.90 --> 1280.24]  all the adversity
+[1280.24 --> 1281.06]  that the church
+[1281.06 --> 1281.84]  has faced
+[1281.84 --> 1282.58]  and that we face
+[1282.58 --> 1283.64]  up to this day
+[1283.64 --> 1284.62]  we don't have
+[1284.62 --> 1285.38]  this box
+[1285.38 --> 1286.04]  this coffin
+[1286.04 --> 1287.36]  that talks to us
+[1287.36 --> 1289.64]  we have no
+[1289.64 --> 1290.64]  unburied bones
+[1290.64 --> 1291.38]  to revive
+[1291.38 --> 1292.38]  our flagging faith
+[1292.38 --> 1295.98]  we have something
+[1295.98 --> 1296.64]  far better
+[1296.64 --> 1297.18]  don't we
+[1297.18 --> 1299.28]  we have
+[1299.28 --> 1301.02]  an empty grave
+[1301.02 --> 1303.50]  an empty grave
+[1303.50 --> 1304.54]  where the son of God
+[1304.54 --> 1305.16]  on a Friday
+[1305.16 --> 1306.22]  that was good for us
+[1306.22 --> 1307.32]  but not very good
+[1307.32 --> 1307.78]  for him
+[1307.78 --> 1309.74]  because he died
+[1309.74 --> 1311.76]  for our sin
+[1311.76 --> 1313.60]  a grave
+[1313.60 --> 1314.34]  now empty
+[1314.34 --> 1315.72]  because on the third day
+[1315.72 --> 1316.78]  he rose from the dead
+[1316.78 --> 1318.48]  and walked out of that grave
+[1318.48 --> 1319.68]  for our life
+[1319.68 --> 1322.00]  we have an empty grave
+[1322.00 --> 1323.10]  that reminds us
+[1323.10 --> 1323.96]  that this earth
+[1323.96 --> 1325.70]  is not our real home
+[1325.70 --> 1327.74]  that God has prepared
+[1327.74 --> 1328.74]  a better city
+[1328.74 --> 1329.34]  for us
+[1329.34 --> 1330.30]  a new heaven
+[1330.30 --> 1331.40]  and a new earth
+[1331.40 --> 1332.80]  the land of glory
+[1332.80 --> 1334.74]  we have an empty grave
+[1334.74 --> 1335.90]  to revive our hope
+[1335.90 --> 1337.32]  that God is coming
+[1337.32 --> 1338.66]  to our aid
+[1338.66 --> 1340.00]  God is coming back
+[1340.00 --> 1340.54]  for us
+[1340.54 --> 1341.60]  God is coming
+[1341.60 --> 1342.52]  to deliver us
+[1342.52 --> 1343.56]  from our bondage
+[1343.56 --> 1344.12]  to death
+[1344.12 --> 1345.08]  and decay
+[1345.08 --> 1346.16]  and the devil
+[1346.16 --> 1349.10]  Genesis 50
+[1349.10 --> 1349.48]  you see
+[1349.48 --> 1350.22]  is far
+[1350.22 --> 1351.06]  from the end
+[1351.06 --> 1351.70]  of the story
+[1351.70 --> 1352.74]  it is only the end
+[1352.74 --> 1353.10]  of the book
+[1353.10 --> 1353.72]  of Genesis
+[1353.72 --> 1355.48]  Moses still has
+[1355.48 --> 1356.28]  four more books
+[1356.28 --> 1356.88]  to write
+[1356.88 --> 1357.98]  and the spirit
+[1357.98 --> 1358.60]  of God
+[1358.60 --> 1360.12]  has 61
+[1360.12 --> 1361.32]  more to write
+[1361.32 --> 1362.70]  before the final
+[1362.70 --> 1363.56]  chapter
+[1363.56 --> 1364.78]  is written
+[1364.78 --> 1367.22]  listen
+[1367.22 --> 1368.48]  Revelation
+[1368.48 --> 1369.76]  21
+[1369.76 --> 1372.24]  these familiar words
+[1372.24 --> 1373.66]  then I saw
+[1373.66 --> 1374.44]  a new heaven
+[1374.44 --> 1375.90]  and a new earth
+[1375.90 --> 1377.90]  for the first heaven
+[1377.90 --> 1379.16]  and the first earth
+[1379.16 --> 1380.12]  had passed away
+[1380.12 --> 1381.30]  and there was no longer
+[1381.30 --> 1382.28]  any sea
+[1382.28 --> 1384.42]  I saw the holy city
+[1384.42 --> 1385.54]  the new Jerusalem
+[1385.54 --> 1386.76]  coming down
+[1386.76 --> 1387.28]  out of heaven
+[1387.28 --> 1387.92]  from God
+[1387.92 --> 1389.32]  prepared as a bride
+[1389.32 --> 1390.58]  beautifully dressed
+[1390.58 --> 1391.46]  for her husband
+[1391.46 --> 1393.22]  and I heard
+[1393.22 --> 1394.26]  a loud voice
+[1394.26 --> 1394.94]  from the throne
+[1394.94 --> 1395.48]  saying
+[1395.48 --> 1397.04]  now the dwelling
+[1397.04 --> 1397.64]  of God
+[1397.64 --> 1398.64]  is with men
+[1398.64 --> 1400.34]  and he will live
+[1400.34 --> 1400.80]  with them
+[1400.80 --> 1401.84]  they will be
+[1401.84 --> 1402.52]  his people
+[1402.52 --> 1403.90]  and God himself
+[1403.90 --> 1404.92]  will be with them
+[1404.92 --> 1406.20]  and be their God
+[1406.20 --> 1407.20]  he will wipe
+[1407.20 --> 1408.22]  every tear
+[1408.22 --> 1409.28]  from their eyes
+[1409.28 --> 1410.74]  there will be
+[1410.74 --> 1411.58]  no more death
+[1411.58 --> 1412.72]  or mourning
+[1412.72 --> 1414.52]  or crying
+[1414.52 --> 1415.88]  or pain
+[1415.88 --> 1417.32]  for the old
+[1417.32 --> 1418.28]  order of things
+[1418.28 --> 1420.20]  has passed away
+[1420.20 --> 1422.54]  as God's people
+[1422.54 --> 1423.58]  in the days of Joseph
+[1423.58 --> 1425.74]  so now it's true
+[1425.74 --> 1426.50]  we still live
+[1426.50 --> 1427.36]  in the midst of death
+[1427.36 --> 1429.38]  those who put
+[1429.38 --> 1429.86]  their hope
+[1429.86 --> 1430.44]  in God
+[1430.44 --> 1431.58]  and his promise
+[1431.58 --> 1432.50]  that today
+[1432.50 --> 1434.12]  still die
+[1434.12 --> 1435.92]  are placed
+[1435.92 --> 1436.98]  in coffins
+[1436.98 --> 1438.42]  and carried
+[1438.42 --> 1439.14]  to their graves
+[1439.14 --> 1441.78]  you and I too
+[1441.78 --> 1442.52]  are not home yet
+[1442.52 --> 1444.42]  as believers
+[1444.42 --> 1444.88]  we live
+[1444.88 --> 1446.50]  in an in-between time
+[1446.50 --> 1448.94]  between the already
+[1448.94 --> 1449.70]  of the kingdom
+[1449.70 --> 1450.40]  of God
+[1450.40 --> 1451.08]  that invaded
+[1451.08 --> 1451.72]  our world
+[1451.72 --> 1452.32]  and the person
+[1452.32 --> 1453.22]  of Jesus Christ
+[1453.22 --> 1454.66]  and that has been
+[1454.66 --> 1455.68]  born in our hearts
+[1455.68 --> 1456.40]  through God's word
+[1456.40 --> 1457.14]  and God's spirit
+[1457.14 --> 1459.44]  and the not yet
+[1459.44 --> 1460.22]  of the fully
+[1460.22 --> 1461.30]  realized kingdom
+[1461.30 --> 1461.84]  of God
+[1461.84 --> 1462.82]  that will come
+[1462.82 --> 1463.54]  with Jesus
+[1463.54 --> 1464.52]  returning glory
+[1464.52 --> 1466.12]  when God
+[1466.12 --> 1466.88]  will be all
+[1466.88 --> 1467.26]  in all
+[1467.26 --> 1467.78]  everything
+[1467.78 --> 1469.68]  to everyone
+[1469.68 --> 1472.36]  but as God
+[1472.36 --> 1473.40]  spoke in the beginning
+[1473.40 --> 1475.00]  and there was light
+[1475.00 --> 1476.48]  and there was life
+[1476.48 --> 1479.06]  so an empty grave
+[1479.06 --> 1480.14]  declares to us
+[1480.14 --> 1481.02]  that in the end
+[1481.02 --> 1482.02]  God will speak
+[1482.02 --> 1482.74]  light
+[1482.74 --> 1483.66]  and life
+[1483.66 --> 1484.70]  once again
+[1484.70 --> 1485.72]  and make
+[1485.72 --> 1486.88]  everything
+[1486.88 --> 1487.84]  new
+[1487.84 --> 1490.94]  we await
+[1490.94 --> 1491.58]  that voice
+[1491.58 --> 1493.44]  even as we hear
+[1493.44 --> 1494.56]  whispers of it already
+[1494.56 --> 1495.90]  now
+[1495.90 --> 1496.64]  through the spirit
+[1496.64 --> 1497.16]  of God
+[1497.16 --> 1498.88]  both in his word
+[1498.88 --> 1500.48]  and at this table
+[1500.48 --> 1501.16]  stands here
+[1501.16 --> 1502.30]  before me
+[1502.30 --> 1503.10]  where we had hope
+[1503.10 --> 1504.04]  to celebrate communion
+[1504.04 --> 1505.10]  again this morning
+[1505.10 --> 1507.30]  this table
+[1507.30 --> 1508.30]  also
+[1508.30 --> 1509.46]  a reminder
+[1509.46 --> 1510.94]  that the Lord
+[1510.94 --> 1511.88]  gave us
+[1511.88 --> 1512.42]  to revive
+[1512.42 --> 1513.24]  our hope
+[1513.24 --> 1513.92]  on a journey
+[1513.92 --> 1515.56]  to the promised land
+[1515.56 --> 1517.74]  when your children
+[1517.74 --> 1518.14]  ask you
+[1518.14 --> 1519.50]  what's with this table
+[1519.50 --> 1521.52]  what's that about
+[1521.52 --> 1522.42]  this bread
+[1522.42 --> 1523.00]  this wine
+[1523.00 --> 1524.02]  right
+[1524.02 --> 1524.72]  you tell them
+[1524.72 --> 1525.44]  this table
+[1525.44 --> 1526.26]  means that God
+[1526.26 --> 1527.52]  came to our aid
+[1527.52 --> 1528.40]  in Jesus
+[1528.40 --> 1529.82]  and that because
+[1529.82 --> 1530.72]  Jesus died
+[1530.72 --> 1531.56]  and rose again
+[1531.56 --> 1532.90]  he will come for us
+[1532.90 --> 1533.28]  again
+[1533.28 --> 1534.42]  one day soon
+[1534.42 --> 1536.02]  God will deliver us
+[1536.02 --> 1536.84]  from our bondage
+[1536.84 --> 1537.36]  to death
+[1537.36 --> 1537.98]  and decay
+[1537.98 --> 1538.64]  and the devil
+[1538.64 --> 1539.54]  and bring us
+[1539.54 --> 1540.44]  to a new land
+[1540.44 --> 1541.66]  this table
+[1541.66 --> 1542.60]  placed in front
+[1542.60 --> 1543.58]  of our sanctuary
+[1543.58 --> 1544.94]  means rescue
+[1544.94 --> 1546.06]  means salvation
+[1546.06 --> 1547.48]  it proclaims
+[1547.48 --> 1547.92]  the death
+[1547.92 --> 1548.74]  and resurrection
+[1548.74 --> 1550.92]  until he comes
+[1550.92 --> 1551.72]  again
+[1551.72 --> 1554.98]  and then you tell them
+[1554.98 --> 1557.66]  and you tell yourself
+[1557.66 --> 1558.82]  every Sunday again
+[1558.82 --> 1561.02]  if we are on God's side
+[1561.02 --> 1563.34]  we are on
+[1563.34 --> 1564.66]  the winning side
+[1564.66 --> 1566.98]  life is going to win
+[1566.98 --> 1568.04]  over death
+[1568.04 --> 1569.66]  love is over hate
+[1569.66 --> 1571.38]  peace is going to win
+[1571.38 --> 1572.40]  over violence
+[1572.40 --> 1573.06]  righteousness
+[1573.06 --> 1574.34]  is going to win
+[1574.34 --> 1575.22]  over injustice
+[1575.22 --> 1577.26]  good is going to win
+[1577.26 --> 1578.20]  over evil
+[1578.20 --> 1579.38]  so don't ever
+[1579.38 --> 1581.38]  ever give up hope
+[1581.38 --> 1583.54]  not for people
+[1583.54 --> 1584.08]  you love
+[1584.08 --> 1585.78]  not for yourself
+[1585.78 --> 1587.56]  not for the church
+[1587.56 --> 1589.68]  not for the world
+[1589.68 --> 1592.02]  not for God
+[1592.02 --> 1593.96]  this is
+[1593.96 --> 1595.62]  our Father's world
+[1595.62 --> 1597.14]  oh let us
+[1597.14 --> 1597.88]  not forget
+[1597.88 --> 1598.94]  that though the wrong
+[1598.94 --> 1600.04]  is great and strong
+[1600.04 --> 1600.60]  God
+[1600.60 --> 1602.22]  is the ruler
+[1602.22 --> 1603.28]  yet
+[1603.28 --> 1606.30]  especially
+[1606.30 --> 1607.04]  especially as we are
+[1607.04 --> 1607.90]  about to begin
+[1607.90 --> 1609.62]  the season of Advent
+[1609.62 --> 1612.18]  leading up to the good news
+[1612.18 --> 1612.94]  of Emmanuel
+[1612.94 --> 1614.72]  God with us
+[1614.72 --> 1616.18]  in Jesus
+[1616.18 --> 1616.74]  his son
+[1616.74 --> 1618.96]  may that hope
+[1618.96 --> 1620.02]  give each of you
+[1620.02 --> 1621.30]  and us together
+[1621.30 --> 1622.38]  renewed
+[1622.38 --> 1624.08]  spiritual energy
+[1624.08 --> 1625.12]  even in this
+[1625.12 --> 1626.12]  difficult time
+[1626.12 --> 1627.44]  of COVID-19
+[1627.44 --> 1629.76]  the spiritual energy
+[1629.76 --> 1630.38]  we need
+[1630.38 --> 1631.52]  to dream
+[1631.52 --> 1632.44]  God's dreams
+[1632.44 --> 1633.94]  to strive
+[1633.94 --> 1634.54]  for the good
+[1634.54 --> 1635.34]  God's word
+[1635.34 --> 1636.00]  commands
+[1636.00 --> 1637.02]  and promises
+[1637.02 --> 1638.90]  and to work
+[1638.90 --> 1639.84]  for God's
+[1639.84 --> 1640.84]  promised future
+[1640.84 --> 1641.60]  by shaping
+[1641.60 --> 1642.90]  our lives
+[1642.90 --> 1643.56]  that's come
+[1643.56 --> 1644.80]  coming
+[1644.80 --> 1646.26]  for to carry
+[1646.26 --> 1647.54]  us home
+[1647.54 --> 1649.60]  in the name
+[1649.60 --> 1650.18]  of the Father
+[1650.18 --> 1650.90]  the Son
+[1650.90 --> 1652.48]  and the Holy Spirit
+[1652.48 --> 1654.12]  let's pray
+[1654.12 --> 1656.80]  gracious God
+[1656.80 --> 1657.56]  we thank you
+[1657.56 --> 1660.00]  for the hope
+[1660.00 --> 1660.80]  that is ours
+[1660.80 --> 1662.62]  in Christ Jesus
+[1662.62 --> 1664.88]  for the hope
+[1664.88 --> 1665.76]  that we will celebrate
+[1665.76 --> 1666.92]  again and anew
+[1666.92 --> 1668.16]  in the season of Advent
+[1668.16 --> 1669.34]  beginning next week
+[1669.34 --> 1671.24]  leading up to the
+[1671.24 --> 1671.80]  celebration
+[1671.80 --> 1673.64]  of the day
+[1673.64 --> 1674.58]  that we have marked
+[1674.58 --> 1676.98]  to celebrate
+[1676.98 --> 1678.90]  the incarnation
+[1678.90 --> 1680.22]  God
+[1680.22 --> 1680.88]  you
+[1680.88 --> 1681.48]  coming
+[1681.48 --> 1682.66]  in our flesh
+[1682.66 --> 1683.98]  in Jesus
+[1683.98 --> 1684.62]  your son
+[1684.62 --> 1686.68]  to remind us
+[1686.68 --> 1688.60]  that our hope
+[1688.60 --> 1689.42]  is real
+[1689.42 --> 1690.76]  our hope
+[1690.76 --> 1691.96]  has flesh and blood
+[1691.96 --> 1694.38]  and so we pray
+[1694.38 --> 1696.42]  together with Joseph
+[1696.42 --> 1697.92]  may our faith
+[1697.92 --> 1698.28]  too
+[1698.28 --> 1699.80]  remain strong
+[1699.80 --> 1700.46]  may our hope
+[1700.46 --> 1701.50]  remain alive
+[1701.50 --> 1703.42]  and may we live lives
+[1703.42 --> 1704.00]  consistent
+[1704.00 --> 1705.42]  with that faith
+[1705.42 --> 1706.70]  and that hope
+[1706.70 --> 1707.78]  every day
+[1707.78 --> 1709.50]  in Jesus name
+[1709.50 --> 1709.98]  we pray
+[1709.98 --> 1711.10]  amen

Joseph #7—A Coffin Egypt (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1291 @@
+[0.00 --> 6.58]  and just by way of reminder two weeks ago as you know Joseph finally revealed himself to his
+[6.58 --> 13.04]  brothers and the whole clan the whole kit and caboodle moved to Egypt and now it's a number
+[13.04 --> 19.64]  of years later Jacob has just finished blessing all of his sons and then he says to them and
+[19.64 --> 26.00]  that's the beginning of our reading in Genesis 49 then Jacob gave them these instructions
+[26.00 --> 30.10]  I think you had the wrong reading up there
+[30.10 --> 34.74]  yeah 49 should be 49 verse
+[34.74 --> 45.68]  yeah that's the wrong reading okay so I'm just gonna maybe you want to take that off sorry folks
+[45.68 --> 50.92]  I thought that had been correct let's just listen then Jacob gave them these instructions
+[50.92 --> 57.72]  I am about to be gathered to my people bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron
+[57.72 --> 65.36]  the Hittite the cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre in Canaan which Abraham bought along with
+[65.36 --> 72.48]  the field as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite there Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried
+[72.48 --> 80.18]  there Isaac and his wife Rebecca were buried and there I buried Leah the field and the cave in it
+[80.18 --> 87.14]  were brought from the Hittites when Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons he drew
+[87.14 --> 95.50]  his feet up into the bed breathed his last and was gathered to his people Joseph threw himself on his
+[95.50 --> 103.60]  father and wept over him and kissed him then Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his
+[103.60 --> 111.88]  father Israel so the physicians embalm him taking a full 40 days for that was the time required for
+[111.88 --> 121.50]  embalming and the Egyptians mourned for him 70 days when the days of mourning had passed Joseph said to
+[121.50 --> 129.44]  Pharaoh's court if I have found favor in your eyes speak to Pharaoh for me tell father made me swear an oath
+[129.44 --> 137.78]  and said I am about to die bury me in the tomb I dug for myself in the land of Canaan now let me go up
+[137.78 --> 145.88]  and bury my father I will return Pharaoh said go up and bury your father as he made you swear to do
+[145.88 --> 153.56]  so Jacob's sons did as he had commanded them they carried him to the land of Canaan and they buried him
+[153.56 --> 159.70]  in the cave in the field of Machmela near Mamre him had bought along with the field as a burial place
+[159.70 --> 167.02]  from Ephron the Hittite after burying his father Joseph returned to Egypt together with his brothers
+[167.02 --> 175.98]  and all the others who had gone with him to bury his father Joseph stayed in Egypt along with all his
+[175.98 --> 185.38]  father's family he lived 110 years and saw the third generation of Ephraim's children also the children of
+[185.38 --> 195.24]  Machir son of Manasseh were placed at birth on Joseph's knees then Joseph said to his brothers I am about to die
+[195.24 --> 203.90]  but God and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham Isaac and Jacob
+[203.90 --> 215.16]  swear an oath and said God will surely come to your aid and then you must carry my bones up from this place
+[215.16 --> 225.50]  so Joseph died at the age of 110 and after they embalmed him he was placed in Egypt
+[225.50 --> 235.48]  and then this New Testament reading one verse Hebrews 11 verse 17 the chapter on the heroes of faith
+[235.48 --> 242.64]  where we read this by faith Joseph when spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt
+[242.64 --> 250.88]  and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones this is the word of the Lord
+[250.88 --> 264.92]  in a time of deep despair in South Africa when there was no sign anywhere in that sad land yet of a better
+[264.92 --> 279.22]  future for black people Archbishop Desmond Tutu spoke to a group of white leaders who had the power to see to it
+[279.22 --> 288.74]  that what Tutu so deeply hoped for would never happen and this is what he said to them and I quote
+[288.74 --> 299.10]  in the enveloping darkness as the lights of freedom are extinguished one by one I have come here to say evil
+[299.10 --> 312.70]  and injustice and oppression and exploitation cannot prevail you may be very powerful but you are not God
+[312.70 --> 323.04]  in fact you have already lost we are inviting you to come and join the winning side
+[323.04 --> 336.52]  this is the message that we as Christians need to hear over and over in a culture and world that ignores and or denies God
+[336.52 --> 341.66]  where it is very hard to be optimistic about the future
+[341.66 --> 346.28]  listen if you are a Christian
+[346.28 --> 349.64]  you are on the winning side
+[349.64 --> 353.04]  God is going to win
+[353.04 --> 356.84]  life is going to win over death
+[356.84 --> 358.40]  love is
+[358.40 --> 359.76]  and indifference
+[359.76 --> 363.64]  peace is going to win over terror and violence
+[363.64 --> 366.92]  righteousness is going to win over injustice
+[366.92 --> 370.30]  good is going to win over evil
+[370.30 --> 372.60]  so don't ever
+[372.60 --> 373.72]  ever
+[373.72 --> 374.96]  give up hope
+[374.96 --> 376.66]  not for people
+[376.66 --> 377.38]  for yourself
+[377.38 --> 379.04]  not for the church
+[379.04 --> 380.72]  not for the world
+[380.72 --> 382.78]  not for God
+[382.78 --> 387.18]  such hope is what today's text
+[387.18 --> 388.24]  is all about
+[388.24 --> 390.88]  although on the surface it sure
+[390.88 --> 392.16]  doesn't look like it
+[392.16 --> 395.68]  we have come to the end of the Joseph story
+[395.68 --> 397.50]  and not only of the Joseph story
+[397.50 --> 399.86]  but also of the book of Genesis
+[399.86 --> 403.90]  and on the surface what a sad
+[403.90 --> 406.36]  anticlimactic
+[406.36 --> 408.06]  hopeless end
+[408.06 --> 414.06]  the book that begins with nothing less
+[414.06 --> 417.62]  than the creation of the entire universe
+[417.62 --> 419.74]  and all things living
+[419.74 --> 421.48]  ends
+[421.48 --> 423.24]  in a pine box
+[423.24 --> 424.86]  with death
+[424.86 --> 427.08]  first
+[427.08 --> 428.16]  Jacob dies
+[428.16 --> 429.26]  and Joseph
+[429.26 --> 430.10]  dies
+[430.10 --> 430.80]  too
+[430.80 --> 434.88]  remember the very first words
+[434.88 --> 436.18]  almost the very first words
+[436.18 --> 437.00]  of the book of Genesis
+[437.00 --> 438.40]  God said
+[438.40 --> 439.80]  let there
+[439.80 --> 440.50]  be
+[440.50 --> 441.36]  light
+[441.36 --> 443.16]  and you imagine
+[443.16 --> 444.70]  this explosion of light
+[444.70 --> 445.68]  in the universe
+[445.68 --> 446.78]  that was so dark
+[446.78 --> 450.32]  the very last words
+[450.32 --> 451.58]  in Genesis are
+[451.58 --> 454.06]  Joseph was placed
+[454.06 --> 455.18]  in a coffin
+[455.18 --> 456.52]  in Egypt
+[456.52 --> 458.54]  and can you think of
+[458.54 --> 459.64]  a darker place
+[459.64 --> 461.24]  than a coffin
+[461.24 --> 465.62]  if that doesn't sound
+[465.62 --> 466.68]  hopeless enough
+[466.68 --> 468.74]  remember that you have to see
+[468.74 --> 469.62]  Joseph's story
+[469.62 --> 471.40]  along with all Genesis
+[471.40 --> 473.10]  in light of God's covenant
+[473.10 --> 474.56]  promise to Abraham
+[474.56 --> 477.18]  a promise that included
+[477.18 --> 478.52]  descendants as numerous
+[478.52 --> 480.16]  as the stars in the sky
+[480.16 --> 483.00]  and the land of their own
+[483.00 --> 485.22]  but in the end
+[485.22 --> 487.28]  Jacob is buried
+[487.28 --> 489.64]  in the cave of Machpelah
+[489.64 --> 490.82]  in Canaan
+[490.82 --> 493.14]  a graveyard owned
+[493.14 --> 494.78]  by grandfather Abraham
+[494.78 --> 497.18]  the only piece
+[497.18 --> 498.66]  of the promised land
+[498.66 --> 500.54]  to which Abraham
+[500.54 --> 501.30]  held title
+[501.30 --> 502.96]  when he died
+[502.96 --> 505.76]  in the end
+[505.76 --> 506.98]  God's people
+[506.98 --> 508.22]  are from Canaan
+[508.22 --> 510.22]  living in Egypt
+[510.22 --> 511.98]  in the end
+[511.98 --> 513.52]  Joseph's body
+[513.52 --> 514.28]  is placed
+[514.28 --> 515.50]  in a coffin
+[515.50 --> 517.06]  in Egypt
+[517.06 --> 520.22]  where on earth
+[520.22 --> 521.56]  is hope
+[521.56 --> 523.60]  at the end of Genesis
+[523.60 --> 527.44]  well that depends
+[527.44 --> 528.40]  on your perspective
+[528.40 --> 530.62]  and what we need
+[530.62 --> 531.46]  is the perspective
+[531.46 --> 532.78]  of the New Testament
+[532.78 --> 535.60]  Joseph is mentioned
+[535.60 --> 536.74]  four times
+[536.74 --> 537.56]  in the New Testament
+[537.56 --> 539.14]  twice
+[539.14 --> 540.16]  his name alone
+[540.16 --> 540.68]  is mentioned
+[540.68 --> 541.44]  in passing
+[541.44 --> 543.90]  and in Acts 7
+[543.90 --> 544.94]  in Stephen's speech
+[544.94 --> 545.64]  to the Jewish
+[545.64 --> 546.64]  religious leaders
+[546.64 --> 548.26]  before they convict
+[548.26 --> 548.82]  and kill him
+[548.82 --> 549.60]  for his faith
+[549.60 --> 551.56]  the facts
+[551.56 --> 552.70]  of Joseph's story
+[552.70 --> 554.66]  are briefly summarized
+[554.66 --> 556.86]  then there is
+[556.86 --> 557.34]  Hebrews
+[557.34 --> 559.02]  chapter 11
+[559.02 --> 560.50]  part of that
+[560.50 --> 561.62]  long chapter
+[561.62 --> 562.96]  about all the heroes
+[562.96 --> 563.50]  of faith
+[563.50 --> 565.84]  the only
+[565.84 --> 566.58]  New Testament
+[566.58 --> 567.18]  passage
+[567.18 --> 568.14]  which comments
+[568.14 --> 570.10]  on Joseph's character
+[570.10 --> 571.70]  and then
+[571.70 --> 573.40]  he gets just
+[573.40 --> 574.54]  one verse
+[574.54 --> 577.22]  but what a verse
+[577.22 --> 577.68]  it is
+[577.68 --> 578.34]  listen
+[578.34 --> 580.26]  by faith
+[580.26 --> 580.82]  Joseph
+[580.82 --> 582.30]  when his end
+[582.30 --> 582.88]  was near
+[582.88 --> 584.42]  spoke about
+[584.42 --> 585.10]  the exodus
+[585.10 --> 585.96]  of the Israelites
+[585.96 --> 586.88]  from Egypt
+[586.88 --> 589.00]  and gave instructions
+[589.00 --> 590.70]  about his bones
+[590.70 --> 593.82]  it is such
+[593.82 --> 594.60]  a striking
+[594.60 --> 595.42]  verse
+[595.42 --> 595.96]  isn't it
+[595.96 --> 597.02]  I mean
+[597.02 --> 597.56]  Genesis
+[597.56 --> 598.18]  devotes
+[598.18 --> 600.08]  13 chapters
+[600.08 --> 601.62]  to Joseph's story
+[601.62 --> 603.56]  and while he's not
+[603.56 --> 603.96]  perfect
+[603.96 --> 604.72]  in Joseph's
+[604.72 --> 605.14]  character
+[605.14 --> 605.66]  in life
+[605.66 --> 606.46]  we see this
+[606.46 --> 607.54]  incredible picture
+[607.54 --> 608.20]  of faithful
+[608.20 --> 608.58]  obedience
+[608.58 --> 609.20]  love
+[609.20 --> 610.16]  and forgiveness
+[610.16 --> 611.16]  in the kind
+[611.16 --> 611.84]  of extreme
+[611.84 --> 612.74]  circumstances
+[612.74 --> 613.54]  most of us
+[613.54 --> 614.52]  will never know
+[614.52 --> 617.34]  Joseph is one
+[617.34 --> 617.76]  of the most
+[617.76 --> 619.06]  winsome characters
+[619.06 --> 619.52]  I think
+[619.52 --> 620.10]  in the Bible
+[620.10 --> 622.22]  yet he gets
+[622.22 --> 623.42]  only one verse
+[623.42 --> 626.58]  in the New Testament
+[626.58 --> 628.30]  and the only
+[628.30 --> 629.10]  thing for which
+[629.10 --> 629.62]  the writer
+[629.62 --> 630.16]  of Hebrews
+[630.16 --> 630.88]  goes out
+[630.88 --> 631.28]  of his way
+[631.28 --> 631.76]  to commend
+[631.76 --> 632.26]  Joseph
+[632.26 --> 634.30]  are his
+[634.30 --> 635.12]  dying words
+[635.12 --> 637.40]  by faith
+[637.40 --> 637.88]  Joseph
+[637.88 --> 638.52]  when his end
+[638.52 --> 639.06]  was near
+[639.06 --> 640.40]  spoke about
+[640.40 --> 641.06]  the exodus
+[641.06 --> 641.92]  of the Israelites
+[641.92 --> 642.90]  from Egypt
+[642.90 --> 643.96]  and gave
+[643.96 --> 644.82]  instructions
+[644.82 --> 645.88]  about his
+[645.88 --> 646.30]  bones
+[646.30 --> 650.50]  but then
+[650.50 --> 652.06]  to use
+[652.06 --> 652.90]  the first
+[652.90 --> 654.28]  four words
+[654.28 --> 656.48]  that Rick Warren
+[656.48 --> 657.42]  passed in California
+[657.42 --> 659.84]  that he wrote
+[659.84 --> 661.12]  in his 2002
+[661.12 --> 662.22]  best-selling book
+[662.22 --> 663.68]  The Purpose Driven Life
+[663.68 --> 665.32]  the first four words
+[665.32 --> 665.86]  were
+[665.86 --> 667.98]  it's not
+[667.98 --> 669.72]  about you
+[669.72 --> 672.66]  it's not
+[672.66 --> 673.58]  about you
+[673.58 --> 675.56]  it's not
+[675.56 --> 676.66]  about me
+[676.66 --> 677.34]  either
+[677.34 --> 679.90]  it is about
+[679.90 --> 681.22]  the bigger picture
+[681.22 --> 681.92]  it is about
+[681.92 --> 682.44]  God
+[682.44 --> 683.36]  it is about
+[683.36 --> 684.32]  God's purpose
+[684.32 --> 685.14]  for and through
+[685.14 --> 685.60]  Joseph
+[685.60 --> 687.08]  God's purpose
+[687.08 --> 687.92]  for and through
+[687.92 --> 688.76]  you and me
+[688.76 --> 690.10]  God's purpose
+[690.10 --> 691.24]  for and through
+[691.24 --> 692.04]  his church
+[692.04 --> 693.42]  God's purpose
+[693.42 --> 694.44]  for his world
+[694.44 --> 696.92]  it's about
+[696.92 --> 697.76]  God's promise
+[697.76 --> 698.34]  to bless
+[698.34 --> 698.80]  Abraham
+[698.80 --> 700.20]  and his descendants
+[700.20 --> 700.72]  and through
+[700.72 --> 701.46]  to bless
+[701.46 --> 702.36]  all people
+[702.36 --> 702.80]  on earth
+[702.80 --> 703.44]  and all
+[703.44 --> 704.20]  means
+[704.20 --> 705.12]  all
+[705.12 --> 709.02]  that remains
+[709.02 --> 710.52]  front and center
+[710.52 --> 711.48]  especially
+[711.48 --> 712.30]  at the end
+[712.30 --> 713.06]  of this story
+[713.06 --> 715.20]  father Jacob
+[715.20 --> 715.92]  is dead
+[715.92 --> 717.68]  and according
+[717.68 --> 718.50]  to his request
+[718.50 --> 719.18]  he is buried
+[719.18 --> 720.10]  in the land
+[720.10 --> 721.24]  of God's promise
+[721.24 --> 722.18]  Canaan
+[722.18 --> 724.26]  and now
+[724.26 --> 725.70]  56 years later
+[725.70 --> 727.22]  Joseph
+[727.22 --> 727.76]  has come
+[727.76 --> 728.32]  to the end
+[728.32 --> 729.38]  of his life
+[729.38 --> 731.70]  and he remembers
+[731.70 --> 732.94]  these words
+[732.94 --> 734.28]  spoken to
+[734.28 --> 734.64]  great
+[734.64 --> 735.32]  grandfather
+[735.32 --> 735.96]  Abraham
+[735.96 --> 737.14]  words
+[737.14 --> 737.84]  rehearsed
+[737.84 --> 738.84]  passed down
+[738.84 --> 739.58]  from one
+[739.58 --> 740.12]  generation
+[740.12 --> 741.20]  to the next
+[741.20 --> 743.22]  these words
+[743.22 --> 744.46]  from Genesis 15
+[744.46 --> 746.30]  know for certain
+[746.30 --> 748.40]  that your descendants
+[748.40 --> 749.44]  will be strangers
+[749.44 --> 750.38]  in a country
+[750.38 --> 751.56]  not their own
+[751.56 --> 753.00]  and this
+[753.00 --> 753.36]  treated
+[753.36 --> 754.86]  400 years
+[754.86 --> 756.94]  but I will punish
+[756.94 --> 757.50]  the nation
+[757.50 --> 758.14]  they serve
+[758.14 --> 758.72]  as slaves
+[758.72 --> 759.74]  and afterward
+[759.74 --> 760.84]  they will come
+[760.84 --> 761.14]  out
+[761.14 --> 762.32]  with great
+[762.32 --> 762.84]  possessions
+[762.84 --> 766.72]  we are not
+[766.72 --> 767.10]  told
+[767.10 --> 768.34]  if it was
+[768.34 --> 769.02]  faith alone
+[769.02 --> 770.22]  or faith
+[770.22 --> 770.70]  and fact
+[770.70 --> 771.14]  together
+[771.14 --> 772.64]  that made
+[772.64 --> 773.44]  Joseph focus
+[773.44 --> 773.90]  on this
+[773.90 --> 774.70]  old promise
+[774.70 --> 775.48]  that was
+[775.48 --> 776.08]  generations
+[776.08 --> 776.58]  old
+[776.58 --> 777.60]  and generations
+[777.60 --> 779.02]  from fulfillment
+[779.02 --> 781.70]  Joseph had been
+[781.70 --> 782.18]  in Egypt
+[782.18 --> 782.56]  now
+[782.56 --> 784.10]  for 93
+[784.10 --> 785.12]  years
+[785.12 --> 787.08]  his family
+[787.08 --> 788.60]  for 73
+[788.60 --> 789.14]  years
+[789.14 --> 790.98]  the famine
+[790.98 --> 791.84]  was long
+[791.84 --> 792.26]  over
+[792.26 --> 793.66]  Joseph had
+[793.66 --> 794.12]  no doubt
+[794.12 --> 794.96]  long since
+[794.96 --> 795.52]  retired
+[795.52 --> 796.98]  and at the
+[796.98 --> 797.56]  time of his
+[797.56 --> 797.80]  death
+[797.80 --> 798.28]  the children
+[798.28 --> 798.84]  of Israel
+[798.84 --> 799.46]  were not
+[799.46 --> 800.16]  yet slaves
+[800.16 --> 801.12]  or prisoners
+[801.12 --> 801.94]  in Egypt
+[801.94 --> 803.88]  all we know
+[803.88 --> 804.62]  is that Joseph
+[804.62 --> 806.00]  somehow knew
+[806.00 --> 806.52]  the truth
+[806.52 --> 806.94]  of what
+[806.94 --> 807.70]  Exodus 1
+[807.70 --> 808.20]  verse 8
+[808.20 --> 809.10]  tells us
+[809.10 --> 810.18]  that a new
+[810.18 --> 810.54]  king
+[810.54 --> 812.00]  who did not
+[812.00 --> 812.80]  know Joseph
+[812.80 --> 814.08]  would come
+[814.08 --> 815.18]  to power
+[815.18 --> 816.14]  and that
+[816.14 --> 816.60]  everything
+[816.60 --> 817.66]  would change
+[817.66 --> 819.12]  for the worse
+[819.12 --> 821.08]  that hardship
+[821.08 --> 821.86]  was coming
+[821.86 --> 822.80]  for his
+[822.80 --> 823.22]  brothers
+[823.22 --> 824.68]  slavery
+[824.68 --> 825.80]  for his
+[825.80 --> 826.16]  people
+[826.16 --> 827.96]  we also
+[827.96 --> 828.50]  know that
+[828.50 --> 828.80]  Joseph
+[828.80 --> 829.48]  believes
+[829.48 --> 830.62]  all of the
+[830.62 --> 831.06]  promises
+[831.06 --> 832.28]  that the
+[832.28 --> 832.72]  end
+[832.72 --> 833.82]  will be
+[833.82 --> 834.22]  glory
+[834.22 --> 836.46]  I am
+[836.46 --> 837.32]  about to
+[837.32 --> 837.66]  die
+[837.66 --> 838.20]  he tells
+[838.20 --> 838.68]  his brothers
+[838.68 --> 840.16]  but God
+[840.16 --> 840.98]  will surely
+[840.98 --> 841.96]  come to
+[841.96 --> 842.50]  your aid
+[842.50 --> 843.80]  that is
+[843.80 --> 844.14]  you will
+[844.14 --> 844.74]  need to
+[844.74 --> 845.28]  be rescued
+[845.28 --> 845.92]  by God
+[845.92 --> 846.60]  and God
+[846.60 --> 847.30]  will rescue
+[847.30 --> 847.64]  you
+[847.64 --> 848.34]  and take
+[848.34 --> 848.74]  you up
+[848.74 --> 849.16]  out of
+[849.16 --> 849.64]  this land
+[849.64 --> 850.30]  to the
+[850.30 --> 850.74]  land he
+[850.74 --> 851.28]  promised
+[851.28 --> 852.02]  on oath
+[852.02 --> 852.66]  to Abraham
+[852.66 --> 853.28]  Isaac
+[853.28 --> 854.10]  and Jacob
+[854.10 --> 857.06]  then Joseph
+[857.06 --> 857.64]  makes his
+[857.64 --> 858.70]  family swear
+[858.70 --> 859.22]  an oath
+[859.22 --> 860.60]  and with his
+[860.60 --> 861.48]  very last
+[861.48 --> 861.86]  words
+[861.86 --> 862.36]  says
+[862.36 --> 863.58]  God
+[863.58 --> 864.46]  will surely
+[864.46 --> 865.06]  come to
+[865.06 --> 865.60]  your aid
+[865.60 --> 866.98]  and then
+[866.98 --> 867.54]  you must
+[867.54 --> 868.14]  carry my
+[868.14 --> 868.70]  bones up
+[868.70 --> 869.66]  from this
+[869.66 --> 870.10]  place
+[870.10 --> 872.58]  so
+[872.58 --> 872.94]  Joseph
+[872.94 --> 873.42]  died
+[873.42 --> 875.60]  and
+[875.60 --> 876.28]  verse 26
+[876.28 --> 877.10]  tells us
+[877.10 --> 878.10]  after they
+[878.10 --> 878.72]  embalmed
+[878.72 --> 879.00]  him
+[879.00 --> 880.04]  he was
+[880.04 --> 880.72]  placed in
+[880.72 --> 881.22]  a coffin
+[881.22 --> 882.34]  in Egypt
+[882.34 --> 884.78]  they
+[884.78 --> 885.36]  embalmed
+[885.36 --> 885.64]  him
+[885.64 --> 887.74]  they
+[887.74 --> 888.22]  don't
+[888.22 --> 889.08]  bury
+[889.08 --> 889.48]  him
+[889.48 --> 891.64]  why not
+[891.64 --> 892.08]  because
+[892.08 --> 892.74]  they're
+[892.74 --> 893.46]  supposed to
+[893.46 --> 893.86]  carry
+[893.86 --> 894.82]  his bones
+[894.82 --> 895.40]  out when
+[895.40 --> 895.88]  they go
+[895.88 --> 897.26]  because
+[897.26 --> 897.66]  God
+[897.66 --> 898.10]  is coming
+[898.10 --> 898.48]  for them
+[898.48 --> 899.10]  to rescue
+[899.10 --> 899.42]  them
+[899.42 --> 899.98]  and they
+[899.98 --> 900.44]  need to
+[900.44 --> 900.86]  be ready
+[900.86 --> 901.42]  to pick
+[901.42 --> 901.74]  up his
+[901.74 --> 902.10]  bones
+[902.10 --> 903.06]  and leave
+[903.06 --> 904.52]  Joseph's
+[904.52 --> 904.88]  coffin
+[904.88 --> 905.44]  becomes
+[905.44 --> 906.06]  a symbol
+[906.06 --> 907.06]  of hope
+[907.06 --> 907.68]  that the
+[907.68 --> 908.10]  gathering
+[908.10 --> 908.56]  storm
+[908.56 --> 908.96]  that is
+[908.96 --> 909.34]  coming
+[909.34 --> 910.12]  slavery
+[910.12 --> 910.44]  and
+[910.44 --> 910.88]  hardship
+[910.88 --> 911.72]  is not
+[911.72 --> 912.10]  going to
+[912.10 --> 912.74]  be terminal
+[912.74 --> 913.38]  that the
+[913.38 --> 913.78]  present
+[913.78 --> 914.32]  darkness
+[914.32 --> 915.12]  will not
+[915.12 --> 915.78]  be forever
+[915.78 --> 916.66]  don't
+[916.66 --> 917.58]  bury me
+[917.58 --> 918.00]  because
+[918.00 --> 918.46]  God
+[918.46 --> 918.86]  will come
+[918.86 --> 919.14]  back
+[919.14 --> 919.76]  for us
+[919.76 --> 921.00]  and when
+[921.00 --> 921.60]  you must
+[921.60 --> 922.14]  carry my
+[922.14 --> 922.42]  bones
+[922.42 --> 922.84]  home
+[922.84 --> 923.98]  and bury
+[923.98 --> 924.34]  me
+[924.34 --> 925.12]  in the
+[925.12 --> 925.36]  land
+[925.36 --> 925.52]  of
+[925.52 --> 926.04]  promise
+[926.04 --> 929.44]  you see
+[929.44 --> 929.80]  the end
+[929.80 --> 929.96]  of
+[929.96 --> 930.34]  Genesis
+[930.34 --> 931.78]  is all
+[931.78 --> 932.08]  about
+[932.08 --> 932.44]  hope
+[932.44 --> 933.46]  after all
+[933.46 --> 935.20]  and the
+[935.20 --> 935.46]  Bible
+[935.46 --> 936.18]  says a lot
+[936.18 --> 936.74]  about hope
+[936.74 --> 938.22]  that biblical
+[938.22 --> 938.92]  hope does
+[938.92 --> 939.74]  not disappoint
+[939.74 --> 941.42]  that it's
+[941.42 --> 941.76]  not an
+[941.76 --> 942.06]  empty
+[942.06 --> 942.54]  wish
+[942.54 --> 943.70]  that biblical
+[943.70 --> 944.44]  hope is a
+[944.44 --> 945.10]  given because
+[945.10 --> 945.58]  it is a
+[945.58 --> 945.84]  hope
+[945.84 --> 947.06]  in God
+[947.06 --> 949.74]  Lewis
+[949.74 --> 950.14]  Meads
+[950.14 --> 950.86]  once pointed
+[950.86 --> 951.14]  out
+[951.14 --> 952.24]  that when
+[952.24 --> 952.66]  it comes
+[952.66 --> 953.22]  to ordinary
+[953.22 --> 953.98]  human
+[953.98 --> 954.44]  hoping
+[954.44 --> 955.72]  there are
+[955.72 --> 956.36]  three things
+[956.36 --> 957.02]  going on
+[957.02 --> 958.62]  one is
+[958.62 --> 959.52]  desire
+[959.52 --> 960.30]  we want
+[960.30 --> 960.62]  what we
+[960.62 --> 961.24]  hope for
+[961.24 --> 964.16]  two is
+[964.16 --> 965.06]  belief
+[965.06 --> 966.78]  we believe
+[966.78 --> 967.30]  that what we
+[967.30 --> 967.70]  hope for
+[967.70 --> 968.40]  is possible
+[968.40 --> 970.26]  though not
+[970.26 --> 970.72]  inevitable
+[970.72 --> 972.80]  which leads
+[972.80 --> 973.14]  to number
+[973.14 --> 973.58]  three
+[973.58 --> 974.90]  doubt
+[974.90 --> 976.72]  we fear
+[976.72 --> 977.10]  that what
+[977.10 --> 977.58]  we hope
+[977.58 --> 978.06]  for
+[978.06 --> 979.34]  may not
+[979.34 --> 979.64]  happen
+[979.64 --> 981.38]  hope for
+[981.38 --> 982.18]  the difference
+[982.18 --> 982.84]  in Christian
+[982.84 --> 983.44]  and biblical
+[983.44 --> 983.92]  hope
+[983.92 --> 986.58]  has to do
+[986.58 --> 986.90]  with that
+[986.90 --> 987.68]  third element
+[987.68 --> 989.02]  doubt
+[989.02 --> 991.36]  Christian hope
+[991.36 --> 991.86]  is not
+[991.86 --> 992.16]  evil
+[992.16 --> 993.38]  it is a
+[993.38 --> 994.06]  conviction
+[994.06 --> 995.30]  about what
+[995.30 --> 996.16]  is sure
+[996.16 --> 997.22]  because it is
+[997.22 --> 997.76]  a faith
+[997.76 --> 998.86]  not in human
+[998.86 --> 999.58]  possibility
+[999.58 --> 1001.26]  but in God's
+[1001.26 --> 1001.72]  promise
+[1001.72 --> 1003.96]  that's why
+[1003.96 --> 1004.72]  hope rules
+[1004.72 --> 1005.22]  at the end
+[1005.22 --> 1005.50]  of the
+[1005.50 --> 1006.30]  Joseph story
+[1006.30 --> 1006.98]  and at the
+[1006.98 --> 1007.38]  end of
+[1007.38 --> 1007.80]  Genesis
+[1007.80 --> 1008.44]  even though
+[1008.44 --> 1009.00]  we know
+[1009.00 --> 1009.62]  when as
+[1009.62 --> 1010.02]  Genesis
+[1010.02 --> 1010.64]  closes
+[1010.64 --> 1012.14]  hardship
+[1012.14 --> 1013.58]  slavery
+[1013.58 --> 1015.04]  brick making
+[1015.04 --> 1015.98]  genocide
+[1015.98 --> 1016.80]  through the
+[1016.80 --> 1017.28]  murder of
+[1017.28 --> 1017.66]  their male
+[1017.66 --> 1018.08]  children
+[1018.08 --> 1019.24]  one generation
+[1019.24 --> 1020.46]  after another
+[1020.46 --> 1021.80]  and yes
+[1021.80 --> 1022.62]  all the while
+[1022.62 --> 1023.28]  the silence
+[1023.28 --> 1023.82]  of God
+[1023.82 --> 1024.96]  is deafening
+[1024.96 --> 1027.44]  there is no
+[1027.44 --> 1027.92]  word from
+[1027.92 --> 1028.26]  God
+[1028.26 --> 1029.42]  there is no
+[1029.42 --> 1030.10]  message from
+[1030.10 --> 1030.42]  heaven
+[1030.42 --> 1032.02]  and so
+[1032.02 --> 1032.74]  where is the
+[1032.74 --> 1033.52]  hope in all
+[1033.52 --> 1034.00]  of this
+[1034.00 --> 1037.08]  it is in
+[1037.08 --> 1038.24]  Joseph's
+[1038.24 --> 1038.66]  coffin
+[1038.66 --> 1041.10]  Joseph's
+[1041.10 --> 1041.52]  coffin
+[1041.52 --> 1042.08]  becomes
+[1042.08 --> 1042.98]  the message
+[1042.98 --> 1043.58]  of hope
+[1043.58 --> 1044.36]  it is the
+[1044.36 --> 1045.06]  box if you
+[1045.06 --> 1045.32]  will
+[1045.32 --> 1046.42]  that speaks
+[1046.42 --> 1048.00]  it is the
+[1048.00 --> 1048.60]  symbol that
+[1048.60 --> 1049.44]  says this
+[1049.44 --> 1049.92]  suffering
+[1049.92 --> 1050.72]  is not
+[1050.72 --> 1051.18]  forever
+[1051.18 --> 1052.94]  God has
+[1052.94 --> 1053.64]  not forgotten
+[1053.64 --> 1054.04]  you
+[1054.04 --> 1055.00]  someday he
+[1055.00 --> 1055.42]  will come
+[1055.42 --> 1056.00]  back for
+[1056.00 --> 1056.26]  you
+[1056.26 --> 1057.26]  by faith
+[1057.26 --> 1057.72]  Joseph
+[1057.72 --> 1058.16]  when his
+[1058.16 --> 1058.58]  end was
+[1058.58 --> 1058.84]  near
+[1058.84 --> 1059.80]  spoke about
+[1059.80 --> 1060.46]  the exodus
+[1060.46 --> 1060.82]  of the
+[1060.82 --> 1061.26]  Israelites
+[1061.26 --> 1061.88]  from Egypt
+[1061.88 --> 1062.74]  and gave
+[1062.74 --> 1063.44]  instructions
+[1063.44 --> 1064.52]  about his
+[1064.52 --> 1065.04]  bones
+[1065.04 --> 1066.24]  as the
+[1066.24 --> 1066.72]  children of
+[1066.72 --> 1067.08]  Israel
+[1067.08 --> 1067.70]  suffer
+[1067.70 --> 1068.72]  year after
+[1068.72 --> 1069.16]  year
+[1069.16 --> 1070.04]  of awful
+[1070.04 --> 1070.62]  slavery
+[1070.62 --> 1071.34]  and life
+[1071.34 --> 1072.02]  is hard
+[1072.02 --> 1072.58]  and the
+[1072.58 --> 1072.88]  future
+[1072.88 --> 1073.22]  seems
+[1073.22 --> 1073.88]  hopeless
+[1073.88 --> 1076.08]  fathers
+[1076.08 --> 1077.40]  and mothers
+[1077.40 --> 1079.20]  will walk
+[1079.20 --> 1079.78]  with sons
+[1079.78 --> 1080.58]  and daughters
+[1080.58 --> 1081.84]  past the
+[1081.84 --> 1082.44]  place where
+[1082.44 --> 1083.08]  the coffin
+[1083.08 --> 1083.94]  lays
+[1083.94 --> 1084.84]  and
+[1084.84 --> 1085.42]  generation
+[1085.42 --> 1085.78]  after
+[1085.78 --> 1086.50]  generation
+[1086.50 --> 1087.14]  will ask
+[1087.14 --> 1088.06]  what does
+[1088.06 --> 1088.72]  that box
+[1088.72 --> 1089.36]  mean
+[1089.36 --> 1091.40]  and fathers
+[1091.40 --> 1092.00]  and mothers
+[1092.00 --> 1093.06]  will tell
+[1093.06 --> 1093.64]  their children
+[1093.64 --> 1094.82]  as hard
+[1094.82 --> 1095.22]  as life
+[1095.22 --> 1095.56]  is
+[1095.56 --> 1097.04]  as hopeless
+[1097.04 --> 1097.78]  as the future
+[1097.78 --> 1098.32]  seems
+[1098.32 --> 1100.04]  this box
+[1100.04 --> 1100.90]  this coffin
+[1100.90 --> 1101.46]  means
+[1101.46 --> 1102.40]  that one
+[1102.40 --> 1103.02]  day soon
+[1103.02 --> 1103.44]  we're gone
+[1103.44 --> 1105.36]  we close
+[1105.36 --> 1105.98]  with Joseph
+[1105.98 --> 1106.74]  in a coffin
+[1106.74 --> 1107.84]  in Egypt
+[1107.84 --> 1109.30]  and from the
+[1109.30 --> 1110.12]  outside looking
+[1110.12 --> 1110.48]  in
+[1110.48 --> 1112.30]  things don't
+[1112.30 --> 1113.14]  look all that
+[1113.14 --> 1113.48]  hopeful
+[1113.48 --> 1115.70]  but the
+[1115.70 --> 1116.46]  last verse
+[1116.46 --> 1117.08]  of Genesis
+[1117.08 --> 1118.66]  is part
+[1118.66 --> 1118.92]  of this
+[1118.92 --> 1119.54]  larger
+[1119.54 --> 1120.00]  biblical
+[1120.00 --> 1120.60]  story
+[1120.60 --> 1121.72]  that lets
+[1121.72 --> 1122.22]  us know
+[1122.22 --> 1123.34]  this is
+[1123.34 --> 1123.86]  not the
+[1123.86 --> 1124.20]  end
+[1124.20 --> 1125.90]  not by
+[1125.90 --> 1126.62]  a long
+[1126.62 --> 1127.06]  shot
+[1127.06 --> 1128.26]  it isn't
+[1128.26 --> 1130.16]  the road
+[1130.16 --> 1130.68]  ahead will
+[1130.68 --> 1131.08]  not be
+[1131.08 --> 1131.44]  easy
+[1131.44 --> 1133.00]  but some
+[1133.00 --> 1134.42]  430 years
+[1134.42 --> 1134.98]  Joseph was
+[1134.98 --> 1135.50]  sold in
+[1135.50 --> 1136.02]  Egypt as
+[1136.02 --> 1136.52]  a slave
+[1136.52 --> 1139.30]  God
+[1139.30 --> 1139.90]  called up
+[1139.90 --> 1140.46]  another
+[1140.46 --> 1141.34]  deliverer
+[1141.34 --> 1142.50]  Moses
+[1142.50 --> 1144.20]  and as
+[1144.20 --> 1144.62]  Moses
+[1144.62 --> 1145.22]  leads the
+[1145.22 --> 1145.72]  children of
+[1145.72 --> 1146.10]  Israel
+[1146.10 --> 1146.54]  out of
+[1146.54 --> 1146.70]  their
+[1146.70 --> 1147.08]  slavery
+[1147.08 --> 1147.70]  in Egypt
+[1147.70 --> 1148.70]  you read
+[1148.70 --> 1149.18]  this in
+[1149.18 --> 1150.24]  Exodus 13
+[1150.24 --> 1151.18]  Moses
+[1151.18 --> 1152.00]  took the
+[1152.00 --> 1152.66]  bones of
+[1152.66 --> 1153.02]  Joseph
+[1153.02 --> 1154.10]  with him
+[1154.10 --> 1155.62]  because
+[1155.62 --> 1156.14]  Joseph
+[1156.14 --> 1156.86]  had made
+[1156.86 --> 1157.42]  the sons
+[1157.42 --> 1157.98]  of Israel
+[1157.98 --> 1159.10]  swear an
+[1159.10 --> 1159.46]  oath
+[1159.46 --> 1160.64]  he had
+[1160.64 --> 1161.02]  said
+[1161.02 --> 1161.80]  God
+[1161.80 --> 1162.58]  will surely
+[1162.58 --> 1163.04]  come to
+[1163.04 --> 1163.62]  your aid
+[1163.62 --> 1164.70]  and then
+[1164.70 --> 1165.24]  you must
+[1165.24 --> 1165.70]  carry
+[1165.70 --> 1166.64]  my bones
+[1166.64 --> 1167.26]  up with
+[1167.26 --> 1167.60]  you
+[1167.60 --> 1168.70]  from this
+[1168.70 --> 1169.18]  place
+[1169.18 --> 1172.14]  through 40
+[1172.14 --> 1173.06]  years of
+[1173.06 --> 1173.62]  their desert
+[1173.62 --> 1174.48]  pilgrimage
+[1174.48 --> 1176.32]  along with
+[1176.32 --> 1177.14]  everything else
+[1177.14 --> 1177.76]  they carried
+[1177.76 --> 1178.20]  for their
+[1178.20 --> 1178.58]  journey
+[1178.58 --> 1180.54]  they carried
+[1180.54 --> 1181.42]  that coffin
+[1181.42 --> 1182.62]  through the
+[1182.62 --> 1183.18]  Red Sea
+[1183.18 --> 1184.62]  to the foot
+[1184.62 --> 1184.98]  of Mount
+[1184.98 --> 1185.42]  Sinai
+[1185.42 --> 1185.92]  where God
+[1185.92 --> 1186.38]  renewed
+[1186.38 --> 1187.26]  his covenant
+[1187.26 --> 1187.74]  with his
+[1187.74 --> 1188.08]  people
+[1188.08 --> 1189.68]  through years
+[1189.68 --> 1190.44]  of doubts
+[1190.44 --> 1191.24]  and murmuring
+[1191.24 --> 1192.04]  and complaining
+[1192.04 --> 1194.26]  through years
+[1194.26 --> 1194.86]  of struggle
+[1194.86 --> 1197.26]  until finally
+[1197.26 --> 1197.68]  they took
+[1197.68 --> 1198.18]  possession
+[1198.18 --> 1198.66]  of the
+[1198.66 --> 1199.10]  land of
+[1199.10 --> 1199.50]  promise
+[1199.50 --> 1200.22]  and at
+[1200.22 --> 1200.62]  the end
+[1200.62 --> 1201.06]  of the
+[1201.06 --> 1201.46]  book of
+[1201.46 --> 1201.86]  Joshua
+[1201.86 --> 1202.60]  you read
+[1202.60 --> 1203.36]  these words
+[1203.36 --> 1204.70]  Joseph's
+[1204.70 --> 1205.16]  bones
+[1205.16 --> 1206.34]  which the
+[1206.34 --> 1206.80]  Israelites
+[1206.80 --> 1207.52]  had brought
+[1207.52 --> 1207.88]  up from
+[1207.88 --> 1208.32]  Egypt
+[1208.32 --> 1210.00]  were buried
+[1210.00 --> 1210.66]  at Shechem
+[1210.66 --> 1211.62]  in the
+[1211.62 --> 1212.28]  tract of
+[1212.28 --> 1212.88]  land that
+[1212.88 --> 1213.58]  Jacob bought
+[1213.58 --> 1214.60]  for 100
+[1214.60 --> 1215.42]  pieces of
+[1215.42 --> 1215.82]  silver
+[1215.82 --> 1216.82]  from the
+[1216.82 --> 1217.24]  sons of
+[1217.24 --> 1217.68]  Hamor
+[1217.68 --> 1219.30]  this became
+[1219.30 --> 1220.08]  the inheritance
+[1220.08 --> 1221.78]  of Joseph's
+[1221.78 --> 1222.78]  descendants
+[1222.78 --> 1225.60]  no coffin
+[1225.60 --> 1226.20]  in Egypt
+[1226.20 --> 1227.42]  is going
+[1227.42 --> 1228.08]  to stop
+[1228.08 --> 1228.68]  the Lord
+[1228.68 --> 1229.88]  God Almighty
+[1229.88 --> 1230.66]  from fulfilling
+[1230.66 --> 1231.42]  his promise
+[1231.42 --> 1232.10]  to Abraham
+[1232.10 --> 1233.04]  Isaac
+[1233.04 --> 1233.96]  Jacob
+[1233.96 --> 1235.78]  and Joseph
+[1235.78 --> 1238.04]  nor will
+[1238.04 --> 1238.78]  anything
+[1238.78 --> 1239.58]  stop
+[1239.58 --> 1240.44]  the Lord
+[1240.44 --> 1241.60]  God Almighty
+[1241.60 --> 1242.48]  from fulfilling
+[1242.48 --> 1243.42]  his promise
+[1243.42 --> 1244.50]  to us
+[1244.50 --> 1246.84]  I know
+[1246.84 --> 1247.34]  the people
+[1247.34 --> 1247.76]  of God
+[1247.76 --> 1248.06]  throughout
+[1248.06 --> 1248.52]  history
+[1248.52 --> 1249.02]  have had
+[1249.02 --> 1249.54]  their share
+[1249.54 --> 1250.04]  of hard
+[1250.04 --> 1250.46]  times
+[1250.46 --> 1250.82]  I know
+[1250.82 --> 1251.28]  violence
+[1251.28 --> 1251.94]  and terror
+[1251.94 --> 1252.72]  of hunger
+[1252.72 --> 1253.40]  and poverty
+[1253.40 --> 1254.26]  of crime
+[1254.26 --> 1255.00]  and immorality
+[1255.00 --> 1255.66]  of sickness
+[1255.66 --> 1256.40]  and pandemic
+[1256.40 --> 1258.62]  I know
+[1258.62 --> 1259.22]  that the evil
+[1259.22 --> 1259.96]  and the injustice
+[1259.96 --> 1260.74]  and the oppression
+[1260.74 --> 1261.94]  and the exploitation
+[1261.94 --> 1262.98]  that Archbishop
+[1262.98 --> 1264.06]  Tutu spoke
+[1264.06 --> 1264.72]  about still
+[1264.72 --> 1265.28]  prevails
+[1265.28 --> 1266.12]  in almost
+[1266.12 --> 1267.08]  every corner
+[1267.08 --> 1267.72]  of our world
+[1267.72 --> 1268.82]  also frankly
+[1268.82 --> 1269.84]  in our corner
+[1269.84 --> 1270.64]  of the world
+[1270.64 --> 1272.90]  I know
+[1272.90 --> 1273.64]  that we are
+[1273.64 --> 1274.28]  not winning
+[1274.28 --> 1275.02]  the battle
+[1275.02 --> 1275.98]  in our culture
+[1275.98 --> 1276.56]  to reach
+[1276.56 --> 1277.66]  the whole world
+[1277.66 --> 1278.90]  for Jesus Christ
+[1278.90 --> 1280.24]  all the adversity
+[1280.24 --> 1281.06]  that the church
+[1281.06 --> 1281.84]  has faced
+[1281.84 --> 1282.58]  and that we face
+[1282.58 --> 1283.64]  up to this day
+[1283.64 --> 1284.62]  we don't have
+[1284.62 --> 1285.38]  this box
+[1285.38 --> 1286.04]  this coffin
+[1286.04 --> 1287.36]  that talks to us
+[1287.36 --> 1289.64]  we have no
+[1289.64 --> 1290.64]  unburied bones
+[1290.64 --> 1291.38]  to revive
+[1291.38 --> 1292.38]  our flagging faith
+[1292.38 --> 1295.98]  we have something
+[1295.98 --> 1296.64]  far better
+[1296.64 --> 1297.18]  don't we
+[1297.18 --> 1299.28]  we have
+[1299.28 --> 1301.02]  an empty grave
+[1301.02 --> 1303.50]  an empty grave
+[1303.50 --> 1304.54]  where the son of God
+[1304.54 --> 1305.16]  on a Friday
+[1305.16 --> 1306.22]  that was good for us
+[1306.22 --> 1307.32]  but not very good
+[1307.32 --> 1307.78]  for him
+[1307.78 --> 1309.74]  because he died
+[1309.74 --> 1311.76]  for our sin
+[1311.76 --> 1313.60]  a grave
+[1313.60 --> 1314.34]  now empty
+[1314.34 --> 1315.72]  because on the third day
+[1315.72 --> 1316.78]  he rose from the dead
+[1316.78 --> 1318.48]  and walked out of that grave
+[1318.48 --> 1319.68]  for our life
+[1319.68 --> 1322.00]  we have an empty grave
+[1322.00 --> 1323.10]  that reminds us
+[1323.10 --> 1323.96]  that this earth
+[1323.96 --> 1325.70]  is not our real home
+[1325.70 --> 1327.74]  that God has prepared
+[1327.74 --> 1328.74]  a better city
+[1328.74 --> 1329.34]  for us
+[1329.34 --> 1330.30]  a new heaven
+[1330.30 --> 1331.40]  and a new earth
+[1331.40 --> 1332.80]  the land of glory
+[1332.80 --> 1334.74]  we have an empty grave
+[1334.74 --> 1335.90]  to revive our hope
+[1335.90 --> 1337.32]  that God is coming
+[1337.32 --> 1338.66]  to our aid
+[1338.66 --> 1340.00]  God is coming back
+[1340.00 --> 1340.54]  for us
+[1340.54 --> 1341.60]  God is coming
+[1341.60 --> 1342.52]  to deliver us
+[1342.52 --> 1343.56]  from our bondage
+[1343.56 --> 1344.12]  to death
+[1344.12 --> 1345.08]  and decay
+[1345.08 --> 1346.16]  and the devil
+[1346.16 --> 1349.10]  Genesis 50
+[1349.10 --> 1349.48]  you see
+[1349.48 --> 1350.22]  is far
+[1350.22 --> 1351.06]  from the end
+[1351.06 --> 1351.70]  of the story
+[1351.70 --> 1352.74]  it is only the end
+[1352.74 --> 1353.10]  of the book
+[1353.10 --> 1353.72]  of Genesis
+[1353.72 --> 1355.48]  Moses still has
+[1355.48 --> 1356.28]  four more books
+[1356.28 --> 1356.88]  to write
+[1356.88 --> 1357.98]  and the spirit
+[1357.98 --> 1358.60]  of God
+[1358.60 --> 1360.12]  has 61
+[1360.12 --> 1361.32]  more to write
+[1361.32 --> 1362.70]  before the final
+[1362.70 --> 1363.56]  chapter
+[1363.56 --> 1364.78]  is written
+[1364.78 --> 1367.22]  listen
+[1367.22 --> 1368.48]  Revelation
+[1368.48 --> 1369.76]  21
+[1369.76 --> 1372.24]  these familiar words
+[1372.24 --> 1373.66]  then I saw
+[1373.66 --> 1374.44]  a new heaven
+[1374.44 --> 1375.90]  and a new earth
+[1375.90 --> 1377.90]  for the first heaven
+[1377.90 --> 1379.16]  and the first earth
+[1379.16 --> 1380.12]  had passed away
+[1380.12 --> 1381.30]  and there was no longer
+[1381.30 --> 1382.28]  any sea
+[1382.28 --> 1384.42]  I saw the holy city
+[1384.42 --> 1385.54]  the new Jerusalem
+[1385.54 --> 1386.76]  coming down
+[1386.76 --> 1387.28]  out of heaven
+[1387.28 --> 1387.92]  from God
+[1387.92 --> 1389.32]  prepared as a bride
+[1389.32 --> 1390.58]  beautifully dressed
+[1390.58 --> 1391.46]  for her husband
+[1391.46 --> 1393.22]  and I heard
+[1393.22 --> 1394.26]  a loud voice
+[1394.26 --> 1394.94]  from the throne
+[1394.94 --> 1395.48]  saying
+[1395.48 --> 1397.04]  now the dwelling
+[1397.04 --> 1397.64]  of God
+[1397.64 --> 1398.64]  is with men
+[1398.64 --> 1400.34]  and he will live
+[1400.34 --> 1400.80]  with them
+[1400.80 --> 1401.84]  they will be
+[1401.84 --> 1402.52]  his people
+[1402.52 --> 1403.90]  and God himself
+[1403.90 --> 1404.92]  will be with them
+[1404.92 --> 1406.20]  and be their God
+[1406.20 --> 1407.20]  he will wipe
+[1407.20 --> 1408.22]  every tear
+[1408.22 --> 1409.28]  from their eyes
+[1409.28 --> 1410.74]  there will be
+[1410.74 --> 1411.58]  no more death
+[1411.58 --> 1412.72]  or mourning
+[1412.72 --> 1414.52]  or crying
+[1414.52 --> 1415.88]  or pain
+[1415.88 --> 1417.32]  for the old
+[1417.32 --> 1418.28]  order of things
+[1418.28 --> 1420.20]  has passed away
+[1420.20 --> 1422.54]  as God's people
+[1422.54 --> 1423.58]  in the days of Joseph
+[1423.58 --> 1425.74]  so now it's true
+[1425.74 --> 1426.50]  we still live
+[1426.50 --> 1427.36]  in the midst of death
+[1427.36 --> 1429.38]  those who put
+[1429.38 --> 1429.86]  their hope
+[1429.86 --> 1430.44]  in God
+[1430.44 --> 1431.58]  and his promise
+[1431.58 --> 1432.50]  that today
+[1432.50 --> 1434.12]  still die
+[1434.12 --> 1435.92]  are placed
+[1435.92 --> 1436.98]  in coffins
+[1436.98 --> 1438.42]  and carried
+[1438.42 --> 1439.14]  to their graves
+[1439.14 --> 1441.78]  you and I too
+[1441.78 --> 1442.52]  are not home yet
+[1442.52 --> 1444.42]  as believers
+[1444.42 --> 1444.88]  we live
+[1444.88 --> 1446.50]  in an in-between time
+[1446.50 --> 1448.94]  between the already
+[1448.94 --> 1449.70]  of the kingdom
+[1449.70 --> 1450.40]  of God
+[1450.40 --> 1451.08]  that invaded
+[1451.08 --> 1451.72]  our world
+[1451.72 --> 1452.32]  and the person
+[1452.32 --> 1453.22]  of Jesus Christ
+[1453.22 --> 1454.66]  and that has been
+[1454.66 --> 1455.68]  born in our hearts
+[1455.68 --> 1456.40]  through God's word
+[1456.40 --> 1457.14]  and God's spirit
+[1457.14 --> 1459.44]  and the not yet
+[1459.44 --> 1460.22]  of the fully
+[1460.22 --> 1461.30]  realized kingdom
+[1461.30 --> 1461.84]  of God
+[1461.84 --> 1462.82]  that will come
+[1462.82 --> 1463.54]  with Jesus
+[1463.54 --> 1464.52]  returning glory
+[1464.52 --> 1466.12]  when God
+[1466.12 --> 1466.88]  will be all
+[1466.88 --> 1467.26]  in all
+[1467.26 --> 1467.78]  everything
+[1467.78 --> 1469.68]  to everyone
+[1469.68 --> 1472.36]  but as God
+[1472.36 --> 1473.40]  spoke in the beginning
+[1473.40 --> 1475.00]  and there was light
+[1475.00 --> 1476.48]  and there was life
+[1476.48 --> 1479.06]  so an empty grave
+[1479.06 --> 1480.14]  declares to us
+[1480.14 --> 1481.02]  that in the end
+[1481.02 --> 1482.02]  God will speak
+[1482.02 --> 1482.74]  light
+[1482.74 --> 1483.66]  and life
+[1483.66 --> 1484.70]  once again
+[1484.70 --> 1485.72]  and make
+[1485.72 --> 1486.88]  everything
+[1486.88 --> 1487.84]  new
+[1487.84 --> 1490.94]  we await
+[1490.94 --> 1491.58]  that voice
+[1491.58 --> 1493.44]  even as we hear
+[1493.44 --> 1494.56]  whispers of it already
+[1494.56 --> 1495.90]  now
+[1495.90 --> 1496.64]  through the spirit
+[1496.64 --> 1497.16]  of God
+[1497.16 --> 1498.88]  both in his word
+[1498.88 --> 1500.48]  and at this table
+[1500.48 --> 1501.16]  stands here
+[1501.16 --> 1502.30]  before me
+[1502.30 --> 1503.10]  where we had hope
+[1503.10 --> 1504.04]  to celebrate communion
+[1504.04 --> 1505.10]  again this morning
+[1505.10 --> 1507.30]  this table
+[1507.30 --> 1508.30]  also
+[1508.30 --> 1509.46]  a reminder
+[1509.46 --> 1510.94]  that the Lord
+[1510.94 --> 1511.88]  gave us
+[1511.88 --> 1512.42]  to revive
+[1512.42 --> 1513.24]  our hope
+[1513.24 --> 1513.92]  on a journey
+[1513.92 --> 1515.56]  to the promised land
+[1515.56 --> 1517.74]  when your children
+[1517.74 --> 1518.14]  ask you
+[1518.14 --> 1519.50]  what's with this table
+[1519.50 --> 1521.52]  what's that about
+[1521.52 --> 1522.42]  this bread
+[1522.42 --> 1523.00]  this wine
+[1523.00 --> 1524.02]  right
+[1524.02 --> 1524.72]  you tell them
+[1524.72 --> 1525.44]  this table
+[1525.44 --> 1526.26]  means that God
+[1526.26 --> 1527.52]  came to our aid
+[1527.52 --> 1528.40]  in Jesus
+[1528.40 --> 1529.82]  and that because
+[1529.82 --> 1530.72]  Jesus died
+[1530.72 --> 1531.56]  and rose again
+[1531.56 --> 1532.90]  he will come for us
+[1532.90 --> 1533.28]  again
+[1533.28 --> 1534.42]  one day soon
+[1534.42 --> 1536.02]  God will deliver us
+[1536.02 --> 1536.84]  from our bondage
+[1536.84 --> 1537.36]  to death
+[1537.36 --> 1537.98]  and decay
+[1537.98 --> 1538.64]  and the devil
+[1538.64 --> 1539.54]  and bring us
+[1539.54 --> 1540.44]  to a new land
+[1540.44 --> 1541.66]  this table
+[1541.66 --> 1542.60]  placed in front
+[1542.60 --> 1543.58]  of our sanctuary
+[1543.58 --> 1544.94]  means rescue
+[1544.94 --> 1546.06]  means salvation
+[1546.06 --> 1547.48]  it proclaims
+[1547.48 --> 1547.92]  the death
+[1547.92 --> 1548.74]  and resurrection
+[1548.74 --> 1550.92]  until he comes
+[1550.92 --> 1551.72]  again
+[1551.72 --> 1554.98]  and then you tell them
+[1554.98 --> 1557.66]  and you tell yourself
+[1557.66 --> 1558.82]  every Sunday again
+[1558.82 --> 1561.02]  if we are on God's side
+[1561.02 --> 1563.34]  we are on
+[1563.34 --> 1564.66]  the winning side
+[1564.66 --> 1566.98]  life is going to win
+[1566.98 --> 1568.04]  over death
+[1568.04 --> 1569.66]  love is over hate
+[1569.66 --> 1571.38]  peace is going to win
+[1571.38 --> 1572.40]  over violence
+[1572.40 --> 1573.06]  righteousness
+[1573.06 --> 1574.34]  is going to win
+[1574.34 --> 1575.22]  over injustice
+[1575.22 --> 1577.26]  good is going to win
+[1577.26 --> 1578.20]  over evil
+[1578.20 --> 1579.38]  so don't ever
+[1579.38 --> 1581.38]  ever give up hope
+[1581.38 --> 1583.54]  not for people
+[1583.54 --> 1584.08]  you love
+[1584.08 --> 1585.78]  not for yourself
+[1585.78 --> 1587.56]  not for the church
+[1587.56 --> 1589.68]  not for the world
+[1589.68 --> 1592.02]  not for God
+[1592.02 --> 1593.96]  this is
+[1593.96 --> 1595.62]  our Father's world
+[1595.62 --> 1597.14]  oh let us
+[1597.14 --> 1597.88]  not forget
+[1597.88 --> 1598.94]  that though the wrong
+[1598.94 --> 1600.04]  is great and strong
+[1600.04 --> 1600.60]  God
+[1600.60 --> 1602.22]  is the ruler
+[1602.22 --> 1603.28]  yet
+[1603.28 --> 1606.30]  especially
+[1606.30 --> 1607.04]  especially as we are
+[1607.04 --> 1607.90]  about to begin
+[1607.90 --> 1609.62]  the season of Advent
+[1609.62 --> 1612.18]  leading up to the good news
+[1612.18 --> 1612.94]  of Emmanuel
+[1612.94 --> 1614.72]  God with us
+[1614.72 --> 1616.18]  in Jesus
+[1616.18 --> 1616.74]  his son
+[1616.74 --> 1618.96]  may that hope
+[1618.96 --> 1620.02]  give each of you
+[1620.02 --> 1621.30]  and us together
+[1621.30 --> 1622.38]  renewed
+[1622.38 --> 1624.08]  spiritual energy
+[1624.08 --> 1625.12]  even in this
+[1625.12 --> 1626.12]  difficult time
+[1626.12 --> 1627.44]  of COVID-19
+[1627.44 --> 1629.76]  the spiritual energy
+[1629.76 --> 1630.38]  we need
+[1630.38 --> 1631.52]  to dream
+[1631.52 --> 1632.44]  God's dreams
+[1632.44 --> 1633.94]  to strive
+[1633.94 --> 1634.54]  for the good
+[1634.54 --> 1635.34]  God's word
+[1635.34 --> 1636.00]  commands
+[1636.00 --> 1637.02]  and promises
+[1637.02 --> 1638.90]  and to work
+[1638.90 --> 1639.84]  for God's
+[1639.84 --> 1640.84]  promised future
+[1640.84 --> 1641.60]  by shaping
+[1641.60 --> 1642.90]  our lives
+[1642.90 --> 1643.56]  that's come
+[1643.56 --> 1644.80]  coming
+[1644.80 --> 1646.26]  for to carry
+[1646.26 --> 1647.54]  us home
+[1647.54 --> 1649.60]  in the name
+[1649.60 --> 1650.18]  of the Father
+[1650.18 --> 1650.90]  the Son
+[1650.90 --> 1652.48]  and the Holy Spirit
+[1652.48 --> 1654.12]  let's pray
+[1654.12 --> 1656.80]  gracious God
+[1656.80 --> 1657.56]  we thank you
+[1657.56 --> 1660.00]  for the hope
+[1660.00 --> 1660.80]  that is ours
+[1660.80 --> 1662.62]  in Christ Jesus
+[1662.62 --> 1664.88]  for the hope
+[1664.88 --> 1665.76]  that we will celebrate
+[1665.76 --> 1666.92]  again and anew
+[1666.92 --> 1668.16]  in the season of Advent
+[1668.16 --> 1669.34]  beginning next week
+[1669.34 --> 1671.24]  leading up to the
+[1671.24 --> 1671.80]  celebration
+[1671.80 --> 1673.64]  of the day
+[1673.64 --> 1674.58]  that we have marked
+[1674.58 --> 1676.98]  to celebrate
+[1676.98 --> 1678.90]  the incarnation
+[1678.90 --> 1680.22]  God
+[1680.22 --> 1680.88]  you
+[1680.88 --> 1681.48]  coming
+[1681.48 --> 1682.66]  in our flesh
+[1682.66 --> 1683.98]  in Jesus
+[1683.98 --> 1684.62]  your son
+[1684.62 --> 1686.68]  to remind us
+[1686.68 --> 1688.60]  that our hope
+[1688.60 --> 1689.42]  is real
+[1689.42 --> 1690.76]  our hope
+[1690.76 --> 1691.96]  has flesh and blood
+[1691.96 --> 1694.38]  and so we pray
+[1694.38 --> 1696.42]  together with Joseph
+[1696.42 --> 1697.92]  may our faith
+[1697.92 --> 1698.28]  too
+[1698.28 --> 1699.80]  remain strong
+[1699.80 --> 1700.46]  may our hope
+[1700.46 --> 1701.50]  remain alive
+[1701.50 --> 1703.42]  and may we live lives
+[1703.42 --> 1704.00]  consistent
+[1704.00 --> 1705.42]  with that faith
+[1705.42 --> 1706.70]  and that hope
+[1706.70 --> 1707.78]  every day
+[1707.78 --> 1709.50]  in Jesus name
+[1709.50 --> 1709.98]  we pray
+[1709.98 --> 1711.10]  amen

Return from Exile ｜ Ezra 1_1-4_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,664 @@
+[0.00 --> 9.20]  It is good to be back in the sanctuary again, isn't it?
+[10.40 --> 14.16]  Brothers and sisters, both here and those of you who are joining us online,
+[14.96 --> 16.58]  it is a strange Sunday, though.
+[17.34 --> 20.80]  As good as it is to be back, we're not back as we should be.
+[21.56 --> 22.56]  And that's strange.
+[23.24 --> 26.12]  We celebrate, and yet we maybe mourn a little bit.
+[27.08 --> 32.10]  Several of us leaders, of Emmanuel's leaders, got together to plan this upcoming season
+[32.10 --> 34.44]  that we find ourselves in as restrictions have been lifted.
+[34.82 --> 38.70]  And one of the things that was discussed was this actual Sunday service,
+[38.78 --> 39.64]  this one we're in right now.
+[41.12 --> 42.78]  We didn't know what the vibe was going to be.
+[43.20 --> 47.00]  We weren't sure if we should be celebrating that we can come back together
+[47.00 --> 49.54]  or lamenting that not everybody is here.
+[49.54 --> 55.42]  We didn't know if this would be a joyous Sunday because we're back in the sanctuary
+[55.42 --> 58.06]  or a hard Sunday because we're missing some faces.
+[58.20 --> 61.04]  Should we celebrate the fact that we have this technology
+[61.04 --> 63.88]  that we can come together as a whole body of Christ?
+[64.92 --> 68.18]  Or should we be mourning various losses that maybe we have gone through
+[68.18 --> 70.62]  over these past several weeks and months?
+[71.28 --> 77.48]  On top of that, with inequality and injustice on the forefronts of people's minds right now
+[77.48 --> 80.10]  due to the events that are happening both in the States and in Canada
+[80.10 --> 82.12]  with race, with hate.
+[82.60 --> 86.70]  How do we bring love to this culture that is so very divided?
+[87.38 --> 89.88]  And it goes beyond the division of race that we see,
+[90.36 --> 92.96]  but it's this division of political worldviews,
+[93.52 --> 97.46]  the division of how to solve some of these problems within the systems we find ourselves in,
+[97.52 --> 103.22]  and just this growing false narrative that is continuing on,
+[103.22 --> 109.30]  and this idea, this false idea that if we don't believe the same thing as our neighbors,
+[109.40 --> 110.76]  we must fear or hate them.
+[112.02 --> 116.56]  And that false narrative that is digging deeper and deeper into our culture,
+[116.56 --> 121.60]  it continues to make the division wider and wider and that chasm greater.
+[123.24 --> 127.36]  And yet we can gather together and be here, and that is good.
+[127.36 --> 132.46]  We're called to rejoice when others rejoice and mourn when others mourn,
+[132.50 --> 139.66]  but in this current context, how do we rejoice and mourn and celebrate and lament at the same time?
+[140.30 --> 143.00]  What are we to do here today?
+[144.54 --> 151.24]  Where is the hope in the midst of this sorrow and joy and just overall strangeness?
+[151.24 --> 157.18]  What we can do, brothers and sisters, is we can open up the Word.
+[157.38 --> 162.16]  We can open up the Word of God, because in the Word of God, there is truth.
+[163.30 --> 168.42]  We believe that our only comfort in life and in death is that we belong both body and soul to Jesus Christ.
+[168.72 --> 173.28]  Well, this book is His Word to us, and this is where we will find the truth.
+[173.60 --> 180.42]  This is where we will find what we need to go through what is happening today in all our lives,
+[180.42 --> 184.02]  be it good, be it bad, be it hard, be it comforting.
+[185.62 --> 190.16]  One of the best things we can do is listen right now, but it depends on who we listen to.
+[190.74 --> 194.26]  And first and foremost, we need to listen to Christ.
+[194.48 --> 196.02]  We need to listen to Him first.
+[197.92 --> 202.76]  And so I picked a passage today that I believe has some parallels to our current context.
+[204.24 --> 208.16]  And so we're going to open up the Word of God, and I invite you to pull out your Bibles if you've got them with you today.
+[208.16 --> 211.50]  Today, we're going to open up the Word of God and look at a passage in Ezra.
+[211.68 --> 215.32]  We're going to be reading the first four verses in Ezra together.
+[215.78 --> 217.82]  And so at home, please pull out your Bibles as well.
+[217.90 --> 221.62]  Now, before we quickly look into it, before we look into these first four verses,
+[222.36 --> 224.66]  here's why I thought this passage applies to us today.
+[225.72 --> 231.88]  See, Ezra is a book all about the exiled Jewish people being allowed in limited capacity
+[231.88 --> 234.46]  to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple.
+[234.46 --> 240.50]  And of course, today, here we are, allowed to come back into the sanctuary in a limited capacity.
+[241.54 --> 246.90]  In Ezra, these Jewish people were subjects of unjust and an oppressive nation in Babylon.
+[247.16 --> 252.76]  And today, oppression and injustice are needing a ton of discussion where we find ourselves.
+[254.40 --> 258.76]  In Ezra, the Israelites, they just spent 70 years in exile in Babylon.
+[258.76 --> 264.30]  And today, we have just spent the last three months in this sort of soft isolation on our couches.
+[264.54 --> 269.66]  So the parallel isn't quite perfect necessarily, but I think it's close enough that we can open up our Bibles today.
+[269.72 --> 273.68]  So please, read with me these first four verses found in Ezra chapter 1.
+[273.68 --> 294.20]  This is what the king of Persia says.
+[294.20 --> 300.82]  The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth,
+[300.94 --> 307.16]  and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.
+[308.10 --> 314.10]  Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel,
+[314.30 --> 318.48]  the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them.
+[318.48 --> 326.50]  And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold,
+[326.58 --> 332.88]  with goods and livestocks, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.
+[334.08 --> 335.38]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[337.94 --> 345.30]  Now to start, I'm going to power through an obnoxiously quick history lesson to put this passage into context.
+[345.30 --> 349.98]  Okay, so way back in 1 Kings, Israel wanted kings.
+[350.64 --> 351.96]  And so God gave them Saul.
+[352.06 --> 356.36]  But God's warning was, you need to remain faithful to me, or you will, in essence, be conquered.
+[357.14 --> 361.28]  Well, Saul was their king, and after Saul came David, and after David came Solomon,
+[361.40 --> 362.98]  and after Solomon came Rehoboam.
+[363.26 --> 367.88]  And when Rehoboam was king, the nation was already on this terribly sinful trajectory.
+[368.60 --> 372.38]  In fact, when Rehoboam was king, the kingdom of Israel divided into two parts.
+[372.38 --> 376.42]  You had the northern kingdom of Israel, and you had the southern kingdom of Judah.
+[376.90 --> 382.06]  In the northern kingdom of Israel, in the following years, they had 19 kings in succession.
+[382.98 --> 386.52]  All 19 of those kings were terrible.
+[387.22 --> 392.36]  They were just super evil, idol-worshiping, fanatically wicked kings.
+[392.36 --> 398.16]  And in 721 BC, Assyria came in and just wiped them out.
+[399.08 --> 400.14]  Just took them over.
+[402.16 --> 406.24]  Meanwhile, during all of this, the southern kingdom of Judah, they had kings too.
+[406.34 --> 407.98]  They had 20 kings in succession.
+[408.56 --> 409.56]  They did a little bit better.
+[410.24 --> 413.76]  They had eight kings that God said were good in the eyes of the Lord.
+[413.76 --> 418.00]  But yet, eight kings out of 20 still is not that good of a percentage.
+[418.46 --> 423.92]  And in 605 BC, Babylon comes in and conquers Judah as well.
+[424.58 --> 427.78]  Takes all of the people of Judah into exile.
+[428.94 --> 430.42]  This time to the Babylonians.
+[430.80 --> 434.46]  So the Jews, they are in exile for 70 years.
+[434.98 --> 437.18]  And in those 70 years, if you remember your Bibles,
+[437.26 --> 440.64]  you get stories like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the furnace.
+[440.64 --> 443.64]  And you get the whole book of Daniel and the whole book of Ezekiel.
+[443.76 --> 447.12]  All of that happens in the 70-year time when they are in exile.
+[448.04 --> 450.14]  And now, we're landing the history lesson here.
+[450.78 --> 454.24]  But after 70 years in exile, Persia comes along.
+[454.66 --> 455.88]  And they conquer Babylon.
+[457.32 --> 458.60]  And then we get to our text.
+[459.10 --> 460.44]  After Persia takes over,
+[461.02 --> 464.74]  some Jewish people, that they can return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.
+[465.44 --> 467.06]  And that was our text today.
+[467.06 --> 472.44]  That's a crazy story, if you think about it.
+[472.72 --> 475.06]  God's people, they're in exile for 70 years.
+[475.36 --> 477.06]  They've been thrown into fiery furnaces.
+[477.40 --> 479.10]  They've been chucked into lion's dens.
+[479.52 --> 483.08]  And then, the Babylonians, who have been tormenting them for 70 years,
+[483.18 --> 484.66]  they get overrun by Persia.
+[485.52 --> 486.56]  And the king of Persia,
+[487.10 --> 489.54]  all of a sudden, for really no reason at all,
+[489.88 --> 491.32]  he says, eh, go home.
+[491.92 --> 492.68]  It's fine.
+[493.90 --> 495.00]  You know what? Just go home.
+[495.00 --> 497.56]  And, you know what? Build a temple for that god that you worship.
+[497.64 --> 498.22]  He'd like that.
+[498.56 --> 499.78]  He seems like a cool god.
+[500.64 --> 501.54]  Build a temple for him.
+[501.56 --> 503.50]  You know what? Take my gold and silver, too.
+[503.56 --> 504.14]  That will help.
+[506.02 --> 507.76]  Think about that. That is fascinating.
+[508.28 --> 509.92]  The Persians were not God's people.
+[511.08 --> 513.68]  Cyrus was not worshipping Yahweh in any means.
+[515.24 --> 517.90]  Cyrus gains absolutely nothing by doing this.
+[517.90 --> 522.52]  In fact, he risks losing the loyalty of his own people
+[522.52 --> 524.74]  by releasing the Jews back to Jerusalem.
+[525.58 --> 528.18]  This was not a normal practice for kings
+[528.18 --> 530.28]  in the conquering of all nations business.
+[532.44 --> 533.46]  But it happens.
+[535.16 --> 537.38]  So why does Cyrus make this proclamation?
+[537.66 --> 540.64]  Why does he decree that the Jewish people can go back
+[540.64 --> 541.76]  and build this temple?
+[541.76 --> 544.90]  And how does this relate to us right now, where we are?
+[546.98 --> 548.32]  Well, let's look at three truths
+[548.32 --> 550.52]  that come out of this passage here in Ezra,
+[550.56 --> 552.94]  in this event in the history of the Israelites
+[552.94 --> 554.60]  and the history of the planet.
+[555.74 --> 557.06]  The first truth is this.
+[557.74 --> 559.48]  God is sovereign.
+[560.74 --> 562.70]  He is in control of all things.
+[562.70 --> 567.60]  He even uses people and places and situations
+[567.60 --> 575.36]  that seem unusable in order to fulfill his works,
+[575.54 --> 579.14]  in order to fulfill his purposes for his people.
+[579.24 --> 580.88]  Notice the first verse of our text.
+[581.24 --> 585.18]  The Lord moved the heart of King Cyrus,
+[585.62 --> 587.84]  king of Persia, to make a proclamation in the realm.
+[588.04 --> 591.64]  The Lord moved Cyrus' heart.
+[592.86 --> 594.00]  The ESV says it this way.
+[594.00 --> 597.58]  The Lord stirred in the heart of King Cyrus.
+[597.60 --> 601.24]  The original Hebrew word there,
+[601.34 --> 602.38]  the word for moved or stirred,
+[602.62 --> 603.64]  it means to awaken.
+[604.64 --> 607.48]  So God awoke Cyrus to his plan.
+[607.62 --> 610.52]  God awoke his sovereignty to Cyrus.
+[611.34 --> 612.74]  And Cyrus had to act on it.
+[614.68 --> 617.08]  The hand of the Lord can reach from anywhere,
+[617.42 --> 619.58]  through anyone, and do anything.
+[620.18 --> 624.78]  He is in control of this world.
+[624.78 --> 627.86]  In fact, this is fascinating,
+[628.24 --> 630.88]  about 150 years before this happened,
+[631.36 --> 634.10]  150 years before Cyrus made this proclamation,
+[634.80 --> 637.80]  the prophet Isaiah prophesied all of it.
+[638.48 --> 639.56]  Now I have to highlight this
+[639.56 --> 641.32]  because it might seem confusing in your Bibles.
+[641.68 --> 642.90]  Even though the book of Isaiah
+[642.90 --> 645.20]  comes after the book of Ezra in your Bibles,
+[645.80 --> 648.28]  the events of Isaiah happened beforehand.
+[648.90 --> 649.50]  The Bible's not,
+[649.58 --> 651.74]  the Old Testament's not in chronological order that way.
+[651.74 --> 655.90]  So Isaiah comes along 150 years before this event,
+[656.06 --> 658.34]  about 80 years before they're even in exile.
+[660.14 --> 661.28]  And he predicts this.
+[661.36 --> 662.20]  He prophesies this.
+[662.26 --> 663.80]  In Isaiah 45, we read this,
+[663.88 --> 665.46]  and I'm going to condense it a little bit,
+[665.48 --> 667.08]  but this is what Isaiah 45 says.
+[667.36 --> 668.86]  Feel free to open it and follow along.
+[669.72 --> 670.56]  Isaiah 45 says,
+[670.56 --> 672.98]  This is what the Lord says to his anointed,
+[673.74 --> 674.36]  to Cyrus,
+[675.00 --> 677.14]  whose right hand I will take hold of
+[677.14 --> 679.72]  to subdue nations before him
+[679.72 --> 681.90]  and to strip kings of their armor.
+[682.26 --> 684.30]  I will go before you, says the Lord,
+[684.62 --> 685.84]  so that you may know
+[685.84 --> 688.38]  that I am the Lord, the God,
+[688.72 --> 689.94]  the God of Israel.
+[690.34 --> 692.62]  I summon you, Cyrus,
+[692.98 --> 694.28]  by name
+[694.28 --> 696.70]  and bestow on you a title of honor,
+[696.70 --> 700.42]  though you do not acknowledge me,
+[701.14 --> 703.60]  I am the Lord and there is no other.
+[706.34 --> 707.80]  150 years before this,
+[707.84 --> 709.04]  Cyrus isn't even alive yet.
+[710.30 --> 711.46]  And God is saying,
+[712.10 --> 713.82]  even though Cyrus isn't alive yet,
+[714.06 --> 716.08]  and even though he will not acknowledge me,
+[716.56 --> 718.46]  the Lord, the sovereign God of all things,
+[718.54 --> 719.92]  I will work through him
+[719.92 --> 723.00]  to start rebuilding God's temple.
+[723.00 --> 727.92]  Way before any of this ever took place,
+[728.48 --> 729.48]  God was in control.
+[729.80 --> 730.82]  God is above all.
+[731.34 --> 731.98]  He is in all.
+[732.08 --> 733.20]  He works through all.
+[733.32 --> 735.94]  He rules over his people at all times.
+[737.06 --> 739.28]  He has control over the universe,
+[739.92 --> 742.34]  even if it seems like things are falling apart.
+[743.78 --> 746.88]  Whether you're in the middle of a time in exile
+[746.88 --> 749.34]  or in the middle of a pandemic.
+[749.34 --> 752.34]  He was there for Israel
+[752.34 --> 754.20]  when they were slaves in a foreign land,
+[754.26 --> 755.12]  when they were oppressed.
+[756.60 --> 757.82]  He is for us.
+[757.94 --> 758.80]  He is for all,
+[758.90 --> 761.42]  even if we are feeling oppressed
+[761.42 --> 762.30]  or powerless
+[762.30 --> 764.58]  in this land that we are in right now.
+[764.66 --> 767.16]  It is God who is over all of it.
+[768.08 --> 769.14]  God who brings hope.
+[769.32 --> 772.06]  God who is sovereign over everything.
+[774.96 --> 776.30]  Some of you may be experiencing
+[776.30 --> 779.02]  this truth powerfully today.
+[780.34 --> 781.70]  Others may not be.
+[783.78 --> 785.66]  But when we look at this text,
+[786.10 --> 787.24]  let me encourage you.
+[787.90 --> 790.14]  Let me encourage you all to understand
+[790.14 --> 792.46]  the magnitude of God's power
+[792.46 --> 795.22]  and the scope of his sovereign love
+[795.22 --> 796.84]  for us all.
+[796.98 --> 798.88]  Brothers, sisters, friends,
+[799.44 --> 800.38]  God's got you.
+[801.86 --> 803.18]  That's truth number one.
+[803.18 --> 807.44]  The second truth is that God keeps his promises.
+[808.12 --> 810.18]  In both the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah,
+[810.82 --> 812.54]  we know that this is true.
+[813.88 --> 816.40]  God promised that he would bring his people back
+[816.40 --> 817.38]  to his homeland
+[817.38 --> 819.82]  through both of those prophets.
+[819.96 --> 820.82]  In Jeremiah, actually,
+[820.98 --> 822.12]  this text references it.
+[822.50 --> 824.28]  In Ezra 1 verse 1,
+[824.44 --> 825.40]  it references this.
+[826.32 --> 828.86]  And it references Jeremiah 29 verse 10
+[828.86 --> 829.84]  where God says,
+[830.44 --> 832.66]  when 70 years are completed for Babylon,
+[833.18 --> 834.34]  I will visit you
+[834.34 --> 837.38]  and keep my good promise to you,
+[837.96 --> 839.74]  causing you to return to this place.
+[841.86 --> 842.94]  God promises,
+[843.26 --> 843.96]  and then he delivers.
+[843.96 --> 848.16]  But I do bet a lot of the people of Judah,
+[848.28 --> 849.06]  they would have lost hope.
+[849.16 --> 850.86]  70 years is a long time.
+[851.38 --> 853.08]  That is a long time to be in exile.
+[854.48 --> 855.48]  Psalm 137,
+[855.62 --> 856.46]  whose scholars agree,
+[856.56 --> 857.34]  was probably written
+[857.34 --> 858.88]  while they were in captivity in Babylon.
+[859.02 --> 859.52]  It says this.
+[860.34 --> 861.30]  Psalm 137 says,
+[861.40 --> 862.58]  By the rivers of Babylon
+[862.58 --> 864.52]  we sat and wept
+[864.52 --> 866.34]  when we remembered Zion.
+[867.34 --> 869.42]  On the poplars we hung our harps,
+[869.50 --> 870.46]  for there our captives
+[870.46 --> 871.66]  asked us for songs.
+[871.66 --> 875.30]  Our tormentors demanded songs of joy.
+[875.38 --> 875.76]  They said,
+[876.24 --> 877.96]  Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
+[880.48 --> 882.44]  How can we sing the songs of the Lord
+[882.44 --> 883.68]  while we are in a foreign land?
+[885.80 --> 887.02]  God's people were worried
+[887.02 --> 887.94]  that he had left them.
+[888.94 --> 890.52]  But God keeps his promises.
+[891.90 --> 892.70]  He promised Noah
+[892.70 --> 894.64]  he would never destroy the world again
+[894.64 --> 896.52]  to rid it of sin.
+[897.12 --> 897.76]  And he delivered.
+[898.44 --> 899.84]  He promised to give Abraham
+[899.84 --> 901.42]  more descendants than the stars.
+[901.42 --> 902.06]  And he delivered.
+[902.28 --> 903.88]  He promised he would deliver
+[903.88 --> 905.32]  the Israelites from Egypt.
+[905.48 --> 906.24]  And he delivered.
+[906.44 --> 908.08]  He promised he would deliver Judah
+[908.08 --> 909.38]  from his captives in Babylon
+[909.38 --> 911.24]  through a king named Cyrus.
+[911.58 --> 912.58]  And he delivered.
+[914.40 --> 917.68]  And time and time again
+[917.68 --> 919.36]  throughout the whole Old Testament
+[919.36 --> 923.20]  he promised a Messiah would come
+[923.20 --> 925.28]  to save us from the weight
+[925.28 --> 926.26]  of sin and death.
+[926.26 --> 928.52]  And he delivered.
+[929.72 --> 930.96]  He delivered his son
+[930.96 --> 932.18]  to die for us all.
+[934.78 --> 936.72]  Something we will once again remember
+[936.72 --> 937.86]  as we partake in communion
+[937.86 --> 938.80]  in just a few moments.
+[940.60 --> 942.10]  God promised his spirit
+[942.10 --> 944.04]  to all who believe.
+[944.72 --> 946.16]  And he delivered that too.
+[947.60 --> 949.32]  And he promised to be with us always
+[949.32 --> 951.38]  to the very end of the age.
+[951.38 --> 955.20]  God keeps his promise.
+[957.66 --> 959.38]  No matter where we are in life today
+[959.38 --> 960.50]  no matter what is happening
+[960.50 --> 961.16]  in this world
+[961.16 --> 961.96]  in your life
+[961.96 --> 963.18]  or in the world around you
+[963.18 --> 963.56]  remember
+[963.56 --> 966.22]  God keeps his promises.
+[966.52 --> 967.70]  He's promised to be with you.
+[968.12 --> 968.98]  He is with you.
+[969.34 --> 970.12]  You are not alone.
+[970.94 --> 971.74]  So God is sovereign.
+[972.16 --> 973.14]  God keeps his promises.
+[973.74 --> 974.32]  And thirdly
+[974.32 --> 976.82]  God provides for his people.
+[976.82 --> 977.64]  The final verse
+[977.64 --> 979.02]  of this text highlights this.
+[980.44 --> 981.96]  The final verse says this.
+[982.84 --> 983.72]  And in any locality
+[983.72 --> 985.26]  where survivors may now be living
+[985.26 --> 986.92]  the people are to provide them
+[986.92 --> 988.32]  with silver and gold
+[988.32 --> 989.52]  with goods and livestock
+[989.52 --> 991.24]  and with free will offerings
+[991.24 --> 993.02]  for the temple of God
+[993.02 --> 994.04]  in Jerusalem.
+[995.24 --> 996.28]  So not only did God
+[996.28 --> 997.40]  provide the Jewish people
+[997.40 --> 998.34]  with their land back
+[998.34 --> 999.62]  but through Cyrus
+[999.62 --> 1001.22]  they also left with tons
+[1001.22 --> 1002.78]  of provisions as well.
+[1003.40 --> 1004.46]  If you were to keep reading
+[1004.46 --> 1005.04]  in Ezra 1
+[1005.04 --> 1006.42]  if you get to verses 9 and 11
+[1006.42 --> 1007.50]  you get to see
+[1007.50 --> 1008.94]  everything that they were
+[1008.94 --> 1010.02]  that they took with them
+[1010.02 --> 1010.94]  that Cyrus gave them.
+[1011.34 --> 1013.48]  It came up to 5,400 articles
+[1013.48 --> 1014.50]  pots, pans, dishes
+[1014.50 --> 1016.26]  of gold and silver
+[1016.26 --> 1017.24]  with them.
+[1018.64 --> 1019.48]  Going back home
+[1019.48 --> 1020.04]  is one thing.
+[1020.68 --> 1021.28]  Going back home
+[1021.28 --> 1022.26]  with everything you need
+[1022.26 --> 1023.58]  to start rebuilding a temple
+[1023.58 --> 1025.02]  and rebuilding a society
+[1025.02 --> 1026.48]  is another.
+[1031.26 --> 1032.58]  God knew what his people needed
+[1032.58 --> 1034.20]  to fulfill his purposes for them
+[1034.20 --> 1035.82]  and he provided it for them.
+[1035.82 --> 1037.10]  Now to be clear
+[1037.10 --> 1038.88]  this is not a prosperity gospel.
+[1039.22 --> 1040.30]  This is not a text
+[1040.30 --> 1041.48]  about simply asking
+[1041.48 --> 1042.18]  for what you want
+[1042.18 --> 1042.62]  hard enough
+[1042.62 --> 1043.20]  and getting it.
+[1043.26 --> 1044.12]  That is not what Ezra
+[1044.12 --> 1044.64]  is getting at.
+[1044.82 --> 1045.56]  That is not the truth
+[1045.56 --> 1046.16]  of this text.
+[1046.52 --> 1047.26]  The Jewish people
+[1047.26 --> 1048.22]  needed gold and silver
+[1048.22 --> 1049.18]  in order to go
+[1049.18 --> 1050.40]  and fulfill God's promises
+[1050.40 --> 1051.38]  of rebuilding the temple
+[1051.38 --> 1052.72]  so God gave it to them.
+[1053.16 --> 1053.98]  Chances are many of us
+[1053.98 --> 1055.74]  do not need 5,400 articles
+[1055.74 --> 1056.68]  of gold and silver
+[1056.68 --> 1057.34]  plates and dishes
+[1057.34 --> 1058.38]  to be able to fulfill
+[1058.38 --> 1059.04]  God's promises
+[1059.04 --> 1059.66]  in this world
+[1059.66 --> 1060.52]  that we are in right now.
+[1060.66 --> 1061.56]  So that is not the point
+[1061.56 --> 1062.12]  of this text.
+[1062.12 --> 1065.32]  However, God does provide
+[1065.32 --> 1066.36]  whatever you need
+[1066.36 --> 1068.18]  to fulfill his plans
+[1068.18 --> 1069.62]  for you personally
+[1069.62 --> 1070.82]  in this world.
+[1071.52 --> 1072.62]  He also gives
+[1072.62 --> 1073.60]  what we need
+[1073.60 --> 1074.52]  as a church
+[1074.52 --> 1076.34]  to function as his body
+[1076.34 --> 1077.82]  here in Langley, B.C.
+[1077.82 --> 1082.20]  Now, I'm going to linger
+[1082.20 --> 1083.52]  on finances for a second
+[1083.52 --> 1084.24]  and then I'm going
+[1084.24 --> 1084.92]  to move on to them
+[1084.92 --> 1087.16]  because this is not a text
+[1087.16 --> 1088.20]  simply about finances
+[1088.20 --> 1089.44]  but there is a really
+[1089.44 --> 1090.18]  sweet example
+[1090.18 --> 1090.90]  about how God
+[1090.90 --> 1092.04]  has been working
+[1092.04 --> 1092.80]  in this church
+[1092.80 --> 1094.46]  that we need to celebrate today.
+[1094.98 --> 1095.98]  When this pandemic
+[1095.98 --> 1096.68]  hit in March,
+[1096.92 --> 1097.78]  many of us
+[1097.78 --> 1099.12]  were praying for each other
+[1099.12 --> 1100.06]  because we were worried
+[1100.06 --> 1100.86]  about how it was going
+[1100.86 --> 1101.90]  to affect our lives.
+[1102.00 --> 1102.62]  Eric mentioned this
+[1102.62 --> 1103.18]  in his prayer.
+[1103.76 --> 1104.36]  We weren't sure
+[1104.36 --> 1105.76]  what our job situations
+[1105.76 --> 1106.20]  were going to be.
+[1106.20 --> 1106.70]  We weren't sure
+[1106.70 --> 1108.06]  what our financial situations
+[1108.06 --> 1108.56]  were going to be
+[1108.56 --> 1109.52]  or our livelihoods.
+[1109.94 --> 1110.44]  And so our church,
+[1110.56 --> 1110.90]  we were praying
+[1110.90 --> 1111.44]  for each other.
+[1111.80 --> 1112.70]  We prayed and feared
+[1112.70 --> 1113.56]  for people's jobs
+[1113.56 --> 1114.88]  and for people's livelihoods
+[1114.88 --> 1116.24]  but we were also concerned
+[1116.24 --> 1117.76]  and praying for this church
+[1117.76 --> 1118.98]  because we didn't know
+[1118.98 --> 1119.60]  how all of that
+[1119.60 --> 1121.48]  was going to affect us here.
+[1121.90 --> 1122.44]  We didn't know
+[1122.44 --> 1123.52]  how the church's budget
+[1123.52 --> 1125.38]  was going to be affected.
+[1125.64 --> 1126.66]  We were already behind
+[1126.66 --> 1129.06]  and what was going to happen
+[1129.06 --> 1129.68]  when this pandemic
+[1129.68 --> 1130.36]  hit full force?
+[1130.98 --> 1131.52]  How are we going
+[1131.52 --> 1132.26]  to be able to hire
+[1132.26 --> 1133.38]  a pastor, for example,
+[1134.30 --> 1134.92]  once this hit?
+[1134.92 --> 1136.10]  So we were praying.
+[1136.18 --> 1136.64]  We were worried.
+[1137.60 --> 1138.30]  But brothers and sisters,
+[1138.40 --> 1139.40]  over the last three months,
+[1139.62 --> 1140.38]  not only have people
+[1140.38 --> 1140.96]  kept giving,
+[1141.70 --> 1142.70]  giving has gone up
+[1142.70 --> 1144.66]  in the last three months
+[1144.66 --> 1145.58]  to this church.
+[1146.54 --> 1148.10]  Your generosity has helped us
+[1148.10 --> 1149.16]  through a very hard time.
+[1149.40 --> 1150.36]  It's actually allowed us
+[1150.36 --> 1151.64]  to do some very cool things.
+[1151.92 --> 1153.18]  Our deacons have taken on
+[1153.18 --> 1154.38]  this very cool
+[1154.38 --> 1155.52]  mercy ministry initiative
+[1155.52 --> 1156.56]  with other churches
+[1156.56 --> 1157.24]  around Langley
+[1157.24 --> 1158.04]  called Hello Church
+[1158.04 --> 1159.28]  where anybody in Langley
+[1159.28 --> 1160.62]  can call or sign up
+[1160.62 --> 1161.14]  on this number
+[1161.14 --> 1161.66]  and a church
+[1161.66 --> 1162.70]  will help support us.
+[1162.76 --> 1163.46]  Our church is involved
+[1163.46 --> 1163.80]  with that.
+[1163.80 --> 1164.90]  We've been able
+[1164.90 --> 1165.82]  to set up live streaming
+[1165.82 --> 1166.54]  options right now
+[1166.54 --> 1167.32]  so that we can gather
+[1167.32 --> 1168.52]  in this church of 40 people
+[1168.52 --> 1169.82]  but know that our whole body
+[1169.82 --> 1170.72]  is watching with us
+[1170.72 --> 1171.24]  at home.
+[1172.12 --> 1172.98]  We are not worried
+[1172.98 --> 1174.16]  about hiring a pastor later
+[1174.16 --> 1174.98]  because the finances
+[1174.98 --> 1175.48]  have come in
+[1175.48 --> 1176.14]  and so hopefully later
+[1176.14 --> 1177.06]  this year that will happen.
+[1177.26 --> 1178.04]  And we have a bunch
+[1178.04 --> 1179.10]  of new ministry initiatives
+[1179.10 --> 1180.02]  happening in September
+[1180.02 --> 1180.48]  as well,
+[1180.60 --> 1181.60]  all because of
+[1181.60 --> 1182.58]  your generosity.
+[1182.92 --> 1184.10]  And while we can celebrate
+[1184.10 --> 1185.54]  that and we can celebrate
+[1185.54 --> 1186.20]  the generosity
+[1186.20 --> 1186.74]  of the people
+[1186.74 --> 1187.36]  of this church,
+[1188.00 --> 1188.68]  brothers and sisters,
+[1188.78 --> 1189.64]  let's remember this.
+[1189.64 --> 1191.94]  It's the Holy Spirit
+[1191.94 --> 1193.62]  working in our hearts
+[1193.62 --> 1195.80]  making us generous,
+[1196.04 --> 1198.08]  awakening us to give.
+[1198.86 --> 1200.88]  This is God providing
+[1200.88 --> 1202.58]  for our church.
+[1203.02 --> 1204.16]  This is God providing
+[1204.16 --> 1206.42]  for our brothers and sisters.
+[1208.20 --> 1210.06]  And it goes way beyond finances.
+[1211.72 --> 1213.76]  God provides what we need
+[1213.76 --> 1215.90]  to get through difficult times.
+[1215.90 --> 1218.76]  Just like He provided
+[1218.76 --> 1219.36]  for the Jews
+[1219.36 --> 1220.98]  when they returned to exile,
+[1221.08 --> 1222.08]  He provides for us.
+[1224.34 --> 1225.38]  Some of you may be needing
+[1225.38 --> 1226.28]  some hope right now
+[1226.28 --> 1227.94]  or peace.
+[1229.30 --> 1230.70]  Some of us need to know
+[1230.70 --> 1231.26]  we're not alone.
+[1233.30 --> 1234.40]  Maybe you need comfort.
+[1235.58 --> 1236.48]  Maybe you need support.
+[1236.62 --> 1237.48]  Maybe you need community.
+[1238.40 --> 1239.52]  We all need different things
+[1239.52 --> 1240.22]  to be able to live
+[1240.22 --> 1240.84]  in this life.
+[1242.18 --> 1243.42]  And we need different things
+[1243.42 --> 1244.30]  to be able to fulfill
+[1244.30 --> 1245.10]  God's mandate
+[1245.10 --> 1246.04]  for our lives,
+[1246.06 --> 1246.98]  to love each other,
+[1247.54 --> 1248.46]  to love everyone.
+[1250.42 --> 1251.38]  God provides.
+[1251.48 --> 1252.16]  What is it you need
+[1252.16 --> 1252.88]  to be able to live
+[1252.88 --> 1253.86]  that life of love
+[1253.86 --> 1254.46]  for your neighbors,
+[1254.58 --> 1255.00]  for each other?
+[1255.06 --> 1255.80]  What do you need
+[1255.80 --> 1256.86]  to be able to go out
+[1256.86 --> 1257.84]  and take that next step?
+[1258.68 --> 1259.66]  God provides.
+[1259.82 --> 1260.60]  Pray for that.
+[1262.10 --> 1262.90]  That's where God
+[1262.90 --> 1264.80]  will be there in abundance.
+[1266.20 --> 1266.80]  And of course,
+[1267.14 --> 1268.50]  God's biggest provision
+[1268.50 --> 1269.66]  for all of us
+[1269.66 --> 1270.76]  was once again,
+[1270.80 --> 1271.40]  it was His Son.
+[1272.06 --> 1272.74]  It was His Son,
+[1272.74 --> 1273.40]  Jesus Christ,
+[1273.54 --> 1274.88]  who came into this world
+[1274.88 --> 1276.14]  who died on the cross
+[1276.14 --> 1277.74]  and offers us grace
+[1277.74 --> 1278.44]  for our sins
+[1278.44 --> 1279.48]  and eternal life
+[1279.48 --> 1280.08]  if we believe.
+[1280.92 --> 1281.70]  He frees us
+[1281.70 --> 1282.44]  from the shackles
+[1282.44 --> 1284.38]  of sin and of death.
+[1284.44 --> 1285.24]  Listen to what Paul writes
+[1285.24 --> 1286.46]  in Romans 8, verse 32.
+[1287.30 --> 1287.70]  He says,
+[1287.70 --> 1288.34]  the God,
+[1288.34 --> 1289.66]  He who did not spare
+[1289.66 --> 1290.80]  His own Son,
+[1291.24 --> 1292.90]  but gave Him for us all,
+[1293.96 --> 1294.76]  how will He
+[1294.76 --> 1295.92]  not also,
+[1296.58 --> 1297.34]  alone with Him,
+[1297.84 --> 1298.98]  graciously give us
+[1298.98 --> 1299.62]  all things?
+[1301.60 --> 1302.76]  God gave us His Son
+[1302.76 --> 1303.52]  as the ultimate
+[1303.52 --> 1304.52]  freeing sacrifice
+[1304.52 --> 1305.62]  for you.
+[1306.24 --> 1307.68]  He provides for you.
+[1309.44 --> 1310.62]  I want to close this sermon
+[1310.62 --> 1311.12]  from a quote
+[1311.12 --> 1312.18]  from author P. Williams.
+[1313.72 --> 1314.64]  In his book,
+[1314.64 --> 1316.12]  in his book
+[1316.12 --> 1316.80]  Opening Ezra,
+[1316.86 --> 1317.40]  he says this,
+[1317.46 --> 1317.88]  and this is just
+[1317.88 --> 1318.56]  a beautiful quote
+[1318.56 --> 1319.26]  that sums this up.
+[1319.32 --> 1319.66]  He says,
+[1320.30 --> 1321.58]  Man cannot provide
+[1321.58 --> 1322.56]  his own salvation.
+[1322.74 --> 1323.84]  Only God can do that.
+[1324.82 --> 1325.90]  In the cross of Jesus,
+[1326.64 --> 1327.80]  life is provided
+[1327.80 --> 1329.52]  in place of eternal damnation.
+[1330.38 --> 1331.10]  And in addition
+[1331.10 --> 1332.58]  to delivering up His Son,
+[1333.44 --> 1334.98]  God will also freely
+[1334.98 --> 1335.92]  provide us
+[1335.92 --> 1337.26]  with all things,
+[1337.34 --> 1337.74]  he says.
+[1338.56 --> 1339.90]  The grace needed
+[1339.90 --> 1340.68]  for each day,
+[1341.68 --> 1342.34]  the strength
+[1342.34 --> 1342.94]  to overcome
+[1342.94 --> 1343.62]  our weaknesses
+[1343.62 --> 1345.24]  and the power
+[1345.24 --> 1346.52]  to overcome temptation.
+[1348.02 --> 1349.04]  God is sovereign.
+[1349.56 --> 1350.30]  God is faithful.
+[1351.02 --> 1351.80]  God provides
+[1351.80 --> 1352.94]  no matter what.
+[1354.22 --> 1354.50]  Amen.
+[1354.72 --> 1355.42]  Please pray with me.
+[1360.42 --> 1361.22]  God Almighty,
+[1361.44 --> 1363.28]  sovereign over all things,
+[1363.46 --> 1364.84]  covenant keeper,
+[1365.58 --> 1366.46]  we thank you
+[1366.46 --> 1367.98]  for faithfully
+[1367.98 --> 1369.10]  keeping your promises
+[1369.10 --> 1369.66]  with us.
+[1369.66 --> 1371.98]  Let us remember
+[1371.98 --> 1374.58]  that all things
+[1374.58 --> 1376.18]  you have promised us,
+[1376.48 --> 1377.90]  how you are with us,
+[1377.96 --> 1379.14]  how your spirit dwells in us,
+[1379.18 --> 1379.98]  how we have the ability
+[1379.98 --> 1380.72]  to love others
+[1380.72 --> 1382.06]  simply by submitting
+[1382.06 --> 1383.06]  to your love for us.
+[1384.10 --> 1385.40]  And thank you most of all
+[1385.40 --> 1385.94]  for your Son,
+[1386.04 --> 1386.72]  Jesus Christ,
+[1387.00 --> 1388.50]  for his ultimate sacrifice
+[1388.50 --> 1389.38]  on the cross.
+[1390.24 --> 1391.10]  As we celebrate
+[1391.10 --> 1391.96]  communion in moments,
+[1392.04 --> 1392.72]  may you remind us
+[1392.72 --> 1393.26]  once again
+[1393.26 --> 1393.92]  of his suffering
+[1393.92 --> 1395.36]  and of his conquest
+[1395.36 --> 1396.30]  over sin and death.
+[1396.38 --> 1397.46]  In his name alone
+[1397.46 --> 1398.54]  we pray.
+[1398.86 --> 1399.14]  Amen.
+[1400.28 --> 1401.24]  Amen.
+[1401.66 --> 1401.86]  We pray.
+[1402.40 --> 1402.82]  Amen.
+[1402.82 --> 1402.88]  Amen.
+[1402.88 --> 1403.40]  Amen.
+[1403.72 --> 1403.88] !
+[1404.04 --> 1404.48]  Amen.
+[1404.66 --> 1404.74]  Thank you.
+[1405.38 --> 1405.44]  Amen.
+[1417.86 --> 1418.40]  Amen.
+[1418.50 --> 1418.60]  Amen.
+[1418.66 --> 1418.70]  Amen.
+[1418.70 --> 1420.92]  Amen.
+[1420.92 --> 1420.96]  Amen.
+[1421.32 --> 1423.78]  Amen.
+[1423.78 --> 1425.88]  Amen.
+[1425.88 --> 1426.68]  Amen.
+[1426.88 --> 1428.08]  Amen.
+[1428.08 --> 1428.52]  Amen.
+[1428.52 --> 1428.78]  Amen.
+[1428.78 --> 1429.64]  Amen.

Return from Exile ｜ Ezra 1_1-4_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,664 @@
+[0.00 --> 9.20]  It is good to be back in the sanctuary again, isn't it?
+[10.40 --> 14.16]  Brothers and sisters, both here and those of you who are joining us online,
+[14.96 --> 16.58]  it is a strange Sunday, though.
+[17.34 --> 20.80]  As good as it is to be back, we're not back as we should be.
+[21.56 --> 22.56]  And that's strange.
+[23.24 --> 26.12]  We celebrate, and yet we maybe mourn a little bit.
+[27.08 --> 32.10]  Several of us leaders, of Emmanuel's leaders, got together to plan this upcoming season
+[32.10 --> 34.44]  that we find ourselves in as restrictions have been lifted.
+[34.82 --> 38.70]  And one of the things that was discussed was this actual Sunday service,
+[38.78 --> 39.64]  this one we're in right now.
+[41.12 --> 42.78]  We didn't know what the vibe was going to be.
+[43.20 --> 47.00]  We weren't sure if we should be celebrating that we can come back together
+[47.00 --> 49.54]  or lamenting that not everybody is here.
+[49.54 --> 55.42]  We didn't know if this would be a joyous Sunday because we're back in the sanctuary
+[55.42 --> 58.06]  or a hard Sunday because we're missing some faces.
+[58.20 --> 61.04]  Should we celebrate the fact that we have this technology
+[61.04 --> 63.88]  that we can come together as a whole body of Christ?
+[64.92 --> 68.18]  Or should we be mourning various losses that maybe we have gone through
+[68.18 --> 70.62]  over these past several weeks and months?
+[71.28 --> 77.48]  On top of that, with inequality and injustice on the forefronts of people's minds right now
+[77.48 --> 80.10]  due to the events that are happening both in the States and in Canada
+[80.10 --> 82.12]  with race, with hate.
+[82.60 --> 86.70]  How do we bring love to this culture that is so very divided?
+[87.38 --> 89.88]  And it goes beyond the division of race that we see,
+[90.36 --> 92.96]  but it's this division of political worldviews,
+[93.52 --> 97.46]  the division of how to solve some of these problems within the systems we find ourselves in,
+[97.52 --> 103.22]  and just this growing false narrative that is continuing on,
+[103.22 --> 109.30]  and this idea, this false idea that if we don't believe the same thing as our neighbors,
+[109.40 --> 110.76]  we must fear or hate them.
+[112.02 --> 116.56]  And that false narrative that is digging deeper and deeper into our culture,
+[116.56 --> 121.60]  it continues to make the division wider and wider and that chasm greater.
+[123.24 --> 127.36]  And yet we can gather together and be here, and that is good.
+[127.36 --> 132.46]  We're called to rejoice when others rejoice and mourn when others mourn,
+[132.50 --> 139.66]  but in this current context, how do we rejoice and mourn and celebrate and lament at the same time?
+[140.30 --> 143.00]  What are we to do here today?
+[144.54 --> 151.24]  Where is the hope in the midst of this sorrow and joy and just overall strangeness?
+[151.24 --> 157.18]  What we can do, brothers and sisters, is we can open up the Word.
+[157.38 --> 162.16]  We can open up the Word of God, because in the Word of God, there is truth.
+[163.30 --> 168.42]  We believe that our only comfort in life and in death is that we belong both body and soul to Jesus Christ.
+[168.72 --> 173.28]  Well, this book is His Word to us, and this is where we will find the truth.
+[173.60 --> 180.42]  This is where we will find what we need to go through what is happening today in all our lives,
+[180.42 --> 184.02]  be it good, be it bad, be it hard, be it comforting.
+[185.62 --> 190.16]  One of the best things we can do is listen right now, but it depends on who we listen to.
+[190.74 --> 194.26]  And first and foremost, we need to listen to Christ.
+[194.48 --> 196.02]  We need to listen to Him first.
+[197.92 --> 202.76]  And so I picked a passage today that I believe has some parallels to our current context.
+[204.24 --> 208.16]  And so we're going to open up the Word of God, and I invite you to pull out your Bibles if you've got them with you today.
+[208.16 --> 211.50]  Today, we're going to open up the Word of God and look at a passage in Ezra.
+[211.68 --> 215.32]  We're going to be reading the first four verses in Ezra together.
+[215.78 --> 217.82]  And so at home, please pull out your Bibles as well.
+[217.90 --> 221.62]  Now, before we quickly look into it, before we look into these first four verses,
+[222.36 --> 224.66]  here's why I thought this passage applies to us today.
+[225.72 --> 231.88]  See, Ezra is a book all about the exiled Jewish people being allowed in limited capacity
+[231.88 --> 234.46]  to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple.
+[234.46 --> 240.50]  And of course, today, here we are, allowed to come back into the sanctuary in a limited capacity.
+[241.54 --> 246.90]  In Ezra, these Jewish people were subjects of unjust and an oppressive nation in Babylon.
+[247.16 --> 252.76]  And today, oppression and injustice are needing a ton of discussion where we find ourselves.
+[254.40 --> 258.76]  In Ezra, the Israelites, they just spent 70 years in exile in Babylon.
+[258.76 --> 264.30]  And today, we have just spent the last three months in this sort of soft isolation on our couches.
+[264.54 --> 269.66]  So the parallel isn't quite perfect necessarily, but I think it's close enough that we can open up our Bibles today.
+[269.72 --> 273.68]  So please, read with me these first four verses found in Ezra chapter 1.
+[273.68 --> 294.20]  This is what the king of Persia says.
+[294.20 --> 300.82]  The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth,
+[300.94 --> 307.16]  and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.
+[308.10 --> 314.10]  Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel,
+[314.30 --> 318.48]  the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them.
+[318.48 --> 326.50]  And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold,
+[326.58 --> 332.88]  with goods and livestocks, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.
+[334.08 --> 335.38]  This is the word of the Lord.
+[337.94 --> 345.30]  Now to start, I'm going to power through an obnoxiously quick history lesson to put this passage into context.
+[345.30 --> 349.98]  Okay, so way back in 1 Kings, Israel wanted kings.
+[350.64 --> 351.96]  And so God gave them Saul.
+[352.06 --> 356.36]  But God's warning was, you need to remain faithful to me, or you will, in essence, be conquered.
+[357.14 --> 361.28]  Well, Saul was their king, and after Saul came David, and after David came Solomon,
+[361.40 --> 362.98]  and after Solomon came Rehoboam.
+[363.26 --> 367.88]  And when Rehoboam was king, the nation was already on this terribly sinful trajectory.
+[368.60 --> 372.38]  In fact, when Rehoboam was king, the kingdom of Israel divided into two parts.
+[372.38 --> 376.42]  You had the northern kingdom of Israel, and you had the southern kingdom of Judah.
+[376.90 --> 382.06]  In the northern kingdom of Israel, in the following years, they had 19 kings in succession.
+[382.98 --> 386.52]  All 19 of those kings were terrible.
+[387.22 --> 392.36]  They were just super evil, idol-worshiping, fanatically wicked kings.
+[392.36 --> 398.16]  And in 721 BC, Assyria came in and just wiped them out.
+[399.08 --> 400.14]  Just took them over.
+[402.16 --> 406.24]  Meanwhile, during all of this, the southern kingdom of Judah, they had kings too.
+[406.34 --> 407.98]  They had 20 kings in succession.
+[408.56 --> 409.56]  They did a little bit better.
+[410.24 --> 413.76]  They had eight kings that God said were good in the eyes of the Lord.
+[413.76 --> 418.00]  But yet, eight kings out of 20 still is not that good of a percentage.
+[418.46 --> 423.92]  And in 605 BC, Babylon comes in and conquers Judah as well.
+[424.58 --> 427.78]  Takes all of the people of Judah into exile.
+[428.94 --> 430.42]  This time to the Babylonians.
+[430.80 --> 434.46]  So the Jews, they are in exile for 70 years.
+[434.98 --> 437.18]  And in those 70 years, if you remember your Bibles,
+[437.26 --> 440.64]  you get stories like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the furnace.
+[440.64 --> 443.64]  And you get the whole book of Daniel and the whole book of Ezekiel.
+[443.76 --> 447.12]  All of that happens in the 70-year time when they are in exile.
+[448.04 --> 450.14]  And now, we're landing the history lesson here.
+[450.78 --> 454.24]  But after 70 years in exile, Persia comes along.
+[454.66 --> 455.88]  And they conquer Babylon.
+[457.32 --> 458.60]  And then we get to our text.
+[459.10 --> 460.44]  After Persia takes over,
+[461.02 --> 464.74]  some Jewish people, that they can return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.
+[465.44 --> 467.06]  And that was our text today.
+[467.06 --> 472.44]  That's a crazy story, if you think about it.
+[472.72 --> 475.06]  God's people, they're in exile for 70 years.
+[475.36 --> 477.06]  They've been thrown into fiery furnaces.
+[477.40 --> 479.10]  They've been chucked into lion's dens.
+[479.52 --> 483.08]  And then, the Babylonians, who have been tormenting them for 70 years,
+[483.18 --> 484.66]  they get overrun by Persia.
+[485.52 --> 486.56]  And the king of Persia,
+[487.10 --> 489.54]  all of a sudden, for really no reason at all,
+[489.88 --> 491.32]  he says, eh, go home.
+[491.92 --> 492.68]  It's fine.
+[493.90 --> 495.00]  You know what? Just go home.
+[495.00 --> 497.56]  And, you know what? Build a temple for that god that you worship.
+[497.64 --> 498.22]  He'd like that.
+[498.56 --> 499.78]  He seems like a cool god.
+[500.64 --> 501.54]  Build a temple for him.
+[501.56 --> 503.50]  You know what? Take my gold and silver, too.
+[503.56 --> 504.14]  That will help.
+[506.02 --> 507.76]  Think about that. That is fascinating.
+[508.28 --> 509.92]  The Persians were not God's people.
+[511.08 --> 513.68]  Cyrus was not worshipping Yahweh in any means.
+[515.24 --> 517.90]  Cyrus gains absolutely nothing by doing this.
+[517.90 --> 522.52]  In fact, he risks losing the loyalty of his own people
+[522.52 --> 524.74]  by releasing the Jews back to Jerusalem.
+[525.58 --> 528.18]  This was not a normal practice for kings
+[528.18 --> 530.28]  in the conquering of all nations business.
+[532.44 --> 533.46]  But it happens.
+[535.16 --> 537.38]  So why does Cyrus make this proclamation?
+[537.66 --> 540.64]  Why does he decree that the Jewish people can go back
+[540.64 --> 541.76]  and build this temple?
+[541.76 --> 544.90]  And how does this relate to us right now, where we are?
+[546.98 --> 548.32]  Well, let's look at three truths
+[548.32 --> 550.52]  that come out of this passage here in Ezra,
+[550.56 --> 552.94]  in this event in the history of the Israelites
+[552.94 --> 554.60]  and the history of the planet.
+[555.74 --> 557.06]  The first truth is this.
+[557.74 --> 559.48]  God is sovereign.
+[560.74 --> 562.70]  He is in control of all things.
+[562.70 --> 567.60]  He even uses people and places and situations
+[567.60 --> 575.36]  that seem unusable in order to fulfill his works,
+[575.54 --> 579.14]  in order to fulfill his purposes for his people.
+[579.24 --> 580.88]  Notice the first verse of our text.
+[581.24 --> 585.18]  The Lord moved the heart of King Cyrus,
+[585.62 --> 587.84]  king of Persia, to make a proclamation in the realm.
+[588.04 --> 591.64]  The Lord moved Cyrus' heart.
+[592.86 --> 594.00]  The ESV says it this way.
+[594.00 --> 597.58]  The Lord stirred in the heart of King Cyrus.
+[597.60 --> 601.24]  The original Hebrew word there,
+[601.34 --> 602.38]  the word for moved or stirred,
+[602.62 --> 603.64]  it means to awaken.
+[604.64 --> 607.48]  So God awoke Cyrus to his plan.
+[607.62 --> 610.52]  God awoke his sovereignty to Cyrus.
+[611.34 --> 612.74]  And Cyrus had to act on it.
+[614.68 --> 617.08]  The hand of the Lord can reach from anywhere,
+[617.42 --> 619.58]  through anyone, and do anything.
+[620.18 --> 624.78]  He is in control of this world.
+[624.78 --> 627.86]  In fact, this is fascinating,
+[628.24 --> 630.88]  about 150 years before this happened,
+[631.36 --> 634.10]  150 years before Cyrus made this proclamation,
+[634.80 --> 637.80]  the prophet Isaiah prophesied all of it.
+[638.48 --> 639.56]  Now I have to highlight this
+[639.56 --> 641.32]  because it might seem confusing in your Bibles.
+[641.68 --> 642.90]  Even though the book of Isaiah
+[642.90 --> 645.20]  comes after the book of Ezra in your Bibles,
+[645.80 --> 648.28]  the events of Isaiah happened beforehand.
+[648.90 --> 649.50]  The Bible's not,
+[649.58 --> 651.74]  the Old Testament's not in chronological order that way.
+[651.74 --> 655.90]  So Isaiah comes along 150 years before this event,
+[656.06 --> 658.34]  about 80 years before they're even in exile.
+[660.14 --> 661.28]  And he predicts this.
+[661.36 --> 662.20]  He prophesies this.
+[662.26 --> 663.80]  In Isaiah 45, we read this,
+[663.88 --> 665.46]  and I'm going to condense it a little bit,
+[665.48 --> 667.08]  but this is what Isaiah 45 says.
+[667.36 --> 668.86]  Feel free to open it and follow along.
+[669.72 --> 670.56]  Isaiah 45 says,
+[670.56 --> 672.98]  This is what the Lord says to his anointed,
+[673.74 --> 674.36]  to Cyrus,
+[675.00 --> 677.14]  whose right hand I will take hold of
+[677.14 --> 679.72]  to subdue nations before him
+[679.72 --> 681.90]  and to strip kings of their armor.
+[682.26 --> 684.30]  I will go before you, says the Lord,
+[684.62 --> 685.84]  so that you may know
+[685.84 --> 688.38]  that I am the Lord, the God,
+[688.72 --> 689.94]  the God of Israel.
+[690.34 --> 692.62]  I summon you, Cyrus,
+[692.98 --> 694.28]  by name
+[694.28 --> 696.70]  and bestow on you a title of honor,
+[696.70 --> 700.42]  though you do not acknowledge me,
+[701.14 --> 703.60]  I am the Lord and there is no other.
+[706.34 --> 707.80]  150 years before this,
+[707.84 --> 709.04]  Cyrus isn't even alive yet.
+[710.30 --> 711.46]  And God is saying,
+[712.10 --> 713.82]  even though Cyrus isn't alive yet,
+[714.06 --> 716.08]  and even though he will not acknowledge me,
+[716.56 --> 718.46]  the Lord, the sovereign God of all things,
+[718.54 --> 719.92]  I will work through him
+[719.92 --> 723.00]  to start rebuilding God's temple.
+[723.00 --> 727.92]  Way before any of this ever took place,
+[728.48 --> 729.48]  God was in control.
+[729.80 --> 730.82]  God is above all.
+[731.34 --> 731.98]  He is in all.
+[732.08 --> 733.20]  He works through all.
+[733.32 --> 735.94]  He rules over his people at all times.
+[737.06 --> 739.28]  He has control over the universe,
+[739.92 --> 742.34]  even if it seems like things are falling apart.
+[743.78 --> 746.88]  Whether you're in the middle of a time in exile
+[746.88 --> 749.34]  or in the middle of a pandemic.
+[749.34 --> 752.34]  He was there for Israel
+[752.34 --> 754.20]  when they were slaves in a foreign land,
+[754.26 --> 755.12]  when they were oppressed.
+[756.60 --> 757.82]  He is for us.
+[757.94 --> 758.80]  He is for all,
+[758.90 --> 761.42]  even if we are feeling oppressed
+[761.42 --> 762.30]  or powerless
+[762.30 --> 764.58]  in this land that we are in right now.
+[764.66 --> 767.16]  It is God who is over all of it.
+[768.08 --> 769.14]  God who brings hope.
+[769.32 --> 772.06]  God who is sovereign over everything.
+[774.96 --> 776.30]  Some of you may be experiencing
+[776.30 --> 779.02]  this truth powerfully today.
+[780.34 --> 781.70]  Others may not be.
+[783.78 --> 785.66]  But when we look at this text,
+[786.10 --> 787.24]  let me encourage you.
+[787.90 --> 790.14]  Let me encourage you all to understand
+[790.14 --> 792.46]  the magnitude of God's power
+[792.46 --> 795.22]  and the scope of his sovereign love
+[795.22 --> 796.84]  for us all.
+[796.98 --> 798.88]  Brothers, sisters, friends,
+[799.44 --> 800.38]  God's got you.
+[801.86 --> 803.18]  That's truth number one.
+[803.18 --> 807.44]  The second truth is that God keeps his promises.
+[808.12 --> 810.18]  In both the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah,
+[810.82 --> 812.54]  we know that this is true.
+[813.88 --> 816.40]  God promised that he would bring his people back
+[816.40 --> 817.38]  to his homeland
+[817.38 --> 819.82]  through both of those prophets.
+[819.96 --> 820.82]  In Jeremiah, actually,
+[820.98 --> 822.12]  this text references it.
+[822.50 --> 824.28]  In Ezra 1 verse 1,
+[824.44 --> 825.40]  it references this.
+[826.32 --> 828.86]  And it references Jeremiah 29 verse 10
+[828.86 --> 829.84]  where God says,
+[830.44 --> 832.66]  when 70 years are completed for Babylon,
+[833.18 --> 834.34]  I will visit you
+[834.34 --> 837.38]  and keep my good promise to you,
+[837.96 --> 839.74]  causing you to return to this place.
+[841.86 --> 842.94]  God promises,
+[843.26 --> 843.96]  and then he delivers.
+[843.96 --> 848.16]  But I do bet a lot of the people of Judah,
+[848.28 --> 849.06]  they would have lost hope.
+[849.16 --> 850.86]  70 years is a long time.
+[851.38 --> 853.08]  That is a long time to be in exile.
+[854.48 --> 855.48]  Psalm 137,
+[855.62 --> 856.46]  whose scholars agree,
+[856.56 --> 857.34]  was probably written
+[857.34 --> 858.88]  while they were in captivity in Babylon.
+[859.02 --> 859.52]  It says this.
+[860.34 --> 861.30]  Psalm 137 says,
+[861.40 --> 862.58]  By the rivers of Babylon
+[862.58 --> 864.52]  we sat and wept
+[864.52 --> 866.34]  when we remembered Zion.
+[867.34 --> 869.42]  On the poplars we hung our harps,
+[869.50 --> 870.46]  for there our captives
+[870.46 --> 871.66]  asked us for songs.
+[871.66 --> 875.30]  Our tormentors demanded songs of joy.
+[875.38 --> 875.76]  They said,
+[876.24 --> 877.96]  Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
+[880.48 --> 882.44]  How can we sing the songs of the Lord
+[882.44 --> 883.68]  while we are in a foreign land?
+[885.80 --> 887.02]  God's people were worried
+[887.02 --> 887.94]  that he had left them.
+[888.94 --> 890.52]  But God keeps his promises.
+[891.90 --> 892.70]  He promised Noah
+[892.70 --> 894.64]  he would never destroy the world again
+[894.64 --> 896.52]  to rid it of sin.
+[897.12 --> 897.76]  And he delivered.
+[898.44 --> 899.84]  He promised to give Abraham
+[899.84 --> 901.42]  more descendants than the stars.
+[901.42 --> 902.06]  And he delivered.
+[902.28 --> 903.88]  He promised he would deliver
+[903.88 --> 905.32]  the Israelites from Egypt.
+[905.48 --> 906.24]  And he delivered.
+[906.44 --> 908.08]  He promised he would deliver Judah
+[908.08 --> 909.38]  from his captives in Babylon
+[909.38 --> 911.24]  through a king named Cyrus.
+[911.58 --> 912.58]  And he delivered.
+[914.40 --> 917.68]  And time and time again
+[917.68 --> 919.36]  throughout the whole Old Testament
+[919.36 --> 923.20]  he promised a Messiah would come
+[923.20 --> 925.28]  to save us from the weight
+[925.28 --> 926.26]  of sin and death.
+[926.26 --> 928.52]  And he delivered.
+[929.72 --> 930.96]  He delivered his son
+[930.96 --> 932.18]  to die for us all.
+[934.78 --> 936.72]  Something we will once again remember
+[936.72 --> 937.86]  as we partake in communion
+[937.86 --> 938.80]  in just a few moments.
+[940.60 --> 942.10]  God promised his spirit
+[942.10 --> 944.04]  to all who believe.
+[944.72 --> 946.16]  And he delivered that too.
+[947.60 --> 949.32]  And he promised to be with us always
+[949.32 --> 951.38]  to the very end of the age.
+[951.38 --> 955.20]  God keeps his promise.
+[957.66 --> 959.38]  No matter where we are in life today
+[959.38 --> 960.50]  no matter what is happening
+[960.50 --> 961.16]  in this world
+[961.16 --> 961.96]  in your life
+[961.96 --> 963.18]  or in the world around you
+[963.18 --> 963.56]  remember
+[963.56 --> 966.22]  God keeps his promises.
+[966.52 --> 967.70]  He's promised to be with you.
+[968.12 --> 968.98]  He is with you.
+[969.34 --> 970.12]  You are not alone.
+[970.94 --> 971.74]  So God is sovereign.
+[972.16 --> 973.14]  God keeps his promises.
+[973.74 --> 974.32]  And thirdly
+[974.32 --> 976.82]  God provides for his people.
+[976.82 --> 977.64]  The final verse
+[977.64 --> 979.02]  of this text highlights this.
+[980.44 --> 981.96]  The final verse says this.
+[982.84 --> 983.72]  And in any locality
+[983.72 --> 985.26]  where survivors may now be living
+[985.26 --> 986.92]  the people are to provide them
+[986.92 --> 988.32]  with silver and gold
+[988.32 --> 989.52]  with goods and livestock
+[989.52 --> 991.24]  and with free will offerings
+[991.24 --> 993.02]  for the temple of God
+[993.02 --> 994.04]  in Jerusalem.
+[995.24 --> 996.28]  So not only did God
+[996.28 --> 997.40]  provide the Jewish people
+[997.40 --> 998.34]  with their land back
+[998.34 --> 999.62]  but through Cyrus
+[999.62 --> 1001.22]  they also left with tons
+[1001.22 --> 1002.78]  of provisions as well.
+[1003.40 --> 1004.46]  If you were to keep reading
+[1004.46 --> 1005.04]  in Ezra 1
+[1005.04 --> 1006.42]  if you get to verses 9 and 11
+[1006.42 --> 1007.50]  you get to see
+[1007.50 --> 1008.94]  everything that they were
+[1008.94 --> 1010.02]  that they took with them
+[1010.02 --> 1010.94]  that Cyrus gave them.
+[1011.34 --> 1013.48]  It came up to 5,400 articles
+[1013.48 --> 1014.50]  pots, pans, dishes
+[1014.50 --> 1016.26]  of gold and silver
+[1016.26 --> 1017.24]  with them.
+[1018.64 --> 1019.48]  Going back home
+[1019.48 --> 1020.04]  is one thing.
+[1020.68 --> 1021.28]  Going back home
+[1021.28 --> 1022.26]  with everything you need
+[1022.26 --> 1023.58]  to start rebuilding a temple
+[1023.58 --> 1025.02]  and rebuilding a society
+[1025.02 --> 1026.48]  is another.
+[1031.26 --> 1032.58]  God knew what his people needed
+[1032.58 --> 1034.20]  to fulfill his purposes for them
+[1034.20 --> 1035.82]  and he provided it for them.
+[1035.82 --> 1037.10]  Now to be clear
+[1037.10 --> 1038.88]  this is not a prosperity gospel.
+[1039.22 --> 1040.30]  This is not a text
+[1040.30 --> 1041.48]  about simply asking
+[1041.48 --> 1042.18]  for what you want
+[1042.18 --> 1042.62]  hard enough
+[1042.62 --> 1043.20]  and getting it.
+[1043.26 --> 1044.12]  That is not what Ezra
+[1044.12 --> 1044.64]  is getting at.
+[1044.82 --> 1045.56]  That is not the truth
+[1045.56 --> 1046.16]  of this text.
+[1046.52 --> 1047.26]  The Jewish people
+[1047.26 --> 1048.22]  needed gold and silver
+[1048.22 --> 1049.18]  in order to go
+[1049.18 --> 1050.40]  and fulfill God's promises
+[1050.40 --> 1051.38]  of rebuilding the temple
+[1051.38 --> 1052.72]  so God gave it to them.
+[1053.16 --> 1053.98]  Chances are many of us
+[1053.98 --> 1055.74]  do not need 5,400 articles
+[1055.74 --> 1056.68]  of gold and silver
+[1056.68 --> 1057.34]  plates and dishes
+[1057.34 --> 1058.38]  to be able to fulfill
+[1058.38 --> 1059.04]  God's promises
+[1059.04 --> 1059.66]  in this world
+[1059.66 --> 1060.52]  that we are in right now.
+[1060.66 --> 1061.56]  So that is not the point
+[1061.56 --> 1062.12]  of this text.
+[1062.12 --> 1065.32]  However, God does provide
+[1065.32 --> 1066.36]  whatever you need
+[1066.36 --> 1068.18]  to fulfill his plans
+[1068.18 --> 1069.62]  for you personally
+[1069.62 --> 1070.82]  in this world.
+[1071.52 --> 1072.62]  He also gives
+[1072.62 --> 1073.60]  what we need
+[1073.60 --> 1074.52]  as a church
+[1074.52 --> 1076.34]  to function as his body
+[1076.34 --> 1077.82]  here in Langley, B.C.
+[1077.82 --> 1082.20]  Now, I'm going to linger
+[1082.20 --> 1083.52]  on finances for a second
+[1083.52 --> 1084.24]  and then I'm going
+[1084.24 --> 1084.92]  to move on to them
+[1084.92 --> 1087.16]  because this is not a text
+[1087.16 --> 1088.20]  simply about finances
+[1088.20 --> 1089.44]  but there is a really
+[1089.44 --> 1090.18]  sweet example
+[1090.18 --> 1090.90]  about how God
+[1090.90 --> 1092.04]  has been working
+[1092.04 --> 1092.80]  in this church
+[1092.80 --> 1094.46]  that we need to celebrate today.
+[1094.98 --> 1095.98]  When this pandemic
+[1095.98 --> 1096.68]  hit in March,
+[1096.92 --> 1097.78]  many of us
+[1097.78 --> 1099.12]  were praying for each other
+[1099.12 --> 1100.06]  because we were worried
+[1100.06 --> 1100.86]  about how it was going
+[1100.86 --> 1101.90]  to affect our lives.
+[1102.00 --> 1102.62]  Eric mentioned this
+[1102.62 --> 1103.18]  in his prayer.
+[1103.76 --> 1104.36]  We weren't sure
+[1104.36 --> 1105.76]  what our job situations
+[1105.76 --> 1106.20]  were going to be.
+[1106.20 --> 1106.70]  We weren't sure
+[1106.70 --> 1108.06]  what our financial situations
+[1108.06 --> 1108.56]  were going to be
+[1108.56 --> 1109.52]  or our livelihoods.
+[1109.94 --> 1110.44]  And so our church,
+[1110.56 --> 1110.90]  we were praying
+[1110.90 --> 1111.44]  for each other.
+[1111.80 --> 1112.70]  We prayed and feared
+[1112.70 --> 1113.56]  for people's jobs
+[1113.56 --> 1114.88]  and for people's livelihoods
+[1114.88 --> 1116.24]  but we were also concerned
+[1116.24 --> 1117.76]  and praying for this church
+[1117.76 --> 1118.98]  because we didn't know
+[1118.98 --> 1119.60]  how all of that
+[1119.60 --> 1121.48]  was going to affect us here.
+[1121.90 --> 1122.44]  We didn't know
+[1122.44 --> 1123.52]  how the church's budget
+[1123.52 --> 1125.38]  was going to be affected.
+[1125.64 --> 1126.66]  We were already behind
+[1126.66 --> 1129.06]  and what was going to happen
+[1129.06 --> 1129.68]  when this pandemic
+[1129.68 --> 1130.36]  hit full force?
+[1130.98 --> 1131.52]  How are we going
+[1131.52 --> 1132.26]  to be able to hire
+[1132.26 --> 1133.38]  a pastor, for example,
+[1134.30 --> 1134.92]  once this hit?
+[1134.92 --> 1136.10]  So we were praying.
+[1136.18 --> 1136.64]  We were worried.
+[1137.60 --> 1138.30]  But brothers and sisters,
+[1138.40 --> 1139.40]  over the last three months,
+[1139.62 --> 1140.38]  not only have people
+[1140.38 --> 1140.96]  kept giving,
+[1141.70 --> 1142.70]  giving has gone up
+[1142.70 --> 1144.66]  in the last three months
+[1144.66 --> 1145.58]  to this church.
+[1146.54 --> 1148.10]  Your generosity has helped us
+[1148.10 --> 1149.16]  through a very hard time.
+[1149.40 --> 1150.36]  It's actually allowed us
+[1150.36 --> 1151.64]  to do some very cool things.
+[1151.92 --> 1153.18]  Our deacons have taken on
+[1153.18 --> 1154.38]  this very cool
+[1154.38 --> 1155.52]  mercy ministry initiative
+[1155.52 --> 1156.56]  with other churches
+[1156.56 --> 1157.24]  around Langley
+[1157.24 --> 1158.04]  called Hello Church
+[1158.04 --> 1159.28]  where anybody in Langley
+[1159.28 --> 1160.62]  can call or sign up
+[1160.62 --> 1161.14]  on this number
+[1161.14 --> 1161.66]  and a church
+[1161.66 --> 1162.70]  will help support us.
+[1162.76 --> 1163.46]  Our church is involved
+[1163.46 --> 1163.80]  with that.
+[1163.80 --> 1164.90]  We've been able
+[1164.90 --> 1165.82]  to set up live streaming
+[1165.82 --> 1166.54]  options right now
+[1166.54 --> 1167.32]  so that we can gather
+[1167.32 --> 1168.52]  in this church of 40 people
+[1168.52 --> 1169.82]  but know that our whole body
+[1169.82 --> 1170.72]  is watching with us
+[1170.72 --> 1171.24]  at home.
+[1172.12 --> 1172.98]  We are not worried
+[1172.98 --> 1174.16]  about hiring a pastor later
+[1174.16 --> 1174.98]  because the finances
+[1174.98 --> 1175.48]  have come in
+[1175.48 --> 1176.14]  and so hopefully later
+[1176.14 --> 1177.06]  this year that will happen.
+[1177.26 --> 1178.04]  And we have a bunch
+[1178.04 --> 1179.10]  of new ministry initiatives
+[1179.10 --> 1180.02]  happening in September
+[1180.02 --> 1180.48]  as well,
+[1180.60 --> 1181.60]  all because of
+[1181.60 --> 1182.58]  your generosity.
+[1182.92 --> 1184.10]  And while we can celebrate
+[1184.10 --> 1185.54]  that and we can celebrate
+[1185.54 --> 1186.20]  the generosity
+[1186.20 --> 1186.74]  of the people
+[1186.74 --> 1187.36]  of this church,
+[1188.00 --> 1188.68]  brothers and sisters,
+[1188.78 --> 1189.64]  let's remember this.
+[1189.64 --> 1191.94]  It's the Holy Spirit
+[1191.94 --> 1193.62]  working in our hearts
+[1193.62 --> 1195.80]  making us generous,
+[1196.04 --> 1198.08]  awakening us to give.
+[1198.86 --> 1200.88]  This is God providing
+[1200.88 --> 1202.58]  for our church.
+[1203.02 --> 1204.16]  This is God providing
+[1204.16 --> 1206.42]  for our brothers and sisters.
+[1208.20 --> 1210.06]  And it goes way beyond finances.
+[1211.72 --> 1213.76]  God provides what we need
+[1213.76 --> 1215.90]  to get through difficult times.
+[1215.90 --> 1218.76]  Just like He provided
+[1218.76 --> 1219.36]  for the Jews
+[1219.36 --> 1220.98]  when they returned to exile,
+[1221.08 --> 1222.08]  He provides for us.
+[1224.34 --> 1225.38]  Some of you may be needing
+[1225.38 --> 1226.28]  some hope right now
+[1226.28 --> 1227.94]  or peace.
+[1229.30 --> 1230.70]  Some of us need to know
+[1230.70 --> 1231.26]  we're not alone.
+[1233.30 --> 1234.40]  Maybe you need comfort.
+[1235.58 --> 1236.48]  Maybe you need support.
+[1236.62 --> 1237.48]  Maybe you need community.
+[1238.40 --> 1239.52]  We all need different things
+[1239.52 --> 1240.22]  to be able to live
+[1240.22 --> 1240.84]  in this life.
+[1242.18 --> 1243.42]  And we need different things
+[1243.42 --> 1244.30]  to be able to fulfill
+[1244.30 --> 1245.10]  God's mandate
+[1245.10 --> 1246.04]  for our lives,
+[1246.06 --> 1246.98]  to love each other,
+[1247.54 --> 1248.46]  to love everyone.
+[1250.42 --> 1251.38]  God provides.
+[1251.48 --> 1252.16]  What is it you need
+[1252.16 --> 1252.88]  to be able to live
+[1252.88 --> 1253.86]  that life of love
+[1253.86 --> 1254.46]  for your neighbors,
+[1254.58 --> 1255.00]  for each other?
+[1255.06 --> 1255.80]  What do you need
+[1255.80 --> 1256.86]  to be able to go out
+[1256.86 --> 1257.84]  and take that next step?
+[1258.68 --> 1259.66]  God provides.
+[1259.82 --> 1260.60]  Pray for that.
+[1262.10 --> 1262.90]  That's where God
+[1262.90 --> 1264.80]  will be there in abundance.
+[1266.20 --> 1266.80]  And of course,
+[1267.14 --> 1268.50]  God's biggest provision
+[1268.50 --> 1269.66]  for all of us
+[1269.66 --> 1270.76]  was once again,
+[1270.80 --> 1271.40]  it was His Son.
+[1272.06 --> 1272.74]  It was His Son,
+[1272.74 --> 1273.40]  Jesus Christ,
+[1273.54 --> 1274.88]  who came into this world
+[1274.88 --> 1276.14]  who died on the cross
+[1276.14 --> 1277.74]  and offers us grace
+[1277.74 --> 1278.44]  for our sins
+[1278.44 --> 1279.48]  and eternal life
+[1279.48 --> 1280.08]  if we believe.
+[1280.92 --> 1281.70]  He frees us
+[1281.70 --> 1282.44]  from the shackles
+[1282.44 --> 1284.38]  of sin and of death.
+[1284.44 --> 1285.24]  Listen to what Paul writes
+[1285.24 --> 1286.46]  in Romans 8, verse 32.
+[1287.30 --> 1287.70]  He says,
+[1287.70 --> 1288.34]  the God,
+[1288.34 --> 1289.66]  He who did not spare
+[1289.66 --> 1290.80]  His own Son,
+[1291.24 --> 1292.90]  but gave Him for us all,
+[1293.96 --> 1294.76]  how will He
+[1294.76 --> 1295.92]  not also,
+[1296.58 --> 1297.34]  alone with Him,
+[1297.84 --> 1298.98]  graciously give us
+[1298.98 --> 1299.62]  all things?
+[1301.60 --> 1302.76]  God gave us His Son
+[1302.76 --> 1303.52]  as the ultimate
+[1303.52 --> 1304.52]  freeing sacrifice
+[1304.52 --> 1305.62]  for you.
+[1306.24 --> 1307.68]  He provides for you.
+[1309.44 --> 1310.62]  I want to close this sermon
+[1310.62 --> 1311.12]  from a quote
+[1311.12 --> 1312.18]  from author P. Williams.
+[1313.72 --> 1314.64]  In his book,
+[1314.64 --> 1316.12]  in his book
+[1316.12 --> 1316.80]  Opening Ezra,
+[1316.86 --> 1317.40]  he says this,
+[1317.46 --> 1317.88]  and this is just
+[1317.88 --> 1318.56]  a beautiful quote
+[1318.56 --> 1319.26]  that sums this up.
+[1319.32 --> 1319.66]  He says,
+[1320.30 --> 1321.58]  Man cannot provide
+[1321.58 --> 1322.56]  his own salvation.
+[1322.74 --> 1323.84]  Only God can do that.
+[1324.82 --> 1325.90]  In the cross of Jesus,
+[1326.64 --> 1327.80]  life is provided
+[1327.80 --> 1329.52]  in place of eternal damnation.
+[1330.38 --> 1331.10]  And in addition
+[1331.10 --> 1332.58]  to delivering up His Son,
+[1333.44 --> 1334.98]  God will also freely
+[1334.98 --> 1335.92]  provide us
+[1335.92 --> 1337.26]  with all things,
+[1337.34 --> 1337.74]  he says.
+[1338.56 --> 1339.90]  The grace needed
+[1339.90 --> 1340.68]  for each day,
+[1341.68 --> 1342.34]  the strength
+[1342.34 --> 1342.94]  to overcome
+[1342.94 --> 1343.62]  our weaknesses
+[1343.62 --> 1345.24]  and the power
+[1345.24 --> 1346.52]  to overcome temptation.
+[1348.02 --> 1349.04]  God is sovereign.
+[1349.56 --> 1350.30]  God is faithful.
+[1351.02 --> 1351.80]  God provides
+[1351.80 --> 1352.94]  no matter what.
+[1354.22 --> 1354.50]  Amen.
+[1354.72 --> 1355.42]  Please pray with me.
+[1360.42 --> 1361.22]  God Almighty,
+[1361.44 --> 1363.28]  sovereign over all things,
+[1363.46 --> 1364.84]  covenant keeper,
+[1365.58 --> 1366.46]  we thank you
+[1366.46 --> 1367.98]  for faithfully
+[1367.98 --> 1369.10]  keeping your promises
+[1369.10 --> 1369.66]  with us.
+[1369.66 --> 1371.98]  Let us remember
+[1371.98 --> 1374.58]  that all things
+[1374.58 --> 1376.18]  you have promised us,
+[1376.48 --> 1377.90]  how you are with us,
+[1377.96 --> 1379.14]  how your spirit dwells in us,
+[1379.18 --> 1379.98]  how we have the ability
+[1379.98 --> 1380.72]  to love others
+[1380.72 --> 1382.06]  simply by submitting
+[1382.06 --> 1383.06]  to your love for us.
+[1384.10 --> 1385.40]  And thank you most of all
+[1385.40 --> 1385.94]  for your Son,
+[1386.04 --> 1386.72]  Jesus Christ,
+[1387.00 --> 1388.50]  for his ultimate sacrifice
+[1388.50 --> 1389.38]  on the cross.
+[1390.24 --> 1391.10]  As we celebrate
+[1391.10 --> 1391.96]  communion in moments,
+[1392.04 --> 1392.72]  may you remind us
+[1392.72 --> 1393.26]  once again
+[1393.26 --> 1393.92]  of his suffering
+[1393.92 --> 1395.36]  and of his conquest
+[1395.36 --> 1396.30]  over sin and death.
+[1396.38 --> 1397.46]  In his name alone
+[1397.46 --> 1398.54]  we pray.
+[1398.86 --> 1399.14]  Amen.
+[1400.28 --> 1401.24]  Amen.
+[1401.66 --> 1401.86]  We pray.
+[1402.40 --> 1402.82]  Amen.
+[1402.82 --> 1402.88]  Amen.
+[1402.88 --> 1403.40]  Amen.
+[1403.72 --> 1403.88] !
+[1404.04 --> 1404.48]  Amen.
+[1404.66 --> 1404.74]  Thank you.
+[1405.38 --> 1405.44]  Amen.
+[1417.86 --> 1418.40]  Amen.
+[1418.50 --> 1418.60]  Amen.
+[1418.66 --> 1418.70]  Amen.
+[1418.70 --> 1420.92]  Amen.
+[1420.92 --> 1420.96]  Amen.
+[1421.32 --> 1423.78]  Amen.
+[1423.78 --> 1425.88]  Amen.
+[1425.88 --> 1426.68]  Amen.
+[1426.88 --> 1428.08]  Amen.
+[1428.08 --> 1428.52]  Amen.
+[1428.52 --> 1428.78]  Amen.
+[1428.78 --> 1429.64]  Amen.

The Spiritual Discipline of Scripture (Sermon)_transcript.md

@@ -0,0 +1,2179 @@
+[0.00 --> 5.32]  You know, I mentioned I'm semi-retired.
+[5.32 --> 12.34]  It's been said before, I work part-time for Resource Leadership International,
+[12.72 --> 19.38]  and resources involved with about a dozen schools in a variety of countries,
+[19.52 --> 25.86]  but with our partners in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Europe,
+[25.86 --> 31.64]  we're in about 120 to 30 schools in 70 countries,
+[31.64 --> 36.58]  and we don't know of one school that didn't shut down.
+[37.70 --> 43.72]  And so we transitioned our ministry to doing what a lot of churches around the world had to do,
+[43.88 --> 47.58]  to help schools teach online.
+[47.58 --> 54.44]  And, for example, there's a school in Cairo, Egypt,
+[54.44 --> 62.00]  that had been getting invitations from the Arab world to help them,
+[62.38 --> 65.20]  and they just didn't have the potential to do that.
+[65.32 --> 69.40]  So we've helped them to improve their technology,
+[69.90 --> 74.68]  and so now they're beginning to teach people throughout the Arabic world
+[74.68 --> 78.86]  by first themselves having been forced to teach online,
+[79.24 --> 84.30]  and now being able to broadcast this into the world around them.
+[84.40 --> 90.62]  So there are upsides to what I would call a COVID operation,
+[91.30 --> 96.10]  but there's been many, many downsides as well.
+[96.86 --> 102.00]  Whereas in Vietnam, in the whole country,
+[102.00 --> 103.84]  I don't believe there was one death.
+[104.50 --> 106.54]  A couple weeks ago I heard of in Bolivia
+[106.54 --> 110.96]  that over a hundred pastors died due to it.
+[111.56 --> 113.60]  Now I can't verify statistics,
+[113.98 --> 117.60]  but it's such an unpredictable thing.
+[118.66 --> 122.44]  It's created such uncertainty in our own lives
+[122.44 --> 124.38]  as to how do you respond to this.
+[124.38 --> 128.52]  And so I experienced some of that own,
+[129.02 --> 133.56]  you might say, confusion in my own soul
+[133.56 --> 134.78]  as to what to do.
+[136.54 --> 138.40]  But we're privileged to worship,
+[138.86 --> 144.92]  and today I would like to turn again to the Scriptures
+[144.92 --> 146.96]  with a focus this morning
+[146.96 --> 151.82]  on the spiritual discipline of Scripture.
+[154.60 --> 157.00]  I'd love to do a little survey and ask,
+[157.66 --> 159.90]  how much do you actually read the Bible?
+[161.58 --> 163.86]  Is it as much as you watch the news?
+[168.86 --> 170.96]  Scripture is a primary means
+[170.96 --> 175.64]  by which the Spirit uses to shape
+[175.64 --> 181.02]  who we are into the person of Christ.
+[181.28 --> 185.70]  We're going to turn in a moment to Peter
+[185.70 --> 189.94]  and take up where we left last week
+[189.94 --> 192.16]  on 2 Peter chapter 1.
+[193.34 --> 196.74]  But there in the verses 12 and following,
+[196.74 --> 200.80]  he speaks to the importance of Scripture
+[200.80 --> 202.22]  in our lives.
+[203.22 --> 206.12]  And before we turn to it,
+[207.18 --> 208.34]  I'd like to remind you,
+[208.36 --> 209.68]  I mentioned it last week,
+[209.74 --> 211.20]  of this little acronym,
+[211.98 --> 214.32]  acronym VIM.
+[215.18 --> 216.36]  V-I-M.
+[216.60 --> 219.16]  It can, I think, be a helpful tool
+[219.16 --> 221.62]  in remembering the process
+[221.62 --> 223.58]  of spiritual formation
+[223.58 --> 226.16]  where V in the VIM stands for vision,
+[226.72 --> 228.76]  I stands for our own intent,
+[229.20 --> 231.12]  and M, which we're looking at this morning,
+[231.22 --> 232.64]  is the means whereby
+[232.64 --> 235.50]  God uses to shape us.
+[235.76 --> 237.60]  I think it's also a helpful tool
+[237.60 --> 238.38]  in understanding
+[238.38 --> 240.68]  what Peter's talking about,
+[240.80 --> 241.56]  writing about,
+[241.82 --> 243.50]  in 2 Peter chapter 1.
+[243.98 --> 246.10]  Because at the beginning of the chapter,
+[246.40 --> 248.26]  he speaks about getting really
+[248.26 --> 250.00]  this vision of Christ.
+[250.00 --> 253.12]  In verse 3, he said,
+[253.98 --> 256.40]  His divine power has given us
+[256.40 --> 258.28]  everything we need
+[258.28 --> 259.50]  for a godly life.
+[259.62 --> 260.06]  How?
+[261.08 --> 263.76]  Through our knowledge of Him,
+[264.32 --> 264.76]  Jesus,
+[265.86 --> 267.16]  who called us
+[267.16 --> 269.70]  by His own glory and goodness.
+[269.80 --> 270.36]  In other words,
+[270.76 --> 271.88]  we got a vision,
+[272.10 --> 275.36]  we saw who this Jesus is,
+[275.70 --> 278.22]  and by calling us into that,
+[278.22 --> 280.82]  we've been given this power
+[280.82 --> 283.48]  to live a new life.
+[283.70 --> 284.40]  In other words,
+[284.88 --> 288.06]  once we get the true vision
+[288.06 --> 291.24]  of who Jesus is,
+[292.62 --> 294.30]  that God of heaven and earth
+[294.30 --> 295.84]  come in the flesh
+[295.84 --> 298.56]  so that we body and soul people
+[298.56 --> 300.54]  can take on the divine nature,
+[301.26 --> 302.16]  it's like,
+[302.40 --> 302.76]  okay,
+[303.76 --> 306.02]  I see who He is,
+[306.02 --> 307.66]  I want to share in that.
+[308.22 --> 311.24]  The second thing we looked at last week
+[311.24 --> 312.44]  in verses 5
+[312.44 --> 313.14]  is that
+[313.14 --> 315.56]  it's not going to happen
+[315.56 --> 317.72]  if we don't intentionally then
+[317.72 --> 319.16]  pursue the vision.
+[320.52 --> 321.42]  Catch it,
+[322.14 --> 322.90]  follow it.
+[323.66 --> 324.66]  For this reason,
+[324.76 --> 325.90]  we saw in verse 5,
+[326.00 --> 326.48]  because,
+[326.76 --> 327.30]  in other words,
+[327.34 --> 328.56]  of who Jesus is,
+[329.08 --> 330.54]  make every effort
+[330.54 --> 333.44]  to add to this faith vision
+[333.44 --> 335.46]  the qualities of knowledge,
+[335.46 --> 336.42]  self-control,
+[336.84 --> 337.34]  perseverance,
+[337.66 --> 338.68]  and especially love.
+[340.16 --> 340.66]  Well,
+[341.20 --> 343.36]  once we have this vision
+[343.36 --> 343.98]  and intent,
+[344.14 --> 345.50]  how do you go about
+[345.50 --> 347.06]  making it happen?
+[347.30 --> 348.40]  That's the means.
+[349.98 --> 350.68]  Well,
+[350.76 --> 352.12]  we begin to practice
+[352.12 --> 353.38]  the disciplines,
+[354.26 --> 355.20]  the habits,
+[355.20 --> 358.28]  the ways that
+[358.28 --> 360.46]  open us up
+[360.46 --> 361.76]  to the Spirit
+[361.76 --> 363.14]  so that
+[363.14 --> 365.34]  He's able to shape us
+[365.34 --> 367.58]  into the image bearers
+[367.58 --> 369.16]  He created us to be.
+[371.22 --> 372.26]  One more word
+[372.26 --> 373.16]  before we get into
+[373.16 --> 375.14]  the passage about Scripture,
+[375.80 --> 376.36]  and that is
+[376.36 --> 377.30]  the bigger subject
+[377.30 --> 378.52]  of disciplines,
+[378.64 --> 379.66]  a word about that.
+[380.66 --> 381.18]  They're really
+[381.18 --> 382.78]  training exercises
+[382.78 --> 383.34]  like,
+[383.94 --> 384.24]  you know,
+[384.38 --> 385.60]  practicing piano
+[385.60 --> 387.16]  until you finally get it.
+[390.76 --> 391.56]  Practicing,
+[391.84 --> 392.60]  showing up
+[392.60 --> 393.26]  for
+[393.26 --> 395.46]  volleyball practices
+[395.46 --> 396.94]  and doing the drills
+[396.94 --> 399.08]  until you become
+[399.08 --> 399.98]  good at it.
+[402.42 --> 403.34]  Disciplines,
+[403.68 --> 404.36]  ultimately,
+[404.70 --> 405.70]  spiritual ones,
+[405.82 --> 406.66]  are intended
+[406.66 --> 407.88]  to help us
+[407.88 --> 409.94]  do the right thing
+[409.94 --> 411.78]  at the right time,
+[412.38 --> 414.76]  in the right way,
+[415.48 --> 418.00]  and in the right spirit,
+[418.20 --> 419.36]  as someone has said.
+[420.28 --> 421.30]  They help us
+[421.30 --> 422.00]  bear fruit
+[422.00 --> 424.20]  to do all these things
+[424.20 --> 425.18]  that are involved
+[425.18 --> 425.86]  with adding
+[425.86 --> 427.72]  to our faith.
+[427.90 --> 428.90]  And you know
+[428.90 --> 430.16]  there's many disciplines,
+[431.46 --> 433.06]  probably primary among them
+[433.06 --> 433.84]  are being
+[433.84 --> 434.90]  solitary
+[434.90 --> 435.56]  and
+[435.56 --> 436.80]  silent.
+[438.20 --> 439.20]  So we're going to look
+[439.20 --> 439.82]  at Scripture
+[439.82 --> 440.76]  there's prayer,
+[440.98 --> 442.18]  there's worship,
+[442.66 --> 443.48]  there's service,
+[443.66 --> 444.34]  there's giving,
+[445.84 --> 446.96]  there's fasting.
+[447.24 --> 448.42]  There's a wide variety
+[448.42 --> 448.82]  of them.
+[449.78 --> 451.40]  But one of the key ones
+[451.40 --> 452.46]  is reading
+[452.46 --> 454.08]  Scripture.
+[455.26 --> 457.04]  And in order for us
+[457.04 --> 459.26]  to see the importance
+[459.26 --> 462.52]  of this book,
+[462.66 --> 463.62]  or I should say
+[463.62 --> 464.10]  this way,
+[464.16 --> 465.32]  in order for us
+[465.32 --> 466.18]  to want
+[466.18 --> 467.46]  to discipline
+[467.46 --> 468.52]  ourselves
+[468.52 --> 470.42]  to read the Bible
+[470.42 --> 471.26]  faithfully,
+[471.46 --> 472.70]  we need to see
+[472.70 --> 473.70]  how important
+[473.70 --> 474.48]  a book
+[474.48 --> 475.42]  it is.
+[479.10 --> 480.44]  We won't bother
+[480.44 --> 482.20]  with the Bible
+[482.20 --> 484.16]  if we don't realize
+[484.16 --> 486.34]  what kind of a book
+[486.34 --> 486.88]  it is
+[486.88 --> 488.32]  and why God
+[488.32 --> 489.28]  had it written.
+[490.56 --> 492.08]  Just like we won't bother
+[492.08 --> 492.90]  with Christ
+[492.90 --> 493.90]  if we don't know
+[493.90 --> 494.52]  who He is
+[494.52 --> 495.78]  or why He came.
+[496.96 --> 498.04]  So Peter speaks
+[498.04 --> 498.88]  to the importance
+[498.88 --> 499.56]  of Scripture
+[499.56 --> 500.48]  in our lives
+[500.48 --> 501.72]  in our passage,
+[501.86 --> 502.82]  2 Peter 1,
+[503.06 --> 504.34]  12 to 21.
+[505.70 --> 507.00]  After having spoken
+[507.00 --> 507.70]  about vision
+[507.70 --> 508.38]  and intent,
+[508.50 --> 509.04]  he goes on
+[509.04 --> 510.02]  to say in verse 12,
+[510.02 --> 511.86]  so I will always
+[511.86 --> 512.84]  remind you
+[512.84 --> 514.58]  of these things
+[514.58 --> 515.44]  even though
+[515.44 --> 516.64]  you know them
+[516.64 --> 517.88]  and are firmly
+[517.88 --> 518.48]  established
+[518.48 --> 519.36]  in the truth
+[519.36 --> 520.64]  you now have.
+[521.36 --> 522.74]  I think it's right
+[522.74 --> 523.50]  to refresh
+[523.50 --> 524.18]  your memory
+[524.18 --> 525.48]  as long as I live
+[525.48 --> 526.26]  in the tent
+[526.26 --> 527.58]  of this body
+[527.58 --> 529.88]  because I know
+[529.88 --> 531.42]  that I will soon
+[531.42 --> 533.28]  put it aside
+[533.28 --> 535.24]  as our Lord Jesus
+[535.24 --> 536.78]  has made clear
+[536.78 --> 537.22]  to me.
+[537.22 --> 538.50]  people often know
+[538.50 --> 540.34]  when they're
+[540.34 --> 542.02]  about to go.
+[543.02 --> 544.56]  And I will make
+[544.56 --> 545.82]  every effort
+[545.82 --> 546.94]  to see
+[546.94 --> 547.84]  that after
+[547.84 --> 548.96]  my departure
+[548.96 --> 550.76]  you will always
+[550.76 --> 551.40]  be able
+[551.40 --> 552.22]  to remember
+[552.22 --> 553.36]  these things.
+[553.74 --> 554.32]  Why?
+[558.32 --> 559.72]  Because we didn't
+[559.72 --> 561.00]  follow cleverly
+[561.00 --> 562.22]  devised stories
+[562.22 --> 563.70]  when we told
+[563.70 --> 564.24]  you about
+[564.24 --> 565.56]  and it really
+[565.56 --> 566.68]  means the second
+[566.68 --> 567.22]  coming
+[567.22 --> 568.32]  of our Lord
+[568.32 --> 569.34]  Jesus Christ
+[569.34 --> 570.14]  in power.
+[571.72 --> 572.38]  But therefore
+[572.38 --> 574.44]  we were eyewitnesses
+[574.44 --> 575.90]  of his majesty.
+[577.18 --> 578.10]  He received
+[578.10 --> 579.52]  honor and glory
+[579.52 --> 580.86]  from God the Father
+[580.86 --> 581.62]  when the voice
+[581.62 --> 582.36]  came to him
+[582.36 --> 583.30]  from the majestic
+[583.30 --> 583.90]  glory.
+[584.20 --> 584.76]  This is when he
+[584.76 --> 585.62]  was on the mountain
+[585.62 --> 586.10]  saying,
+[586.70 --> 587.68]  this is my son
+[587.68 --> 588.58]  whom I love.
+[589.38 --> 589.90]  With him
+[589.90 --> 590.98]  I'm well pleased.
+[590.98 --> 592.16]  we ourselves
+[592.16 --> 593.22]  heard this voice
+[593.22 --> 594.40]  that came from heaven
+[594.40 --> 595.46]  when we were
+[595.46 --> 596.10]  with him
+[596.10 --> 597.44]  on the sacred
+[597.44 --> 598.02]  mountain
+[598.02 --> 598.74]  and Christ
+[598.74 --> 599.70]  was transfigured
+[599.70 --> 600.40]  before them.
+[601.88 --> 602.52]  So that's
+[602.52 --> 603.36]  Peter's experience
+[603.36 --> 604.12]  but he goes on
+[604.12 --> 604.38]  to say,
+[604.78 --> 605.58]  we also have
+[605.58 --> 606.84]  this prophetic
+[606.84 --> 608.06]  message as something
+[608.06 --> 609.86]  completely reliable
+[609.86 --> 611.26]  and you will do
+[611.26 --> 611.98]  well to pay
+[611.98 --> 613.10]  attention to it
+[613.10 --> 615.20]  as to a light
+[615.20 --> 616.30]  shining in a dark
+[616.30 --> 616.90]  place
+[616.90 --> 618.22]  until the day
+[618.22 --> 618.98]  dawns
+[618.98 --> 620.10]  and the morning
+[620.10 --> 621.24]  star rises
+[621.24 --> 622.74]  in your hearts.
+[622.82 --> 623.48]  In other words,
+[623.92 --> 625.44]  you'd read it
+[625.44 --> 626.16]  until the light
+[626.16 --> 626.80]  goes on
+[626.80 --> 627.64]  is what he's
+[627.64 --> 628.02]  saying.
+[628.70 --> 629.76]  Above all,
+[630.66 --> 631.62]  above all,
+[631.94 --> 633.18]  you must
+[633.18 --> 634.40]  understand
+[634.40 --> 637.06]  that no
+[637.06 --> 638.00]  prophecy of
+[638.00 --> 638.38]  scripture
+[638.38 --> 639.50]  came about
+[639.50 --> 641.44]  by a prophet's
+[641.44 --> 642.22]  own
+[642.22 --> 643.26]  interpretation
+[643.26 --> 644.84]  of things.
+[645.52 --> 646.08]  The Bible
+[646.08 --> 647.24]  is not a matter
+[647.24 --> 648.52]  of private
+[648.52 --> 649.46]  opinion.
+[651.06 --> 652.18]  For prophecy
+[652.18 --> 653.66]  never had its
+[653.66 --> 654.62]  origin in the
+[654.62 --> 655.46]  human will
+[655.46 --> 657.76]  but prophets,
+[658.04 --> 659.02]  though human,
+[659.98 --> 661.78]  spoke from God
+[661.78 --> 663.20]  as they were
+[663.20 --> 664.54]  carried along
+[664.54 --> 666.48]  by the Holy Spirit.
+[667.86 --> 669.12]  Or as the message
+[669.12 --> 669.62]  says,
+[670.26 --> 671.42]  prophecy resulted
+[671.42 --> 672.76]  when the Holy Spirit
+[672.76 --> 674.18]  prompted men
+[674.18 --> 675.02]  and women
+[675.02 --> 676.00]  to speak
+[676.00 --> 677.24]  God's word.
+[679.32 --> 680.22]  Peter's talking
+[680.22 --> 681.12]  about how you
+[681.12 --> 681.48]  and I,
+[681.58 --> 682.04]  brothers and
+[682.04 --> 682.42]  sisters,
+[682.90 --> 683.68]  view the Bible.
+[685.48 --> 686.34]  How do you
+[686.34 --> 686.74]  view it?
+[686.76 --> 687.46]  Is it just a
+[687.46 --> 688.48]  matter of mere
+[688.48 --> 689.54]  interest,
+[689.90 --> 690.42]  stories,
+[691.02 --> 691.54]  teachings,
+[691.84 --> 692.44]  ideas,
+[692.80 --> 693.36]  gathered
+[693.36 --> 694.46]  by a few
+[694.46 --> 695.12]  folks
+[695.12 --> 695.98]  who saw
+[695.98 --> 696.68]  potential?
+[697.08 --> 697.60]  This could be
+[697.60 --> 698.32]  a bestseller.
+[698.58 --> 699.16]  Let's put it
+[699.16 --> 700.00]  together and
+[700.00 --> 700.66]  publish it.
+[701.42 --> 703.74]  Is this just
+[703.74 --> 704.72]  another book
+[704.72 --> 705.72]  that you put
+[705.72 --> 706.50]  in the religious
+[706.50 --> 707.72]  section of
+[707.72 --> 708.64]  the library?
+[710.16 --> 711.36]  If so,
+[711.74 --> 712.54]  chances are
+[712.54 --> 713.50]  you won't
+[713.50 --> 714.50]  pick it up.
+[715.80 --> 717.00]  We need
+[717.00 --> 718.08]  to understand
+[718.08 --> 719.50]  that this book
+[719.50 --> 720.70]  is the very
+[720.70 --> 723.16]  special revelation
+[723.16 --> 724.60]  of God
+[724.60 --> 725.58]  concerning
+[725.58 --> 726.76]  who Christ
+[726.76 --> 727.44]  is.
+[728.58 --> 729.08]  And in the
+[729.08 --> 729.82]  Old Testament,
+[729.82 --> 731.42]  even though
+[731.42 --> 732.10]  those writers
+[732.10 --> 733.02]  were fully
+[733.02 --> 733.72]  human with
+[733.72 --> 734.22]  their own
+[734.22 --> 735.38]  set of
+[735.38 --> 737.00]  issues and
+[737.00 --> 738.24]  flare-ups and
+[738.24 --> 739.00]  downs and
+[739.00 --> 739.62]  circumstances
+[739.62 --> 740.80]  to deal
+[740.80 --> 741.16]  with,
+[742.02 --> 742.52]  God
+[742.52 --> 743.94]  inspired them
+[743.94 --> 744.64]  by His
+[744.64 --> 745.50]  Holy Spirit
+[745.50 --> 746.22]  to write
+[746.22 --> 746.56]  what they
+[746.56 --> 746.86]  did.
+[748.52 --> 749.54]  He used
+[749.54 --> 750.12]  prophets
+[750.12 --> 750.90]  to call
+[750.90 --> 751.46]  people
+[751.46 --> 752.68]  back to
+[752.68 --> 753.02]  Him
+[753.02 --> 754.98]  while
+[754.98 --> 755.66]  promising
+[755.66 --> 756.42]  a Messiah
+[756.42 --> 757.04]  would come.
+[758.30 --> 759.08]  And the
+[759.08 --> 759.74]  New Testament
+[759.74 --> 760.64]  writers like
+[760.64 --> 761.14]  Peter,
+[761.78 --> 762.02]  he says,
+[762.10 --> 762.72]  so he's
+[762.72 --> 762.98]  really,
+[763.14 --> 763.80]  all he has
+[763.80 --> 764.26]  at this time
+[764.26 --> 764.68]  is the Old
+[764.68 --> 765.06]  Testament,
+[765.20 --> 765.42]  right?
+[766.12 --> 766.62]  He says,
+[766.74 --> 767.80]  you can trust
+[767.80 --> 768.20]  them,
+[768.58 --> 769.22]  but now you
+[769.22 --> 769.70]  can also
+[769.70 --> 770.82]  trust us
+[770.82 --> 771.48]  to be
+[771.48 --> 772.04]  completely
+[772.04 --> 772.70]  reliable
+[772.70 --> 774.08]  in passing
+[774.08 --> 774.96]  this message
+[774.96 --> 775.40]  on.
+[775.40 --> 776.40]  God
+[776.40 --> 777.40]  will
+[777.40 --> 777.84]  be
+[777.84 --> 778.40]  to be
+[778.40 --> 778.80]  God
+[778.80 --> 779.40]  and I'm
+[779.40 --> 780.78]  not going to
+[780.78 --> 781.40]  retire,
+[781.40 --> 781.84]  Peter says,
+[781.84 --> 783.02]  from ever
+[783.02 --> 784.20]  reminding you
+[784.20 --> 785.92]  that Jesus
+[785.92 --> 786.92]  is the one
+[786.92 --> 787.52]  who has
+[787.52 --> 788.28]  delivered on
+[788.28 --> 789.14]  all what
+[789.14 --> 789.52]  the Old
+[789.52 --> 789.96]  Testament
+[789.96 --> 790.60]  promised.
+[791.88 --> 792.42]  He's this
+[792.42 --> 793.14]  bright light
+[793.14 --> 794.12]  that shines
+[794.12 --> 795.34]  into all
+[795.34 --> 796.00]  of your
+[796.00 --> 796.74]  and my
+[796.74 --> 797.44]  dark
+[797.44 --> 798.06]  corners
+[798.06 --> 798.80]  if you'll
+[798.80 --> 799.14]  let him.
+[799.14 --> 801.54]  he's so
+[801.54 --> 802.22]  assured of
+[802.22 --> 802.76]  who Jesus
+[802.76 --> 803.58]  is because
+[803.58 --> 804.74]  of his
+[804.74 --> 805.60]  own experience.
+[805.72 --> 806.36]  He witnessed
+[806.36 --> 807.20]  this brilliant
+[807.20 --> 808.84]  light when
+[808.84 --> 809.44]  he was with
+[809.44 --> 810.40]  Jesus and
+[810.40 --> 811.32]  others on
+[811.32 --> 811.92]  the mountain
+[811.92 --> 813.56]  and there
+[813.56 --> 814.02]  were Moses
+[814.02 --> 814.70]  and Elijah
+[814.70 --> 816.70]  and he
+[816.70 --> 817.24]  heard God
+[817.24 --> 817.60]  say,
+[818.20 --> 818.68]  this is my
+[818.68 --> 820.78]  son whom
+[820.78 --> 821.50]  I love
+[821.50 --> 822.78]  who is the
+[822.78 --> 823.82]  focus of
+[823.82 --> 824.60]  my delight.
+[827.20 --> 828.06]  But don't
+[828.06 --> 828.70]  just take my
+[828.70 --> 829.66]  word for it.
+[829.98 --> 830.34]  Peter
+[830.34 --> 831.88]  emphatically
+[831.88 --> 832.54]  goes on
+[832.54 --> 833.32]  to insist
+[833.32 --> 835.80]  this is
+[835.80 --> 836.98]  one our
+[836.98 --> 837.66]  entire
+[837.66 --> 838.38]  scriptures
+[838.38 --> 839.18]  has been
+[839.18 --> 839.98]  pointed to.
+[840.14 --> 840.70]  This is the
+[840.70 --> 841.40]  one rather
+[841.40 --> 842.40]  the Bible's
+[842.40 --> 843.20]  all pointing
+[843.20 --> 844.02]  to it.
+[845.06 --> 845.92]  Above all
+[845.92 --> 847.78]  realize
+[847.78 --> 848.60]  that these
+[848.60 --> 849.18]  prophets
+[849.18 --> 849.92]  back there
+[849.92 --> 850.82]  weren't
+[850.82 --> 851.44]  just
+[851.44 --> 852.54]  philosophers
+[852.54 --> 853.28]  giving
+[853.28 --> 854.58]  their world
+[854.58 --> 855.54]  and life
+[855.54 --> 855.90]  view.
+[855.90 --> 858.96]  Moses and
+[858.96 --> 859.98]  David just
+[859.98 --> 860.68]  weren't telling
+[860.68 --> 861.80]  us here's
+[861.80 --> 862.46]  what I
+[862.46 --> 863.16]  think.
+[864.46 --> 865.10]  Those
+[865.10 --> 865.72]  stories,
+[866.06 --> 866.90]  those poems,
+[867.52 --> 868.64]  those prophecies
+[868.64 --> 870.18]  are spirit
+[870.18 --> 871.10]  inspired.
+[872.38 --> 873.56]  And so we
+[873.56 --> 874.52]  do so well
+[874.52 --> 875.58]  to pay
+[875.58 --> 876.06]  attention
+[876.06 --> 877.00]  to them
+[877.00 --> 878.12]  and let
+[878.12 --> 879.20]  that spirit
+[879.20 --> 881.16]  that inspired
+[881.16 --> 882.38]  them by
+[882.38 --> 883.36]  reading it
+[883.36 --> 884.56]  get inside
+[884.56 --> 885.14]  of us.
+[887.58 --> 888.34]  You know we
+[888.34 --> 888.66]  have a
+[888.66 --> 889.14]  confession
+[889.14 --> 889.74]  that's called
+[889.74 --> 890.36]  the Belgic
+[890.36 --> 891.00]  Confession
+[891.00 --> 891.46]  and it's
+[891.46 --> 891.82]  the only
+[891.82 --> 892.98]  one of
+[892.98 --> 893.72]  the confessions
+[893.72 --> 894.50]  that speaks
+[894.50 --> 896.10]  into what
+[896.10 --> 896.70]  the scriptures
+[896.70 --> 897.60]  are about
+[897.60 --> 898.48]  and in
+[898.48 --> 899.70]  article 5
+[899.70 --> 900.22]  it says
+[900.22 --> 900.88]  this about
+[900.88 --> 901.46]  the Bible
+[901.46 --> 901.90]  it says
+[901.90 --> 902.60]  we receive
+[902.60 --> 903.18]  all these
+[903.18 --> 903.66]  books
+[903.66 --> 904.54]  and these
+[904.54 --> 905.02]  only
+[905.02 --> 905.36]  and it
+[905.36 --> 905.86]  talks about
+[905.86 --> 906.64]  the 66
+[906.64 --> 907.46]  as holy
+[907.46 --> 908.28]  and canonical
+[908.28 --> 909.32]  for the
+[909.32 --> 910.12]  regulating
+[910.12 --> 911.00]  founding
+[911.00 --> 912.40]  and establishing
+[912.40 --> 913.36]  of our
+[913.36 --> 913.78]  faith.
+[915.12 --> 915.96]  And we
+[915.96 --> 916.46]  believe
+[916.46 --> 917.20]  without a
+[917.20 --> 917.48]  doubt
+[917.48 --> 918.30]  all things
+[918.30 --> 919.22]  contained in
+[919.22 --> 919.42]  them
+[919.42 --> 920.46]  not so much
+[920.46 --> 921.20]  because the
+[921.20 --> 921.64]  church
+[921.64 --> 922.76]  receives them
+[922.76 --> 923.68]  and approves
+[923.68 --> 924.40]  them as such
+[924.40 --> 925.18]  because somebody
+[925.18 --> 926.04]  gets up and
+[926.04 --> 926.72]  says you
+[926.72 --> 927.06]  want to
+[927.06 --> 927.70]  believe this
+[927.70 --> 929.20]  but above
+[929.20 --> 930.20]  all because
+[930.20 --> 931.06]  the Holy
+[931.06 --> 931.80]  Spirit
+[931.80 --> 933.12]  testifies
+[933.12 --> 934.10]  in our
+[934.10 --> 934.56]  hearts
+[934.56 --> 935.16]  that they
+[935.16 --> 935.62]  are from
+[935.62 --> 936.00]  God.
+[936.00 --> 937.24]  but he
+[937.24 --> 937.64]  can't
+[937.64 --> 938.10]  testify
+[938.10 --> 938.76]  if you
+[938.76 --> 939.04]  don't
+[939.04 --> 939.54]  read it.
+[941.98 --> 942.88]  And also
+[942.88 --> 943.24]  it goes
+[943.24 --> 943.62]  on to
+[943.62 --> 943.84]  say
+[943.84 --> 945.26]  we know
+[945.26 --> 945.50]  they're
+[945.50 --> 945.70]  true
+[945.70 --> 946.08]  because
+[946.08 --> 946.30]  they
+[946.30 --> 946.70]  prove
+[946.70 --> 947.16]  themselves
+[947.16 --> 947.98]  to be
+[947.98 --> 948.52]  from
+[948.52 --> 948.94]  God.
+[949.04 --> 949.26]  Even
+[949.26 --> 949.86]  the blind
+[949.86 --> 950.40]  themselves
+[950.40 --> 950.94]  are able
+[950.94 --> 951.38]  to see
+[951.38 --> 952.04]  the things
+[952.04 --> 952.80]  predicted
+[952.80 --> 953.34]  in them
+[953.34 --> 954.06]  happen.
+[956.92 --> 957.88]  The only
+[957.88 --> 958.42]  way the
+[958.42 --> 958.84]  Bible
+[958.84 --> 959.42]  is going
+[959.42 --> 960.06]  to become
+[960.06 --> 961.14]  authoritative
+[961.14 --> 961.96]  in your
+[961.96 --> 962.70]  or my
+[962.70 --> 963.30]  life
+[963.30 --> 965.00]  is if
+[965.00 --> 965.50]  we read
+[965.50 --> 965.70]  it.
+[966.00 --> 969.26]  if we
+[969.26 --> 969.84]  accept
+[969.84 --> 970.20]  it
+[970.20 --> 971.06]  as we
+[971.06 --> 971.62]  read it
+[971.62 --> 972.48]  as the
+[972.48 --> 972.96]  word
+[972.96 --> 973.92]  of
+[973.92 --> 974.34]  and
+[974.34 --> 974.76]  from
+[974.76 --> 975.26]  God.
+[977.30 --> 978.00]  Today
+[978.00 --> 979.00]  the primary
+[979.00 --> 979.86]  text
+[979.86 --> 980.70]  of most
+[980.70 --> 981.28]  people
+[981.28 --> 982.38]  which we
+[982.38 --> 982.92]  take as
+[982.92 --> 983.46]  the final
+[983.46 --> 984.00]  authority
+[984.00 --> 984.42]  often
+[984.42 --> 984.76]  is
+[984.76 --> 986.00]  ourselves.
+[986.72 --> 987.22]  In our
+[987.22 --> 987.64]  secular
+[987.64 --> 988.20]  age
+[988.20 --> 990.22]  we do
+[990.22 --> 990.94]  not turn
+[990.94 --> 991.28]  in our
+[991.28 --> 991.74]  culture
+[991.74 --> 993.00]  to a
+[993.00 --> 993.42]  word
+[993.42 --> 994.08]  that we
+[994.08 --> 994.60]  believe
+[994.60 --> 995.48]  is from
+[995.48 --> 995.88]  God.
+[998.52 --> 999.24]  We
+[999.24 --> 999.76]  will only
+[999.76 --> 1000.40]  subject
+[1000.40 --> 1001.00]  ourselves
+[1001.00 --> 1001.36]  to
+[1001.36 --> 1001.74]  scripture
+[1001.74 --> 1003.46]  when we
+[1003.46 --> 1003.92]  are willing
+[1003.92 --> 1004.66]  to submit
+[1004.66 --> 1005.22]  that the
+[1005.22 --> 1005.70]  Spirit
+[1005.70 --> 1006.70]  authored
+[1006.70 --> 1007.92]  this book.
+[1008.92 --> 1009.86]  If you
+[1009.86 --> 1010.26]  and I
+[1010.26 --> 1010.98]  want to be
+[1010.98 --> 1011.90]  carried along
+[1011.90 --> 1012.70]  or learn
+[1012.70 --> 1013.24]  to live
+[1013.24 --> 1013.78]  with as
+[1013.78 --> 1014.36]  Galatians
+[1014.36 --> 1014.70]  says
+[1014.70 --> 1015.58]  in step
+[1015.58 --> 1015.94]  with the
+[1015.94 --> 1016.82]  Holy Spirit
+[1016.82 --> 1017.74]  I need
+[1017.74 --> 1018.32]  to accept
+[1018.32 --> 1018.80]  this is
+[1018.80 --> 1019.18]  God's
+[1019.18 --> 1019.90]  love story.
+[1019.90 --> 1021.72]  I need
+[1021.72 --> 1022.38]  to identify
+[1022.38 --> 1023.26]  myself
+[1023.26 --> 1023.80]  with it
+[1023.80 --> 1025.88]  and see
+[1025.88 --> 1026.42]  that this
+[1026.42 --> 1027.24]  tells the
+[1027.24 --> 1027.94]  whole story
+[1027.94 --> 1028.30]  of what
+[1028.30 --> 1028.72]  God's
+[1028.72 --> 1029.38]  up to
+[1029.38 --> 1030.30]  on this
+[1030.30 --> 1030.66]  earth
+[1030.66 --> 1032.72]  because
+[1032.72 --> 1033.40]  then I'll
+[1033.40 --> 1034.22]  begin
+[1034.22 --> 1035.12]  to let
+[1035.12 --> 1035.42]  it
+[1035.42 --> 1036.70]  regulate
+[1036.70 --> 1038.28]  my life.
+[1040.68 --> 1041.66]  The Bible
+[1041.66 --> 1042.08]  is there
+[1042.08 --> 1042.44]  as the
+[1042.44 --> 1042.96]  confession
+[1042.96 --> 1043.36]  says
+[1043.36 --> 1043.74]  for the
+[1043.74 --> 1044.46]  regulating
+[1044.46 --> 1045.56]  founding
+[1045.56 --> 1046.20]  and
+[1046.20 --> 1046.98]  establishing
+[1046.98 --> 1048.16]  of our
+[1048.16 --> 1048.60]  faith.
+[1049.94 --> 1050.38]  One of the
+[1050.38 --> 1050.92]  first things
+[1050.92 --> 1051.34]  it does
+[1051.34 --> 1051.80]  is help
+[1051.80 --> 1052.72]  help me
+[1052.72 --> 1053.38]  believe
+[1053.38 --> 1054.84]  that Christ
+[1054.84 --> 1055.36]  is the
+[1055.36 --> 1055.68]  one.
+[1056.96 --> 1057.24]  It goes
+[1057.24 --> 1057.56]  on
+[1057.56 --> 1058.14]  the
+[1058.14 --> 1058.60]  confession
+[1058.60 --> 1058.94]  does
+[1058.94 --> 1059.44]  in article
+[1059.44 --> 1059.96]  7
+[1059.96 --> 1060.48]  to talk
+[1060.48 --> 1060.72]  about
+[1060.72 --> 1060.94]  the
+[1060.94 --> 1061.56]  sufficiency
+[1061.56 --> 1061.92]  of
+[1061.92 --> 1062.44]  scripture.
+[1063.06 --> 1063.40]  It
+[1063.40 --> 1063.78]  states
+[1063.78 --> 1064.16]  this
+[1064.16 --> 1064.62]  in
+[1064.62 --> 1065.24]  Belgic
+[1065.24 --> 1065.74]  Confession
+[1065.74 --> 1066.08]  article
+[1066.08 --> 1066.56]  7
+[1066.56 --> 1066.78]  we
+[1066.78 --> 1067.32]  believe
+[1067.32 --> 1067.62]  this
+[1067.62 --> 1068.34]  holy
+[1068.34 --> 1069.16]  scripture
+[1069.16 --> 1070.46]  contains
+[1070.46 --> 1070.78]  the
+[1070.78 --> 1071.00]  will
+[1071.00 --> 1071.20]  of
+[1071.20 --> 1071.48]  God
+[1071.48 --> 1072.40]  completely
+[1072.40 --> 1073.32]  and
+[1073.32 --> 1073.62]  that
+[1073.62 --> 1075.04]  everything
+[1075.04 --> 1075.66]  one
+[1075.66 --> 1076.06]  must
+[1076.06 --> 1076.68]  believe
+[1076.68 --> 1077.20]  to be
+[1077.20 --> 1077.86]  saved.
+[1078.86 --> 1079.54]  In other
+[1079.54 --> 1079.84]  words it
+[1079.84 --> 1080.50]  limits the
+[1080.50 --> 1080.80]  purpose
+[1080.80 --> 1081.18]  of the
+[1081.18 --> 1081.58]  scriptures.
+[1082.14 --> 1082.48]  Everything
+[1082.48 --> 1083.04]  one
+[1083.04 --> 1083.62]  must
+[1083.62 --> 1083.96]  believe
+[1083.96 --> 1084.44]  to be
+[1084.44 --> 1085.44]  saved
+[1085.44 --> 1085.96]  is
+[1085.96 --> 1086.78]  sufficiently
+[1086.78 --> 1087.26]  taught
+[1087.26 --> 1087.70]  in it.
+[1091.14 --> 1091.84]  There's a
+[1091.84 --> 1092.42]  story in
+[1092.42 --> 1093.22]  John 5
+[1093.22 --> 1093.80]  where Jesus
+[1093.80 --> 1094.40]  is in
+[1094.40 --> 1094.76]  debate
+[1094.76 --> 1095.16]  with the
+[1095.16 --> 1095.50]  Jewish
+[1095.50 --> 1095.92]  leaders.
+[1096.08 --> 1096.40]  They were
+[1096.40 --> 1097.50]  Old Testament
+[1097.50 --> 1098.14]  scholars
+[1098.14 --> 1098.60]  and they
+[1098.60 --> 1099.06]  loved the
+[1099.06 --> 1099.38]  Bible.
+[1099.54 --> 1099.80]  It was
+[1099.80 --> 1100.42]  their pride
+[1100.42 --> 1101.08]  and joy
+[1101.08 --> 1102.62]  but they
+[1102.62 --> 1102.98]  hadn't
+[1102.98 --> 1103.34]  gotten
+[1103.34 --> 1103.66]  the
+[1103.66 --> 1104.10]  message.
+[1104.28 --> 1104.40]  They
+[1104.40 --> 1104.78]  hadn't
+[1104.78 --> 1105.22]  let it
+[1105.22 --> 1105.78]  penetrate
+[1105.78 --> 1106.40]  their own
+[1106.40 --> 1106.80]  souls.
+[1107.14 --> 1107.40]  This
+[1107.40 --> 1107.78]  is what
+[1107.78 --> 1108.10]  Jesus
+[1108.10 --> 1108.60]  said to
+[1108.60 --> 1108.80]  them
+[1108.80 --> 1108.98]  in
+[1108.98 --> 1109.24]  John
+[1109.24 --> 1109.74]  5
+[1109.74 --> 1110.24]  39.
+[1111.24 --> 1111.36]  He
+[1111.36 --> 1111.66]  said
+[1111.66 --> 1111.82]  you
+[1111.82 --> 1112.24]  study
+[1112.24 --> 1112.52]  the
+[1112.52 --> 1112.90]  scriptures
+[1112.90 --> 1113.66]  diligently
+[1113.66 --> 1114.12]  because
+[1114.12 --> 1114.40]  you
+[1114.40 --> 1114.80]  think
+[1114.80 --> 1115.14]  that
+[1115.14 --> 1115.56]  in
+[1115.56 --> 1116.12]  them
+[1116.12 --> 1116.92]  you
+[1116.92 --> 1117.56]  have
+[1117.56 --> 1118.64]  eternal
+[1118.64 --> 1119.50]  life.
+[1120.36 --> 1121.04]  These
+[1121.04 --> 1121.44]  are the
+[1121.44 --> 1121.84]  very
+[1121.84 --> 1122.46]  scriptures
+[1122.46 --> 1123.16]  that
+[1123.16 --> 1123.84]  testify
+[1123.84 --> 1125.40]  about
+[1125.40 --> 1126.12]  me
+[1126.12 --> 1127.92]  yet
+[1127.92 --> 1128.22]  you
+[1128.22 --> 1129.04]  refuse
+[1129.04 --> 1129.66]  to
+[1129.66 --> 1130.06]  come
+[1130.06 --> 1130.32]  to
+[1130.32 --> 1130.74]  me
+[1130.74 --> 1131.52]  to
+[1131.52 --> 1131.82]  have
+[1131.82 --> 1132.24]  life.
+[1132.24 --> 1136.36]  the
+[1136.36 --> 1136.68]  scriptures
+[1136.68 --> 1136.98]  are
+[1136.98 --> 1137.28]  written
+[1137.28 --> 1138.98]  to
+[1138.98 --> 1139.34]  point
+[1139.34 --> 1139.62]  us
+[1139.62 --> 1139.80]  in
+[1139.80 --> 1139.96]  the
+[1139.96 --> 1140.36]  way
+[1140.36 --> 1141.24]  of
+[1141.24 --> 1141.92]  salvation
+[1141.92 --> 1142.54]  and
+[1142.54 --> 1143.08]  life.
+[1145.12 --> 1145.56]  The
+[1145.56 --> 1145.92]  saving
+[1145.92 --> 1146.42]  knowledge
+[1146.42 --> 1146.62]  that
+[1146.62 --> 1146.86]  come
+[1146.86 --> 1147.08]  through
+[1147.08 --> 1147.60]  scriptures
+[1147.60 --> 1147.92]  what
+[1147.92 --> 1148.32]  Paul
+[1148.32 --> 1149.44]  empathizes
+[1149.44 --> 1149.86]  to
+[1149.86 --> 1150.42]  Timothy
+[1150.42 --> 1151.60]  in
+[1151.60 --> 1151.80]  our
+[1151.80 --> 1152.22]  third
+[1152.22 --> 1153.40]  passage
+[1153.40 --> 1153.94]  and
+[1153.94 --> 1154.30]  last
+[1154.30 --> 1154.58]  one
+[1154.58 --> 1154.78]  for
+[1154.78 --> 1155.04]  this
+[1155.04 --> 1155.40]  morning
+[1155.40 --> 1155.76]  2
+[1155.76 --> 1156.24]  Timothy
+[1156.24 --> 1156.76]  3
+[1156.76 --> 1157.68]  verses
+[1157.68 --> 1158.10]  10
+[1158.10 --> 1158.28]  to
+[1158.28 --> 1158.78]  17
+[1158.78 --> 1161.10]  where
+[1161.10 --> 1161.40]  Paul
+[1161.40 --> 1161.76]  writes
+[1161.76 --> 1161.98]  you
+[1161.98 --> 1162.28]  however
+[1162.28 --> 1162.58]  know
+[1162.58 --> 1162.82]  all
+[1162.82 --> 1163.06]  about
+[1163.06 --> 1163.30]  my
+[1163.30 --> 1163.82]  teaching
+[1163.82 --> 1164.74]  my
+[1164.74 --> 1164.98]  way
+[1164.98 --> 1165.12]  of
+[1165.12 --> 1165.56]  life
+[1165.56 --> 1166.58]  my
+[1166.58 --> 1167.14]  purpose
+[1167.14 --> 1167.96]  faith
+[1167.96 --> 1169.26]  patience
+[1169.26 --> 1170.36]  love
+[1170.36 --> 1171.36]  endurance
+[1171.36 --> 1172.84]  persecutions
+[1172.84 --> 1173.84]  sufferings
+[1173.84 --> 1174.38]  what
+[1174.38 --> 1174.78]  kinds
+[1174.78 --> 1174.94]  of
+[1174.94 --> 1175.20]  things
+[1175.20 --> 1175.54]  happened
+[1175.54 --> 1175.76]  to
+[1175.76 --> 1175.92]  me
+[1175.92 --> 1176.08]  in
+[1176.08 --> 1176.98]  Antioch
+[1176.98 --> 1177.98]  Iconium
+[1177.98 --> 1178.68]  and Lystra
+[1178.68 --> 1179.18]  the
+[1179.18 --> 1180.08]  persecutions
+[1180.08 --> 1180.46]  I
+[1180.46 --> 1181.06]  endured
+[1181.06 --> 1182.06]  yet the
+[1182.06 --> 1182.26]  Lord
+[1182.26 --> 1182.74]  rescued
+[1182.74 --> 1183.02]  me
+[1183.02 --> 1183.32]  from
+[1183.32 --> 1183.78]  all of
+[1183.78 --> 1183.96]  them
+[1183.96 --> 1184.58]  in
+[1184.58 --> 1184.80]  fact
+[1184.80 --> 1185.24]  everyone
+[1185.24 --> 1185.82]  who
+[1185.82 --> 1186.16]  wants
+[1186.16 --> 1186.32]  to
+[1186.32 --> 1186.46]  live
+[1186.46 --> 1186.62]  a
+[1186.62 --> 1186.98]  godly
+[1186.98 --> 1187.32]  life
+[1187.32 --> 1187.50]  in
+[1187.50 --> 1187.84]  Christ
+[1187.84 --> 1188.24]  Jesus
+[1188.24 --> 1189.00]  will
+[1189.00 --> 1189.22]  be
+[1189.22 --> 1190.00]  persecuted
+[1190.00 --> 1190.36]  or
+[1190.36 --> 1190.82]  today
+[1190.82 --> 1191.32]  in
+[1191.32 --> 1191.52]  our
+[1191.52 --> 1191.90]  culture
+[1191.90 --> 1192.12]  we
+[1192.12 --> 1192.32]  would
+[1192.32 --> 1192.74]  say
+[1192.74 --> 1193.88]  ridiculed
+[1193.88 --> 1196.30]  yet
+[1196.30 --> 1196.50]  the
+[1196.50 --> 1196.70]  Lord
+[1196.70 --> 1197.12]  rescued
+[1197.12 --> 1197.36]  me
+[1197.36 --> 1197.56]  from
+[1197.56 --> 1197.76]  all
+[1197.76 --> 1197.88]  of
+[1197.88 --> 1198.10]  them
+[1198.10 --> 1198.54]  oh
+[1198.54 --> 1198.88]  I'm
+[1198.88 --> 1199.54]  backing
+[1199.54 --> 1199.78]  up
+[1199.78 --> 1200.32]  in
+[1200.32 --> 1200.48]  fact
+[1200.48 --> 1200.88]  everyone
+[1200.88 --> 1201.12]  who
+[1201.12 --> 1201.38]  wants
+[1201.38 --> 1201.50]  to
+[1201.50 --> 1201.62]  live
+[1201.62 --> 1201.74]  a
+[1201.74 --> 1202.06]  godly
+[1202.06 --> 1202.34]  life
+[1202.34 --> 1202.50]  in
+[1202.50 --> 1202.78]  Christ
+[1202.78 --> 1203.10]  Jesus
+[1203.10 --> 1203.42]  will
+[1203.42 --> 1203.64]  be
+[1203.64 --> 1204.38]  ridiculed
+[1204.38 --> 1204.62]  while
+[1204.62 --> 1205.38]  evildoers
+[1205.38 --> 1205.92]  and
+[1205.92 --> 1206.72]  imposters
+[1206.72 --> 1207.64]  will
+[1207.64 --> 1207.84]  go
+[1207.84 --> 1208.12]  from
+[1208.12 --> 1208.42]  bad
+[1208.42 --> 1208.64]  to
+[1208.64 --> 1209.00]  worse
+[1209.00 --> 1209.74]  deceiving
+[1209.74 --> 1210.12]  and
+[1210.12 --> 1210.46]  being
+[1210.46 --> 1211.08]  deceived
+[1211.08 --> 1212.84]  but
+[1212.84 --> 1213.20]  as
+[1213.20 --> 1213.54]  for
+[1213.54 --> 1214.06]  you
+[1214.06 --> 1216.26]  we're
+[1216.26 --> 1216.40]  a
+[1216.40 --> 1217.18]  counterculture
+[1217.18 --> 1218.38]  continue
+[1218.38 --> 1219.12]  in
+[1219.12 --> 1219.44]  what
+[1219.44 --> 1219.78]  you've
+[1219.78 --> 1220.32]  learned
+[1220.32 --> 1221.82]  and
+[1221.82 --> 1222.24]  become
+[1222.24 --> 1222.90]  convinced
+[1222.90 --> 1223.28]  of
+[1223.28 --> 1224.62]  because
+[1224.62 --> 1225.86]  you know
+[1225.86 --> 1226.34]  those
+[1226.34 --> 1227.16]  from whom
+[1227.16 --> 1227.78]  you learned
+[1227.78 --> 1228.02]  it
+[1228.02 --> 1228.44]  and he's
+[1228.44 --> 1228.96]  talking to
+[1228.96 --> 1229.34]  Timothy
+[1229.34 --> 1229.92]  who learned
+[1229.92 --> 1230.20]  it in
+[1230.20 --> 1230.66]  the home
+[1230.66 --> 1231.30]  from his
+[1231.30 --> 1231.86]  mother and
+[1231.86 --> 1232.38]  grandmother
+[1232.38 --> 1234.22]  and how
+[1234.22 --> 1234.52]  from
+[1234.52 --> 1235.54]  infancy
+[1235.54 --> 1236.54]  you have
+[1236.54 --> 1236.96]  known
+[1236.96 --> 1237.62]  the holy
+[1237.62 --> 1238.18]  scriptures
+[1238.18 --> 1239.00]  and here's
+[1239.00 --> 1239.90]  their purpose
+[1239.90 --> 1241.26]  able to
+[1241.26 --> 1242.10]  make you
+[1242.10 --> 1243.04]  wise
+[1243.04 --> 1244.14]  for
+[1244.14 --> 1245.06]  salvation
+[1245.06 --> 1245.80]  through
+[1245.80 --> 1246.48]  faith
+[1246.48 --> 1247.36]  in
+[1247.36 --> 1247.80]  Christ
+[1247.80 --> 1248.46]  Jesus
+[1248.46 --> 1250.58]  all
+[1250.58 --> 1251.20]  scriptures
+[1251.20 --> 1251.84]  God
+[1251.84 --> 1253.02]  breathed
+[1253.02 --> 1254.18]  spirit
+[1254.18 --> 1254.92]  inspired
+[1254.92 --> 1256.20]  useful
+[1256.20 --> 1257.08]  for
+[1257.08 --> 1257.84]  teaching
+[1257.84 --> 1259.44]  rebuking
+[1259.44 --> 1260.74]  correcting
+[1260.74 --> 1261.82]  and
+[1261.82 --> 1262.48]  training
+[1262.48 --> 1262.90]  in
+[1262.90 --> 1263.70]  righteousness
+[1263.70 --> 1265.34]  so that
+[1265.34 --> 1266.34]  the servant
+[1266.34 --> 1267.08]  of God
+[1267.08 --> 1268.00]  may be
+[1268.00 --> 1268.70]  thoroughly
+[1268.70 --> 1269.38]  equipped
+[1269.38 --> 1270.42]  for
+[1270.42 --> 1271.02]  every
+[1271.02 --> 1271.90]  good
+[1271.90 --> 1272.36]  work
+[1272.36 --> 1276.84]  now I don't
+[1276.84 --> 1277.44]  want to force
+[1277.44 --> 1278.08]  a structure
+[1278.08 --> 1278.62]  on this
+[1278.62 --> 1279.08]  passage
+[1279.08 --> 1279.92]  as I speak
+[1279.92 --> 1280.72]  further on
+[1280.72 --> 1280.94]  it
+[1280.94 --> 1282.22]  one that's
+[1282.22 --> 1282.76]  not there
+[1282.76 --> 1284.36]  but I think
+[1284.36 --> 1284.78]  it may be
+[1284.78 --> 1285.42]  helpful to
+[1285.42 --> 1285.90]  see how
+[1285.90 --> 1286.42]  what Paul
+[1286.42 --> 1287.20]  is attributing
+[1287.20 --> 1288.06]  to the work
+[1288.06 --> 1289.14]  of scripture
+[1289.14 --> 1289.80]  in our
+[1289.80 --> 1290.38]  lives
+[1290.38 --> 1292.00]  is similar
+[1292.00 --> 1292.66]  to what
+[1292.66 --> 1293.44]  Jesus said
+[1293.44 --> 1294.02]  the work
+[1294.02 --> 1294.30]  of the
+[1294.30 --> 1295.08]  Holy Spirit
+[1295.08 --> 1295.86]  is in
+[1295.86 --> 1297.22]  John 16
+[1297.22 --> 1297.86]  where he
+[1297.86 --> 1298.30]  said the
+[1298.30 --> 1299.04]  spirit would
+[1299.04 --> 1300.36]  come and
+[1300.36 --> 1301.32]  convict the
+[1301.32 --> 1302.06]  world of
+[1302.06 --> 1303.14]  three things
+[1303.14 --> 1304.48]  the spirit
+[1304.48 --> 1305.22]  would convict
+[1305.22 --> 1305.68]  the world
+[1305.68 --> 1306.54]  of sin
+[1306.54 --> 1308.24]  of righteousness
+[1308.24 --> 1309.42]  and he
+[1309.42 --> 1309.88]  mentions
+[1309.88 --> 1310.40]  judgment
+[1310.40 --> 1310.92]  but what
+[1310.92 --> 1312.06]  Jesus means
+[1312.06 --> 1312.82]  is and
+[1312.82 --> 1313.42]  freedom
+[1313.42 --> 1314.60]  from eternal
+[1314.60 --> 1315.10]  judgment
+[1315.10 --> 1318.28]  when the
+[1318.28 --> 1319.36]  spirit convicts
+[1319.36 --> 1320.04]  us that we
+[1320.04 --> 1321.10]  are no longer
+[1321.10 --> 1321.78]  under the
+[1321.78 --> 1322.48]  judgment of
+[1322.48 --> 1322.88]  God
+[1322.88 --> 1323.76]  that's the
+[1323.76 --> 1324.40]  same as
+[1324.40 --> 1325.30]  believing that
+[1325.30 --> 1326.10]  our salvation
+[1326.10 --> 1327.36]  comes completely
+[1327.36 --> 1328.92]  in Christ
+[1328.92 --> 1331.34]  the spirit
+[1331.34 --> 1332.58]  convicting us
+[1332.58 --> 1333.34]  of sin
+[1333.34 --> 1334.08]  relates to
+[1334.08 --> 1334.88]  Paul saying
+[1334.88 --> 1335.30]  that the
+[1335.30 --> 1336.04]  scriptures are
+[1336.04 --> 1336.92]  meant for
+[1336.92 --> 1338.40]  rebuking and
+[1338.40 --> 1339.04]  correcting
+[1339.04 --> 1341.64]  and the
+[1341.64 --> 1342.68]  spirit convicting
+[1342.68 --> 1343.28]  us of
+[1343.28 --> 1344.22]  righteousness
+[1344.22 --> 1345.50]  relates to
+[1345.50 --> 1346.08]  how as he
+[1346.08 --> 1346.60]  says the
+[1346.60 --> 1348.12]  scriptures are
+[1348.12 --> 1348.94]  there to
+[1348.94 --> 1349.94]  train us
+[1349.94 --> 1351.44]  in righteousness
+[1351.44 --> 1352.74]  so we can
+[1352.74 --> 1353.24]  live this
+[1353.24 --> 1354.18]  mature life
+[1354.18 --> 1356.52]  by the way
+[1356.52 --> 1357.58]  I think this
+[1357.58 --> 1358.24]  is also the
+[1358.24 --> 1359.00]  three parts of
+[1359.00 --> 1359.60]  the Heidelberg
+[1359.60 --> 1360.36]  Catechism
+[1360.36 --> 1362.68]  the three things
+[1362.68 --> 1363.30]  we need to
+[1363.30 --> 1363.62]  know
+[1363.62 --> 1365.20]  how great our
+[1365.20 --> 1365.96]  sin is
+[1365.96 --> 1367.34]  how great our
+[1367.34 --> 1368.22]  redemption is
+[1368.22 --> 1368.92]  the order is a
+[1368.92 --> 1369.38]  little different
+[1369.38 --> 1370.96]  and how we can
+[1370.96 --> 1371.88]  say thank you to
+[1371.88 --> 1372.62]  God through a
+[1372.62 --> 1373.60]  life of obedience
+[1373.60 --> 1374.76]  through all that
+[1374.76 --> 1375.38]  he's done for
+[1375.38 --> 1377.54]  us and these
+[1377.54 --> 1378.46]  three things
+[1378.46 --> 1380.38]  give us three
+[1380.38 --> 1381.72]  reasons to
+[1381.72 --> 1383.02]  read the
+[1383.02 --> 1385.30]  Bible the
+[1385.30 --> 1386.34]  first reason
+[1386.34 --> 1387.30]  is to help
+[1387.30 --> 1388.48]  us to know
+[1388.48 --> 1389.94]  how we may be
+[1389.94 --> 1391.58]  saved through
+[1391.58 --> 1392.42]  our Lord Jesus
+[1392.42 --> 1394.50]  Christ and
+[1394.50 --> 1395.48]  you know we
+[1395.48 --> 1396.26]  can say once
+[1396.26 --> 1397.22]  saved but we
+[1397.22 --> 1397.94]  need this
+[1397.94 --> 1398.70]  assurance
+[1398.70 --> 1399.88]  virtually
+[1399.88 --> 1401.44]  every day
+[1401.44 --> 1404.34]  to know
+[1404.34 --> 1404.82]  again I'm
+[1404.82 --> 1405.48]  loved by
+[1405.48 --> 1405.90]  God
+[1405.90 --> 1407.98]  and when you
+[1407.98 --> 1408.40]  read through
+[1408.40 --> 1409.00]  the scriptures
+[1409.00 --> 1410.76]  it will confirm
+[1410.76 --> 1412.24]  that to your
+[1412.24 --> 1412.62]  soul
+[1412.62 --> 1414.54]  because we'll
+[1414.54 --> 1414.98]  know the
+[1414.98 --> 1415.68]  spirit is at
+[1415.68 --> 1416.78]  work you can
+[1416.78 --> 1417.88]  know it if you
+[1417.88 --> 1418.54]  read through the
+[1418.54 --> 1418.92]  Bible
+[1418.92 --> 1420.94]  and your
+[1420.94 --> 1422.16]  your head's
+[1422.16 --> 1422.64]  nodding
+[1422.64 --> 1425.50]  you read
+[1425.50 --> 1425.98]  through some
+[1425.98 --> 1426.72]  of the stories
+[1426.72 --> 1427.28]  and you hear
+[1427.28 --> 1428.14]  what Paul says
+[1428.14 --> 1429.06]  in some places
+[1429.06 --> 1429.76]  in the scriptures
+[1429.76 --> 1430.42]  and your heart
+[1430.42 --> 1431.14]  starts beating
+[1431.14 --> 1432.02]  faster and
+[1432.02 --> 1433.62]  faster as it
+[1433.62 --> 1434.28]  were your eyes
+[1434.28 --> 1434.84]  start getting
+[1434.84 --> 1437.02]  bigger that's
+[1437.02 --> 1438.14]  confirmation that
+[1438.14 --> 1438.80]  you and God
+[1438.80 --> 1440.84]  are in sync and
+[1440.84 --> 1441.50]  that he's working
+[1441.50 --> 1441.98]  through his
+[1441.98 --> 1442.62]  spirit his
+[1442.62 --> 1443.44]  salvation in
+[1443.44 --> 1445.16]  your soul gives
+[1445.16 --> 1445.92]  you reason for
+[1445.92 --> 1448.22]  joy like a big
+[1448.22 --> 1450.44]  love letter God
+[1450.44 --> 1451.56]  saying to us how
+[1451.56 --> 1452.34]  much he cares
+[1452.34 --> 1453.16]  about us
+[1453.16 --> 1455.94]  my wife Lynn
+[1455.94 --> 1457.10]  and I we did
+[1457.10 --> 1457.70]  most of our
+[1457.70 --> 1458.36]  courting by
+[1458.36 --> 1459.54]  distance I
+[1459.54 --> 1459.90]  was at
+[1459.90 --> 1461.44]  Dort College
+[1461.44 --> 1462.70]  in Iowa and
+[1462.70 --> 1464.46]  she was in
+[1464.46 --> 1465.82]  Winnipeg I
+[1465.82 --> 1466.26]  could hardly
+[1466.26 --> 1466.84]  wait to get
+[1466.84 --> 1467.46]  those letters
+[1467.46 --> 1469.12]  I was so
+[1469.12 --> 1469.96]  excited I'd go
+[1469.96 --> 1470.86]  alone and I'd
+[1470.86 --> 1473.20]  read them I
+[1473.20 --> 1474.40]  just soak it
+[1474.40 --> 1476.08]  in let what
+[1476.08 --> 1476.64]  she wrote
+[1476.64 --> 1477.70]  penetrate
+[1477.70 --> 1481.26]  and sometimes
+[1481.26 --> 1481.84]  I'd read them
+[1481.84 --> 1482.56]  more than once
+[1482.56 --> 1485.24]  that's how we're
+[1485.24 --> 1485.80]  meant to read
+[1485.80 --> 1487.56]  scripture it's a
+[1487.56 --> 1488.08]  love letter
+[1488.08 --> 1490.96]  reminding us of
+[1490.96 --> 1491.86]  who God is for
+[1491.86 --> 1492.54]  us second
+[1492.54 --> 1493.40]  reason is to
+[1493.40 --> 1494.22]  see our sin
+[1494.22 --> 1494.80]  and short
+[1494.80 --> 1495.44]  comings
+[1495.44 --> 1497.58]  that's the
+[1497.58 --> 1498.88]  rebuking the
+[1498.88 --> 1500.66]  correcting we
+[1500.66 --> 1501.30]  don't like that
+[1501.30 --> 1502.78]  today to
+[1502.78 --> 1503.84]  rebuke and
+[1503.84 --> 1505.50]  correct I
+[1505.50 --> 1505.96]  think that's
+[1505.96 --> 1506.92]  being negative
+[1506.92 --> 1508.84]  turns people
+[1508.84 --> 1509.28]  away
+[1509.28 --> 1512.56]  well let me
+[1512.56 --> 1513.30]  assure you we
+[1513.30 --> 1514.08]  wouldn't have to
+[1514.08 --> 1514.94]  do much of it
+[1514.94 --> 1516.08]  if people would
+[1516.08 --> 1516.98]  practice the
+[1516.98 --> 1517.68]  discipline of
+[1517.68 --> 1518.26]  reading the
+[1518.26 --> 1519.04]  scripture because
+[1519.04 --> 1520.28]  the spirit would
+[1520.28 --> 1521.12]  simply get the
+[1521.12 --> 1521.78]  job done
+[1521.78 --> 1523.98]  the spirit's
+[1523.98 --> 1524.56]  actually very
+[1524.56 --> 1525.02]  good at
+[1525.02 --> 1526.00]  convicting people
+[1526.00 --> 1526.52]  of sin
+[1526.52 --> 1527.98]  it's part of
+[1527.98 --> 1529.08]  his job
+[1529.08 --> 1529.72]  maybe the
+[1529.72 --> 1530.64]  primary one
+[1530.64 --> 1533.30]  see the word
+[1533.30 --> 1533.94]  of God is
+[1533.94 --> 1534.74]  the sword
+[1534.74 --> 1535.88]  of the spirit
+[1535.88 --> 1537.34]  it cuts
+[1537.34 --> 1538.72]  to the heart
+[1538.72 --> 1540.80]  convicts us
+[1540.80 --> 1541.72]  when we've
+[1541.72 --> 1542.50]  done wrong
+[1542.50 --> 1544.54]  points us
+[1544.54 --> 1545.16]  back in the
+[1545.16 --> 1546.42]  right way
+[1546.42 --> 1549.14]  Jesus said
+[1549.14 --> 1549.46]  to his
+[1549.46 --> 1550.26]  disciples in
+[1550.26 --> 1550.96]  John 15
+[1550.96 --> 1551.58]  that you have
+[1551.58 --> 1552.78]  become clean
+[1552.78 --> 1554.14]  because of
+[1554.14 --> 1554.60]  what I've
+[1554.60 --> 1555.52]  spoken to
+[1555.52 --> 1555.90]  you
+[1555.90 --> 1558.72]  and then he
+[1558.72 --> 1559.38]  went on to
+[1559.38 --> 1559.66]  pray
+[1559.66 --> 1560.30]  father that
+[1560.30 --> 1560.62]  you would
+[1560.62 --> 1562.00]  sanctify them
+[1562.00 --> 1563.04]  by your
+[1563.04 --> 1563.92]  truth and
+[1563.92 --> 1564.28]  then he
+[1564.28 --> 1564.98]  added your
+[1564.98 --> 1566.38]  word is
+[1566.38 --> 1566.98]  truth
+[1566.98 --> 1569.80]  God's word
+[1569.80 --> 1570.24]  is a
+[1570.24 --> 1570.98]  purifier
+[1570.98 --> 1572.84]  it's his
+[1572.84 --> 1573.90]  central means
+[1573.90 --> 1575.10]  really to
+[1575.10 --> 1575.60]  make you
+[1575.60 --> 1575.94]  and me
+[1575.94 --> 1576.40]  holy
+[1576.40 --> 1578.54]  and if we
+[1578.54 --> 1578.96]  have any
+[1578.96 --> 1579.62]  desire to
+[1579.62 --> 1580.32]  become like
+[1580.32 --> 1580.98]  Christ we
+[1580.98 --> 1581.74]  must be
+[1581.74 --> 1582.64]  students of
+[1582.64 --> 1582.98]  the word
+[1582.98 --> 1583.44]  of God
+[1583.44 --> 1586.46]  you simply
+[1586.46 --> 1587.48]  cannot graduate
+[1587.48 --> 1588.86]  from a
+[1588.86 --> 1589.80]  university or
+[1589.80 --> 1590.30]  from some
+[1590.30 --> 1591.38]  classes until
+[1591.38 --> 1591.98]  you've done
+[1591.98 --> 1593.40]  the required
+[1593.40 --> 1594.38]  reading
+[1594.38 --> 1596.66]  and we
+[1596.66 --> 1597.76]  cannot be
+[1597.76 --> 1599.32]  apprentices in
+[1599.32 --> 1600.12]  the school of
+[1600.12 --> 1601.20]  Christ if we
+[1601.20 --> 1602.24]  do not spend
+[1602.24 --> 1603.76]  concentrated time
+[1603.76 --> 1604.46]  in the
+[1604.46 --> 1604.80]  scriptures
+[1604.80 --> 1609.20]  so the
+[1609.20 --> 1609.86]  Bible helps
+[1609.86 --> 1611.16]  us know
+[1611.16 --> 1611.98]  we're saved
+[1611.98 --> 1612.58]  and loved
+[1612.58 --> 1613.26]  but it also
+[1613.26 --> 1613.96]  does this
+[1613.96 --> 1615.42]  job of
+[1615.42 --> 1616.22]  pointing out
+[1616.22 --> 1616.78]  our sin
+[1616.78 --> 1617.56]  and thirdly
+[1617.56 --> 1618.12]  it teaches
+[1618.12 --> 1619.48]  us how
+[1619.48 --> 1620.14]  to obey
+[1620.14 --> 1622.80]  it's God
+[1622.80 --> 1623.66]  breathed so
+[1623.66 --> 1624.42]  we can be
+[1624.42 --> 1625.90]  trained to
+[1625.90 --> 1626.80]  be righteous
+[1626.80 --> 1628.62]  it's filled
+[1628.62 --> 1629.10]  with all
+[1629.10 --> 1629.86]  kinds of
+[1629.86 --> 1630.94]  practical advice
+[1630.94 --> 1631.86]  stories and
+[1631.86 --> 1632.72]  teachings that
+[1632.72 --> 1633.78]  cover the
+[1633.78 --> 1634.92]  full gamut
+[1634.92 --> 1635.58]  of life
+[1635.58 --> 1636.76]  stuff that
+[1636.76 --> 1637.26]  you don't want
+[1637.26 --> 1637.94]  to talk about
+[1637.94 --> 1638.58]  in public
+[1638.58 --> 1639.00]  or there
+[1639.00 --> 1641.46]  we can
+[1641.46 --> 1641.94]  learn from
+[1641.94 --> 1642.68]  the mistakes
+[1642.68 --> 1643.40]  of many
+[1643.40 --> 1643.80]  in that
+[1643.80 --> 1644.98]  book and
+[1644.98 --> 1645.52]  be guided
+[1645.52 --> 1646.02]  by the
+[1646.02 --> 1647.66]  wisdom of
+[1647.66 --> 1648.10]  others
+[1648.10 --> 1650.06]  and no
+[1650.06 --> 1650.52]  matter how
+[1650.52 --> 1651.12]  many times
+[1651.12 --> 1651.50]  you read
+[1651.50 --> 1651.78]  it you
+[1651.78 --> 1652.58]  keep learning
+[1652.58 --> 1655.36]  see things
+[1655.36 --> 1655.80]  you didn't
+[1655.80 --> 1656.34]  before
+[1656.34 --> 1658.12]  so that in
+[1658.12 --> 1658.70]  the end we
+[1658.70 --> 1659.06]  may be
+[1659.06 --> 1659.66]  thoroughly
+[1659.66 --> 1660.50]  equipped
+[1660.50 --> 1662.12]  for every
+[1662.12 --> 1662.76]  good work
+[1662.76 --> 1663.40]  and thoroughly
+[1663.40 --> 1664.28]  equipped means
+[1664.28 --> 1665.30]  really mature
+[1665.30 --> 1666.06]  complete
+[1666.06 --> 1667.90]  as we said
+[1667.90 --> 1668.34]  earlier
+[1668.34 --> 1669.06]  some have
+[1669.06 --> 1669.56]  described
+[1669.56 --> 1671.94]  the result
+[1671.94 --> 1672.72]  of spiritual
+[1672.72 --> 1673.36]  disciplines
+[1673.36 --> 1673.90]  is to be
+[1673.90 --> 1674.48]  to do the
+[1674.48 --> 1675.12]  right thing
+[1675.12 --> 1675.48]  at the
+[1675.48 --> 1676.26]  right time
+[1676.26 --> 1676.62]  in the
+[1676.62 --> 1677.26]  right way
+[1677.26 --> 1678.16]  and in
+[1678.16 --> 1678.58]  the right
+[1678.58 --> 1679.14]  spirit
+[1679.14 --> 1682.48]  and this
+[1682.48 --> 1682.88]  is why
+[1682.88 --> 1683.34]  we must
+[1683.34 --> 1683.78]  read the
+[1683.78 --> 1684.16]  Bible
+[1684.16 --> 1687.12]  and let it
+[1687.12 --> 1687.92]  penetrate
+[1687.92 --> 1688.28]  it
+[1688.28 --> 1690.20]  Elizabeth
+[1690.20 --> 1690.66]  Haley
+[1690.66 --> 1691.18]  Barton
+[1691.18 --> 1691.96]  in her
+[1691.96 --> 1692.22]  book
+[1692.22 --> 1692.70]  Sacred
+[1692.70 --> 1693.22]  Rhythms
+[1693.22 --> 1695.62]  says the
+[1695.62 --> 1696.28]  scriptures have
+[1696.28 --> 1696.98]  been given to
+[1696.98 --> 1697.90]  allow my own
+[1697.90 --> 1699.32]  heart and soul
+[1699.32 --> 1701.04]  to be penetrated
+[1701.04 --> 1702.10]  by an intimate
+[1702.10 --> 1703.34]  word from
+[1703.34 --> 1703.74]  God
+[1703.74 --> 1707.22]  we get into
+[1707.22 --> 1707.78]  the word
+[1707.78 --> 1709.30]  so it can get
+[1709.30 --> 1710.02]  into us
+[1710.02 --> 1712.70]  and quite
+[1712.70 --> 1713.28]  frankly
+[1713.28 --> 1714.66]  how you do
+[1714.66 --> 1714.94]  it
+[1714.94 --> 1716.88]  doesn't matter
+[1716.88 --> 1717.80]  all that much
+[1717.80 --> 1719.68]  that you do
+[1719.68 --> 1719.96]  it
+[1719.96 --> 1721.44]  doesn't matter
+[1721.44 --> 1722.36]  how you exercise
+[1722.36 --> 1723.88]  just exercise
+[1723.88 --> 1725.22]  find a way
+[1725.22 --> 1726.98]  it's like any
+[1726.98 --> 1727.64]  relationship
+[1727.64 --> 1728.96]  young men and
+[1728.96 --> 1729.62]  women get pretty
+[1729.62 --> 1730.38]  creative when they
+[1730.38 --> 1731.00]  want to develop
+[1731.00 --> 1731.58]  a relationship
+[1731.58 --> 1732.98]  they find a way
+[1732.98 --> 1733.72]  to get together
+[1733.72 --> 1734.50]  and they learn
+[1734.50 --> 1735.36]  how to communicate
+[1735.36 --> 1736.82]  and it's no
+[1736.82 --> 1737.38]  different with
+[1737.38 --> 1737.76]  God
+[1737.76 --> 1740.00]  simply pick a
+[1740.00 --> 1740.56]  time
+[1740.56 --> 1742.04]  and usually
+[1742.04 --> 1743.04]  a place
+[1743.04 --> 1744.70]  call it a
+[1744.70 --> 1745.12]  date
+[1745.12 --> 1748.12]  and then
+[1748.12 --> 1749.92]  become
+[1749.92 --> 1750.62]  disciplined
+[1750.62 --> 1755.40]  if you're
+[1755.40 --> 1755.80]  unfamiliar
+[1755.80 --> 1756.36]  with the
+[1756.36 --> 1756.68]  Bible
+[1756.68 --> 1757.36]  you may want
+[1757.36 --> 1757.74]  to start
+[1757.74 --> 1758.06]  with the
+[1758.06 --> 1758.64]  Gospel of
+[1758.64 --> 1758.98]  John
+[1758.98 --> 1759.26]  and you
+[1759.26 --> 1759.46]  know
+[1759.46 --> 1759.72]  one
+[1759.72 --> 1760.72]  talked to
+[1760.72 --> 1761.06]  Nicky
+[1761.06 --> 1761.48]  Gumbel
+[1761.48 --> 1762.64]  some of you
+[1762.64 --> 1762.98]  may know
+[1762.98 --> 1763.30]  of him
+[1763.30 --> 1766.04]  he was a
+[1766.04 --> 1766.36]  lawyer
+[1766.36 --> 1767.18]  somebody
+[1767.18 --> 1767.84]  challenged him
+[1767.84 --> 1768.28]  when he sat
+[1768.28 --> 1768.70]  down and
+[1768.70 --> 1769.30]  started reading
+[1769.30 --> 1769.72]  the Bible
+[1769.72 --> 1770.30]  one night
+[1770.30 --> 1772.50]  and you
+[1772.50 --> 1772.84]  read the
+[1772.84 --> 1773.08]  Bible
+[1773.08 --> 1773.52]  like a
+[1773.52 --> 1773.84]  novel
+[1773.84 --> 1774.90]  just sit
+[1774.90 --> 1775.10]  down
+[1775.10 --> 1775.40]  and read
+[1775.40 --> 1775.68]  one of
+[1775.68 --> 1776.40]  the Gospels
+[1776.40 --> 1777.36]  first time
+[1777.36 --> 1777.66]  I did
+[1777.66 --> 1777.84]  that
+[1777.84 --> 1778.04]  I was
+[1778.04 --> 1778.16]  in
+[1778.16 --> 1778.68]  seminary
+[1778.68 --> 1779.00]  I was
+[1779.00 --> 1779.42]  supposed
+[1779.42 --> 1780.04]  to be
+[1780.04 --> 1780.56]  a student
+[1780.56 --> 1781.40]  required
+[1781.40 --> 1781.88]  reading
+[1781.88 --> 1783.62]  what an
+[1783.62 --> 1784.08]  impact
+[1784.08 --> 1784.78]  reading
+[1784.78 --> 1785.44]  the Gospel
+[1785.44 --> 1786.32]  a Gospel
+[1786.32 --> 1786.68]  through
+[1786.68 --> 1787.28]  in one
+[1787.28 --> 1787.74]  setting
+[1787.74 --> 1788.40]  do it
+[1788.40 --> 1788.60]  some
+[1788.60 --> 1789.02]  evening
+[1789.02 --> 1789.96]  it'll
+[1789.96 --> 1790.46]  immerse
+[1790.46 --> 1790.64]  you
+[1790.64 --> 1790.90]  in the
+[1790.90 --> 1791.14]  life
+[1791.14 --> 1791.36]  of
+[1791.36 --> 1791.90]  Jesus
+[1791.90 --> 1792.84]  it's
+[1792.84 --> 1793.04]  one
+[1793.04 --> 1793.38]  way
+[1793.38 --> 1795.06]  some
+[1795.06 --> 1795.44]  follow
+[1795.44 --> 1795.88]  Bible
+[1795.88 --> 1796.20]  in a
+[1796.20 --> 1796.48]  year
+[1796.48 --> 1798.00]  some
+[1798.00 --> 1798.32]  take
+[1798.32 --> 1798.64]  very
+[1798.64 --> 1799.18]  small
+[1799.18 --> 1799.78]  amounts
+[1799.78 --> 1801.82]  it's
+[1801.82 --> 1802.30]  called
+[1802.30 --> 1803.22]  Lectio
+[1803.22 --> 1803.70]  Divina
+[1803.70 --> 1804.42]  is a
+[1804.42 --> 1804.72]  way
+[1804.72 --> 1805.68]  it really
+[1805.68 --> 1806.50]  means to
+[1806.50 --> 1807.78]  meditate
+[1807.78 --> 1810.70]  like a
+[1810.70 --> 1812.82]  I read
+[1812.82 --> 1813.92]  the analogy
+[1813.92 --> 1815.06]  of a dog
+[1815.06 --> 1815.64]  with a bone
+[1815.64 --> 1816.62]  you ever see a dog
+[1816.62 --> 1817.56]  finds a bone
+[1817.56 --> 1819.18]  it's chewing
+[1819.18 --> 1820.32]  it's absolutely
+[1820.32 --> 1822.00]  you get into
+[1822.00 --> 1822.78]  a passage
+[1822.78 --> 1823.58]  of scripture
+[1823.58 --> 1826.38]  you just chew
+[1826.38 --> 1827.30]  away on it
+[1827.30 --> 1829.52]  and you let
+[1829.52 --> 1830.22]  it get into
+[1830.22 --> 1830.54]  you
+[1830.54 --> 1831.56]  and you say
+[1831.56 --> 1831.88]  Lord
+[1831.88 --> 1832.94]  what does this
+[1832.94 --> 1833.28]  mean
+[1833.28 --> 1833.82]  and you read
+[1833.82 --> 1834.30]  it again
+[1834.30 --> 1834.96]  how might you
+[1834.96 --> 1835.52]  be speaking
+[1835.52 --> 1836.34]  into my life
+[1836.34 --> 1836.74]  and you read
+[1836.74 --> 1837.04]  it again
+[1837.04 --> 1837.30]  Lord
+[1837.30 --> 1838.10]  what are you
+[1838.10 --> 1838.80]  asking me
+[1838.80 --> 1839.16]  to do
+[1839.16 --> 1839.72]  this day
+[1839.72 --> 1840.44]  out of this
+[1840.44 --> 1840.88]  passage
+[1840.88 --> 1841.42]  that's what
+[1841.42 --> 1842.56]  Lectio Divina
+[1842.56 --> 1843.06]  is really
+[1843.06 --> 1843.56]  meant to
+[1843.56 --> 1844.04]  help us
+[1844.04 --> 1844.26]  do
+[1844.26 --> 1844.70]  and if you
+[1844.70 --> 1844.92]  want
+[1844.92 --> 1845.34]  you google
+[1845.34 --> 1845.58]  it
+[1845.58 --> 1845.90]  and you'll
+[1845.90 --> 1847.16]  find ways
+[1847.16 --> 1848.14]  to meditate
+[1848.14 --> 1849.30]  on a smaller
+[1849.30 --> 1850.18]  passage of
+[1850.18 --> 1850.36]  scripture
+[1850.36 --> 1851.10]  there's all
+[1851.10 --> 1851.74]  kinds of
+[1851.74 --> 1852.14]  ways
+[1852.14 --> 1853.84]  and listen
+[1853.84 --> 1854.22]  to it
+[1854.22 --> 1855.00]  on a CD
+[1855.00 --> 1857.42]  and listen
+[1857.42 --> 1857.76]  to it
+[1857.76 --> 1858.12]  when you're
+[1858.12 --> 1858.62]  traveling
+[1858.62 --> 1860.12]  and listen
+[1860.12 --> 1860.64]  to it
+[1860.64 --> 1861.32]  quietly
+[1861.32 --> 1861.96]  at night
+[1861.96 --> 1863.08]  you can
+[1863.08 --> 1863.64]  read it
+[1863.64 --> 1865.70]  I think
+[1865.70 --> 1866.22]  we've gotten
+[1866.22 --> 1866.62]  away
+[1866.62 --> 1867.00]  but we
+[1867.00 --> 1867.40]  haven't
+[1867.40 --> 1867.72]  in our
+[1867.72 --> 1868.02]  house
+[1868.02 --> 1868.52]  but we
+[1868.52 --> 1868.84]  still
+[1868.84 --> 1869.22]  read it
+[1869.22 --> 1869.76]  at most
+[1869.76 --> 1870.32]  supper
+[1870.32 --> 1870.86]  times
+[1870.86 --> 1871.52]  or meal
+[1871.52 --> 1872.12]  times
+[1872.12 --> 1872.98]  a passage
+[1872.98 --> 1874.72]  we have
+[1874.72 --> 1875.20]  our own
+[1875.20 --> 1876.00]  ways
+[1876.00 --> 1876.46]  of doing
+[1876.46 --> 1876.74]  this
+[1876.74 --> 1877.22]  my own
+[1877.22 --> 1877.68]  personal
+[1877.68 --> 1878.90]  discipline
+[1878.90 --> 1879.28]  at this
+[1879.28 --> 1879.66]  point
+[1879.66 --> 1880.22]  in time
+[1880.22 --> 1880.60]  is to
+[1880.60 --> 1880.96]  read
+[1880.96 --> 1881.78]  a minimum
+[1881.78 --> 1882.32]  of two
+[1882.32 --> 1882.96]  chapters
+[1882.96 --> 1883.48]  old
+[1883.48 --> 1883.94]  testament
+[1883.94 --> 1884.42]  and new
+[1884.42 --> 1884.72]  every
+[1884.72 --> 1885.20]  morning
+[1885.20 --> 1887.10]  it's
+[1887.10 --> 1887.54]  amazing
+[1887.54 --> 1887.80]  what
+[1887.80 --> 1888.10]  comes
+[1888.10 --> 1888.50]  up
+[1888.50 --> 1890.64]  it's
+[1890.64 --> 1890.84]  really
+[1890.84 --> 1891.22]  how I
+[1891.22 --> 1891.66]  came to
+[1891.66 --> 1891.94]  faith
+[1891.94 --> 1892.30]  I would
+[1892.30 --> 1892.52]  say
+[1892.52 --> 1892.82]  I was
+[1892.82 --> 1893.32]  challenged
+[1893.32 --> 1893.74]  as a
+[1893.74 --> 1893.98]  kid
+[1893.98 --> 1895.04]  by a
+[1895.04 --> 1895.24]  fellow
+[1895.24 --> 1895.48]  in
+[1895.48 --> 1896.04]  Ontario
+[1896.04 --> 1896.32]  in
+[1896.32 --> 1896.62]  some
+[1896.62 --> 1897.26]  magazine
+[1897.26 --> 1897.58]  I think
+[1897.58 --> 1897.92]  it was
+[1897.92 --> 1898.68]  through
+[1898.68 --> 1898.90]  the
+[1898.90 --> 1899.86]  used to
+[1899.86 --> 1900.24]  be called
+[1900.24 --> 1900.58]  Uncle
+[1900.58 --> 1900.90]  Bill
+[1900.90 --> 1901.38]  and it
+[1901.38 --> 1901.68]  was a
+[1901.68 --> 1902.06]  challenge
+[1902.06 --> 1902.48]  to read
+[1902.48 --> 1902.64]  the
+[1902.64 --> 1902.94]  Bible
+[1902.94 --> 1903.24]  and if
+[1903.24 --> 1903.48]  you did
+[1903.48 --> 1903.60]  it
+[1903.60 --> 1903.86]  for a
+[1903.86 --> 1904.06]  year
+[1904.06 --> 1904.22]  you
+[1904.22 --> 1904.42]  got
+[1904.42 --> 1904.58]  a
+[1904.58 --> 1905.06]  certificate
+[1905.06 --> 1906.56]  I
+[1906.56 --> 1906.72]  did
+[1906.72 --> 1906.84]  it
+[1906.84 --> 1906.96]  for
+[1906.96 --> 1907.32]  three
+[1907.32 --> 1907.68]  years
+[1907.68 --> 1908.04]  minus
+[1908.04 --> 1908.42]  one
+[1908.42 --> 1908.72]  night
+[1908.72 --> 1908.92]  I
+[1908.92 --> 1909.28]  remember
+[1909.28 --> 1909.48]  the
+[1909.48 --> 1909.66]  night
+[1909.66 --> 1909.84]  we
+[1909.84 --> 1910.00]  were
+[1910.00 --> 1910.38]  camping
+[1910.38 --> 1910.66]  up
+[1910.66 --> 1910.86]  in
+[1910.86 --> 1911.70]  Houston
+[1911.70 --> 1911.98]  with
+[1911.98 --> 1912.16]  my
+[1912.16 --> 1912.46]  brother
+[1912.46 --> 1912.86]  and a
+[1912.86 --> 1913.20]  friend
+[1913.20 --> 1914.26]  and I
+[1914.26 --> 1914.52]  remember
+[1914.52 --> 1914.86]  it was
+[1914.86 --> 1915.16]  late
+[1915.16 --> 1915.36]  and I
+[1915.36 --> 1915.56]  suddenly
+[1915.56 --> 1915.92]  oh
+[1915.92 --> 1916.62]  crap
+[1916.62 --> 1916.78]  I
+[1916.78 --> 1917.04]  didn't
+[1917.04 --> 1917.28]  read
+[1917.28 --> 1917.42]  the
+[1917.42 --> 1917.66]  Bible
+[1917.66 --> 1918.02]  today
+[1918.02 --> 1918.70]  well you
+[1918.70 --> 1919.08]  can get
+[1919.08 --> 1919.42]  a little
+[1919.42 --> 1920.20]  hypocritical
+[1920.20 --> 1920.60]  and self
+[1920.60 --> 1920.94]  righteous
+[1920.94 --> 1921.52]  about all
+[1921.52 --> 1921.68]  that
+[1921.68 --> 1922.02]  but you
+[1922.02 --> 1922.14]  know
+[1922.14 --> 1922.34]  the
+[1922.34 --> 1922.84]  discipline
+[1922.84 --> 1923.34]  of doing
+[1923.34 --> 1923.54]  it
+[1923.54 --> 1923.88]  for
+[1923.88 --> 1924.24]  three
+[1924.24 --> 1924.56]  years
+[1924.56 --> 1925.02]  changed
+[1925.02 --> 1925.24]  my
+[1925.24 --> 1925.66]  life
+[1925.66 --> 1928.28]  doesn't
+[1928.28 --> 1928.60]  have to
+[1928.60 --> 1928.74]  be
+[1928.74 --> 1929.12]  much
+[1929.12 --> 1931.78]  in
+[1931.78 --> 1931.96]  the
+[1931.96 --> 1932.46]  end
+[1932.46 --> 1932.94]  what we
+[1932.94 --> 1933.18]  need
+[1933.18 --> 1933.34]  to
+[1933.34 --> 1933.88]  become
+[1933.88 --> 1934.52]  is
+[1934.52 --> 1935.38]  individuals
+[1935.38 --> 1936.62]  who
+[1936.62 --> 1936.88]  have a
+[1936.88 --> 1937.32]  passion
+[1937.32 --> 1937.62]  for
+[1937.62 --> 1938.08]  Christ
+[1938.08 --> 1938.42]  and we
+[1938.42 --> 1938.82]  want to
+[1938.82 --> 1939.00]  know
+[1939.00 --> 1939.38]  more
+[1939.38 --> 1940.22]  and we
+[1940.22 --> 1940.54]  must
+[1940.54 --> 1940.98]  become
+[1940.98 --> 1941.36]  what we
+[1941.36 --> 1941.54]  could
+[1941.54 --> 1941.94]  call
+[1941.94 --> 1942.94]  self
+[1942.94 --> 1944.44]  feeders
+[1944.44 --> 1947.70]  and I
+[1947.70 --> 1948.00]  think this
+[1948.00 --> 1948.52]  is appropriate
+[1948.52 --> 1949.04]  in days
+[1949.04 --> 1949.58]  of COVID
+[1949.58 --> 1950.68]  self
+[1950.68 --> 1951.16]  feeders
+[1951.16 --> 1951.62]  who are
+[1951.62 --> 1952.00]  not
+[1952.00 --> 1952.82]  reliant
+[1952.82 --> 1953.32]  on the
+[1953.32 --> 1953.60]  church
+[1953.60 --> 1953.84]  I'm
+[1953.84 --> 1954.08]  actually
+[1954.08 --> 1954.40]  quite
+[1954.40 --> 1954.86]  concerned
+[1954.86 --> 1956.20]  I'm
+[1956.20 --> 1956.44]  seeing
+[1956.44 --> 1956.78]  people
+[1956.78 --> 1957.00]  I
+[1957.00 --> 1957.22]  think
+[1957.22 --> 1957.78]  kind
+[1957.78 --> 1957.88]  of
+[1957.88 --> 1958.18]  happy
+[1958.18 --> 1958.40]  they
+[1958.40 --> 1958.58]  can
+[1958.58 --> 1958.80]  take
+[1958.80 --> 1959.18]  distance
+[1959.18 --> 1959.40]  with
+[1959.40 --> 1959.56]  the
+[1959.56 --> 1959.78]  church
+[1959.78 --> 1959.96]  and
+[1959.96 --> 1960.14]  I'm
+[1960.14 --> 1960.56]  wondering
+[1960.56 --> 1960.84]  whether
+[1960.84 --> 1961.12]  that
+[1961.12 --> 1961.44]  means
+[1961.44 --> 1962.02]  they
+[1962.02 --> 1962.40]  think
+[1962.40 --> 1962.60]  they
+[1962.60 --> 1962.82]  can
+[1962.82 --> 1963.08]  take
+[1963.08 --> 1963.50]  distance
+[1963.50 --> 1963.76]  from
+[1963.76 --> 1963.98]  the
+[1963.98 --> 1964.34]  Lord
+[1964.34 --> 1969.38]  because
+[1969.38 --> 1969.88]  if our
+[1969.88 --> 1970.24]  faith
+[1970.24 --> 1970.44]  is
+[1970.44 --> 1971.02]  reliant
+[1971.02 --> 1971.36]  on the
+[1971.36 --> 1971.66]  church
+[1971.66 --> 1972.38]  community
+[1972.38 --> 1973.82]  then we're
+[1973.82 --> 1974.02]  going to
+[1974.02 --> 1974.30]  be a
+[1974.30 --> 1974.62]  drag
+[1974.62 --> 1975.28]  on it
+[1975.28 --> 1976.36]  doesn't
+[1976.36 --> 1976.66]  mean we
+[1976.66 --> 1976.90]  shouldn't
+[1976.90 --> 1977.14]  be in
+[1977.14 --> 1977.62]  community
+[1977.62 --> 1978.92]  but if
+[1978.92 --> 1979.34]  we aren't
+[1979.34 --> 1979.74]  self
+[1979.74 --> 1980.26]  feeders
+[1980.26 --> 1980.60]  who know
+[1980.60 --> 1980.92]  how to
+[1980.92 --> 1981.36]  care for
+[1981.36 --> 1981.72]  our own
+[1981.72 --> 1982.02]  soul
+[1982.02 --> 1982.32]  they used
+[1982.32 --> 1982.64]  to say
+[1982.64 --> 1983.26]  this to
+[1983.26 --> 1983.74]  people in
+[1983.74 --> 1984.20]  profession
+[1984.20 --> 1984.68]  of faith
+[1984.68 --> 1985.14]  class
+[1985.14 --> 1985.82]  are you
+[1985.82 --> 1986.28]  the kind
+[1986.28 --> 1986.74]  of person
+[1986.74 --> 1987.04]  who if
+[1987.04 --> 1987.32]  you get
+[1987.32 --> 1987.84]  stranded
+[1987.84 --> 1988.28]  on an
+[1988.28 --> 1988.50]  island
+[1988.50 --> 1989.00]  someday
+[1989.00 --> 1989.64]  and there's
+[1989.64 --> 1990.12]  only four
+[1990.12 --> 1990.62]  other people
+[1990.62 --> 1990.84]  and they're
+[1990.84 --> 1991.42]  not believers
+[1991.42 --> 1992.00]  you're
+[1992.00 --> 1992.24]  going to
+[1992.24 --> 1992.68]  hold on
+[1992.68 --> 1992.98]  to who
+[1992.98 --> 1993.34]  Jesus
+[1993.34 --> 1993.66]  is
+[1993.66 --> 1994.16]  because
+[1994.16 --> 1994.50]  you've
+[1994.50 --> 1994.94]  embedded
+[1994.94 --> 1995.20]  him
+[1995.20 --> 1995.58]  or he's
+[1995.58 --> 1995.92]  gotten
+[1995.92 --> 1996.44]  embedded
+[1996.44 --> 1997.20]  into your
+[1997.20 --> 1997.80]  soul
+[1997.80 --> 1999.12]  and your
+[1999.12 --> 1999.90]  mind
+[1999.90 --> 2002.48]  these are
+[2002.48 --> 2003.06]  the people
+[2003.06 --> 2003.90]  we need
+[2003.90 --> 2004.36]  to be
+[2004.36 --> 2005.18]  and then
+[2005.18 --> 2005.64]  we come
+[2005.64 --> 2006.08]  together
+[2006.08 --> 2006.70]  as church
+[2006.70 --> 2007.28]  and we're
+[2007.28 --> 2007.92]  strong
+[2007.92 --> 2011.68]  a grown
+[2011.68 --> 2012.38]  up child
+[2012.38 --> 2013.32]  isn't reliant
+[2013.32 --> 2013.88]  on mother
+[2013.88 --> 2014.40]  anymore
+[2014.40 --> 2015.58]  to be fed
+[2015.58 --> 2016.60]  and the
+[2016.60 --> 2017.16]  church is
+[2017.16 --> 2017.48]  in the
+[2017.48 --> 2017.82]  scriptures
+[2017.82 --> 2018.40]  called
+[2018.40 --> 2019.40]  the mother
+[2019.40 --> 2020.38]  we find
+[2020.38 --> 2021.02]  ways
+[2021.02 --> 2021.52]  to feed
+[2021.52 --> 2021.74]  our
+[2021.74 --> 2022.26]  soul
+[2022.26 --> 2023.36]  and then
+[2023.36 --> 2023.76]  we love
+[2023.76 --> 2024.58]  coming home
+[2024.58 --> 2025.08]  to mother
+[2025.08 --> 2025.44]  and the
+[2025.44 --> 2025.82]  family
+[2025.82 --> 2026.50]  where together
+[2026.50 --> 2027.44]  we feast
+[2027.44 --> 2030.58]  but in the
+[2030.58 --> 2030.86]  end
+[2030.86 --> 2031.34]  what we're
+[2031.34 --> 2031.80]  meant to
+[2031.80 --> 2032.12]  do
+[2032.12 --> 2033.18]  is to
+[2033.18 --> 2033.74]  find a
+[2033.74 --> 2034.06]  way
+[2034.06 --> 2034.92]  to relate
+[2034.92 --> 2036.60]  very deeply
+[2036.60 --> 2037.44]  and intimately
+[2037.44 --> 2038.34]  to Christ
+[2038.34 --> 2040.68]  so that
+[2040.68 --> 2041.02]  in the
+[2041.02 --> 2041.38]  end
+[2041.38 --> 2042.88]  we know
+[2042.88 --> 2043.22]  what it
+[2043.22 --> 2043.52]  is to
+[2043.52 --> 2044.20]  be saved
+[2044.20 --> 2045.32]  because we
+[2045.32 --> 2045.70]  know what
+[2045.70 --> 2046.16]  it is
+[2046.16 --> 2047.18]  we're
+[2047.18 --> 2047.52]  sinners
+[2047.52 --> 2048.98]  and we
+[2048.98 --> 2049.90]  find ways
+[2049.90 --> 2050.56]  to follow
+[2050.56 --> 2050.86]  our
+[2050.86 --> 2051.20]  Savior
+[2051.20 --> 2052.40]  and to
+[2052.40 --> 2052.98]  truly
+[2052.98 --> 2054.10]  live
+[2054.10 --> 2055.94]  pray with
+[2055.94 --> 2056.12]  me
+[2056.12 --> 2056.40]  God
+[2056.40 --> 2056.94]  thank you
+[2056.94 --> 2057.24]  you've
+[2057.24 --> 2057.60]  spoken
+[2057.60 --> 2058.26]  to us
+[2058.26 --> 2060.16]  and
+[2060.16 --> 2061.24]  we haven't
+[2061.24 --> 2061.76]  talked about
+[2061.76 --> 2062.50]  your creation
+[2062.50 --> 2063.00]  but it's
+[2063.00 --> 2063.58]  out there
+[2063.58 --> 2063.98]  just
+[2063.98 --> 2064.82]  blasting
+[2064.82 --> 2065.32]  away
+[2065.32 --> 2065.86]  the good
+[2065.86 --> 2066.24]  news
+[2066.24 --> 2066.56]  of how
+[2066.56 --> 2066.94]  great
+[2066.94 --> 2067.16]  and
+[2067.16 --> 2067.96]  powerful
+[2067.96 --> 2068.62]  you are
+[2068.62 --> 2070.88]  and you've
+[2070.88 --> 2071.48]  written things
+[2071.48 --> 2072.28]  down for us
+[2072.28 --> 2072.94]  to read
+[2072.94 --> 2075.58]  you've spoken
+[2075.58 --> 2076.12]  to us
+[2076.12 --> 2076.76]  in a wide
+[2076.76 --> 2077.42]  variety of
+[2077.42 --> 2077.76]  ways
+[2077.76 --> 2078.08]  and we
+[2078.08 --> 2078.56]  thank you
+[2078.56 --> 2078.92]  for the
+[2078.92 --> 2079.30]  prophets
+[2079.30 --> 2079.98]  and for the
+[2079.98 --> 2080.34]  writers
+[2080.34 --> 2081.10]  of your
+[2081.10 --> 2081.44]  word
+[2081.44 --> 2081.92]  and oh
+[2081.92 --> 2082.22]  God
+[2082.22 --> 2082.94]  help us
+[2082.94 --> 2084.10]  to submit
+[2084.10 --> 2084.94]  our minds
+[2084.94 --> 2085.44]  and our
+[2085.44 --> 2085.94]  souls
+[2085.94 --> 2086.70]  and our
+[2086.70 --> 2087.40]  bodies
+[2087.40 --> 2088.32]  to this
+[2088.32 --> 2089.24]  your living
+[2089.24 --> 2089.74]  word
+[2089.74 --> 2091.20]  but especially
+[2091.20 --> 2092.28]  in the end
+[2092.28 --> 2092.94]  help us to
+[2092.94 --> 2093.40]  see you
+[2093.40 --> 2094.10]  Lord Jesus
+[2094.10 --> 2094.82]  for who you
+[2094.82 --> 2095.22]  are
+[2095.22 --> 2096.20]  so that we
+[2096.20 --> 2097.04]  submit to
+[2097.04 --> 2097.38]  you
+[2097.38 --> 2099.62]  and now
+[2099.62 --> 2100.16]  we pray
+[2100.16 --> 2100.82]  that as we
+[2100.82 --> 2101.76]  turn to
+[2101.76 --> 2102.52]  the sacrament
+[2102.52 --> 2103.58]  another gift
+[2103.58 --> 2104.14]  that you
+[2104.14 --> 2104.72]  gave to
+[2104.72 --> 2105.12]  us
+[2105.12 --> 2106.62]  adhere to
+[2106.62 --> 2108.78]  we may
+[2108.78 --> 2109.98]  be encouraged
+[2109.98 --> 2111.32]  reminded of
+[2111.32 --> 2111.96]  who we are
+[2111.96 --> 2112.48]  in you
+[2112.48 --> 2114.16]  and encouraged
+[2114.16 --> 2114.94]  by your
+[2114.94 --> 2115.54]  grace
+[2115.54 --> 2117.58]  to pick up
+[2117.58 --> 2118.02]  again
+[2118.02 --> 2119.26]  carry on
+[2119.26 --> 2120.20]  and go
+[2120.20 --> 2120.76]  and serve
+[2120.76 --> 2121.88]  we pray
+[2121.88 --> 2122.38]  in Jesus
+[2122.38 --> 2122.90]  name
+[2122.90 --> 2123.84]  Amen

The Spiritual Discipline of Scripture (Sermon)_transcript.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,2179 @@
+[0.00 --> 5.32]  You know, I mentioned I'm semi-retired.
+[5.32 --> 12.34]  It's been said before, I work part-time for Resource Leadership International,
+[12.72 --> 19.38]  and resources involved with about a dozen schools in a variety of countries,
+[19.52 --> 25.86]  but with our partners in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Europe,
+[25.86 --> 31.64]  we're in about 120 to 30 schools in 70 countries,
+[31.64 --> 36.58]  and we don't know of one school that didn't shut down.
+[37.70 --> 43.72]  And so we transitioned our ministry to doing what a lot of churches around the world had to do,
+[43.88 --> 47.58]  to help schools teach online.
+[47.58 --> 54.44]  And, for example, there's a school in Cairo, Egypt,
+[54.44 --> 62.00]  that had been getting invitations from the Arab world to help them,
+[62.38 --> 65.20]  and they just didn't have the potential to do that.
+[65.32 --> 69.40]  So we've helped them to improve their technology,
+[69.90 --> 74.68]  and so now they're beginning to teach people throughout the Arabic world
+[74.68 --> 78.86]  by first themselves having been forced to teach online,
+[79.24 --> 84.30]  and now being able to broadcast this into the world around them.
+[84.40 --> 90.62]  So there are upsides to what I would call a COVID operation,
+[91.30 --> 96.10]  but there's been many, many downsides as well.
+[96.86 --> 102.00]  Whereas in Vietnam, in the whole country,
+[102.00 --> 103.84]  I don't believe there was one death.
+[104.50 --> 106.54]  A couple weeks ago I heard of in Bolivia
+[106.54 --> 110.96]  that over a hundred pastors died due to it.
+[111.56 --> 113.60]  Now I can't verify statistics,
+[113.98 --> 117.60]  but it's such an unpredictable thing.
+[118.66 --> 122.44]  It's created such uncertainty in our own lives
+[122.44 --> 124.38]  as to how do you respond to this.
+[124.38 --> 128.52]  And so I experienced some of that own,
+[129.02 --> 133.56]  you might say, confusion in my own soul
+[133.56 --> 134.78]  as to what to do.
+[136.54 --> 138.40]  But we're privileged to worship,
+[138.86 --> 144.92]  and today I would like to turn again to the Scriptures
+[144.92 --> 146.96]  with a focus this morning
+[146.96 --> 151.82]  on the spiritual discipline of Scripture.
+[154.60 --> 157.00]  I'd love to do a little survey and ask,
+[157.66 --> 159.90]  how much do you actually read the Bible?
+[161.58 --> 163.86]  Is it as much as you watch the news?
+[168.86 --> 170.96]  Scripture is a primary means
+[170.96 --> 175.64]  by which the Spirit uses to shape
+[175.64 --> 181.02]  who we are into the person of Christ.
+[181.28 --> 185.70]  We're going to turn in a moment to Peter
+[185.70 --> 189.94]  and take up where we left last week
+[189.94 --> 192.16]  on 2 Peter chapter 1.
+[193.34 --> 196.74]  But there in the verses 12 and following,
+[196.74 --> 200.80]  he speaks to the importance of Scripture
+[200.80 --> 202.22]  in our lives.
+[203.22 --> 206.12]  And before we turn to it,
+[207.18 --> 208.34]  I'd like to remind you,
+[208.36 --> 209.68]  I mentioned it last week,
+[209.74 --> 211.20]  of this little acronym,
+[211.98 --> 214.32]  acronym VIM.
+[215.18 --> 216.36]  V-I-M.
+[216.60 --> 219.16]  It can, I think, be a helpful tool
+[219.16 --> 221.62]  in remembering the process
+[221.62 --> 223.58]  of spiritual formation
+[223.58 --> 226.16]  where V in the VIM stands for vision,
+[226.72 --> 228.76]  I stands for our own intent,
+[229.20 --> 231.12]  and M, which we're looking at this morning,
+[231.22 --> 232.64]  is the means whereby
+[232.64 --> 235.50]  God uses to shape us.
+[235.76 --> 237.60]  I think it's also a helpful tool
+[237.60 --> 238.38]  in understanding
+[238.38 --> 240.68]  what Peter's talking about,
+[240.80 --> 241.56]  writing about,
+[241.82 --> 243.50]  in 2 Peter chapter 1.
+[243.98 --> 246.10]  Because at the beginning of the chapter,
+[246.40 --> 248.26]  he speaks about getting really
+[248.26 --> 250.00]  this vision of Christ.
+[250.00 --> 253.12]  In verse 3, he said,
+[253.98 --> 256.40]  His divine power has given us
+[256.40 --> 258.28]  everything we need
+[258.28 --> 259.50]  for a godly life.
+[259.62 --> 260.06]  How?
+[261.08 --> 263.76]  Through our knowledge of Him,
+[264.32 --> 264.76]  Jesus,
+[265.86 --> 267.16]  who called us
+[267.16 --> 269.70]  by His own glory and goodness.
+[269.80 --> 270.36]  In other words,
+[270.76 --> 271.88]  we got a vision,
+[272.10 --> 275.36]  we saw who this Jesus is,
+[275.70 --> 278.22]  and by calling us into that,
+[278.22 --> 280.82]  we've been given this power
+[280.82 --> 283.48]  to live a new life.
+[283.70 --> 284.40]  In other words,
+[284.88 --> 288.06]  once we get the true vision
+[288.06 --> 291.24]  of who Jesus is,
+[292.62 --> 294.30]  that God of heaven and earth
+[294.30 --> 295.84]  come in the flesh
+[295.84 --> 298.56]  so that we body and soul people
+[298.56 --> 300.54]  can take on the divine nature,
+[301.26 --> 302.16]  it's like,
+[302.40 --> 302.76]  okay,
+[303.76 --> 306.02]  I see who He is,
+[306.02 --> 307.66]  I want to share in that.
+[308.22 --> 311.24]  The second thing we looked at last week
+[311.24 --> 312.44]  in verses 5
+[312.44 --> 313.14]  is that
+[313.14 --> 315.56]  it's not going to happen
+[315.56 --> 317.72]  if we don't intentionally then
+[317.72 --> 319.16]  pursue the vision.
+[320.52 --> 321.42]  Catch it,
+[322.14 --> 322.90]  follow it.
+[323.66 --> 324.66]  For this reason,
+[324.76 --> 325.90]  we saw in verse 5,
+[326.00 --> 326.48]  because,
+[326.76 --> 327.30]  in other words,
+[327.34 --> 328.56]  of who Jesus is,
+[329.08 --> 330.54]  make every effort
+[330.54 --> 333.44]  to add to this faith vision
+[333.44 --> 335.46]  the qualities of knowledge,
+[335.46 --> 336.42]  self-control,
+[336.84 --> 337.34]  perseverance,
+[337.66 --> 338.68]  and especially love.
+[340.16 --> 340.66]  Well,
+[341.20 --> 343.36]  once we have this vision
+[343.36 --> 343.98]  and intent,
+[344.14 --> 345.50]  how do you go about
+[345.50 --> 347.06]  making it happen?
+[347.30 --> 348.40]  That's the means.
+[349.98 --> 350.68]  Well,
+[350.76 --> 352.12]  we begin to practice
+[352.12 --> 353.38]  the disciplines,
+[354.26 --> 355.20]  the habits,
+[355.20 --> 358.28]  the ways that
+[358.28 --> 360.46]  open us up
+[360.46 --> 361.76]  to the Spirit
+[361.76 --> 363.14]  so that
+[363.14 --> 365.34]  He's able to shape us
+[365.34 --> 367.58]  into the image bearers
+[367.58 --> 369.16]  He created us to be.
+[371.22 --> 372.26]  One more word
+[372.26 --> 373.16]  before we get into
+[373.16 --> 375.14]  the passage about Scripture,
+[375.80 --> 376.36]  and that is
+[376.36 --> 377.30]  the bigger subject
+[377.30 --> 378.52]  of disciplines,
+[378.64 --> 379.66]  a word about that.
+[380.66 --> 381.18]  They're really
+[381.18 --> 382.78]  training exercises
+[382.78 --> 383.34]  like,
+[383.94 --> 384.24]  you know,
+[384.38 --> 385.60]  practicing piano
+[385.60 --> 387.16]  until you finally get it.
+[390.76 --> 391.56]  Practicing,
+[391.84 --> 392.60]  showing up
+[392.60 --> 393.26]  for
+[393.26 --> 395.46]  volleyball practices
+[395.46 --> 396.94]  and doing the drills
+[396.94 --> 399.08]  until you become
+[399.08 --> 399.98]  good at it.
+[402.42 --> 403.34]  Disciplines,
+[403.68 --> 404.36]  ultimately,
+[404.70 --> 405.70]  spiritual ones,
+[405.82 --> 406.66]  are intended
+[406.66 --> 407.88]  to help us
+[407.88 --> 409.94]  do the right thing
+[409.94 --> 411.78]  at the right time,
+[412.38 --> 414.76]  in the right way,
+[415.48 --> 418.00]  and in the right spirit,
+[418.20 --> 419.36]  as someone has said.
+[420.28 --> 421.30]  They help us
+[421.30 --> 422.00]  bear fruit
+[422.00 --> 424.20]  to do all these things
+[424.20 --> 425.18]  that are involved
+[425.18 --> 425.86]  with adding
+[425.86 --> 427.72]  to our faith.
+[427.90 --> 428.90]  And you know
+[428.90 --> 430.16]  there's many disciplines,
+[431.46 --> 433.06]  probably primary among them
+[433.06 --> 433.84]  are being
+[433.84 --> 434.90]  solitary
+[434.90 --> 435.56]  and
+[435.56 --> 436.80]  silent.
+[438.20 --> 439.20]  So we're going to look
+[439.20 --> 439.82]  at Scripture
+[439.82 --> 440.76]  there's prayer,
+[440.98 --> 442.18]  there's worship,
+[442.66 --> 443.48]  there's service,
+[443.66 --> 444.34]  there's giving,
+[445.84 --> 446.96]  there's fasting.
+[447.24 --> 448.42]  There's a wide variety
+[448.42 --> 448.82]  of them.
+[449.78 --> 451.40]  But one of the key ones
+[451.40 --> 452.46]  is reading
+[452.46 --> 454.08]  Scripture.
+[455.26 --> 457.04]  And in order for us
+[457.04 --> 459.26]  to see the importance
+[459.26 --> 462.52]  of this book,
+[462.66 --> 463.62]  or I should say
+[463.62 --> 464.10]  this way,
+[464.16 --> 465.32]  in order for us
+[465.32 --> 466.18]  to want
+[466.18 --> 467.46]  to discipline
+[467.46 --> 468.52]  ourselves
+[468.52 --> 470.42]  to read the Bible
+[470.42 --> 471.26]  faithfully,
+[471.46 --> 472.70]  we need to see
+[472.70 --> 473.70]  how important
+[473.70 --> 474.48]  a book
+[474.48 --> 475.42]  it is.
+[479.10 --> 480.44]  We won't bother
+[480.44 --> 482.20]  with the Bible
+[482.20 --> 484.16]  if we don't realize
+[484.16 --> 486.34]  what kind of a book
+[486.34 --> 486.88]  it is
+[486.88 --> 488.32]  and why God
+[488.32 --> 489.28]  had it written.
+[490.56 --> 492.08]  Just like we won't bother
+[492.08 --> 492.90]  with Christ
+[492.90 --> 493.90]  if we don't know
+[493.90 --> 494.52]  who He is
+[494.52 --> 495.78]  or why He came.
+[496.96 --> 498.04]  So Peter speaks
+[498.04 --> 498.88]  to the importance
+[498.88 --> 499.56]  of Scripture
+[499.56 --> 500.48]  in our lives
+[500.48 --> 501.72]  in our passage,
+[501.86 --> 502.82]  2 Peter 1,
+[503.06 --> 504.34]  12 to 21.
+[505.70 --> 507.00]  After having spoken
+[507.00 --> 507.70]  about vision
+[507.70 --> 508.38]  and intent,
+[508.50 --> 509.04]  he goes on
+[509.04 --> 510.02]  to say in verse 12,
+[510.02 --> 511.86]  so I will always
+[511.86 --> 512.84]  remind you
+[512.84 --> 514.58]  of these things
+[514.58 --> 515.44]  even though
+[515.44 --> 516.64]  you know them
+[516.64 --> 517.88]  and are firmly
+[517.88 --> 518.48]  established
+[518.48 --> 519.36]  in the truth
+[519.36 --> 520.64]  you now have.
+[521.36 --> 522.74]  I think it's right
+[522.74 --> 523.50]  to refresh
+[523.50 --> 524.18]  your memory
+[524.18 --> 525.48]  as long as I live
+[525.48 --> 526.26]  in the tent
+[526.26 --> 527.58]  of this body
+[527.58 --> 529.88]  because I know
+[529.88 --> 531.42]  that I will soon
+[531.42 --> 533.28]  put it aside
+[533.28 --> 535.24]  as our Lord Jesus
+[535.24 --> 536.78]  has made clear
+[536.78 --> 537.22]  to me.
+[537.22 --> 538.50]  people often know
+[538.50 --> 540.34]  when they're
+[540.34 --> 542.02]  about to go.
+[543.02 --> 544.56]  And I will make
+[544.56 --> 545.82]  every effort
+[545.82 --> 546.94]  to see
+[546.94 --> 547.84]  that after
+[547.84 --> 548.96]  my departure
+[548.96 --> 550.76]  you will always
+[550.76 --> 551.40]  be able
+[551.40 --> 552.22]  to remember
+[552.22 --> 553.36]  these things.
+[553.74 --> 554.32]  Why?
+[558.32 --> 559.72]  Because we didn't
+[559.72 --> 561.00]  follow cleverly
+[561.00 --> 562.22]  devised stories
+[562.22 --> 563.70]  when we told
+[563.70 --> 564.24]  you about
+[564.24 --> 565.56]  and it really
+[565.56 --> 566.68]  means the second
+[566.68 --> 567.22]  coming
+[567.22 --> 568.32]  of our Lord
+[568.32 --> 569.34]  Jesus Christ
+[569.34 --> 570.14]  in power.
+[571.72 --> 572.38]  But therefore
+[572.38 --> 574.44]  we were eyewitnesses
+[574.44 --> 575.90]  of his majesty.
+[577.18 --> 578.10]  He received
+[578.10 --> 579.52]  honor and glory
+[579.52 --> 580.86]  from God the Father
+[580.86 --> 581.62]  when the voice
+[581.62 --> 582.36]  came to him
+[582.36 --> 583.30]  from the majestic
+[583.30 --> 583.90]  glory.
+[584.20 --> 584.76]  This is when he
+[584.76 --> 585.62]  was on the mountain
+[585.62 --> 586.10]  saying,
+[586.70 --> 587.68]  this is my son
+[587.68 --> 588.58]  whom I love.
+[589.38 --> 589.90]  With him
+[589.90 --> 590.98]  I'm well pleased.
+[590.98 --> 592.16]  we ourselves
+[592.16 --> 593.22]  heard this voice
+[593.22 --> 594.40]  that came from heaven
+[594.40 --> 595.46]  when we were
+[595.46 --> 596.10]  with him
+[596.10 --> 597.44]  on the sacred
+[597.44 --> 598.02]  mountain
+[598.02 --> 598.74]  and Christ
+[598.74 --> 599.70]  was transfigured
+[599.70 --> 600.40]  before them.
+[601.88 --> 602.52]  So that's
+[602.52 --> 603.36]  Peter's experience
+[603.36 --> 604.12]  but he goes on
+[604.12 --> 604.38]  to say,
+[604.78 --> 605.58]  we also have
+[605.58 --> 606.84]  this prophetic
+[606.84 --> 608.06]  message as something
+[608.06 --> 609.86]  completely reliable
+[609.86 --> 611.26]  and you will do
+[611.26 --> 611.98]  well to pay
+[611.98 --> 613.10]  attention to it
+[613.10 --> 615.20]  as to a light
+[615.20 --> 616.30]  shining in a dark
+[616.30 --> 616.90]  place
+[616.90 --> 618.22]  until the day
+[618.22 --> 618.98]  dawns
+[618.98 --> 620.10]  and the morning
+[620.10 --> 621.24]  star rises
+[621.24 --> 622.74]  in your hearts.
+[622.82 --> 623.48]  In other words,
+[623.92 --> 625.44]  you'd read it
+[625.44 --> 626.16]  until the light
+[626.16 --> 626.80]  goes on
+[626.80 --> 627.64]  is what he's
+[627.64 --> 628.02]  saying.
+[628.70 --> 629.76]  Above all,
+[630.66 --> 631.62]  above all,
+[631.94 --> 633.18]  you must
+[633.18 --> 634.40]  understand
+[634.40 --> 637.06]  that no
+[637.06 --> 638.00]  prophecy of
+[638.00 --> 638.38]  scripture
+[638.38 --> 639.50]  came about
+[639.50 --> 641.44]  by a prophet's
+[641.44 --> 642.22]  own
+[642.22 --> 643.26]  interpretation
+[643.26 --> 644.84]  of things.
+[645.52 --> 646.08]  The Bible
+[646.08 --> 647.24]  is not a matter
+[647.24 --> 648.52]  of private
+[648.52 --> 649.46]  opinion.
+[651.06 --> 652.18]  For prophecy
+[652.18 --> 653.66]  never had its
+[653.66 --> 654.62]  origin in the
+[654.62 --> 655.46]  human will
+[655.46 --> 657.76]  but prophets,
+[658.04 --> 659.02]  though human,
+[659.98 --> 661.78]  spoke from God
+[661.78 --> 663.20]  as they were
+[663.20 --> 664.54]  carried along
+[664.54 --> 666.48]  by the Holy Spirit.
+[667.86 --> 669.12]  Or as the message
+[669.12 --> 669.62]  says,
+[670.26 --> 671.42]  prophecy resulted
+[671.42 --> 672.76]  when the Holy Spirit
+[672.76 --> 674.18]  prompted men
+[674.18 --> 675.02]  and women
+[675.02 --> 676.00]  to speak
+[676.00 --> 677.24]  God's word.
+[679.32 --> 680.22]  Peter's talking
+[680.22 --> 681.12]  about how you
+[681.12 --> 681.48]  and I,
+[681.58 --> 682.04]  brothers and
+[682.04 --> 682.42]  sisters,
+[682.90 --> 683.68]  view the Bible.
+[685.48 --> 686.34]  How do you
+[686.34 --> 686.74]  view it?
+[686.76 --> 687.46]  Is it just a
+[687.46 --> 688.48]  matter of mere
+[688.48 --> 689.54]  interest,
+[689.90 --> 690.42]  stories,
+[691.02 --> 691.54]  teachings,
+[691.84 --> 692.44]  ideas,
+[692.80 --> 693.36]  gathered
+[693.36 --> 694.46]  by a few
+[694.46 --> 695.12]  folks
+[695.12 --> 695.98]  who saw
+[695.98 --> 696.68]  potential?
+[697.08 --> 697.60]  This could be
+[697.60 --> 698.32]  a bestseller.
+[698.58 --> 699.16]  Let's put it
+[699.16 --> 700.00]  together and
+[700.00 --> 700.66]  publish it.
+[701.42 --> 703.74]  Is this just
+[703.74 --> 704.72]  another book
+[704.72 --> 705.72]  that you put
+[705.72 --> 706.50]  in the religious
+[706.50 --> 707.72]  section of
+[707.72 --> 708.64]  the library?
+[710.16 --> 711.36]  If so,
+[711.74 --> 712.54]  chances are
+[712.54 --> 713.50]  you won't
+[713.50 --> 714.50]  pick it up.
+[715.80 --> 717.00]  We need
+[717.00 --> 718.08]  to understand
+[718.08 --> 719.50]  that this book
+[719.50 --> 720.70]  is the very
+[720.70 --> 723.16]  special revelation
+[723.16 --> 724.60]  of God
+[724.60 --> 725.58]  concerning
+[725.58 --> 726.76]  who Christ
+[726.76 --> 727.44]  is.
+[728.58 --> 729.08]  And in the
+[729.08 --> 729.82]  Old Testament,
+[729.82 --> 731.42]  even though
+[731.42 --> 732.10]  those writers
+[732.10 --> 733.02]  were fully
+[733.02 --> 733.72]  human with
+[733.72 --> 734.22]  their own
+[734.22 --> 735.38]  set of
+[735.38 --> 737.00]  issues and
+[737.00 --> 738.24]  flare-ups and
+[738.24 --> 739.00]  downs and
+[739.00 --> 739.62]  circumstances
+[739.62 --> 740.80]  to deal
+[740.80 --> 741.16]  with,
+[742.02 --> 742.52]  God
+[742.52 --> 743.94]  inspired them
+[743.94 --> 744.64]  by His
+[744.64 --> 745.50]  Holy Spirit
+[745.50 --> 746.22]  to write
+[746.22 --> 746.56]  what they
+[746.56 --> 746.86]  did.
+[748.52 --> 749.54]  He used
+[749.54 --> 750.12]  prophets
+[750.12 --> 750.90]  to call
+[750.90 --> 751.46]  people
+[751.46 --> 752.68]  back to
+[752.68 --> 753.02]  Him
+[753.02 --> 754.98]  while
+[754.98 --> 755.66]  promising
+[755.66 --> 756.42]  a Messiah
+[756.42 --> 757.04]  would come.
+[758.30 --> 759.08]  And the
+[759.08 --> 759.74]  New Testament
+[759.74 --> 760.64]  writers like
+[760.64 --> 761.14]  Peter,
+[761.78 --> 762.02]  he says,
+[762.10 --> 762.72]  so he's
+[762.72 --> 762.98]  really,
+[763.14 --> 763.80]  all he has
+[763.80 --> 764.26]  at this time
+[764.26 --> 764.68]  is the Old
+[764.68 --> 765.06]  Testament,
+[765.20 --> 765.42]  right?
+[766.12 --> 766.62]  He says,
+[766.74 --> 767.80]  you can trust
+[767.80 --> 768.20]  them,
+[768.58 --> 769.22]  but now you
+[769.22 --> 769.70]  can also
+[769.70 --> 770.82]  trust us
+[770.82 --> 771.48]  to be
+[771.48 --> 772.04]  completely
+[772.04 --> 772.70]  reliable
+[772.70 --> 774.08]  in passing
+[774.08 --> 774.96]  this message
+[774.96 --> 775.40]  on.
+[775.40 --> 776.40]  God
+[776.40 --> 777.40]  will
+[777.40 --> 777.84]  be
+[777.84 --> 778.40]  to be
+[778.40 --> 778.80]  God
+[778.80 --> 779.40]  and I'm
+[779.40 --> 780.78]  not going to
+[780.78 --> 781.40]  retire,
+[781.40 --> 781.84]  Peter says,
+[781.84 --> 783.02]  from ever
+[783.02 --> 784.20]  reminding you
+[784.20 --> 785.92]  that Jesus
+[785.92 --> 786.92]  is the one
+[786.92 --> 787.52]  who has
+[787.52 --> 788.28]  delivered on
+[788.28 --> 789.14]  all what
+[789.14 --> 789.52]  the Old
+[789.52 --> 789.96]  Testament
+[789.96 --> 790.60]  promised.
+[791.88 --> 792.42]  He's this
+[792.42 --> 793.14]  bright light
+[793.14 --> 794.12]  that shines
+[794.12 --> 795.34]  into all
+[795.34 --> 796.00]  of your
+[796.00 --> 796.74]  and my
+[796.74 --> 797.44]  dark
+[797.44 --> 798.06]  corners
+[798.06 --> 798.80]  if you'll
+[798.80 --> 799.14]  let him.
+[799.14 --> 801.54]  he's so
+[801.54 --> 802.22]  assured of
+[802.22 --> 802.76]  who Jesus
+[802.76 --> 803.58]  is because
+[803.58 --> 804.74]  of his
+[804.74 --> 805.60]  own experience.
+[805.72 --> 806.36]  He witnessed
+[806.36 --> 807.20]  this brilliant
+[807.20 --> 808.84]  light when
+[808.84 --> 809.44]  he was with
+[809.44 --> 810.40]  Jesus and
+[810.40 --> 811.32]  others on
+[811.32 --> 811.92]  the mountain
+[811.92 --> 813.56]  and there
+[813.56 --> 814.02]  were Moses
+[814.02 --> 814.70]  and Elijah
+[814.70 --> 816.70]  and he
+[816.70 --> 817.24]  heard God
+[817.24 --> 817.60]  say,
+[818.20 --> 818.68]  this is my
+[818.68 --> 820.78]  son whom
+[820.78 --> 821.50]  I love
+[821.50 --> 822.78]  who is the
+[822.78 --> 823.82]  focus of
+[823.82 --> 824.60]  my delight.
+[827.20 --> 828.06]  But don't
+[828.06 --> 828.70]  just take my
+[828.70 --> 829.66]  word for it.
+[829.98 --> 830.34]  Peter
+[830.34 --> 831.88]  emphatically
+[831.88 --> 832.54]  goes on
+[832.54 --> 833.32]  to insist
+[833.32 --> 835.80]  this is
+[835.80 --> 836.98]  one our
+[836.98 --> 837.66]  entire
+[837.66 --> 838.38]  scriptures
+[838.38 --> 839.18]  has been
+[839.18 --> 839.98]  pointed to.
+[840.14 --> 840.70]  This is the
+[840.70 --> 841.40]  one rather
+[841.40 --> 842.40]  the Bible's
+[842.40 --> 843.20]  all pointing
+[843.20 --> 844.02]  to it.
+[845.06 --> 845.92]  Above all
+[845.92 --> 847.78]  realize
+[847.78 --> 848.60]  that these
+[848.60 --> 849.18]  prophets
+[849.18 --> 849.92]  back there
+[849.92 --> 850.82]  weren't
+[850.82 --> 851.44]  just
+[851.44 --> 852.54]  philosophers
+[852.54 --> 853.28]  giving
+[853.28 --> 854.58]  their world
+[854.58 --> 855.54]  and life
+[855.54 --> 855.90]  view.
+[855.90 --> 858.96]  Moses and
+[858.96 --> 859.98]  David just
+[859.98 --> 860.68]  weren't telling
+[860.68 --> 861.80]  us here's
+[861.80 --> 862.46]  what I
+[862.46 --> 863.16]  think.
+[864.46 --> 865.10]  Those
+[865.10 --> 865.72]  stories,
+[866.06 --> 866.90]  those poems,
+[867.52 --> 868.64]  those prophecies
+[868.64 --> 870.18]  are spirit
+[870.18 --> 871.10]  inspired.
+[872.38 --> 873.56]  And so we
+[873.56 --> 874.52]  do so well
+[874.52 --> 875.58]  to pay
+[875.58 --> 876.06]  attention
+[876.06 --> 877.00]  to them
+[877.00 --> 878.12]  and let
+[878.12 --> 879.20]  that spirit
+[879.20 --> 881.16]  that inspired
+[881.16 --> 882.38]  them by
+[882.38 --> 883.36]  reading it
+[883.36 --> 884.56]  get inside
+[884.56 --> 885.14]  of us.
+[887.58 --> 888.34]  You know we
+[888.34 --> 888.66]  have a
+[888.66 --> 889.14]  confession
+[889.14 --> 889.74]  that's called
+[889.74 --> 890.36]  the Belgic
+[890.36 --> 891.00]  Confession
+[891.00 --> 891.46]  and it's
+[891.46 --> 891.82]  the only
+[891.82 --> 892.98]  one of
+[892.98 --> 893.72]  the confessions
+[893.72 --> 894.50]  that speaks
+[894.50 --> 896.10]  into what
+[896.10 --> 896.70]  the scriptures
+[896.70 --> 897.60]  are about
+[897.60 --> 898.48]  and in
+[898.48 --> 899.70]  article 5
+[899.70 --> 900.22]  it says
+[900.22 --> 900.88]  this about
+[900.88 --> 901.46]  the Bible
+[901.46 --> 901.90]  it says
+[901.90 --> 902.60]  we receive
+[902.60 --> 903.18]  all these
+[903.18 --> 903.66]  books
+[903.66 --> 904.54]  and these
+[904.54 --> 905.02]  only
+[905.02 --> 905.36]  and it
+[905.36 --> 905.86]  talks about
+[905.86 --> 906.64]  the 66
+[906.64 --> 907.46]  as holy
+[907.46 --> 908.28]  and canonical
+[908.28 --> 909.32]  for the
+[909.32 --> 910.12]  regulating
+[910.12 --> 911.00]  founding
+[911.00 --> 912.40]  and establishing
+[912.40 --> 913.36]  of our
+[913.36 --> 913.78]  faith.
+[915.12 --> 915.96]  And we
+[915.96 --> 916.46]  believe
+[916.46 --> 917.20]  without a
+[917.20 --> 917.48]  doubt
+[917.48 --> 918.30]  all things
+[918.30 --> 919.22]  contained in
+[919.22 --> 919.42]  them
+[919.42 --> 920.46]  not so much
+[920.46 --> 921.20]  because the
+[921.20 --> 921.64]  church
+[921.64 --> 922.76]  receives them
+[922.76 --> 923.68]  and approves
+[923.68 --> 924.40]  them as such
+[924.40 --> 925.18]  because somebody
+[925.18 --> 926.04]  gets up and
+[926.04 --> 926.72]  says you
+[926.72 --> 927.06]  want to
+[927.06 --> 927.70]  believe this
+[927.70 --> 929.20]  but above
+[929.20 --> 930.20]  all because
+[930.20 --> 931.06]  the Holy
+[931.06 --> 931.80]  Spirit
+[931.80 --> 933.12]  testifies
+[933.12 --> 934.10]  in our
+[934.10 --> 934.56]  hearts
+[934.56 --> 935.16]  that they
+[935.16 --> 935.62]  are from
+[935.62 --> 936.00]  God.
+[936.00 --> 937.24]  but he
+[937.24 --> 937.64]  can't
+[937.64 --> 938.10]  testify
+[938.10 --> 938.76]  if you
+[938.76 --> 939.04]  don't
+[939.04 --> 939.54]  read it.
+[941.98 --> 942.88]  And also
+[942.88 --> 943.24]  it goes
+[943.24 --> 943.62]  on to
+[943.62 --> 943.84]  say
+[943.84 --> 945.26]  we know
+[945.26 --> 945.50]  they're
+[945.50 --> 945.70]  true
+[945.70 --> 946.08]  because
+[946.08 --> 946.30]  they
+[946.30 --> 946.70]  prove
+[946.70 --> 947.16]  themselves
+[947.16 --> 947.98]  to be
+[947.98 --> 948.52]  from
+[948.52 --> 948.94]  God.
+[949.04 --> 949.26]  Even
+[949.26 --> 949.86]  the blind
+[949.86 --> 950.40]  themselves
+[950.40 --> 950.94]  are able
+[950.94 --> 951.38]  to see
+[951.38 --> 952.04]  the things
+[952.04 --> 952.80]  predicted
+[952.80 --> 953.34]  in them
+[953.34 --> 954.06]  happen.
+[956.92 --> 957.88]  The only
+[957.88 --> 958.42]  way the
+[958.42 --> 958.84]  Bible
+[958.84 --> 959.42]  is going
+[959.42 --> 960.06]  to become
+[960.06 --> 961.14]  authoritative
+[961.14 --> 961.96]  in your
+[961.96 --> 962.70]  or my
+[962.70 --> 963.30]  life
+[963.30 --> 965.00]  is if
+[965.00 --> 965.50]  we read
+[965.50 --> 965.70]  it.
+[966.00 --> 969.26]  if we
+[969.26 --> 969.84]  accept
+[969.84 --> 970.20]  it
+[970.20 --> 971.06]  as we
+[971.06 --> 971.62]  read it
+[971.62 --> 972.48]  as the
+[972.48 --> 972.96]  word
+[972.96 --> 973.92]  of
+[973.92 --> 974.34]  and
+[974.34 --> 974.76]  from
+[974.76 --> 975.26]  God.
+[977.30 --> 978.00]  Today
+[978.00 --> 979.00]  the primary
+[979.00 --> 979.86]  text
+[979.86 --> 980.70]  of most
+[980.70 --> 981.28]  people
+[981.28 --> 982.38]  which we
+[982.38 --> 982.92]  take as
+[982.92 --> 983.46]  the final
+[983.46 --> 984.00]  authority
+[984.00 --> 984.42]  often
+[984.42 --> 984.76]  is
+[984.76 --> 986.00]  ourselves.
+[986.72 --> 987.22]  In our
+[987.22 --> 987.64]  secular
+[987.64 --> 988.20]  age
+[988.20 --> 990.22]  we do
+[990.22 --> 990.94]  not turn
+[990.94 --> 991.28]  in our
+[991.28 --> 991.74]  culture
+[991.74 --> 993.00]  to a
+[993.00 --> 993.42]  word
+[993.42 --> 994.08]  that we
+[994.08 --> 994.60]  believe
+[994.60 --> 995.48]  is from
+[995.48 --> 995.88]  God.
+[998.52 --> 999.24]  We
+[999.24 --> 999.76]  will only
+[999.76 --> 1000.40]  subject
+[1000.40 --> 1001.00]  ourselves
+[1001.00 --> 1001.36]  to
+[1001.36 --> 1001.74]  scripture
+[1001.74 --> 1003.46]  when we
+[1003.46 --> 1003.92]  are willing
+[1003.92 --> 1004.66]  to submit
+[1004.66 --> 1005.22]  that the
+[1005.22 --> 1005.70]  Spirit
+[1005.70 --> 1006.70]  authored
+[1006.70 --> 1007.92]  this book.
+[1008.92 --> 1009.86]  If you
+[1009.86 --> 1010.26]  and I
+[1010.26 --> 1010.98]  want to be
+[1010.98 --> 1011.90]  carried along
+[1011.90 --> 1012.70]  or learn
+[1012.70 --> 1013.24]  to live
+[1013.24 --> 1013.78]  with as
+[1013.78 --> 1014.36]  Galatians
+[1014.36 --> 1014.70]  says
+[1014.70 --> 1015.58]  in step
+[1015.58 --> 1015.94]  with the
+[1015.94 --> 1016.82]  Holy Spirit
+[1016.82 --> 1017.74]  I need
+[1017.74 --> 1018.32]  to accept
+[1018.32 --> 1018.80]  this is
+[1018.80 --> 1019.18]  God's
+[1019.18 --> 1019.90]  love story.
+[1019.90 --> 1021.72]  I need
+[1021.72 --> 1022.38]  to identify
+[1022.38 --> 1023.26]  myself
+[1023.26 --> 1023.80]  with it
+[1023.80 --> 1025.88]  and see
+[1025.88 --> 1026.42]  that this
+[1026.42 --> 1027.24]  tells the
+[1027.24 --> 1027.94]  whole story
+[1027.94 --> 1028.30]  of what
+[1028.30 --> 1028.72]  God's
+[1028.72 --> 1029.38]  up to
+[1029.38 --> 1030.30]  on this
+[1030.30 --> 1030.66]  earth
+[1030.66 --> 1032.72]  because
+[1032.72 --> 1033.40]  then I'll
+[1033.40 --> 1034.22]  begin
+[1034.22 --> 1035.12]  to let
+[1035.12 --> 1035.42]  it
+[1035.42 --> 1036.70]  regulate
+[1036.70 --> 1038.28]  my life.
+[1040.68 --> 1041.66]  The Bible
+[1041.66 --> 1042.08]  is there
+[1042.08 --> 1042.44]  as the
+[1042.44 --> 1042.96]  confession
+[1042.96 --> 1043.36]  says
+[1043.36 --> 1043.74]  for the
+[1043.74 --> 1044.46]  regulating
+[1044.46 --> 1045.56]  founding
+[1045.56 --> 1046.20]  and
+[1046.20 --> 1046.98]  establishing
+[1046.98 --> 1048.16]  of our
+[1048.16 --> 1048.60]  faith.
+[1049.94 --> 1050.38]  One of the
+[1050.38 --> 1050.92]  first things
+[1050.92 --> 1051.34]  it does
+[1051.34 --> 1051.80]  is help
+[1051.80 --> 1052.72]  help me
+[1052.72 --> 1053.38]  believe
+[1053.38 --> 1054.84]  that Christ
+[1054.84 --> 1055.36]  is the
+[1055.36 --> 1055.68]  one.
+[1056.96 --> 1057.24]  It goes
+[1057.24 --> 1057.56]  on
+[1057.56 --> 1058.14]  the
+[1058.14 --> 1058.60]  confession
+[1058.60 --> 1058.94]  does
+[1058.94 --> 1059.44]  in article
+[1059.44 --> 1059.96]  7
+[1059.96 --> 1060.48]  to talk
+[1060.48 --> 1060.72]  about
+[1060.72 --> 1060.94]  the
+[1060.94 --> 1061.56]  sufficiency
+[1061.56 --> 1061.92]  of
+[1061.92 --> 1062.44]  scripture.
+[1063.06 --> 1063.40]  It
+[1063.40 --> 1063.78]  states
+[1063.78 --> 1064.16]  this
+[1064.16 --> 1064.62]  in
+[1064.62 --> 1065.24]  Belgic
+[1065.24 --> 1065.74]  Confession
+[1065.74 --> 1066.08]  article
+[1066.08 --> 1066.56]  7
+[1066.56 --> 1066.78]  we
+[1066.78 --> 1067.32]  believe
+[1067.32 --> 1067.62]  this
+[1067.62 --> 1068.34]  holy
+[1068.34 --> 1069.16]  scripture
+[1069.16 --> 1070.46]  contains
+[1070.46 --> 1070.78]  the
+[1070.78 --> 1071.00]  will
+[1071.00 --> 1071.20]  of
+[1071.20 --> 1071.48]  God
+[1071.48 --> 1072.40]  completely
+[1072.40 --> 1073.32]  and
+[1073.32 --> 1073.62]  that
+[1073.62 --> 1075.04]  everything
+[1075.04 --> 1075.66]  one
+[1075.66 --> 1076.06]  must
+[1076.06 --> 1076.68]  believe
+[1076.68 --> 1077.20]  to be
+[1077.20 --> 1077.86]  saved.
+[1078.86 --> 1079.54]  In other
+[1079.54 --> 1079.84]  words it
+[1079.84 --> 1080.50]  limits the
+[1080.50 --> 1080.80]  purpose
+[1080.80 --> 1081.18]  of the
+[1081.18 --> 1081.58]  scriptures.
+[1082.14 --> 1082.48]  Everything
+[1082.48 --> 1083.04]  one
+[1083.04 --> 1083.62]  must
+[1083.62 --> 1083.96]  believe
+[1083.96 --> 1084.44]  to be
+[1084.44 --> 1085.44]  saved
+[1085.44 --> 1085.96]  is
+[1085.96 --> 1086.78]  sufficiently
+[1086.78 --> 1087.26]  taught
+[1087.26 --> 1087.70]  in it.
+[1091.14 --> 1091.84]  There's a
+[1091.84 --> 1092.42]  story in
+[1092.42 --> 1093.22]  John 5
+[1093.22 --> 1093.80]  where Jesus
+[1093.80 --> 1094.40]  is in
+[1094.40 --> 1094.76]  debate
+[1094.76 --> 1095.16]  with the
+[1095.16 --> 1095.50]  Jewish
+[1095.50 --> 1095.92]  leaders.
+[1096.08 --> 1096.40]  They were
+[1096.40 --> 1097.50]  Old Testament
+[1097.50 --> 1098.14]  scholars
+[1098.14 --> 1098.60]  and they
+[1098.60 --> 1099.06]  loved the
+[1099.06 --> 1099.38]  Bible.
+[1099.54 --> 1099.80]  It was
+[1099.80 --> 1100.42]  their pride
+[1100.42 --> 1101.08]  and joy
+[1101.08 --> 1102.62]  but they
+[1102.62 --> 1102.98]  hadn't
+[1102.98 --> 1103.34]  gotten
+[1103.34 --> 1103.66]  the
+[1103.66 --> 1104.10]  message.
+[1104.28 --> 1104.40]  They
+[1104.40 --> 1104.78]  hadn't
+[1104.78 --> 1105.22]  let it
+[1105.22 --> 1105.78]  penetrate
+[1105.78 --> 1106.40]  their own
+[1106.40 --> 1106.80]  souls.
+[1107.14 --> 1107.40]  This
+[1107.40 --> 1107.78]  is what
+[1107.78 --> 1108.10]  Jesus
+[1108.10 --> 1108.60]  said to
+[1108.60 --> 1108.80]  them
+[1108.80 --> 1108.98]  in
+[1108.98 --> 1109.24]  John
+[1109.24 --> 1109.74]  5
+[1109.74 --> 1110.24]  39.
+[1111.24 --> 1111.36]  He
+[1111.36 --> 1111.66]  said
+[1111.66 --> 1111.82]  you
+[1111.82 --> 1112.24]  study
+[1112.24 --> 1112.52]  the
+[1112.52 --> 1112.90]  scriptures
+[1112.90 --> 1113.66]  diligently
+[1113.66 --> 1114.12]  because
+[1114.12 --> 1114.40]  you
+[1114.40 --> 1114.80]  think
+[1114.80 --> 1115.14]  that
+[1115.14 --> 1115.56]  in
+[1115.56 --> 1116.12]  them
+[1116.12 --> 1116.92]  you
+[1116.92 --> 1117.56]  have
+[1117.56 --> 1118.64]  eternal
+[1118.64 --> 1119.50]  life.
+[1120.36 --> 1121.04]  These
+[1121.04 --> 1121.44]  are the
+[1121.44 --> 1121.84]  very
+[1121.84 --> 1122.46]  scriptures
+[1122.46 --> 1123.16]  that
+[1123.16 --> 1123.84]  testify
+[1123.84 --> 1125.40]  about
+[1125.40 --> 1126.12]  me
+[1126.12 --> 1127.92]  yet
+[1127.92 --> 1128.22]  you
+[1128.22 --> 1129.04]  refuse
+[1129.04 --> 1129.66]  to
+[1129.66 --> 1130.06]  come
+[1130.06 --> 1130.32]  to
+[1130.32 --> 1130.74]  me
+[1130.74 --> 1131.52]  to
+[1131.52 --> 1131.82]  have
+[1131.82 --> 1132.24]  life.
+[1132.24 --> 1136.36]  the
+[1136.36 --> 1136.68]  scriptures
+[1136.68 --> 1136.98]  are
+[1136.98 --> 1137.28]  written
+[1137.28 --> 1138.98]  to
+[1138.98 --> 1139.34]  point
+[1139.34 --> 1139.62]  us
+[1139.62 --> 1139.80]  in
+[1139.80 --> 1139.96]  the
+[1139.96 --> 1140.36]  way
+[1140.36 --> 1141.24]  of
+[1141.24 --> 1141.92]  salvation
+[1141.92 --> 1142.54]  and
+[1142.54 --> 1143.08]  life.
+[1145.12 --> 1145.56]  The
+[1145.56 --> 1145.92]  saving
+[1145.92 --> 1146.42]  knowledge
+[1146.42 --> 1146.62]  that
+[1146.62 --> 1146.86]  come
+[1146.86 --> 1147.08]  through
+[1147.08 --> 1147.60]  scriptures
+[1147.60 --> 1147.92]  what
+[1147.92 --> 1148.32]  Paul
+[1148.32 --> 1149.44]  empathizes
+[1149.44 --> 1149.86]  to
+[1149.86 --> 1150.42]  Timothy
+[1150.42 --> 1151.60]  in
+[1151.60 --> 1151.80]  our
+[1151.80 --> 1152.22]  third
+[1152.22 --> 1153.40]  passage
+[1153.40 --> 1153.94]  and
+[1153.94 --> 1154.30]  last
+[1154.30 --> 1154.58]  one
+[1154.58 --> 1154.78]  for
+[1154.78 --> 1155.04]  this
+[1155.04 --> 1155.40]  morning
+[1155.40 --> 1155.76]  2
+[1155.76 --> 1156.24]  Timothy
+[1156.24 --> 1156.76]  3
+[1156.76 --> 1157.68]  verses
+[1157.68 --> 1158.10]  10
+[1158.10 --> 1158.28]  to
+[1158.28 --> 1158.78]  17
+[1158.78 --> 1161.10]  where
+[1161.10 --> 1161.40]  Paul
+[1161.40 --> 1161.76]  writes
+[1161.76 --> 1161.98]  you
+[1161.98 --> 1162.28]  however
+[1162.28 --> 1162.58]  know
+[1162.58 --> 1162.82]  all
+[1162.82 --> 1163.06]  about
+[1163.06 --> 1163.30]  my
+[1163.30 --> 1163.82]  teaching
+[1163.82 --> 1164.74]  my
+[1164.74 --> 1164.98]  way
+[1164.98 --> 1165.12]  of
+[1165.12 --> 1165.56]  life
+[1165.56 --> 1166.58]  my
+[1166.58 --> 1167.14]  purpose
+[1167.14 --> 1167.96]  faith
+[1167.96 --> 1169.26]  patience
+[1169.26 --> 1170.36]  love
+[1170.36 --> 1171.36]  endurance
+[1171.36 --> 1172.84]  persecutions
+[1172.84 --> 1173.84]  sufferings
+[1173.84 --> 1174.38]  what
+[1174.38 --> 1174.78]  kinds
+[1174.78 --> 1174.94]  of
+[1174.94 --> 1175.20]  things
+[1175.20 --> 1175.54]  happened
+[1175.54 --> 1175.76]  to
+[1175.76 --> 1175.92]  me
+[1175.92 --> 1176.08]  in
+[1176.08 --> 1176.98]  Antioch
+[1176.98 --> 1177.98]  Iconium
+[1177.98 --> 1178.68]  and Lystra
+[1178.68 --> 1179.18]  the
+[1179.18 --> 1180.08]  persecutions
+[1180.08 --> 1180.46]  I
+[1180.46 --> 1181.06]  endured
+[1181.06 --> 1182.06]  yet the
+[1182.06 --> 1182.26]  Lord
+[1182.26 --> 1182.74]  rescued
+[1182.74 --> 1183.02]  me
+[1183.02 --> 1183.32]  from
+[1183.32 --> 1183.78]  all of
+[1183.78 --> 1183.96]  them
+[1183.96 --> 1184.58]  in
+[1184.58 --> 1184.80]  fact
+[1184.80 --> 1185.24]  everyone
+[1185.24 --> 1185.82]  who
+[1185.82 --> 1186.16]  wants
+[1186.16 --> 1186.32]  to
+[1186.32 --> 1186.46]  live
+[1186.46 --> 1186.62]  a
+[1186.62 --> 1186.98]  godly
+[1186.98 --> 1187.32]  life
+[1187.32 --> 1187.50]  in
+[1187.50 --> 1187.84]  Christ
+[1187.84 --> 1188.24]  Jesus
+[1188.24 --> 1189.00]  will
+[1189.00 --> 1189.22]  be
+[1189.22 --> 1190.00]  persecuted
+[1190.00 --> 1190.36]  or
+[1190.36 --> 1190.82]  today
+[1190.82 --> 1191.32]  in
+[1191.32 --> 1191.52]  our
+[1191.52 --> 1191.90]  culture
+[1191.90 --> 1192.12]  we
+[1192.12 --> 1192.32]  would
+[1192.32 --> 1192.74]  say
+[1192.74 --> 1193.88]  ridiculed
+[1193.88 --> 1196.30]  yet
+[1196.30 --> 1196.50]  the
+[1196.50 --> 1196.70]  Lord
+[1196.70 --> 1197.12]  rescued
+[1197.12 --> 1197.36]  me
+[1197.36 --> 1197.56]  from
+[1197.56 --> 1197.76]  all
+[1197.76 --> 1197.88]  of
+[1197.88 --> 1198.10]  them
+[1198.10 --> 1198.54]  oh
+[1198.54 --> 1198.88]  I'm
+[1198.88 --> 1199.54]  backing
+[1199.54 --> 1199.78]  up
+[1199.78 --> 1200.32]  in
+[1200.32 --> 1200.48]  fact
+[1200.48 --> 1200.88]  everyone
+[1200.88 --> 1201.12]  who
+[1201.12 --> 1201.38]  wants
+[1201.38 --> 1201.50]  to
+[1201.50 --> 1201.62]  live
+[1201.62 --> 1201.74]  a
+[1201.74 --> 1202.06]  godly
+[1202.06 --> 1202.34]  life
+[1202.34 --> 1202.50]  in
+[1202.50 --> 1202.78]  Christ
+[1202.78 --> 1203.10]  Jesus
+[1203.10 --> 1203.42]  will
+[1203.42 --> 1203.64]  be
+[1203.64 --> 1204.38]  ridiculed
+[1204.38 --> 1204.62]  while
+[1204.62 --> 1205.38]  evildoers
+[1205.38 --> 1205.92]  and
+[1205.92 --> 1206.72]  imposters
+[1206.72 --> 1207.64]  will
+[1207.64 --> 1207.84]  go
+[1207.84 --> 1208.12]  from
+[1208.12 --> 1208.42]  bad
+[1208.42 --> 1208.64]  to
+[1208.64 --> 1209.00]  worse
+[1209.00 --> 1209.74]  deceiving
+[1209.74 --> 1210.12]  and
+[1210.12 --> 1210.46]  being
+[1210.46 --> 1211.08]  deceived
+[1211.08 --> 1212.84]  but
+[1212.84 --> 1213.20]  as
+[1213.20 --> 1213.54]  for
+[1213.54 --> 1214.06]  you
+[1214.06 --> 1216.26]  we're
+[1216.26 --> 1216.40]  a
+[1216.40 --> 1217.18]  counterculture
+[1217.18 --> 1218.38]  continue
+[1218.38 --> 1219.12]  in
+[1219.12 --> 1219.44]  what
+[1219.44 --> 1219.78]  you've
+[1219.78 --> 1220.32]  learned
+[1220.32 --> 1221.82]  and
+[1221.82 --> 1222.24]  become
+[1222.24 --> 1222.90]  convinced
+[1222.90 --> 1223.28]  of
+[1223.28 --> 1224.62]  because
+[1224.62 --> 1225.86]  you know
+[1225.86 --> 1226.34]  those
+[1226.34 --> 1227.16]  from whom
+[1227.16 --> 1227.78]  you learned
+[1227.78 --> 1228.02]  it
+[1228.02 --> 1228.44]  and he's
+[1228.44 --> 1228.96]  talking to
+[1228.96 --> 1229.34]  Timothy
+[1229.34 --> 1229.92]  who learned
+[1229.92 --> 1230.20]  it in
+[1230.20 --> 1230.66]  the home
+[1230.66 --> 1231.30]  from his
+[1231.30 --> 1231.86]  mother and
+[1231.86 --> 1232.38]  grandmother
+[1232.38 --> 1234.22]  and how
+[1234.22 --> 1234.52]  from
+[1234.52 --> 1235.54]  infancy
+[1235.54 --> 1236.54]  you have
+[1236.54 --> 1236.96]  known
+[1236.96 --> 1237.62]  the holy
+[1237.62 --> 1238.18]  scriptures
+[1238.18 --> 1239.00]  and here's
+[1239.00 --> 1239.90]  their purpose
+[1239.90 --> 1241.26]  able to
+[1241.26 --> 1242.10]  make you
+[1242.10 --> 1243.04]  wise
+[1243.04 --> 1244.14]  for
+[1244.14 --> 1245.06]  salvation
+[1245.06 --> 1245.80]  through
+[1245.80 --> 1246.48]  faith
+[1246.48 --> 1247.36]  in
+[1247.36 --> 1247.80]  Christ
+[1247.80 --> 1248.46]  Jesus
+[1248.46 --> 1250.58]  all
+[1250.58 --> 1251.20]  scriptures
+[1251.20 --> 1251.84]  God
+[1251.84 --> 1253.02]  breathed
+[1253.02 --> 1254.18]  spirit
+[1254.18 --> 1254.92]  inspired
+[1254.92 --> 1256.20]  useful
+[1256.20 --> 1257.08]  for
+[1257.08 --> 1257.84]  teaching
+[1257.84 --> 1259.44]  rebuking
+[1259.44 --> 1260.74]  correcting
+[1260.74 --> 1261.82]  and
+[1261.82 --> 1262.48]  training
+[1262.48 --> 1262.90]  in
+[1262.90 --> 1263.70]  righteousness
+[1263.70 --> 1265.34]  so that
+[1265.34 --> 1266.34]  the servant
+[1266.34 --> 1267.08]  of God
+[1267.08 --> 1268.00]  may be
+[1268.00 --> 1268.70]  thoroughly
+[1268.70 --> 1269.38]  equipped
+[1269.38 --> 1270.42]  for
+[1270.42 --> 1271.02]  every
+[1271.02 --> 1271.90]  good
+[1271.90 --> 1272.36]  work
+[1272.36 --> 1276.84]  now I don't
+[1276.84 --> 1277.44]  want to force
+[1277.44 --> 1278.08]  a structure
+[1278.08 --> 1278.62]  on this
+[1278.62 --> 1279.08]  passage
+[1279.08 --> 1279.92]  as I speak
+[1279.92 --> 1280.72]  further on
+[1280.72 --> 1280.94]  it
+[1280.94 --> 1282.22]  one that's
+[1282.22 --> 1282.76]  not there
+[1282.76 --> 1284.36]  but I think
+[1284.36 --> 1284.78]  it may be
+[1284.78 --> 1285.42]  helpful to
+[1285.42 --> 1285.90]  see how
+[1285.90 --> 1286.42]  what Paul
+[1286.42 --> 1287.20]  is attributing
+[1287.20 --> 1288.06]  to the work
+[1288.06 --> 1289.14]  of scripture
+[1289.14 --> 1289.80]  in our
+[1289.80 --> 1290.38]  lives
+[1290.38 --> 1292.00]  is similar
+[1292.00 --> 1292.66]  to what
+[1292.66 --> 1293.44]  Jesus said
+[1293.44 --> 1294.02]  the work
+[1294.02 --> 1294.30]  of the
+[1294.30 --> 1295.08]  Holy Spirit
+[1295.08 --> 1295.86]  is in
+[1295.86 --> 1297.22]  John 16
+[1297.22 --> 1297.86]  where he
+[1297.86 --> 1298.30]  said the
+[1298.30 --> 1299.04]  spirit would
+[1299.04 --> 1300.36]  come and
+[1300.36 --> 1301.32]  convict the
+[1301.32 --> 1302.06]  world of
+[1302.06 --> 1303.14]  three things
+[1303.14 --> 1304.48]  the spirit
+[1304.48 --> 1305.22]  would convict
+[1305.22 --> 1305.68]  the world
+[1305.68 --> 1306.54]  of sin
+[1306.54 --> 1308.24]  of righteousness
+[1308.24 --> 1309.42]  and he
+[1309.42 --> 1309.88]  mentions
+[1309.88 --> 1310.40]  judgment
+[1310.40 --> 1310.92]  but what
+[1310.92 --> 1312.06]  Jesus means
+[1312.06 --> 1312.82]  is and
+[1312.82 --> 1313.42]  freedom
+[1313.42 --> 1314.60]  from eternal
+[1314.60 --> 1315.10]  judgment
+[1315.10 --> 1318.28]  when the
+[1318.28 --> 1319.36]  spirit convicts
+[1319.36 --> 1320.04]  us that we
+[1320.04 --> 1321.10]  are no longer
+[1321.10 --> 1321.78]  under the
+[1321.78 --> 1322.48]  judgment of
+[1322.48 --> 1322.88]  God
+[1322.88 --> 1323.76]  that's the
+[1323.76 --> 1324.40]  same as
+[1324.40 --> 1325.30]  believing that
+[1325.30 --> 1326.10]  our salvation
+[1326.10 --> 1327.36]  comes completely
+[1327.36 --> 1328.92]  in Christ
+[1328.92 --> 1331.34]  the spirit
+[1331.34 --> 1332.58]  convicting us
+[1332.58 --> 1333.34]  of sin
+[1333.34 --> 1334.08]  relates to
+[1334.08 --> 1334.88]  Paul saying
+[1334.88 --> 1335.30]  that the
+[1335.30 --> 1336.04]  scriptures are
+[1336.04 --> 1336.92]  meant for
+[1336.92 --> 1338.40]  rebuking and
+[1338.40 --> 1339.04]  correcting
+[1339.04 --> 1341.64]  and the
+[1341.64 --> 1342.68]  spirit convicting
+[1342.68 --> 1343.28]  us of
+[1343.28 --> 1344.22]  righteousness
+[1344.22 --> 1345.50]  relates to
+[1345.50 --> 1346.08]  how as he
+[1346.08 --> 1346.60]  says the
+[1346.60 --> 1348.12]  scriptures are
+[1348.12 --> 1348.94]  there to
+[1348.94 --> 1349.94]  train us
+[1349.94 --> 1351.44]  in righteousness
+[1351.44 --> 1352.74]  so we can
+[1352.74 --> 1353.24]  live this
+[1353.24 --> 1354.18]  mature life
+[1354.18 --> 1356.52]  by the way
+[1356.52 --> 1357.58]  I think this
+[1357.58 --> 1358.24]  is also the
+[1358.24 --> 1359.00]  three parts of
+[1359.00 --> 1359.60]  the Heidelberg
+[1359.60 --> 1360.36]  Catechism
+[1360.36 --> 1362.68]  the three things
+[1362.68 --> 1363.30]  we need to
+[1363.30 --> 1363.62]  know
+[1363.62 --> 1365.20]  how great our
+[1365.20 --> 1365.96]  sin is
+[1365.96 --> 1367.34]  how great our
+[1367.34 --> 1368.22]  redemption is
+[1368.22 --> 1368.92]  the order is a
+[1368.92 --> 1369.38]  little different
+[1369.38 --> 1370.96]  and how we can
+[1370.96 --> 1371.88]  say thank you to
+[1371.88 --> 1372.62]  God through a
+[1372.62 --> 1373.60]  life of obedience
+[1373.60 --> 1374.76]  through all that
+[1374.76 --> 1375.38]  he's done for
+[1375.38 --> 1377.54]  us and these
+[1377.54 --> 1378.46]  three things
+[1378.46 --> 1380.38]  give us three
+[1380.38 --> 1381.72]  reasons to
+[1381.72 --> 1383.02]  read the
+[1383.02 --> 1385.30]  Bible the
+[1385.30 --> 1386.34]  first reason
+[1386.34 --> 1387.30]  is to help
+[1387.30 --> 1388.48]  us to know
+[1388.48 --> 1389.94]  how we may be
+[1389.94 --> 1391.58]  saved through
+[1391.58 --> 1392.42]  our Lord Jesus
+[1392.42 --> 1394.50]  Christ and
+[1394.50 --> 1395.48]  you know we
+[1395.48 --> 1396.26]  can say once
+[1396.26 --> 1397.22]  saved but we
+[1397.22 --> 1397.94]  need this
+[1397.94 --> 1398.70]  assurance
+[1398.70 --> 1399.88]  virtually
+[1399.88 --> 1401.44]  every day
+[1401.44 --> 1404.34]  to know
+[1404.34 --> 1404.82]  again I'm
+[1404.82 --> 1405.48]  loved by
+[1405.48 --> 1405.90]  God
+[1405.90 --> 1407.98]  and when you
+[1407.98 --> 1408.40]  read through
+[1408.40 --> 1409.00]  the scriptures
+[1409.00 --> 1410.76]  it will confirm
+[1410.76 --> 1412.24]  that to your
+[1412.24 --> 1412.62]  soul
+[1412.62 --> 1414.54]  because we'll
+[1414.54 --> 1414.98]  know the
+[1414.98 --> 1415.68]  spirit is at
+[1415.68 --> 1416.78]  work you can
+[1416.78 --> 1417.88]  know it if you
+[1417.88 --> 1418.54]  read through the
+[1418.54 --> 1418.92]  Bible
+[1418.92 --> 1420.94]  and your
+[1420.94 --> 1422.16]  your head's
+[1422.16 --> 1422.64]  nodding
+[1422.64 --> 1425.50]  you read
+[1425.50 --> 1425.98]  through some
+[1425.98 --> 1426.72]  of the stories
+[1426.72 --> 1427.28]  and you hear
+[1427.28 --> 1428.14]  what Paul says
+[1428.14 --> 1429.06]  in some places
+[1429.06 --> 1429.76]  in the scriptures
+[1429.76 --> 1430.42]  and your heart
+[1430.42 --> 1431.14]  starts beating
+[1431.14 --> 1432.02]  faster and
+[1432.02 --> 1433.62]  faster as it
+[1433.62 --> 1434.28]  were your eyes
+[1434.28 --> 1434.84]  start getting
+[1434.84 --> 1437.02]  bigger that's
+[1437.02 --> 1438.14]  confirmation that
+[1438.14 --> 1438.80]  you and God
+[1438.80 --> 1440.84]  are in sync and
+[1440.84 --> 1441.50]  that he's working
+[1441.50 --> 1441.98]  through his
+[1441.98 --> 1442.62]  spirit his
+[1442.62 --> 1443.44]  salvation in
+[1443.44 --> 1445.16]  your soul gives
+[1445.16 --> 1445.92]  you reason for
+[1445.92 --> 1448.22]  joy like a big
+[1448.22 --> 1450.44]  love letter God
+[1450.44 --> 1451.56]  saying to us how
+[1451.56 --> 1452.34]  much he cares
+[1452.34 --> 1453.16]  about us
+[1453.16 --> 1455.94]  my wife Lynn
+[1455.94 --> 1457.10]  and I we did
+[1457.10 --> 1457.70]  most of our
+[1457.70 --> 1458.36]  courting by
+[1458.36 --> 1459.54]  distance I
+[1459.54 --> 1459.90]  was at
+[1459.90 --> 1461.44]  Dort College
+[1461.44 --> 1462.70]  in Iowa and
+[1462.70 --> 1464.46]  she was in
+[1464.46 --> 1465.82]  Winnipeg I
+[1465.82 --> 1466.26]  could hardly
+[1466.26 --> 1466.84]  wait to get
+[1466.84 --> 1467.46]  those letters
+[1467.46 --> 1469.12]  I was so
+[1469.12 --> 1469.96]  excited I'd go
+[1469.96 --> 1470.86]  alone and I'd
+[1470.86 --> 1473.20]  read them I
+[1473.20 --> 1474.40]  just soak it
+[1474.40 --> 1476.08]  in let what
+[1476.08 --> 1476.64]  she wrote
+[1476.64 --> 1477.70]  penetrate
+[1477.70 --> 1481.26]  and sometimes
+[1481.26 --> 1481.84]  I'd read them
+[1481.84 --> 1482.56]  more than once
+[1482.56 --> 1485.24]  that's how we're
+[1485.24 --> 1485.80]  meant to read
+[1485.80 --> 1487.56]  scripture it's a
+[1487.56 --> 1488.08]  love letter
+[1488.08 --> 1490.96]  reminding us of
+[1490.96 --> 1491.86]  who God is for
+[1491.86 --> 1492.54]  us second
+[1492.54 --> 1493.40]  reason is to
+[1493.40 --> 1494.22]  see our sin
+[1494.22 --> 1494.80]  and short
+[1494.80 --> 1495.44]  comings
+[1495.44 --> 1497.58]  that's the
+[1497.58 --> 1498.88]  rebuking the
+[1498.88 --> 1500.66]  correcting we
+[1500.66 --> 1501.30]  don't like that
+[1501.30 --> 1502.78]  today to
+[1502.78 --> 1503.84]  rebuke and
+[1503.84 --> 1505.50]  correct I
+[1505.50 --> 1505.96]  think that's
+[1505.96 --> 1506.92]  being negative
+[1506.92 --> 1508.84]  turns people
+[1508.84 --> 1509.28]  away
+[1509.28 --> 1512.56]  well let me
+[1512.56 --> 1513.30]  assure you we
+[1513.30 --> 1514.08]  wouldn't have to
+[1514.08 --> 1514.94]  do much of it
+[1514.94 --> 1516.08]  if people would
+[1516.08 --> 1516.98]  practice the
+[1516.98 --> 1517.68]  discipline of
+[1517.68 --> 1518.26]  reading the
+[1518.26 --> 1519.04]  scripture because
+[1519.04 --> 1520.28]  the spirit would
+[1520.28 --> 1521.12]  simply get the
+[1521.12 --> 1521.78]  job done
+[1521.78 --> 1523.98]  the spirit's
+[1523.98 --> 1524.56]  actually very
+[1524.56 --> 1525.02]  good at
+[1525.02 --> 1526.00]  convicting people
+[1526.00 --> 1526.52]  of sin
+[1526.52 --> 1527.98]  it's part of
+[1527.98 --> 1529.08]  his job
+[1529.08 --> 1529.72]  maybe the
+[1529.72 --> 1530.64]  primary one
+[1530.64 --> 1533.30]  see the word
+[1533.30 --> 1533.94]  of God is
+[1533.94 --> 1534.74]  the sword
+[1534.74 --> 1535.88]  of the spirit
+[1535.88 --> 1537.34]  it cuts
+[1537.34 --> 1538.72]  to the heart
+[1538.72 --> 1540.80]  convicts us
+[1540.80 --> 1541.72]  when we've
+[1541.72 --> 1542.50]  done wrong
+[1542.50 --> 1544.54]  points us
+[1544.54 --> 1545.16]  back in the
+[1545.16 --> 1546.42]  right way
+[1546.42 --> 1549.14]  Jesus said
+[1549.14 --> 1549.46]  to his
+[1549.46 --> 1550.26]  disciples in
+[1550.26 --> 1550.96]  John 15
+[1550.96 --> 1551.58]  that you have
+[1551.58 --> 1552.78]  become clean
+[1552.78 --> 1554.14]  because of
+[1554.14 --> 1554.60]  what I've
+[1554.60 --> 1555.52]  spoken to
+[1555.52 --> 1555.90]  you
+[1555.90 --> 1558.72]  and then he
+[1558.72 --> 1559.38]  went on to
+[1559.38 --> 1559.66]  pray
+[1559.66 --> 1560.30]  father that
+[1560.30 --> 1560.62]  you would
+[1560.62 --> 1562.00]  sanctify them
+[1562.00 --> 1563.04]  by your
+[1563.04 --> 1563.92]  truth and
+[1563.92 --> 1564.28]  then he
+[1564.28 --> 1564.98]  added your
+[1564.98 --> 1566.38]  word is
+[1566.38 --> 1566.98]  truth
+[1566.98 --> 1569.80]  God's word
+[1569.80 --> 1570.24]  is a
+[1570.24 --> 1570.98]  purifier
+[1570.98 --> 1572.84]  it's his
+[1572.84 --> 1573.90]  central means
+[1573.90 --> 1575.10]  really to
+[1575.10 --> 1575.60]  make you
+[1575.60 --> 1575.94]  and me
+[1575.94 --> 1576.40]  holy
+[1576.40 --> 1578.54]  and if we
+[1578.54 --> 1578.96]  have any
+[1578.96 --> 1579.62]  desire to
+[1579.62 --> 1580.32]  become like
+[1580.32 --> 1580.98]  Christ we
+[1580.98 --> 1581.74]  must be
+[1581.74 --> 1582.64]  students of
+[1582.64 --> 1582.98]  the word
+[1582.98 --> 1583.44]  of God
+[1583.44 --> 1586.46]  you simply
+[1586.46 --> 1587.48]  cannot graduate
+[1587.48 --> 1588.86]  from a
+[1588.86 --> 1589.80]  university or
+[1589.80 --> 1590.30]  from some
+[1590.30 --> 1591.38]  classes until
+[1591.38 --> 1591.98]  you've done
+[1591.98 --> 1593.40]  the required
+[1593.40 --> 1594.38]  reading
+[1594.38 --> 1596.66]  and we
+[1596.66 --> 1597.76]  cannot be
+[1597.76 --> 1599.32]  apprentices in
+[1599.32 --> 1600.12]  the school of
+[1600.12 --> 1601.20]  Christ if we
+[1601.20 --> 1602.24]  do not spend
+[1602.24 --> 1603.76]  concentrated time
+[1603.76 --> 1604.46]  in the
+[1604.46 --> 1604.80]  scriptures
+[1604.80 --> 1609.20]  so the
+[1609.20 --> 1609.86]  Bible helps
+[1609.86 --> 1611.16]  us know
+[1611.16 --> 1611.98]  we're saved
+[1611.98 --> 1612.58]  and loved
+[1612.58 --> 1613.26]  but it also
+[1613.26 --> 1613.96]  does this
+[1613.96 --> 1615.42]  job of
+[1615.42 --> 1616.22]  pointing out
+[1616.22 --> 1616.78]  our sin
+[1616.78 --> 1617.56]  and thirdly
+[1617.56 --> 1618.12]  it teaches
+[1618.12 --> 1619.48]  us how
+[1619.48 --> 1620.14]  to obey
+[1620.14 --> 1622.80]  it's God
+[1622.80 --> 1623.66]  breathed so
+[1623.66 --> 1624.42]  we can be
+[1624.42 --> 1625.90]  trained to
+[1625.90 --> 1626.80]  be righteous
+[1626.80 --> 1628.62]  it's filled
+[1628.62 --> 1629.10]  with all
+[1629.10 --> 1629.86]  kinds of
+[1629.86 --> 1630.94]  practical advice
+[1630.94 --> 1631.86]  stories and
+[1631.86 --> 1632.72]  teachings that
+[1632.72 --> 1633.78]  cover the
+[1633.78 --> 1634.92]  full gamut
+[1634.92 --> 1635.58]  of life
+[1635.58 --> 1636.76]  stuff that
+[1636.76 --> 1637.26]  you don't want
+[1637.26 --> 1637.94]  to talk about
+[1637.94 --> 1638.58]  in public
+[1638.58 --> 1639.00]  or there
+[1639.00 --> 1641.46]  we can
+[1641.46 --> 1641.94]  learn from
+[1641.94 --> 1642.68]  the mistakes
+[1642.68 --> 1643.40]  of many
+[1643.40 --> 1643.80]  in that
+[1643.80 --> 1644.98]  book and
+[1644.98 --> 1645.52]  be guided
+[1645.52 --> 1646.02]  by the
+[1646.02 --> 1647.66]  wisdom of
+[1647.66 --> 1648.10]  others
+[1648.10 --> 1650.06]  and no
+[1650.06 --> 1650.52]  matter how
+[1650.52 --> 1651.12]  many times
+[1651.12 --> 1651.50]  you read
+[1651.50 --> 1651.78]  it you
+[1651.78 --> 1652.58]  keep learning
+[1652.58 --> 1655.36]  see things
+[1655.36 --> 1655.80]  you didn't
+[1655.80 --> 1656.34]  before
+[1656.34 --> 1658.12]  so that in
+[1658.12 --> 1658.70]  the end we
+[1658.70 --> 1659.06]  may be
+[1659.06 --> 1659.66]  thoroughly
+[1659.66 --> 1660.50]  equipped
+[1660.50 --> 1662.12]  for every
+[1662.12 --> 1662.76]  good work
+[1662.76 --> 1663.40]  and thoroughly
+[1663.40 --> 1664.28]  equipped means
+[1664.28 --> 1665.30]  really mature
+[1665.30 --> 1666.06]  complete
+[1666.06 --> 1667.90]  as we said
+[1667.90 --> 1668.34]  earlier
+[1668.34 --> 1669.06]  some have
+[1669.06 --> 1669.56]  described
+[1669.56 --> 1671.94]  the result
+[1671.94 --> 1672.72]  of spiritual
+[1672.72 --> 1673.36]  disciplines
+[1673.36 --> 1673.90]  is to be
+[1673.90 --> 1674.48]  to do the
+[1674.48 --> 1675.12]  right thing
+[1675.12 --> 1675.48]  at the
+[1675.48 --> 1676.26]  right time
+[1676.26 --> 1676.62]  in the
+[1676.62 --> 1677.26]  right way
+[1677.26 --> 1678.16]  and in
+[1678.16 --> 1678.58]  the right
+[1678.58 --> 1679.14]  spirit
+[1679.14 --> 1682.48]  and this
+[1682.48 --> 1682.88]  is why
+[1682.88 --> 1683.34]  we must
+[1683.34 --> 1683.78]  read the
+[1683.78 --> 1684.16]  Bible
+[1684.16 --> 1687.12]  and let it
+[1687.12 --> 1687.92]  penetrate
+[1687.92 --> 1688.28]  it
+[1688.28 --> 1690.20]  Elizabeth
+[1690.20 --> 1690.66]  Haley
+[1690.66 --> 1691.18]  Barton
+[1691.18 --> 1691.96]  in her
+[1691.96 --> 1692.22]  book
+[1692.22 --> 1692.70]  Sacred
+[1692.70 --> 1693.22]  Rhythms
+[1693.22 --> 1695.62]  says the
+[1695.62 --> 1696.28]  scriptures have
+[1696.28 --> 1696.98]  been given to
+[1696.98 --> 1697.90]  allow my own
+[1697.90 --> 1699.32]  heart and soul
+[1699.32 --> 1701.04]  to be penetrated
+[1701.04 --> 1702.10]  by an intimate
+[1702.10 --> 1703.34]  word from
+[1703.34 --> 1703.74]  God
+[1703.74 --> 1707.22]  we get into
+[1707.22 --> 1707.78]  the word
+[1707.78 --> 1709.30]  so it can get
+[1709.30 --> 1710.02]  into us
+[1710.02 --> 1712.70]  and quite
+[1712.70 --> 1713.28]  frankly
+[1713.28 --> 1714.66]  how you do
+[1714.66 --> 1714.94]  it
+[1714.94 --> 1716.88]  doesn't matter
+[1716.88 --> 1717.80]  all that much
+[1717.80 --> 1719.68]  that you do
+[1719.68 --> 1719.96]  it
+[1719.96 --> 1721.44]  doesn't matter
+[1721.44 --> 1722.36]  how you exercise
+[1722.36 --> 1723.88]  just exercise
+[1723.88 --> 1725.22]  find a way
+[1725.22 --> 1726.98]  it's like any
+[1726.98 --> 1727.64]  relationship
+[1727.64 --> 1728.96]  young men and
+[1728.96 --> 1729.62]  women get pretty
+[1729.62 --> 1730.38]  creative when they
+[1730.38 --> 1731.00]  want to develop
+[1731.00 --> 1731.58]  a relationship
+[1731.58 --> 1732.98]  they find a way
+[1732.98 --> 1733.72]  to get together
+[1733.72 --> 1734.50]  and they learn
+[1734.50 --> 1735.36]  how to communicate
+[1735.36 --> 1736.82]  and it's no
+[1736.82 --> 1737.38]  different with
+[1737.38 --> 1737.76]  God
+[1737.76 --> 1740.00]  simply pick a
+[1740.00 --> 1740.56]  time
+[1740.56 --> 1742.04]  and usually
+[1742.04 --> 1743.04]  a place
+[1743.04 --> 1744.70]  call it a
+[1744.70 --> 1745.12]  date
+[1745.12 --> 1748.12]  and then
+[1748.12 --> 1749.92]  become
+[1749.92 --> 1750.62]  disciplined
+[1750.62 --> 1755.40]  if you're
+[1755.40 --> 1755.80]  unfamiliar
+[1755.80 --> 1756.36]  with the
+[1756.36 --> 1756.68]  Bible
+[1756.68 --> 1757.36]  you may want
+[1757.36 --> 1757.74]  to start
+[1757.74 --> 1758.06]  with the
+[1758.06 --> 1758.64]  Gospel of
+[1758.64 --> 1758.98]  John
+[1758.98 --> 1759.26]  and you
+[1759.26 --> 1759.46]  know
+[1759.46 --> 1759.72]  one
+[1759.72 --> 1760.72]  talked to
+[1760.72 --> 1761.06]  Nicky
+[1761.06 --> 1761.48]  Gumbel
+[1761.48 --> 1762.64]  some of you
+[1762.64 --> 1762.98]  may know
+[1762.98 --> 1763.30]  of him
+[1763.30 --> 1766.04]  he was a
+[1766.04 --> 1766.36]  lawyer
+[1766.36 --> 1767.18]  somebody
+[1767.18 --> 1767.84]  challenged him
+[1767.84 --> 1768.28]  when he sat
+[1768.28 --> 1768.70]  down and
+[1768.70 --> 1769.30]  started reading
+[1769.30 --> 1769.72]  the Bible
+[1769.72 --> 1770.30]  one night
+[1770.30 --> 1772.50]  and you
+[1772.50 --> 1772.84]  read the
+[1772.84 --> 1773.08]  Bible
+[1773.08 --> 1773.52]  like a
+[1773.52 --> 1773.84]  novel
+[1773.84 --> 1774.90]  just sit
+[1774.90 --> 1775.10]  down
+[1775.10 --> 1775.40]  and read
+[1775.40 --> 1775.68]  one of
+[1775.68 --> 1776.40]  the Gospels
+[1776.40 --> 1777.36]  first time
+[1777.36 --> 1777.66]  I did
+[1777.66 --> 1777.84]  that
+[1777.84 --> 1778.04]  I was
+[1778.04 --> 1778.16]  in
+[1778.16 --> 1778.68]  seminary
+[1778.68 --> 1779.00]  I was
+[1779.00 --> 1779.42]  supposed
+[1779.42 --> 1780.04]  to be
+[1780.04 --> 1780.56]  a student
+[1780.56 --> 1781.40]  required
+[1781.40 --> 1781.88]  reading
+[1781.88 --> 1783.62]  what an
+[1783.62 --> 1784.08]  impact
+[1784.08 --> 1784.78]  reading
+[1784.78 --> 1785.44]  the Gospel
+[1785.44 --> 1786.32]  a Gospel
+[1786.32 --> 1786.68]  through
+[1786.68 --> 1787.28]  in one
+[1787.28 --> 1787.74]  setting
+[1787.74 --> 1788.40]  do it
+[1788.40 --> 1788.60]  some
+[1788.60 --> 1789.02]  evening
+[1789.02 --> 1789.96]  it'll
+[1789.96 --> 1790.46]  immerse
+[1790.46 --> 1790.64]  you
+[1790.64 --> 1790.90]  in the
+[1790.90 --> 1791.14]  life
+[1791.14 --> 1791.36]  of
+[1791.36 --> 1791.90]  Jesus
+[1791.90 --> 1792.84]  it's
+[1792.84 --> 1793.04]  one
+[1793.04 --> 1793.38]  way
+[1793.38 --> 1795.06]  some
+[1795.06 --> 1795.44]  follow
+[1795.44 --> 1795.88]  Bible
+[1795.88 --> 1796.20]  in a
+[1796.20 --> 1796.48]  year
+[1796.48 --> 1798.00]  some
+[1798.00 --> 1798.32]  take
+[1798.32 --> 1798.64]  very
+[1798.64 --> 1799.18]  small
+[1799.18 --> 1799.78]  amounts
+[1799.78 --> 1801.82]  it's
+[1801.82 --> 1802.30]  called
+[1802.30 --> 1803.22]  Lectio
+[1803.22 --> 1803.70]  Divina
+[1803.70 --> 1804.42]  is a
+[1804.42 --> 1804.72]  way
+[1804.72 --> 1805.68]  it really
+[1805.68 --> 1806.50]  means to
+[1806.50 --> 1807.78]  meditate
+[1807.78 --> 1810.70]  like a
+[1810.70 --> 1812.82]  I read
+[1812.82 --> 1813.92]  the analogy
+[1813.92 --> 1815.06]  of a dog
+[1815.06 --> 1815.64]  with a bone
+[1815.64 --> 1816.62]  you ever see a dog
+[1816.62 --> 1817.56]  finds a bone
+[1817.56 --> 1819.18]  it's chewing
+[1819.18 --> 1820.32]  it's absolutely
+[1820.32 --> 1822.00]  you get into
+[1822.00 --> 1822.78]  a passage
+[1822.78 --> 1823.58]  of scripture
+[1823.58 --> 1826.38]  you just chew
+[1826.38 --> 1827.30]  away on it
+[1827.30 --> 1829.52]  and you let
+[1829.52 --> 1830.22]  it get into
+[1830.22 --> 1830.54]  you
+[1830.54 --> 1831.56]  and you say
+[1831.56 --> 1831.88]  Lord
+[1831.88 --> 1832.94]  what does this
+[1832.94 --> 1833.28]  mean
+[1833.28 --> 1833.82]  and you read
+[1833.82 --> 1834.30]  it again
+[1834.30 --> 1834.96]  how might you
+[1834.96 --> 1835.52]  be speaking
+[1835.52 --> 1836.34]  into my life
+[1836.34 --> 1836.74]  and you read
+[1836.74 --> 1837.04]  it again
+[1837.04 --> 1837.30]  Lord
+[1837.30 --> 1838.10]  what are you
+[1838.10 --> 1838.80]  asking me
+[1838.80 --> 1839.16]  to do
+[1839.16 --> 1839.72]  this day
+[1839.72 --> 1840.44]  out of this
+[1840.44 --> 1840.88]  passage
+[1840.88 --> 1841.42]  that's what
+[1841.42 --> 1842.56]  Lectio Divina
+[1842.56 --> 1843.06]  is really
+[1843.06 --> 1843.56]  meant to
+[1843.56 --> 1844.04]  help us
+[1844.04 --> 1844.26]  do
+[1844.26 --> 1844.70]  and if you
+[1844.70 --> 1844.92]  want
+[1844.92 --> 1845.34]  you google
+[1845.34 --> 1845.58]  it
+[1845.58 --> 1845.90]  and you'll
+[1845.90 --> 1847.16]  find ways
+[1847.16 --> 1848.14]  to meditate
+[1848.14 --> 1849.30]  on a smaller
+[1849.30 --> 1850.18]  passage of
+[1850.18 --> 1850.36]  scripture
+[1850.36 --> 1851.10]  there's all
+[1851.10 --> 1851.74]  kinds of
+[1851.74 --> 1852.14]  ways
+[1852.14 --> 1853.84]  and listen
+[1853.84 --> 1854.22]  to it
+[1854.22 --> 1855.00]  on a CD
+[1855.00 --> 1857.42]  and listen
+[1857.42 --> 1857.76]  to it
+[1857.76 --> 1858.12]  when you're
+[1858.12 --> 1858.62]  traveling
+[1858.62 --> 1860.12]  and listen
+[1860.12 --> 1860.64]  to it
+[1860.64 --> 1861.32]  quietly
+[1861.32 --> 1861.96]  at night
+[1861.96 --> 1863.08]  you can
+[1863.08 --> 1863.64]  read it
+[1863.64 --> 1865.70]  I think
+[1865.70 --> 1866.22]  we've gotten
+[1866.22 --> 1866.62]  away
+[1866.62 --> 1867.00]  but we
+[1867.00 --> 1867.40]  haven't
+[1867.40 --> 1867.72]  in our
+[1867.72 --> 1868.02]  house
+[1868.02 --> 1868.52]  but we
+[1868.52 --> 1868.84]  still
+[1868.84 --> 1869.22]  read it
+[1869.22 --> 1869.76]  at most
+[1869.76 --> 1870.32]  supper
+[1870.32 --> 1870.86]  times
+[1870.86 --> 1871.52]  or meal
+[1871.52 --> 1872.12]  times
+[1872.12 --> 1872.98]  a passage
+[1872.98 --> 1874.72]  we have
+[1874.72 --> 1875.20]  our own
+[1875.20 --> 1876.00]  ways
+[1876.00 --> 1876.46]  of doing
+[1876.46 --> 1876.74]  this
+[1876.74 --> 1877.22]  my own
+[1877.22 --> 1877.68]  personal
+[1877.68 --> 1878.90]  discipline
+[1878.90 --> 1879.28]  at this
+[1879.28 --> 1879.66]  point
+[1879.66 --> 1880.22]  in time
+[1880.22 --> 1880.60]  is to
+[1880.60 --> 1880.96]  read
+[1880.96 --> 1881.78]  a minimum
+[1881.78 --> 1882.32]  of two
+[1882.32 --> 1882.96]  chapters
+[1882.96 --> 1883.48]  old
+[1883.48 --> 1883.94]  testament
+[1883.94 --> 1884.42]  and new
+[1884.42 --> 1884.72]  every
+[1884.72 --> 1885.20]  morning
+[1885.20 --> 1887.10]  it's
+[1887.10 --> 1887.54]  amazing
+[1887.54 --> 1887.80]  what
+[1887.80 --> 1888.10]  comes
+[1888.10 --> 1888.50]  up
+[1888.50 --> 1890.64]  it's
+[1890.64 --> 1890.84]  really
+[1890.84 --> 1891.22]  how I
+[1891.22 --> 1891.66]  came to
+[1891.66 --> 1891.94]  faith
+[1891.94 --> 1892.30]  I would
+[1892.30 --> 1892.52]  say
+[1892.52 --> 1892.82]  I was
+[1892.82 --> 1893.32]  challenged
+[1893.32 --> 1893.74]  as a
+[1893.74 --> 1893.98]  kid
+[1893.98 --> 1895.04]  by a
+[1895.04 --> 1895.24]  fellow
+[1895.24 --> 1895.48]  in
+[1895.48 --> 1896.04]  Ontario
+[1896.04 --> 1896.32]  in
+[1896.32 --> 1896.62]  some
+[1896.62 --> 1897.26]  magazine
+[1897.26 --> 1897.58]  I think
+[1897.58 --> 1897.92]  it was
+[1897.92 --> 1898.68]  through
+[1898.68 --> 1898.90]  the
+[1898.90 --> 1899.86]  used to
+[1899.86 --> 1900.24]  be called
+[1900.24 --> 1900.58]  Uncle
+[1900.58 --> 1900.90]  Bill
+[1900.90 --> 1901.38]  and it
+[1901.38 --> 1901.68]  was a
+[1901.68 --> 1902.06]  challenge
+[1902.06 --> 1902.48]  to read
+[1902.48 --> 1902.64]  the
+[1902.64 --> 1902.94]  Bible
+[1902.94 --> 1903.24]  and if
+[1903.24 --> 1903.48]  you did
+[1903.48 --> 1903.60]  it
+[1903.60 --> 1903.86]  for a
+[1903.86 --> 1904.06]  year
+[1904.06 --> 1904.22]  you
+[1904.22 --> 1904.42]  got
+[1904.42 --> 1904.58]  a
+[1904.58 --> 1905.06]  certificate
+[1905.06 --> 1906.56]  I
+[1906.56 --> 1906.72]  did
+[1906.72 --> 1906.84]  it
+[1906.84 --> 1906.96]  for
+[1906.96 --> 1907.32]  three
+[1907.32 --> 1907.68]  years
+[1907.68 --> 1908.04]  minus
+[1908.04 --> 1908.42]  one
+[1908.42 --> 1908.72]  night
+[1908.72 --> 1908.92]  I
+[1908.92 --> 1909.28]  remember
+[1909.28 --> 1909.48]  the
+[1909.48 --> 1909.66]  night
+[1909.66 --> 1909.84]  we
+[1909.84 --> 1910.00]  were
+[1910.00 --> 1910.38]  camping
+[1910.38 --> 1910.66]  up
+[1910.66 --> 1910.86]  in
+[1910.86 --> 1911.70]  Houston
+[1911.70 --> 1911.98]  with
+[1911.98 --> 1912.16]  my
+[1912.16 --> 1912.46]  brother
+[1912.46 --> 1912.86]  and a
+[1912.86 --> 1913.20]  friend
+[1913.20 --> 1914.26]  and I
+[1914.26 --> 1914.52]  remember
+[1914.52 --> 1914.86]  it was
+[1914.86 --> 1915.16]  late
+[1915.16 --> 1915.36]  and I
+[1915.36 --> 1915.56]  suddenly
+[1915.56 --> 1915.92]  oh
+[1915.92 --> 1916.62]  crap
+[1916.62 --> 1916.78]  I
+[1916.78 --> 1917.04]  didn't
+[1917.04 --> 1917.28]  read
+[1917.28 --> 1917.42]  the
+[1917.42 --> 1917.66]  Bible
+[1917.66 --> 1918.02]  today
+[1918.02 --> 1918.70]  well you
+[1918.70 --> 1919.08]  can get
+[1919.08 --> 1919.42]  a little
+[1919.42 --> 1920.20]  hypocritical
+[1920.20 --> 1920.60]  and self
+[1920.60 --> 1920.94]  righteous
+[1920.94 --> 1921.52]  about all
+[1921.52 --> 1921.68]  that
+[1921.68 --> 1922.02]  but you
+[1922.02 --> 1922.14]  know
+[1922.14 --> 1922.34]  the
+[1922.34 --> 1922.84]  discipline
+[1922.84 --> 1923.34]  of doing
+[1923.34 --> 1923.54]  it
+[1923.54 --> 1923.88]  for
+[1923.88 --> 1924.24]  three
+[1924.24 --> 1924.56]  years
+[1924.56 --> 1925.02]  changed
+[1925.02 --> 1925.24]  my
+[1925.24 --> 1925.66]  life
+[1925.66 --> 1928.28]  doesn't
+[1928.28 --> 1928.60]  have to
+[1928.60 --> 1928.74]  be
+[1928.74 --> 1929.12]  much
+[1929.12 --> 1931.78]  in
+[1931.78 --> 1931.96]  the
+[1931.96 --> 1932.46]  end
+[1932.46 --> 1932.94]  what we
+[1932.94 --> 1933.18]  need
+[1933.18 --> 1933.34]  to
+[1933.34 --> 1933.88]  become
+[1933.88 --> 1934.52]  is
+[1934.52 --> 1935.38]  individuals
+[1935.38 --> 1936.62]  who
+[1936.62 --> 1936.88]  have a
+[1936.88 --> 1937.32]  passion
+[1937.32 --> 1937.62]  for
+[1937.62 --> 1938.08]  Christ
+[1938.08 --> 1938.42]  and we
+[1938.42 --> 1938.82]  want to
+[1938.82 --> 1939.00]  know
+[1939.00 --> 1939.38]  more
+[1939.38 --> 1940.22]  and we
+[1940.22 --> 1940.54]  must
+[1940.54 --> 1940.98]  become
+[1940.98 --> 1941.36]  what we
+[1941.36 --> 1941.54]  could
+[1941.54 --> 1941.94]  call
+[1941.94 --> 1942.94]  self
+[1942.94 --> 1944.44]  feeders
+[1944.44 --> 1947.70]  and I
+[1947.70 --> 1948.00]  think this
+[1948.00 --> 1948.52]  is appropriate
+[1948.52 --> 1949.04]  in days
+[1949.04 --> 1949.58]  of COVID
+[1949.58 --> 1950.68]  self
+[1950.68 --> 1951.16]  feeders
+[1951.16 --> 1951.62]  who are
+[1951.62 --> 1952.00]  not
+[1952.00 --> 1952.82]  reliant
+[1952.82 --> 1953.32]  on the
+[1953.32 --> 1953.60]  church
+[1953.60 --> 1953.84]  I'm
+[1953.84 --> 1954.08]  actually
+[1954.08 --> 1954.40]  quite
+[1954.40 --> 1954.86]  concerned
+[1954.86 --> 1956.20]  I'm
+[1956.20 --> 1956.44]  seeing
+[1956.44 --> 1956.78]  people
+[1956.78 --> 1957.00]  I
+[1957.00 --> 1957.22]  think
+[1957.22 --> 1957.78]  kind
+[1957.78 --> 1957.88]  of
+[1957.88 --> 1958.18]  happy
+[1958.18 --> 1958.40]  they
+[1958.40 --> 1958.58]  can
+[1958.58 --> 1958.80]  take
+[1958.80 --> 1959.18]  distance
+[1959.18 --> 1959.40]  with
+[1959.40 --> 1959.56]  the
+[1959.56 --> 1959.78]  church
+[1959.78 --> 1959.96]  and
+[1959.96 --> 1960.14]  I'm
+[1960.14 --> 1960.56]  wondering
+[1960.56 --> 1960.84]  whether
+[1960.84 --> 1961.12]  that
+[1961.12 --> 1961.44]  means
+[1961.44 --> 1962.02]  they
+[1962.02 --> 1962.40]  think
+[1962.40 --> 1962.60]  they
+[1962.60 --> 1962.82]  can
+[1962.82 --> 1963.08]  take
+[1963.08 --> 1963.50]  distance
+[1963.50 --> 1963.76]  from
+[1963.76 --> 1963.98]  the
+[1963.98 --> 1964.34]  Lord
+[1964.34 --> 1969.38]  because
+[1969.38 --> 1969.88]  if our
+[1969.88 --> 1970.24]  faith
+[1970.24 --> 1970.44]  is
+[1970.44 --> 1971.02]  reliant
+[1971.02 --> 1971.36]  on the
+[1971.36 --> 1971.66]  church
+[1971.66 --> 1972.38]  community
+[1972.38 --> 1973.82]  then we're
+[1973.82 --> 1974.02]  going to
+[1974.02 --> 1974.30]  be a
+[1974.30 --> 1974.62]  drag
+[1974.62 --> 1975.28]  on it
+[1975.28 --> 1976.36]  doesn't
+[1976.36 --> 1976.66]  mean we
+[1976.66 --> 1976.90]  shouldn't
+[1976.90 --> 1977.14]  be in
+[1977.14 --> 1977.62]  community
+[1977.62 --> 1978.92]  but if
+[1978.92 --> 1979.34]  we aren't
+[1979.34 --> 1979.74]  self
+[1979.74 --> 1980.26]  feeders
+[1980.26 --> 1980.60]  who know
+[1980.60 --> 1980.92]  how to
+[1980.92 --> 1981.36]  care for
+[1981.36 --> 1981.72]  our own
+[1981.72 --> 1982.02]  soul
+[1982.02 --> 1982.32]  they used
+[1982.32 --> 1982.64]  to say
+[1982.64 --> 1983.26]  this to
+[1983.26 --> 1983.74]  people in
+[1983.74 --> 1984.20]  profession
+[1984.20 --> 1984.68]  of faith
+[1984.68 --> 1985.14]  class
+[1985.14 --> 1985.82]  are you
+[1985.82 --> 1986.28]  the kind
+[1986.28 --> 1986.74]  of person
+[1986.74 --> 1987.04]  who if
+[1987.04 --> 1987.32]  you get
+[1987.32 --> 1987.84]  stranded
+[1987.84 --> 1988.28]  on an
+[1988.28 --> 1988.50]  island
+[1988.50 --> 1989.00]  someday
+[1989.00 --> 1989.64]  and there's
+[1989.64 --> 1990.12]  only four
+[1990.12 --> 1990.62]  other people
+[1990.62 --> 1990.84]  and they're
+[1990.84 --> 1991.42]  not believers
+[1991.42 --> 1992.00]  you're
+[1992.00 --> 1992.24]  going to
+[1992.24 --> 1992.68]  hold on
+[1992.68 --> 1992.98]  to who
+[1992.98 --> 1993.34]  Jesus
+[1993.34 --> 1993.66]  is
+[1993.66 --> 1994.16]  because
+[1994.16 --> 1994.50]  you've
+[1994.50 --> 1994.94]  embedded
+[1994.94 --> 1995.20]  him
+[1995.20 --> 1995.58]  or he's
+[1995.58 --> 1995.92]  gotten
+[1995.92 --> 1996.44]  embedded
+[1996.44 --> 1997.20]  into your
+[1997.20 --> 1997.80]  soul
+[1997.80 --> 1999.12]  and your
+[1999.12 --> 1999.90]  mind
+[1999.90 --> 2002.48]  these are
+[2002.48 --> 2003.06]  the people
+[2003.06 --> 2003.90]  we need
+[2003.90 --> 2004.36]  to be
+[2004.36 --> 2005.18]  and then
+[2005.18 --> 2005.64]  we come
+[2005.64 --> 2006.08]  together
+[2006.08 --> 2006.70]  as church
+[2006.70 --> 2007.28]  and we're
+[2007.28 --> 2007.92]  strong
+[2007.92 --> 2011.68]  a grown
+[2011.68 --> 2012.38]  up child
+[2012.38 --> 2013.32]  isn't reliant
+[2013.32 --> 2013.88]  on mother
+[2013.88 --> 2014.40]  anymore
+[2014.40 --> 2015.58]  to be fed
+[2015.58 --> 2016.60]  and the
+[2016.60 --> 2017.16]  church is
+[2017.16 --> 2017.48]  in the
+[2017.48 --> 2017.82]  scriptures
+[2017.82 --> 2018.40]  called
+[2018.40 --> 2019.40]  the mother
+[2019.40 --> 2020.38]  we find
+[2020.38 --> 2021.02]  ways
+[2021.02 --> 2021.52]  to feed
+[2021.52 --> 2021.74]  our
+[2021.74 --> 2022.26]  soul
+[2022.26 --> 2023.36]  and then
+[2023.36 --> 2023.76]  we love
+[2023.76 --> 2024.58]  coming home
+[2024.58 --> 2025.08]  to mother
+[2025.08 --> 2025.44]  and the
+[2025.44 --> 2025.82]  family
+[2025.82 --> 2026.50]  where together
+[2026.50 --> 2027.44]  we feast
+[2027.44 --> 2030.58]  but in the
+[2030.58 --> 2030.86]  end
+[2030.86 --> 2031.34]  what we're
+[2031.34 --> 2031.80]  meant to
+[2031.80 --> 2032.12]  do
+[2032.12 --> 2033.18]  is to
+[2033.18 --> 2033.74]  find a
+[2033.74 --> 2034.06]  way
+[2034.06 --> 2034.92]  to relate
+[2034.92 --> 2036.60]  very deeply
+[2036.60 --> 2037.44]  and intimately
+[2037.44 --> 2038.34]  to Christ
+[2038.34 --> 2040.68]  so that
+[2040.68 --> 2041.02]  in the
+[2041.02 --> 2041.38]  end
+[2041.38 --> 2042.88]  we know
+[2042.88 --> 2043.22]  what it
+[2043.22 --> 2043.52]  is to
+[2043.52 --> 2044.20]  be saved
+[2044.20 --> 2045.32]  because we
+[2045.32 --> 2045.70]  know what
+[2045.70 --> 2046.16]  it is
+[2046.16 --> 2047.18]  we're
+[2047.18 --> 2047.52]  sinners
+[2047.52 --> 2048.98]  and we
+[2048.98 --> 2049.90]  find ways
+[2049.90 --> 2050.56]  to follow
+[2050.56 --> 2050.86]  our
+[2050.86 --> 2051.20]  Savior
+[2051.20 --> 2052.40]  and to
+[2052.40 --> 2052.98]  truly
+[2052.98 --> 2054.10]  live
+[2054.10 --> 2055.94]  pray with
+[2055.94 --> 2056.12]  me
+[2056.12 --> 2056.40]  God
+[2056.40 --> 2056.94]  thank you
+[2056.94 --> 2057.24]  you've
+[2057.24 --> 2057.60]  spoken
+[2057.60 --> 2058.26]  to us
+[2058.26 --> 2060.16]  and
+[2060.16 --> 2061.24]  we haven't
+[2061.24 --> 2061.76]  talked about
+[2061.76 --> 2062.50]  your creation
+[2062.50 --> 2063.00]  but it's
+[2063.00 --> 2063.58]  out there
+[2063.58 --> 2063.98]  just
+[2063.98 --> 2064.82]  blasting
+[2064.82 --> 2065.32]  away
+[2065.32 --> 2065.86]  the good
+[2065.86 --> 2066.24]  news
+[2066.24 --> 2066.56]  of how
+[2066.56 --> 2066.94]  great
+[2066.94 --> 2067.16]  and
+[2067.16 --> 2067.96]  powerful
+[2067.96 --> 2068.62]  you are
+[2068.62 --> 2070.88]  and you've
+[2070.88 --> 2071.48]  written things
+[2071.48 --> 2072.28]  down for us
+[2072.28 --> 2072.94]  to read
+[2072.94 --> 2075.58]  you've spoken
+[2075.58 --> 2076.12]  to us
+[2076.12 --> 2076.76]  in a wide
+[2076.76 --> 2077.42]  variety of
+[2077.42 --> 2077.76]  ways
+[2077.76 --> 2078.08]  and we
+[2078.08 --> 2078.56]  thank you
+[2078.56 --> 2078.92]  for the
+[2078.92 --> 2079.30]  prophets
+[2079.30 --> 2079.98]  and for the
+[2079.98 --> 2080.34]  writers
+[2080.34 --> 2081.10]  of your
+[2081.10 --> 2081.44]  word
+[2081.44 --> 2081.92]  and oh
+[2081.92 --> 2082.22]  God
+[2082.22 --> 2082.94]  help us
+[2082.94 --> 2084.10]  to submit
+[2084.10 --> 2084.94]  our minds
+[2084.94 --> 2085.44]  and our
+[2085.44 --> 2085.94]  souls
+[2085.94 --> 2086.70]  and our
+[2086.70 --> 2087.40]  bodies
+[2087.40 --> 2088.32]  to this
+[2088.32 --> 2089.24]  your living
+[2089.24 --> 2089.74]  word
+[2089.74 --> 2091.20]  but especially
+[2091.20 --> 2092.28]  in the end
+[2092.28 --> 2092.94]  help us to
+[2092.94 --> 2093.40]  see you
+[2093.40 --> 2094.10]  Lord Jesus
+[2094.10 --> 2094.82]  for who you
+[2094.82 --> 2095.22]  are
+[2095.22 --> 2096.20]  so that we
+[2096.20 --> 2097.04]  submit to
+[2097.04 --> 2097.38]  you
+[2097.38 --> 2099.62]  and now
+[2099.62 --> 2100.16]  we pray
+[2100.16 --> 2100.82]  that as we
+[2100.82 --> 2101.76]  turn to
+[2101.76 --> 2102.52]  the sacrament
+[2102.52 --> 2103.58]  another gift
+[2103.58 --> 2104.14]  that you
+[2104.14 --> 2104.72]  gave to
+[2104.72 --> 2105.12]  us
+[2105.12 --> 2106.62]  adhere to
+[2106.62 --> 2108.78]  we may
+[2108.78 --> 2109.98]  be encouraged
+[2109.98 --> 2111.32]  reminded of
+[2111.32 --> 2111.96]  who we are
+[2111.96 --> 2112.48]  in you
+[2112.48 --> 2114.16]  and encouraged
+[2114.16 --> 2114.94]  by your
+[2114.94 --> 2115.54]  grace
+[2115.54 --> 2117.58]  to pick up
+[2117.58 --> 2118.02]  again
+[2118.02 --> 2119.26]  carry on
+[2119.26 --> 2120.20]  and go
+[2120.20 --> 2120.76]  and serve
+[2120.76 --> 2121.88]  we pray
+[2121.88 --> 2122.38]  in Jesus
+[2122.38 --> 2122.90]  name
+[2122.90 --> 2123.84]  Amen