Latest / Stornoway Free Church of Scotland - Sermons / What is Jesus Doing Right Now? - Communion Service

Transcript

What is Jesus Doing Right Now? - Communion Service · Stornoway Free Church of Scotland - Sermons

0:00
Good morning. It's lovely to be with you again this morning as we gather together in worship.
0:05
So let us worship God this morning. We're going to sing to God's praise in Psalm 68.
0:11
Psalm 68 is in the Scottish Psalter. It's on page 303 if you're using the blue psalm book.
0:17
Psalm 68.
0:24
Psalm 68. We're singing from verse 18 down to the verse mark 20.
0:30
And the words that we're singing, they remind us this morning that as we gather together in worship on the Lord's day,
0:39
we do not worship a saviour who is dead.
0:42
We remember his death this morning, but he is not dead.
0:47
He has risen. He has ascended up on high.
0:51
And that's what the psalmist reminds us. That's what we are to sing about.
0:55
Down to the verse mark 20 where it says,
1:13
He of salvation is the God, who is our God most strong.
1:17
And unto God the Lord from death the issues do belong.
1:22
So we'll sing these verses of Psalm 68.
1:24
And we'll stand to sing if you're able to God's praise.
1:27
口 must kenneth he shalle who is dead.
1:31
He's God.
1:32
Thou hast, O Lord, most glorious,
1:38
Ascended upon high,
1:44
And in triumph victorious,
1:51
Captive, Captivity,
1:56
Thou hast received gifts for men
2:05
For such as did repel
2:11
Aim for them that God the Lord
2:18
In midst of them might dwell
2:25
Blessed be the Lord
2:29
Who is to us of our salvation God
2:39
Who daily with his benefits
2:46
As plentiously doth Lord
2:52
He of salvation
2:57
Is the God
3:00
Who is our God most strong
3:06
And unto God the Lord from death
3:13
The itch is to belong
3:18
Well if I could just speak to the children for a few moments
3:31
It's lovely to see some of the boys and girls here this morning
3:35
It's great to be with you
3:37
And it's lovely to be in your church this morning
3:40
I was wanting to speak to you
3:43
I usually in Barvis every morning I would speak to the children about things we see at home
3:48
That remind us about Jesus
3:50
Things we see at home that remind us about Jesus
3:54
And usually I would take something from home that I could show you
3:59
And remind you about Jesus
4:01
But this morning I've taken something that you probably won't find in your home
4:04
You'd probably find it
4:07
Well actually you'd probably find it when you go away on holiday to the mainland
4:10
And I'm sure you can work out what I've got with me this morning
4:14
Maybe you've seen one of these before
4:16
Do you know what it is?
4:21
Have you seen one of them before?
4:23
Yeah?
4:24
No!
4:25
No!
4:25
No!
4:25
No!
4:25
No!
4:25
No!
4:25
No!
4:25
No!
4:25
No!
4:26
No!
4:26
No!
4:26
No!
4:26
No!
4:28
No!
4:30
No!
4:30
No!
4:30
No!
4:30
No!
4:30
No!
4:30
No!
4:30
No!
4:30
No!
4:31
No!
4:31
No!
4:32
No!
4:33
No!
4:33
No!
4:34
No!
4:34
No!
4:34
No!
4:35
No!
4:35
No!
4:35
No!
4:35
No!
4:36
No!
4:36
No!
4:36
No!
4:36
No!
4:51
No!
4:51
No!
4:52
No!
4:53
No!
4:55
No!
4:56
No!
4:56
No!
4:57
No!
4:58
No!
5:00
No!
5:00
No!
5:00
No!
5:00
having a happy meal and inside it you maybe you choose chicken nuggets or you have burger and
5:06
chips or you have fish fingers or maybe you're really healthy and you have carrot sticks and
5:11
cucumber but always inside a happy meal you get a little toy I guess that's why they call it a
5:18
happy meal it's a great little box that's full of happiness and you know boys and girls every time
5:25
I see a happy meal box so every time we go to McDonald's and we get a happy meal it always
5:30
reminds me of the happy meal that's mentioned in the Bible because the Bible speaks about a happy
5:36
meal and it's a happy meal for those who love Jesus and follow Jesus and serve Jesus it's a happy meal
5:44
for those who come together and sit together and remember the death of Jesus now as you know
5:53
remembering someone's death isn't often a happy occasion it's often a very sad occasion but when
5:59
it comes to the death of Jesus the death of Jesus is a happy occasion it's always a happy occasion
6:05
because as we were just singing Jesus is not dead he is risen but it's so happy for us to remember
6:12
that Jesus died because he died on the cross as you know I'm sure you've been told before he died on the
6:17
cross to save us from our sins and he rose again from the dead to give to us the promise of eternal life
6:25
and those who love Jesus those who follow Jesus they gather around this happy meal that's what
6:31
you're seeing in front of you today this is a happy meal we're gathering to remember the death
6:36
of Jesus and this happy meal it's called the Lord's Supper and we remember the Lord's Supper today
6:43
we'll do that at the close of the morning service you might not be in to see it but we'll be remembering
6:49
the death of Jesus and those who love Jesus will be sitting at the Lord's table and they'll be eating
6:54
this happy meal because the happy meal is the Lord's Supper and maybe you've seen it before
7:00
you've seen what happens you've seen little things down at the front where they will take a little bit
7:06
of bread to remember the broken body of Jesus how he was crucified for our sins and they'll take a little
7:13
bit of wine to remember the blood of Jesus and how the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin and
7:22
although it's sad to think that Jesus died on the cross because of our sin it's happy it's wonderful to
7:29
know that he is a savior who died for sinners such as we are and so I hope you'll remember that the Lord's
7:36
Supper is a happy meal I hope that all of us as Christians remember that the Lord's Supper is a happy
7:43
meal because for those who love Jesus and followed Jesus and trust in Jesus we are remembering this
7:49
morning that Jesus died on the cross to take away our sins so boys and girls I hope you remember that
7:55
that every time you have a happy meal every time you go to McDonald's and I'm sure you'll go and you have
8:02
a happy meal remember that there's a happy meal for Christians for those who love Jesus and follow Jesus
8:08
and trust in Jesus and the happy meal is the Lord's Supper so thank you for listening you're very very
8:15
good at listening so we're going to say the Lord's Prayer together we're going to clasp our hands and
8:20
we'll close our eyes and we'll say the Lord's Prayer together okay our Father which art in heaven
8:27
hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven give us this day
8:35
our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors and lead us not into temptation
8:42
but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom the power and the glory forever amen well thank you
8:51
for listening so we're going to sing again we're going to sing this time in Psalm 121
8:55
Psalm 121 it's in the Scottish Psalter page 416
9:03
Psalm 121 page 416 and as we're singing this psalm the children go out
9:16
is it this door this door okay I'm just following my instructions okay Psalm 121 as I often remind the
9:29
people in Barvis this is the keeper psalm we are reminded in this psalm that the Lord is our keeper
9:36
we cannot keep ourselves but he promises to keep us when we look to him I to the hills will lift
9:44
mine eyes from whence doth come my need my safety cometh from the Lord who heaven and earth hath made
9:51
thy foot he'll not let slide nor will he slumber that he keeps behold he that keeps Israel he slumbers
9:58
not nor sleeps so we'll sing the whole psalm of Psalm 121 and we'll stand to sing if you're able to God's praise
10:05
I to the hills will lift mine eyes from whence doth come my need my safety cometh from the Lord who heaven and earth hath made
10:33
thy foot he'll not let slide nor will he slumber that he keeps behold he that keeps Israel he slumbers not nor sleeps
11:00
the Lord the Lord the Lord the Lord the Lord the Lord
11:07
the Lord
11:09
on my right
11:11
the Lord
11:15
the Lord
11:17
by night
11:19
they shall
11:20
not
11:21
the Lord
11:30
who
11:31
nor
11:51
forever well.
12:02
We're now going to read the Word of God as we find it in the Gospel according to John
12:06
and John chapter 17.
12:10
The Gospel according to John and John chapter 17.
12:25
We're going to read the whole chapter together.
12:35
John chapter 17, reading from the beginning.
12:40
Let us hear the Word of God.
12:44
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said,
12:49
Father, the hour has come.
12:51
Glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you,
12:55
since you have given him authority over all flesh,
12:58
to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.
13:01
And this is eternal life, that they know you,
13:05
the only through God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
13:08
I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.
13:13
And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence,
13:18
with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
13:22
I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world.
13:28
Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
13:33
Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.
13:37
I have given them the words that you gave me,
13:39
and they have received them,
13:41
and have come to know in truth that I came from you,
13:45
and that they have believed that you sent me.
13:47
I am praying for them.
13:49
I am not praying for the world,
13:51
but for those whom you have given me,
13:53
for they are yours.
13:55
All mine are yours,
13:57
and yours are mine,
13:58
and I am glorified in them.
14:02
I am no longer in the world,
14:04
but they are in the world,
14:05
and I am coming to you.
14:07
Holy Father, keep them in your name,
14:10
which you have given me,
14:11
that they may be one, even as we are one.
14:14
While I was with them in the world,
14:15
I kept them in your name,
14:16
which you have given me.
14:18
I have guarded them,
14:19
and not one of them has been lost,
14:21
except the son of destruction,
14:23
that the scripture might be fulfilled.
14:26
But now I am coming to you,
14:28
and these things I speak in the world,
14:30
that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
14:34
I have given them your word,
14:35
and the world has hated them,
14:37
because they are not of the world,
14:39
just as I am not of the world.
14:41
I do not ask that you take them out of the world,
14:44
but that you keep them from the evil one.
14:47
They are not of the world,
14:49
just as I am not of the world.
14:51
Sanctify them in the truth.
14:53
Your word is truth.
14:55
As you sent me into the world,
14:57
so have I sent them into the world,
15:01
and for their sake I consecrate myself,
15:03
that they also may be sanctified in truth.
15:06
I do not ask for these only,
15:08
but also for those who will believe in me
15:11
through their word,
15:12
that they may all be one,
15:14
just as you, Father, are in me,
15:16
and I in you,
15:17
that they also may be in us,
15:20
so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
15:23
The glory that you have given me,
15:25
I have given to them,
15:26
that they may be one,
15:28
even as we are one.
15:30
I in them,
15:31
and you in me,
15:32
that they may become perfectly one,
15:35
so that the world may know that you sent me,
15:37
and love them even as you loved me.
15:40
Father, I desire that they also,
15:42
whom you have given me,
15:44
may be with me where I am,
15:46
to see my glory,
15:47
that you have given me because you loved me,
15:50
before the foundation of the world.
15:52
O righteous Father,
15:54
even though the world does not know you,
15:56
I know you,
15:57
and these know that you have sent me.
16:00
I made known to them your name,
16:02
and will continue to make it known,
16:04
that the love with which you have loved me,
16:07
may be in them,
16:08
and I in them.
16:11
And so on,
16:12
may the Lord bless that reading,
16:14
of his own holy word.
16:18
Well, before we consider a few verses,
16:20
from that passage,
16:22
we'll come before the Lord,
16:23
in prayer.
16:24
Let's pray together.
16:30
Gracious God,
16:31
and loving Heavenly Father,
16:33
we marvel this morning,
16:35
at even reading those words,
16:38
and knowing that,
16:39
as Jesus prayed to his Father,
16:42
that we pray to the same Father,
16:44
in heaven,
16:45
that Jesus today is our elder brother,
16:48
that we are in Christ,
16:50
united to him,
16:52
blessed with every spiritual blessing,
16:54
in heavenly places in Christ,
16:56
and to know that we have received,
16:58
that spirit of adoption,
17:00
whereby we are able to cry,
17:01
Abba Father,
17:03
and that when we look,
17:04
at the cross of Calvary,
17:06
the cruel cross of Calvary,
17:08
that we are able to echo,
17:09
the words of the apostle,
17:10
and say,
17:11
behold what manner of love,
17:13
the Father hath bestowed upon us,
17:16
that we should be called,
17:18
the children of God.
17:19
It is a wonder to know today,
17:22
that we are united,
17:22
to this wonderful Savior,
17:24
a Savior who promises,
17:26
never to let us go,
17:28
a Savior who assures us,
17:29
that he will never leave us,
17:31
he will never forsake us,
17:32
he will be with us,
17:33
every step of the way in life,
17:35
and that even when we are confronted,
17:37
with the reality,
17:38
and even the finality,
17:40
of the valley of the shadow of death,
17:42
that he will be there with us then,
17:45
for that is his promise,
17:46
that we are in him,
17:48
and he in us,
17:49
and we are united to him,
17:51
we are loved by him,
17:52
we are kept,
17:54
by the power of God,
17:56
through faith,
17:57
unto salvation,
17:58
ready to be revealed,
17:59
in the last time.
18:01
O Lord,
18:01
we give thanks this morning,
18:03
that however we feel,
18:04
coming into church,
18:06
however we feel,
18:07
in and of ourselves,
18:09
or whatever is going on at home,
18:11
whatever is happening,
18:12
in our providence,
18:13
whatever pains,
18:14
we are enduring,
18:15
whatever suffering,
18:16
we are going through,
18:18
that the Lord knows it all,
18:20
and that even as we come together,
18:21
around his table,
18:23
and around his word,
18:25
enable us,
18:26
we pray,
18:27
to see more and more,
18:28
of this wonderful saviour,
18:30
who continues to pray for us,
18:32
who continues to be faithful to us,
18:34
that we thank thee,
18:35
O Lord,
18:36
today,
18:36
that he ever lives,
18:37
to make intercession for us,
18:40
and it is a great wonder to us,
18:41
as we were singing,
18:43
that thou hast,
18:43
O Lord,
18:44
most glorious,
18:45
ascended up on high,
18:47
and in triumph victorious led,
18:50
captive captivity,
18:51
to know that we were once,
18:53
those who were in bondage to sin,
18:55
once enslaved to sin,
18:58
sitting in darkness,
18:59
in the dungeon of death,
19:01
and yet Jesus has set us free,
19:04
by the power of his spirit,
19:06
that he has brought us from darkness,
19:08
into his most marvelous light,
19:10
he has brought us from death,
19:11
to life,
19:12
from the dungeon,
19:13
to liberty,
19:14
and to freedom in Christ,
19:17
and Lord,
19:17
our longing is,
19:18
that even as we gather,
19:19
this morning in worship,
19:20
and even as we sit around,
19:22
the Lord's table together,
19:24
Lord,
19:24
our longing is,
19:25
is to be more like him,
19:27
to be more like,
19:28
this wonderful saviour,
19:29
who loved us,
19:30
and gave himself for us,
19:32
we confess,
19:33
O Lord,
19:33
that we are often,
19:35
so unlike him,
19:36
in the way we think,
19:37
and in the way we speak,
19:39
and even,
19:39
in the way we act,
19:40
but Lord,
19:41
our prayer is,
19:42
that today would be,
19:43
a means of grace for us,
19:45
to conform us,
19:47
to form us,
19:47
and to fashion us,
19:48
to be more and more,
19:49
like Jesus,
19:51
to see him more,
19:52
to love him better,
19:53
to walk with him more closely,
19:56
and ultimately,
19:56
to serve him,
19:57
more faithfully,
19:59
Lord,
19:59
remember us,
19:59
we pray then,
20:00
we ask,
20:01
remember Lord,
20:02
those who are unable,
20:03
to be with us this morning,
20:04
those who are at home,
20:06
maybe with their children,
20:07
or even due to illness,
20:10
or old age,
20:11
or infirmity,
20:12
that whatever has kept them away,
20:14
this morning,
20:15
we pray Lord,
20:16
that thou wouldest draw near to them,
20:17
even those who are watching online,
20:19
we ask that,
20:20
although they are not partaking physically,
20:23
we pray that they would know,
20:24
the spiritual blessing,
20:26
that they would know,
20:26
the Lord's presence,
20:28
that thou wouldest be,
20:29
a wall of fire around them,
20:31
that they may be assured,
20:32
as the psalmist says,
20:33
that the angel of the Lord,
20:34
encamps,
20:35
and round encompass it,
20:37
all those about,
20:38
that do him fear,
20:40
and them delivereth,
20:41
Lord be gracious to us,
20:43
we pray,
20:44
bless also those,
20:45
who are watching on,
20:46
those who are looking on,
20:47
we pray that these things,
20:49
would speak to them,
20:51
that Lord,
20:51
the table itself,
20:52
would be a sermon,
20:54
a sermon,
20:54
that proclaims to them,
20:56
their need,
20:57
their need of this,
20:58
wonderful saviour,
20:59
who was broken,
21:00
who was wounded,
21:01
for our transgressions,
21:03
and bruised,
21:03
for our iniquities,
21:05
that they would see,
21:06
even in the symbols,
21:06
and the signs,
21:08
pointers to this,
21:09
wonderful saviour,
21:11
whose blood is able,
21:12
to cleanse us,
21:13
from all sin,
21:14
because that is his promise,
21:16
that if we confess our sin,
21:18
he is faithful,
21:19
and he is just,
21:21
to cleanse us,
21:21
from all unrighteousness,
21:23
for the blood of Jesus Christ,
21:25
his son,
21:26
cleanses us,
21:27
from all sin,
21:28
be gracious to us then,
21:29
we pray our father,
21:31
speak to us,
21:31
as thy children,
21:33
remind us,
21:33
who we are,
21:35
and whose we are,
21:36
that we belong,
21:37
to this wonderful God,
21:39
who has provided for us,
21:41
this new and living way,
21:43
that he has brought us,
21:44
to himself,
21:45
not of ourselves,
21:46
it is all of grace,
21:48
not of works,
21:49
lest any man should boast,
21:51
and so Lord,
21:51
help us,
21:52
we pray,
21:53
to worship today,
21:54
in spirit,
21:55
and in truth,
21:57
go before us then,
21:58
we ask,
21:58
lead us,
21:59
and guide us,
21:59
into thy word,
22:00
into thy truth,
22:02
as Jesus prayed for us,
22:04
that we might be sanctified,
22:05
through it,
22:06
that we might be made,
22:07
more and more holy,
22:08
but ultimately,
22:09
that we might see Jesus in it,
22:11
Lord,
22:11
remember us then,
22:12
we pray,
22:13
that Christ would have,
22:14
the preeminence,
22:15
that thou our father,
22:16
would have all the glory,
22:17
and that we as thy children,
22:19
that we would know,
22:20
blessing this morning,
22:21
not because we deserve it,
22:23
because Lord,
22:24
solely thou art one,
22:24
who is gracious,
22:26
do us good,
22:26
then we ask,
22:27
take away our iniquity,
22:28
receive us graciously,
22:29
for Jesus sake,
22:31
Amen.
22:34
Well if we could,
22:36
with the Lord's help,
22:37
and the Lord's enabling,
22:38
this morning,
22:39
if we could turn back,
22:40
to that portion of scripture,
22:41
that we read,
22:42
the gospel according to John,
22:44
John chapter 17,
22:51
John chapter 17,
22:53
and we'll just read again,
22:59
from the beginning,
22:59
John 17,
23:04
and verse 1,
23:05
when Jesus,
23:06
had spoken these words,
23:07
he lifted up his eyes,
23:08
to heaven,
23:09
and said,
23:10
Father,
23:11
the hour has come,
23:13
glorify your son,
23:15
that the son,
23:16
may glorify,
23:18
you,
23:18
Father,
23:20
the hour has come,
23:22
glorify your son,
23:24
that the son,
23:25
may glorify,
23:26
may,
23:26
you,
23:27
may,
23:27
you,
23:27
you,
23:27
as you know,
23:34
often,
23:34
when we approach,
23:35
the Lord's day morning,
23:36
of a communion season,
23:38
we gather,
23:39
around the Lord's table,
23:41
and we partake,
23:42
of the Lord's supper,
23:43
and we remember,
23:44
and we remember,
23:44
the Lord's death,
23:46
we look back,
23:47
to what Jesus did,
23:49
and we look back,
23:50
to what Jesus,
23:51
has done,
23:52
for us,
23:52
on the cruel,
23:53
cross of Calvary,
23:55
and in doing so,
23:55
we recognize,
23:56
our suffering Savior,
23:58
and the sin he bore,
23:59
and the salvation,
24:00
he accomplished,
24:01
and applied,
24:02
and applied,
24:02
towards us,
24:03
we reflect,
24:04
upon how he was,
24:05
physically,
24:06
and also spiritually,
24:08
wounded,
24:08
for our transgressions,
24:09
and bruised,
24:10
for our iniquities,
24:12
we come,
24:12
to the Lord's table,
24:13
and we even repent,
24:15
that it was our sin,
24:16
that held him there,
24:18
until it was accomplished,
24:20
and yet,
24:20
we rejoice,
24:21
knowing that,
24:22
he who knew no sin,
24:24
he became sin,
24:25
for us,
24:26
also that we,
24:27
might be made,
24:28
the righteousness,
24:29
of God,
24:30
in him,
24:31
my friend,
24:31
when we approach,
24:32
the Lord's day morning,
24:33
of a communion season,
24:34
we often,
24:35
think about,
24:35
what Jesus did,
24:36
and what Jesus,
24:37
has done for us,
24:39
and rightly so,
24:41
it's a means of grace,
24:42
it's a means of strengthening,
24:43
and sustaining us,
24:45
in our walk with the Lord,
24:46
and our growth,
24:47
in grace,
24:48
as a Christian,
24:50
and so it's good for us,
24:51
to remember,
24:52
what Jesus did,
24:53
and what Jesus,
24:54
has done for us,
24:56
but you know,
24:57
as I was preparing,
24:58
for this communion season,
25:01
I was drawn to the question,
25:04
well what is Jesus doing,
25:06
right now,
25:08
what is Jesus doing,
25:09
right now,
25:11
because we all know,
25:12
that the cross,
25:13
isn't the end of the story,
25:14
on the third day,
25:15
the Lord's day,
25:17
he rose again,
25:18
death couldn't hold him,
25:19
the grave couldn't keep him,
25:21
the angels proclaimed,
25:22
about him,
25:23
he is not here,
25:24
for he is risen,
25:25
and as we were singing,
25:27
he has gloriously,
25:28
ascended up on high,
25:30
he has led,
25:30
the captives free,
25:31
he has put all his enemies,
25:33
under his feet,
25:34
and he has sat down,
25:35
at the right hand,
25:36
of the throne,
25:37
of God,
25:38
and so what is Jesus,
25:40
doing right now,
25:42
what is Jesus doing,
25:43
as the head,
25:44
of the Lord's table,
25:46
and as we prepare,
25:47
to sit at his table,
25:49
and to partake,
25:50
of his supper,
25:50
what is Jesus doing,
25:52
right now,
25:54
and as you know,
25:55
our Bible,
25:55
it reminds us,
25:56
that our Savior,
25:57
he ever lives,
25:59
and he ever lives,
26:01
to make intercession,
26:02
for us,
26:04
therefore,
26:05
what is Jesus,
26:06
doing right now,
26:08
my friend,
26:09
Jesus is praying for you,
26:11
right now,
26:13
Jesus is praying for you,
26:16
right now,
26:17
and I want to suggest,
26:20
this morning,
26:20
that this high priestly prayer,
26:22
here in John 17,
26:24
although it was prayed,
26:26
on earth,
26:27
it's also a prayer,
26:28
in many ways,
26:29
which is still being prayed,
26:31
and presented,
26:32
before the throne of God,
26:34
in heaven,
26:36
so now why Jesus,
26:36
taught us to pray,
26:37
thy will be done,
26:38
as we were saying,
26:39
earlier on,
26:40
with the children,
26:40
thy will be done,
26:42
on earth,
26:42
as it is,
26:44
in heaven,
26:45
and that's why I believe,
26:46
that this high priestly prayer,
26:47
although it was prayed,
26:48
on earth,
26:48
it's still being prayed,
26:49
and presented,
26:50
before the throne of God,
26:52
in heaven,
26:54
and so for a few moments,
26:55
this morning,
26:55
as we come,
26:56
to the Lord's table,
26:57
I want us to think,
26:58
about this question,
26:59
what is Jesus doing,
27:00
right now,
27:02
what is Jesus doing,
27:04
right now,
27:05
and the first thing we see,
27:06
the first thing Jesus,
27:07
prays about,
27:08
is that he prays,
27:10
for your salvation,
27:12
Jesus is praying,
27:14
for your salvation,
27:15
he says there in verse 1,
27:16
we're told,
27:17
when Jesus had spoken,
27:18
these words,
27:19
he lifted up his eyes,
27:19
to heaven and said,
27:20
father the hour has come,
27:22
glorify your son,
27:23
that the son,
27:24
may glorify you,
27:25
since you have given him,
27:27
authority over all flesh,
27:28
to give eternal life,
27:29
to all whom you have given him,
27:31
and this is eternal life,
27:33
that they know you,
27:34
the only true God,
27:36
and Jesus Christ,
27:38
whom you have sent,
27:41
now as you know,
27:42
it's always encouraging,
27:44
to know that someone,
27:45
is praying for you,
27:46
and that you're upon their mind,
27:48
and you're on their heart,
27:50
and you're in their prayers,
27:51
it's always encouraging,
27:52
to know that people,
27:54
are praying for you,
27:56
and you know my friend,
27:57
if the Lord has put someone,
27:59
on your heart,
27:59
to pray for them,
28:01
then tell them,
28:02
tell them,
28:04
because,
28:06
do you know us islanders,
28:07
I don't think we're very good,
28:08
at telling people,
28:09
that we're praying for them,
28:11
and yet there's no greater,
28:12
encouragement to know,
28:14
that someone,
28:15
is bringing you,
28:16
to the throne of grace,
28:18
but what's so beautiful,
28:18
about this chapter,
28:20
John 17,
28:20
and this high priestly prayer,
28:22
is that Jesus,
28:23
is telling you here,
28:25
and he's telling you,
28:26
that he's praying for you,
28:28
he's telling you,
28:28
that he's praying for you,
28:30
you know it's one thing,
28:31
to know that God's people,
28:32
are praying for you,
28:33
which is such an encouragement,
28:35
but it's another thing,
28:36
entirely to know,
28:37
that God's son,
28:39
God's only begotten son,
28:41
is praying for you,
28:43
especially because,
28:45
well those around you,
28:46
they might not know,
28:46
what you're going through,
28:48
but he knows,
28:50
he knows exactly,
28:51
what you're going through,
28:52
and he's telling you this morning,
28:54
I'm praying for you,
28:56
I'm praying for you,
28:58
now as you know,
28:59
these words in John 17,
29:01
they were first spoken,
29:03
on earth,
29:04
in the garden,
29:05
of Gethsemane,
29:06
they were spoken,
29:07
only hours,
29:07
before Jesus,
29:08
was arrested,
29:09
and then tried,
29:10
and crucified,
29:12
on a Roman cross,
29:13
but when Jesus,
29:14
uttered these words,
29:15
we know that,
29:16
from the other gospel writers,
29:18
we know that,
29:18
his soul,
29:20
was exceedingly sorrowful,
29:22
even unto death,
29:24
the hour had come,
29:25
as Jesus says,
29:26
where Jesus would become,
29:28
burdened with sin,
29:29
and he would become,
29:30
sorrowful in his soul,
29:32
and instead of thinking,
29:34
about his soul,
29:35
or his sufferings,
29:36
or his sorrows,
29:38
what we see in this prayer,
29:41
is that this selfless,
29:42
and sacrificial savior,
29:45
he thinks about you,
29:47
he prays for you,
29:50
he intercedes for you,
29:52
he doesn't think about himself,
29:54
he thinks about you,
29:57
and he does it,
29:57
with such intensity,
29:58
we're told,
29:59
and such earnestness,
30:00
of heart,
30:01
that the gospel writers,
30:02
they're shocked,
30:03
at what Jesus is doing,
30:04
that he's sweating,
30:05
great drops of blood,
30:08
and this is the thing,
30:08
it was all for you,
30:09
Jesus is praying,
30:11
for you,
30:11
yes he's praying,
30:12
for his bride,
30:13
the church,
30:14
yes he's praying,
30:14
for us collectively,
30:16
in that sense,
30:18
but you know,
30:18
I want us to see,
30:20
that in many ways,
30:21
this is a personal prayer,
30:23
to you,
30:24
he's praying,
30:25
about you,
30:25
he's praying,
30:26
for you,
30:28
because as you know,
30:29
in our salvation,
30:30
when Jesus,
30:31
deals with us,
30:33
when Jesus dealt with you,
30:36
in coming to faith,
30:37
he dealt with you personally,
30:39
he dealt with you privately,
30:41
just like he dealt with me personally,
30:43
and privately,
30:44
is that not how he deals with us,
30:46
he deals with us personally,
30:48
and privately,
30:49
even when no one else,
30:50
knows what's going on,
30:51
in our heart and soul,
30:53
not even those closest to us,
30:54
not even our husband,
30:55
or our wife,
30:56
or our children,
30:57
or our parents,
30:59
but Jesus deals with us personally,
31:01
and privately,
31:02
and the amazing thing is,
31:04
Jesus knew,
31:05
and Jesus knew then,
31:06
that he was praying for you,
31:08
and he was praying for you then,
31:09
and he's praying for you now,
31:11
because he ever lives,
31:13
to make intercession for us,
31:15
my friend,
31:16
what is Jesus doing,
31:18
what's he doing right now,
31:20
he's praying for your salvation,
31:23
because that's his priority,
31:24
his priority,
31:26
is your salvation,
31:27
because as the angel said to Mary,
31:29
that's why they called him Jesus,
31:32
the angel said to Mary,
31:33
call his name Jesus,
31:35
call him salvation,
31:36
call him savior,
31:37
because he shall save his people,
31:40
from their sins,
31:42
my friend,
31:42
Jesus is praying for you,
31:44
because his priority,
31:47
is your salvation,
31:49
his priority,
31:50
is your salvation,
31:52
now you might be thinking,
31:53
this morning,
31:54
Murdo,
31:54
I'm already saved,
31:55
I'm already a Christian,
31:57
I'm already a follower,
31:58
of Christ,
31:59
I'm a member in this congregation,
32:00
and I'm sitting this morning,
32:03
at the Lord's table,
32:05
so why is Jesus praying,
32:06
for my salvation,
32:07
because your salvation,
32:11
is not yet complete,
32:13
your salvation,
32:15
is not yet complete,
32:18
you know my Christian friend,
32:19
it's wonderful to know,
32:20
that we're saved,
32:21
and we're sitting,
32:21
at the Lord's table,
32:22
but our salvation,
32:24
is not yet complete,
32:25
because the New Testament,
32:26
teaches us,
32:27
that our salvation,
32:28
it involves,
32:29
our past,
32:30
our present,
32:31
and also our future,
32:32
where we're saved,
32:33
we're being saved,
32:34
and we will be saved,
32:37
we're saved,
32:38
being saved,
32:39
and we'll be saved,
32:40
and you know,
32:40
this is the amazing thing,
32:41
about your salvation,
32:42
because Jesus was praying for you,
32:45
in the past,
32:46
before you were even born,
32:48
Jesus was praying for you,
32:50
when you were still,
32:51
in your mother's womb,
32:52
being formed,
32:53
and fashioned,
32:54
he was praying for you,
32:55
when you were still,
32:56
in your sins,
32:57
and faults of youth,
32:59
he was praying for you,
33:00
when you were still,
33:01
a stranger to grace,
33:02
and to God,
33:03
out in the far country,
33:05
like a prodigal,
33:06
he was praying for you,
33:07
even as he hung crucified,
33:09
on a Roman cross,
33:10
he was praying for you,
33:12
Father,
33:12
forgive them,
33:14
for they know not,
33:15
what they do,
33:16
Jesus was praying for you,
33:18
that you would see,
33:19
the display,
33:20
and the demonstration,
33:20
of his love,
33:21
towards you,
33:22
on the cross,
33:23
because he has displayed it,
33:25
he has demonstrated it,
33:27
and that whilst we were yet sinners,
33:29
Christ died for us,
33:31
and you know my friend,
33:33
like it was,
33:34
in my own experience,
33:36
I'm sure you can look back,
33:38
over your life,
33:40
and see how the Lord,
33:41
graciously,
33:42
preserved you,
33:45
how the Lord,
33:45
even protected you,
33:46
he kept you,
33:47
from certain things,
33:48
because,
33:50
there were people,
33:51
petitioning,
33:52
and there were even parents,
33:54
praying for your salvation,
33:57
more than that,
33:58
Jesus was praying,
33:59
for your salvation,
34:01
and now that the grace of God,
34:03
has been at work in your life,
34:04
by the spirit of God,
34:06
your eyes have been opened,
34:08
your heart has been transformed,
34:09
your will has been renewed,
34:11
your life has been changed,
34:12
you're now,
34:13
a new creation,
34:14
in Christ,
34:15
where the old,
34:16
has passed away,
34:17
and all things,
34:18
have become new,
34:19
and it's all because,
34:20
your great high priest,
34:22
whoever lives,
34:23
to make intercession,
34:24
for you,
34:25
he began that good work,
34:27
in you,
34:28
and he promises,
34:29
and he prays,
34:30
that it will be brought,
34:32
to its completion,
34:34
at the climax,
34:35
and culmination,
34:36
of this world,
34:38
he promises,
34:41
that your salvation,
34:42
will come,
34:43
to its completion,
34:45
when he comes again,
34:47
but until that moment,
34:49
we're not there yet,
34:51
until that moment,
34:52
Jesus is praying,
34:53
this morning,
34:55
that you will continue,
34:56
to love him,
34:57
and look to him,
34:59
and lean upon him,
35:00
and learn from him,
35:02
and live for him,
35:03
Jesus is praying,
35:04
that you will continue,
35:05
daily,
35:06
to deny yourself,
35:07
and take up your cross,
35:09
and follow him,
35:10
Jesus is praying,
35:11
that you will,
35:12
always seek first,
35:13
the kingdom of God,
35:15
and his righteousness,
35:16
Jesus is praying,
35:18
my friend,
35:18
that you will live,
35:19
well for him,
35:20
and die well,
35:22
in him,
35:23
Jesus is praying,
35:25
that you,
35:26
will be saved,
35:27
that you're being saved,
35:29
and that you will be saved,
35:31
why,
35:32
because that's,
35:34
what brings him glory,
35:36
that's,
35:38
what brings him glory,
35:40
you might not think it,
35:42
but your salvation,
35:45
brings him glory,
35:49
your salvation,
35:50
brings him glory,
35:51
that's why he's praying here,
35:53
and he's praying in heaven,
35:55
father,
35:56
glorify your son,
35:58
that the son,
35:59
may glorify,
36:01
you,
36:02
your salvation,
36:04
brings,
36:06
him,
36:07
glory,
36:08
what is Jesus doing,
36:10
right now,
36:11
he's praying,
36:11
for your salvation,
36:13
then secondly,
36:14
he's praying,
36:15
for your safety,
36:16
he's praying,
36:17
for your safety,
36:18
look at verse nine,
36:21
look at verse nine,
36:23
I am praying,
36:24
for them says Jesus,
36:25
I'm not praying,
36:25
for the world,
36:26
but for those,
36:27
whom you have given me,
36:28
for they are yours,
36:30
all mine are yours,
36:31
and yours are mine,
36:32
and I am glorified,
36:34
in them,
36:35
I am no longer,
36:36
in the world,
36:36
but they are in the world,
36:38
and I am coming to you,
36:39
holy father,
36:40
keep them,
36:41
in your name,
36:41
which you have given me,
36:43
that they may be one,
36:44
even as we are one,
36:45
while I was with them,
36:46
I kept them in your name,
36:48
which you have given me,
36:49
I have guarded them,
36:50
and not one of them,
36:51
has been lost,
36:53
except the son of destruction,
36:54
that the scripture,
36:56
might be fulfilled,
36:57
I think I mentioned,
37:00
I mentioned the other night,
37:00
that one of our elders,
37:01
in Barvis,
37:02
he often says,
37:03
that the first step,
37:04
after being saved,
37:06
is being kept,
37:07
the first step,
37:08
after being saved,
37:09
is being kept,
37:10
which is so true,
37:11
but you know,
37:12
what we see here,
37:12
is that the first prayer,
37:13
of Jesus,
37:14
after you've been saved,
37:15
is that you'll be kept,
37:16
the first prayer,
37:18
of Jesus,
37:19
after you've been saved,
37:21
is that you'll be kept,
37:22
because Jesus prays,
37:24
Holy Father,
37:25
verse 11 there,
37:27
Holy Father,
37:28
keep them,
37:29
in your name,
37:31
which means,
37:32
that Jesus,
37:32
is not only praying,
37:33
for your salvation,
37:34
he's praying,
37:35
for your safety,
37:36
he's praying,
37:37
that you'll be kept,
37:38
because the first step,
37:39
after being saved,
37:41
is being kept,
37:42
and you know,
37:43
we forget this,
37:44
so often,
37:45
because we often,
37:46
focus upon our feelings,
37:48
don't we,
37:49
we focus upon our feelings,
37:51
and often we're focusing,
37:52
upon our feelings,
37:53
of failure,
37:55
that we're not,
37:56
good enough,
37:57
or worthy enough,
37:58
or fit enough,
37:59
or faithful enough,
38:00
to be a Christian,
38:01
let alone to sit,
38:02
at the Lord's table,
38:04
that's why so many people,
38:06
don't commit,
38:07
their life to Jesus,
38:08
or confess him,
38:10
as their Lord and Savior,
38:11
maybe that's why,
38:14
some of you this morning,
38:16
haven't yet made a profession,
38:18
of faith,
38:19
because you think,
38:21
well,
38:22
what if I start,
38:24
but I don't finish,
38:27
what if I start,
38:28
but I don't finish,
38:29
what if I become a Christian,
38:30
and make a commitment,
38:31
and I make a confession,
38:32
and I come to the Lord's table,
38:34
but then I fall away,
38:36
what if I start,
38:37
and I don't finish,
38:37
I don't want to let the Lord down,
38:39
I don't want to let the Lord's people down,
38:40
I don't want to let the,
38:41
the church down,
38:43
what if I start,
38:45
but I can't finish,
38:47
but this is when we need,
38:48
to forget about our feelings,
38:51
and our feelings of failure,
38:53
and focus,
38:54
focus upon not ourselves,
38:56
but the faithfulness of Jesus,
38:58
the faithfulness of Jesus,
39:00
and commit ourselves to him,
39:02
because the prayer,
39:03
and promise of Jesus here,
39:05
is that you'll be kept,
39:06
you'll be kept,
39:08
if he begins the work,
39:09
he'll bring it to completion,
39:11
he'll bring it to its end,
39:13
if he starts,
39:14
he will take you,
39:16
to the finish,
39:17
because the truth is,
39:18
you will never get,
39:19
to the finish line,
39:20
my friend,
39:21
and all of us know this,
39:22
we'll never get,
39:23
to the finish line,
39:24
by our own efforts,
39:25
or our own good works,
39:27
or our own ability,
39:27
to grow in grace,
39:29
no,
39:29
we will reach,
39:30
the finish line,
39:31
all because we're being kept,
39:33
we're being kept,
39:36
and as the apostle Peter learned,
39:38
and as he lets us know,
39:39
in his letter,
39:40
he says we're being kept,
39:42
not by ourselves,
39:43
but by the power of God,
39:45
through faith,
39:46
unto salvation,
39:48
unto the end,
39:49
of our salvation,
39:51
you're being kept safe,
39:53
until your salvation,
39:54
is complete,
39:56
what a wonderful promise,
39:58
what a wonderful prayer,
40:00
your salvation,
40:01
is being kept safe,
40:03
until your salvation,
40:05
is complete,
40:07
but you know,
40:07
just because Jesus,
40:08
is praying for,
40:09
for our safety,
40:11
as you know,
40:12
that doesn't mean,
40:13
that your Christian life,
40:14
will come with all the promises,
40:16
of promotion,
40:17
and prosperity,
40:19
and just because Jesus,
40:20
prays that we'll be kept,
40:21
that doesn't mean,
40:21
that you'll be kept free,
40:23
from trouble,
40:24
or trials,
40:24
or tribulation,
40:26
no,
40:28
because our Bible,
40:29
never teaches us,
40:30
that the Christian life,
40:31
is a trouble free life,
40:33
in fact,
40:33
our Bible teaches us,
40:34
the opposite,
40:36
it tells us the truth,
40:37
about life,
40:38
that the Christian life,
40:39
it's full of trouble,
40:40
it's full of trials,
40:42
and that it will be,
40:43
through much tribulation,
40:45
that we enter,
40:45
the kingdom,
40:46
of heaven,
40:48
and my friend,
40:48
maybe,
40:49
you know this,
40:50
maybe only too well,
40:52
that the Christian life,
40:53
it's full of hurt,
40:55
full of heartache,
40:56
full of heartbreak,
40:58
the Christian life,
40:58
is often a struggle,
41:00
a struggle with sin,
41:00
and sickness,
41:01
and suffering,
41:02
and stress,
41:03
and sorrow,
41:04
it's a struggle,
41:05
with Satan,
41:07
I wonder what he was saying,
41:08
to you this morning,
41:09
before you came,
41:10
into church,
41:12
and yet here is Jesus,
41:13
our great high priest,
41:16
praying,
41:17
and petitioning,
41:19
and pleading,
41:20
before the throne,
41:21
of heaven,
41:23
and what does he say,
41:23
verse 15,
41:25
look down,
41:25
and verse 15,
41:26
I do not ask,
41:27
that you take them,
41:28
out of the world,
41:29
but that you keep them,
41:31
you keep them,
41:33
from the evil one,
41:36
you know,
41:36
in all your,
41:37
trouble,
41:38
and trials,
41:39
and tribulation,
41:40
in all your hurt,
41:41
and heartache,
41:42
and heartbreak,
41:42
in life,
41:43
and all the struggles,
41:44
that we face,
41:45
with sin,
41:45
and sickness,
41:46
and suffering,
41:46
and sorrow,
41:47
and Satan,
41:48
you know,
41:48
are you so thankful,
41:49
today,
41:50
my friend,
41:51
that you can say,
41:52
with a hymn writer,
41:52
what a friend,
41:55
we have in Jesus,
41:56
all our sins,
41:58
and griefs to bear,
42:00
what a privilege,
42:01
it is,
42:02
to carry everything,
42:03
to God,
42:04
and prayer,
42:05
and this is the glory,
42:06
of the gospel,
42:08
that our great high priest,
42:09
has been touched,
42:10
with a feeling,
42:11
of our infirmities,
42:12
he knows,
42:12
what we're like,
42:13
he knows,
42:13
what we go through,
42:14
he was,
42:15
in all points,
42:16
tempted as we are,
42:17
yet,
42:17
without sin,
42:19
and so he invites us,
42:20
he entreats us,
42:21
to come,
42:22
with all our burdens,
42:23
and all our baggage,
42:25
and to come,
42:26
boldly,
42:26
to the throne of grace,
42:28
because when we come to it,
42:30
we will receive mercy,
42:32
and find that grace,
42:33
to help,
42:34
in time,
42:35
of need,
42:37
and I'm sure,
42:38
my friend,
42:38
through the providences,
42:40
of life,
42:41
you have found,
42:42
that grace,
42:43
to help,
42:44
in time,
42:45
of need,
42:45
not when you didn't need it,
42:47
but it was always,
42:47
in time,
42:48
of need,
42:50
and that's what,
42:51
the psalmist,
42:51
was praying about,
42:52
in Psalm 121,
42:54
we were singing it earlier,
42:56
the keeper psalm,
42:58
Psalm 121,
42:59
a psalm,
43:00
we often sing,
43:02
where the psalmist,
43:03
he asks the question,
43:04
where does my help,
43:05
come from,
43:06
where does my safety,
43:08
come from,
43:08
and he confesses,
43:10
and he confesses,
43:10
that his help,
43:11
and his safety,
43:12
it comes from,
43:13
no other than,
43:15
the Lord,
43:15
the maker of heaven,
43:16
and earth,
43:17
because the Lord,
43:18
is his keeper,
43:20
he says,
43:20
I to the hills,
43:21
will lift mine eyes,
43:23
from whence,
43:23
doth come mine aid,
43:24
my safety,
43:25
cometh from the Lord,
43:27
who heaven,
43:27
and earth,
43:28
hath made,
43:29
the psalmist,
43:30
he lifts his eyes,
43:31
and he looks beyond,
43:33
the hills,
43:33
and all the,
43:34
the high places,
43:35
of idolatry,
43:37
and immorality,
43:38
and he focuses attention,
43:39
and he fixes his mind,
43:42
on the high priest of heaven,
43:44
because the high priest of heaven,
43:46
he promises,
43:47
and he prays,
43:48
that his people,
43:49
will be kept from slipping,
43:50
and sliding,
43:51
because he neither slumbers,
43:53
nor sleeps,
43:54
but not only that,
43:58
I love Psalm 121,
44:00
because the psalmist,
44:01
he asserts to us,
44:02
and he affirms to us,
44:03
that all of the Lord's people,
44:05
he says to us,
44:06
that the Lord,
44:07
is your keeper,
44:08
remember that the Lord,
44:10
is your keeper,
44:12
and that us,
44:13
Jesus prays here,
44:14
in his high priestly prayer,
44:17
he prays,
44:18
that you'll be kept,
44:20
he will keep you,
44:22
he will keep you,
44:24
from all evil,
44:25
he will keep your life,
44:28
he will keep your going out,
44:30
and your coming in,
44:31
from this time forth,
44:33
and even forever more,
44:36
isn't it amazing,
44:37
that Jesus is praying,
44:38
Holy Father,
44:40
keep them,
44:42
keep them,
44:43
in your name,
44:45
I do not ask,
44:46
that you take them,
44:47
out of the world,
44:48
but that you keep them,
44:50
from the evil one,
44:52
my friend,
44:53
what is Jesus doing,
44:53
right now,
44:56
Jesus is praying,
44:56
for your salvation,
44:59
that it will ultimately,
45:00
come to its conclusion,
45:02
at the day of Jesus Christ,
45:05
Jesus is praying,
45:07
for your safety,
45:09
he's praying,
45:10
that you'll be kept safe,
45:11
until your salvation,
45:13
comes to its conclusion,
45:15
and completion,
45:16
he's praying,
45:17
that you'll be kept,
45:18
by the power of God,
45:19
through faith,
45:20
unto salvation,
45:21
salvation,
45:22
that's what Jesus,
45:24
is doing,
45:25
right now,
45:27
and you know,
45:30
with this,
45:30
I'll conclude,
45:31
at this point,
45:33
because in the 19th century,
45:35
there was a well-known,
45:37
and well-established,
45:38
hymn writer,
45:39
from Northern Ireland,
45:41
she was called,
45:41
Charity Lees Bancroft,
45:43
maybe you've heard of her before,
45:45
Charity Lees Bancroft,
45:48
she composed many hymns,
45:50
contributed,
45:51
get these things,
45:52
out of the way,
45:53
she contributed,
45:54
to many hymn books,
45:55
of some of the great preachers,
45:58
of the time,
45:59
some of the great preachers,
46:00
like Spurgeon,
46:01
or even my good friend,
46:03
JC Ryle,
46:04
but Bancroft's well-known,
46:06
or best-known hymn,
46:07
was originally called,
46:09
The Advocate,
46:10
but in recent years,
46:12
we've all come to know it,
46:14
affectionately,
46:16
as the hymn,
46:16
Before the Throne,
46:18
and it's a hymn that reminds us,
46:20
and reassures us,
46:21
just as Jesus is doing here,
46:23
in John 17,
46:24
it tells us of what Jesus is doing,
46:27
right now,
46:28
what is Jesus doing right now,
46:32
and Bancroft writes,
46:33
before the throne of God above,
46:36
I have a strong and perfect plea,
46:38
a great high priest,
46:40
whose name is love,
46:41
whoever lives,
46:43
and pleads for me,
46:44
my name is graven on his hands,
46:47
my name is written on his heart,
46:49
I know that while in heaven he stands,
46:52
no tongue can bid me,
46:54
thence depart,
46:55
when Satan tempts me to despair,
46:57
and tells me of all the guilt within,
47:00
upward I look,
47:01
and see him there,
47:03
who made an end of all my sin,
47:05
because the sinless Savior died,
47:07
my sinful soul is counted free,
47:10
for God the just is satisfied,
47:12
to look on him,
47:13
and pardon me,
47:15
behold him there,
47:17
the risen lamb,
47:18
my perfect,
47:20
spotless righteousness,
47:22
the great unchangeable I am,
47:24
the king of glory,
47:26
and of grace,
47:27
one with himself I cannot die,
47:29
my soul is purchased,
47:31
with his blood,
47:32
my life is hid,
47:33
with Christ on high,
47:34
with Christ my Savior,
47:37
and my God,
47:39
with Christ my Savior,
47:42
and my God,
47:44
and you know that's our testimony,
47:47
as we come to the Lord's table,
47:50
this morning,
47:51
what is Jesus doing,
47:53
right now,
47:54
my life is hid,
47:56
with Christ on high,
47:58
with Christ my Savior,
48:00
and my God,
48:03
and my God.
48:03
Well,
48:04
may the Lord bless these thoughts to us.
48:06
Let us pray.
48:10
Our Father in heaven,
48:12
we give thanks this morning for reminding us of what Jesus is doing,
48:17
of what he has done for us on the cross,
48:21
that he was wounded for our transgressions,
48:23
and bruised for our iniquities,
48:25
but to know that today,
48:27
he is continually making intercession for us,
48:31
still praying for us as his people,
48:34
still bringing us before the throne,
48:37
and Lord,
48:37
it is a wonder to us that,
48:39
our salvation will come to its final conclusion,
48:42
and completion,
48:44
at the day of Jesus Christ,
48:45
but until that moment,
48:47
Jesus is praying that we would be kept,
48:50
kept by the power of God,
48:52
kept through faith,
48:54
and that he would keep our going out,
48:56
and our coming in,
48:57
from this time forth,
48:58
and even forevermore.
49:00
Lord,
49:01
bless thy truth to us,
49:02
we pray,
49:03
uphold us,
49:04
we ask,
49:05
and enable us,
49:06
we ask,
49:06
to see Jesus in it,
49:08
more and more.
49:09
Take away then our iniquities,
49:11
receive us graciously,
49:12
for Jesus' sake.
49:14
Amen.
49:16
We're going to sing again,
49:17
we're going to sing this time,
49:18
in Psalm 103.
49:23
Psalm 103,
49:24
it's in the Sing Psalms version.
49:35
It's on page 135.
49:37
Psalm 103,
49:43
I was singing from the beginning,
49:46
down to the verse,
49:47
Mark 11.
49:50
In Psalm 103,
49:51
it's a psalm that reminds us,
49:52
of all the blessings,
49:53
and all the benefits,
49:54
that we have received,
49:56
through Jesus Christ.
49:58
He has blessed us.
50:00
He says there,
50:01
praise God my soul,
50:02
with all my heart,
50:03
let me exalt his holy name,
50:05
forget not all his benefits,
50:07
his praise my soul,
50:08
in song proclaim.
50:10
The Lord forgives you,
50:11
all your sins,
50:12
and heals your sickness,
50:13
and distress.
50:14
Your life,
50:15
he rescues from the grave,
50:17
and crowns you,
50:18
in his tenderness.
50:19
So we'll sing Psalm 103,
50:20
from the beginning,
50:21
down to the verse,
50:22
Mark 11,
50:23
and we'll stand to sing,
50:24
if you're able,
50:25
to God's praise.
50:30
Praise God my soul,
50:34
with all my heart,
50:37
let me exalt his holy name,
50:42
forget not all his benefits,
50:48
his praise my soul,
50:50
and song proclaim.
50:54
The Lord forgives you,
50:57
all your sins,
51:00
and heals your sickness,
51:03
and distress.
51:06
Your life,
51:07
he rescues,
51:09
from the grave,
51:11
and crowns you,
51:13
in his tenderness,
51:17
and crowns you,
51:19
in his tenderness.
51:24
He satisfies your deep desires,
51:30
from his unending storage of good,
51:36
so that just like the eagles' trend,
51:41
your info later is renewed.
51:46
The Lord is known for righteous acts,
51:53
and justice to the unthrodened ones,
51:59
to Moses he made known his ways,
52:04
his mighty deeds to his well sons,
52:10
his mighty deeds to his well sons.
52:16
The Lord is merciful and kind,
52:22
to anger slow and full of grace,
52:27
he will not constantly reprove,
52:33
or in his hand,
52:34
or in his hand behind his face.
52:38
He does not punish our misdeeds,
52:44
or give our sins their just reward,
52:50
my greatest love as I have said,
52:56
towards all those who fear the Lord.
53:01
towards all those who fear the Lord.
53:07
Amen.
53:17
Well,
53:17
we now come to the part of the service,
53:19
that we often refer to as the fencing,
53:22
of the Lord's table.
53:25
And fencing the Lord's table is a practice,
53:27
that some have wanted to neglect,
53:30
in recent years.
53:30
And yet fencing the Lord's table is important.
53:37
But I want to be clear,
53:39
I don't fence the Lord's table.
53:42
The Lord fences the Lord's table.
53:45
In fact,
53:46
the Lord fences his table every time the gospel is preached.
53:50
And the Lord fences his table,
53:54
because it's his table.
53:56
It's not my table.
53:58
It's not your table.
53:59
It's not a free church table.
54:01
It's the Lord's table.
54:03
And when the Lord fences his table,
54:05
he does so always from his word.
54:08
And he tells us who should,
54:09
and who shouldn't sit at his table,
54:12
and partake of his supper.
54:15
And we see that even in Jesus' high priestly prayer,
54:18
there in John 17.
54:20
We've been asking,
54:21
what is Jesus doing right now?
54:24
What is Jesus doing right now?
54:25
And we've seen that Jesus is praying for your salvation.
54:28
He's praying for your safety.
54:31
But Jesus is also praying for your sanctification.
54:35
Jesus is praying for your sanctification.
54:38
He prays there in verse 17.
54:41
Sanctify them in the truth.
54:43
Your word is truth.
54:45
As you send me into the world,
54:47
so have I sent them into the world.
54:49
And for their sake,
54:50
I consecrate myself,
54:52
that they also may be sanctified in truth.
54:57
You know, don't you find it so humbling
54:58
that in heaven right now,
55:01
Jesus is praying that you will be prepared for heaven.
55:04
In heaven right now,
55:09
Jesus is praying that you will be prepared for heaven.
55:15
Because is that not the purpose of sanctification?
55:18
To set apart,
55:20
to separate,
55:21
and to sanctify you for heaven.
55:24
Sanctification is to make you holy,
55:26
and ultimately to make you fit for heaven.
55:29
But of course,
55:31
your sanctification,
55:32
the amazing thing about sanctification is,
55:34
it's twofold.
55:35
It's positional and progressive.
55:37
Positional and progressive.
55:39
Positional sanctification is that your position before a holy God
55:43
has now changed.
55:45
Where you've been saved,
55:46
you've been set apart,
55:47
you've been separated from the world,
55:48
and you're sanctified by the Spirit.
55:51
And your position has changed,
55:53
because you were once unsaved,
55:56
but now you're saved.
55:57
Unholy,
55:59
but now you're holy,
56:00
or called holy.
56:01
You were once unclean,
56:03
but now you've been presented clean.
56:05
You were lost,
56:05
and now you're found.
56:07
You were in darkness,
56:08
but now you're in the light.
56:10
You've been brought from death to life,
56:12
from the dungeon to liberty,
56:14
from being an Adam to being in Christ,
56:16
from being hell-bound.
56:19
Now you're heaven-bound.
56:21
You've been brought from being a sinner to,
56:23
as the Bible describes you,
56:25
as a saint.
56:25
My friend,
56:26
your position has changed.
56:28
And if your position has changed,
56:30
then your place is at the Lord's table.
56:34
If your position has changed,
56:37
then your place is at the Lord's table.
56:41
Because Jesus,
56:42
he's praying for our sanctification.
56:43
But not just our positional sanctification,
56:45
he's also praying for our progressive sanctification,
56:48
because he prays there in verse 17,
56:50
sanctify them in the truth.
56:52
Your word is truth.
56:55
And so whether we're conscious of it or not,
56:58
we are being sanctified through the truth of God's word.
57:02
Even this morning,
57:02
we're being sanctified through the truth of both word
57:06
and sacrament.
57:08
Because as we said,
57:09
this is a means of grace.
57:10
This is a means of strengthening
57:12
and sustaining our faith.
57:14
It's a means of our progressive sanctification,
57:17
where we're being made more holy.
57:19
And I hope more happy.
57:21
And ultimately more humble.
57:23
Because we're being progressively prepared
57:26
for glory.
57:28
It might not feel like it.
57:30
We might not think anything's really going on.
57:33
But this is what Jesus tells us.
57:35
And as you know,
57:35
what Jesus tells us is always true.
57:37
And you know,
57:39
this progressive sanctification
57:41
always reminds me of a story
57:43
Sinclair Ferguson once told.
57:45
I love listening to Sinclair Ferguson.
57:47
He told the story of his visit one day
57:49
to a potter's workshop.
57:51
And he said,
57:52
on walking through the main entrance
57:53
into the reception area,
57:55
there was this large sign in front of him.
57:58
And the large sign read,
58:00
workshop downstairs,
58:02
showroom upstairs.
58:04
Workshop downstairs,
58:06
showroom upstairs.
58:08
And in the workshop downstairs,
58:10
that's where he went to visit first.
58:11
He said,
58:12
you could watch and witness
58:13
the process and the progression
58:15
of the pot
58:17
in the hands of the potter.
58:18
As he was skillfully spinning
58:20
and shaping and sculpting
58:22
and sanding something into
58:25
something beautiful.
58:27
And it was only on completion
58:28
that the finished article
58:29
would be taken from
58:30
the workshop downstairs
58:32
up to the showroom upstairs.
58:36
And needless to say,
58:37
my Christian friend,
58:39
we are in the workshop downstairs.
58:42
Because here,
58:43
Jesus is shaping us.
58:45
He's sculpting us.
58:47
He's sanding us.
58:49
And sometimes it's painful.
58:51
Sometimes it's difficult.
58:52
But it's also that
58:54
when we are the finished article,
58:56
we will be put on display
58:58
in the showroom of heaven.
59:00
And we will be there
59:01
as a trophy of grace.
59:04
That's what you are.
59:06
You're a trophy of grace.
59:07
And that's why you're
59:08
at the Lord's table today.
59:10
And that's why you need
59:11
the Lord's table today.
59:13
Not because you're perfect.
59:15
My friend,
59:15
don't ever think that anybody
59:16
sitting at the Lord's table
59:17
is perfect.
59:19
They're far from perfect.
59:21
But we are here
59:21
because
59:22
the Lord has worked in our life.
59:26
And we are here
59:28
as an evidence
59:29
of that outworking
59:30
in our life.
59:31
That Jesus
59:31
is working in our heart.
59:33
He's saved us.
59:35
We're being saved.
59:37
And we're going to be saved.
59:38
We are being prepared
59:40
for heaven.
59:42
That's why we're here
59:43
this morning.
59:44
Not because we're perfect.
59:45
Not because we're good.
59:46
Not because we're worthy.
59:49
But because Jesus
59:50
has begun that good work
59:51
in us.
59:53
And he will bring it on
59:54
to completion.
59:55
at the day of Jesus Christ.
59:59
And so my friend,
1:00:00
if that describes you,
1:00:02
you should be sitting
1:00:04
at the Lord's table
1:00:04
this morning.
1:00:06
Because Jesus
1:00:07
is praying for you.
1:00:09
He's praying
1:00:09
for your salvation.
1:00:11
He's praying
1:00:12
for your safety.
1:00:13
And he's praying
1:00:14
for your sanctification.
1:00:16
He says,
1:00:16
Father,
1:00:18
sanctify them
1:00:18
in the truth.
1:00:21
Your word
1:00:21
is truth.
1:00:23
we've been asking
1:00:25
the question,
1:00:27
what is Jesus doing
1:00:28
right now?
1:00:31
What is Jesus doing
1:00:32
right now?
1:00:35
And we've said
1:00:35
that Jesus is praying
1:00:36
for your salvation.
1:00:38
He's praying
1:00:39
for your safety.
1:00:40
He's praying
1:00:41
for your sanctification.
1:00:44
But you know,
1:00:44
as we come to participate
1:00:45
in the Lord's Supper
1:00:47
and partake
1:00:48
of this sacrament,
1:00:50
we have to ask,
1:00:51
well,
1:00:51
what is Jesus doing
1:00:52
now?
1:00:54
What is Jesus doing
1:00:56
right now?
1:00:58
What is Jesus doing
1:00:59
as we sit around
1:01:00
his table?
1:01:02
What is Jesus doing
1:01:03
as we see him
1:01:04
in his supper?
1:01:05
What is Jesus doing
1:01:08
as we witness
1:01:08
the signs
1:01:09
and the symbols
1:01:10
of this sacrament?
1:01:13
What is Jesus doing
1:01:14
right now?
1:01:18
And Jesus tells us.
1:01:20
He tells us
1:01:21
in John 17.
1:01:22
He says in verse 24,
1:01:24
Father,
1:01:25
I desire that they also
1:01:26
whom you have given me
1:01:28
may be with me
1:01:29
where I am
1:01:30
to see my glory
1:01:32
that you have given me
1:01:34
because you loved me.
1:01:35
before the foundation
1:01:37
of the world.
1:01:40
You know,
1:01:40
there's so much
1:01:41
in this high priestly prayer
1:01:42
that I feel
1:01:43
I'm only scratching
1:01:44
the surface.
1:01:46
And maybe you'll
1:01:46
look into it more
1:01:47
in the afternoon.
1:01:49
But what I love
1:01:50
about this prayer
1:01:50
is that it covers
1:01:51
every area
1:01:52
of the Christian life.
1:01:55
That Jesus is praying
1:01:56
for your salvation,
1:01:58
your safety,
1:01:59
your sanctification,
1:02:01
and he's also praying
1:02:02
for your security.
1:02:04
He's praying
1:02:05
for your security.
1:02:07
Jesus is praying
1:02:08
that you'll be with him
1:02:09
where he is
1:02:10
and that you'll see
1:02:13
his glory.
1:02:15
Jesus is praying
1:02:16
that you will be with him
1:02:18
where he is
1:02:20
and that one day
1:02:21
you'll see his glory.
1:02:23
But until that day,
1:02:25
Jesus is praying
1:02:26
that you'd know security
1:02:27
in your salvation
1:02:28
and that as you sit
1:02:29
around the Lord's table
1:02:31
today with your brothers
1:02:33
and your sisters
1:02:34
in Christ
1:02:35
and as you partake
1:02:37
of the Lord's supper
1:02:38
together,
1:02:40
that it will be
1:02:41
a means of grace
1:02:41
to you.
1:02:42
That it will affirm
1:02:44
to you
1:02:44
and assure you
1:02:46
that you belong
1:02:46
to Jesus.
1:02:48
That it will remind you
1:02:49
and even reassure you
1:02:51
that you are his
1:02:53
and his for all eternity.
1:02:55
that it will strengthen
1:02:57
and sustain you
1:02:58
in your faith
1:02:58
to keep going,
1:03:01
to encourage you
1:03:02
and enable you
1:03:03
to keep serving,
1:03:06
to keep pointing others
1:03:07
to this wonderful Savior.
1:03:10
You know,
1:03:10
Jesus,
1:03:10
he's praying for you
1:03:11
right now
1:03:12
that you will remember
1:03:14
and realize
1:03:15
that this table,
1:03:17
it is only a foreshadowing.
1:03:19
it is only a foretaste
1:03:22
of what's to come.
1:03:24
Father,
1:03:25
I desire that they also
1:03:27
whom you have given me
1:03:28
may be with me
1:03:29
where I am
1:03:29
to see my glory
1:03:31
that you have given me
1:03:32
because you loved me
1:03:33
before the foundation
1:03:35
of the world.
1:03:37
What is Jesus doing
1:03:39
right now?
1:03:41
He's praying
1:03:42
for your salvation,
1:03:43
your safety,
1:03:44
your sanctification
1:03:45
and ultimately
1:03:47
your eternal security.
1:03:50
And so as we sit together
1:03:52
with Jesus
1:03:53
and eat together
1:03:56
because he's present
1:03:58
at his table,
1:04:00
let us think
1:04:00
on these things.
1:04:04
We now read
1:04:05
the scriptural warrant
1:04:06
for the sacrament
1:04:07
of the Lord's Supper.
1:04:08
It's found in
1:04:09
1 Corinthians 11
1:04:10
and verse 23.
1:04:12
For I received
1:04:14
from the Lord
1:04:15
what I also delivered
1:04:16
to you,
1:04:17
that the Lord Jesus
1:04:18
on the night
1:04:18
when he was betrayed
1:04:19
took bread
1:04:20
and when he had given thanks
1:04:22
he broke it
1:04:23
and said,
1:04:24
This is my body
1:04:25
which is for you.
1:04:27
Do this in remembrance
1:04:27
of me.
1:04:29
In the same way also
1:04:30
he took the cup
1:04:31
after supper saying,
1:04:33
This cup is the new covenant
1:04:34
in my blood.
1:04:36
Do this as often
1:04:37
as you drink it
1:04:37
in remembrance of me.
1:04:40
For as often
1:04:41
as you eat this bread,
1:04:42
and drink the cup,
1:04:44
you proclaim
1:04:45
the Lord's death
1:04:46
until he comes.
1:04:49
And so friends,
1:04:50
according to
1:04:51
the institution
1:04:52
and the command
1:04:53
and the example
1:04:54
of our Savior,
1:04:56
we'll give thanks
1:04:56
together.
1:05:01
Our Father in Heaven,
1:05:03
we give thanks
1:05:04
for these precious
1:05:05
moments in life
1:05:06
where we are able
1:05:08
to come
1:05:08
to the Lord's table
1:05:09
and to know
1:05:11
that it is a table
1:05:12
for sinners.
1:05:13
It is a table
1:05:14
for those
1:05:15
who have fallen short
1:05:16
of the glory of God.
1:05:18
It is a table
1:05:19
for those
1:05:19
who realize
1:05:21
and have come
1:05:22
to see
1:05:22
not anything
1:05:24
good in themselves
1:05:25
but the beauty
1:05:27
of Jesus,
1:05:28
the wonder
1:05:29
of the gospel
1:05:29
and the glory
1:05:31
of salvation.
1:05:32
We give thanks
1:05:33
this morning
1:05:34
that Jesus promises
1:05:35
to be present
1:05:37
at his table,
1:05:38
to meet us
1:05:39
and to assure us
1:05:40
that he is here
1:05:42
and he is with us
1:05:43
in this sacrament,
1:05:45
that he reminds us
1:05:46
through these
1:05:46
wonderful symbols
1:05:47
of bread and wine,
1:05:49
of his broken body
1:05:50
and his shed blood
1:05:51
and help us then
1:05:53
to see him,
1:05:54
to see him,
1:05:55
to be reminded
1:05:55
how he was wounded
1:05:57
for our transgressions,
1:05:59
how he was bruised
1:06:00
for our iniquities,
1:06:02
how his chastisement
1:06:03
brought us peace.
1:06:06
But Lord,
1:06:06
we give thanks
1:06:07
for this table
1:06:07
that it is a means
1:06:09
of grace to us
1:06:10
to strengthen us,
1:06:11
to sustain us,
1:06:12
to enable us,
1:06:13
Lord,
1:06:14
to keep looking
1:06:15
to Jesus
1:06:15
and to know him
1:06:17
and to love him
1:06:18
and to follow him
1:06:18
as the author
1:06:20
and the finisher
1:06:20
of our faith.
1:06:23
Bless us, Lord,
1:06:23
together then
1:06:24
as we eat together,
1:06:25
as we share together
1:06:26
in this supper.
1:06:28
May it be, Lord,
1:06:29
a time of fellowship,
1:06:31
of koinonia,
1:06:33
one with another,
1:06:34
but ultimately
1:06:35
to have that communion
1:06:36
with our Savior,
1:06:38
to have communion
1:06:38
with the saints,
1:06:40
but to know communion
1:06:41
with our Savior
1:06:42
who loved us
1:06:43
and gave himself for us.
1:06:46
Do us good,
1:06:46
then we pray.
1:06:47
Go before us,
1:06:48
we ask,
1:06:49
for we ask it
1:06:49
in Jesus' name
1:06:50
and for his sake.
1:06:54
This morning,
1:06:55
we've been asking
1:06:56
the question,
1:06:57
what is Jesus doing
1:06:58
right now?
1:07:00
And from John 17,
1:07:04
we've discovered
1:07:04
that Jesus
1:07:05
is praying
1:07:07
for your salvation,
1:07:09
he's praying
1:07:10
for your safety,
1:07:11
he's praying
1:07:11
for your sanctification,
1:07:13
and he's praying
1:07:14
for your security.
1:07:17
And my Christian friend,
1:07:18
your security
1:07:18
is important
1:07:20
to Jesus.
1:07:22
And it's important
1:07:23
to him because
1:07:24
he wants you to know
1:07:25
and to remember
1:07:26
that nothing
1:07:27
and no one
1:07:29
is able to
1:07:34
separate you
1:07:34
from him.
1:07:37
Is that not why
1:07:38
Paul asked that question
1:07:39
in Romans 8?
1:07:42
Who?
1:07:43
Who shall separate us
1:07:44
from the love of Christ?
1:07:46
Shall tribulation?
1:07:48
No.
1:07:50
Distress?
1:07:51
No.
1:07:52
Persecution?
1:07:54
No.
1:07:55
Famine?
1:07:55
No.
1:07:57
No.
1:07:58
Nakedness?
1:07:58
No.
1:07:59
Peril?
1:07:59
No.
1:08:00
The sword?
1:08:01
No.
1:08:02
No.
1:08:02
In all these things,
1:08:03
says Paul,
1:08:03
we are more
1:08:04
than conquerors
1:08:05
through him
1:08:05
that loved us.
1:08:07
For I am persuaded
1:08:08
that neither death,
1:08:10
nor life,
1:08:11
nor angels,
1:08:12
nor principalities,
1:08:13
nor powers,
1:08:15
nor things present,
1:08:15
nor even the things
1:08:16
to come,
1:08:17
neither height,
1:08:18
nor depth,
1:08:18
nor any other creature
1:08:20
is able to separate us
1:08:22
from the love of God
1:08:24
that is in Christ Jesus,
1:08:26
our Lord.
1:08:28
My friend,
1:08:28
isn't it remarkable
1:08:29
that the one at the head
1:08:31
of this table
1:08:32
is praying for all those
1:08:35
sitting at his table
1:08:36
and he's praying
1:08:38
for your salvation,
1:08:40
your safety,
1:08:41
your sanctification,
1:08:43
and your security.
1:08:45
But as we leave
1:08:46
the Lord's table
1:08:47
today,
1:08:49
let's leave
1:08:50
with a renewed commitment
1:08:51
a renewed commitment
1:08:54
to him.
1:08:55
We might have felt
1:08:56
we weren't what
1:08:57
we should be.
1:08:58
We always feel that.
1:09:00
But let's leave
1:09:01
with a renewed commitment
1:09:02
to love the Lord
1:09:03
more deeply,
1:09:04
to walk with the Lord
1:09:05
more closely,
1:09:07
to listen to the Lord
1:09:08
more earnestly,
1:09:10
to serve the Lord
1:09:11
more faithfully,
1:09:13
and to sing to the Lord
1:09:14
more heartily
1:09:16
that before the throne
1:09:18
of God above
1:09:19
I have a strong
1:09:21
and perfect plea,
1:09:23
a great high priest
1:09:24
whose name is love,
1:09:27
who ever lives
1:09:27
and pleads
1:09:29
for me.
1:09:31
And may the Lord
1:09:32
bless us.
1:09:33
And may the Lord
1:09:33
bless these thoughts
1:09:34
to us.
1:09:35
Let us pray.
1:09:36
our Father in heaven,
1:09:41
we give thanks
1:09:41
that as thy children
1:09:42
that thou hast fed us
1:09:44
this morning,
1:09:45
not only from thy word,
1:09:47
but also from the sacrament
1:09:48
of the Lord's Supper,
1:09:50
and that our prayer is
1:09:51
that in seeing Jesus
1:09:53
in the supper,
1:09:54
we would leave knowing
1:09:55
that this Jesus,
1:09:57
he is one who strengthens us
1:09:58
for the week that lies ahead.
1:10:01
He sustains us
1:10:02
in our pilgrimage
1:10:03
in this world,
1:10:04
and that he promises
1:10:05
that he will bring
1:10:07
it all to its completion,
1:10:09
that when the souls
1:10:10
of believers
1:10:11
are at their death,
1:10:13
they are made perfect
1:10:15
in holiness,
1:10:16
and they do immediately
1:10:17
pass into glory,
1:10:19
and their bodies
1:10:19
still being united
1:10:20
to Christ
1:10:21
to rest in the graves
1:10:23
until the resurrection.
1:10:25
And at the resurrection,
1:10:26
believers will be
1:10:27
raised up in glory.
1:10:29
They will be openly
1:10:30
acknowledged and acquitted
1:10:31
on the day of judgment,
1:10:33
made perfectly blessed,
1:10:34
and go into the full,
1:10:36
the full enjoying of God
1:10:38
to all eternity.
1:10:41
Give to us, Lord,
1:10:42
we pray,
1:10:42
to walk by faith
1:10:43
and not by sight,
1:10:45
and to keep ever looking
1:10:47
to this Jesus
1:10:48
who loved us
1:10:49
and gave himself for us.
1:10:52
Take away our iniquities.
1:10:53
Receive us graciously
1:10:54
for Jesus' sake.
1:10:56
Amen.
1:10:57
Amen.
1:10:59
Well, we're going to bring
1:11:00
our service to a conclusion
1:11:01
this morning.
1:11:02
We're going to sing
1:11:03
the words of Psalm 72,
1:11:07
the well-known words
1:11:08
of the last verses
1:11:09
of this psalm,
1:11:11
page 314 in the Scottish Psalter,
1:11:15
verses 17 to 19.
1:11:21
This is a psalm
1:11:22
that was written
1:11:23
by Solomon.
1:11:25
But as you know
1:11:27
by singing it so often,
1:11:29
it speaks about
1:11:30
the greater than Solomon.
1:11:32
It speaks about
1:11:33
the greater king,
1:11:34
the Lord Jesus.
1:11:36
Because Solomon's name
1:11:37
doesn't endure forever.
1:11:41
But the name of Jesus does.
1:11:44
The name of Jesus
1:11:45
has stood the test of time.
1:11:49
And that's what Solomon tells us.
1:11:51
His name forever shall endure.
1:11:53
Last like the sun it shall.
1:11:56
Men shall be blessed
1:11:57
in him and blessed.
1:11:58
All nations
1:11:58
shall to him call.
1:12:00
Now blessed be the Lord our God,
1:12:02
the God of Israel.
1:12:03
For he alone doth wondrous works
1:12:05
in glory that excel.
1:12:07
And blessed be his glorious name
1:12:08
to all eternity.
1:12:10
The whole earth let his glory fill.
1:12:13
Amen.
1:12:14
So let it be.
1:12:16
These verses,
1:12:17
and we'll stand to sing
1:12:17
if you're able,
1:12:18
to God's praise.
1:12:19
Amen.
1:12:19
Amen.
1:12:23
This name forever shall endure,
1:12:30
last like the sun it shall.
1:12:37
Men shall be blessed in heaven,
1:12:44
and blessed all nations shall
1:12:50
them call.
1:12:53
Now blessed be the Lord our God,
1:13:03
the God of Israel.
1:13:09
For he alone doth works in glory that excel.
1:13:26
And blessed be his glorious name
1:13:37
to all eternity.
1:13:42
The whole earth let his glory be.
1:13:53
Amen.
1:13:56
So let it be.
1:14:03
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
1:14:05
the love of God the Father,
1:14:07
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
1:14:08
be with you all,
1:14:10
now and forevermore.
1:14:11
Amen.
1:14:12
Amen.
1:14:22
Amen.
1:14:24
Amen.
1:14:26
Thank you.
1:14:56
Thank you.