Kings of Judah: The Lion of Judah

Um, my name is Alex. If we have not met, Um, my name is Alex. If we have not met, I'm glad to be with you guys. I'm I'm glad to be with you guys. I'm I'm glad to be with you guys. I'm [music] usually at our St. John campus, [music] usually at our St. John campus, [music] usually at our St. John campus, but always glad to join y'all. Um, but always glad to join y'all. Um, but always glad to join y'all. Um, great. Yeah, y'all can stand, I guess. great. Yeah, y'all can stand, I guess. great. Yeah, y'all can stand, I guess. Yeah, that's great. That's great. I was Yeah, that's great. That's great. I was Yeah, that's great. That's great. I was going to give you a second, but let's do going to give you a second, but let's do going to give you a second, but let's do it. Um, if you're new here, you're it. Um, if you're new here, you're it. Um, if you're new here, you're visiting, welcome. So glad that you're visiting, welcome. So glad that you're visiting, welcome. So glad that you're here. Uh, congratulations. You've here. Uh, congratulations. You've here. Uh, congratulations. You've endured another week and we find endured another week and we find endured another week and we find ourselves here, and we're thankful for ourselves here, and we're thankful for ourselves here, and we're thankful for that. Um, yeah. Before we offer our that. Um, yeah. Before we offer our that. Um, yeah. Before we offer our songs to the Lord Jesus, this is what I songs to the Lord Jesus, this is what I songs to the Lord Jesus, this is what I love to do. I would love to pray Psalm love to do. I would love to pray Psalm love to do. I would love to pray Psalm 62 together just through a quick call 62 together just through a quick call 62 together just through a quick call and response. [music] So, there's going and response. [music] So, there's going and response. [music] So, there's going to be a slide that says leader. Oh, to be a slide that says leader. Oh, to be a slide that says leader. Oh, they're together today. Great. All they're together today. Great. All they're together today. Great. All right. I'm going to read the leader right. I'm going to read the leader right. I'm going to read the leader section and then we'll read the together section and then we'll read the together section and then we'll read the together section and then we'll jump in. All section and then we'll jump in. All section and then we'll jump in. All right. Before we do that, why don't we right. Before we do that, why don't we right. Before we do that, why don't we take a deep breath and just settle into take a deep breath and just settle into take a deep breath and just settle into where you find yourselves and we'll where you find yourselves and we'll where you find yourselves and we'll pray. Psalm 62 Psalm 62 says, "I am at rest in God alone, and my says, "I am at rest in God alone, and my says, "I am at rest in God alone, and my salvation comes from him." And together, salvation comes from him." And together, salvation comes from him." And together, "Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope "Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope "Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and comes from him. He alone is my rock and comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, [music] and my salvation, my stronghold, [music] and my salvation, my stronghold, [music] and I will not be shaken." Amen. All right, I will not be shaken." Amen. All right, I will not be shaken." Amen. All right, let's sing together.

shining like the sun shining like the sun for I know I have done. know I have done. My rightousness [singing] My rightousness [singing] My rightousness [singing] I [music] for him at my savior's cross. I [music] for him at my savior's cross. I [music] for him at my savior's cross. Where all [singing] sufficient Where all [singing] sufficient Where all [singing] sufficient Mary Mary Mary did [singing] what I could not in love. be [music] called to send in love. be [music] called to send eternal mountain time. eternal mountain time. eternal mountain time. A life [music and singing] without a A life [music and singing] without a A life [music and singing] without a bleach. bleach. bleach. The maker made to [music] die. The maker made to [music] die. The maker made to [music] die. The law could [singing] never save us. The law could [singing] never save us. The law could [singing] never save us. Our love is at [music] one Our love is at [music] one Our love is at [music] one unto the pure and [music] spotless unto the pure and [music] spotless unto the pure and [music] spotless lamb had highly come. [music] It is lamb had highly come. [music] It is lamb had highly come. [music] It is done.

done. done. It is tring for for all sufficient all sufficient all sufficient bearing now my own. I lay down my glories I lay down my glories any empty. by the [singing and music] sinful arms. by the [singing and music] sinful arms. Yes, I'm dressed in my Lord Jesus. Yes, I'm dressed in my Lord Jesus. Yes, I'm dressed in my Lord Jesus. A crimson [music] A crimson [music] A crimson [music] ro made wide ro made wide ro made wide with no more fear of judging. with no more fear of judging. with no more fear of judging. His righteousness [music] His righteousness [music] His righteousness [music] is mine is done. It is [music] done.

is mine is done. It is [music] done. is mine is done. It is [music] done. It is finished. It is finished. It is finished. No more [music and singing] No more [music and singing] No more [music and singing] I I I waiting for [music] waiting for [music] waiting for [music] all sufficient all sufficient all sufficient marrying now [music] marrying now [music] marrying now [music] my own. It is done. It is my own. It is done. It is my own. It is done. It is it is [music] finished. it is [music] finished. it is [music] finished. No more [singing] dead I [music] s s [music] my own. my own. [music] firm in life and death.

firm in life and death. The joy of my [singing and music] The joy of my [singing and music] The joy of my [singing and music] salvation salvation salvation shall be my final breath. shall be my final breath. shall be my final breath. And when I stand [music and singing] And when I stand [music and singing] And when I stand [music and singing] accepted accepted accepted before the throne of God, before the throne of God, before the throne of God, yes, [music] I'll gaze upon [singing] yes, [music] I'll gaze upon [singing] yes, [music] I'll gaze upon [singing] my Jesus [music] and I'll thank him for my Jesus [music] and I'll thank him for my Jesus [music] and I'll thank him for the cross. the cross. the cross. Yes, we'll thank him for the cross. Yes, we'll thank him for the cross. Yes, we'll thank him for the cross. [music] It is strong. It is strong. It is It is It is no one [music] no one [music] no one [music] else else else could [music] could [music] could [music] sufficient no more.

no more. [music] now. now. [music] Yes, you're married now. [music] Yes, you're married now. [music] Yes, you're married now. [music] Oh, you're married now. I know. [music] Oh, you're married now. I know. [music] Oh, you're married now. I know. [music] Let's sing that again. One more time. Let's sing that again. One more time. It is done. It is done. It is done. It is finished. It is finished. It is finished. No more [singing] dead. [music] No more [singing] dead. [music] No more [singing] dead. [music] I celebrate that. It is finished. It is finished. No more debt I hope No more debt I hope No more debt I hope paid for.

paid for. paid for. All sufficient. Mary [music] Mary [music] now [singing] my own. now [singing] my own. now [singing] my own. Yes, you're married now [singing] my Yes, you're married now [singing] my Yes, you're married now [singing] my own. own. own. Oh, you're married now [singing] my Oh, you're married now [singing] my Oh, you're married now [singing] my Thank you, Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> So turn your eyes upon >> So turn your eyes upon >> So turn your eyes upon Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Look for in his wonderful Look for in his wonderful Look for in his wonderful face. And the things And the things of [music] earth will grow strange. in the light of his [singing] glory in the light of his [singing] glory and grace. Sing that one more time.

and grace. Sing that one more time. and grace. Sing that one more time. And turn And turn And turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look for in his wonderful Look for in his wonderful [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] things. And the things [music] of earth will And the things [music] of earth will grow Lord, we give you thanks Lord, we give you thanks for your mercies that are new again this for your mercies that are new again this for your mercies that are new again this morning. We give you thanks that our morning. We give you thanks that our morning. We give you thanks that our restless souls can find rest in you. restless souls can find rest in you. restless souls can find rest in you. We give you [music] thanks that you are We give you [music] thanks that you are We give you [music] thanks that you are great enough and you are gracious enough great enough and you are gracious enough great enough and you are gracious enough to be to be to be our refuge. our refuge. our refuge. That we can make our home in you, oh That we can make our home in you, oh That we can make our home in you, oh Jesus. And there's enough room for Jesus. And there's enough room for Jesus. And there's enough room for everybody here in this room. No matter everybody here in this room. No matter everybody here in this room. No matter what we've done this week, what we did what we've done this week, what we did what we've done this week, what we did last night, how we're coming in this last night, how we're coming in this last night, how we're coming in this morning, you are gracious and you are morning, you are gracious and you are morning, you are gracious and you are merciful. [music] You are abounding in merciful. [music] You are abounding in merciful. [music] You are abounding in steadfast love and you are worthy to be steadfast love and you are worthy to be steadfast love and you are worthy to be praised and looked to. So would you praised and looked to. So would you praised and looked to. So would you soften our hearts and would you would you cut to our and would you would you cut to our souls, Lord, through your word? We ask souls, Lord, through your word? We ask souls, Lord, through your word? We ask this in your name. Amen. Welcome take a this in your name. Amen. Welcome take a this in your name. Amen. Welcome take a seat.

seat. seat. >> Amen. All righty. Good morning, church. Good All righty. Good morning, church. Good to see you all out this morning. My name to see you all out this morning. My name to see you all out this morning. My name is Ross. If I haven't met you, I'd love is Ross. If I haven't met you, I'd love is Ross. If I haven't met you, I'd love to meet you at some point. Uh I do most to meet you at some point. Uh I do most to meet you at some point. Uh I do most of my eldering and shephering out of our of my eldering and shephering out of our of my eldering and shephering out of our West congregation, but it's my joy and West congregation, but it's my joy and West congregation, but it's my joy and my privilege to be able to share God's my privilege to be able to share God's my privilege to be able to share God's word across our congregations um all word across our congregations um all word across our congregations um all around the city this morning. Welcome to around the city this morning. Welcome to around the city this morning. Welcome to the 19th and final week of our Kings of the 19th and final week of our Kings of the 19th and final week of our Kings of Judah study. You can almost feel the Judah study. You can almost feel the Judah study. You can almost feel the collective sigh of relief in the room collective sigh of relief in the room collective sigh of relief in the room for those who have been paying attention for those who have been paying attention for those who have been paying attention over that time. Um, it has been uh over that time. Um, it has been uh over that time. Um, it has been uh helpful, but it has been a lot to get helpful, but it has been a lot to get helpful, but it has been a lot to get through and I understand that. So, you through and I understand that. So, you through and I understand that. So, you might wonder, well, what's coming next? might wonder, well, what's coming next? might wonder, well, what's coming next? Um, are we going to get to just breathe Um, are we going to get to just breathe Um, are we going to get to just breathe a little bit in the grace of the New a little bit in the grace of the New a little bit in the grace of the New Testament? Yes, in the [snorts] fall, Testament? Yes, in the [snorts] fall, Testament? Yes, in the [snorts] fall, we're going to work through the three we're going to work through the three we're going to work through the three letters of the Apostle John. And so, letters of the Apostle John. And so, letters of the Apostle John. And so, we'll do that all the way up until we'll do that all the way up until we'll do that all the way up until Christmas. And then what comes after Christmas. And then what comes after Christmas. And then what comes after that book study-wise for us as a church that book study-wise for us as a church that book study-wise for us as a church is Leviticus. Um, and we'll do that in is Leviticus. Um, and we'll do that in is Leviticus. Um, and we'll do that in the spring next year. That'll take us the spring next year. That'll take us the spring next year. That'll take us all the way through this summer. And all the way through this summer. And all the way through this summer. And then the fall next year, we'll jump into then the fall next year, we'll jump into then the fall next year, we'll jump into the book of Acts for what will be a the book of Acts for what will be a the book of Acts for what will be a multi-year study through all of that.

multi-year study through all of that. multi-year study through all of that. And so if you want to read ahead, you're And so if you want to read ahead, you're And so if you want to read ahead, you're kind of the nerdy type, right? You kind of the nerdy type, right? You kind of the nerdy type, right? You you're going to read ahead and see some you're going to read ahead and see some you're going to read ahead and see some of the stuffs that we're going to be of the stuffs that we're going to be of the stuffs that we're going to be encountering together. But today, we encountering together. But today, we encountering together. But today, we close this study that's walked us close this study that's walked us close this study that's walked us through most of the text of 1 and 2 through most of the text of 1 and 2 through most of the text of 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles. It has Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles. It has Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles. It has hardly been a stream of kind of hardly been a stream of kind of hardly been a stream of kind of positivity, right? an optimistic outlook positivity, right? an optimistic outlook positivity, right? an optimistic outlook on human leadership and societal on human leadership and societal on human leadership and societal development. More than 20 monarchs we development. More than 20 monarchs we development. More than 20 monarchs we have looked at over a period of nearly have looked at over a period of nearly have looked at over a period of nearly 500 years of redemptive history and the 500 years of redemptive history and the 500 years of redemptive history and the high points of human virtue have been high points of human virtue have been high points of human virtue have been very few and pretty far between. Let me very few and pretty far between. Let me very few and pretty far between. Let me summarize just in case you weren't here summarize just in case you weren't here summarize just in case you weren't here at all over the last 18 weeks. Welcome. at all over the last 18 weeks. Welcome. at all over the last 18 weeks. Welcome. Right. Here's how it went. Solomon went Right. Here's how it went. Solomon went Right. Here's how it went. Solomon went and lived like wicked king Ahab's and lived like wicked king Ahab's and lived like wicked king Ahab's executed. Joash survived a coup, but executed. Joash survived a coup, but executed. Joash survived a coup, but then oriah won a great battle for the Lord oriah won a great battle for the Lord and his people, but then picked a fight and his people, but then picked a fight and his people, but then picked a fight that he couldn't finish. Uzziah had that he couldn't finish. Uzziah had that he couldn't finish. Uzziah had decades of faithfulness, praise God, but decades of faithfulness, praise God, but decades of faithfulness, praise God, but was ultimately undone in terms of legacy was ultimately undone in terms of legacy was ultimately undone in terms of legacy by one act of foolish pride. Joseph did by one act of foolish pride. Joseph did by one act of foolish pride. Joseph did right before God, but even in doing right before God, but even in doing right before God, but even in doing right before God, was unable as a leader right before God, was unable as a leader right before God, was unable as a leader to move the hearts of his people. Ahaz to move the hearts of his people. Ahaz to move the hearts of his people. Ahaz faced a crisis and in the face of crisis faced a crisis and in the face of crisis faced a crisis and in the face of crisis turned to rampant idolatry because of turned to rampant idolatry because of turned to rampant idolatry because of the fear that it brought in his heart.

the fear that it brought in his heart. the fear that it brought in his heart. Hezekiah, oh, he had a great reign, Hezekiah, oh, he had a great reign, Hezekiah, oh, he had a great reign, right? He tore down the high places. He right? He tore down the high places. He right? He tore down the high places. He trusted God against all odds. He trusted God against all odds. He trusted God against all odds. He survived an Assyrian onslaught, but then survived an Assyrian onslaught, but then survived an Assyrian onslaught, but then stumbled when Babylon flattered him. He stumbled when Babylon flattered him. He stumbled when Babylon flattered him. He was able to survive threat but stumbled was able to survive threat but stumbled was able to survive threat but stumbled in the face of flattery. Manasseh and in the face of flattery. Manasseh and in the face of flattery. Manasseh and Ammon, they were the worst reigns in Ammon, they were the worst reigns in Ammon, they were the worst reigns in Judah's history. Josiah, he found the Judah's history. Josiah, he found the Judah's history. Josiah, he found the forgotten word, read it to the people, forgotten word, read it to the people, forgotten word, read it to the people, but couldn't stop even in that fierce but couldn't stop even in that fierce but couldn't stop even in that fierce leadership what sin had set in motion. leadership what sin had set in motion. leadership what sin had set in motion. And then the sons of Josiah, the four And then the sons of Josiah, the four And then the sons of Josiah, the four kings in the last 20 years um of the kings in the last 20 years um of the kings in the last 20 years um of the reign of the kings of Judah, they reign of the kings of Judah, they reign of the kings of Judah, they repeated patterns of sin and they set up repeated patterns of sin and they set up repeated patterns of sin and they set up Judah's destruction and exile. And that Judah's destruction and exile. And that Judah's destruction and exile. And that dear friends is where the reign of dear friends is where the reign of dear friends is where the reign of Judah's kings ends. Judah's kings ends. Judah's kings ends. Jerusalem defeated, the temple a distant Jerusalem defeated, the temple a distant Jerusalem defeated, the temple a distant memory. The land desolate. Most of the memory. The land desolate. Most of the memory. The land desolate. Most of the people carried off into captivity and people carried off into captivity and people carried off into captivity and exile. It's all extremely bleak. And exile. It's all extremely bleak. And exile. It's all extremely bleak. And then it stops. It ends. And in our then it stops. It ends. And in our then it stops. It ends. And in our western imagination, we're like, that western imagination, we're like, that western imagination, we're like, that can't be right. That can't be. We need can't be right. That can't be. We need can't be right. That can't be. We need an optimistic thread. Uh we need some an optimistic thread. Uh we need some an optimistic thread. Uh we need some kind of upturn at the end. If this had kind of upturn at the end. If this had kind of upturn at the end. If this had been a movie, right, and you had sat been a movie, right, and you had sat been a movie, right, and you had sat through all of this and then the credits through all of this and then the credits through all of this and then the credits rolled, you would be so bleak. You'd be rolled, you would be so bleak. You'd be rolled, you would be so bleak. You'd be like, did I come into some kind of like, did I come into some kind of like, did I come into some kind of European art film by mistake? Um I want European art film by mistake? Um I want European art film by mistake? Um I want a refund, which at the moment is $84,

a refund, which at the moment is $84, a refund, which at the moment is $84, right? Um I I I feel like I can't sit right? Um I I I feel like I can't sit right? Um I I I feel like I can't sit through that only to be left. And so we through that only to be left. And so we through that only to be left. And so we go, well, maybe it's part of a universe. go, well, maybe it's part of a universe. go, well, maybe it's part of a universe. There's a sequel coming, right? And There's a sequel coming, right? And There's a sequel coming, right? And you'd be partially correct. We just you'd be partially correct. We just you'd be partially correct. We just aren't used to stories that just tell of aren't used to stories that just tell of aren't used to stories that just tell of bleakness and destruction and rebellion bleakness and destruction and rebellion bleakness and destruction and rebellion and then they're like and then it was and then they're like and then it was and then they're like and then it was over. And so what do we do with that over. And so what do we do with that over. And so what do we do with that cold ending? Well, friends, I want to cold ending? Well, friends, I want to cold ending? Well, friends, I want to give us a a warning and an encouragement give us a a warning and an encouragement give us a a warning and an encouragement and then I want to Jesus juke us for and then I want to Jesus juke us for and then I want to Jesus juke us for about 30 minutes um together. Right. The about 30 minutes um together. Right. The about 30 minutes um together. Right. The the the warning is this. There are some the the warning is this. There are some the the warning is this. There are some potential dangers for our heart in the potential dangers for our heart in the potential dangers for our heart in the bleakness of the telling of human bleakness of the telling of human bleakness of the telling of human leadership in the stories of the kings leadership in the stories of the kings leadership in the stories of the kings of Judah. Right? Here's my big check of Judah. Right? Here's my big check of Judah. Right? Here's my big check engine light. A sense of deep cynicism engine light. A sense of deep cynicism engine light. A sense of deep cynicism can set in because cynicism is safe. You can set in because cynicism is safe. You can set in because cynicism is safe. You get to sit on the sidelines and you go, get to sit on the sidelines and you go, get to sit on the sidelines and you go, you see, everyone sucks and everything's you see, everyone sucks and everything's you see, everyone sucks and everything's terrible and I'm the one who gets to see terrible and I'm the one who gets to see terrible and I'm the one who gets to see it and so I never place my hope in it and so I never place my hope in it and so I never place my hope in anything. It leads to disengagement from anything. It leads to disengagement from anything. It leads to disengagement from the world and it leads to despair in the world and it leads to despair in the world and it leads to despair in humanity's outcomes. I don't think humanity's outcomes. I don't think humanity's outcomes. I don't think that's the big idea of the text. The that's the big idea of the text. The that's the big idea of the text. The other danger would just be pure other danger would just be pure other danger would just be pure nihilism, right? Well, nothing matters nihilism, right? Well, nothing matters nihilism, right? Well, nothing matters then. Leaders don't matter. World then. Leaders don't matter. World then. Leaders don't matter. World history doesn't matter, right? Or history doesn't matter, right? Or history doesn't matter, right? Or fatalism. Everything's just going to fatalism. Everything's just going to fatalism. Everything's just going to turn out for the worst. That can become turn out for the worst. That can become turn out for the worst. That can become our view of the past. We can't see any our view of the past. We can't see any our view of the past. We can't see any good even in the stories because we see good even in the stories because we see good even in the stories because we see the sin and so we can't see any of the the sin and so we can't see any of the the sin and so we can't see any of the grace, right? Or the present. We just

grace, right? Or the present. We just grace, right? Or the present. We just think this moment stinks so bad and it's think this moment stinks so bad and it's think this moment stinks so bad and it's never been this bad. I'm going to never been this bad. I'm going to never been this bad. I'm going to address that in a second. It's just address that in a second. It's just address that in a second. It's just fundamentally untrue, right? Or we won't fundamentally untrue, right? Or we won't fundamentally untrue, right? Or we won't see God even potentially working in the see God even potentially working in the see God even potentially working in the future and we lose the golden threads of future and we lose the golden threads of future and we lose the golden threads of gospel hope. Um we we justify ourselves gospel hope. Um we we justify ourselves gospel hope. Um we we justify ourselves because we go, see, I see things because we go, see, I see things because we go, see, I see things rightly. Things don't work out. But rightly. Things don't work out. But rightly. Things don't work out. But we're called to be a hopeful people. And we're called to be a hopeful people. And we're called to be a hopeful people. And there's a there's a real possibility there's a there's a real possibility there's a there's a real possibility that we can lose that in a reading of that we can lose that in a reading of that we can lose that in a reading of texts like this. But there's also some texts like this. But there's also some texts like this. But there's also some real optimism, some real hope, some real optimism, some real hope, some real optimism, some real hope, some really helpful lessons for us in reading really helpful lessons for us in reading really helpful lessons for us in reading a text like this. Firstly, it helps us, a text like this. Firstly, it helps us, a text like this. Firstly, it helps us, it's helped me again to rightsize our it's helped me again to rightsize our it's helped me again to rightsize our expectations of human leadership. What expectations of human leadership. What expectations of human leadership. What do you expect from sinful people? The do you expect from sinful people? The do you expect from sinful people? The stories are disarming because they stories are disarming because they stories are disarming because they introduce a real tension through the introduce a real tension through the introduce a real tension through the text. What's the tension? Leaders text. What's the tension? Leaders text. What's the tension? Leaders absolutely matter. You can't live absolutely matter. You can't live absolutely matter. You can't live without them. Right? So, the answer without them. Right? So, the answer without them. Right? So, the answer isn't anarchy. Let me tell you, that's isn't anarchy. Let me tell you, that's isn't anarchy. Let me tell you, that's worse.

worse. worse. What's worse than one sinner ruling over What's worse than one sinner ruling over What's worse than one sinner ruling over a people, giving into the base instincts a people, giving into the base instincts a people, giving into the base instincts of all the sinners trying to rule at the of all the sinners trying to rule at the of all the sinners trying to rule at the same time, right? That is worse. Uh we same time, right? That is worse. Uh we same time, right? That is worse. Uh we know that from human history. So, know that from human history. So, know that from human history. So, leaders matter. That much is clear. But leaders matter. That much is clear. But leaders matter. That much is clear. But listen, listen. The thrones they listen, listen. The thrones they listen, listen. The thrones they inhabit, the power that they possess is inhabit, the power that they possess is inhabit, the power that they possess is fragile. And so as a result, leaders of fragile. And so as a result, leaders of fragile. And so as a result, leaders of this world should never be the source, this world should never be the source, this world should never be the source, listen, of our ultimate hope. And they listen, of our ultimate hope. And they listen, of our ultimate hope. And they probably also shouldn't be the direction probably also shouldn't be the direction probably also shouldn't be the direction of our ultimate despair. of our ultimate despair. of our ultimate despair. They just shouldn't occupy that much They just shouldn't occupy that much They just shouldn't occupy that much space in our hearts and minds and space in our hearts and minds and space in our hearts and minds and imaginations. They must occupy some, imaginations. They must occupy some, imaginations. They must occupy some, just not ultimate. Right? Secondly, a just not ultimate. Right? Secondly, a just not ultimate. Right? Secondly, a text like this helps us to orient our text like this helps us to orient our text like this helps us to orient our own moment own moment own moment as one amongst many. as one amongst many. as one amongst many. I said in the first week, I went back to I said in the first week, I went back to I said in the first week, I went back to my notes. I said in the first week that my notes. I said in the first week that my notes. I said in the first week that reading redemptive history helps us to reading redemptive history helps us to reading redemptive history helps us to realize that listen, we probably don't realize that listen, we probably don't realize that listen, we probably don't live in the best of times or the worst live in the best of times or the worst live in the best of times or the worst of times. You know where we live in of times. You know where we live in of times. You know where we live in times. [snorts] times. [snorts] times. [snorts] And you know the good news about that?

And you know the good news about that? And you know the good news about that? God works in all times. God works in all times. God works in all times. Now, that's not me saying that every Now, that's not me saying that every Now, that's not me saying that every season or era of human history is the season or era of human history is the season or era of human history is the same. That that would be naive and same. That that would be naive and same. That that would be naive and foolish, right? There's es and flows of foolish, right? There's es and flows of foolish, right? There's es and flows of human flourishing. But every generation human flourishing. But every generation human flourishing. But every generation thinks they live in the most important thinks they live in the most important thinks they live in the most important one. one. one. And it makes us really anxious. And it makes us really anxious. And it makes us really anxious. It makes us really angry. It makes us It makes us really angry. It makes us It makes us really angry. It makes us really hateful against people who oppose really hateful against people who oppose really hateful against people who oppose what we see as what would bring about what we see as what would bring about what we see as what would bring about the good outcomes in our generation the good outcomes in our generation the good outcomes in our generation which is the most important of all which is the most important of all which is the most important of all times. We live in times and God works at times. We live in times and God works at times. We live in times and God works at all times. Lastly, it helps us to all times. Lastly, it helps us to all times. Lastly, it helps us to rightly assess ourselves rightly assess ourselves rightly assess ourselves and to rightly assess others as what? and to rightly assess others as what? and to rightly assess others as what? Desperately needing grace Desperately needing grace Desperately needing grace and mercy from God. When we read the and mercy from God. When we read the and mercy from God. When we read the stories of the kings, we go like, "Oh my stories of the kings, we go like, "Oh my stories of the kings, we go like, "Oh my goodness, power won't save me. Wealth goodness, power won't save me. Wealth goodness, power won't save me. Wealth won't save me. Influence won't save me.

won't save me. Influence won't save me. won't save me. Influence won't save me. The right community won't save me. If The right community won't save me. If The right community won't save me. If God doesn't save us and keep us and God doesn't save us and keep us and God doesn't save us and keep us and protect us, well, then we don't have a protect us, well, then we don't have a protect us, well, then we don't have a lot of hope. lot of hope. lot of hope. But if God does save us and keep us and But if God does save us and keep us and But if God does save us and keep us and protect us, well then our stories can be protect us, well then our stories can be protect us, well then our stories can be very, very different." And so this very, very different." And so this very, very different." And so this morning as we begin, I wanted to take us morning as we begin, I wanted to take us morning as we begin, I wanted to take us back to where we started, which was back to where we started, which was back to where we started, which was something remarkable that Daniel said something remarkable that Daniel said something remarkable that Daniel said right towards the end of the start of right towards the end of the start of right towards the end of the start of this, right towards the end of the this, right towards the end of the this, right towards the end of the reigns of the kings of Judah, right? I reigns of the kings of Judah, right? I reigns of the kings of Judah, right? I want to help you tie your Bibles want to help you tie your Bibles want to help you tie your Bibles together a little bit. How do the together a little bit. How do the together a little bit. How do the prophets fit into this today? Where does prophets fit into this today? Where does prophets fit into this today? Where does Jesus fit? Right? And when we started Jesus fit? Right? And when we started Jesus fit? Right? And when we started this series, we said the best way to this series, we said the best way to this series, we said the best way to start a reading of the kings of Judah is start a reading of the kings of Judah is start a reading of the kings of Judah is actually to jump into something that actually to jump into something that actually to jump into something that Daniel said. Daniel had been carried off Daniel said. Daniel had been carried off Daniel said. Daniel had been carried off as a prisoner of war when Jerusalem was as a prisoner of war when Jerusalem was as a prisoner of war when Jerusalem was sacked under the king Jehoakim. Right? A sacked under the king Jehoakim. Right? A sacked under the king Jehoakim. Right? A few years later, things had only grown few years later, things had only grown few years later, things had only grown worse in Judah and Daniel found himself worse in Judah and Daniel found himself worse in Judah and Daniel found himself in the court of the wicked king in the court of the wicked king in the court of the wicked king Nebuchadnezzar, right? Who didn't have Nebuchadnezzar, right? Who didn't have Nebuchadnezzar, right? Who didn't have good outcomes in mind for Daniel and his good outcomes in mind for Daniel and his good outcomes in mind for Daniel and his people. And so listen, if anyone could people. And so listen, if anyone could people. And so listen, if anyone could be desparing, be desparing, be desparing, if anyone could be cynical, if anyone if anyone could be cynical, if anyone if anyone could be cynical, if anyone could be fatalistic, it would be Daniel.

could be fatalistic, it would be Daniel. could be fatalistic, it would be Daniel. But he says this to this wicked king who But he says this to this wicked king who But he says this to this wicked king who has killed and imprisoned his people and has killed and imprisoned his people and has killed and imprisoned his people and destroyed his homeland. This text is one destroyed his homeland. This text is one destroyed his homeland. This text is one of the reasons why we named our of the reasons why we named our of the reasons why we named our firstborn son, Daniel, because of this firstborn son, Daniel, because of this firstborn son, Daniel, because of this kind of prophetic insight and hope. um kind of prophetic insight and hope. um kind of prophetic insight and hope. um in the face of a despairing world, he in the face of a despairing world, he in the face of a despairing world, he looks at Nebuchadnezzar and he says, looks at Nebuchadnezzar and he says, looks at Nebuchadnezzar and he says, "Blessed be the name of God forever and "Blessed be the name of God forever and "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever." What's he in the midst of? ever." What's he in the midst of? ever." What's he in the midst of? Despair. What is he? A slave Despair. What is he? A slave Despair. What is he? A slave in a wicked king's court. And where is in a wicked king's court. And where is in a wicked king's court. And where is cast? On the Lord be the name of God cast? On the Lord be the name of God cast? On the Lord be the name of God forever and ever. To whom belong wisdom forever and ever. To whom belong wisdom forever and ever. To whom belong wisdom and might. and might. and might. He changes times and seasons. He removes He changes times and seasons. He removes He changes times and seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who to the wise and knowledge to those who to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and have understanding. He reveals deep and have understanding. He reveals deep and hidden things. He knows what is in the hidden things. He knows what is in the hidden things. He knows what is in the darkness and the light dwells with him.

darkness and the light dwells with him. darkness and the light dwells with him. What's Daniel saying? Oh, it looks What's Daniel saying? Oh, it looks What's Daniel saying? Oh, it looks bleak. bleak. bleak. But it's probably not the best of times But it's probably not the best of times But it's probably not the best of times and it may not be the worst of times. and it may not be the worst of times. and it may not be the worst of times. It's a time and as the people of God, we It's a time and as the people of God, we It's a time and as the people of God, we praise him because God is working at all praise him because God is working at all praise him because God is working at all times. times. times. You see, Daniel by the power of the Holy You see, Daniel by the power of the Holy You see, Daniel by the power of the Holy Spirit had the prophetic insight to see Spirit had the prophetic insight to see Spirit had the prophetic insight to see that the kind of king and the kind of that the kind of king and the kind of that the kind of king and the kind of kingdom that God had promised for his kingdom that God had promised for his kingdom that God had promised for his people for millennia was never going to people for millennia was never going to people for millennia was never going to be fulfilled in the kings of Judah and be fulfilled in the kings of Judah and be fulfilled in the kings of Judah and the fragile thrones that they sat upon the fragile thrones that they sat upon the fragile thrones that they sat upon in Jerusalem. He knew that the promises in Jerusalem. He knew that the promises in Jerusalem. He knew that the promises of God had been made to Judah, but he of God had been made to Judah, but he of God had been made to Judah, but he knew that God was still going to fulfill knew that God was still going to fulfill knew that God was still going to fulfill them through another kind of king. And them through another kind of king. And them through another kind of king. And so as we wrap the study today, we too so as we wrap the study today, we too so as we wrap the study today, we too like Daniel want to lift our eyes and like Daniel want to lift our eyes and like Daniel want to lift our eyes and see how God has been working, had been see how God has been working, had been see how God has been working, had been working, is still working, and will working, is still working, and will working, is still working, and will continue to work through kingship, but continue to work through kingship, but continue to work through kingship, but through the kingship of his son, the one through the kingship of his son, the one through the kingship of his son, the one called the Lion of Judah, the King Jesus called the Lion of Judah, the King Jesus called the Lion of Judah, the King Jesus Christ. Now friends, this isn't just a Christ. Now friends, this isn't just a Christ. Now friends, this isn't just a cheap Jesus juke at the end, right? This cheap Jesus juke at the end, right? This cheap Jesus juke at the end, right? This is not like a Sunday school lesson where is not like a Sunday school lesson where is not like a Sunday school lesson where every answer is Jesus. What's the every answer is Jesus. What's the every answer is Jesus. What's the answer? Jesus like, "Yeah, we got answer? Jesus like, "Yeah, we got answer? Jesus like, "Yeah, we got there." Brilliant. Right? You're like, there." Brilliant. Right? You're like, there." Brilliant. Right? You're like, "Well, you could have saved us 19 weeks "Well, you could have saved us 19 weeks "Well, you could have saved us 19 weeks um of despair." If we just said this at um of despair." If we just said this at um of despair." If we just said this at the beginning, no, no, this is actually the beginning, no, no, this is actually the beginning, no, no, this is actually the best way that we have to read the best way that we have to read the best way that we have to read difficult redemptive history. In fact, difficult redemptive history. In fact, difficult redemptive history. In fact, it's the best way we have to read all of

it's the best way we have to read all of it's the best way we have to read all of the scriptures is through the lens of the scriptures is through the lens of the scriptures is through the lens of the kingship of Jesus Christ. Why would the kingship of Jesus Christ. Why would the kingship of Jesus Christ. Why would I say that? It's how Jesus taught us to I say that? It's how Jesus taught us to I say that? It's how Jesus taught us to read the Bible. Luke 24 on the Emmas read the Bible. Luke 24 on the Emmas read the Bible. Luke 24 on the Emmas road, the resurrected Christ appears, road, the resurrected Christ appears, road, the resurrected Christ appears, right? And it tells us that he shows right? And it tells us that he shows right? And it tells us that he shows them all the things concerning himself. them all the things concerning himself. them all the things concerning himself. From what? From the law, the prophets, From what? From the law, the prophets, From what? From the law, the prophets, and the psalms. That's Luke's way of and the psalms. That's Luke's way of and the psalms. That's Luke's way of saying from the Old Testament cannon. saying from the Old Testament cannon. saying from the Old Testament cannon. And so Jesus teaches a Bible study, the And so Jesus teaches a Bible study, the And so Jesus teaches a Bible study, the resurrected Christ, which must be an resurrected Christ, which must be an resurrected Christ, which must be an amazing Bible study, by the way. And he amazing Bible study, by the way. And he amazing Bible study, by the way. And he walks them through all of redemptive walks them through all of redemptive walks them through all of redemptive history through the law, through the history through the law, through the history through the law, through the prophets, through the Psalms, through prophets, through the Psalms, through prophets, through the Psalms, through the Old Testament canon, and he says, the Old Testament canon, and he says, the Old Testament canon, and he says, "I'm the lens." [snorts] "I'm the lens." [snorts] "I'm the lens." [snorts] When you start to see that it's actually When you start to see that it's actually When you start to see that it's actually all about me, then you can fully all about me, then you can fully all about me, then you can fully understand this stuff. And so what we understand this stuff. And so what we understand this stuff. And so what we want to do is obey him today and put want to do is obey him today and put want to do is obey him today and put those lenses of Christ's kingship in our those lenses of Christ's kingship in our those lenses of Christ's kingship in our eyes aresh and say he is the lens eyes aresh and say he is the lens eyes aresh and say he is the lens through which we can make sense of a through which we can make sense of a through which we can make sense of a difficult and complicated past. He is difficult and complicated past. He is difficult and complicated past. He is the lens through which we can make sense the lens through which we can make sense the lens through which we can make sense of our tumultuous present. and he is the of our tumultuous present. and he is the of our tumultuous present. and he is the lens through through which we have to lens through through which we have to lens through through which we have to view our ultimate future if we're going view our ultimate future if we're going view our ultimate future if we're going to be a people of hope. And so let's do to be a people of hope. And so let's do to be a people of hope. And so let's do that briefly together with fragile and that briefly together with fragile and that briefly together with fragile and broken kingship fresh in our minds.

broken kingship fresh in our minds. broken kingship fresh in our minds. Let's piece it all together by saying Let's piece it all together by saying Let's piece it all together by saying three things this morning and then I'm three things this morning and then I'm three things this morning and then I'm done. And I'm going to be really quick done. And I'm going to be really quick done. And I'm going to be really quick this morning um because this afternoon I this morning um because this afternoon I this morning um because this afternoon I know you're all desperate to watch South know you're all desperate to watch South know you're all desperate to watch South Africa um beat our noisy neighbors Africa um beat our noisy neighbors Africa um beat our noisy neighbors Canada um and just send them back right Canada um and just send them back right Canada um and just send them back right where they belong as our hat um in the where they belong as our hat um in the where they belong as our hat um in the to the frozen tundra. All right. to the frozen tundra. All right. to the frozen tundra. All right. Amen. Amen. May it be so. All right. Amen. Amen. May it be so. All right. Amen. Amen. May it be so. All right. Three things. I nearly wore my South Three things. I nearly wore my South Three things. I nearly wore my South Africa jersey today, but I thought Africa jersey today, but I thought Africa jersey today, but I thought that's just a leap too far. Um that's just a leap too far. Um that's just a leap too far. Um especially in the current vibe. So especially in the current vibe. So especially in the current vibe. So three things. Jesus is the king who was three things. Jesus is the king who was three things. Jesus is the king who was always promised. always promised. always promised. Secondly, Jesus is the king unlike any Secondly, Jesus is the king unlike any Secondly, Jesus is the king unlike any other. And thirdly, Jesus is the king other. And thirdly, Jesus is the king other. And thirdly, Jesus is the king who is returning to rule. Let's go so who is returning to rule. Let's go so who is returning to rule. Let's go so quickly through these. Firstly, Jesus is quickly through these. Firstly, Jesus is quickly through these. Firstly, Jesus is the king who was always promised. Just the king who was always promised. Just the king who was always promised. Just think of the humanity of this for a think of the humanity of this for a think of the humanity of this for a second.

second. second. Think of how disoriented and discouraged Think of how disoriented and discouraged Think of how disoriented and discouraged the surviving citizens of Jerusalem must the surviving citizens of Jerusalem must the surviving citizens of Jerusalem must have been. have been. have been. Those who were left behind, their Those who were left behind, their Those who were left behind, their families, friends, either killed or families, friends, either killed or families, friends, either killed or carried off into Babylonian Assyrian carried off into Babylonian Assyrian carried off into Babylonian Assyrian exile. They knew the stories of God's exile. They knew the stories of God's exile. They knew the stories of God's work through the patriarchs. work through the patriarchs. work through the patriarchs. They knew the promises that had been They knew the promises that had been They knew the promises that had been delivered to God's covenant people. They delivered to God's covenant people. They delivered to God's covenant people. They would have learned from when they were would have learned from when they were would have learned from when they were little children that God promised them little children that God promised them little children that God promised them that the the throne of Judah was going that the the throne of Judah was going that the the throne of Judah was going to be a place of ultimate hope. to be a place of ultimate hope. to be a place of ultimate hope. One of the promises and the most One of the promises and the most One of the promises and the most profound ones they would have known is profound ones they would have known is profound ones they would have known is from the deathbed scene of the patriarch from the deathbed scene of the patriarch from the deathbed scene of the patriarch Jacob. Let's piece your Bible together. Jacob. Let's piece your Bible together. Jacob. Let's piece your Bible together. Genesis 49. Jacob just before he dies Genesis 49. Jacob just before he dies Genesis 49. Jacob just before he dies blesses his sons, speaks over all of blesses his sons, speaks over all of blesses his sons, speaks over all of them. And when he speaks to Judah, he them. And when he speaks to Judah, he them. And when he speaks to Judah, he says, "Judah is a lion's cub." Right? says, "Judah is a lion's cub." Right? says, "Judah is a lion's cub." Right? Don't you love the image? You're a cub. Don't you love the image? You're a cub. Don't you love the image? You're a cub. There's a big lion coming. Europe from There's a big lion coming. Europe from There's a big lion coming. Europe from the prey my son you have gone up. He the prey my son you have gone up. He the prey my son you have gone up. He stooped down. He crouched as a lion and stooped down. He crouched as a lion and stooped down. He crouched as a lion and as a lioness who dares rouse him. Um we as a lioness who dares rouse him. Um we as a lioness who dares rouse him. Um we were in South Africa two weeks ago just were in South Africa two weeks ago just were in South Africa two weeks ago just going home to see some family and we going home to see some family and we going home to see some family and we went on a trip to the bush just briefly.

went on a trip to the bush just briefly. went on a trip to the bush just briefly. So safari um for you guys and we came So safari um for you guys and we came So safari um for you guys and we came across uh three sleeping lions on the across uh three sleeping lions on the across uh three sleeping lions on the side of the road right like two yards side of the road right like two yards side of the road right like two yards off the side of the road. You park your off the side of the road. You park your off the side of the road. You park your vehicle there and they're sleeping and vehicle there and they're sleeping and vehicle there and they're sleeping and lines are the laziest things in the lines are the laziest things in the lines are the laziest things in the whole world. They sleep 20 hours a day. whole world. They sleep 20 hours a day. whole world. They sleep 20 hours a day. Uh life goals, I know. Um and so their Uh life goals, I know. Um and so their Uh life goals, I know. Um and so their whoop scores are off the chart. whoop scores are off the chart. whoop scores are off the chart. Unbelievable. It's just they just sleep Unbelievable. It's just they just sleep Unbelievable. It's just they just sleep and they just lie there, right? But you and they just lie there, right? But you and they just lie there, right? But you feel a sense of safety when you just feel a sense of safety when you just feel a sense of safety when you just park next to them, right? But I said to park next to them, right? But I said to park next to them, right? But I said to my kids, I dare you to get off and go my kids, I dare you to get off and go my kids, I dare you to get off and go poke one. poke one. poke one. Excellent parenting, right? I didn't Excellent parenting, right? I didn't Excellent parenting, right? I didn't intend for them to actually do that. And intend for them to actually do that. And intend for them to actually do that. And they wouldn't. Why? Who dares rouse a they wouldn't. Why? Who dares rouse a they wouldn't. Why? Who dares rouse a sleeping lion? Don't do it. Right? Don't sleeping lion? Don't do it. Right? Don't sleeping lion? Don't do it. Right? Don't do it. They're lazy. They will eat you. do it. They're lazy. They will eat you. do it. They're lazy. They will eat you. All right? And so be careful. Right? And All right? And so be careful. Right? And All right? And so be careful. Right? And so it says there's this power within the so it says there's this power within the so it says there's this power within the lion and the lion of Judah. Here's the lion and the lion of Judah. Here's the lion and the lion of Judah. Here's the promise. The scepter shall not depart promise. The scepter shall not depart promise. The scepter shall not depart from Judah. Now, how disorienting would from Judah. Now, how disorienting would from Judah. Now, how disorienting would that have been? Because you go like, that have been? Because you go like, that have been? Because you go like, "But it just did. "But it just did. "But it just did. It just did. The line of the kings is It just did. The line of the kings is It just did. The line of the kings is over. The scepter has departed. nor the over. The scepter has departed. nor the over. The scepter has departed. nor the ruler's staff from between his feet.

ruler's staff from between his feet. ruler's staff from between his feet. Until when? Until tribute comes to him. Until when? Until tribute comes to him. Until when? Until tribute comes to him. Well, that hasn't happened yet. So, Well, that hasn't happened yet. So, Well, that hasn't happened yet. So, what's going on? And to him shall be the what's going on? And to him shall be the what's going on? And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Now, what's obedience of the peoples. Now, what's obedience of the peoples. Now, what's Jacob doing here again with prophetic Jacob doing here again with prophetic Jacob doing here again with prophetic insight by the power of the spirit insight by the power of the spirit insight by the power of the spirit before he dies. He's looking not just at before he dies. He's looking not just at before he dies. He's looking not just at his son Judah, but at the line that will his son Judah, but at the line that will his son Judah, but at the line that will come from him. And he's knowing somehow come from him. And he's knowing somehow come from him. And he's knowing somehow by the power of the spirit that one will by the power of the spirit that one will by the power of the spirit that one will emerge from that line and the scepter emerge from that line and the scepter emerge from that line and the scepter will not depart from him. And so we know will not depart from him. And so we know will not depart from him. And so we know it can't be these kings because that it can't be these kings because that it can't be these kings because that their rule is finished. But it must be their rule is finished. But it must be their rule is finished. But it must be one who comes from them. I love the lion one who comes from them. I love the lion one who comes from them. I love the lion imagery. imagery. imagery. This promise that there would be a king This promise that there would be a king This promise that there would be a king from Judah's line and he would rule. from Judah's line and he would rule. from Judah's line and he would rule. Look at it. Over everyone Look at it. Over everyone Look at it. Over everyone and forever. and forever. and forever. But this can't be the kings of Judah. But this can't be the kings of Judah. But this can't be the kings of Judah. There must be another. So look quickly There must be another. So look quickly There must be another. So look quickly at Matthew 1. Let me just piece our at Matthew 1. Let me just piece our at Matthew 1. Let me just piece our Bibles together, right? Matthew chapter Bibles together, right? Matthew chapter Bibles together, right? Matthew chapter 1. Just look at this genealogy, right? 1. Just look at this genealogy, right? 1. Just look at this genealogy, right? We normally only read it at Christmas We normally only read it at Christmas We normally only read it at Christmas time. But there's so much power in it. time. But there's so much power in it. time. But there's so much power in it. Look at what it says. The book of the Look at what it says. The book of the Look at what it says. The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac the father of the father of Isaac. Isaac the father of the father of Isaac. Isaac the father of Jacob. And Jacob the father of Judah and Jacob. And Jacob the father of Judah and Jacob. And Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. What's Matthew doing us his brothers. What's Matthew doing us his brothers. What's Matthew doing us doing here? He's saying, "Look at the doing here? He's saying, "Look at the doing here? He's saying, "Look at the look at the prophetic fulfillment in the look at the prophetic fulfillment in the look at the prophetic fulfillment in the line that Jesus comes from. He's from line that Jesus comes from. He's from line that Jesus comes from. He's from the line of Judah. He's from this tribe.

the line of Judah. He's from this tribe. the line of Judah. He's from this tribe. The scepter is going to be given to him. The scepter is going to be given to him. The scepter is going to be given to him. Judah the father of Perez. Zar by Tamar. Judah the father of Perez. Zar by Tamar. Judah the father of Perez. Zar by Tamar. And Perez the father of Hezron. Hezron And Perez the father of Hezron. Hezron And Perez the father of Hezron. Hezron the father of Ram. Ram the father of the father of Ram. Ram the father of the father of Ram. Ram the father of Aminadab. And Minadab the father of Non. Aminadab. And Minadab the father of Non. Aminadab. And Minadab the father of Non. Non the father of Salmon. And Salmon the Non the father of Salmon. And Salmon the Non the father of Salmon. And Salmon the father of Boaz. By Rahab. And Boaz the father of Boaz. By Rahab. And Boaz the father of Boaz. By Rahab. And Boaz the father of Oed. By Ruth. And Oed the father of Oed. By Ruth. And Oed the father of Oed. By Ruth. And Oed the father of Jesse. And Jesse the father of father of Jesse. And Jesse the father of father of Jesse. And Jesse the father of King David. You're like, "Okay, it's King David. You're like, "Okay, it's King David. You're like, "Okay, it's like reading the Jerusalem phone book or like reading the Jerusalem phone book or like reading the Jerusalem phone book or what's going on, right?" And then look what's going on, right?" And then look what's going on, right?" And then look at this. You should start to recognize at this. You should start to recognize at this. You should start to recognize these names. David was the father of these names. David was the father of these names. David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah. I don't Solomon by the wife of Uriah. I don't Solomon by the wife of Uriah. I don't have time today, but I love the fact have time today, but I love the fact have time today, but I love the fact that Matthew doesn't even try to conceal that Matthew doesn't even try to conceal that Matthew doesn't even try to conceal the sin. the sin. the sin. And Solomon, the father of Rihaboam. And Solomon, the father of Rihaboam. And Solomon, the father of Rihaboam. Remember him? And Riaboam, the father of Remember him? And Riaboam, the father of Remember him? And Riaboam, the father of Abijah. And Abisha, the father of Asf. Abijah. And Abisha, the father of Asf. Abijah. And Abisha, the father of Asf. And Asf, the father of Jehoshaphat. And And Asf, the father of Jehoshaphat. And And Asf, the father of Jehoshaphat. And Jehoshaphat the father of Joram. And Jehoshaphat the father of Joram. And Jehoshaphat the father of Joram. And Jorham, the father of Uzziah. And Uzar Jorham, the father of Uzziah. And Uzar Jorham, the father of Uzziah. And Uzar the father of Jotham. and Jotham the the father of Jotham. and Jotham the the father of Jotham. and Jotham the father of Ahaz and Ahaz the father of father of Ahaz and Ahaz the father of father of Ahaz and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah and Hezekiah the father of Hezekiah and Hezekiah the father of Hezekiah and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh and Manasseh the father of Amos Manasseh and Manasseh the father of Amos Manasseh and Manasseh the father of Amos and Amos the father of Josiah. Many of and Amos the father of Josiah. Many of and Amos the father of Josiah. Many of these kings are two names, right? And these kings are two names, right? And these kings are two names, right? And you can piece them together in the you can piece them together in the you can piece them together in the language. And Josiah the father of language. And Josiah the father of language. And Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

the deportation to Babylon. the deportation to Babylon. Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. As recent students of the stories of so As recent students of the stories of so As recent students of the stories of so many of these names, many of these names, many of these names, we can only marvel we can only marvel we can only marvel at the patience at the patience at the patience and power of God who was delivering on and power of God who was delivering on and power of God who was delivering on his promise and doing so. Even in and his promise and doing so. Even in and his promise and doing so. Even in and even through the rebellion and fragility even through the rebellion and fragility even through the rebellion and fragility and messiness of all of these people and and messiness of all of these people and and messiness of all of these people and their stories, God still gets his king their stories, God still gets his king their stories, God still gets his king from the line of Judah. They can't mess from the line of Judah. They can't mess from the line of Judah. They can't mess it up. The scepter will not depart from it up. The scepter will not depart from it up. The scepter will not depart from him. Okay. So, what him. Okay. So, what him. Okay. So, what what does that mean for us today? Well, what does that mean for us today? Well, what does that mean for us today? Well, at the least, friends, it means this. at the least, friends, it means this. at the least, friends, it means this. God fulfills his promises. God fulfills his promises. God fulfills his promises. And that's incredibly good news for us, And that's incredibly good news for us, And that's incredibly good news for us, right? The stories show us that his right? The stories show us that his right? The stories show us that his sovereignty, his power to fulfill these sovereignty, his power to fulfill these sovereignty, his power to fulfill these promises and promises is mysterious.

promises and promises is mysterious. promises and promises is mysterious. And the stories show us without a doubt And the stories show us without a doubt And the stories show us without a doubt that he works according to timelines and that he works according to timelines and that he works according to timelines and through means that we really struggle to through means that we really struggle to through means that we really struggle to understand. I acknowledge that. But he understand. I acknowledge that. But he understand. I acknowledge that. But he does what he said he would do, which is does what he said he would do, which is does what he said he would do, which is astonishing. And so you can trust him astonishing. And so you can trust him astonishing. And so you can trust him today. Like when he says that he would today. Like when he says that he would today. Like when he says that he would provide all your needs, he'll do it. provide all your needs, he'll do it. provide all your needs, he'll do it. Like when he says that he will work all Like when he says that he will work all Like when he says that he will work all things together for your good, he'll do things together for your good, he'll do things together for your good, he'll do it. Like when he said that he will never it. Like when he said that he will never it. Like when he said that he will never leave you or forsake you, he'll do it. leave you or forsake you, he'll do it. leave you or forsake you, he'll do it. Like when he said that he'll be back Like when he said that he'll be back Like when he said that he'll be back soon and he'll make everything new, soon and he'll make everything new, soon and he'll make everything new, he'll do it. You can trust him today. he'll do it. You can trust him today. he'll do it. You can trust him today. Where has waiting Where has waiting Where has waiting for the fulfillment of God's promises for the fulfillment of God's promises for the fulfillment of God's promises wearied your heart? Where has the obscurity of his work when Where has the obscurity of his work when we can't see it? Where has that dulled we can't see it? Where has that dulled we can't see it? Where has that dulled your trust? I get it. It's mysterious.

your trust? I get it. It's mysterious. your trust? I get it. It's mysterious. Where today does your weary heart need Where today does your weary heart need Where today does your weary heart need to trust him aresh? to trust him aresh? to trust him aresh? You can and you should. He does deliver. You can and you should. He does deliver. You can and you should. He does deliver. God promised the king. He delivered that God promised the king. He delivered that God promised the king. He delivered that in King Jesus. All that is said of him in King Jesus. All that is said of him in King Jesus. All that is said of him is still true. The scepter will not is still true. The scepter will not is still true. The scepter will not depart from Judah. The lion cub grew depart from Judah. The lion cub grew depart from Judah. The lion cub grew into a great king. into a great king. into a great king. He will get his way and we can wait for He will get his way and we can wait for He will get his way and we can wait for him faithfully. All right. Second thing, him faithfully. All right. Second thing, him faithfully. All right. Second thing, Jesus Jesus Jesus is the king. An honest reading of the is the king. An honest reading of the is the king. An honest reading of the tales of the kings of Judah ought to tales of the kings of Judah ought to tales of the kings of Judah ought to remind us remind us remind us of the abject. Just stick with me. The of the abject. Just stick with me. The of the abject. Just stick with me. The ab strength and power. strength and power. And yet we keep in our hearts. We keep And yet we keep in our hearts. We keep And yet we keep in our hearts. We keep it cured by a strong and dominant leader it cured by a strong and dominant leader it cured by a strong and dominant leader who and its wicked emperor perhaps the who and its wicked emperor perhaps the who and its wicked emperor perhaps the clearest example of worldly strength at clearest example of worldly strength at clearest example of worldly strength at the time. And then God sends his king the time. And then God sends his king the time. And then God sends his king children and eats with sinners and children and eats with sinners and children and eats with sinners and outcasts outcasts outcasts and refuses the violent overthrow of and refuses the violent overthrow of and refuses the violent overthrow of Rome, Rome, Rome, but submits himself even to its cruelty.

but submits himself even to its cruelty. but submits himself even to its cruelty. He He's the one who had to explain to He He's the one who had to explain to He He's the one who had to explain to the king of this world He has to explain that to a perplexed He has to explain that to a perplexed interrogator. Perplexed because he stood interrogator. Perplexed because he stood interrogator. Perplexed because he stood before one who either will be first. before one who either will be first. before one who either will be first. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] And we set up, yeah, that's great. And we set up, yeah, that's great. And we set up, yeah, that's great. That's a great kingdom ethic. I'm still That's a great kingdom ethic. I'm still That's a great kingdom ethic. I'm still going to exalt my that we just keep going to exalt my that we just keep going to exalt my that we just keep going back to the same systems of the going back to the same systems of the going back to the same systems of the world, not realizing, hey, this king, world, not realizing, hey, this king, world, not realizing, hey, this king, unlike any other king, that's the king unlike any other king, that's the king unlike any other king, that's the king that we need. And that's the sort of that we need. And that's the sort of that we need. And that's the sort of read Deuteronomy 7. I don't have time to read Deuteronomy 7. I don't have time to read Deuteronomy 7. I don't have time to do it today, but when you read do it today, but when you read do it today, but when you read Deuteronomy 17, sorry, the L people, it's actually a really humbling people, it's actually a really humbling text to read. In Deuteronomy 17, Moses text to read. In Deuteronomy 17, Moses text to read. In Deuteronomy 17, Moses is kind of defeated. He's like, you guys is kind of defeated. He's like, you guys is kind of defeated. He's like, you guys are That's the kind of king that the are That's the kind of king that the are That's the kind of king that the people need. people need. people need. And look at the power that is supposed this text. We're going to jump ahead. this text. We're going to jump ahead. tying your Bible together. Let's go tying your Bible together. Let's go tying your Bible together. Let's go right towards the end or to the eternal right towards the end or to the eternal right towards the end or to the eternal now depending on how you read now depending on how you read now depending on how you read apocalyptic literature pulling back into apocalyptic literature pulling back into apocalyptic literature pulling back into current reality in a way and so of current reality in a way and so of current reality in a way and so of what's actually happening in the what's actually happening in the what's actually happening in the heavenlies. And in Revelation 5, John is heavenlies. And in Revelation 5, John is heavenlies. And in Revelation 5, John is weeping because he views a crisis in the weeping because he views a crisis in the weeping because he views a crisis in the heavenlies. There is no one who though heavenlies. There is no one who though heavenlies. There is no one who though it had been slain.

You cannot pick You cannot pick a weaker You cannot pick You cannot pick a weaker pick a weaker. Then it goes on to say, pick a weaker. Then it goes on to say, pick a weaker. Then it goes on to say, "This lamb possesses wondered if your "This lamb possesses wondered if your "This lamb possesses wondered if your prayers matter." If you've ever wondered prayers matter." If you've ever wondered prayers matter." If you've ever wondered where they go, wondered if your prayers where they go, wondered if your prayers where they go, wondered if your prayers matter. If you've ever wondered where matter. If you've ever wondered where matter. If you've ever wondered where they go, they go, they go, what an astonishing what an astonishing what an astonishing what an astonishing they all wanted. They all wanted they all wanted. They all wanted strength. None of them wanted sacrifice. strength. None of them wanted sacrifice. strength. None of them wanted sacrifice. They grasp for power. Engage They grasp for power. Engage They grasp for power. Engage engage in the engage engage in the engage engage in the engage engage in the power plays of this world engage in the power plays of this world engage in the power plays of this world and how they lead to human flourishing and how they lead to human flourishing and how they lead to human flourishing and don't but don't pin your hopes or and don't but don't pin your hopes or and don't but don't pin your hopes or your despairs. Don't do it. Let's seek your despairs. Don't do it. Let's seek your despairs. Don't do it. Let's seek to live as people of that kingdom. If to live as people of that kingdom. If to live as people of that kingdom. If he's the real king, then he sets the he's the real king, then he sets the he's the real king, then he sets the ethic. There's no such thing. Oh my ethic. There's no such thing. Oh my ethic. There's no such thing. Oh my goodness, I don't have time.

goodness, I don't have time. goodness, I don't have time. There's no such thing in the Christian There's no such thing in the Christian There's no such thing in the Christian ethic, in the kingdom ethic, as the end ethic, in the kingdom ethic, as the end ethic, in the kingdom ethic, as the end justifies the means. justifies the means. justifies the means. You know that we can't go like, well, You know that we can't go like, well, You know that we can't go like, well, this is what it's going to take for us this is what it's going to take for us this is what it's going to take for us to dominate. This is what it's going to to dominate. This is what it's going to to dominate. This is what it's going to take for us to be secure and so the end take for us to be secure and so the end take for us to be secure and so the end justifies the means. No, the king justifies the means. No, the king justifies the means. No, the king justifies the means. He decides and it's justifies the means. He decides and it's justifies the means. He decides and it's his ethic that he sets and we follow his ethic that he sets and we follow his ethic that he sets and we follow him. Right? him. Right? him. Right? Secondly, friends, if your heart is Secondly, friends, if your heart is Secondly, friends, if your heart is weary, I get it. You already have the weary, I get it. You already have the weary, I get it. You already have the king that your soul desperately wants. king that your soul desperately wants. king that your soul desperately wants. There's such a mystery in the lion and There's such a mystery in the lion and There's such a mystery in the lion and the lamb. He's weak enough to be slain the lamb. He's weak enough to be slain the lamb. He's weak enough to be slain for you and to meet you in your for you and to meet you in your for you and to meet you in your weakness, to meet you in your weariness, weakness, to meet you in your weariness, weakness, to meet you in your weariness, and to meet you in your defeat. And he's and to meet you in your defeat. And he's and to meet you in your defeat. And he's strong enough to kill sin and trample on strong enough to kill sin and trample on strong enough to kill sin and trample on Satan and to rule over you with strength Satan and to rule over you with strength Satan and to rule over you with strength and wisdom in a way that guarantees you and wisdom in a way that guarantees you and wisdom in a way that guarantees you good outcomes. No one else can offer you good outcomes. No one else can offer you good outcomes. No one else can offer you that. People can either empathize with that. People can either empathize with that. People can either empathize with you in weakness, right, or they can help you in weakness, right, or they can help you in weakness, right, or they can help you in strength. Jesus does both.

you in strength. Jesus does both. you in strength. Jesus does both. He does both. All right. Lastly, fourth, He does both. All right. Lastly, fourth, He does both. All right. Lastly, fourth, Jesus is the king who is coming. Kings Jesus is the king who is coming. Kings Jesus is the king who is coming. Kings and Chronicles have a pretty and Chronicles have a pretty and Chronicles have a pretty unsatisfactory ending. unsatisfactory ending. unsatisfactory ending. But our lives and our world, they don't But our lives and our world, they don't But our lives and our world, they don't share that ending. share that ending. share that ending. When the angel appeared to Mary, right, When the angel appeared to Mary, right, When the angel appeared to Mary, right, in the Christmas story, he promised a in the Christmas story, he promised a in the Christmas story, he promised a son with a remarkable kingship. And he son with a remarkable kingship. And he son with a remarkable kingship. And he said this, let's tie our Bibles together said this, let's tie our Bibles together said this, let's tie our Bibles together a little bit. Luke 1, he will be great a little bit. Luke 1, he will be great a little bit. Luke 1, he will be great and he will be called son of the most and he will be called son of the most and he will be called son of the most high. And the Lord God will give to him high. And the Lord God will give to him high. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David. This the throne of his father David. This the throne of his father David. This throne that looked defeated he will throne that looked defeated he will throne that looked defeated he will receive and he will reign over the house receive and he will reign over the house receive and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. of Jacob forever. of Jacob forever. And of his kingdom there will be no end. And of his kingdom there will be no end. And of his kingdom there will be no end. What a thought. What a thought. What a thought. All these kings of Judah and all the All these kings of Judah and all the All these kings of Judah and all the pseudo kingdoms that they built came to pseudo kingdoms that they built came to pseudo kingdoms that they built came to an end. But when Jesus rose from the an end. But when Jesus rose from the an end. But when Jesus rose from the dead, he secured for himself a kingdom dead, he secured for himself a kingdom dead, he secured for himself a kingdom that cannot be shaken and that will that cannot be shaken and that will that cannot be shaken and that will never end. Look at how it's secured never end. Look at how it's secured never end. Look at how it's secured quickly in the heavenlies with me in quickly in the heavenlies with me in quickly in the heavenlies with me in Revelation 11. Look at Revelation 11:15.

Revelation 11. Look at Revelation 11:15. Revelation 11. Look at Revelation 11:15. Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet and there were loud voices in heaven and there were loud voices in heaven and there were loud voices in heaven saying, "The kingdom of the world has saying, "The kingdom of the world has saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of become the kingdom of our Lord and of become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign forever his Christ and he shall reign forever his Christ and he shall reign forever and ever. and ever. and ever. Everything that you're experiencing Everything that you're experiencing Everything that you're experiencing is so temporary compared to that. is so temporary compared to that. is so temporary compared to that. It's so fleeting compared to what is It's so fleeting compared to what is It's so fleeting compared to what is coming." coming." coming." And so what is the response when that And so what is the response when that And so what is the response when that becomes a reality in heaven? Worship, becomes a reality in heaven? Worship, becomes a reality in heaven? Worship, adoration, adoration, adoration, praise of the lamb. There are no more praise of the lamb. There are no more praise of the lamb. There are no more fragile thrones of power that matter. fragile thrones of power that matter. fragile thrones of power that matter. The throne of heaven is occupied and is The throne of heaven is occupied and is The throne of heaven is occupied and is not fragile. And the king who sits on it not fragile. And the king who sits on it not fragile. And the king who sits on it is not like any of the ones we have is not like any of the ones we have is not like any of the ones we have studied. He will not disappoint us. He studied. He will not disappoint us. He studied. He will not disappoint us. He has already done the hardest thing. by has already done the hardest thing. by has already done the hardest thing. by living for us and dying for us. And when living for us and dying for us. And when living for us and dying for us. And when he rose from the dead, all of his he rose from the dead, all of his he rose from the dead, all of his promises were secured. Everything he has promises were secured. Everything he has promises were secured. Everything he has promised, he will deliver. And look at promised, he will deliver. And look at promised, he will deliver. And look at what sort of kingship comes from this what sort of kingship comes from this what sort of kingship comes from this throne on which our king sits. And I'm throne on which our king sits. And I'm throne on which our king sits. And I'm closing, which is amazing. Maybe Jesus closing, which is amazing. Maybe Jesus closing, which is amazing. Maybe Jesus is coming soon. Shortest Austin Stone is coming soon. Shortest Austin Stone is coming soon. Shortest Austin Stone sermon in the history of our church. It sermon in the history of our church. It sermon in the history of our church. It either means decline or revival. Um, you either means decline or revival. Um, you either means decline or revival. Um, you you can decide, right?

you can decide, right? you can decide, right? Look at what sort of kingship comes from Look at what sort of kingship comes from Look at what sort of kingship comes from this throne on which this king sits. this throne on which this king sits. this throne on which this king sits. Just stop for a second. Just still your Just stop for a second. Just still your Just stop for a second. Just still your cynicism. Let's just lay aside some of our hurts Let's just lay aside some of our hurts that have come from waiting. that have come from waiting. that have come from waiting. And let's actually pull back the And let's actually pull back the And let's actually pull back the curtain. curtain. curtain. This is reality even now in the This is reality even now in the This is reality even now in the heavenlies. Revelation 21. heavenlies. Revelation 21. heavenlies. Revelation 21. Then I saw a new heaven Then I saw a new heaven Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. This is what he's and a new earth. This is what he's and a new earth. This is what he's working on. For the first heaven and the working on. For the first heaven and the working on. For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away and the sea first earth had passed away and the sea first earth had passed away and the sea was no more. The sea represents chaos in was no more. The sea represents chaos in was no more. The sea represents chaos in ancient biblical imagery, right? And ancient biblical imagery, right? And ancient biblical imagery, right? And that's how the Bible starts with just that's how the Bible starts with just that's how the Bible starts with just the chaos of the sea. Now there's order the chaos of the sea. Now there's order the chaos of the sea. Now there's order and structure and God's rule and reign. and structure and God's rule and reign. and structure and God's rule and reign. And I saw the holy city, a new And I saw the holy city, a new And I saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem. like me, if you want to live Jerusalem. like me, if you want to live Jerusalem. like me, if you want to live rurally forever, it's a bit of a let rurally forever, it's a bit of a let rurally forever, it's a bit of a let down. Um, that will be urban dwellers, down. Um, that will be urban dwellers, down. Um, that will be urban dwellers, but this one will work. This one will but this one will work. This one will but this one will work. This one will work. The new Jerusalem coming down out work. The new Jerusalem coming down out work. The new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride of heaven from God, prepared as a bride of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, all of the adorned for her husband, all of the adorned for her husband, all of the saints of old celebrating uh their saints of old celebrating uh their saints of old celebrating uh their holiness together. And I heard a loud holiness together. And I heard a loud holiness together. And I heard a loud voice from the throne voice from the throne voice from the throne saying, "Behold, oh my goodness, the saying, "Behold, oh my goodness, the saying, "Behold, oh my goodness, the dwelling place of God is with man.

dwelling place of God is with man. dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will He will dwell with them, and they will He will dwell with them, and they will be his people." It's back to Eden. And be his people." It's back to Eden. And be his people." It's back to Eden. And God himself will be with them as their God himself will be with them as their God himself will be with them as their God. And look at how he will rule. He God. And look at how he will rule. He God. And look at how he will rule. He will wipe away every tear from their will wipe away every tear from their will wipe away every tear from their eyes. And death shall be no more. eyes. And death shall be no more. eyes. And death shall be no more. Neither shall there be mourning nor Neither shall there be mourning nor Neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore. For the former crying nor pain anymore. For the former crying nor pain anymore. For the former things have passed away. And so friends, things have passed away. And so friends, things have passed away. And so friends, if we're experiencing mourning or crying if we're experiencing mourning or crying if we're experiencing mourning or crying or pain, it's but for a little while. And he who was seated on the throne And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, said, "Behold, said, "Behold, I the lion of the tribe of Judah, the I the lion of the tribe of Judah, the I the lion of the tribe of Judah, the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of lamb of God, who takes away the sins of lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world and making all things new. the world and making all things new. the world and making all things new. That's the king we wait for. That's the That's the king we wait for. That's the That's the king we wait for. That's the king who's coming." And sometimes we king who's coming." And sometimes we king who's coming." And sometimes we need to just lift our eyes a little bit need to just lift our eyes a little bit need to just lift our eyes a little bit above the tumult and the chaos and the above the tumult and the chaos and the above the tumult and the chaos and the uncertainty of it all to see who he uncertainty of it all to see who he uncertainty of it all to see who he really is and to see what he's really really is and to see what he's really really is and to see what he's really like and to see what really awaits us like and to see what really awaits us like and to see what really awaits us and then to allow that to shape the and then to allow that to shape the and then to allow that to shape the posture of our hearts this morning. And posture of our hearts this morning. And posture of our hearts this morning. And so so so so what?

so what? so what? Well, we wait. Well, we wait. Well, we wait. And as we wait, we hope. And as we wait, we hope. And as we wait, we hope. And as we hope, we long for the king And as we hope, we long for the king And as we hope, we long for the king whose throne suffers no fragility. And whose throne suffers no fragility. And whose throne suffers no fragility. And while we do that, we live the best we while we do that, we live the best we while we do that, we live the best we can as citizens of his kingdom, obeying can as citizens of his kingdom, obeying can as citizens of his kingdom, obeying his way and not the way of the world. his way and not the way of the world. his way and not the way of the world. And when we fail, we repent. And what And when we fail, we repent. And what And when we fail, we repent. And what meets us? The lamb who was slain. meets us? The lamb who was slain. meets us? The lamb who was slain. And when it looks like the world is And when it looks like the world is And when it looks like the world is completely out of control, what do we completely out of control, what do we completely out of control, what do we remember? The Lion of Judah is coming to remember? The Lion of Judah is coming to remember? The Lion of Judah is coming to make it all right. Behold, make it all right. Behold, make it all right. Behold, I am making all things new. I am making all things new. I am making all things new. Do it soon. Please, Lord Jesus. Father Do it soon. Please, Lord Jesus. Father Do it soon. Please, Lord Jesus. Father God, thank you so much for your word. God, thank you so much for your word. God, thank you so much for your word. Thank you for this study, Lord. Thank Thank you for this study, Lord. Thank Thank you for this study, Lord. Thank you for what it's taught us.

Father, I confess in my heart I can feel Father, I confess in my heart I can feel justified in reading reading stories of justified in reading reading stories of justified in reading reading stories of human failure because it justifies the human failure because it justifies the human failure because it justifies the cynic in me. And it can lead me not to cries of mercy And it can lead me not to cries of mercy and need for grace, but it can read lead and need for grace, but it can read lead and need for grace, but it can read lead me to condemnation and judgment and me to condemnation and judgment and me to condemnation and judgment and fatalism. And fatalism. And fatalism. And let that not be so of us, Father. These let that not be so of us, Father. These let that not be so of us, Father. These stories were given to us as lessons and stories were given to us as lessons and stories were given to us as lessons and as warnings. And I pray that we heed as warnings. And I pray that we heed as warnings. And I pray that we heed them today. them today. them today. And And And I pray that we interpret them lightly, I pray that we interpret them lightly, I pray that we interpret them lightly, rightly in light in light of the past rightly in light in light of the past rightly in light in light of the past and present and future work of the King and present and future work of the King and present and future work of the King of Kings, your son, the Lord Jesus. sacrificing for us in our sin, sacrificing for us in our sin, atoning for us in our rebellion.

Lord, we need a lion Lord, we need a lion clearing the way before us, musling our clearing the way before us, musling our clearing the way before us, musling our enemy, defeating him aresh and securing enemy, defeating him aresh and securing enemy, defeating him aresh and securing a kingdom for us that we can inhabit a kingdom for us that we can inhabit a kingdom for us that we can inhabit with him forever more. with him forever more. with him forever more. And Lord, today aresh we say we have And Lord, today aresh we say we have And Lord, today aresh we say we have that lamb and we have that lion uniquely that lamb and we have that lion uniquely that lamb and we have that lion uniquely in King Jesus. May we see him rightly. in King Jesus. May we see him rightly. in King Jesus. May we see him rightly. May we obey him rightly. May we love him May we obey him rightly. May we love him May we obey him rightly. May we love him more. May we worship him with our whole more. May we worship him with our whole more. May we worship him with our whole hearts this morning. [music] It's in his hearts this morning. [music] It's in his hearts this morning. [music] It's in his name we pray. Amen. >> You're welcome to take whatever posture >> You're welcome to take whatever posture you feel led to right now in this moment you feel led to right now in this moment you feel led to right now in this moment and stand when you feel led. We're going and stand when you feel led. We're going and stand when you feel led. We're going to keep looking to Jesus to see him in to keep looking to Jesus to see him in to keep looking to Jesus to see him in his glory. [music] Lord, let us behold his glory. [music] Lord, let us behold his glory. [music] Lord, let us behold you as you truly are this morning. Do you feel Do you feel [music] Do you wish [music] that you could see Do you wish [music] that you could see it all?

Is all creation [music] Is all creation [music] groaning? >> But there's a new creation [music] >> But there's a new creation [music] coming. Is the [music] glory of the Lord to be Is the [music] glory of the Lord to be the lie within our men? [music] And is it good [singing] that we [music] And is it good [singing] that we remind ourselves of this? Is anyone worthy? Is anyone worthy? Is anyone home? Is anyone home? Is anyone home? Is anyone [music and singing] able to Is anyone [music and singing] able to Is anyone [music and singing] able to break the seal and open the scroll? break the seal and open the scroll? break the seal and open the scroll? The lion of Judah [music and singing] The lion of Judah [music and singing] The lion of Judah [music and singing] who conquered the grave. who conquered the grave. who conquered the grave. He received his fruit and the lamb who He received his fruit and the lamb who He received his fruit and the lamb who died to ransom the slave.

died to ransom the slave. died to ransom the slave. Is he worthy? [music] Is he worthy Is he worthy of all blessing [singing] and honor and of all blessing [singing] and honor and of all blessing [singing] and honor and [music] glory? [music] glory? [music] glory? Is he worthy Is he worthy Is he worthy of this? of this? of this? Yes, Yes, Yes, we know. Yes. [music] we know. Yes. [music] we know. Yes. [music] And does the father truly [singing] love And does the father truly [singing] love And does the father truly [singing] love us? Come on. Does the spirit move among [singing] Does the spirit move among [singing] us? He does. us? He does. us? He does. And does [music] Jesus, our [singing] And does [music] Jesus, our [singing] And does [music] Jesus, our [singing] Messiah, hold forever those he loves? Messiah, hold forever those he loves? Messiah, hold forever those he loves? [music] [music] [music] Does our God intend [singing] to dwell Does our God intend [singing] to dwell Does our God intend [singing] to dwell again with us? Come on, we declare. again with us? Come on, we declare. again with us? Come on, we declare. [music] We know. Oh, he does. Is anyone [music] Is anyone [music] worthy?

worthy? worthy? Is anyone home? [music] Is anyone home? [music] Is anyone home? [music] Is anyone able to break the seal and Is anyone able to break the seal and Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll? [music] open the scroll? [music] open the scroll? [music] The lion of Judah [singing] The lion of Judah [singing] The lion of Judah [singing] who conquered the grave. who conquered the grave. who conquered the grave. He saved his root and the lamb who died He saved his root and the lamb who died He saved his root and the lamb who died from [music] the slave from [music] the slave from [music] the slave from every people and tribe. from every people and tribe. from every people and tribe. every nation and tongue. every nation and tongue. every nation and tongue. He has made us [music] a kingdom and He has made us [music] a kingdom and He has made us [music] a kingdom and priest to God with the sun. priest to God with the sun. priest to God with the sun. Is he worthy? [music] Is he worthy? [music] Is he worthy? [music] Is he worthy Is he worthy Is he worthy of all blessing [music] of all blessing [music] of all blessing [music] and honor and glory? and honor and glory? and honor and glory? Is he worthy? Is he worthy? Is he worthy? [singing] [singing] [singing] Is he worthy? Is he worthy? Is he worthy? Is he worthy Is he worthy Is he worthy of this?

Oh, we declare Oh, we declare he [music] He [music] is worthy. He [music] is worthy. of all blessing and honor and glory. of all blessing and honor and glory. of all blessing and honor and glory. [music] [music] [music] He is worthy. He is worthy. He is worthy. He is worthy. He is worthy He is worthy [music] [music] [music] of of of this. I am an instrument [music] I am an instrument [music] of exultation and I was born to lift their name above and I was born to lift their name above all names.

all names. all names. You [music] hear the mey [singing] There's [music] a song [singing] of There's [music] a song [singing] of praise that only I can bring. praise that only I can bring. praise that only I can bring. Who else is worthy? There is no one [music] There is no one [music] only Jesus. only Jesus. only Jesus. Who else [music] is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] [music] [music] There is no one There is no one There is no one only [music] Jesus. [singing] You are the You are the God [music] of [singing] the aes. God [music] of [singing] the aes. God [music] of [singing] the aes. And yet you chose to [music] make my And yet you chose to [music] make my And yet you chose to [music] make my heart your dwelling place. heart your dwelling place. heart your dwelling place. You heal my brokenness, You heal my brokenness, You heal my brokenness, showed me your [singing] glory.

So I have songs and thanks, [music] not So I have songs and thanks, [music] not even angels. even angels. even angels. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no [music] one, only Jesus. There is no [music] one, only Jesus. There is no [music] one, only Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? There is no [music] There is no [music] one only you Jesus. one only you Jesus. one only you Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Oh, who else is worthy? There is no one There is no one only [music] Jesus. only [music] Jesus. only [music] Jesus. Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? [music] Oh, who else is worthy? There is no [music] one There is no [music] one only Jesus.

We believe [music] and we declare there We believe [music] and we declare there is no one, is no one, is no one, there [music] is no king but Jesus [music] [music] the lamb [singing] of God the lamb [singing] of God the lamb [singing] of God oh slain for us. oh slain for us. oh slain for us. Oh, hail the king Jesus. Lamb [music] of God, [singing] anointed Lamb [music] of God, [singing] anointed one who was and is and is to come. He's one who was and is and is to come. He's one who was and is and is to come. He's seated on the throne above. Holy, seated on the throne above. Holy, seated on the throne above. Holy, [music] we see the righteous one who [music] we see the righteous one who [music] we see the righteous one who shed his blood. You prove to [music] us shed his blood. You prove to [music] us shed his blood. You prove to [music] us the father's love. Oh Jesus Christ be the father's love. Oh Jesus Christ be the father's love. Oh Jesus Christ be lifted up. Holy, lifted up. Holy, lifted up. Holy, holy [music] holy [music] holy [music] lamb of God, anointed one who was lamb of God, anointed one who was lamb of God, anointed one who was [music] in you. He is to come [music] in you. He is to come [music] in you. He is to come on the throne above.

Rightous [music] Rightous [music] one who share his blood. to prove to us one who share his blood. to prove to us one who share his blood. to prove to us the father God Jesus [music] the father God Jesus [music] the father God Jesus [music] Christ. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Oh, who else is worthy? [music] There is no There is no only [music] only [music] only [music] Jesus Jesus Jesus who is is only there is there is only only only [music] [music] [music] there Who else? Who else is worthy?

Who else? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is [singing] no one, only you, There is [singing] no one, only you, There is [singing] no one, only you, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Who else is worthy? [music] There is no one There is no one only you Jesus. only you Jesus. only you Jesus. There is no one There is no one There is no one only you Jesus. only you Jesus. only you Jesus. There [singing] is no one There [singing] is no one There [singing] is no one only you Jesus. Hallelu.

Hallelu. [music] [music] [music] For the Lord God Almighty For the Lord God Almighty For the Lord God Almighty reigns. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] are you, Lord God are you, Lord God [singing] Almighty. Yes, worthy is the lamb. Yes, worthy is the lamb. Sing worthy is the [music] lamb. Oh, you Sing worthy is the [music] lamb. Oh, you Sing worthy is the [music] lamb. Oh, you are [singing] holy. are you, [singing] Lord God are you, [singing] Lord God Almighty. [music] Worthy is the lamb.

Worthy is the lamb. Worthy is the singing. Holy. Yes, Worthy is the singing. Holy. Yes, Worthy is the singing. Holy. Yes, [music] you are holy, [music] you are holy, [music] you are holy, Lord. Lord. Lord. Holy. Are you Lord [music and singing] God Are you Lord [music and singing] God Almighty is the is the worthy is the holy. [singing] Yes, you worthy is the holy. [singing] Yes, you worthy is the holy. [singing] Yes, you are holy. are holy. are holy. [music] are you, [singing and music] Lord God are you, [singing and music] Lord God Almighty. Worthy is the lamb. Worthy is the lamb. >> Worthy is the lamb. [applause] [applause] >> Amen. Amen. Psalm itude close one more >> Amen. Amen. Psalm itude close one more >> Amen. Amen. Psalm itude close one more time. I am at rest in God alone. My time. I am at rest in God alone. My time. I am at rest in God alone. My salvation comes from him. And al salvation comes from him. And al salvation comes from him. And al together we say, [music] "Rest in God together we say, [music] "Rest in God together we say, [music] "Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from alone, my soul, for my hope comes from alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my him. He alone is my rock and my him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold. I will not be salvation, my stronghold. I will not be salvation, my stronghold. I will not be shaken." Amen. Y'all are welcome to take shaken." Amen. Y'all are welcome to take shaken." Amen. Y'all are welcome to take a seat.

Amen. As the offering team comes Amen. As the offering team comes forward, y'all could finish grabbing forward, y'all could finish grabbing forward, y'all could finish grabbing your seats. Well done. Um, my name is your seats. Well done. Um, my name is your seats. Well done. Um, my name is Scott Hecman. Uh, I'm executive pastor Scott Hecman. Uh, I'm executive pastor Scott Hecman. Uh, I'm executive pastor here. And if you're wondering, the here. And if you're wondering, the here. And if you're wondering, the answer is yes. [music] answer is yes. [music] answer is yes. [music] Um, Ross and I are in a boy band Um, Ross and I are in a boy band Um, Ross and I are in a boy band together. That's why we wore the exact together. That's why we wore the exact together. That's why we wore the exact same outfit today. Speaking of bands same outfit today. Speaking of bands same outfit today. Speaking of bands though, we've got a couple of ways for though, we've got a couple of ways for though, we've got a couple of ways for you to respond in obedience to King you to respond in obedience to King you to respond in obedience to King Jesus, this true king. He's a king who Jesus, this true king. He's a king who Jesus, this true king. He's a king who served. And so, we are looking for 13 served. And so, we are looking for 13 served. And so, we are looking for 13 now people to step up and serve this now people to step up and serve this now people to step up and serve this summer. try it out, including in our summer. try it out, including in our summer. try it out, including in our worship team. And so we got three uh worship team. And so we got three uh worship team. And so we got three uh three volunteers we're looking for to three volunteers we're looking for to three volunteers we're looking for to serve as electric guitarists. And so we serve as electric guitarists. And so we serve as electric guitarists. And so we want excellence. We we worship an want excellence. We we worship an want excellence. We we worship an excellent God. We want to do it in in an excellent God. We want to do it in in an excellent God. We want to do it in in an excellent way, but we want to do it in a excellent way, but we want to do it in a excellent way, but we want to do it in a layled way as well. And so not being layled way as well. And so not being layled way as well. And so not being staff supported means we need some folks staff supported means we need some folks staff supported means we need some folks to step up and serve in kids and to step up and serve in kids and to step up and serve in kids and hospitality and setup and tear down and hospitality and setup and tear down and hospitality and setup and tear down and yes, our production and worship team. So yes, our production and worship team. So yes, our production and worship team. So if you're interested, come find me after if you're interested, come find me after if you're interested, come find me after service. I'll be up here or Will she our service. I'll be up here or Will she our service. I'll be up here or Will she our downtown worship director to talk more downtown worship director to talk more downtown worship director to talk more about that. Secondly, we want to follow about that. Secondly, we want to follow about that. Secondly, we want to follow King Jesus and how we spend time King Jesus and how we spend time King Jesus and how we spend time together with his people. And so we've together with his people. And so we've together with his people. And so we've got really lowbar ways to spend time got really lowbar ways to spend time got really lowbar ways to spend time with the people of God here at downtown with the people of God here at downtown with the people of God here at downtown a hangout today at Zilker Park meeting a hangout today at Zilker Park meeting a hangout today at Zilker Park meeting up at the volleyball space uh at 4 p.m.

up at the volleyball space uh at 4 p.m. up at the volleyball space uh at 4 p.m. right just right across the river. This right just right across the river. This right just right across the river. This is an awesome place we get to worship in is an awesome place we get to worship in is an awesome place we get to worship in right here at Austin High. So, a walk right here at Austin High. So, a walk right here at Austin High. So, a walk across the bridge uh will will be a across the bridge uh will will be a across the bridge uh will will be a hangout today at 4 pm. We've got hangout today at 4 pm. We've got hangout today at 4 pm. We've got hangouts also this summer for women hangouts also this summer for women hangouts also this summer for women specifically, for college age specifically, for college age specifically, for college age specifically. All the information behind specifically. All the information behind specifically. All the information behind me or you can go to me or you can go to me or you can go to austinstoneone.org/down austinstoneone.org/down austinstoneone.org/down to see that information. We want you, to see that information. We want you, to see that information. We want you, yes, summers get busy, but we want you yes, summers get busy, but we want you yes, summers get busy, but we want you to not let that be an excuse for not to not let that be an excuse for not to not let that be an excuse for not spending time with people who love the spending time with people who love the spending time with people who love the fact that you're a Christian and you fact that you're a Christian and you fact that you're a Christian and you doing the same for them. Last but not doing the same for them. Last but not doing the same for them. Last but not least is Jesus learned, we find out in least is Jesus learned, we find out in least is Jesus learned, we find out in the book of Hebrews and elsewhere. And the book of Hebrews and elsewhere. And the book of Hebrews and elsewhere. And so, we want to be like him and how we so, we want to be like him and how we so, we want to be like him and how we learn. If you are a woman who wants to learn. If you are a woman who wants to learn. If you are a woman who wants to go deeply in God's word beyond just a go deeply in God's word beyond just a go deeply in God's word beyond just a Sunday morning study this fall we're Sunday morning study this fall we're Sunday morning study this fall we're doing our women's workshop and doing our women's workshop and doing our women's workshop and registration is opened up this week. The registration is opened up this week. The registration is opened up this week. The topic is going to be God and sexuality. topic is going to be God and sexuality. topic is going to be God and sexuality. And so it's going to be a long 9 to 4 And so it's going to be a long 9 to 4 And so it's going to be a long 9 to 4 p.m. time to go deep in God's word. What p.m. time to go deep in God's word. What p.m. time to go deep in God's word. What does he say about this issue? Uh author does he say about this issue? Uh author does he say about this issue? Uh author Julie Slatterie will be with us to teach Julie Slatterie will be with us to teach Julie Slatterie will be with us to teach us on this. And so if that's something us on this. And so if that's something us on this. And so if that's something you want to get plugged in, registered you want to get plugged in, registered you want to get plugged in, registered to today it's $50 if you register uh to today it's $50 if you register uh to today it's $50 if you register uh soon. You can go to soon. You can go to soon. You can go to austinstoneone.org/down, ordown. Look austinstoneone.org/down, ordown. Look austinstoneone.org/down, ordown. Look for women's ministry and then get signed for women's ministry and then get signed for women's ministry and then get signed up there if you would. That's all we've up there if you would. That's all we've up there if you would. That's all we've got. We'll stand for the benediction.

>> All right, we'll sing this to close a >> All right, we'll sing this to close a couple times. couple times. couple times. >> Hesus of heaven and earth. of heaven and earth. All hell king Jesus. All hell the savior All hell the savior of the world. All hail king Jesus. All hail the Lord of heaven and All hail the Lord of heaven and [singing] earth. [singing] earth. [singing] earth. All hell king Jesus. All hail [singing] All hail [singing] the savior the savior the savior of the world. of the world. of the world. Amen. Amen. All right. Thank you all so Amen. Amen. All right. Thank you all so Amen. Amen. All right. Thank you all so much for joining us. You all have a much for joining us. You all have a much for joining us. You all have a great week. You're dismissed.