1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:29,980 Thank you. 2 00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:59,980 Thank you. 3 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:29,980 Thank you. 4 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:26,620 Good morning. 5 00:02:27,620 --> 00:02:33,280 We are glad to be gathered to worship this morning. 6 00:02:33,280 --> 00:02:40,760 We're going to begin with a word of prayer and then a reading from the 63rd Psalm. 7 00:02:40,760 --> 00:02:46,700 Father in heaven, I thank you for your salvation. 8 00:02:46,700 --> 00:02:50,200 I thank you for your patience. 9 00:02:50,200 --> 00:02:52,780 I thank you for your goodness. 10 00:02:53,100 --> 00:02:56,820 So I ask as we gather for worship this morning 11 00:02:56,820 --> 00:02:59,080 That you would give us strength 12 00:02:59,080 --> 00:03:02,780 That you would help us to see those areas in life 13 00:03:02,780 --> 00:03:05,840 That we need to turn away from 14 00:03:05,840 --> 00:03:08,260 And that you would call us to turn to you 15 00:03:08,260 --> 00:03:11,740 Help us to see your goodness and your grace 16 00:03:11,740 --> 00:03:15,880 We thank you for how you have worked in our lives 17 00:03:15,880 --> 00:03:19,180 We just ask that you be with us as we worship together 18 00:03:19,180 --> 00:03:21,740 It is in Jesus' name we pray, amen 19 00:03:22,480 --> 00:03:30,080 We're going to begin this morning by reading from the 63rd Psalm, and as we move into our 20 00:03:30,080 --> 00:03:37,500 second to last sermon, from this section of the book of Samuel, we are going to see the 21 00:03:37,500 --> 00:03:45,400 beginnings of repentance and restoration and the salvation of God on behalf of His people. 22 00:03:45,400 --> 00:03:51,720 And so as Samuel calls the Israelites to turn their hearts toward God, we want to do 23 00:03:51,740 --> 00:03:55,800 The same thing for us as we begin to worship. 24 00:03:55,800 --> 00:04:00,540 So we're going to stand, and let's read from the 63rd Psalm together. 25 00:04:00,540 --> 00:04:04,280 O God, you are my God. 26 00:04:04,280 --> 00:04:06,880 Earnestly I seek you. 27 00:04:06,880 --> 00:04:09,340 My soul thirsts for you. 28 00:04:09,340 --> 00:04:16,900 My flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 29 00:04:17,160 --> 00:04:24,020 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 30 00:04:24,020 --> 00:04:30,720 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 31 00:04:30,720 --> 00:04:34,460 So I will bless you as long as I live. 32 00:04:34,460 --> 00:04:37,980 In your name I will lift up my hands. 33 00:04:37,980 --> 00:04:40,440 This is the word of the Lord. 34 00:04:40,440 --> 00:04:44,520 So we're going to start by singing the Lion and the Lamb, 35 00:04:44,520 --> 00:04:46,660 this picture from the book of Revelation 36 00:04:46,660 --> 00:04:48,940 that pictures both the strength 37 00:04:48,940 --> 00:04:51,580 and the power of Jesus 38 00:04:51,580 --> 00:04:53,400 and also his humility 39 00:04:53,400 --> 00:04:55,580 and sacrifice on our behalf 40 00:04:55,580 --> 00:04:56,800 followed by singing 41 00:04:56,800 --> 00:04:58,460 The Battle Belongs 42 00:05:14,520 --> 00:05:17,700 One minute. 43 00:05:44,520 --> 00:05:49,800 All right. 44 00:05:49,800 --> 00:05:56,840 I'm going to restart this. 45 00:05:56,840 --> 00:05:57,920 Let's see if I'm fine. 46 00:06:14,520 --> 00:06:22,820 He's coming on the clouds 47 00:06:22,820 --> 00:06:26,700 Kings and kingdoms will bow down 48 00:06:26,700 --> 00:06:33,320 Every chain will break 49 00:06:33,320 --> 00:06:37,320 His broken hearts declare His praise 50 00:06:37,320 --> 00:06:41,320 Who can stop the Lord Almighty? 51 00:06:42,920 --> 00:06:47,620 Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah. 52 00:06:47,620 --> 00:06:53,220 He's roaring with power and fighting our battles. 53 00:06:53,220 --> 00:06:57,660 Every knee will bow before Him. 54 00:06:57,660 --> 00:07:03,560 Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain. 55 00:07:03,560 --> 00:07:08,840 For the sins of the world, His blood breaks the chains. 56 00:07:09,620 --> 00:07:14,200 Every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb. 57 00:07:14,200 --> 00:07:18,660 Every knee will bow before his. 58 00:07:18,660 --> 00:07:20,820 Open up the gates. 59 00:07:20,820 --> 00:07:25,000 Make way before the king of kings. 60 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:35,140 God who comes to save is here to set the captives free. 61 00:07:35,140 --> 00:07:39,420 Who will stop the Lord Almighty? 62 00:07:39,620 --> 00:07:45,740 Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah 63 00:07:45,740 --> 00:07:51,360 He's roaring with power and fighting our battles 64 00:07:51,360 --> 00:07:55,740 Every knee will bow before Him 65 00:07:55,740 --> 00:08:01,640 Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain 66 00:08:01,640 --> 00:08:07,060 For the sins of the world, His blood breaks the chains 67 00:08:07,060 --> 00:08:12,320 Every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb 68 00:08:12,320 --> 00:08:16,920 Every knee will bow before him 69 00:08:16,920 --> 00:08:21,600 Who can stop the Lord Almighty? 70 00:08:21,600 --> 00:08:26,820 Who can stop the Lord Almighty? 71 00:08:26,820 --> 00:08:32,100 Who can stop the Lord Almighty? 72 00:08:32,100 --> 00:08:37,260 Who can stop the Lord? 73 00:08:37,260 --> 00:08:43,740 Our God is the lion, the lion of Judah 74 00:08:43,740 --> 00:08:49,320 He's roaring with power and fighting our battles 75 00:08:49,320 --> 00:08:53,720 Every need will bow before Him 76 00:08:53,720 --> 00:08:59,700 Our God is the lamb, the lamb that was slain 77 00:08:59,700 --> 00:09:02,280 For the sins of the world 78 00:09:02,280 --> 00:09:05,040 His blood breaks the chains 79 00:09:05,040 --> 00:09:10,300 Every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb 80 00:09:10,300 --> 00:09:15,300 Every knee will bow before Him 81 00:09:29,700 --> 00:09:37,080 When all I see is the battle, you see my victory 82 00:09:37,080 --> 00:09:49,300 When all I see is the mountain, you see a mountain moved 83 00:09:49,300 --> 00:09:58,020 And as I walk through the shadow, your love surrounds me 84 00:09:58,020 --> 00:10:06,440 There's nothing to fear now 85 00:10:06,440 --> 00:10:09,680 For I am safe with you 86 00:10:09,680 --> 00:10:15,000 So when I fight 87 00:10:15,000 --> 00:10:17,720 I'll fight on my knees 88 00:10:17,720 --> 00:10:20,540 With my hands lifted high 89 00:10:20,540 --> 00:10:24,920 Oh God, the battle belongs to you 90 00:10:24,920 --> 00:10:29,400 And every fear I lay at your feet 91 00:10:29,400 --> 00:10:32,400 I'll sing through the night 92 00:10:32,400 --> 00:10:37,140 Oh God, the battle belongs to you 93 00:10:37,140 --> 00:10:45,820 And if you are for me 94 00:10:45,820 --> 00:10:49,120 Who can be against me? 95 00:10:54,920 --> 00:11:00,660 For Jesus, there's nothing impossible for you. 96 00:11:00,660 --> 00:11:09,780 When all I see are the ashes, you see the beauty. 97 00:11:09,780 --> 00:11:21,420 When all I see is a cross, God, you see the empty tomb. 98 00:11:24,320 --> 00:11:32,200 So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees with my hands lifted high. 99 00:11:32,200 --> 00:11:36,560 Oh, God, the battle belongs to you. 100 00:11:36,560 --> 00:11:43,860 And every field I lay at your feet, I'll sing through the night. 101 00:11:43,860 --> 00:11:49,180 Oh, God, the battle belongs to you. 102 00:11:52,020 --> 00:11:57,760 Almighty fortress, you go before us. 103 00:11:57,760 --> 00:12:03,060 Nothing can stand against the power of our God. 104 00:12:03,060 --> 00:12:09,060 You shine in the shadow, you win every battle. 105 00:12:09,060 --> 00:12:14,940 Nothing can stand against the power of our God. 106 00:12:14,940 --> 00:12:21,140 Almighty fortress, you go before us. 107 00:12:21,140 --> 00:12:26,360 Nothing can stand against the power of our God 108 00:12:26,360 --> 00:12:28,980 You shine in the shadow 109 00:12:28,980 --> 00:12:31,980 You win every battle 110 00:12:31,980 --> 00:12:39,280 Nothing can stand against the power of our God 111 00:12:39,280 --> 00:12:46,460 So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees 112 00:12:46,460 --> 00:12:49,200 With my hands lifted high 113 00:12:49,200 --> 00:12:53,560 Oh God, the battle belongs to you 114 00:12:53,560 --> 00:12:58,120 In every field I lay at your feet 115 00:12:58,120 --> 00:13:01,020 I'll sing through the night 116 00:13:01,020 --> 00:13:05,440 Oh God, the battle belongs to you 117 00:13:05,440 --> 00:13:11,460 Oh God, the battle belongs to you 118 00:13:19,200 --> 00:13:19,700 you 119 00:13:49,200 --> 00:14:19,180 Thank you. 120 00:14:19,200 --> 00:14:49,180 Thank you. 121 00:14:49,200 --> 00:15:19,180 Thank you. 122 00:26:49,200 --> 00:27:11,400 I'm here to come to the table this morning and sing a glorious day. 123 00:27:19,200 --> 00:27:31,300 One day when heaven was filled with His praises, one day when sin was as black as could be, 124 00:27:31,300 --> 00:27:43,260 Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin, dwelt among men, my example is He. 125 00:27:44,320 --> 00:27:50,160 The Word became flesh and the light shined among us. 126 00:27:50,160 --> 00:27:52,740 His glory revealed. 127 00:27:52,740 --> 00:27:56,120 Living, He loved me. 128 00:27:56,120 --> 00:27:59,260 Dying, He saved me. 129 00:27:59,260 --> 00:28:02,180 Married, He cared me. 130 00:28:02,180 --> 00:28:04,920 My sins far away. 131 00:28:04,920 --> 00:28:08,120 Rising, He justified. 132 00:28:08,120 --> 00:28:11,060 Freely, forever. 133 00:28:11,060 --> 00:28:14,140 One day, He's coming. 134 00:28:14,320 --> 00:28:20,080 Oh glorious day, oh glorious day 135 00:28:20,080 --> 00:28:32,340 One day they led him up Calvary's mountain 136 00:28:32,340 --> 00:28:38,120 One day they nailed him to die on a tree 137 00:28:38,120 --> 00:28:44,480 Suffering anguish, despised and rejected 138 00:28:44,480 --> 00:28:50,420 Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He 139 00:28:50,420 --> 00:28:56,360 Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree 140 00:28:56,360 --> 00:29:00,240 And took the nails for me 141 00:29:00,240 --> 00:29:06,160 Living He loved me, dying He saved me 142 00:29:06,160 --> 00:29:11,800 Buried he carried, my sins far away 143 00:29:11,800 --> 00:29:17,840 Rising he justified, freely forever 144 00:29:17,840 --> 00:29:23,900 One day he's coming, oh glorious day 145 00:29:23,900 --> 00:29:27,080 Oh glorious day 146 00:29:27,080 --> 00:29:39,340 One day the grave could conceal him no longer 147 00:29:39,340 --> 00:29:45,140 One day the stone rolled away from the door 148 00:29:45,140 --> 00:29:51,500 Then he arose over death he had conquered 149 00:29:51,500 --> 00:30:03,820 now is ascended my Lord evermore death could not hold him the grave could not keep him 150 00:30:03,820 --> 00:30:18,520 rising again living he loved me dying he saved me buried he carried my sins far away 151 00:30:18,520 --> 00:30:24,660 Rising he justified freely forever 152 00:30:24,660 --> 00:30:28,040 One day he's coming 153 00:30:28,040 --> 00:30:30,700 Oh glorious day 154 00:30:30,700 --> 00:30:34,820 Oh glorious day 155 00:30:34,820 --> 00:30:40,840 Glorious day 156 00:30:40,840 --> 00:30:50,580 One day the trumpet will sound for His coming 157 00:30:50,580 --> 00:30:57,080 One day the skies with His glories will shine 158 00:30:57,080 --> 00:31:02,700 Wonderful day my beloved one bringing 159 00:31:02,700 --> 00:31:07,300 My Savior Jesus is mine 160 00:31:07,300 --> 00:31:10,600 Living He loved me 161 00:31:10,840 --> 00:31:31,660 Dying, He saved me. Buried, He carried my sins far away. Rising, He justified freely forever. One day, He's coming. Oh, glorious day. 162 00:31:31,660 --> 00:31:46,400 Oh glorious day, oh glorious day, oh glorious day. 163 00:31:46,400 --> 00:31:59,120 Beginning to come to the realization of something that Rachel has been telling me probably for about two years 164 00:31:59,120 --> 00:32:03,100 is that I think I might finally need new glasses. 165 00:32:03,100 --> 00:32:08,680 I've been in denial about this for a very long time. 166 00:32:08,680 --> 00:32:16,620 Yesterday, as we were singing at this funeral, we were singing out of hymn books, 167 00:32:16,620 --> 00:32:23,680 and so Rachel was holding it kind of out here, and I'm like, I can't really see it from here. 168 00:32:23,680 --> 00:32:27,900 So I was like, well, I'll take my glasses off, and then I'll be able to see it, 169 00:32:27,900 --> 00:32:33,380 because usually that helps, and unfortunately, I couldn't see it then either, 170 00:32:33,380 --> 00:32:38,820 and so thankfully, these were songs that I had sung most of my life, 171 00:32:38,820 --> 00:32:45,900 and so I knew most of the words, but I began to realize that I could not see quite as clearly as I had thought, 172 00:32:45,900 --> 00:32:49,720 and maybe Rachel was right all along. 173 00:32:49,720 --> 00:32:52,480 I've learned that about a lot of areas of life. 174 00:32:53,220 --> 00:32:58,880 As we come to the Lord's Supper, when Spurgeon speaks of this meal for the church, 175 00:32:58,880 --> 00:33:09,040 one of the ways that he explained it to his church is that this is a moment like glasses that help us see clearly. 176 00:33:09,040 --> 00:33:11,200 He refers to them as speckles. 177 00:33:11,200 --> 00:33:22,500 He says the bread and the cup help us and focus us, and they help us to see clearly who Jesus is. 178 00:33:23,220 --> 00:33:28,140 Paul, in 1 Corinthians, the 11th chapter, in a very familiar passage, says, 179 00:33:28,140 --> 00:33:33,060 For what I received from the Lord, that which I also delivered to you, the Lord Jesus, 180 00:33:33,060 --> 00:33:38,580 on the night when he was betrayed, he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 181 00:33:38,580 --> 00:33:43,080 This is my body, which is for you. Do this and remember it to me. 182 00:33:43,080 --> 00:33:47,380 In the same way, also, he took the cup after supper, saying, 183 00:33:47,380 --> 00:33:52,780 This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it. 184 00:33:52,920 --> 00:33:59,600 remembrance of him. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim 185 00:33:59,600 --> 00:34:09,080 the Lord's death until he comes. And as we partake of bread and cup this morning, one 186 00:34:09,080 --> 00:34:15,880 of the ways that it helps us to see clearly is it turns our eyes toward the cross. We 187 00:34:15,880 --> 00:34:22,220 see the body and the blood of Jesus that was given in our place for our sins. 188 00:34:22,920 --> 00:34:36,500 So that through grace and mercy, we can stand in the presence of God without all those things we see in Genesis 3, behind the excuses. 189 00:34:36,500 --> 00:34:43,500 So because of the cross of Jesus, we can stand before God. 190 00:34:43,500 --> 00:34:48,720 But it also turns us, not just to the cross, but it turns us to a day in the future. 191 00:34:49,520 --> 00:34:55,520 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 192 00:34:55,520 --> 00:35:02,840 That this is a proclamation, that our hope is continual, that it's ongoing. 193 00:35:02,840 --> 00:35:13,560 That as we celebrate and partake in our nourishment of this meal, our hope is not simply in the past, but it is in the present and in the future. 194 00:35:14,860 --> 00:35:21,740 One of the issues in the Corinthian church is they part up in this community that surrounded them. 195 00:35:21,740 --> 00:35:28,040 Some were struggling in regards to lunch. 196 00:35:28,040 --> 00:35:31,360 Some were struggling in regards to not enough. 197 00:35:31,360 --> 00:35:34,380 Paul says, wait for one. 198 00:35:34,380 --> 00:35:40,280 In the very next part of this letter, he reminds them of their community. 199 00:35:40,280 --> 00:35:44,020 For just as the body is one, it has been done. 200 00:35:44,860 --> 00:35:49,060 All the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 201 00:35:49,060 --> 00:35:54,800 For in one spirit, all were baptized in one body, Jews, Greeks, and slaves. 202 00:35:54,800 --> 00:35:59,260 And all were made to be treated with one spirit. 203 00:35:59,260 --> 00:36:06,660 So as we partake in this world, we look at the cross for our salvation. 204 00:36:06,660 --> 00:36:11,560 We look to the return of Jesus and the hope. 205 00:36:12,900 --> 00:36:20,540 I look around at our brothers and sisters who are trying to say that we are not alone. 206 00:36:20,540 --> 00:36:26,760 Father, I thank you for your work, for your spirit, for your son. 207 00:36:26,760 --> 00:36:30,160 I thank you for being a prophet. 208 00:36:30,160 --> 00:36:36,100 We are taken together to be a spirit and a grace. 209 00:36:36,100 --> 00:36:41,740 Help us to see you in the use of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 210 00:36:42,280 --> 00:36:48,280 You would understand the suffering, just a small way of what took place in our life. 211 00:36:48,280 --> 00:37:00,700 You would encourage our lives, our lives, our strength, our kindness, our gain, our love, our love. 212 00:37:00,700 --> 00:37:04,640 I ask that you bless this bread, Mr. God. 213 00:37:04,640 --> 00:37:09,000 May we proclaim Jesus in His name. 214 00:37:12,280 --> 00:37:18,200 Take bread with me, as Paul says, reminded us of what Jesus said. 215 00:37:18,200 --> 00:37:19,020 This is my body. 216 00:37:19,020 --> 00:37:30,180 This cup, which is the new covenant in the blood of Jesus. 217 00:37:37,340 --> 00:37:42,860 As we remember, we also proclaim that our hope is not in the things of this world 218 00:37:42,860 --> 00:37:46,540 or in our accomplishments or in our strength or in our goodness, 219 00:37:46,540 --> 00:37:51,460 but our hope is in Jesus, in salvation and in his return. 220 00:37:51,460 --> 00:37:56,900 So we proclaim that, not just in this moment, but in all of us. 221 00:37:56,900 --> 00:38:04,640 So just a picture of where we're going this Sunday and next Sunday. 222 00:38:05,040 --> 00:38:07,820 We are finishing up this first section in 1 Samuel. 223 00:38:07,820 --> 00:38:10,920 We're just going to spend the summertime. 224 00:38:10,920 --> 00:38:17,840 And so this is kind of the natural breaking point in the book is 1 Samuel chapter 7. 225 00:38:17,840 --> 00:38:24,740 So we're going to talk, first of all, about the repentance that we see happening in Israel this week. 226 00:38:24,740 --> 00:38:31,680 And then we will come back again to this chapter next week and take a look at some water and a lamb and an altar. 227 00:38:32,140 --> 00:38:38,620 and the wonderful pictures of symbolism that are present in this repentance 228 00:38:38,620 --> 00:38:42,480 that are so wonderfully encouraging and helpful. 229 00:38:42,480 --> 00:38:45,400 So if you want to turn and follow along, you can do so. 230 00:38:45,400 --> 00:38:49,920 There's a handout in the bulletin, or in 1 Samuel chapter 7, 231 00:38:49,920 --> 00:38:55,780 we'll have some of these verses on our screen as we walk through this story. 232 00:38:55,780 --> 00:38:59,120 So let's pray before we dive into it. 233 00:38:59,600 --> 00:39:08,000 Father in heaven, thank you for watching over us. 234 00:39:08,000 --> 00:39:10,860 Thank you for your patience. 235 00:39:10,860 --> 00:39:14,940 Thank you for this call to repentance. 236 00:39:14,940 --> 00:39:17,940 Help us to see. 237 00:39:17,940 --> 00:39:21,940 Don't break through your knees. 238 00:39:21,940 --> 00:39:24,260 Don't throw out every place. 239 00:39:25,840 --> 00:39:31,200 so help us this morning 240 00:39:31,200 --> 00:39:33,860 repentance in our life 241 00:39:33,860 --> 00:39:38,860 all of our 242 00:39:38,860 --> 00:39:41,380 heart, soul, strength, mind 243 00:39:41,380 --> 00:39:44,320 if we are 244 00:39:44,320 --> 00:39:46,080 discouraged this morning 245 00:39:46,080 --> 00:39:48,320 look at the brokenness 246 00:39:48,320 --> 00:39:48,900 of the world 247 00:39:48,900 --> 00:39:52,480 even in the darkest 248 00:39:52,480 --> 00:39:53,360 moments 249 00:39:53,360 --> 00:39:57,900 In gravity and sin, there is hope. 250 00:39:57,900 --> 00:40:05,660 Help us as we see this picture quietly in the midst of the service of this Lord. 251 00:40:05,660 --> 00:40:09,640 Call us to live like sinners. 252 00:40:09,640 --> 00:40:11,700 Live like sinners. 253 00:40:11,700 --> 00:40:13,820 Quietly, faithfully. 254 00:40:13,820 --> 00:40:15,200 We need it in those times. 255 00:40:15,200 --> 00:40:18,920 So, encourage our hearts. 256 00:40:18,920 --> 00:40:20,400 Draw us new. 257 00:40:20,400 --> 00:40:21,680 Bring us new repentance. 258 00:40:22,500 --> 00:40:24,480 In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 259 00:40:24,480 --> 00:40:30,560 There are, for most of us, probably a lot of ways we can find ourselves in trouble. 260 00:40:30,560 --> 00:40:38,540 And I think, maybe surprising to some, but I think over the years I've probably discovered most of the ways, 261 00:40:38,540 --> 00:40:42,280 maybe not all of them, but a lot of the ways that you can get yourself in trouble. 262 00:40:42,280 --> 00:40:46,760 Sometimes we find ourselves in trouble just simply because of the ignorance. 263 00:40:46,760 --> 00:40:50,820 We don't think about what's happening. Maybe we don't understand what's happening. 264 00:40:51,200 --> 00:40:53,740 Maybe it's just the fact we don't know. 265 00:40:53,740 --> 00:40:57,680 And I think about this, and it happens to me almost every year, 266 00:40:57,680 --> 00:41:03,360 that first day where it gets down really, really cold below freezing just for a little while, 267 00:41:03,360 --> 00:41:07,940 and I walk out the steps of the house, and almost every year without fail, 268 00:41:07,940 --> 00:41:13,620 that front edge of our steps because of the moisture in the air is just a pure edge of ice, 269 00:41:13,620 --> 00:41:16,560 and you can't really see it, and you don't really think about it, 270 00:41:16,560 --> 00:41:21,020 and you come out and your foot hits that, and there's just that moment of panic. 271 00:41:21,200 --> 00:41:27,460 I didn't know about it, didn't know the steps were icy, but come out and find myself in trouble. 272 00:41:27,460 --> 00:41:36,860 But then there's times we can find ourselves in trouble because we take on or try to carry more than we are able to. 273 00:41:36,860 --> 00:41:45,740 You might find yourself in a church utility room, and you're working on the new hot water heater that's kind of on demand but kind of gone, 274 00:41:45,740 --> 00:41:50,660 and maybe the bracket was a little wiggly, and you go to try to straighten it on the bracket. 275 00:41:50,840 --> 00:41:55,060 Next thing you know, the hot water heater has fallen, and you're holding it. 276 00:41:55,060 --> 00:41:58,500 And it's not just the hot water heater, but the eight gallons of water. 277 00:41:58,500 --> 00:42:03,460 And all the plumbing is attached to it, so you don't want to drop it. 278 00:42:03,460 --> 00:42:09,220 And your phone with those fancy voice-activated features is somehow in your office with the door closed. 279 00:42:09,220 --> 00:42:13,420 And all of a sudden, you realize maybe you've bit off a little bit more than you should. 280 00:42:13,420 --> 00:42:19,120 And so sometimes we find ourselves in trouble if we take on more than we can. 281 00:42:20,220 --> 00:42:23,980 Or maybe we find ourselves in trouble because of our pride, right? 282 00:42:23,980 --> 00:42:31,320 My urgent appointment, it matters more than the speed limit and the safety of everyone else on the road. 283 00:42:31,320 --> 00:42:39,360 And so now instead of me being five minutes late, right, you're 20 minutes late, you're having a conversation with a dying community. 284 00:42:39,360 --> 00:42:43,900 Sometimes we end up in trouble because we're scared. 285 00:42:43,900 --> 00:42:47,000 And we don't know how to react. 286 00:42:48,500 --> 00:42:55,180 A couple months ago, or maybe last year, we were helping with the horse, the girl's horse riding lessons. 287 00:42:55,180 --> 00:43:03,900 His legs had been cut, and I was holding the front of this horse as they were trying to kind of disinfect and clean those cuts. 288 00:43:03,900 --> 00:43:06,020 And she didn't know what was going on. 289 00:43:06,020 --> 00:43:09,940 All she knew was her, and she started rearing up, and she was terrified. 290 00:43:09,940 --> 00:43:11,380 Everybody's running away. 291 00:43:11,380 --> 00:43:14,820 That's not a reaction that she needs to the horse. 292 00:43:16,120 --> 00:43:32,400 So this morning, we probably can identify with some of these ways of getting in trouble. 293 00:43:32,400 --> 00:43:35,900 Probably some of you can add to them as well. 294 00:43:35,900 --> 00:43:43,000 But the kind of trouble that I want us to see in 1 Samuel chapter 7 is that it's not lighthearted. 295 00:43:43,000 --> 00:43:44,980 It's not a joke. 296 00:43:46,040 --> 00:43:51,460 It's not something that we can kind of look back on in the future and laugh about. 297 00:43:51,460 --> 00:44:01,980 The kind of trouble we find ourselves in this text that we see throughout much of 1 Samuel is a blatant rejection. 298 00:44:01,980 --> 00:44:12,700 And as 1 Samuel chapter 7 opens, you find God's people are no longer worshipping in Shiloh. 299 00:44:13,640 --> 00:44:17,220 This is because Shiloh has been destroyed by the Philistines. 300 00:44:17,220 --> 00:44:22,060 The Ark of the Covenant, which testifies to God's presence 301 00:44:22,060 --> 00:44:25,340 and to God's power and God's provision for his people, 302 00:44:25,340 --> 00:44:30,280 is on a house, in a house on a hill in Kirith-Jerim. 303 00:44:30,280 --> 00:44:33,440 1 Samuel 7 says this, 304 00:44:33,440 --> 00:44:36,300 In that day the Ark was lodged in Kirith-Jerim. 305 00:44:36,300 --> 00:44:40,460 A long time passed, some 20 years, 306 00:44:40,720 --> 00:44:51,180 And all of the house of Israel has lamented after 20 years, 307 00:44:51,180 --> 00:44:56,420 between the end of 1 Samuel chapter 6 and the beginning of 1 chapter 7. 308 00:44:56,420 --> 00:44:59,780 And Israel finds itself in home. 309 00:44:59,780 --> 00:45:05,280 Not because they tried to handle too much or they didn't understand, 310 00:45:05,280 --> 00:45:08,840 but they have blatantly turned their back. 311 00:45:10,080 --> 00:45:15,840 And what we will find is that sin isn't just about a rule or a policy that we bring. 312 00:45:15,840 --> 00:45:22,240 It's about a rejection of the one who has created us, who knows us, and who loves us, 313 00:45:22,240 --> 00:45:27,640 and says, here is the way in which to live, in which will bring you joy and a relationship with me. 314 00:45:27,640 --> 00:45:32,760 And we respond sort of sarcastically with, great, I know more than you do. 315 00:45:32,760 --> 00:45:38,760 I don't care about you, and I'm going to do my own thing regardless of what you say. 316 00:45:40,080 --> 00:45:53,280 And this is interesting because this doesn't happen all at once, right? 317 00:45:53,280 --> 00:45:55,780 It's a gradual decline over time. 318 00:45:55,780 --> 00:45:58,600 It's a little decision after a little decision. 319 00:45:58,600 --> 00:46:03,200 Nobody wakes up one morning worshiping God and then by afternoon goes, 320 00:46:03,200 --> 00:46:08,400 you know what, I'm going to turn my back on him and I'm going to dive headfirst into sin 321 00:46:08,400 --> 00:46:12,600 and I'm going to adopt the idolatrous practices of the nations that surround me, 322 00:46:12,600 --> 00:46:15,040 and I am going to ignore God. 323 00:46:15,040 --> 00:46:20,620 That's not what happens in Israel, and it's not what happens in God. 324 00:46:20,620 --> 00:46:24,780 You see, our little decisions matter. 325 00:46:24,780 --> 00:46:29,800 Because over time, they add out big decisions. 326 00:46:29,800 --> 00:46:36,860 And so throughout the book of 1 Samuel, we've seen this sort of gradual decline. 327 00:46:37,860 --> 00:46:43,580 This book doesn't begin with blatant disregard for God and his worship. 328 00:46:43,580 --> 00:46:45,840 In fact, it begins with the opposite. 329 00:46:45,840 --> 00:46:51,620 It begins very quietly with a family who comes to worship God in Shiloh. 330 00:46:51,620 --> 00:46:53,220 And they're not a perfect family. 331 00:46:53,220 --> 00:46:56,100 There are problems with this family. 332 00:46:56,100 --> 00:46:59,180 They have not been faithful in all areas of their life. 333 00:46:59,180 --> 00:47:08,460 But by and large, the picture is this, that they seek God faithfully and sacrificially year after year after year. 334 00:47:08,460 --> 00:47:11,740 And in this family, there's a lady named Hannah. 335 00:47:11,740 --> 00:47:15,280 She comes to worship God with her open heart. 336 00:47:15,280 --> 00:47:23,060 And in verse 10 of chapter 1, you find her at the door of the tabernacle, and she's just pouring out her heart to God. 337 00:47:23,060 --> 00:47:28,320 And this is where we begin to glimpse the spiritual decline of God's people. 338 00:47:28,840 --> 00:47:32,460 Not in Hannah, but in Eli the priest. 339 00:47:32,460 --> 00:47:37,060 You see, the Eli the priest, the one who is to shepherd and care for God's people, 340 00:47:37,060 --> 00:47:42,520 sees this woman, and he doesn't identify her sorrow and her sadness. 341 00:47:42,520 --> 00:47:44,360 In fact, he doesn't even speak to her. 342 00:47:44,360 --> 00:47:47,940 He just assumes that she's drunk. 343 00:47:47,940 --> 00:47:53,920 So Eli, daily assuming she's drunk, begins. 344 00:47:55,960 --> 00:48:01,180 Now, this does say something about the general condition and spiritual issues in Israel. 345 00:48:01,180 --> 00:48:08,400 Because if that's his first conclusion, what do you think Eli's experience has been to the important chapter? 346 00:48:08,400 --> 00:48:16,820 If this is the first thing that he jumps to when he sees strange behavior, it's likely that this has happened before. 347 00:48:16,820 --> 00:48:25,260 That those who have enjoyed too much wine or have sought their own pleasure have come and they're behaving badly. 348 00:48:25,960 --> 00:48:33,680 You're glimpsing in Eli's reaction not just the decline in the leadership of God's people, but in God's people themselves. 349 00:48:33,680 --> 00:48:43,600 What's interesting, as Eli begins to engage with Hannah, and they begin to talk, it becomes very clear that there is a difference between Eli and Hannah. 350 00:48:43,600 --> 00:48:49,020 That Hannah, as she pours out her heart, she speaks to God. 351 00:48:49,020 --> 00:48:55,820 She's speaking to him, and Eli, as he speaks, he knows. 352 00:48:55,960 --> 00:49:03,460 But he doesn't necessarily know God's heart. 353 00:49:03,460 --> 00:49:07,860 And there are the first contrasts, one of the first contrasts in this book 354 00:49:07,860 --> 00:49:13,320 is he and us, we know God's grace about God. 355 00:49:13,320 --> 00:49:18,260 And so the problem of the heart for Eli is that his knowledge of God 356 00:49:18,260 --> 00:49:22,100 has simply become a list of facts. 357 00:49:22,100 --> 00:49:25,520 But also his sons have been terrible priests. 358 00:49:25,760 --> 00:49:27,160 They steal from God's people. 359 00:49:27,160 --> 00:49:28,740 They threaten God's people. 360 00:49:28,740 --> 00:49:34,220 They live in morally taking advantage of those women who serve at the entrance of the tabernacle. 361 00:49:34,220 --> 00:49:37,460 And I don't think they end up there all at once. 362 00:49:37,460 --> 00:49:44,320 But likely, Eli, who knows a lot about God, doesn't know God himself. 363 00:49:44,320 --> 00:49:46,940 He doesn't even know a lot about God. 364 00:49:46,940 --> 00:49:49,180 They begin to compromise. 365 00:49:49,180 --> 00:49:52,040 We see the result of that in chapter 2. 366 00:49:52,280 --> 00:49:56,560 And what's interesting is Eli calls his sons to account in chapter 2. 367 00:49:56,560 --> 00:50:01,720 It seems his primary problem is not that they are disrespecting God. 368 00:50:01,720 --> 00:50:04,220 It's not that they are stealing from God. 369 00:50:04,220 --> 00:50:08,660 It's not that they're taking advantage of these women who have come to serve in the temple. 370 00:50:08,660 --> 00:50:13,100 His primary problem is that everybody is talking bad about his family. 371 00:50:13,100 --> 00:50:15,320 And it's embarrassing. 372 00:50:15,320 --> 00:50:20,400 And we see a few minutes later and a few verses later that he understands this. 373 00:50:21,380 --> 00:50:25,480 In a brief sort of moment of clarity, he says, 374 00:50:25,480 --> 00:50:30,700 Who can stand between a man and God when his sons don't listen? 375 00:50:30,700 --> 00:50:36,800 In chapter 3, you find this sad common care among the people of God. 376 00:50:36,800 --> 00:50:42,480 Now, the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli, 377 00:50:42,480 --> 00:50:47,760 and the word of the Lord was rare in those days, and there was no frequent vision. 378 00:50:48,760 --> 00:50:52,800 The people have not sought God, they have not heard God. 379 00:50:52,800 --> 00:50:56,520 And before long, Israel is threatened by the Philistines. 380 00:50:56,520 --> 00:51:00,080 And in desperation, they bring the Ark of the Covenant 381 00:51:00,080 --> 00:51:02,740 in hopes that it will bring them victory. 382 00:51:02,740 --> 00:51:03,520 They don't pray. 383 00:51:03,520 --> 00:51:05,520 They don't seek God. 384 00:51:05,520 --> 00:51:09,780 They simply treat God as a good luck charm for the coming battle. 385 00:51:09,780 --> 00:51:12,320 And what you find is the Ark is lost. 386 00:51:12,320 --> 00:51:17,640 Eli, the blind watchman standing at the road, 387 00:51:17,720 --> 00:51:23,600 Just as he's been a blind shepherd, his physical vision is a picture of his spirit. 388 00:51:23,600 --> 00:51:30,000 He dies. His son is a God. 389 00:51:30,000 --> 00:51:35,680 The last words of his daughter-in-law is the glory of the heart of Israel. 390 00:51:35,680 --> 00:51:38,360 The heart of God has been created. 391 00:51:38,360 --> 00:51:47,220 This lady, in her sorrow, she means the glory of his heart. 392 00:51:47,720 --> 00:51:53,920 The ark will remain with the Philistines for the next seven months, and eventually they return it. 393 00:51:53,920 --> 00:51:57,440 Now here in chapter 6, it seems like things have taken a turn. 394 00:51:57,440 --> 00:52:02,660 The people of Beth Shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley, so it's a good day. 395 00:52:02,660 --> 00:52:06,800 The harvest is coming in. You're going to be able to eat. You're going to be able to celebrate. 396 00:52:06,800 --> 00:52:11,560 And they lift up their eyes, and they saw the ark, and they rejoiced to see it. 397 00:52:11,560 --> 00:52:16,360 And we say, man, everything's going the right way. There's a harvest. The ark has returned. 398 00:52:16,680 --> 00:52:18,160 God's people are rejoicing. 399 00:52:18,160 --> 00:52:22,720 But what we find, these people who are Levites specifically, 400 00:52:22,720 --> 00:52:27,620 of the division of Levites who are to deal with the Ark of the Covenant, 401 00:52:27,620 --> 00:52:30,060 to carry it and protect it, 402 00:52:30,060 --> 00:52:33,320 we treat the Ark so disrespectfully. 403 00:52:33,320 --> 00:52:36,960 We treat it like a good luck charm or like a kind. 404 00:52:36,960 --> 00:52:42,660 Chapter 6 ends with God's book, 7 of these. 405 00:52:45,200 --> 00:52:48,740 What's supposed to be a joyous moment is turned to sorrow. 406 00:52:48,740 --> 00:52:53,220 And the heart is sent away in 20 years of silence. 407 00:52:53,220 --> 00:52:57,300 It doesn't happen all at once. 408 00:52:57,300 --> 00:53:00,460 It's a compromise here and a compromise there. 409 00:53:00,460 --> 00:53:02,880 I mean, for long, everything is broken. 410 00:53:02,880 --> 00:53:05,700 And it's not just them, it's us. 411 00:53:05,700 --> 00:53:11,920 The Lord Isaiah says, all we are glad that we have lost. 412 00:53:13,240 --> 00:53:21,100 And so we have come to the middle of this place where their decisions, little decision after little decision, has brought them to darkness. 413 00:53:21,100 --> 00:53:25,240 And we come to 1 Samuel chapter 7. 414 00:53:25,240 --> 00:53:38,620 From the day the ark was lodged at Kireth-Jerim, a long time past, some 20 years, and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord. 415 00:53:38,620 --> 00:53:41,080 Now this doesn't sound like there's a lot of hope. 416 00:53:41,840 --> 00:53:43,580 God's people are far from him. 417 00:53:43,580 --> 00:53:47,420 And maybe we look at our life and we feel like we're far from him as well. 418 00:53:47,420 --> 00:53:50,340 What kind of hope can there be? 419 00:53:50,340 --> 00:53:53,860 First of all, we see that there is hope. 420 00:53:53,860 --> 00:53:56,160 Providence. 421 00:53:56,160 --> 00:54:03,000 What is happening in Israel during this decline into sin and idolatry? 422 00:54:03,000 --> 00:54:08,280 The first thing we see is that there are still people who are faithful to God, 423 00:54:08,280 --> 00:54:10,360 and they are quietly faithful. 424 00:54:10,800 --> 00:54:20,200 In fact, the book begins with this family, Elkanah, who consistently worshiped and sacrificed to God. 425 00:54:20,200 --> 00:54:25,700 This unknown prophet in chapter 2 and verse 27 who brings a message from God. 426 00:54:25,700 --> 00:54:31,860 Samuel, after these 20 years of silence, has been serving God. 427 00:54:31,860 --> 00:54:34,440 In fact, at the end of his line, here's what he says. 428 00:54:34,860 --> 00:54:42,300 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me, that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, 429 00:54:42,300 --> 00:54:45,600 and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 430 00:54:45,600 --> 00:54:50,480 And at the end of his life, he says, I'm not dead yet, and I'm going to keep praying for you, 431 00:54:50,480 --> 00:54:55,280 and I'm going to keep instructing you just as I have my entire life. 432 00:54:56,320 --> 00:54:59,400 And I imagine through these 20 years, 433 00:54:59,400 --> 00:55:05,460 he was quietly and faithfully praying 434 00:55:05,460 --> 00:55:07,280 and pouring his heart out for God, 435 00:55:07,280 --> 00:55:09,260 just like his mother did. 436 00:55:09,260 --> 00:55:13,840 Not for a child, but for the salvation of God's children. 437 00:55:13,840 --> 00:55:18,220 We find that in the Samuel 7, 438 00:55:18,220 --> 00:55:21,220 he's been on a circuit-riding preacher, 439 00:55:21,220 --> 00:55:25,360 and I imagine that is not even for Samuel 7. 440 00:55:25,900 --> 00:55:34,720 you see in the midst of this darkness there are still people who are quietly 441 00:55:34,720 --> 00:55:42,040 additionally we see that God has been at work even in the midst of all the idolatry and all 442 00:55:42,040 --> 00:55:47,740 the disobedience one of the ways he's been at work is in the life of Samuel now the boy Samuel 443 00:55:47,740 --> 00:55:52,860 was ministering to the Lord in the presence of eli beginning of chapter three and the word of 444 00:55:52,860 --> 00:55:57,140 Lord was rare in those days, and there was no frequent vision. Nobody is hearing from 445 00:55:57,140 --> 00:56:04,300 God. And by the end of chapter 3, hear the difference. And Samuel grew, and the Lord 446 00:56:04,300 --> 00:56:10,480 was with him, and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all of Israel, from Dan 447 00:56:10,480 --> 00:56:16,360 to Beersheba, knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord appeared 448 00:56:16,360 --> 00:56:22,560 again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord. 449 00:56:22,860 --> 00:56:29,960 And what we find is even as Eli's sons are treating God and his people with contempt, 450 00:56:29,960 --> 00:56:37,040 God is working to establish Samuel as a prophet by the word of the Lord. 451 00:56:37,040 --> 00:56:40,500 And we've seen hints of this hope. 452 00:56:40,500 --> 00:56:47,200 In fact, this is one of the biggest hints of this hope, but in 1 Samuel chapter 7, we see it realized. 453 00:56:48,240 --> 00:56:52,780 Samuel said to the house of Israel, if you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, 454 00:56:52,780 --> 00:57:00,620 then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve Him only. 455 00:57:00,620 --> 00:57:03,860 And He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 456 00:57:03,860 --> 00:57:10,280 So the people of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtoreth and they serve the Lord only. 457 00:57:10,280 --> 00:57:12,500 I want you to think about this. 458 00:57:12,500 --> 00:57:15,420 How could Samuel have responded? 459 00:57:15,420 --> 00:57:21,040 It's been 20 years, 20 years where the people are not worshiping God. 460 00:57:21,040 --> 00:57:22,580 They're worshiping on us. 461 00:57:22,580 --> 00:57:27,140 20 years since the ark has gone into exile with the Philistines, 462 00:57:27,140 --> 00:57:31,640 come back, and they have treated the ark with such a disgraceful manner. 463 00:57:31,640 --> 00:57:37,500 70 have died, and now the ark is in somebody's house on a hill. 464 00:57:37,500 --> 00:57:40,900 There's just that silence. 465 00:57:42,160 --> 00:57:46,080 I don't know about you, but my first response might be, I told you so, right? 466 00:57:46,080 --> 00:57:47,680 That would be my first sermon. 467 00:57:47,680 --> 00:57:49,840 Everybody shows up and goes, what do we do? 468 00:57:49,840 --> 00:57:53,920 And I go, well, let's take a look at what I've said previously, right? 469 00:57:53,920 --> 00:57:58,600 It would be so easy for Samuel to simply say, I told you so. 470 00:57:58,600 --> 00:58:04,580 Or angrily, like if you idiots would have listened, or passively, aggressively, right? 471 00:58:04,580 --> 00:58:07,240 Oh, now you want to follow God. 472 00:58:08,000 --> 00:58:14,180 Or maybe you cried, where were you in the last 20 years where I was walking faithfully with God? 473 00:58:14,180 --> 00:58:19,080 Because I taught you and I prayed for you what you find. 474 00:58:19,080 --> 00:58:24,540 He doesn't say, I told you so. 475 00:58:24,540 --> 00:58:27,340 He doesn't pat himself on the back. 476 00:58:27,340 --> 00:58:30,640 Instead, he says, return to the Lord with all your heart. 477 00:58:30,640 --> 00:58:33,720 He's pleading with them and instructing them. 478 00:58:34,920 --> 00:58:38,800 And in these words, there is such wonderful hope. 479 00:58:38,800 --> 00:58:45,200 If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away your foreign gods from among you. 480 00:58:45,200 --> 00:58:49,200 Direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only. 481 00:58:49,200 --> 00:58:51,120 There is hope. 482 00:58:51,120 --> 00:58:54,260 You're lost in your strength. 483 00:58:54,260 --> 00:58:58,160 The first thing Samuel says is, he says, turn. 484 00:58:58,160 --> 00:59:00,680 And the picture here is that you're changing course. 485 00:59:00,680 --> 00:59:04,840 They have been pursuing their own desires through these false gods. 486 00:59:04,920 --> 00:59:07,720 And he says, put him down and turn around. 487 00:59:07,720 --> 00:59:09,460 And there is hope. 488 00:59:09,460 --> 00:59:14,440 We might look at these people if we were in Samuel's shoes and say, they're too far gone. 489 00:59:14,440 --> 00:59:16,460 It's been two decades. 490 00:59:16,460 --> 00:59:18,580 How can God forgive? 491 00:59:18,580 --> 00:59:20,400 How can God restore? 492 00:59:20,400 --> 00:59:21,540 But there is hope. 493 00:59:21,540 --> 00:59:23,780 I love this picture. 494 00:59:23,780 --> 00:59:26,260 There is hope for those who are lost in strength. 495 00:59:26,260 --> 00:59:35,320 But there's also hope for those who are longing to speak to the lives of those that they love. 496 00:59:35,320 --> 00:59:40,060 Say, after 20 years, well, you really messed up. 497 00:59:40,060 --> 00:59:42,260 There's nothing that we can do. 498 00:59:42,260 --> 00:59:43,200 There is repentance. 499 00:59:43,200 --> 00:59:55,340 And maybe you are and have been pouring your heart out to God in the prayer that he would bring repentance and transformation into the life of someone you love. 500 00:59:55,680 --> 00:59:58,080 And it feels like it's on and on. 501 00:59:58,080 --> 01:00:00,480 Samuel's been there. 502 01:00:00,480 --> 01:00:06,040 For 20 years, he has served God quietly and faithfully, 503 01:00:06,040 --> 01:00:08,560 praying and teaching God's people. 504 01:00:08,560 --> 01:00:12,940 And after 20 years, they're coming back. 505 01:00:12,940 --> 01:00:16,120 There's not just hope for the lost. 506 01:00:16,120 --> 01:00:20,000 There's hope for those who desire the salvation of the lost. 507 01:00:20,460 --> 01:00:23,540 And there is hope for those who feel alone. 508 01:00:23,540 --> 01:00:27,540 I quietly think for these 20 years, we know that we're there. 509 01:00:27,540 --> 01:00:30,320 Do you know what God says to Elijah? 510 01:00:30,320 --> 01:00:32,320 As he says, I'm the only one. 511 01:00:32,320 --> 01:00:37,140 And God says, not just you, but I've got 10,000 who have not bowed and need to bail. 512 01:00:37,140 --> 01:00:40,640 We tend to see all the broken things. 513 01:00:40,640 --> 01:00:44,720 We know that there are people who are quiet and faithful. 514 01:00:44,720 --> 01:00:47,780 And they are not alone. 515 01:00:48,120 --> 01:00:50,140 God, it's still a word that he's told. 516 01:00:50,140 --> 01:00:54,900 From this hope, this hope for the lost, 517 01:00:54,900 --> 01:00:58,100 this hope for those who desire the salvation of the lost, 518 01:00:58,100 --> 01:01:02,480 the hope for those who feel alone and feel like their labor is so small 519 01:01:02,480 --> 01:01:06,660 and there have been no results and they're too weak and it's not big enough. 520 01:01:06,660 --> 01:01:10,480 Samuel says there's hope and then he calls to you. 521 01:01:10,480 --> 01:01:14,540 Let's hear his call of repentance. 522 01:01:15,540 --> 01:01:18,440 And it's remarkable in its simplicity. 523 01:01:18,440 --> 01:01:22,780 Samuel said to the house of Israel, he says, 524 01:01:22,780 --> 01:01:27,320 If you want to return to the Lord, if you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, 525 01:01:27,320 --> 01:01:33,240 first of all, put away the foreign gods, direct your heart to the Lord, 526 01:01:33,240 --> 01:01:35,860 and serve all of you. 527 01:01:35,860 --> 01:01:37,780 Right? 528 01:01:37,780 --> 01:01:44,320 The calling of Jesus is so simple but also so beautiful and also so transformational, right? 529 01:01:44,520 --> 01:01:49,060 Put those down, turn toward God, and run to him with all your might, 530 01:01:49,060 --> 01:01:53,500 not just in your thoughts or your feelings, but in your actions as well. 531 01:01:53,500 --> 01:02:01,140 See, repentance includes our head, our mind, our thoughts, our heart, 532 01:02:01,140 --> 01:02:05,060 our feelings, our desires, and our hands and actions. 533 01:02:05,060 --> 01:02:09,460 My repentance has to start with how we think. 534 01:02:09,460 --> 01:02:13,080 How do I know what's right or wrong? 535 01:02:13,100 --> 01:02:17,720 I have to have some knowledge of that before I can say this is right or this is wrong 536 01:02:17,720 --> 01:02:20,220 or I was wrong, I have to know. 537 01:02:20,220 --> 01:02:24,820 Before you can turn around, you have to know you're going in the wrong direction. 538 01:02:24,820 --> 01:02:31,460 And so repentance starts with this understanding that they have pursued all of the wrong things 539 01:02:31,460 --> 01:02:34,960 and gone in the wrong direction, and in our life it is the same, 540 01:02:34,960 --> 01:02:39,380 that we have pursued those things that are contrary to the will of God. 541 01:02:40,300 --> 01:02:45,460 But it's not just in knowledge, it has to be felt in our hearts and in our desires. 542 01:02:45,460 --> 01:02:49,880 Because I can know something is wrong, and just not take it. 543 01:02:49,880 --> 01:02:58,060 And so yesterday, the crazy busy morning, I headed up to West Virginia, had to eat lunch, 544 01:02:58,060 --> 01:03:03,380 so we stopped at my favorite place for a burger in all the world, Slanesville General Store. 545 01:03:03,380 --> 01:03:06,720 I ate my cheeseburger. 546 01:03:06,720 --> 01:03:08,580 That was so good. 547 01:03:08,640 --> 01:03:09,980 My attitude is restored. 548 01:03:09,980 --> 01:03:12,300 My heart is full, right? 549 01:03:12,300 --> 01:03:13,260 We had enough fuel. 550 01:03:13,260 --> 01:03:18,000 Two hours later, I was like, well, you have a story right there, right? 551 01:03:18,000 --> 01:03:21,220 I could have another double cheeseburger, and it would be fine. 552 01:03:21,220 --> 01:03:23,120 And Rachel's like, that's a terrible idea. 553 01:03:23,120 --> 01:03:24,280 And she was right. 554 01:03:24,280 --> 01:03:24,780 But you know what? 555 01:03:24,780 --> 01:03:26,680 My heart did not care, right? 556 01:03:26,680 --> 01:03:30,700 You can be intellectually right, and my heart's like, I'm going to do it anyway. 557 01:03:30,700 --> 01:03:37,260 You see, the knowledge without the heart to go with it, right, you just do it anyway. 558 01:03:38,060 --> 01:03:42,720 And so repentance has to encompass how we think and what we know, 559 01:03:42,720 --> 01:03:50,900 but also the feeling and desires that don't think about the transformation and power of God. 560 01:03:50,900 --> 01:03:55,980 In fact, all we've talked about is godly sorrow. 561 01:03:55,980 --> 01:03:59,400 And I'm just sorry I got caused. 562 01:03:59,400 --> 01:04:02,780 Or like I said one time when I was a kid, 563 01:04:02,780 --> 01:04:06,320 and mom says, apologize for calling your sister stupid. 564 01:04:06,320 --> 01:04:07,680 And I said, sorry. 565 01:04:08,060 --> 01:04:22,660 But where you really see this, right, so it's essential that it's in our head, 566 01:04:22,660 --> 01:04:27,420 it's essential that our hearts are transformed, but then it is seen through our actions. 567 01:04:27,420 --> 01:04:31,560 Direct your heart to the Lord and serve you. 568 01:04:31,560 --> 01:04:33,680 Let me show you an example of this. 569 01:04:33,680 --> 01:04:37,560 I'm going to read verses 5 through 11. 570 01:04:38,060 --> 01:04:44,560 Then Samuel said, Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you. 571 01:04:44,560 --> 01:04:50,540 So they gathered at Mizpah, drew water, poured it out before the Lord, fasted on that day, and said, 572 01:04:50,540 --> 01:04:52,920 We have sinned against the Lord. 573 01:04:52,920 --> 01:04:57,700 And Samuel judged the people at Mizpah. 574 01:04:57,700 --> 01:05:01,920 Now, when the Philistines had heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, 575 01:05:01,920 --> 01:05:06,920 the leaders of those five cities went up against Israel. 576 01:05:07,860 --> 01:05:11,180 And when the people of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 577 01:05:11,180 --> 01:05:13,640 And the people of Israel said to see, 578 01:05:13,640 --> 01:05:17,320 And you'll do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, 579 01:05:17,320 --> 01:05:20,100 that he might save us from the hand of the Philistines. 580 01:05:20,100 --> 01:05:26,580 What happens in chapter 4 when this same exact scenario happens? 581 01:05:26,580 --> 01:05:27,740 Right? 582 01:05:27,740 --> 01:05:29,380 They don't insult God. 583 01:05:29,380 --> 01:05:30,140 They go into battle. 584 01:05:30,140 --> 01:05:30,740 They lose. 585 01:05:30,740 --> 01:05:31,760 They say, Oh, you know what? 586 01:05:31,760 --> 01:05:33,300 Maybe let's grab the Ark of the Covenant. 587 01:05:33,300 --> 01:05:34,500 No prayer. 588 01:05:34,500 --> 01:05:37,340 No focusing their heart on God. 589 01:05:37,640 --> 01:05:39,160 And notice how this has changed. 590 01:05:39,160 --> 01:05:44,080 Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us that he might save us, 591 01:05:44,080 --> 01:05:46,880 that salvation belongs to the Lord. 592 01:05:46,880 --> 01:05:49,100 They've been transformed. 593 01:05:49,100 --> 01:05:53,780 So Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering. 594 01:05:53,780 --> 01:05:58,340 And Samuel cried out to the Lord, praise you, and the Lord answered it. 595 01:05:58,340 --> 01:06:04,160 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to a tap. 596 01:06:04,840 --> 01:06:09,720 But the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines 597 01:06:09,720 --> 01:06:10,900 and threw them into confusion. 598 01:06:10,900 --> 01:06:12,480 They were confused for Israel. 599 01:06:12,480 --> 01:06:18,020 And the men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines 600 01:06:18,020 --> 01:06:22,540 and struck them as far below as Beth-bar. 601 01:06:22,540 --> 01:06:25,100 Notice the difference. 602 01:06:25,100 --> 01:06:29,720 Chapter 4, and on the other side. 603 01:06:30,860 --> 01:06:39,000 and we'll see this next week in this stone 604 01:06:39,000 --> 01:06:42,080 where they gather in chapter 4 605 01:06:42,080 --> 01:06:45,880 where they are gathering 606 01:06:45,880 --> 01:06:48,260 and receiving the stone 607 01:06:48,260 --> 01:06:51,280 and where it is 608 01:06:51,280 --> 01:06:55,740 in chapter 4, chapter 7 609 01:06:55,740 --> 01:07:09,540 Samuel's call for repentance, his prayer, his faithfulness, should move our hearts. 610 01:07:09,540 --> 01:07:15,380 And maybe we say, wouldn't it be wonderful if someone would stand like that for us? 611 01:07:15,380 --> 01:07:21,580 Wouldn't it be wonderful if someone like Samuel called, not harshly, but gently? 612 01:07:23,260 --> 01:07:30,460 In Isaiah 42, we hear these words. 613 01:07:30,460 --> 01:07:52,920 He will not cry aloud, or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street, a bruised reed he will not break, a faintly burning wick he will not quench, he will faithfully bring forth justice, he will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established his justice here. 614 01:07:53,260 --> 01:07:56,860 And the coastlands wait for his law. 615 01:07:56,860 --> 01:07:59,840 Isaiah says, there is one coming. 616 01:07:59,840 --> 01:08:05,200 He says, those people who are priests, we don't understand this culture. 617 01:08:05,200 --> 01:08:12,000 But the trees, the flax, they were bent, they were moved, right? 618 01:08:12,000 --> 01:08:14,620 They were bent, they were moved, they didn't stand back up. 619 01:08:14,620 --> 01:08:21,100 You're weaving, you're making fibers, you have that appropriate bridge, 620 01:08:21,300 --> 01:08:25,300 It's of no good. 621 01:08:25,300 --> 01:08:26,860 Nobody can fix it. 622 01:08:26,860 --> 01:08:32,740 And Isaiah says, there are some of you who are bruised and broken reeds. 623 01:08:32,740 --> 01:08:36,660 Like, people look at you and say, they can't be fixed. 624 01:08:36,660 --> 01:08:39,860 You look at you and you say, I can't be fixed. 625 01:08:39,860 --> 01:08:43,700 There's nothing good but to break them and throw them away. 626 01:08:43,700 --> 01:08:50,380 There is one coming who will take that one who seems so far beyond any help. 627 01:08:51,300 --> 01:08:58,100 We don't light with lamps a lot. 628 01:08:58,100 --> 01:09:05,600 But a faintly burning wick or a smoldering wick, in this context, in the oil lamp, 629 01:09:05,600 --> 01:09:10,820 the way to fix it would be to snuff it out and start all over again. 630 01:09:12,880 --> 01:09:17,080 And Isaiah, through God, is saying, God through Isaiah is saying, 631 01:09:17,080 --> 01:09:23,420 it feels like you can't get hurt. 632 01:09:23,420 --> 01:09:30,460 Your light hasn't gone out, but it sure feels like you're running out. 633 01:09:30,460 --> 01:09:33,040 Here comes one. 634 01:09:39,040 --> 01:09:40,400 This is beautiful. 635 01:09:40,400 --> 01:09:48,460 In Matthew 12, there's all kinds of controversy, specifically about the Sabbath. 636 01:09:48,460 --> 01:09:53,420 Jesus heals a man with a withered hand in the middle of the synagogue. 637 01:09:53,420 --> 01:09:55,840 The religious leaders seek to destroy him. 638 01:09:55,840 --> 01:10:00,500 And so Jesus leaves, and everybody follows him. 639 01:10:00,500 --> 01:10:04,060 All of these people who have seen him heal this man with a withered hand, 640 01:10:04,060 --> 01:10:07,440 and they're all sick, and they're hurting, and they're broken. 641 01:10:09,040 --> 01:10:21,180 He doesn't expect, he doesn't shout about his greatness. 642 01:10:21,180 --> 01:10:23,460 He doesn't expect things in return. 643 01:10:23,460 --> 01:10:27,320 And you say, why would Jesus do this wonderful thing so quietly? 644 01:10:27,320 --> 01:10:29,520 Why would he tell them? 645 01:10:35,060 --> 01:10:37,520 Why Jesus, I'm doing all these people. 646 01:10:37,520 --> 01:10:39,720 Let me shout out. 647 01:10:39,720 --> 01:10:43,860 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet. 648 01:10:43,860 --> 01:10:47,520 Behold my servant whom I have chosen. 649 01:10:47,520 --> 01:10:52,020 My beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. 650 01:10:52,020 --> 01:10:54,700 I will put my spirit upon him. 651 01:10:54,700 --> 01:10:57,580 And he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 652 01:10:57,580 --> 01:11:00,400 He will not quarrel or cry aloud. 653 01:11:00,400 --> 01:11:03,640 Nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. 654 01:11:04,620 --> 01:11:05,720 Listen to this God, Jesus. 655 01:11:05,720 --> 01:11:07,940 You're not afraid. 656 01:11:07,940 --> 01:11:11,180 It's smoldering that you're not. 657 01:11:11,180 --> 01:11:15,040 You reach justice in different ways. 658 01:11:15,040 --> 01:11:16,360 You reach justice in different ways. 659 01:11:16,360 --> 01:11:20,540 Maybe you're in love with me. 660 01:11:20,540 --> 01:11:30,100 I feel like you're trying to fix yourself. 661 01:11:30,100 --> 01:11:34,260 There is one. 662 01:11:34,620 --> 01:11:45,780 He calls you to repentance, to put your eyes and your heart upon him. 663 01:11:45,780 --> 01:11:54,640 And there are many of you who are listening to this morning. 664 01:11:54,640 --> 01:11:58,300 Don't feel like you're strong. 665 01:11:58,300 --> 01:12:00,280 Don't feel like you're good enough. 666 01:12:00,280 --> 01:12:02,220 Don't feel like you're strong. 667 01:12:04,620 --> 01:12:13,360 Do I quarrel or cry aloud, or will anyone hear his voice in the streets? 668 01:12:13,360 --> 01:12:16,120 Please read the Bible, please read the Bible. 669 01:12:16,120 --> 01:12:22,080 You're smoldering in the name of Jesus. 670 01:12:22,080 --> 01:12:28,000 You, from that weakness and that darkness, 671 01:12:28,000 --> 01:12:31,320 why you're bound to go back, Jesus. 672 01:12:34,620 --> 01:13:04,600 Thank you. 673 01:13:04,620 --> 01:13:29,260 We're going to stand and sing Living Hope. 674 01:13:34,620 --> 01:13:48,560 How great the chasm between us 675 01:13:48,560 --> 01:13:53,940 How high the mountain did not climb 676 01:13:53,940 --> 01:14:01,420 In desperation I turned to heaven 677 01:14:01,420 --> 01:14:07,480 And spoke your name into the night 678 01:14:07,480 --> 01:14:11,600 Then through the darkness 679 01:14:11,600 --> 01:14:15,160 Your loving kindness 680 01:14:15,160 --> 01:14:21,140 Tore through the shadows of my soul 681 01:14:21,140 --> 01:14:25,320 The work is finished 682 01:14:25,320 --> 01:14:28,440 The end is written 683 01:14:28,440 --> 01:14:34,720 Jesus Christ, my living hope 684 01:14:34,720 --> 01:14:45,060 Who could imagine so great a mercy 685 01:14:45,060 --> 01:14:51,220 What heart could fathom such boundless grace 686 01:14:51,220 --> 01:14:55,000 The God of ages 687 01:14:55,000 --> 01:14:58,360 Step down from glory 688 01:14:58,360 --> 01:15:01,120 To wear my sin 689 01:15:01,120 --> 01:15:04,560 And bear my shame 690 01:15:04,560 --> 01:15:08,220 The cross has spoken 691 01:15:08,220 --> 01:15:11,500 I am forgiven 692 01:15:11,500 --> 01:15:17,880 The King of kings calls me his own 693 01:15:17,880 --> 01:15:24,900 Beautiful Savior, I'm yours forever 694 01:15:24,900 --> 01:15:31,400 Jesus Christ, my living hope 695 01:15:31,400 --> 01:15:39,360 Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free 696 01:15:39,360 --> 01:15:46,060 Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me 697 01:15:46,060 --> 01:15:49,460 You have broken every chain 698 01:15:49,460 --> 01:15:52,740 There's salvation in your name 699 01:15:52,740 --> 01:15:58,980 Jesus Christ, my living hope 700 01:15:58,980 --> 01:16:04,880 Then came the morning 701 01:16:04,880 --> 01:16:08,740 That sealed the promise 702 01:16:08,740 --> 01:16:14,660 Your buried body began to breathe 703 01:16:14,660 --> 01:16:21,720 Out of the silence, the roaring lion 704 01:16:21,720 --> 01:16:27,900 Declared the grave has no claim on me 705 01:16:27,900 --> 01:16:35,360 Then came the morning that sealed the promise 706 01:16:35,360 --> 01:16:41,400 Your buried body began to breathe 707 01:16:41,400 --> 01:16:45,440 Out of the silence 708 01:16:45,440 --> 01:16:48,380 The roaring lion 709 01:16:48,380 --> 01:16:51,180 Declared the grave 710 01:16:51,180 --> 01:16:54,720 Has no claim on me 711 01:16:54,720 --> 01:17:00,740 Jesus, yours is the victory 712 01:17:00,740 --> 01:17:07,360 Hallelujah 713 01:17:07,360 --> 01:17:12,760 Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free. 714 01:17:12,760 --> 01:17:19,400 Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me. 715 01:17:19,400 --> 01:17:22,800 You have broken every chain. 716 01:17:22,800 --> 01:17:26,100 There's salvation in your name. 717 01:17:26,100 --> 01:17:31,460 Jesus Christ, my living hope. 718 01:17:31,460 --> 01:17:37,340 Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free. 719 01:17:37,360 --> 01:17:49,440 who set me free, hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me, you have broken every chain, 720 01:17:49,440 --> 01:18:05,440 there's salvation in your name, Jesus Christ, my living hope, Jesus Christ, my living hope, 721 01:18:05,920 --> 01:18:11,220 Oh, God, you are my living hope. 722 01:18:11,220 --> 01:18:17,620 All right, a couple of quick announcements. 723 01:18:17,620 --> 01:18:19,580 First of all, Wednesday night Bible study. 724 01:18:19,580 --> 01:18:23,040 We've been going through the book of Colossians. 725 01:18:23,040 --> 01:18:31,000 We're in the middle of a section where Paul is both defending what he is 726 01:18:31,000 --> 01:18:35,200 and he is calling us to live in such a way and encouraging us 727 01:18:35,200 --> 01:18:38,000 to have strength in Christ. 728 01:18:38,000 --> 01:18:40,660 That's Wednesday at 6 p.m. 729 01:18:40,660 --> 01:18:47,600 And also coming up in September, which is not as far away, September 21st. 730 01:18:47,600 --> 01:18:53,240 There is no men's breakfast this month, but September 21st, 9 a.m. 731 01:18:53,240 --> 01:18:55,660 here at the church, we'll be having men's breakfast. 732 01:18:55,660 --> 01:19:01,420 Invite a friend, invite a neighbor to come and share some food, fellowship, 733 01:19:01,420 --> 01:19:04,720 and some of the word of God. 734 01:19:04,800 --> 01:19:11,860 Also, and we'll send out an email about this this week and announce it in more detail next week and in the bulletin. 735 01:19:11,860 --> 01:19:19,900 But September, I think we figured out what the 15th, Greg, is kind of the midpoint in September. 736 01:19:19,900 --> 01:19:25,620 But it's also, nationally, there's a group who's put together a kind of a campaign. 737 01:19:25,620 --> 01:19:31,160 They'll be advertising associated with it in regard to kind of back to church Sunday. 738 01:19:31,800 --> 01:19:37,560 So we are wanting to encourage them and also to invite some friends. 739 01:19:37,560 --> 01:19:46,040 We'll have a meal after church and we're going to begin a series on that Sunday about following Jesus. 740 01:19:46,040 --> 01:19:53,020 We're going to walk through Jesus' followers and see from the skeptical to the struggling, 741 01:19:53,020 --> 01:20:01,740 from the Jewish zealot against the Romans to the tax collectors to see what it means to follow Jesus. 742 01:20:01,800 --> 01:20:10,280 So that's September 15th, and so we're going to go ahead and have a word of prayer, and then we will sing the doxology. 743 01:20:10,280 --> 01:20:16,880 Father and people, Jesus, we thank you for how there is always hope. 744 01:20:16,880 --> 01:20:26,520 Whether we have strayed from you, call us to repentance, whether you're calling us for the first time, 745 01:20:27,380 --> 01:20:30,480 whether we are struggling or fearful, 746 01:20:30,480 --> 01:20:33,560 remind us that you are our living hope. 747 01:20:33,560 --> 01:20:35,060 And so your sons need you today. 748 01:20:35,060 --> 01:20:50,220 Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 749 01:20:50,220 --> 01:20:55,040 Praise Him, all creatures here below. 750 01:20:56,340 --> 01:21:01,120 Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts. 751 01:21:01,120 --> 01:21:06,920 Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 752 01:21:26,340 --> 01:21:56,320 Thank you. 753 01:21:56,340 --> 01:22:26,320 Thank you. 754 01:22:26,340 --> 01:22:56,320 Thank you.