Glimpses of Glory God's Light
St. Paul's Anglican Church Chatswood - SermonsJuly 01, 202329:5849.45 MB

Glimpses of Glory God's Light

Glimpses of Glory God's Light

Series: Isaiah

Speaker: Nick Freestone

Date: 2nd July 2023

Passages:


00:00:00 --> 00:00:01 So you get up.
00:00:03 --> 00:00:04 You got up early.
00:00:04 --> 00:00:08 It's 5 a.m. and you drive down to the ocean.
00:00:09 --> 00:00:10 The sky is clear.
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 You walk to the water's edge and you look east and you wait.
00:00:15 --> 00:00:17 The sky starts to brighten up.
00:00:18 --> 00:00:21 You start to doubt why you got up in the first place.
00:00:23 --> 00:00:28 With the cool sand under your feet, a wave begins to break and then
00:00:28 --> 00:00:34 light dawns over that wave and hits you full in the face.
00:00:35 --> 00:00:37 It's a beautiful experience.
00:00:38 --> 00:00:41 With your eyes closed, you take a breath.
00:00:43 --> 00:00:46 Light warming your skin, illuminating your face.
00:00:46 --> 00:00:49 You're the best you've ever looked in this light, you imagine.
00:00:50 --> 00:00:57 And then you exhale like you've just taken a drag of some hope-giving
00:00:57 --> 00:01:00 life-fuelling drink.
00:01:04 --> 00:01:05 Sunrise is amazing.
00:01:06 --> 00:01:11 But in truth, the earth has just rotated around again.
00:01:13 --> 00:01:15 Technically, nothing special has happened.
00:01:15 --> 00:01:21 And yet, for humans, when the sunrise kisses our face, something special happens.
00:01:22 --> 00:01:28 It's like the sun whispers its creator's promise in our ear.
00:01:28 --> 00:01:29 Something wonderful is coming.
00:01:32 --> 00:01:36 There's a glorious new day coming.
00:01:36 --> 00:01:37 There's hope.
00:01:37 --> 00:01:40 Some day, this new day is going to come.
00:01:42 --> 00:01:48 And what we've just read from Isaiah 60 in this whole chapter is the sunrise.
00:01:49 --> 00:01:52 And that whisper of hope, but with a megaphone.
00:01:54 --> 00:01:58 It's the joy of experiencing a sunrise times a billion.
00:01:58 --> 00:02:05 When light will dawn on an unending day and all will be set right in the world.
00:02:07 --> 00:02:13 And more than we can ever imagine, Israel needed hope for a new day.
00:02:14 --> 00:02:22 Israel, the hearers of this message, they were in a relentless loop of only darkness, night or day.
00:02:22 --> 00:02:23 Sun was up.
00:02:23 --> 00:02:24 They were in the dark.
00:02:24 --> 00:02:28 Isaiah describes it in chapter 59 like this.
00:02:30 --> 00:02:32 Justice is far from us.
00:02:33 --> 00:02:35 Righteousness doesn't reach us.
00:02:35 --> 00:02:37 We look for light, but all is darkness.
00:02:38 --> 00:02:40 For brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
00:02:41 --> 00:02:48 Like the blind, we grope along the wall, feeling our way like people without eyes.
00:02:50 --> 00:02:51 Israel were broken.
00:02:52 --> 00:02:53 They were enslaved.
00:02:53 --> 00:02:54 They were oppressed.
00:02:54 --> 00:02:57 And desperate for light to dawn.
00:02:58 --> 00:03:07 And few of us in the room or online or in this age in Sydney could ever comprehend being forcibly removed from our country.
00:03:07 --> 00:03:11 Or have any sense of that trauma or loss.
00:03:12 --> 00:03:15 For many of us, especially those elsewhere in the world.
00:03:15 --> 00:03:23 But I think many of us here too could strongly identify with longing for a new day to dawn.
00:03:24 --> 00:03:27 A new day for others that we see.
00:03:28 --> 00:03:29 People we see on the news.
00:03:30 --> 00:03:31 People we see struggling in our community.
00:03:32 --> 00:03:34 Those that we love going through an awful season.
00:03:36 --> 00:03:37 Or maybe we're in that season ourselves.
00:03:37 --> 00:03:38 We long for a place in the world.
00:03:38 --> 00:03:39 A place in the world.
00:03:39 --> 00:03:43 A place in the world.
00:03:45 --> 00:03:48 We long for a place in the world.
00:03:48 --> 00:03:53 A nearness to something greater.
00:03:54 --> 00:03:55 A purpose in life.
00:03:55 --> 00:03:57 Or maybe even to God himself.
00:03:57 --> 00:04:02 Or an end to conflict and destruction and injustice.
00:04:04 --> 00:04:14 We don't have to look around our world for long to know that there is a darkness in the world and over all people that we all wish would retreat once and for all.
00:04:14 --> 00:04:24 And what this is, is a symptom of spiritual darkness that is over all things under the earth.
00:04:25 --> 00:04:33 Even the liveliest, happiest human without God is in spiritual darkness.
00:04:34 --> 00:04:37 Ephesians 2, 1 and 2 describes it like this.
00:04:38 --> 00:04:44 It describes life following in the ways of the world as a spiritual death.
00:04:44 --> 00:04:47 Dead in transgressions and sins.
00:04:48 --> 00:04:49 Dancing in the sun.
00:04:50 --> 00:04:51 Drowning in darkness.
00:04:52 --> 00:04:54 Dead while you live.
00:04:56 --> 00:05:03 All people desperately long, whether they know it or not, for a spiritual dawn.
00:05:06 --> 00:05:12 Israel looked for God to rebuild their national pride, their city and end their pain.
00:05:12 --> 00:05:18 And we might hope for a world with no injustice, no greed and peace under this sun.
00:05:20 --> 00:05:29 We would all love God if he is there to move our world in the direction or in the desire that we have for the world.
00:05:30 --> 00:05:34 Move our world from this day to a better day.
00:05:34 --> 00:05:39 Where the satisfaction of every human soul will be done.
00:05:40 --> 00:05:50 And it is way beyond the expectations of Israel, us, and maybe even reality, that we get Isaiah chapter 60.
00:05:50 --> 00:05:58 So, we are going to begin by looking for six things that God will do on this day.
00:05:59 --> 00:06:00 On this new day.
00:06:00 --> 00:06:06 And it's not clickbait, but the last two will surprise you.
00:06:09 --> 00:06:12 Certainly surprised Israel.
00:06:13 --> 00:06:14 So, look at me.
00:06:14 --> 00:06:15 Open your Bibles, chapter 60.
00:06:15 --> 00:06:18 We are going to fly through some wonderful things here.
00:06:18 --> 00:06:20 We are going to start in verse 2.
00:06:20 --> 00:06:26 First, God sees thick darkness that covers the earth.
00:06:26 --> 00:06:28 Everything I've just talked about, God sees it.
00:06:29 --> 00:06:30 It's good news.
00:06:31 --> 00:06:32 God sees Israel's plight.
00:06:33 --> 00:06:34 God sees your struggle.
00:06:36 --> 00:06:38 He sees all people in spiritual darkness.
00:06:38 --> 00:06:42 And he promises to melt away the darkness of the world.
00:06:42 --> 00:06:46 And he asks you in verse 1 to open your eyes and behold.
00:06:46 --> 00:06:51 Not for some whisper in an earthly sunrise.
00:06:52 --> 00:06:55 But to behold the glory of a merciful God.
00:06:57 --> 00:07:00 And then he says to Israel in verse 10.
00:07:02 --> 00:07:08 Though in anger I struck you, in favor I will show you compassion.
00:07:10 --> 00:07:15 Israel was bearing the cost of their rebellion and sin in exile.
00:07:15 --> 00:07:20 And our world is deeply scarred by the dark mark of all people's sin.
00:07:21 --> 00:07:24 God's anger towards us is right.
00:07:25 --> 00:07:29 But at his heart is compassion.
00:07:30 --> 00:07:31 Is mercy.
00:07:33 --> 00:07:35 All people turn from God.
00:07:35 --> 00:07:40 But he mercifully turns his favor towards them.
00:07:40 --> 00:07:47 He promises to beautify this people.
00:07:48 --> 00:07:51 I'm going to actually jump into the next chapter, verse 3.
00:07:51 --> 00:07:55 Because it's a little summary of a number of verses in chapter 60.
00:07:56 --> 00:07:57 Where he says,
00:07:57 --> 00:08:18 Beautiful city for a beautiful people.
00:08:19 --> 00:08:20 That's right.
00:08:20 --> 00:08:22 He's going to rebuild Israel's ruins.
00:08:22 --> 00:08:27 Israel's city lies empty in verse 15 as it says.
00:08:29 --> 00:08:32 But God will fill it and restore its pride.
00:08:32 --> 00:08:36 And as Gary read, even give it new walls.
00:08:37 --> 00:08:44 The harsh rulers as well will be replaced with peace and well-being.
00:08:44 --> 00:08:49 Their pathetic wealth will literally turn to gold.
00:08:50 --> 00:08:51 In verse 17.
00:08:53 --> 00:08:57 And riches from all over the world are going to pour through their gates.
00:08:57 --> 00:08:57 In verse 11.
00:08:59 --> 00:09:00 And those gates,
00:09:01 --> 00:09:06 once echoed with the horrifying noise of war,
00:09:06 --> 00:09:11 and now going to ring with the symphony of praise and welcome.
00:09:11 --> 00:09:12 In verse 18.
00:09:14 --> 00:09:15 Don't mishear as well.
00:09:16 --> 00:09:20 Like the unspoken things in chapter 60.
00:09:20 --> 00:09:27 The unspoken moments of grace of our merciful God.
00:09:27 --> 00:09:31 Israel have done nothing to deserve this wondrous picture of a new city.
00:09:32 --> 00:09:33 To be made beautiful.
00:09:33 --> 00:09:40 For their mourning and pain and even the sound of their past to be once ended.
00:09:42 --> 00:09:45 Now here's the bit that Israel would not expect.
00:09:45 --> 00:09:48 And maybe the twist that you wouldn't expect.
00:09:49 --> 00:09:56 More than half of this chapter is dedicated to describing a kaleidoscope of nations.
00:09:56 --> 00:10:00 who will come to this new made city.
00:10:00 --> 00:10:02 Like a fleet of ships.
00:10:02 --> 00:10:06 So vast that it's like a storm front coming over the horizon.
00:10:06 --> 00:10:08 Where Israel panics.
00:10:08 --> 00:10:10 Imagine them watching the ocean.
00:10:10 --> 00:10:12 And this massive storm front is coming.
00:10:12 --> 00:10:13 But it's not a storm.
00:10:14 --> 00:10:15 They're the sails of ships.
00:10:17 --> 00:10:18 It's not a storm.
00:10:18 --> 00:10:21 It's like flocks of birds blocking out the sun.
00:10:21 --> 00:10:22 There's so many of them.
00:10:22 --> 00:10:22 There's so many of them.
00:10:26 --> 00:10:33 They are the nations coming not to wage war and destroy the place.
00:10:34 --> 00:10:39 But to surrender and find acceptance in this new city with Israel.
00:10:41 --> 00:10:43 We don't stand in this room without that promise.
00:10:45 --> 00:10:48 We are from all over the world in this church.
00:10:48 --> 00:10:55 And what's beautiful as well is they bring their cultural diversity.
00:10:56 --> 00:10:58 Their culturally unique giftedness.
00:10:59 --> 00:11:04 Still retained somehow in this astonishing coming together of peoples.
00:11:05 --> 00:11:10 Only conformed by their desire to worship God.
00:11:10 --> 00:11:13 And to share in citizenship in this city.
00:11:13 --> 00:11:18 They are the sons and daughters that are in verse 4 that Gary read out.
00:11:19 --> 00:11:23 The sons and daughters of Israel are going to be gathered from the nations.
00:11:23 --> 00:11:25 Carried into the city.
00:11:27 --> 00:11:31 They too are the shoot that I have planted as God says.
00:11:32 --> 00:11:34 They too are the work of my hands.
00:11:34 --> 00:11:37 For the display of my splendor.
00:11:37 --> 00:11:42 Here together all people will discover their longings met.
00:11:42 --> 00:11:44 And as it said in verse 5.
00:11:44 --> 00:11:48 Everyone together will look at one another.
00:11:49 --> 00:11:50 And they will be radiant.
00:11:51 --> 00:11:53 Their heart will throb and swell with joy.
00:11:53 --> 00:11:57 Not just because of the blessings and beauty that they share in the city.
00:11:57 --> 00:12:00 But because of this second and even greater shock.
00:12:01 --> 00:12:04 This wow that they get in Isaiah 60.
00:12:04 --> 00:12:06 And it is this.
00:12:06 --> 00:12:07 God is there.
00:12:09 --> 00:12:12 The Lord himself will be the light of this city.
00:12:12 --> 00:12:13 As it says in verse 2.
00:12:13 --> 00:12:15 The Lord rises upon you.
00:12:15 --> 00:12:17 His glory appears over you.
00:12:19 --> 00:12:24 No more will the rising of the sun nor the moon be man's hope for a better day.
00:12:24 --> 00:12:28 But God will literally be their light forever.
00:12:29 --> 00:12:32 Your sun and moon will never set again.
00:12:32 --> 00:12:35 Your sun will never set again.
00:12:35 --> 00:12:36 Your moon will wane no more.
00:12:37 --> 00:12:39 The Lord will be your everlasting light.
00:12:39 --> 00:12:42 And your days of sorrow will end.
00:12:43 --> 00:12:47 Day after day in darkness will be over.
00:12:49 --> 00:12:53 Sorrow will end with God with us.
00:12:54 --> 00:12:55 Just pause now.
00:12:55 --> 00:13:01 Just consider how wonderful this promise in this chapter is.
00:13:02 --> 00:13:03 Darkness is gone.
00:13:05 --> 00:13:07 All peoples united.
00:13:08 --> 00:13:09 None of this imagined.
00:13:10 --> 00:13:11 Sorry John Lennon.
00:13:11 --> 00:13:12 This is bigger.
00:13:13 --> 00:13:16 Because our creator is here.
00:13:18 --> 00:13:19 Or will be.
00:13:20 --> 00:13:21 On that day.
00:13:21 --> 00:13:22 It's beyond imagining.
00:13:22 --> 00:13:29 This is not a promise that you can imagine God enacting right now in this world.
00:13:30 --> 00:13:32 And yet that's somehow going to happen.
00:13:33 --> 00:13:34 And you might dare to ask.
00:13:35 --> 00:13:36 Okay.
00:13:36 --> 00:13:38 So when will this happen God?
00:13:41 --> 00:13:42 Just like a click bait.
00:13:44 --> 00:13:44 Link.
00:13:45 --> 00:13:49 Does kind of already sound a little bit too good to be true doesn't it?
00:13:49 --> 00:13:51 Well let's see.
00:13:54 --> 00:13:56 What God does for us.
00:13:56 --> 00:14:01 Around this wonderful promise picture of Isaiah 60.
00:14:02 --> 00:14:03 Is he wraps a little frame around it.
00:14:05 --> 00:14:07 There are verses just before.
00:14:07 --> 00:14:08 And just after.
00:14:09 --> 00:14:11 That tell us when this day is going to dawn.
00:14:11 --> 00:14:13 When this promise is going to begin.
00:14:14 --> 00:14:15 So let's.
00:14:15 --> 00:14:16 In your Bible.
00:14:16 --> 00:14:17 Just have a look back.
00:14:17 --> 00:14:18 One verse before.
00:14:18 --> 00:14:20 Isaiah 59.
00:14:20 --> 00:14:20 21.
00:14:21 --> 00:14:23 God covenants with Israel.
00:14:24 --> 00:14:26 He promises them.
00:14:27 --> 00:14:29 That he will send.
00:14:29 --> 00:14:31 The Messiah King.
00:14:31 --> 00:14:34 The one whose nature we've been discovering.
00:14:34 --> 00:14:36 Across the last term.
00:14:36 --> 00:14:37 Of this whole series.
00:14:38 --> 00:14:41 The one who will have God's words on his tongue.
00:14:41 --> 00:14:43 And God's spirit upon him.
00:14:43 --> 00:14:44 The coming of that person.
00:14:44 --> 00:14:48 The coming of that person is the moment.
00:14:48 --> 00:14:49 That this promised picture.
00:14:49 --> 00:14:50 Will begin to shine.
00:14:50 --> 00:14:51 In our world.
00:14:52 --> 00:14:52 When the Messiah.
00:14:53 --> 00:14:53 The servant king.
00:14:54 --> 00:14:55 Comes.
00:14:55 --> 00:14:57 And then on the other side of the frame.
00:14:58 --> 00:14:59 We have.
00:14:59 --> 00:15:01 The Messiah speaking.
00:15:02 --> 00:15:03 Identifying himself.
00:15:03 --> 00:15:06 He will commit.
00:15:06 --> 00:15:07 To achieving.
00:15:07 --> 00:15:08 To achieving.
00:15:08 --> 00:15:09 What Isaiah 61.
00:15:10 --> 00:15:11 One and two says.
00:15:12 --> 00:15:14 As the suffering servant.
00:15:14 --> 00:15:16 As the king of kings.
00:15:16 --> 00:15:16 Jesus.
00:15:17 --> 00:15:18 So when someone.
00:15:18 --> 00:15:19 Puts their hand up.
00:15:20 --> 00:15:21 And reads from.
00:15:21 --> 00:15:22 Isaiah 61.
00:15:23 --> 00:15:24 That's.
00:15:24 --> 00:15:24 Him.
00:15:24 --> 00:15:25 He's the one.
00:15:25 --> 00:15:26 That's the moment.
00:15:26 --> 00:15:27 That's the dawn.
00:15:28 --> 00:15:30 He is the light of the world.
00:15:30 --> 00:15:30 God.
00:15:32 --> 00:15:33 And the question is.
00:15:33 --> 00:15:34 Has someone done that yet?
00:15:36 --> 00:15:37 Is that day here?
00:15:39 --> 00:15:41 Because Israel got back.
00:15:41 --> 00:15:42 After exile.
00:15:42 --> 00:15:42 To a city.
00:15:42 --> 00:15:43 And had to rebuild it.
00:15:43 --> 00:15:44 Themselves.
00:15:44 --> 00:15:46 And with God empowering them.
00:15:46 --> 00:15:47 They did so.
00:15:47 --> 00:15:48 But they never rose back.
00:15:48 --> 00:15:49 To that glory.
00:15:50 --> 00:15:52 That they even once had.
00:15:53 --> 00:15:54 They were still oppressed.
00:15:54 --> 00:15:55 By powers.
00:15:55 --> 00:15:56 Around them.
00:15:57 --> 00:15:58 They never attained.
00:15:58 --> 00:16:00 Even.
00:16:00 --> 00:16:00 Even.
00:16:00 --> 00:16:00 Even.
00:16:00 --> 00:16:01 In part.
00:16:02 --> 00:16:03 To this glorious picture.
00:16:03 --> 00:16:04 That's described.
00:16:04 --> 00:16:05 In chapter 60.
00:16:06 --> 00:16:06 Of Isaiah.
00:16:08 --> 00:16:09 So right now.
00:16:09 --> 00:16:09 We're going to do something.
00:16:10 --> 00:16:10 A little bit different.
00:16:11 --> 00:16:12 Don't know if it's going to work.
00:16:13 --> 00:16:14 We're going to try it anyway.
00:16:15 --> 00:16:17 Because as Isaiah 60 ends.
00:16:18 --> 00:16:20 We're going to take up.
00:16:20 --> 00:16:20 The symphony.
00:16:21 --> 00:16:22 That is scripture.
00:16:22 --> 00:16:23 And if you heard.
00:16:24 --> 00:16:25 The first sermon.
00:16:25 --> 00:16:25 In this series.
00:16:27 --> 00:16:28 Isaiah is.
00:16:28 --> 00:16:28 A bit like.
00:16:28 --> 00:16:29 A symphony.
00:16:29 --> 00:16:30 Where every little melody.
00:16:30 --> 00:16:32 Everything that you hear.
00:16:32 --> 00:16:32 Over and over.
00:16:32 --> 00:16:33 It comes back in.
00:16:33 --> 00:16:34 And you think.
00:16:34 --> 00:16:34 Oh.
00:16:34 --> 00:16:35 I remember when God promised.
00:16:37 --> 00:16:38 I remember when.
00:16:39 --> 00:16:39 That judgment.
00:16:40 --> 00:16:41 Was promised.
00:16:41 --> 00:16:42 And now it's come.
00:16:43 --> 00:16:44 A symphony's melody.
00:16:44 --> 00:16:44 Comes in.
00:16:45 --> 00:16:46 And disappears.
00:16:46 --> 00:16:46 And then.
00:16:47 --> 00:16:48 Crescendos.
00:16:48 --> 00:16:49 And then comes back down.
00:16:50 --> 00:16:51 And as we go through.
00:16:51 --> 00:16:52 The whole of Isaiah.
00:16:52 --> 00:16:53 We get to hold on.
00:16:53 --> 00:16:54 To some of those things.
00:16:55 --> 00:16:56 So right now.
00:16:56 --> 00:16:56 We're going to look at.
00:16:56 --> 00:16:57 The book of Luke.
00:16:57 --> 00:16:59 We're going to listen.
00:16:59 --> 00:17:00 To the symphony.
00:17:01 --> 00:17:02 And we're going to listen.
00:17:02 --> 00:17:03 To the moment.
00:17:04 --> 00:17:05 When God kept his promise.
00:17:05 --> 00:17:07 At the end of Isaiah 60.
00:17:08 --> 00:17:09 That in its time.
00:17:09 --> 00:17:10 I will do it swiftly.
00:17:10 --> 00:17:11 He said.
00:17:12 --> 00:17:13 The moment.
00:17:13 --> 00:17:14 When the sunrise came.
00:17:17 --> 00:17:17 Sunrise.
00:17:17 --> 00:17:18 That we long for.
00:17:18 --> 00:17:22 Because the sun rose.
00:17:22 --> 00:17:22 On the land.
00:17:22 --> 00:17:24 On a day like every other.
00:17:25 --> 00:17:26 And like a broken record.
00:17:26 --> 00:17:27 With a piano melody.
00:17:27 --> 00:17:28 That never changes.
00:17:28 --> 00:17:29 And drones on and on.
00:17:30 --> 00:17:31 The nation of Israel.
00:17:31 --> 00:17:32 Waited for a new day.
00:17:33 --> 00:17:34 It was a Saturday.
00:17:34 --> 00:17:35 A Sabbath.
00:17:35 --> 00:17:36 And across the country.
00:17:36 --> 00:17:37 Promises of God.
00:17:37 --> 00:17:38 Were being read.
00:17:38 --> 00:17:38 And remembered.
00:17:40 --> 00:17:40 People dreamed.
00:17:40 --> 00:17:41 Of seeing their nation.
00:17:42 --> 00:17:42 Restored.
00:17:42 --> 00:17:43 To the glories.
00:17:43 --> 00:17:44 Of long ago.
00:17:44 --> 00:17:47 What the prophecies would say.
00:17:47 --> 00:17:48 Would come.
00:17:48 --> 00:17:49 And in one small town.
00:17:49 --> 00:17:50 Where nothing great ever happened.
00:17:51 --> 00:17:52 It was time for people.
00:17:52 --> 00:17:53 To hear the scriptures together.
00:17:55 --> 00:17:56 Recently.
00:17:56 --> 00:17:57 The carpenter's son.
00:17:57 --> 00:17:58 Had made a bit of a name.
00:17:58 --> 00:17:58 For himself.
00:17:59 --> 00:18:00 Around the region.
00:18:00 --> 00:18:01 As a preacher.
00:18:02 --> 00:18:03 And word got around.
00:18:03 --> 00:18:04 That he'd come home.
00:18:04 --> 00:18:05 For the weekend.
00:18:05 --> 00:18:05 And so.
00:18:05 --> 00:18:07 The place was nearly full.
00:18:08 --> 00:18:09 But no one really expected.
00:18:09 --> 00:18:09 Much from him.
00:18:09 --> 00:18:11 Because he was just Joe's kid.
00:18:12 --> 00:18:13 A guy from Nazareth.
00:18:13 --> 00:18:14 Like the rest of them.
00:18:14 --> 00:18:15 And nothing special.
00:18:17 --> 00:18:19 And he was handed the scroll of Isaiah.
00:18:20 --> 00:18:22 And he unrolled it to his chosen place.
00:18:22 --> 00:18:24 Which we now know as Isaiah 61.
00:18:24 --> 00:18:24 Chapter 1.
00:18:24 --> 00:18:25 And he read.
00:18:25 --> 00:18:27 The spirit of the Lord is on me.
00:18:28 --> 00:18:29 Because he's anointed me.
00:18:29 --> 00:18:30 To proclaim good news to the poor.
00:18:31 --> 00:18:33 He has sent me to proclaim freedom.
00:18:33 --> 00:18:34 For the prisoners.
00:18:34 --> 00:18:36 Recovery of sight to the blind.
00:18:36 --> 00:18:37 To set the oppressed free.
00:18:37 --> 00:18:40 And proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.
00:18:41 --> 00:18:42 Then that man.
00:18:42 --> 00:18:43 Named Jesus.
00:18:43 --> 00:18:44 Sat down.
00:18:44 --> 00:18:45 And said.
00:18:45 --> 00:18:45 Today.
00:18:46 --> 00:18:48 Scripture is fulfilled.
00:18:48 --> 00:18:49 In your hearing.
00:18:52 --> 00:18:53 Do you see what just happened?
00:18:56 --> 00:18:57 Do you see what just happened?
00:18:59 --> 00:19:00 Light.
00:19:01 --> 00:19:02 Has dawned.
00:19:02 --> 00:19:07 Jesus announced the favour of God.
00:19:07 --> 00:19:08 Had come.
00:19:08 --> 00:19:08 Had come.
00:19:08 --> 00:19:09 In his own town.
00:19:10 --> 00:19:12 But also to his own nation.
00:19:12 --> 00:19:13 Where they were desperate to find their Messiah.
00:19:14 --> 00:19:15 To all people who.
00:19:16 --> 00:19:17 Look at the sunrise of every day.
00:19:17 --> 00:19:19 And know it's not enough.
00:19:19 --> 00:19:21 And he said to all people.
00:19:21 --> 00:19:21 To you.
00:19:21 --> 00:19:24 I am the light of the world.
00:19:24 --> 00:19:25 I am here.
00:19:26 --> 00:19:26 I am here.
00:19:27 --> 00:19:28 But immediately.
00:19:28 --> 00:19:30 His countrymen rejected him.
00:19:30 --> 00:19:31 Those in that room.
00:19:31 --> 00:19:32 Marched him up the hill.
00:19:33 --> 00:19:34 To throw him off a cliff.
00:19:35 --> 00:19:37 But he walked through their midst.
00:19:38 --> 00:19:38 And on.
00:19:39 --> 00:19:40 To Jerusalem.
00:19:40 --> 00:19:41 Where one day he would die.
00:19:41 --> 00:19:42 At the hands of the people.
00:19:42 --> 00:19:43 That he came to save.
00:19:43 --> 00:19:45 Outside the walls of the city.
00:19:45 --> 00:19:46 That he promised to rebuild.
00:19:47 --> 00:19:48 And in dying.
00:19:48 --> 00:19:49 Take on all the darkness.
00:19:49 --> 00:19:51 That blinded their eyes.
00:19:51 --> 00:19:52 To his light.
00:19:53 --> 00:19:54 And to shine to the nations.
00:19:54 --> 00:19:55 Beyond these borders.
00:19:55 --> 00:19:56 And deal with darkness.
00:19:56 --> 00:19:57 In one depth.
00:19:57 --> 00:19:58 So that all people could arise.
00:19:59 --> 00:20:00 And see the light of life.
00:20:00 --> 00:20:04 But we stand here.
00:20:05 --> 00:20:07 On another day.
00:20:07 --> 00:20:09 With the same droning piano loop.
00:20:09 --> 00:20:10 Going over and over.
00:20:11 --> 00:20:12 Day after day.
00:20:13 --> 00:20:14 Time goes on.
00:20:15 --> 00:20:16 And we're gathered around scripture.
00:20:17 --> 00:20:18 In the same room.
00:20:19 --> 00:20:19 And online.
00:20:20 --> 00:20:21 On a weekend.
00:20:22 --> 00:20:24 To consider what Jesus has accomplished for us.
00:20:25 --> 00:20:27 And waiting for his coming again.
00:20:28 --> 00:20:30 When that day will finally come.
00:20:30 --> 00:20:30 Come.
00:20:33 --> 00:20:35 The dawn has come.
00:20:36 --> 00:20:37 The light of the world.
00:20:38 --> 00:20:38 Is here.
00:20:40 --> 00:20:41 Jesus' disciple John.
00:20:43 --> 00:20:43 Saw a vision.
00:20:45 --> 00:20:45 Which.
00:20:45 --> 00:20:47 He shared with us.
00:20:47 --> 00:20:47 And we call it.
00:20:47 --> 00:20:49 Revelation chapter 21.
00:20:50 --> 00:20:51 It's beautifully similar.
00:20:51 --> 00:20:52 To Isaiah 60.
00:20:53 --> 00:20:55 But it adds this beautiful little detail.
00:20:56 --> 00:20:58 I want you to hold on to it.
00:20:59 --> 00:21:01 Have a look at Revelation 21 with me.
00:21:01 --> 00:21:05 A city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it.
00:21:05 --> 00:21:08 For the glory of God gives it light.
00:21:08 --> 00:21:10 And the lamb.
00:21:11 --> 00:21:12 Is its light.
00:21:13 --> 00:21:14 And the nations will walk by it.
00:21:16 --> 00:21:18 On no day will its gates be ever shut.
00:21:18 --> 00:21:20 For there will be no night there.
00:21:21 --> 00:21:23 Jesus the lamb of God.
00:21:23 --> 00:21:26 Will be the ever present lamplight of that city.
00:21:26 --> 00:21:28 Because.
00:21:28 --> 00:21:28 Because.
00:21:29 --> 00:21:31 The lamb was slaughtered.
00:21:32 --> 00:21:34 For this city's population.
00:21:36 --> 00:21:39 He endured cosmic spiritual darkness.
00:21:40 --> 00:21:41 As Tim Keller calls it.
00:21:41 --> 00:21:44 To literally be our eternal light.
00:21:44 --> 00:21:45 On that day.
00:21:45 --> 00:21:47 That's the sunrise.
00:21:47 --> 00:21:49 That God bids you arise.
00:21:50 --> 00:21:51 And shine.
00:21:53 --> 00:21:54 Taking your next step.
00:21:55 --> 00:21:56 In the light of Jesus.
00:21:56 --> 00:21:56 So.
00:21:57 --> 00:21:58 Open Isaiah 60 again.
00:21:58 --> 00:22:00 Look at verse 4.
00:22:04 --> 00:22:04 Verse 1 says.
00:22:05 --> 00:22:05 Arise.
00:22:06 --> 00:22:06 Shine.
00:22:07 --> 00:22:07 Verse 4 says.
00:22:07 --> 00:22:08 Lift up your eyes.
00:22:09 --> 00:22:10 And look about you.
00:22:10 --> 00:22:11 At your life.
00:22:11 --> 00:22:14 And at the world you see today.
00:22:15 --> 00:22:17 Do you see.
00:22:17 --> 00:22:18 The thick darkness.
00:22:19 --> 00:22:20 Around people.
00:22:21 --> 00:22:22 That Isaiah sees.
00:22:23 --> 00:22:24 Do you see this.
00:22:24 --> 00:22:26 Isaiah 59.9 says.
00:22:26 --> 00:22:28 So justice is far from us.
00:22:29 --> 00:22:30 And righteousness does not reach us.
00:22:30 --> 00:22:31 But we look for light.
00:22:31 --> 00:22:32 But all is darkness.
00:22:32 --> 00:22:33 Brightness.
00:22:33 --> 00:22:34 But we walk in deep shadows.
00:22:36 --> 00:22:37 Take a moment.
00:22:39 --> 00:22:39 Sometime today.
00:22:39 --> 00:22:41 And seriously consider.
00:22:41 --> 00:22:42 The plight of the world.
00:22:42 --> 00:22:44 Without God's intervention.
00:22:47 --> 00:22:48 And as you pause.
00:22:48 --> 00:22:49 To consider the words.
00:22:50 --> 00:22:51 Of Isaiah.
00:22:51 --> 00:22:53 Also consider these.
00:22:53 --> 00:22:54 Of Jesus Christ.
00:22:55 --> 00:22:56 Rachel read them before.
00:22:57 --> 00:22:58 John 8.
00:22:59 --> 00:22:59 Verse 12.
00:23:01 --> 00:23:01 I am.
00:23:02 --> 00:23:03 The light of the world.
00:23:03 --> 00:23:04 Jesus says.
00:23:05 --> 00:23:06 Whoever follows me.
00:23:06 --> 00:23:08 Will never walk in darkness.
00:23:08 --> 00:23:10 But will have the light.
00:23:10 --> 00:23:11 Of life.
00:23:13 --> 00:23:16 Jesus is God's mercy.
00:23:17 --> 00:23:18 And favor.
00:23:19 --> 00:23:21 To all people.
00:23:22 --> 00:23:23 With skin on.
00:23:24 --> 00:23:26 He's the dawn of the new day.
00:23:26 --> 00:23:27 That every heart.
00:23:28 --> 00:23:28 Desires.
00:23:29 --> 00:23:30 He's the light of life.
00:23:31 --> 00:23:31 He's your hope.
00:23:31 --> 00:23:33 Beyond the sunset of death.
00:23:33 --> 00:23:34 For eternal.
00:23:34 --> 00:23:35 Glorious day.
00:23:35 --> 00:23:36 So if you have not yet.
00:23:38 --> 00:23:39 Step into his light.
00:23:39 --> 00:23:40 And follow Jesus.
00:23:41 --> 00:23:43 Come speak to us about him.
00:23:46 --> 00:23:47 Maybe come to Alpha.
00:23:47 --> 00:23:51 God shines his light.
00:23:51 --> 00:23:52 On all people.
00:23:52 --> 00:23:53 Through the words.
00:23:53 --> 00:23:54 Of a book.
00:23:56 --> 00:23:57 Scripture.
00:23:57 --> 00:23:58 Is for us.
00:23:58 --> 00:23:58 Like.
00:23:59 --> 00:24:00 The beach.
00:24:00 --> 00:24:01 The beach.
00:24:01 --> 00:24:02 Where God's light.
00:24:02 --> 00:24:02 Dawns.
00:24:03 --> 00:24:03 Each day.
00:24:04 --> 00:24:04 Or night.
00:24:04 --> 00:24:05 Or whenever we open it.
00:24:07 --> 00:24:08 As Psalm 119.
00:24:08 --> 00:24:09 Says.
00:24:09 --> 00:24:10 In verse 130.
00:24:10 --> 00:24:12 The unfolding of your word.
00:24:12 --> 00:24:13 Gives light.
00:24:14 --> 00:24:15 And 115.
00:24:15 --> 00:24:17 Your word is a lamp.
00:24:17 --> 00:24:18 To my feet.
00:24:18 --> 00:24:18 A light.
00:24:18 --> 00:24:19 On my path.
00:24:21 --> 00:24:21 These words.
00:24:21 --> 00:24:22 In a book.
00:24:22 --> 00:24:23 Are where we find.
00:24:23 --> 00:24:24 The light.
00:24:25 --> 00:24:26 And the Holy Spirit.
00:24:26 --> 00:24:27 Work through.
00:24:28 --> 00:24:28 Us.
00:24:28 --> 00:24:29 Comes through.
00:24:29 --> 00:24:30 The word.
00:24:31 --> 00:24:31 In us.
00:24:32 --> 00:24:32 Through us.
00:24:34 --> 00:24:34 And it's our.
00:24:35 --> 00:24:36 The Holy Spirit.
00:24:36 --> 00:24:37 Is our passport.
00:24:37 --> 00:24:38 If you will.
00:24:38 --> 00:24:39 As citizens.
00:24:39 --> 00:24:40 Of this new city.
00:24:41 --> 00:24:42 And as the light.
00:24:42 --> 00:24:43 Of God's words.
00:24:43 --> 00:24:45 Illuminate us.
00:24:45 --> 00:24:45 Like.
00:24:46 --> 00:24:46 The sunrise.
00:24:46 --> 00:24:47 Hitting our face.
00:24:49 --> 00:24:49 We.
00:24:49 --> 00:24:50 We become.
00:24:50 --> 00:24:51 What the nations.
00:24:51 --> 00:24:51 Are drawn to.
00:24:53 --> 00:24:54 Isaiah 60.
00:24:54 --> 00:24:54 Verse 3.
00:24:54 --> 00:24:55 Says.
00:24:56 --> 00:24:56 Nations.
00:24:56 --> 00:24:57 Will come to.
00:24:58 --> 00:24:59 Your light.
00:25:01 --> 00:25:01 Kings.
00:25:02 --> 00:25:02 To the brightness.
00:25:02 --> 00:25:03 Of your dawn.
00:25:05 --> 00:25:06 Jesus.
00:25:06 --> 00:25:07 Says it this way.
00:25:09 --> 00:25:10 You are the light.
00:25:10 --> 00:25:11 Of the world.
00:25:13 --> 00:25:14 A town.
00:25:14 --> 00:25:15 Built on a hill.
00:25:15 --> 00:25:16 That cannot be hidden.
00:25:17 --> 00:25:18 Let your light.
00:25:18 --> 00:25:19 Shine.
00:25:19 --> 00:25:20 Before others.
00:25:20 --> 00:25:22 In Matthew 5.
00:25:24 --> 00:25:25 That might be shocking.
00:25:25 --> 00:25:26 To you.
00:25:26 --> 00:25:27 Because we've just heard.
00:25:27 --> 00:25:27 Who the light.
00:25:27 --> 00:25:28 Of the world.
00:25:28 --> 00:25:28 Is.
00:25:28 --> 00:25:29 That in following him.
00:25:29 --> 00:25:30 We become.
00:25:31 --> 00:25:31 The light.
00:25:31 --> 00:25:31 Of the world.
00:25:32 --> 00:25:32 What is that.
00:25:33 --> 00:25:34 Going to look like.
00:25:34 --> 00:25:34 Well.
00:25:35 --> 00:25:35 Verse 1.
00:25:35 --> 00:25:35 Says.
00:25:36 --> 00:25:37 Arise.
00:25:38 --> 00:25:39 Verse 4.
00:25:39 --> 00:25:39 Says.
00:25:39 --> 00:25:39 Look.
00:25:40 --> 00:25:41 Verse 1.
00:25:41 --> 00:25:42 Also says.
00:25:43 --> 00:25:43 Shine.
00:25:46 --> 00:25:47 Light is given for us.
00:25:47 --> 00:25:48 To be a light.
00:25:48 --> 00:25:49 To people.
00:25:49 --> 00:25:49 In darkness.
00:25:53 --> 00:25:53 Words.
00:25:54 --> 00:25:55 Shine forth.
00:25:55 --> 00:25:56 From God's book.
00:25:57 --> 00:25:58 For us.
00:25:58 --> 00:25:58 To share.
00:25:59 --> 00:25:59 With them.
00:26:00 --> 00:26:01 With the people.
00:26:01 --> 00:26:02 Around us.
00:26:02 --> 00:26:02 In conversations.
00:26:03 --> 00:26:03 Friend to friend.
00:26:04 --> 00:26:04 With workmates.
00:26:05 --> 00:26:06 With loved ones.
00:26:06 --> 00:26:08 And in the light of Jesus.
00:26:08 --> 00:26:09 We become.
00:26:09 --> 00:26:10 Part.
00:26:10 --> 00:26:11 Of his kingdom.
00:26:11 --> 00:26:11 Work.
00:26:12 --> 00:26:13 Go back to the.
00:26:13 --> 00:26:14 First bit of the frame.
00:26:15 --> 00:26:15 Because.
00:26:16 --> 00:26:16 We're actually.
00:26:16 --> 00:26:17 In it.
00:26:17 --> 00:26:17 With Jesus.
00:26:18 --> 00:26:19 Isaiah.
00:26:19 --> 00:26:19 59.
00:26:19 --> 00:26:20 21.
00:26:20 --> 00:26:21 Verse.
00:26:21 --> 00:26:22 Right before our passage.
00:26:22 --> 00:26:22 Today.
00:26:24 --> 00:26:24 God says.
00:26:24 --> 00:26:25 Of the Messiah.
00:26:25 --> 00:26:26 My spirit.
00:26:26 --> 00:26:26 Who is on you.
00:26:26 --> 00:26:27 Will not depart from you.
00:26:28 --> 00:26:29 Nor my words.
00:26:29 --> 00:26:30 That I have put.
00:26:30 --> 00:26:31 In your mouth.
00:26:31 --> 00:26:33 Will always be on your lips.
00:26:33 --> 00:26:35 And on the lips.
00:26:35 --> 00:26:36 Of your children.
00:26:37 --> 00:26:38 And on the lips.
00:26:38 --> 00:26:39 Of their descendants.
00:26:40 --> 00:26:41 From this time.
00:26:41 --> 00:26:41 Forth.
00:26:42 --> 00:26:43 And forevermore.
00:26:45 --> 00:26:46 The sons and daughters.
00:26:46 --> 00:26:47 Brought into the city.
00:26:47 --> 00:26:48 From all nations.
00:26:50 --> 00:26:50 Will have.
00:26:51 --> 00:26:52 Words from a book.
00:26:52 --> 00:26:52 On their lips.
00:26:52 --> 00:26:54 So they can shine.
00:26:54 --> 00:26:54 To the world.
00:26:55 --> 00:26:56 So if you follow Jesus.
00:26:57 --> 00:26:58 God promises.
00:27:00 --> 00:27:01 That his holy spirit.
00:27:01 --> 00:27:04 Will make his words.
00:27:04 --> 00:27:05 Shine through you.
00:27:06 --> 00:27:07 In what you say.
00:27:09 --> 00:27:10 But also.
00:27:11 --> 00:27:11 Attractively.
00:27:12 --> 00:27:12 Through.
00:27:12 --> 00:27:13 What you do.
00:27:14 --> 00:27:15 Because if we share.
00:27:16 --> 00:27:17 In the Messiah's spirit.
00:27:18 --> 00:27:19 Then we are to share.
00:27:19 --> 00:27:19 In his.
00:27:20 --> 00:27:20 Words.
00:27:21 --> 00:27:22 And actions.
00:27:24 --> 00:27:25 Jesus did not.
00:27:26 --> 00:27:27 Jesus.
00:27:28 --> 00:27:29 All Jesus did.
00:27:29 --> 00:27:30 In proclaiming the good news.
00:27:31 --> 00:27:34 And attending to the needs.
00:27:34 --> 00:27:35 Of the weak.
00:27:35 --> 00:27:36 And the poor.
00:27:36 --> 00:27:38 We joyfully emulate.
00:27:38 --> 00:27:40 Like children dancing.
00:27:40 --> 00:27:41 In the shadow.
00:27:41 --> 00:27:42 Of a parent.
00:27:45 --> 00:27:46 God will answer.
00:27:46 --> 00:27:47 Cries of need.
00:27:48 --> 00:27:48 Through you.
00:27:50 --> 00:27:51 In my community group.
00:27:51 --> 00:27:52 This week.
00:27:52 --> 00:27:54 One of.
00:27:54 --> 00:27:54 One of.
00:27:54 --> 00:27:54 One of our.
00:27:55 --> 00:27:55 Members.
00:27:55 --> 00:27:55 Paul.
00:27:55 --> 00:27:56 Who's right in front of me.
00:27:56 --> 00:27:56 Here.
00:27:58 --> 00:27:58 Said.
00:27:58 --> 00:27:59 Oh.
00:27:59 --> 00:28:00 I don't want us to miss.
00:28:00 --> 00:28:01 Isaiah 58.
00:28:01 --> 00:28:02 Well we're not.
00:28:03 --> 00:28:03 Don't worry Paul.
00:28:04 --> 00:28:05 Isaiah 58.
00:28:05 --> 00:28:05 10.
00:28:08 --> 00:28:09 If you do away.
00:28:09 --> 00:28:10 With the yoke of oppression.
00:28:11 --> 00:28:12 The pointing finger.
00:28:12 --> 00:28:13 And malicious talk.
00:28:13 --> 00:28:14 If you spend yourselves.
00:28:14 --> 00:28:16 On behalf of the hungry.
00:28:16 --> 00:28:17 And satisfy the needs.
00:28:17 --> 00:28:18 Of the oppressed.
00:28:18 --> 00:28:20 Then your light.
00:28:20 --> 00:28:21 Will rise in the darkness.
00:28:22 --> 00:28:23 And your light.
00:28:23 --> 00:28:24 Will become like.
00:28:24 --> 00:28:24 The noon.
00:28:24 --> 00:28:25 Noon day.
00:28:28 --> 00:28:29 Shining.
00:28:29 --> 00:28:30 As God's people.
00:28:31 --> 00:28:31 Looks like.
00:28:32 --> 00:28:33 Serving others.
00:28:34 --> 00:28:36 In the footsteps.
00:28:36 --> 00:28:36 Of Jesus.
00:28:37 --> 00:28:38 We are his light.
00:28:39 --> 00:28:40 To our world.
00:28:41 --> 00:28:42 To all people.
00:28:42 --> 00:28:47 St. Paul's Chatswood.
00:28:48 --> 00:28:49 There are people.
00:28:49 --> 00:28:50 In our city.
00:28:50 --> 00:28:52 In spiritual.
00:28:53 --> 00:28:54 Black.
00:28:55 --> 00:28:56 In thick.
00:28:57 --> 00:28:57 Cosmic.
00:28:58 --> 00:28:58 Darkness.
00:28:59 --> 00:29:00 Even as they walk.
00:29:01 --> 00:29:01 Affluently.
00:29:02 --> 00:29:03 And self-assured.
00:29:04 --> 00:29:04 Into the light.
00:29:04 --> 00:29:05 Of each new day.
00:29:05 --> 00:29:06 In our city.
00:29:07 --> 00:29:08 So many in darkness.
00:29:10 --> 00:29:12 So many in darkness.
00:29:12 --> 00:29:12 Whether it be.
00:29:13 --> 00:29:14 Clouds of abuse.
00:29:15 --> 00:29:15 Or the endless night.
00:29:15 --> 00:29:16 Of mental illness.
00:29:17 --> 00:29:17 Or enduring.
00:29:18 --> 00:29:18 All kinds.
00:29:19 --> 00:29:19 Of hardships.
00:29:20 --> 00:29:22 Jesus has come.
00:29:22 --> 00:29:23 For.
00:29:23 --> 00:29:24 This church.
00:29:24 --> 00:29:25 For you.
00:29:26 --> 00:29:27 To be.
00:29:27 --> 00:29:28 A new day.
00:29:29 --> 00:29:29 For them.
00:29:31 --> 00:29:32 He is the light.
00:29:32 --> 00:29:33 Of their world.
00:29:33 --> 00:29:33 Too.
00:29:36 --> 00:29:36 But like.
00:29:37 --> 00:29:37 Isaiah says.
00:29:38 --> 00:29:39 They're blind.
00:29:39 --> 00:29:39 And they can't see.
00:29:39 --> 00:29:44 As Jesus has risen on you.
00:29:45 --> 00:29:47 So now you are his sunrise.
00:29:48 --> 00:29:49 For all people.
00:29:50 --> 00:29:51 So arise.
00:29:51 --> 00:29:52 Look around you.
00:29:53 --> 00:29:54 And shine.
00:29:54 --> 00:29:55 Okay.