Kings of Judah: The Sons of Josiah

what he's done for us. So, and lift your what he's done for us. So, and lift your eyes to him this morning. Let's sing our eyes to him this morning. Let's sing our eyes to him this morning. Let's sing our story. [music] You knew I [music] couldn't [singing] You knew I [music] couldn't [singing] pay the debt. You [music and singing] paid it with You [music and singing] paid it with your final breath. Oh hallelujah. your final breath. Oh hallelujah. your final breath. Oh hallelujah. [singing] [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Is what he did for you, Christian. Is what he did for you, Christian. Is what he did for you, Christian. You [music and singing] took the wrath You [music and singing] took the wrath You [music and singing] took the wrath that I deserved. Your [music and singing] holy blood Your [music and singing] holy blood broke every curse. And [music] your mercy [singing] And [music] your mercy [singing] had the final word. Oh hallelu had the final word. Oh hallelu had the final word. Oh hallelu [singing] [singing] [singing] hallelu.

hallelu. hallelu. [music] [music] [music] We sing [singing] Christ and Christ We sing [singing] Christ and Christ We sing [singing] Christ and Christ crucified crucified crucified and [music] you were [singing] raised and [music] you were [singing] raised and [music] you were [singing] raised from death to life. We sing from death to life. We sing from death to life. We sing [music and singing] Christ and Christ [music and singing] Christ and Christ [music and singing] Christ and Christ crucified. [singing] crucified. [singing] crucified. [singing] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] No [music] shame [singing] is stronger No [music] shame [singing] is stronger than your love. You [music] said it's finished. It is You [music] said it's finished. It is done. Oh, hallelujah. Death couldn't [singing] Death couldn't [singing] keep you in the ground.

You ro [music and singing] You ro [music and singing] to hell down the cross [music and singing] the cross [music and singing] now. Oh hallelujah. [music] [music] Come on we sing. Come on we sing. Come on we sing. Yes, we sing [music and singing] Christ Yes, we sing [music and singing] Christ Yes, we sing [music and singing] Christ and Christ and Christ and Christ crucified [music] crucified [music] crucified [music] in you were raised from death [music] to in you were raised from death [music] to in you were raised from death [music] to [singing] life. We sing Christ and [singing] life. We sing Christ and [singing] life. We sing Christ and Christ [music] Christ [music] Christ [music] crucified. [singing] Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. We sing [singing] Christ [music] and We sing [singing] Christ [music] and Christ Christ Christ crucified crucified crucified in [music] you were raised [singing] in [music] you were raised [singing] in [music] you were raised [singing] from death to life. [music] We sing from death to life. [music] We sing from death to life. [music] We sing Christ and Christ Christ and Christ Christ and Christ crucified.

crucified. crucified. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. [music and singing] Jesus, you are alive and you've trembled Jesus, you are alive and you've trembled over sin [music] and death [singing] and over sin [music] and death [singing] and over sin [music] and death [singing] and grave. And so we worship you. We worship grave. And so we worship you. We worship grave. And so we worship you. We worship you. you. you. Oh, death [music and singing] Oh, death [music and singing] Oh, death [music and singing] couldn't hold you down. Hell couldn't couldn't hold you down. Hell couldn't couldn't hold you down. Hell couldn't steal [singing and music] your crown. steal [singing and music] your crown. steal [singing and music] your crown. This resurrect. Where's the church in This resurrect. Where's the church in This resurrect. Where's the church in your [music and singing] name? your [music and singing] name? your [music and singing] name? land. All the earth [music] cry land. All the earth [music] cry land. All the earth [music] cry [singing] out and land up a holy sound. [singing] out and land up a holy sound. [singing] out and land up a holy sound. Give [music] Give [music] Give [music] all the glory [singing] now to Jesus all the glory [singing] now to Jesus all the glory [singing] now to Jesus name. Jesus [music] name. Death couldn't name. Jesus [music] name. Death couldn't name. Jesus [music] name. Death couldn't [singing] hold you down. Hell couldn't [singing] hold you down. Hell couldn't [singing] hold you down. Hell couldn't steal your crown. There's resurrection steal your crown. There's resurrection steal your crown. There's resurrection [music] [music] [music] power [singing] in your name. In your power [singing] in your name. In your power [singing] in your name. In your name.

name. name. All the [music and singing] earth cry All the [music and singing] earth cry All the [music and singing] earth cry out land of a holy sound. Give all out land of a holy sound. Give all out land of a holy sound. Give all [music] the glory [singing] now. Come [music] the glory [singing] now. Come [music] the glory [singing] now. Come on, we declare it today. [music] All on, we declare it today. [music] All on, we declare it today. [music] All death couldn't hold [singing] you down. death couldn't hold [singing] you down. death couldn't hold [singing] you down. Hell, could you steal your crown? Hell, could you steal your crown? Hell, could you steal your crown? Resurrection [music] Resurrection [music] Resurrection [music] power in your [singing] name. in your power in your [singing] name. in your power in your [singing] name. in your name. Let all the earth name. Let all the earth name. Let all the earth [music and singing] cry out [music and singing] cry out [music and singing] cry out of the holy sound. [singing] G all the of the holy sound. [singing] G all the of the holy sound. [singing] G all the glory now in Jesus [music] name. Jesus glory now in Jesus [music] name. Jesus glory now in Jesus [music] name. Jesus name. name. name. And we see Christ [music] And we see Christ [music] And we see Christ [music] and Christ and Christ and Christ crucified crucified crucified in [singing] you were raised [music] in [singing] you were raised [music] in [singing] you were raised [music] from death to life. [singing] We sing from death to life. [singing] We sing from death to life. [singing] We sing Christ and Christ Christ and Christ Christ and Christ crucified.

crucified. crucified. Hallelujah. [music and singing] Yes, we [music and singing] sing Christ Yes, we [music and singing] sing Christ and Christ and Christ and Christ crucified [music and singing] crucified [music and singing] crucified [music and singing] in you were raised from death to in you were raised from death to in you were raised from death to [singing] life. We seek Christ and [singing] life. We seek Christ and [singing] life. We seek Christ and Christ [music] Christ [music] Christ [music] crucified. crucified. crucified. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. >> [music] >> [music] >> Can we thank him today for that good >> Can we thank him today for that good >> Can we thank him today for that good news, the gospel? Amen. There [music and singing] was a moment There [music and singing] was a moment when the lights went out. When death had claimed it victory, When death had claimed it victory, [music] the king of [singing] love had given the king of [singing] love had given [music] up his life.

[music] up his life. [music] up his life. The darkest day in history. [music] They're on a cross they made for [music] They're on a cross they made for ses. But not the end [music] we could have But not the end [music] we could have known. For the [music] earth began to shake For the [music] earth began to shake and the veil was torn and the veil was torn and the veil was torn was sacrifice [music] was sacrifice [music] was sacrifice [music] was made was made was made as the heavens. as the heavens. as the heavens. [music] We crown [singing] We crown [singing] you Jesus. [music] All hail the Lord of heaven and earth.

All hail the Lord of heaven and earth. All [music and singing] hail King Jesus. All [music and singing] hail King Jesus. All [music and singing] hail King Jesus. [music] [music] [music] [singing] All hail the savior [singing] All hail the savior [singing] All hail the savior of [music] the world. >> There was a moment [singing] when the >> There was a moment [singing] when the sky lit up. sky lit up. sky lit up. [music] [music] [music] A flash of light [singing] breaking A flash of light [singing] breaking A flash of light [singing] breaking through. When all was lost, [music and singing] When all was lost, [music and singing] he crossed eternity. he crossed eternity. he crossed eternity. Oh, the king of life [singing and music] Oh, the king of life [singing and music] Oh, the king of life [singing and music] was on the move. Yes. was on the move. Yes. was on the move. Yes. But in a dark [singing] But in a dark [singing] But in a dark [singing] room room room where all was free, [music] And we're forever And we're forever [music] change.

We're changed forever. We're changed forever. So h [music] So h [music] So h [music] Jesus. [singing] All hail [music and singing] All hail [music and singing] the Lord of heaven and earth. All the Lord of heaven and earth. All the Lord of heaven and earth. All [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] hail king Jesus. All hail the savior All hail the savior of the world. All [music and singing] of the world. All [music and singing] of the world. All [music and singing] hail king Jesus. hail king Jesus. hail king Jesus. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh [music and singing] hail Lord of Oh [music and singing] hail Lord of Oh [music and singing] hail Lord of heaven and [music] earth. Oh [singing] heaven and [music] earth. Oh [singing] heaven and [music] earth. Oh [singing] hail king Jesus. All [music and singing] hail the savior All [music and singing] hail the savior of the world. >> [music] >> [music] >> is your blessing.

blessing. So [music] let every knee come bow So [music] let every knee come bow So [music] let every knee come bow before the king of kings. Let every before the king of kings. Let every before the king of kings. Let every [music] [music] [music] tongue confess that he is Lord. So lift tongue confess that he is Lord. So lift tongue confess that he is Lord. So lift up [music] your shout. Let us join with up [music] your shout. Let us join with up [music] your shout. Let us join with [singing] all of heaven. Singing [music] [singing] all of heaven. Singing [music] [singing] all of heaven. Singing [music] oh So all hell king [music] So all hell king [music] Jesus, [singing] all hail [music and singing] the Lord of all hail [music and singing] the Lord of heaven and earth. All hail King [music] heaven and earth. All hail King [music] heaven and earth. All hail King [music] Jesus. [singing] All hail the savior [music] All hail the savior [music] of the [singing] world.

Jesus, what a way to start our morning Jesus, what a way to start our morning today today today by remembering what you've accomplished by remembering what you've accomplished by remembering what you've accomplished in our place. We're grateful today, Lord. Help us to We're grateful today, Lord. Help us to be grateful today be grateful today be grateful today and expectant. There's nobody in this room or watching There's nobody in this room or watching this stream on accident. this stream on accident. this stream on accident. And I pray that we would just And I pray that we would just And I pray that we would just lean in and that you would move and lean in and that you would move and lean in and that you would move and speak in power. speak in power. speak in power. Your word is a firm foundation. Show us aresh today, Lord. We pray in Show us aresh today, Lord. We pray in Christ's name. Everyone said together. Christ's name. Everyone said together. Christ's name. Everyone said together. Amen. Y'all can have a seat. Amen. Amen. It's good to be with you this morning. It's good to be with you this morning. It's good to be with you this morning. If you're new or visiting, my name is If you're new or visiting, my name is If you're new or visiting, my name is Tyler. I'm one of the pastors here at Tyler. I'm one of the pastors here at Tyler. I'm one of the pastors here at the Austin Stone. And before we jump the Austin Stone. And before we jump the Austin Stone. And before we jump into the sermon, let me wish you a very into the sermon, let me wish you a very into the sermon, let me wish you a very happy Father's Day this morning. What a happy Father's Day this morning. What a happy Father's Day this morning. What a what an incredible gift a good father what an incredible gift a good father what an incredible gift a good father is. which is why when you lack it or you is. which is why when you lack it or you is. which is why when you lack it or you lose it, it's incredibly painful for you lose it, it's incredibly painful for you lose it, it's incredibly painful for you to deal with it. And so for the fathers to deal with it. And so for the fathers to deal with it. And so for the fathers in this room, I I pray that today you in this room, I I pray that today you in this room, I I pray that today you are celebrated well, that you are are celebrated well, that you are are celebrated well, that you are strengthened and that you take stock of strengthened and that you take stock of strengthened and that you take stock of the holy calling God has given to you the holy calling God has given to you the holy calling God has given to you given to you. And for everyone else, as given to you. And for everyone else, as given to you. And for everyone else, as you think about fatherhood, I pray you'd you think about fatherhood, I pray you'd you think about fatherhood, I pray you'd take your eyes up to God and see his take your eyes up to God and see his take your eyes up to God and see his compassion, his strength, his safety for

compassion, his strength, his safety for compassion, his strength, his safety for you as he leads you today. So, we're you as he leads you today. So, we're you as he leads you today. So, we're coming to the conclusion of our series coming to the conclusion of our series coming to the conclusion of our series on the kings of Judah. Next week is our on the kings of Judah. Next week is our on the kings of Judah. Next week is our last sermon on it. But last week, we last sermon on it. But last week, we last sermon on it. But last week, we looked at Josiah, the last great and looked at Josiah, the last great and looked at Josiah, the last great and good king of Judah, who delayed God's good king of Judah, who delayed God's good king of Judah, who delayed God's judgment for another generation. But judgment for another generation. But judgment for another generation. But today, today, today, today we come to the sobering conclusion today we come to the sobering conclusion today we come to the sobering conclusion of the monarchy as the worstcase of the monarchy as the worstcase of the monarchy as the worstcase scenario descends upon Judah. We won't scenario descends upon Judah. We won't scenario descends upon Judah. We won't cover one king today. We'll cover a cover one king today. We'll cover a cover one king today. We'll cover a series of four kings really quickly over series of four kings really quickly over series of four kings really quickly over a 22year year period as everything a 22year year period as everything a 22year year period as everything unravels. I mean, this conclusion is unravels. I mean, this conclusion is unravels. I mean, this conclusion is brutal. And it's brutal. And here's what brutal. And it's brutal. And here's what brutal. And it's brutal. And here's what it does for us coming in today. It's it does for us coming in today. It's it does for us coming in today. It's meant to remind you that your life has meant to remind you that your life has meant to remind you that your life has real stakes, real stakes, real stakes, that your life has real consequences for that your life has real consequences for that your life has real consequences for your decisions, consequences for how you your decisions, consequences for how you your decisions, consequences for how you respond to God and his word. And as respond to God and his word. And as respond to God and his word. And as tough it and as difficult it can be to tough it and as difficult it can be to tough it and as difficult it can be to truly accept and metabolize that truly accept and metabolize that truly accept and metabolize that reality, real stakes in your life brings reality, real stakes in your life brings reality, real stakes in your life brings meaning. It brings meaning to your life meaning. It brings meaning to your life meaning. It brings meaning to your life into mind. Real consequences into mind. Real consequences into mind. Real consequences characterize the best stories that we characterize the best stories that we characterize the best stories that we read, the best books, the best shows, read, the best books, the best shows, read, the best books, the best shows, the best movies. The the weakest stories the best movies. The the weakest stories the best movies. The the weakest stories that you take in are the ones where that you take in are the ones where that you take in are the ones where there is no real danger. There is no there is no real danger. There is no there is no real danger. There is no real threat, where there isn't even the

real threat, where there isn't even the real threat, where there isn't even the slightest possibility that anything bad slightest possibility that anything bad slightest possibility that anything bad would ever happen. There's a reason the would ever happen. There's a reason the would ever happen. There's a reason the best movies, even the best animated best movies, even the best animated best movies, even the best animated movies, even the best Pixar movies, they movies, even the best Pixar movies, they movies, even the best Pixar movies, they start off with some of the most start off with some of the most start off with some of the most devastating scenes you could ever watch. devastating scenes you could ever watch. devastating scenes you could ever watch. You watched Up in a while. It is so sad. You watched Up in a while. It is so sad. You watched Up in a while. It is so sad. If you're older in this room, Bambi, if If you're older in this room, Bambi, if If you're older in this room, Bambi, if you don't know what Bambi is, ask you don't know what Bambi is, ask you don't know what Bambi is, ask somebody older than you. They'll know. somebody older than you. They'll know. somebody older than you. They'll know. Millennials, Land Before Time. Oh my Millennials, Land Before Time. Oh my Millennials, Land Before Time. Oh my word, I'm I'm I need to go to counseling word, I'm I'm I need to go to counseling word, I'm I'm I need to go to counseling right now just thinking about it. right now just thinking about it. right now just thinking about it. The best stories The best stories The best stories have real loss. The best stories have have real loss. The best stories have have real loss. The best stories have the best villains. I remember watching the best villains. I remember watching the best villains. I remember watching Infinity War and I was thinking Thanos Infinity War and I was thinking Thanos Infinity War and I was thinking Thanos is pretty hype. That's how I felt. I is pretty hype. That's how I felt. I is pretty hype. That's how I felt. I remember thinking, I think he has a good remember thinking, I think he has a good remember thinking, I think he has a good point point point because the best villains help us see because the best villains help us see because the best villains help us see that there are real stakes. that there are real stakes. that there are real stakes. And even though our lives honestly if And even though our lives honestly if And even though our lives honestly if you think about your life and mine they you think about your life and mine they you think about your life and mine they can often feel mundane, they can often can often feel mundane, they can often can often feel mundane, they can often feel slowm moving. These stories remind feel slowm moving. These stories remind feel slowm moving. These stories remind us that there is real darkness in us.

us that there is real darkness in us. us that there is real darkness in us. Real darkness around us that we will be Real darkness around us that we will be Real darkness around us that we will be forced to reckon with or be overwhelmed forced to reckon with or be overwhelmed forced to reckon with or be overwhelmed by. And the conclusion of the kings of by. And the conclusion of the kings of by. And the conclusion of the kings of Judah reveals that our greatest threat Judah reveals that our greatest threat Judah reveals that our greatest threat is our own stubbornness towards God. is our own stubbornness towards God. is our own stubbornness towards God. our own stubbornness towards his word. our own stubbornness towards his word. our own stubbornness towards his word. Yes, there are real spiritual evils and Yes, there are real spiritual evils and Yes, there are real spiritual evils and corrupt leaders and corrupt ideologies corrupt leaders and corrupt ideologies corrupt leaders and corrupt ideologies that take people captive into dark and that take people captive into dark and that take people captive into dark and degrading places. degrading places. degrading places. But God has no enemy to rival him or But God has no enemy to rival him or But God has no enemy to rival him or threaten him. He's infinite in all of threaten him. He's infinite in all of threaten him. He's infinite in all of his attributes. his attributes. his attributes. No, the sobering reality is that our No, the sobering reality is that our No, the sobering reality is that our fundamental ailment is our persistent fundamental ailment is our persistent fundamental ailment is our persistent and pervasive sinful and selfish nature. and pervasive sinful and selfish nature. and pervasive sinful and selfish nature. We treat ourselves poorly. We treat We treat ourselves poorly. We treat We treat ourselves poorly. We treat others poorly others poorly others poorly because we distrust and devalue God. because we distrust and devalue God. because we distrust and devalue God. See, Israel and Judah, they wanted to See, Israel and Judah, they wanted to See, Israel and Judah, they wanted to believe that the problem in their nation believe that the problem in their nation believe that the problem in their nation were the nations out there. They wanted were the nations out there. They wanted were the nations out there. They wanted to believe the only reason we're to believe the only reason we're to believe the only reason we're struggling is because they are so bad.

struggling is because they are so bad. struggling is because they are so bad. But the ending of 2 Kings and 2 But the ending of 2 Kings and 2 But the ending of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles makes it quite clear they Chronicles makes it quite clear they Chronicles makes it quite clear they were their biggest problem. They were were their biggest problem. They were were their biggest problem. They were their biggest problem because they kept their biggest problem because they kept their biggest problem because they kept putting themselves at odds with God putting themselves at odds with God putting themselves at odds with God which makes this is the plot twist in which makes this is the plot twist in which makes this is the plot twist in your story and in mine. It makes us one your story and in mine. It makes us one your story and in mine. It makes us one of the primary villains in our own of the primary villains in our own of the primary villains in our own stories. So there's two points today for stories. So there's two points today for stories. So there's two points today for the sermon. First point, the terrifying the sermon. First point, the terrifying the sermon. First point, the terrifying end of God's patience and the enduring end of God's patience and the enduring end of God's patience and the enduring hope of God's promise. So first, the hope of God's promise. So first, the hope of God's promise. So first, the terrifying end of God's patience. So terrifying end of God's patience. So terrifying end of God's patience. So after Josiah dies in battle, he is after Josiah dies in battle, he is after Josiah dies in battle, he is succeeded quickly by two of his sons, a succeeded quickly by two of his sons, a succeeded quickly by two of his sons, a grandson and a brother. And while every grandson and a brother. And while every grandson and a brother. And while every king has their differences, each leader king has their differences, each leader king has their differences, each leader is receives this assessment. 2 Kings is receives this assessment. 2 Kings is receives this assessment. 2 Kings 23:32, they all receive this assessment. 23:32, they all receive this assessment. 23:32, they all receive this assessment. He did what was evil in the Lord's He did what was evil in the Lord's He did what was evil in the Lord's sight, just as his ancestors had done.

sight, just as his ancestors had done. sight, just as his ancestors had done. So the first son Jehoah, he reigns for So the first son Jehoah, he reigns for So the first son Jehoah, he reigns for three months before the same Egyptian three months before the same Egyptian three months before the same Egyptian Pharaoh that killed Josiah takes him Pharaoh that killed Josiah takes him Pharaoh that killed Josiah takes him captive and kills him. He's replaced by captive and kills him. He's replaced by captive and kills him. He's replaced by his brother Jehookim, who reigns for 11 his brother Jehookim, who reigns for 11 his brother Jehookim, who reigns for 11 years, but he's overtaken by an even years, but he's overtaken by an even years, but he's overtaken by an even greater rival nation in Babylon and greater rival nation in Babylon and greater rival nation in Babylon and their king Nebuchadnezzar. He's their king Nebuchadnezzar. He's their king Nebuchadnezzar. He's succeeded by Jehovah who is only reigns succeeded by Jehovah who is only reigns succeeded by Jehovah who is only reigns for three months before he's exiled and for three months before he's exiled and for three months before he's exiled and he's replaced by his uncle Zedekiah who he's replaced by his uncle Zedekiah who he's replaced by his uncle Zedekiah who reigns 11 years. And Zedekiah's story, reigns 11 years. And Zedekiah's story, reigns 11 years. And Zedekiah's story, it is one of the most just it is one of the most just it is one of the most just brutal endings where he is forced to brutal endings where he is forced to brutal endings where he is forced to watch the murdering of his sons in front watch the murdering of his sons in front watch the murdering of his sons in front of him before his own eyes are gouged of him before his own eyes are gouged of him before his own eyes are gouged out. It is a dark conclusion to this out. It is a dark conclusion to this out. It is a dark conclusion to this story. and and and all of this leads to story. and and and all of this leads to story. and and and all of this leads to the lowest darkest moment in the entire the lowest darkest moment in the entire the lowest darkest moment in the entire Old Testament. The entire Old Testament Old Testament. The entire Old Testament Old Testament. The entire Old Testament has had a lot of dark things in it, but has had a lot of dark things in it, but has had a lot of dark things in it, but we're about to read about the darkest. we're about to read about the darkest. we're about to read about the darkest. It's the fall of Jerusalem, It's the fall of Jerusalem, It's the fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the temple, and the the destruction of the temple, and the the destruction of the temple, and the exile of God's people from the promised exile of God's people from the promised exile of God's people from the promised land. Look at 2 Chronicles 36:18-20.

land. Look at 2 Chronicles 36:18-20. land. Look at 2 Chronicles 36:18-20. It says this, "And all the vessels of It says this, "And all the vessels of It says this, "And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the house of God, great and small, and the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the Lord, the treasures of the house of the Lord, the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king and of his and the treasures of the king and of his and the treasures of the king and of his princes, all these he, Nebuchadnezzar, princes, all these he, Nebuchadnezzar, princes, all these he, Nebuchadnezzar, brought to Babylon, brought to Babylon, brought to Babylon, exiled, exiled, exiled, and they burned the house of God. They and they burned the house of God. They and they burned the house of God. They broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned all its palaces with fire and burned all its palaces with fire and burned all its palaces with fire and destroyed all its precious vessels. destroyed all its precious vessels. destroyed all its precious vessels. Heath and Nebuchadnezzar took into exile Heath and Nebuchadnezzar took into exile Heath and Nebuchadnezzar took into exile in Babylon those who had escaped from in Babylon those who had escaped from in Babylon those who had escaped from the sword and they became servants to the sword and they became servants to the sword and they became servants to him and to his sons until the him and to his sons until the him and to his sons until the establishment of the kingdom of Persia. establishment of the kingdom of Persia. establishment of the kingdom of Persia. This scene, if if you were to see it This scene, if if you were to see it This scene, if if you were to see it with your own eyes, it is devastating on with your own eyes, it is devastating on with your own eyes, it is devastating on its own merit. its own merit. its own merit. But it's even more so when you think But it's even more so when you think But it's even more so when you think about it in terms of God's people. When about it in terms of God's people. When about it in terms of God's people. When you think about it in terms of God's you think about it in terms of God's you think about it in terms of God's promises. What you just read, I mean, promises. What you just read, I mean, promises. What you just read, I mean, this kind of scene happened and happens this kind of scene happened and happens this kind of scene happened and happens all the time all over the world. There's all the time all over the world. There's all the time all over the world. There's destruction of cities, waring nation, destruction of cities, waring nation, destruction of cities, waring nation, states. This happens all the time. But states. This happens all the time. But states. This happens all the time. But for God's people, for God's people, for God's people, as they're watching this, as they're watching this, as they're watching this, this seems like the end of God's this seems like the end of God's this seems like the end of God's promise.

promise. promise. They're watching this and they're They're watching this and they're They're watching this and they're thinking, "God's done." thinking, "God's done." thinking, "God's done." That the promise God made not just to That the promise God made not just to That the promise God made not just to Saul or to David, Saul or to David, Saul or to David, but the promise he made to Abraham seems but the promise he made to Abraham seems but the promise he made to Abraham seems like it's over. Genesis 12 1-3. This is like it's over. Genesis 12 1-3. This is like it's over. Genesis 12 1-3. This is the founding promise God gave to the the founding promise God gave to the the founding promise God gave to the people of Israel in Genesis 12:1-3. It people of Israel in Genesis 12:1-3. It people of Israel in Genesis 12:1-3. It says, "The Lord said to Abram." This is says, "The Lord said to Abram." This is says, "The Lord said to Abram." This is the promise that all of this hinges on. the promise that all of this hinges on. the promise that all of this hinges on. Go from your land, your relatives, your Go from your land, your relatives, your Go from your land, your relatives, your father's house to the what? The land, father's house to the what? The land, father's house to the what? The land, the promised land that I will show you, the promised land that I will show you, the promised land that I will show you, and I will make you into a great nation. and I will make you into a great nation. and I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you, and I will make your I will bless you, and I will make your I will bless you, and I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing, name great, and you will be a blessing, name great, and you will be a blessing, and I will bless those who bless you, and I will bless those who bless you, and I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse anyone who treats you and I will curse anyone who treats you and I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt. and all the peoples on with contempt. and all the peoples on with contempt. and all the peoples on the earth will be blessed through you. the earth will be blessed through you. the earth will be blessed through you. This is the foundational promise that This is the foundational promise that This is the foundational promise that all of Israel and all of Judah is tying all of Israel and all of Judah is tying all of Israel and all of Judah is tying their hope back to. And God had their hope back to. And God had their hope back to. And God had established and confirmed this process established and confirmed this process established and confirmed this process of this promise over and over again. He of this promise over and over again. He of this promise over and over again. He made Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. He made Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. He made Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. He made them into a great people. He made them into a great people. He made them into a great people. He rescued this people from hundreds of rescued this people from hundreds of rescued this people from hundreds of years of slavery in Egypt in the great years of slavery in Egypt in the great years of slavery in Egypt in the great Exodus. He taught them. He fed them. He Exodus. He taught them. He fed them. He Exodus. He taught them. He fed them. He led them. He made a covenant with them led them. He made a covenant with them led them. He made a covenant with them in the wilderness.

in the wilderness. in the wilderness. He brought them into the promised land. He brought them into the promised land. He brought them into the promised land. He established them and he gave them a He established them and he gave them a He established them and he gave them a kingdom. He promised them that the same kingdom. He promised them that the same kingdom. He promised them that the same presence of God that filled the earth presence of God that filled the earth presence of God that filled the earth through Eden, that the presence of God through Eden, that the presence of God through Eden, that the presence of God that traveled with them in the that traveled with them in the that traveled with them in the tabernacle in the wilderness, that this tabernacle in the wilderness, that this tabernacle in the wilderness, that this presence of God would dwell uniquely in presence of God would dwell uniquely in presence of God would dwell uniquely in the temple. And he used the language of the temple. And he used the language of the temple. And he used the language of forever. forever. forever. But all of it was gone. But all of it was gone. But all of it was gone. All of it's gone. The land, the temple, All of it's gone. The land, the temple, All of it's gone. The land, the temple, the people, taken, destroyed, exiled. the people, taken, destroyed, exiled. the people, taken, destroyed, exiled. What does this mean? What does this mean? What does this mean? Where was God? That's what the questions Where was God? That's what the questions Where was God? That's what the questions are asking. Are the nations too strong? are asking. Are the nations too strong? are asking. Are the nations too strong? Was evil in the world too persistent? Was evil in the world too persistent? Was evil in the world too persistent? And probably like all most of us, they And probably like all most of us, they And probably like all most of us, they would think maybe God doesn't exist at would think maybe God doesn't exist at would think maybe God doesn't exist at all. all. all. Maybe Babylon Maybe Babylon Maybe Babylon was the final reminder that there was was the final reminder that there was was the final reminder that there was nothing special about Judah.

nothing special about Judah. nothing special about Judah. Maybe what they just witnessed was the Maybe what they just witnessed was the Maybe what they just witnessed was the reality that there had been no holy reality that there had been no holy reality that there had been no holy transcendent God with them because their transcendent God with them because their transcendent God with them because their sacred temple had been destroyed like sacred temple had been destroyed like sacred temple had been destroyed like every other. every other. every other. This is a real question we ask when you This is a real question we ask when you This is a real question we ask when you see promises of God and then you see see promises of God and then you see see promises of God and then you see circumstances that seem to contradict circumstances that seem to contradict circumstances that seem to contradict those promises. And all of us have that those promises. And all of us have that those promises. And all of us have that question of where is God? question of where is God? question of where is God? I see the smoldering rubble of my life. I see the smoldering rubble of my life. I see the smoldering rubble of my life. He said he'd be with me. He said he'd He said he'd be with me. He said he'd He said he'd be with me. He said he'd protect me. He said he was near. But I protect me. He said he was near. But I protect me. He said he was near. But I don't see that. don't see that. don't see that. Seems like he's gone. And maybe he was Seems like he's gone. And maybe he was Seems like he's gone. And maybe he was never there to begin with. But both never there to begin with. But both never there to begin with. But both Kings and Chronicles, these two books, Kings and Chronicles, these two books, Kings and Chronicles, these two books, the writers provide the same theological the writers provide the same theological the writers provide the same theological interpretation of this tragic end. I interpretation of this tragic end. I interpretation of this tragic end. I need you to know that history has need you to know that history has need you to know that history has meaning that you give to it. Your story meaning that you give to it. Your story meaning that you give to it. Your story has the meaning that you interpret it has the meaning that you interpret it has the meaning that you interpret it with. You take the facts and then they with. You take the facts and then they with. You take the facts and then they require interpretation to understand require interpretation to understand require interpretation to understand what they mean. And the scriptures are what they mean. And the scriptures are what they mean. And the scriptures are coming to the facts. This is not coming to the facts. This is not coming to the facts. This is not historically debated. They they were historically debated. They they were historically debated. They they were taken into exile by Nebuchadnezzar. That taken into exile by Nebuchadnezzar. That taken into exile by Nebuchadnezzar. That happened. Now the Bible comes in and happened. Now the Bible comes in and happened. Now the Bible comes in and tells you why. what was going on behind tells you why. what was going on behind tells you why. what was going on behind the scenes. And what the interpretation the scenes. And what the interpretation the scenes. And what the interpretation of the scriptures was that this was not of the scriptures was that this was not of the scriptures was that this was not the sign of God's absence. This was not the sign of God's absence. This was not the sign of God's absence. This was not the sign of God's weakness or even his the sign of God's weakness or even his the sign of God's weakness or even his non-existence.

non-existence. non-existence. This was the sign of his longsuffering, This was the sign of his longsuffering, This was the sign of his longsuffering, patient, just and good judgment on his patient, just and good judgment on his patient, just and good judgment on his own people. 2 Kings 24 3-4. own people. 2 Kings 24 3-4. own people. 2 Kings 24 3-4. Indeed, this is the author. This Indeed, this is the author. This Indeed, this is the author. This happened to Judah happened to Judah happened to Judah at the Lord's command. at the Lord's command. at the Lord's command. At the Lord's command to remove them At the Lord's command to remove them At the Lord's command to remove them from his presence. from his presence. from his presence. It was because of the sins of Manasseh. It was because of the sins of Manasseh. It was because of the sins of Manasseh. According to all he had done and also According to all he had done and also According to all he had done and also because of all the innocent blood he had because of all the innocent blood he had because of all the innocent blood he had shed. He had filled Jerusalem with shed. He had filled Jerusalem with shed. He had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood. And the Lord was not innocent blood. And the Lord was not innocent blood. And the Lord was not willing to forgive. willing to forgive. willing to forgive. 2 Chronicles, same interpretation. Verse 2 Chronicles, same interpretation. Verse 2 Chronicles, same interpretation. Verse 14 of chapter 36, all the leaders of the 14 of chapter 36, all the leaders of the 14 of chapter 36, all the leaders of the priests and the people multiplied their priests and the people multiplied their priests and the people multiplied their unfaithful deeds, imitating all the unfaithful deeds, imitating all the unfaithful deeds, imitating all the detestable practices of the nations, and detestable practices of the nations, and detestable practices of the nations, and they defiled the Lord's temple that he they defiled the Lord's temple that he they defiled the Lord's temple that he had consecrated in Jerusalem. But look had consecrated in Jerusalem. But look had consecrated in Jerusalem. But look at how God is. But the Lord, the God of at how God is. But the Lord, the God of at how God is. But the Lord, the God of their ancestors, he sent word against their ancestors, he sent word against their ancestors, he sent word against them by the hand of his messengers, them by the hand of his messengers, them by the hand of his messengers, sending them time and time again. for he sending them time and time again. for he sending them time and time again. for he had compassion had compassion had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place.

on his people and on his dwelling place. on his people and on his dwelling place. But they But they But they they kept ridiculing God's messengers, they kept ridiculing God's messengers, they kept ridiculing God's messengers, despising despising despising his words, scoffing at his prophet until his words, scoffing at his prophet until his words, scoffing at his prophet until until the Lord's wrath was so stirred up until the Lord's wrath was so stirred up until the Lord's wrath was so stirred up against his people that there was no against his people that there was no against his people that there was no remedy. There had been a myriad of individuals There had been a myriad of individuals and leaders and situations over many and leaders and situations over many and leaders and situations over many generations that had factored into this generations that had factored into this generations that had factored into this judgment. But the writers are telling us judgment. But the writers are telling us judgment. But the writers are telling us ultimately this was about their ultimately this was about their ultimately this was about their collective failure with God. That exile collective failure with God. That exile collective failure with God. That exile was ultimately about the character of was ultimately about the character of was ultimately about the character of God and the nature of our sin. It it is God and the nature of our sin. It it is God and the nature of our sin. It it is vital that we not forget, especially if vital that we not forget, especially if vital that we not forget, especially if if you're newer to faith if you're newer to faith if you're newer to faith or if you've been in the faith for a or if you've been in the faith for a or if you've been in the faith for a long time, you can kind of confuse this, long time, you can kind of confuse this, long time, you can kind of confuse this, that we not forget that God is a person. that we not forget that God is a person. that we not forget that God is a person. He's not a book. He's not an idea. He's He's not a book. He's not an idea. He's He's not a book. He's not an idea. He's not a formula. He's not a spiritual not a formula. He's not a spiritual not a formula. He's not a spiritual force. He's a person who speaks.

force. He's a person who speaks. force. He's a person who speaks. He's a person who interacts. He's a He's a person who interacts. He's a He's a person who interacts. He's a person who rules and reigns according to person who rules and reigns according to person who rules and reigns according to his character and nature. He is not his character and nature. He is not his character and nature. He is not responding in the heat of the moment. responding in the heat of the moment. responding in the heat of the moment. God doesn't have unruly passions like us God doesn't have unruly passions like us God doesn't have unruly passions like us that get the best of him from time to that get the best of him from time to that get the best of him from time to time. His judgment wasn't rash, but he time. His judgment wasn't rash, but he time. His judgment wasn't rash, but he had been very slow, had been very slow, had been very slow, very patient. And it's not because they very patient. And it's not because they very patient. And it's not because they deserve this treatment, but because deserve this treatment, but because deserve this treatment, but because that's who he is and his character and that's who he is and his character and that's who he is and his character and nature. This is what he told Moses when nature. This is what he told Moses when nature. This is what he told Moses when he revealed what his character was like. he revealed what his character was like. he revealed what his character was like. Exodus 34 6-7, another famous passage in Exodus 34 6-7, another famous passage in Exodus 34 6-7, another famous passage in the Old Testament that many of the the Old Testament that many of the the Old Testament that many of the Psalms echo this passage when they're Psalms echo this passage when they're Psalms echo this passage when they're describing who God is. says, 'The Lord describing who God is. says, 'The Lord describing who God is. says, 'The Lord passed in front of him Moses and passed in front of him Moses and passed in front of him Moses and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord is a proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord is a proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord is a compassionate compassionate compassionate and gracious God, and gracious God, and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in faithful slow to anger, abounding in faithful slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, maintaining faithful love to a love, maintaining faithful love to a love, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, thousand generations, thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin.

forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty But he will not leave the guilty But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, unpunished, unpunished, bringing consequences on the of the bringing consequences on the of the bringing consequences on the of the father's iniquity on the children and father's iniquity on the children and father's iniquity on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth grandchildren to the third and fourth grandchildren to the third and fourth generation. This text is telling you God generation. This text is telling you God generation. This text is telling you God is not rushed into judgment. is not rushed into judgment. is not rushed into judgment. He's compassionate. He's gracious. He's He's compassionate. He's gracious. He's He's compassionate. He's gracious. He's abounding in truth and love. Here's what abounding in truth and love. Here's what abounding in truth and love. Here's what he's like. He's patient with weak and he's like. He's patient with weak and he's like. He's patient with weak and corrupt creatures like us. His character corrupt creatures like us. His character corrupt creatures like us. His character enables him to look at your life and enables him to look at your life and enables him to look at your life and mine. When you are doing things that he mine. When you are doing things that he mine. When you are doing things that he despises despises despises and still be slow to anger and still be slow to anger and still be slow to anger when you're in rebellion against him and when you're in rebellion against him and when you're in rebellion against him and you don't give a rip about him, you don't give a rip about him, you don't give a rip about him, he can be patient and he can be kind. he can be patient and he can be kind. he can be patient and he can be kind. Not because that's what we deserve, but Not because that's what we deserve, but Not because that's what we deserve, but because that's who he is. because that's who he is. because that's who he is. See, anyone in this room who has had See, anyone in this room who has had See, anyone in this room who has had children should marvel most at this children should marvel most at this children should marvel most at this aspect of God's character. See, aspect of God's character. See, aspect of God's character. See, children, they're a blessing from God.

children, they're a blessing from God. children, they're a blessing from God. They really are. They're not a nuisance. They really are. They're not a nuisance. They really are. They're not a nuisance. They're not a hindrance. They are not They're not a hindrance. They are not They're not a hindrance. They are not where dreams go to die. Especially where dreams go to die. Especially where dreams go to die. Especially Father's Day. Repeat that to yourself. Father's Day. Repeat that to yourself. Father's Day. Repeat that to yourself. They are not where dreams go to die. They are not where dreams go to die. They are not where dreams go to die. They are not where dreams go to die. They are not where dreams go to die. They are not where dreams go to die. They are a gift. Full stop. They are a gift. Full stop. They are a gift. Full stop. But the reason the reason that they feel But the reason the reason that they feel But the reason the reason that they feel like they take things away, the reason like they take things away, the reason like they take things away, the reason that they can feel like a nuisance is that they can feel like a nuisance is that they can feel like a nuisance is because they quickly reveal the limits because they quickly reveal the limits because they quickly reveal the limits of our love and patience. of our love and patience. of our love and patience. Children reveal how dependent we are on Children reveal how dependent we are on Children reveal how dependent we are on things like sleep. things like sleep. things like sleep. And you realize how awful you are when And you realize how awful you are when And you realize how awful you are when you don't have things like sleep. that you don't have things like sleep. that you don't have things like sleep. that even the most laid-back parent among us, even the most laid-back parent among us, even the most laid-back parent among us, even the most chill, do what you want, even the most chill, do what you want, even the most chill, do what you want, roam free, be a feral child kind of roam free, be a feral child kind of roam free, be a feral child kind of parent that you can imagine, parent that you can imagine, parent that you can imagine, even they even they will find the limits even they even they will find the limits even they even they will find the limits of their patience with their children. of their patience with their children. of their patience with their children. You can only ask your child to do the You can only ask your child to do the You can only ask your child to do the same thing so many times or be yelled at same thing so many times or be yelled at same thing so many times or be yelled at by them so many times before your by them so many times before your by them so many times before your impatience and anger flares up. Which is impatience and anger flares up. Which is impatience and anger flares up. Which is why parenting is a great opportunity to why parenting is a great opportunity to why parenting is a great opportunity to model apologizing.

model apologizing. model apologizing. great opportunity to model for your kids great opportunity to model for your kids great opportunity to model for your kids what it means to apologize, confess, what it means to apologize, confess, what it means to apologize, confess, repent, believe the gospel for yourself. repent, believe the gospel for yourself. repent, believe the gospel for yourself. But if you have that in your mind, how But if you have that in your mind, how But if you have that in your mind, how quickly children make parents lose their quickly children make parents lose their quickly children make parents lose their temper, this is where God begins to temper, this is where God begins to temper, this is where God begins to stand out as utterly holy and beautiful. stand out as utterly holy and beautiful. stand out as utterly holy and beautiful. His patience comes to an end. Hear me. His patience comes to an end. Hear me. His patience comes to an end. Hear me. Not because of his limitations or flaws, Not because of his limitations or flaws, Not because of his limitations or flaws, but because of his good and right but because of his good and right but because of his good and right character. His patience is not running character. His patience is not running character. His patience is not running up against a sleepless night. His up against a sleepless night. His up against a sleepless night. His patience is not running up against patience is not running up against patience is not running up against uncontrollable rage or a fear of the uncontrollable rage or a fear of the uncontrollable rage or a fear of the future. It's running up against his future. It's running up against his future. It's running up against his goodness that can't abide by evil. It's goodness that can't abide by evil. It's goodness that can't abide by evil. It's running up against his goodness that running up against his goodness that running up against his goodness that can't abide by selfish acts committed can't abide by selfish acts committed can't abide by selfish acts committed against his image bearsers. It's running against his image bearsers. It's running against his image bearsers. It's running up against his justice that can't up against his justice that can't up against his justice that can't coexist with his name being treated as coexist with his name being treated as coexist with his name being treated as common and unholy. He doesn't run out of common and unholy. He doesn't run out of common and unholy. He doesn't run out of patience. He's infinite. Rather, it comes to an end because his Rather, it comes to an end because his own goodness demands it.

own goodness demands it. own goodness demands it. And this is where we And this is where we And this is where we have to be careful to not confuse God's have to be careful to not confuse God's have to be careful to not confuse God's blessing in our lives as a sign of blessing in our lives as a sign of blessing in our lives as a sign of approval of our lives. approval of our lives. approval of our lives. He could bless you even when you're He could bless you even when you're He could bless you even when you're being unfaithful to him because he's being unfaithful to him because he's being unfaithful to him because he's compassionate, compassionate, compassionate, because he's kind, because he's patient, because he's kind, because he's patient, because he's kind, because he's patient, and he could be blessing you in the and he could be blessing you in the and he could be blessing you in the hopes that you would turn to him before hopes that you would turn to him before hopes that you would turn to him before judgment falls on you. I mean there were judgment falls on you. I mean there were judgment falls on you. I mean there were many many false prophets during these many many false prophets during these many many false prophets during these days of Judah that they used the days of Judah that they used the days of Judah that they used the patience and compassion of God to ignore patience and compassion of God to ignore patience and compassion of God to ignore repentance and obedience to him. And the repentance and obedience to him. And the repentance and obedience to him. And the same is true today. same is true today. same is true today. There are many false teachers and many There are many false teachers and many There are many false teachers and many false friends false friends false friends who think they're being compassionate, who think they're being compassionate, who think they're being compassionate, who think they're being kind and true, who think they're being kind and true, who think they're being kind and true, and they appeal to the promises and and they appeal to the promises and and they appeal to the promises and character of God to justify, ridiculing character of God to justify, ridiculing character of God to justify, ridiculing or obscuring his word. They appeal to or obscuring his word. They appeal to or obscuring his word. They appeal to his love and his mercy and his grace to his love and his mercy and his grace to his love and his mercy and his grace to explain away his expectations and explain away his expectations and explain away his expectations and commands.

commands. commands. They make it seem like sacrificing for They make it seem like sacrificing for They make it seem like sacrificing for others doesn't really matter. God is others doesn't really matter. God is others doesn't really matter. God is merciful. merciful. merciful. Forgiving others doesn't really matter. Forgiving others doesn't really matter. Forgiving others doesn't really matter. God is good. Sex outside of marriage and God is good. Sex outside of marriage and God is good. Sex outside of marriage and lust doesn't matter. God is love. lust doesn't matter. God is love. lust doesn't matter. God is love. Generosity doesn't matter. God is Generosity doesn't matter. God is Generosity doesn't matter. God is gracious. Loving your enemies doesn't gracious. Loving your enemies doesn't gracious. Loving your enemies doesn't matter. God is just. matter. God is just. matter. God is just. They trade on God's patience. They trade on God's patience. They trade on God's patience. They trade on you, your current They trade on you, your current They trade on you, your current emotional state. They trade on it emotional state. They trade on it emotional state. They trade on it without realizing God's patience was without realizing God's patience was without realizing God's patience was meant to lead us to repentance, not meant to lead us to repentance, not meant to lead us to repentance, not resignation. resignation. resignation. Romans 2, Paul says it like this. Romans 2, Paul says it like this. Romans 2, Paul says it like this. [snorts] Or do you despise [snorts] Or do you despise [snorts] Or do you despise the riches, the riches the riches, the riches the riches, the riches of his kindness and his restraint and of his kindness and his restraint and of his kindness and his restraint and his patience, not recognizing his patience, not recognizing his patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead that God's kindness is intended to lead that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

you to repentance? you to repentance? This is what happened. 2 Chronicles 36. This is what happened. 2 Chronicles 36. This is what happened. 2 Chronicles 36. But the Lord, the God of their But the Lord, the God of their But the Lord, the God of their ancestors, he sent word against them by ancestors, he sent word against them by ancestors, he sent word against them by the hand of his messengers, sending them the hand of his messengers, sending them the hand of his messengers, sending them time and time again. What was his heart time and time again. What was his heart time and time again. What was his heart in it? What was his intent? in it? What was his intent? in it? What was his intent? For he had compassion. For he had compassion. For he had compassion. Compassion on his people, compassion on Compassion on his people, compassion on Compassion on his people, compassion on his dwelling place. But what were they? his dwelling place. But what were they? his dwelling place. But what were they? Ridiculing, despising, scoffing. Ridiculing, despising, scoffing. Ridiculing, despising, scoffing. One of the most haunting One of the most haunting One of the most haunting and damning things about our sin and damning things about our sin and damning things about our sin is not just simply that it exists, is not just simply that it exists, is not just simply that it exists, though that would be enough. though that would be enough. though that would be enough. It's that our sin won't even admit that It's that our sin won't even admit that It's that our sin won't even admit that it needs forgiveness. Our sin doesn't want to receive Our sin doesn't want to receive compassion. It rejects mercy. compassion. It rejects mercy. compassion. It rejects mercy. Like God could hold out his tender and Like God could hold out his tender and Like God could hold out his tender and gracious heart all day long. And if gracious heart all day long. And if gracious heart all day long. And if we're really honest, we can be unmoved we're really honest, we can be unmoved we're really honest, we can be unmoved by it. Because to receive it by it. Because to receive it by it. Because to receive it necessarily means admitting that you necessarily means admitting that you necessarily means admitting that you need it.

need it. need it. And to admit that you need it makes you And to admit that you need it makes you And to admit that you need it makes you vulnerable. To admit that you need it vulnerable. To admit that you need it vulnerable. To admit that you need it means you're forfeiting your rights and means you're forfeiting your rights and means you're forfeiting your rights and your will. To admit that you need it your will. To admit that you need it your will. To admit that you need it puts you at the mercy of another. I need puts you at the mercy of another. I need puts you at the mercy of another. I need you to understand something about the you to understand something about the you to understand something about the nature of my sin and yours. nature of my sin and yours. nature of my sin and yours. Sin is not opposed to spirituality. Sin is not opposed to spirituality. Sin is not opposed to spirituality. Sin is not opposed to making deals with Sin is not opposed to making deals with Sin is not opposed to making deals with God. Sin will accept some religion and God. Sin will accept some religion and God. Sin will accept some religion and do some good works and do some self-work do some good works and do some self-work do some good works and do some self-work and to read some Bible and give some and to read some Bible and give some and to read some Bible and give some money and serve here and there. But money and serve here and there. But money and serve here and there. But surrendering to grace, which means I have to surrender to God's which means I have to surrender to God's will and authority, will and authority, will and authority, that's too much. that's too much. that's too much. I'm okay with admitting I have flaws. I'm okay with admitting I have flaws. I'm okay with admitting I have flaws. But I'm not okay saying that my problem But I'm not okay saying that my problem But I'm not okay saying that my problem is so bad that only grace can deal with is so bad that only grace can deal with is so bad that only grace can deal with me.

me. me. And that means I let go of all my rights And that means I let go of all my rights And that means I let go of all my rights to have it. to have it. to have it. is a great quote I read by a commentator is a great quote I read by a commentator is a great quote I read by a commentator this week. He says this. this week. He says this. this week. He says this. In the end, the exile came about not In the end, the exile came about not In the end, the exile came about not because Israel sinned, but because they because Israel sinned, but because they because Israel sinned, but because they spurned God's offers of reconciliation. spurned God's offers of reconciliation. spurned God's offers of reconciliation. See, in the end, the judgment of God on See, in the end, the judgment of God on See, in the end, the judgment of God on Jerusalem and in the end, the judgment Jerusalem and in the end, the judgment Jerusalem and in the end, the judgment of God in your life on the day of your of God in your life on the day of your of God in your life on the day of your death and mine will not simply be death and mine will not simply be death and mine will not simply be assessed by whether or not we sinned. assessed by whether or not we sinned. assessed by whether or not we sinned. The answer to that is yes. The answer to that is yes. The answer to that is yes. It will be assessed on whether or not It will be assessed on whether or not It will be assessed on whether or not we've refused his compassion for it, we've refused his compassion for it, we've refused his compassion for it, whether or not we've received his love whether or not we've received his love whether or not we've received his love and forgiveness in Jesus. and forgiveness in Jesus. and forgiveness in Jesus. Your life matters a whole lot. There are Your life matters a whole lot. There are Your life matters a whole lot. There are real consequences and real stakes. real consequences and real stakes. real consequences and real stakes. And it's about whether or not you And it's about whether or not you And it's about whether or not you actually will let the compassion of God actually will let the compassion of God actually will let the compassion of God take over. take over. take over. And yet, here's what's incredible about And yet, here's what's incredible about And yet, here's what's incredible about the character of God. Even in the the character of God. Even in the the character of God. Even in the despair of exile, despair of exile, despair of exile, God keeps making promises to his people.

God keeps making promises to his people. God keeps making promises to his people. He even in his judgment, He even in his judgment, He even in his judgment, he keeps making promises. Second point he keeps making promises. Second point he keeps making promises. Second point of the sermon, the enduring hope of of the sermon, the enduring hope of of the sermon, the enduring hope of God's promise. Here's how second God's promise. Here's how second God's promise. Here's how second Chronicles ends. After all the judgment, Chronicles ends. After all the judgment, Chronicles ends. After all the judgment, all the exile. Here's how it ends. Verse all the exile. Here's how it ends. Verse all the exile. Here's how it ends. Verse 20. He Nebuchadnezzar took into exile in 20. He Nebuchadnezzar took into exile in 20. He Nebuchadnezzar took into exile in Babylon those who had escaped from the Babylon those who had escaped from the Babylon those who had escaped from the sword and they became servants to him sword and they became servants to him sword and they became servants to him and to his sons until the establishment and to his sons until the establishment and to his sons until the establishment of the kingdom of Persia to fulfill of the kingdom of Persia to fulfill of the kingdom of Persia to fulfill notice to fulfill the word of the Lord notice to fulfill the word of the Lord notice to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah. This is by the mouth of Jeremiah. This is by the mouth of Jeremiah. This is according to God's word until the land according to God's word until the land according to God's word until the land had enjoyed its Sabbath. All the days had enjoyed its Sabbath. All the days had enjoyed its Sabbath. All the days that it lay desolate, it kept Sabbath to that it lay desolate, it kept Sabbath to that it lay desolate, it kept Sabbath to fulfill 70 years. The promise to the fulfill 70 years. The promise to the fulfill 70 years. The promise to the people was you will be in exile for 70 people was you will be in exile for 70 people was you will be in exile for 70 years. But now it fast forwards to the years. But now it fast forwards to the years. But now it fast forwards to the end of that 70 years. Now in the first end of that 70 years. Now in the first end of that 70 years. Now in the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, that the year of Cyrus, king of Persia, that the year of Cyrus, king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of word of the Lord by the mouth of word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, king of stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, king of stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia. So he made a proclamation Persia. So he made a proclamation Persia. So he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put throughout all his kingdom and also put throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing. Thus says Cyrus, king of it in writing. Thus says Cyrus, king of it in writing. Thus says Cyrus, king of Persia, the Lord, the God of heaven, has Persia, the Lord, the God of heaven, has Persia, the Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms on of the given me all the kingdoms on of the given me all the kingdoms on of the earth, and he has charged me to build earth, and he has charged me to build earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in him a house at Jerusalem, which is in him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. So whoever is among you, of all Judah. So whoever is among you, of all Judah. So whoever is among you, of all his people, may the Lord his God be with his people, may the Lord his God be with his people, may the Lord his God be with him, let him go up.

him, let him go up. him, let him go up. This passage ends with the hope of This passage ends with the hope of This passage ends with the hope of return because even in the lowest and return because even in the lowest and return because even in the lowest and darkest moments of our lives, God's darkest moments of our lives, God's darkest moments of our lives, God's promises still stand. These are people promises still stand. These are people promises still stand. These are people who received these promises from who received these promises from who received these promises from Jeremiah. These are people that had get Jeremiah. These are people that had get Jeremiah. These are people that had get gotten all these gifts from God and they gotten all these gifts from God and they gotten all these gifts from God and they squandered all of them. And they're squandered all of them. And they're squandered all of them. And they're sitting in Babylon. They're sitting in sitting in Babylon. They're sitting in sitting in Babylon. They're sitting in their own destruction and despair. And their own destruction and despair. And their own destruction and despair. And God is still giving them reason to hope. God is still giving them reason to hope. God is still giving them reason to hope. The prophet Jeremiah writes a letter to The prophet Jeremiah writes a letter to The prophet Jeremiah writes a letter to the exiles. And in this letter, he gives the exiles. And in this letter, he gives the exiles. And in this letter, he gives them unbelievable promises that this is them unbelievable promises that this is them unbelievable promises that this is not the end. The blessing is going to not the end. The blessing is going to not the end. The blessing is going to come again. And I'm I'm going to read come again. And I'm I'm going to read come again. And I'm I'm going to read you just a little excerpt of this you just a little excerpt of this you just a little excerpt of this letter, the the word that God is letter, the the word that God is letter, the the word that God is fulfilling that he gave to Jeremiah. fulfilling that he gave to Jeremiah. fulfilling that he gave to Jeremiah. It's from Jeremiah 29. And I'm sure I'm It's from Jeremiah 29. And I'm sure I'm It's from Jeremiah 29. And I'm sure I'm going to read some of these verses. And going to read some of these verses. And going to read some of these verses. And some most of you are going to be some most of you are going to be some most of you are going to be familiar with some of them. you're going familiar with some of them. you're going familiar with some of them. you're going to go, "Oh, I remember that that verse."

to go, "Oh, I remember that that verse." to go, "Oh, I remember that that verse." But we don't understand how staggering But we don't understand how staggering But we don't understand how staggering they are without the context. I I grew they are without the context. I I grew they are without the context. I I grew up in the Dallas area, and a lot of up in the Dallas area, and a lot of up in the Dallas area, and a lot of these Jeremiah 29 verses, I would see these Jeremiah 29 verses, I would see these Jeremiah 29 verses, I would see them on the home on the walls of very them on the home on the walls of very them on the home on the walls of very nice homes. nice homes. nice homes. But these are not verses written to But these are not verses written to But these are not verses written to people with very nice homes. people with very nice homes. people with very nice homes. These are verses written to people who These are verses written to people who These are verses written to people who had lost everything. had lost everything. had lost everything. These are written to people who thought These are written to people who thought These are written to people who thought it was over because it was. And this is it was over because it was. And this is it was over because it was. And this is what God says to them. Jeremiah 29:4. what God says to them. Jeremiah 29:4. what God says to them. Jeremiah 29:4. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to who? To all the exiles. Israel, to who? To all the exiles. Israel, to who? To all the exiles. To all the exiles. Notice what God says. To all the exiles. Notice what God says. To all the exiles. Notice what God says. Whom I have sent. Don't let the boast of Whom I have sent. Don't let the boast of Whom I have sent. Don't let the boast of Nebuchadnezzar make you think that he Nebuchadnezzar make you think that he Nebuchadnezzar make you think that he was in charge. He's not. I sent you into was in charge. He's not. I sent you into was in charge. He's not. I sent you into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. And exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. And exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. And here's a section of the promise to here's a section of the promise to here's a section of the promise to people who had lost everything. people who had lost everything. people who had lost everything. Verse 10, for thus says the Lord, when Verse 10, for thus says the Lord, when Verse 10, for thus says the Lord, when 70 years are completed for Babylon, I 70 years are completed for Babylon, I 70 years are completed for Babylon, I [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] will visit you and I will fulfill to you will visit you and I will fulfill to you will visit you and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this my promise and bring you back to this my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for place. For I know the plans I have for place. For I know the plans I have for you. This is the verse that you know, you. This is the verse that you know, you. This is the verse that you know, declares the Lord. plans for welfare and declares the Lord. plans for welfare and declares the Lord. plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a not for evil, to give you a future and a not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. And then then you'll call upon me hope. And then then you'll call upon me hope. And then then you'll call upon me and you'll come and you'll pray to me and you'll come and you'll pray to me and you'll come and you'll pray to me and I will hear you. You will seek me

and I will hear you. You will seek me and I will hear you. You will seek me and you'll find me when you seek me with and you'll find me when you seek me with and you'll find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, all your heart. I will be found by you, all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord. I will restore your declares the Lord. I will restore your declares the Lord. I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the fortunes and gather you from all the fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have nations and all the places where I have nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord. And I driven you, declares the Lord. And I driven you, declares the Lord. And I will bring you back, back to the place will bring you back, back to the place will bring you back, back to the place from which I sent you into exile. from which I sent you into exile. from which I sent you into exile. This is what God is like. This is what God is like. This is what God is like. Even in his judgment, he makes promises Even in his judgment, he makes promises Even in his judgment, he makes promises of restoration in life. Like he he's of restoration in life. Like he he's of restoration in life. Like he he's he's just. he's just. he's just. Do not think our God is a pushover Do not think our God is a pushover Do not think our God is a pushover who responds to sentiment. He is just who responds to sentiment. He is just who responds to sentiment. He is just and he will bring consequences for evil. and he will bring consequences for evil. and he will bring consequences for evil. He will discipline those whom he loves. He will discipline those whom he loves. He will discipline those whom he loves. But his steadfast love is for a thousand But his steadfast love is for a thousand But his steadfast love is for a thousand generations. generations. generations. And somehow, and I know some of you are And somehow, and I know some of you are And somehow, and I know some of you are in dark seasons right now, so I need you in dark seasons right now, so I need you in dark seasons right now, so I need you just to to lean a little bit in on this.

just to to lean a little bit in on this. just to to lean a little bit in on this. Somehow God is able to use the lowest Somehow God is able to use the lowest Somehow God is able to use the lowest times of our lives to get his love and times of our lives to get his love and times of our lives to get his love and his holiness and his goodness deeper his holiness and his goodness deeper his holiness and his goodness deeper into our hearts. into our hearts. into our hearts. And by his power and his grace, those And by his power and his grace, those And by his power and his grace, those lowest moments lowest moments lowest moments can become some of the most can become some of the most can become some of the most transformative and freeing seasons of transformative and freeing seasons of transformative and freeing seasons of our lives. our lives. our lives. Like for me, Like for me, Like for me, when I first became a Christian, it when I first became a Christian, it when I first became a Christian, it wasn't because things were going great. wasn't because things were going great. wasn't because things were going great. I had just gone through a painful I had just gone through a painful I had just gone through a painful breakup. I had years of deep shame when breakup. I had years of deep shame when breakup. I had years of deep shame when I was 18 years old. And that's when the I was 18 years old. And that's when the I was 18 years old. And that's when the holiness and love of God cleansed and holiness and love of God cleansed and holiness and love of God cleansed and animated my life. animated my life. animated my life. It was during a really rocky first year It was during a really rocky first year It was during a really rocky first year of marriage for Lauren and I where I of marriage for Lauren and I where I of marriage for Lauren and I where I learned and we learned the learned and we learned the learned and we learned the self-sacrifice of Jesus and his covenant self-sacrifice of Jesus and his covenant self-sacrifice of Jesus and his covenant keeping love in a new way. keeping love in a new way. keeping love in a new way. It was when she went through and we went It was when she went through and we went It was when she went through and we went through three miscarriages in a row.

through three miscarriages in a row. through three miscarriages in a row. That's where we saw God's comfort and That's where we saw God's comfort and That's where we saw God's comfort and his presence. And Jesus's own weeping in his presence. And Jesus's own weeping in his presence. And Jesus's own weeping in John 11 freed us up to learn how to weep John 11 freed us up to learn how to weep John 11 freed us up to learn how to weep our own tears and hope. It It was crisis our own tears and hope. It It was crisis our own tears and hope. It It was crisis after crisis after crisis that brought after crisis after crisis that brought after crisis after crisis that brought me to the end of myself so I could me to the end of myself so I could me to the end of myself so I could finally learn how to lead out of God's finally learn how to lead out of God's finally learn how to lead out of God's love and not out of my own fears. love and not out of my own fears. love and not out of my own fears. It was loss that taught me to pray. It was loss that taught me to pray. It was loss that taught me to pray. It was betrayal that taught me It was betrayal that taught me It was betrayal that taught me friendship. friendship. friendship. It was failure that taught me the power It was failure that taught me the power It was failure that taught me the power of grace. of grace. of grace. God walks among the rubbles God walks among the rubbles God walks among the rubbles and destruction of our lives and he and destruction of our lives and he and destruction of our lives and he quietly starts building something new in quietly starts building something new in quietly starts building something new in its place. its place. its place. He starts building something new for He starts building something new for He starts building something new for those who will come again and receive those who will come again and receive those who will come again and receive his compassion and his rule. his compassion and his rule. his compassion and his rule. See, hundreds of years after the exile, See, hundreds of years after the exile, See, hundreds of years after the exile, Jesus told a story. He told a story Jesus told a story. He told a story Jesus told a story. He told a story about two brothers and their father to about two brothers and their father to about two brothers and their father to illustrate the dividing line of God's illustrate the dividing line of God's illustrate the dividing line of God's compassion. And in this story, there's a compassion. And in this story, there's a compassion. And in this story, there's a younger brother and he rejects his younger brother and he rejects his younger brother and he rejects his family. He disrespects his father and he family. He disrespects his father and he family. He disrespects his father and he demands his inheritance demands his inheritance demands his inheritance and he squanders it away and he works and he squanders it away and he works and he squanders it away and he works his his by his own behavior. He works his his by his own behavior. He works his his by his own behavior. He works himself down into a desolate, desperate

himself down into a desolate, desperate himself down into a desolate, desperate place where he's so physically hungry place where he's so physically hungry place where he's so physically hungry that as he's taking care of pigs for an that as he's taking care of pigs for an that as he's taking care of pigs for an occupation, he wants to eat their food occupation, he wants to eat their food occupation, he wants to eat their food because of how hungry he is. And it's in because of how hungry he is. And it's in because of how hungry he is. And it's in that low moment where he comes to his that low moment where he comes to his that low moment where he comes to his senses about how foolish and wrong and senses about how foolish and wrong and senses about how foolish and wrong and deluded he had been because you get to deluded he had been because you get to deluded he had been because you get to these low moments and all of your these low moments and all of your these low moments and all of your passions and defenses are gone. In those passions and defenses are gone. In those passions and defenses are gone. In those low moments, you forget all the right low moments, you forget all the right low moments, you forget all the right answers cuz nothing makes any sense. In answers cuz nothing makes any sense. In answers cuz nothing makes any sense. In those low moments, all of a sudden, you those low moments, all of a sudden, you those low moments, all of a sudden, you can see, I do not know what I'm doing can see, I do not know what I'm doing can see, I do not know what I'm doing with my life. I'm not very good at with my life. I'm not very good at with my life. I'm not very good at running it. I think I am, but I can't running it. I think I am, but I can't running it. I think I am, but I can't seem to make it work. and I keep making seem to make it work. and I keep making seem to make it work. and I keep making the same mistakes. And he had exiled the same mistakes. And he had exiled the same mistakes. And he had exiled himself. This younger brother, he knew, himself. This younger brother, he knew, himself. This younger brother, he knew, he exiled himself. He wasn't sent away he exiled himself. He wasn't sent away he exiled himself. He wasn't sent away by his father. He chose to run. by his father. He chose to run. by his father. He chose to run. And he knew he had no right to go home. And he knew he had no right to go home. And he knew he had no right to go home. But he knew he had nowhere else to go. But he knew he had nowhere else to go. But he knew he had nowhere else to go. So Luke 15:20 says this. So Luke 15:20 says this. So Luke 15:20 says this. So he the brother got younger brother So he the brother got younger brother So he the brother got younger brother got up and he [snorts] went to his got up and he [snorts] went to his got up and he [snorts] went to his father. But while he was still a long father. But while he was still a long father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him way off, his father saw him way off, his father saw him and he was filled with compassion and he was filled with compassion and he was filled with compassion for him. He saw him and the first thing for him. He saw him and the first thing for him. He saw him and the first thing that comes into the father's heart is that comes into the father's heart is that comes into the father's heart is compassion.

compassion. compassion. He ran to his son. He threw his arms He ran to his son. He threw his arms He ran to his son. He threw his arms around him and he kissed him. But in around him and he kissed him. But in around him and he kissed him. But in this story, there's another brother. this story, there's another brother. this story, there's another brother. There's an older brother, a more dutiful There's an older brother, a more dutiful There's an older brother, a more dutiful brother who rejected this notion of brother who rejected this notion of brother who rejected this notion of compassion because he didn't need it. compassion because he didn't need it. compassion because he didn't need it. Look at how he's described in Luke Look at how he's described in Luke Look at how he's described in Luke 15:28. 15:28. 15:28. The older brother, the the father's The older brother, the the father's The older brother, the the father's throwing a party for the younger son. throwing a party for the younger son. throwing a party for the younger son. And the older brother became angry and And the older brother became angry and And the older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out refused to go in. So his father went out refused to go in. So his father went out again. The father's heart pleaded again. The father's heart pleaded again. The father's heart pleaded pleaded with him. But he answered his pleaded with him. But he answered his pleaded with him. But he answered his father, "Look, all these years I've been father, "Look, all these years I've been father, "Look, all these years I've been slaving for you and never slaving for you and never slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me a young goat so I can celebrate gave me a young goat so I can celebrate gave me a young goat so I can celebrate with my friends. But when this son of with my friends. But when this son of with my friends. But when this son of yours, not my brother, this son of yours, not my brother, this son of yours, not my brother, this son of yours, who has squandered your property yours, who has squandered your property yours, who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill with prostitutes comes home, you kill with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him."

the fattened calf for him." the fattened calf for him." My son, the father said, you are always My son, the father said, you are always My son, the father said, you are always with me. Everything I have is yours. But with me. Everything I have is yours. But with me. Everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad because we had to celebrate and be glad because we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours, not just my son, this brother of yours, not just my son, this brother of yours, not just my son, this brother of yours was dead and is this brother of yours was dead and is this brother of yours was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found. alive again. He was lost and is found. alive again. He was lost and is found. This brother, he resented the father This brother, he resented the father This brother, he resented the father because he didn't see his need for because he didn't see his need for because he didn't see his need for compassion. compassion. compassion. He didn't want to admit what the father He didn't want to admit what the father He didn't want to admit what the father is subtle about and kind about. He is subtle about and kind about. He is subtle about and kind about. He didn't want to admit that everything he didn't want to admit that everything he didn't want to admit that everything he had was from his father. He wanted to had was from his father. He wanted to had was from his father. He wanted to keep his rights. keep his rights. keep his rights. He wanted to keep his will. He wanted to He wanted to keep his will. He wanted to He wanted to keep his will. He wanted to keep his autonomy. He served not out of keep his autonomy. He served not out of keep his autonomy. He served not out of love but in order to make demands. He love but in order to make demands. He love but in order to make demands. He didn't need compassion in his mind. He didn't need compassion in his mind. He didn't need compassion in his mind. He needed compensation. needed compensation. needed compensation. And you know the story ends, it's meant And you know the story ends, it's meant And you know the story ends, it's meant to end on a tragic note. It ends with a to end on a tragic note. It ends with a to end on a tragic note. It ends with a feast of God's love and joy. The father feast of God's love and joy. The father feast of God's love and joy. The father outside of it pleading with his the outside of it pleading with his the outside of it pleading with his the older son and the son outside not a part older son and the son outside not a part older son and the son outside not a part of it. That's how it ends.

of it. That's how it ends. of it. That's how it ends. Because it's not our grief and our Because it's not our grief and our Because it's not our grief and our failures that keep us from God. It's our failures that keep us from God. It's our failures that keep us from God. It's our stubborn refusal of his compassion and stubborn refusal of his compassion and stubborn refusal of his compassion and rule in our lives. rule in our lives. rule in our lives. See, we know this even more than the See, we know this even more than the See, we know this even more than the exiles. See, they may have seen I mean, exiles. See, they may have seen I mean, exiles. See, they may have seen I mean, they got to see the temple of God and they got to see the temple of God and they got to see the temple of God and all of its glory endored and all of its all of its glory endored and all of its all of its glory endored and all of its beauty completely destroyed and torn beauty completely destroyed and torn beauty completely destroyed and torn down. But what have we seen? We've seen down. But what have we seen? We've seen down. But what have we seen? We've seen the son of God. We've seen Jesus Christ the son of God. We've seen Jesus Christ the son of God. We've seen Jesus Christ the most. Just read the Gospels again. the most. Just read the Gospels again. the most. Just read the Gospels again. He has the most glorious life of love He has the most glorious life of love He has the most glorious life of love and truth and beauty. And he was and truth and beauty. And he was and truth and beauty. And he was completely torn down. completely torn down. completely torn down. He's the one, this is his character. He He's the one, this is his character. He He's the one, this is his character. He extends wedding feast. extends wedding feast. extends wedding feast. He sees the overlooked. He heals the He sees the overlooked. He heals the He sees the overlooked. He heals the downcast. He loves those even when they downcast. He loves those even when they downcast. He loves those even when they abandon him. He prays for his abandon him. He prays for his abandon him. He prays for his executioner. And he tells the truth no executioner. And he tells the truth no executioner. And he tells the truth no matter what it costs. Jesus Christ, if matter what it costs. Jesus Christ, if matter what it costs. Jesus Christ, if you want to know what is God like, where you want to know what is God like, where you want to know what is God like, where is he in this world? You read the is he in this world? You read the is he in this world? You read the gospels, you go, that's the temple of gospels, you go, that's the temple of gospels, you go, that's the temple of God.

God. God. That's where his presence dwells. That's where his presence dwells. That's where his presence dwells. That's where his presence dwells That's where his presence dwells That's where his presence dwells overflowingly overflowingly overflowingly full. full. full. And yet that And yet that And yet that glory was brought to nothing in weakness glory was brought to nothing in weakness glory was brought to nothing in weakness and agony on the cross. and agony on the cross. and agony on the cross. On the cross, he's exiled. On the cross, he's exiled. On the cross, he's exiled. On the cross, he's cast away. Why? On the cross, he's cast away. Why? On the cross, he's cast away. Why? Because the character of God demands Because the character of God demands Because the character of God demands that the sins done by us and the sins that the sins done by us and the sins that the sins done by us and the sins done to us done to us done to us be seen for as evil as they are. And the be seen for as evil as they are. And the be seen for as evil as they are. And the cross tells you. cross tells you. cross tells you. And at the same time, the character of And at the same time, the character of And at the same time, the character of God's love and mercy demands God's love and mercy demands God's love and mercy demands that we be spared and we be restored to that we be spared and we be restored to that we be spared and we be restored to him. So he sent his son to die and raise him. So he sent his son to die and raise him. So he sent his son to die and raise be raised for us. be raised for us. be raised for us. Listen, you can try all the tactics and Listen, you can try all the tactics and Listen, you can try all the tactics and practices and self-help and even practices and self-help and even practices and self-help and even religious things. You can do all the religious things. You can do all the religious things. You can do all the disciplines, all the holy habits, disciplines, all the holy habits, disciplines, all the holy habits, but only the gospel of Jesus can wake up but only the gospel of Jesus can wake up but only the gospel of Jesus can wake up younger brothers from the shame of your younger brothers from the shame of your younger brothers from the shame of your sin. Because his blood never tires of sin. Because his blood never tires of sin. Because his blood never tires of forgiving you.

forgiving you. forgiving you. I know you're exhausted because you keep I know you're exhausted because you keep I know you're exhausted because you keep failing. And you think, I keep failing. failing. And you think, I keep failing. failing. And you think, I keep failing. What's the point? The point is for you What's the point? The point is for you What's the point? The point is for you to see how great his love and sacrifice to see how great his love and sacrifice to see how great his love and sacrifice for you is that it never tires of for you is that it never tires of for you is that it never tires of forgiving you. forgiving you. forgiving you. It's only the gospel of his son that can It's only the gospel of his son that can It's only the gospel of his son that can soften the heart of older brothers soften the heart of older brothers soften the heart of older brothers from our cold self-reliance. from our cold self-reliance. from our cold self-reliance. That part of you that thinks, "No, I That part of you that thinks, "No, I That part of you that thinks, "No, I don't need compassion. I need you to don't need compassion. I need you to don't need compassion. I need you to give me what I've worked for, God." give me what I've worked for, God." give me what I've worked for, God." And we think by our own strength that And we think by our own strength that And we think by our own strength that that's where life is. But you find your that's where life is. But you find your that's where life is. But you find your loves and your joys growing increasingly loves and your joys growing increasingly loves and your joys growing increasingly brittle and fragile because your brittle and fragile because your brittle and fragile because your strength isn't strong enough to fill you strength isn't strong enough to fill you strength isn't strong enough to fill you up with love and joy that you want. up with love and joy that you want. up with love and joy that you want. Cuz his blood is stronger than our Cuz his blood is stronger than our Cuz his blood is stronger than our discipline plans. discipline plans. discipline plans. His gospel is what gets to your heart His gospel is what gets to your heart His gospel is what gets to your heart and frees you from your anxious toil and frees you from your anxious toil and frees you from your anxious toil thinking that you're in charge and in thinking that you're in charge and in thinking that you're in charge and in control. There's one who's better than control. There's one who's better than control. There's one who's better than you that is. And you know he's for you you that is. And you know he's for you you that is. And you know he's for you because he gave his son for you. Only because he gave his son for you. Only because he gave his son for you. Only the gospel enables all of us, all of us the gospel enables all of us, all of us the gospel enables all of us, all of us to come confidently to the compassion of to come confidently to the compassion of to come confidently to the compassion of the father. So here's my plea to you.

the father. So here's my plea to you. the father. So here's my plea to you. Let go of your clenched fist. Let go of your clenched fist. Let go of your clenched fist. The things you're holding on to that The things you're holding on to that The things you're holding on to that say, "Unless you answer me about this, say, "Unless you answer me about this, say, "Unless you answer me about this, God, I refuse to come." God, I refuse to come." God, I refuse to come." I'm telling you, you're not as wise and I'm telling you, you're not as wise and I'm telling you, you're not as wise and as strong as you think. And your life's as strong as you think. And your life's as strong as you think. And your life's trying to testify to you. The trying to testify to you. The trying to testify to you. The brittleleness of your ambitions, the brittleleness of your ambitions, the brittleleness of your ambitions, the brittleleness of your ego is trying to brittleleness of your ego is trying to brittleleness of your ego is trying to tell you you're not made to be God. Let tell you you're not made to be God. Let tell you you're not made to be God. Let go of it. Let go of your guilt. go of it. Let go of your guilt. go of it. Let go of your guilt. Let go of your guilt. You don't have to Let go of your guilt. You don't have to Let go of your guilt. You don't have to beat yourself up anymore. Jesus got beat beat yourself up anymore. Jesus got beat beat yourself up anymore. Jesus got beat up for us on the cross. You can let go up for us on the cross. You can let go up for us on the cross. You can let go of that. of that. of that. Let go of your sense of fairness. Let go of your sense of fairness. Let go of your sense of fairness. Let go of your sense of justice as if Let go of your sense of justice as if Let go of your sense of justice as if you can discern what every person's life you can discern what every person's life you can discern what every person's life should be like. As if you can discern should be like. As if you can discern should be like. As if you can discern what your life should be like. You are what your life should be like. You are what your life should be like. You are making choices candidly. You do not know making choices candidly. You do not know making choices candidly. You do not know the extent to the choices and sacrifices the extent to the choices and sacrifices the extent to the choices and sacrifices and things you're signing up for when and things you're signing up for when and things you're signing up for when you get in that relationship or get in you get in that relationship or get in you get in that relationship or get in that job or get in that church or move that job or get in that church or move that job or get in that church or move to that city. You don't really know.

to that city. You don't really know. to that city. You don't really know. So, you can let go of any sense that you So, you can let go of any sense that you So, you can let go of any sense that you can discern what's fair. can discern what's fair. can discern what's fair. And you, we can all listen to this And you, we can all listen to this And you, we can all listen to this Persian king, this pagan king named Persian king, this pagan king named Persian king, this pagan king named Cyrus, who gave the order to call God's Cyrus, who gave the order to call God's Cyrus, who gave the order to call God's people back home. people back home. people back home. God used a pagan king to show the people God used a pagan king to show the people God used a pagan king to show the people of God, none of you did this. of God, none of you did this. of God, none of you did this. It took a non-believer to remind you of It took a non-believer to remind you of It took a non-believer to remind you of what I'm like, so none of you could take what I'm like, so none of you could take what I'm like, so none of you could take credit. And so that's what I want us to credit. And so that's what I want us to credit. And so that's what I want us to listen to Cyrus listen to Cyrus listen to Cyrus and go home to God today. He ends 2 and go home to God today. He ends 2 and go home to God today. He ends 2 Chronicles with again with this. He Chronicles with again with this. He Chronicles with again with this. He says, "Whoever is among you, all his says, "Whoever is among you, all his says, "Whoever is among you, all his people, people, people, whoever is here and wants to find joy whoever is here and wants to find joy whoever is here and wants to find joy and life and freedom, and you may have and life and freedom, and you may have and life and freedom, and you may have had it last week, but you already feel had it last week, but you already feel had it last week, but you already feel it flailing in your life. You may have it flailing in your life. You may have it flailing in your life. You may have never had it and you're newer to church never had it and you're newer to church never had it and you're newer to church and you're not sure or you're just and you're not sure or you're just and you're not sure or you're just coming back to church for the first time coming back to church for the first time coming back to church for the first time or you've been hurt and you don't know or you've been hurt and you don't know or you've been hurt and you don't know how to navigate all of it. Tell trust me how to navigate all of it. Tell trust me how to navigate all of it. Tell trust me there's a lot to navigate in the there's a lot to navigate in the there's a lot to navigate in the complexity of our lives and trust and complexity of our lives and trust and complexity of our lives and trust and relationships.

relationships. relationships. But the foundation is learning how to But the foundation is learning how to But the foundation is learning how to come back home come back home come back home to come back home. May the Lord his God to come back home. May the Lord his God to come back home. May the Lord his God be with him with her. Let him let her go be with him with her. Let him let her go be with him with her. Let him let her go up. up. up. Let them go home to the compassion of Let them go home to the compassion of Let them go home to the compassion of their God. Let's pray. Father, would you right now remind your Father, would you right now remind your people and all who can hear my voice people and all who can hear my voice people and all who can hear my voice that you are a God abounding in love and that you are a God abounding in love and that you are a God abounding in love and truth and faithfulness, gracious, truth and faithfulness, gracious, truth and faithfulness, gracious, compassionate, compassionate, compassionate, slow to anger. slow to anger. slow to anger. Remind us of your justice. remind us of Remind us of your justice. remind us of Remind us of your justice. remind us of your judgment and how they testify to your judgment and how they testify to your judgment and how they testify to your goodness your goodness your goodness and they testify to your holiness and and they testify to your holiness and and they testify to your holiness and they testify to your authority. God, they testify to your authority. God, they testify to your authority. God, help us see that our lives matter and help us see that our lives matter and help us see that our lives matter and there are stakes and consequences for there are stakes and consequences for there are stakes and consequences for what we do. Not because we're here to what we do. Not because we're here to what we do. Not because we're here to prove ourselves, God, but because we're prove ourselves, God, but because we're prove ourselves, God, but because we're made in your image.

Now, for those in this room just feeling Now, for those in this room just feeling stuck in shame, stuck in shame, stuck in shame, stuck in guilt, who stuck in guilt, who stuck in guilt, who who have said the words to you, God, in who have said the words to you, God, in who have said the words to you, God, in prayer or to friends, I'm just so tired prayer or to friends, I'm just so tired prayer or to friends, I'm just so tired of failing and doing the same wrong of failing and doing the same wrong of failing and doing the same wrong thing over and over again. thing over and over again. thing over and over again. Father, I know that feeling acutely. Father, I know that feeling acutely. Father, I know that feeling acutely. And Father, I pray this morning that And Father, I pray this morning that And Father, I pray this morning that you'd remind them and me you'd remind them and me you'd remind them and me that our incessant and constant failures that our incessant and constant failures that our incessant and constant failures are not an opportunity for us to be are not an opportunity for us to be are not an opportunity for us to be dragged down to the depths of shame and dragged down to the depths of shame and dragged down to the depths of shame and guilt. They're an opportunity to lift guilt. They're an opportunity to lift guilt. They're an opportunity to lift our eyes and see how much you did for us our eyes and see how much you did for us our eyes and see how much you did for us on the cross. on the cross. on the cross. But they free us. But they free us. But they free us. It testifies to your strength, Jesus, It testifies to your strength, Jesus, It testifies to your strength, Jesus, when we surrender to grace. when we surrender to grace. when we surrender to grace. And God, for those in this room, God, if And God, for those in this room, God, if And God, for those in this room, God, if we're honest, our hearts are cold. We we're honest, our hearts are cold. We we're honest, our hearts are cold. We feel owed.

feel owed. feel owed. We're annoyed that we haven't gotten the We're annoyed that we haven't gotten the We're annoyed that we haven't gotten the thing we've been working for. thing we've been working for. thing we've been working for. God, would you help us be a little bit God, would you help us be a little bit God, would you help us be a little bit introspective this morning and ask, introspective this morning and ask, introspective this morning and ask, is this path bringing us deeper joy, is this path bringing us deeper joy, is this path bringing us deeper joy, stronger life, stronger life, stronger life, more peace, more peace, more peace, or is it making us brittle? or is it making us brittle? or is it making us brittle? Is it making us cold? Is it making us cold? Is it making us cold? Is it making us lash out? Is it making Is it making us lash out? Is it making Is it making us lash out? Is it making us resentful? us resentful? us resentful? And God, let us see that the way home And God, let us see that the way home And God, let us see that the way home for us is exactly the same. That Jesus, for us is exactly the same. That Jesus, for us is exactly the same. That Jesus, you died for those who don't even think you died for those who don't even think you died for those who don't even think that they need it that they need it that they need it to show us how deep your love goes. to show us how deep your love goes. to show us how deep your love goes. So, Father, help us see and believe So, Father, help us see and believe So, Father, help us see and believe Aresh. Christ's name I pray. Amen. Good morning. My name is Scott Hecman, Good morning. My name is Scott Hecman, one of your pastors here, and I have the one of your pastors here, and I have the one of your pastors here, and I have the privilege of getting to help us privilege of getting to help us privilege of getting to help us celebrate this gift of communion today.

celebrate this gift of communion today. celebrate this gift of communion today. And what communion is is this incredible And what communion is is this incredible And what communion is is this incredible gift of taking these really common gift of taking these really common gift of taking these really common elements that we interact with every elements that we interact with every elements that we interact with every day, bread, the cup, and it infuses that day, bread, the cup, and it infuses that day, bread, the cup, and it infuses that supernatural spiritual reality supernatural spiritual reality supernatural spiritual reality that Tyler just talked about. this gift that Tyler just talked about. this gift that Tyler just talked about. this gift of grace, the lengths our king Jesus of grace, the lengths our king Jesus of grace, the lengths our king Jesus went to to bring us home. went to to bring us home. went to to bring us home. And that gift real practically, we're And that gift real practically, we're And that gift real practically, we're going to celebrate as the ushers dismiss going to celebrate as the ushers dismiss going to celebrate as the ushers dismiss us here in a second, row by row, and us here in a second, row by row, and us here in a second, row by row, and they'll tell you which station to go to. they'll tell you which station to go to. they'll tell you which station to go to. And as they do that, my encouragement, And as they do that, my encouragement, And as they do that, my encouragement, [music] as Tyler just said, is to be [music] as Tyler just said, is to be [music] as Tyler just said, is to be introspective even now, and start asking introspective even now, and start asking introspective even now, and start asking God for help. God for help. God for help. What am I holding on to? Where are my What am I holding on to? Where are my What am I holding on to? Where are my fists clenched around? If those are fists clenched around? If those are fists clenched around? If those are grief, if those are guilt, if those are grief, if those are guilt, if those are grief, if those are guilt, if those are a sense of fairness, a sense of fairness, a sense of fairness, ask for his help to let go and receive ask for his help to let go and receive ask for his help to let go and receive his free compassionate gift of grace he his free compassionate gift of grace he his free compassionate gift of grace he gladly gave for you. And if you're not gladly gave for you. And if you're not gladly gave for you. And if you're not yet a believer, we're so glad you're yet a believer, we're so glad you're yet a believer, we're so glad you're here. We'd ask you not to take communion here. We'd ask you not to take communion here. We'd ask you not to take communion today because it's not a magical step, today because it's not a magical step, today because it's not a magical step, but it is an act of faith. And we'd love but it is an act of faith. And we'd love but it is an act of faith. And we'd love I would love come talk to me. My name is I would love come talk to me. My name is I would love come talk to me. My name is Scott. Would love to talk to you right Scott. Would love to talk to you right Scott. Would love to talk to you right after service today and help you explore after service today and help you explore after service today and help you explore what is that next step for you. This is what is that next step for you. This is what is that next step for you. This is a powerful gracious gift.

a powerful gracious gift. a powerful gracious gift. And it's about 2,000 years ago, our And it's about 2,000 years ago, our And it's about 2,000 years ago, our savior, that that king who gave savior, that that king who gave savior, that that king who gave everything for us, that compassionate everything for us, that compassionate everything for us, that compassionate savior of ours, he took the bread at a savior of ours, he took the bread at a savior of ours, he took the bread at a meal with his disciples. He thanked God meal with his disciples. He thanked God meal with his disciples. He thanked God for it and he broke it. And he said, "This is my body broken And he said, "This is my body broken gladly for you, brother, sister, and as gladly for you, brother, sister, and as gladly for you, brother, sister, and as often as you eat of it, do it in often as you eat of it, do it in often as you eat of it, do it in remembrance of my joyful gift for you." remembrance of my joyful gift for you." remembrance of my joyful gift for you." And then he took the cup and he said, And then he took the cup and he said, And then he took the cup and he said, "This is my blood of the new covenant "This is my blood of the new covenant "This is my blood of the new covenant poured out gladly for you. And as often poured out gladly for you. And as often poured out gladly for you. And as often as you drink of it, do it in remembrance as you drink of it, do it in remembrance as you drink of it, do it in remembrance of me." of me." of me." So when you're ready, you'll be So when you're ready, you'll be So when you're ready, you'll be dismissed to enjoy this gift freely dismissed to enjoy this gift freely dismissed to enjoy this gift freely given to bring you home.

What can [singing] wash What can [singing] wash away my s. away my s. away my s. Nothing but [music] the [singing] blood Nothing but [music] the [singing] blood Nothing but [music] the [singing] blood of Jesus. [music] What can make me whole again? [music] What can make me whole again? [singing] Oh, Oh, precious [singing] precious [singing] precious [singing] is the flow is the flow is the flow that that that makes [music] me white as snow. makes [music] me white as snow. makes [music] me white as snow. [singing] [singing] [singing] No, [singing] I know [singing] I know nothing but [music] the blood of Jesus. nothing but [music] the blood of Jesus. nothing but [music] the blood of Jesus. [music] This is [music] all [singing] This is [music] all [singing] my hope and peace.

my hope and peace. my hope and peace. Nothing but the [singing] blood of Nothing but the [singing] blood of Nothing but the [singing] blood of Jesus. [music] Nothing [music and singing] but the Nothing [music and singing] but the blood of Jesus. [music] Oh, [music] Oh, precious [singing] precious [singing] precious [singing] is the flow is the flow is the flow that [music] makes thee white as snow. that [music] makes thee white as snow. that [music] makes thee white as snow. Oh [singing] no. No other Oh [singing] no. No other Oh [singing] no. No other found [music and singing] I know found [music and singing] I know found [music and singing] I know nothing but the blood of [singing] Jesus nothing but the blood of [singing] Jesus nothing but the blood of [singing] Jesus [music] for my garden.

for my garden. [music] This [singing] I see [music] This [singing] I see [music] This [singing] I see nothing but the blood of Jesus [music] for my [singing] for my [singing] cleansing. [music] cleansing. [music] cleansing. [music] This I plead. This I plead. This I plead. Nothing [singing] but the blood of Nothing [singing] but the blood of Nothing [singing] but the blood of Jesus. [music] And oh, [singing] precious [music] And oh, [singing] precious [music] is the flow is the flow is the flow that that that makes me [music] white as snow. makes me [music] white as snow. makes me [music] white as snow. [singing] [singing] [singing] No No No other other other grounds [music and singing] I know. grounds [music and singing] I know. grounds [music and singing] I know. Nothing but the blood [singing] Nothing but the blood [singing] Nothing but the blood [singing] of [music] Jesus. Nothing [music] but the blood [singing] Nothing [music] but the blood [singing] of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Nothing [singing] but the blood of Nothing [singing] but the blood of Nothing [singing] but the blood of Jesus.

Father, we say thank you. Father, we say thank you. We say thank you for sending your son. We say thank you for sending your son. We say thank you for sending your son. We respond to you now. If you're able to, would you stand If you're able to, would you stand this morning and worship? I wasn't created [music] I wasn't created [music] [singing] to let it all go. [music] to let it all go. [music] I see it [singing] now. I'm laying it I see it [singing] now. I'm laying it I see it [singing] now. I'm laying it down. And I know that [singing] I need down. And I know that [singing] I need down. And I know that [singing] I need [music] [music] [music] you. I run to the father. I fall you. I run to the father. I fall you. I run to the father. I fall [music and singing] in the grace. I'm [music and singing] in the grace. I'm [music and singing] in the grace. I'm done with the hiding. No reason [music] done with the hiding. No reason [music] done with the hiding. No reason [music] to wait. My heart needs a [singing] to wait. My heart needs a [singing] to wait. My heart needs a [singing] surgeon. My soul needs a [music] friend.

surgeon. My soul needs a [music] friend. surgeon. My soul needs a [music] friend. So I'll run to the father again and So I'll run to the father again and So I'll run to the father again and again and again [singing] and again again and again [singing] and again again and again [singing] and again again. [music] again. [music] again. [music] Oh, Oh, Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. Had a plan from the start. It's just Had a plan from the start. It's just what [music] he did. what [music] he did. what [music] he did. Gave your son for redemption. >> [music] >> [music] >> I don't have [singing] a context [music] for that kind of love. I don't [music] for that kind of love. I don't understand. [singing] understand. [singing] understand. [singing] I can't comprehend. [music] I can't comprehend. [music] I can't comprehend. [music] All I know [singing] is I need you. I All I know [singing] is I need you. I All I know [singing] is I need you. I run [music] to the father. I fall into run [music] to the father. I fall into run [music] to the father. I fall into [singing] grace. I'm done with the [singing] grace. I'm done with the [singing] grace. I'm done with the hiding. [music] No reason to wait. My hiding. [music] No reason to wait. My hiding. [music] No reason to wait. My heart needs a surgeon. My soul needs heart needs a surgeon. My soul needs heart needs a surgeon. My soul needs [music] a friend. So I'll [singing] run [music] a friend. So I'll [singing] run [music] a friend. So I'll [singing] run to the father again and again [music] to the father again and again [music] to the father again and again [music] and again [singing] and again [singing] and again [singing] and again again.

and again again. and again again. Oh, [singing] again again. [music] [singing] again again. [music] Oh, Oh, Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. oh. oh. My [music and singing] heart is been in My [music and singing] heart is been in My [music and singing] heart is been in your sights long before your sights long before your sights long before [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] my first breath. my first breath. my first breath. Running [music and singing] into Running [music and singing] into Running [music and singing] into your arms is run into life from death. your arms is run into life from death. your arms is run into life from death. [music] [music] [music] And I feel this rush deep in my chest. And I feel this rush deep in my chest. And I feel this rush deep in my chest. Your [music] mercy is calling Your [music] mercy is calling Your [music] mercy is calling out [music] just as I am. You pull me out [music] just as I am. You pull me out [music] just as I am. You pull me in. And I know I [singing] need [music] in. And I know I [singing] need [music] in. And I know I [singing] need [music] you now. I run to the [singing] far. I you now. I run to the [singing] far. I you now. I run to the [singing] far. I [music] fall into grace. I'm done with [music] fall into grace. I'm done with [music] fall into grace. I'm done with [singing] the hearting. No reason to [singing] the hearting. No reason to [singing] the hearting. No reason to wait. My [music] heart needs a surgeon.

wait. My [music] heart needs a surgeon. wait. My [music] heart needs a surgeon. My soul needs a friend. So I'll run to My soul needs a friend. So I'll run to My soul needs a friend. So I'll run to the father again. Again. I run to the father again. Again. I run to the father again. Again. I run to [singing] the father. I fall [music] [singing] the father. I fall [music] [singing] the father. I fall [music] into grace. into grace. into grace. Join [singing] with the hiding. No Join [singing] with the hiding. No Join [singing] with the hiding. No reason [music] to wait. My heart found a reason [music] to wait. My heart found a reason [music] to wait. My heart found a searching. My soul [music and singing] searching. My soul [music and singing] searching. My soul [music and singing] found a friend. So I run to the father found a friend. So I run to the father found a friend. So I run to the father again and again [music and singing] again and again [music and singing] again and again [music and singing] and again and again. and again and again. and again and again. Oh Oh Oh [singing] again again. again again. Oh, Oh, Oh, [music and singing] oh, [music and singing] oh, [music and singing] oh, oh. oh. oh. Again, again. [music] Would you sing that one more time to Would you sing that one more time to him? His arms are wide open for you him? His arms are wide open for you him? His arms are wide open for you today. Mercy for you today. [music] today. Mercy for you today. [music] today. Mercy for you today. [music] Compassion for you today.

So I run to [music] the father. I fall So I run to [music] the father. I fall [singing] in grace. I'm done with the [singing] in grace. I'm done with the [singing] in grace. I'm done with the hiding. [music] No reason to wait. My hiding. [music] No reason to wait. My hiding. [music] No reason to wait. My heart needs a searching. My soul needs a heart needs a searching. My soul needs a heart needs a searching. My soul needs a friend. [music] friend. [music] friend. [music] So I'll run to the father again and So I'll run to the father again and So I'll run to the father again and again and [singing] again and again. again and [singing] again and again. again and [singing] again and again. [music] Father, thank you for your mercy and Father, thank you for your mercy and your grace. Thank you for your kindness your grace. Thank you for your kindness your grace. Thank you for your kindness that leads us to repentance. We're grateful, Lord. We're grateful. We We're grateful, Lord. We're grateful. We [music] pray these things in Christ's [music] pray these things in Christ's [music] pray these things in Christ's name. Amen. [music] All right. As the uh offering [music] All right. As the uh offering team comes forward, y'all can grab a team comes forward, y'all can grab a team comes forward, y'all can grab a seat. got a couple of ways for us to seat. got a couple of ways for us to seat. got a couple of ways for us to respond today [music] respond today [music] respond today [music] uh to help live out some of that uh to help live out some of that uh to help live out some of that compassion King Jesus has given us and compassion King Jesus has given us and compassion King Jesus has given us and show it to the city, to show it to this show it to the city, to show it to this show it to the city, to show it to this church. The first one, we're looking for church. The first one, we're looking for church. The first one, we're looking for 20 folks to sign up to show that 20 folks to sign up to show that 20 folks to sign up to show that compassion to this church through compassion to this church through compassion to this church through hospitality, kids, tear down, setup hospitality, kids, tear down, setup hospitality, kids, tear down, setup teams. You guys experienced [music] the teams. You guys experienced [music] the teams. You guys experienced [music] the the joys of being at Austin High this the joys of being at Austin High this the joys of being at Austin High this morning, the quirks. Um we love this morning, the quirks. Um we love this morning, the quirks. Um we love this part of town. I mean, amazing. ACL is part of town. I mean, amazing. ACL is part of town. I mean, amazing. ACL is like right there right in October. And like right there right in October. And like right there right in October. And so this is an awesome part of town, but so this is an awesome part of town, but so this is an awesome part of town, but it does take some work. About 70 people it does take some work. About 70 people it does take some work. About 70 people every Sunday to set up, [music] host, every Sunday to set up, [music] host, every Sunday to set up, [music] host, teach Bible to kids, and then tear down.

teach Bible to kids, and then tear down. teach Bible to kids, and then tear down. And so we're looking for in the summer And so we're looking for in the summer And so we're looking for in the summer months when some of our college service months when some of our college service months when some of our college service team members have gone home to help team members have gone home to help team members have gone home to help replenish some of those teams. We're replenish some of those teams. We're replenish some of those teams. We're looking for 20 folks. If that's you, looking for 20 folks. If that's you, looking for 20 folks. If that's you, come talk to me. Look for somebody in come talk to me. Look for somebody in come talk to me. Look for somebody in the connect area or you can go to the QR the connect area or you can go to the QR the connect area or you can go to the QR code behind me to explore. What does code behind me to explore. What does code behind me to explore. What does that look like just to check this out? that look like just to check this out? that look like just to check this out? And then secondly, Christianity is not And then secondly, Christianity is not And then secondly, Christianity is not meant to be a faith lived out in a free meant to be a faith lived out in a free meant to be a faith lived out in a free solo type way. It is a team sport. King solo type way. It is a team sport. King solo type way. It is a team sport. King Jesus wants us to receive that Jesus wants us to receive that Jesus wants us to receive that compassion together [music] compassion together [music] compassion together [music] and then to show it to each other. And and then to show it to each other. And and then to show it to each other. And so we've got some really low bar so we've got some really low bar so we've got some really low bar hangouts uh happening this summer with hangouts uh happening this summer with hangouts uh happening this summer with the dates behind me. Uh it's just really the dates behind me. Uh it's just really the dates behind me. Uh it's just really easy in the summer months. It's like easy in the summer months. It's like easy in the summer months. It's like there's nothing happening and then all there's nothing happening and then all there's nothing happening and then all of a sudden there's like 25 things of a sudden there's like 25 things of a sudden there's like 25 things happening. Don't let that happening. Don't let that happening. Don't let that unpredictability unpredictability unpredictability keep [music] you from getting around keep [music] you from getting around keep [music] you from getting around Christians who love the fact that you're Christians who love the fact that you're Christians who love the fact that you're a Christian, too. And so, these are a Christian, too. And so, these are a Christian, too. And so, these are opportunities you can just jump right opportunities you can just jump right opportunities you can just jump right in. Show up. If you're a woman woman, in. Show up. If you're a woman woman, in. Show up. If you're a woman woman, there's two opportunities. If there's there's two opportunities. If there's there's two opportunities. If there's [music] [music] [music] uh college age folks here, we've got an uh college age folks here, we've got an uh college age folks here, we've got an opportunity or zilker for anybody next opportunity or zilker for anybody next opportunity or zilker for anybody next week. We love y'all. If you would stand week. We love y'all. If you would stand week. We love y'all. If you would stand here for the benediction, that's all we here for the benediction, that's all we here for the benediction, that's all we have.

have. have. >> All right. Sing this one more time to >> All right. Sing this one more time to >> All right. Sing this one more time to our king. All [music] hell All [music] hell Jesus. [singing] All [music] hell. Lord [singing] All [music] hell. Lord [singing] of heaven [music] and earth. of heaven [music] and earth. of heaven [music] and earth. All hail king Jesus. [singing] All [music] hail Savior All [music] hail Savior of the world. of the world. of the world. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] Church, we >> Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] Church, we >> Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] Church, we love you. Go in his peace and his grace love you. Go in his peace and his grace love you. Go in his peace and his grace today. See you next week. I expert.

I expert. It's always