2019-12-22-LIVE OAKS - Close, but...- Part 4
We just did it. Let's pray again. You'll learn we pray a lot in and read a lot of Bible. You're bored of those two. I don't know what to tell you. Let's pray. God again just by your mercy and Grace I stand here and this is a waste of time if Holy Spirit you don't speak through me orally speak around me if you have to but speak through me if you would and by your grace give us two ears to hear it a lot a lot a lot of written words this morning a lot of Bible and I just pray that you would just powerfully be present and speak through your written word. Thank you Lord, Jesus would love you and your name we pray I'm in so if you are new with us this morning the last several weeks. We've been going through a series of understanding that closeness and Nearness of You. So, we've looked at these different kind of times or or eras in which God was near Thank you Boo 2 cups of water. It is Christmas.
that an orange in my stocking we can move on to the next holiday.
We looked at how God was near in the garden, but he was near through Abraham, but he's he was he was near with that with Jacob wrestled with God. He was near with Moses. He was near God's people on on Mount Sinai when it when the law of God came down and and God is present in in thundering and lightning on the top of a mountain. We talked about God being near in the tent of meeting as it was called. And then in the Tabernacle that God's spirit was near and end with Moses again. He he was he was favored by God and invite Grace was able to talk with God as someone talks to a friend that's close. But and in the biggest, but there is a peso Moses is able to talk to God as a man would talk to a friend, but all the rest of God's people Well, they could just you know stand up when Moses stood up and into the tent and it stand up again when Moses left the tent and they just kind of so. You and got her going to tell us later Moses, right? We would you still be in later. I mean if you want I could no. No, I just stay here. So God's people were separate. Right? So God was was close. He was in that tent of meeting. He was near Moses. He was he was closed but in the last week we talked about the Incarnation of God and how God came in the power of the Holy Spirit to the womb of Mary. I mean talk about clothes soap for married that the holy spirit of God was residing in her and in that marks something new between God and man. This was closer than man ever thought possible. This is this is nearer than God, then the man could ever really imagined but yet the angel came to Mary and told her and she believed and praise God. And there is Jesus growing in the womb that she formed. And then we know where he was born and he grew in wisdom and stature knowledge with God and man. I mean he grew up. but you have to like learn language words to speak and he obeyed his parents they The kid that alone that thought alone is astounding to me I have and am raising two sons. They're not God incarnate the wonderful but not I can't imagine raising God nor can I imagine being God raised you understand what I mean? Like, what was that? Like for Jesus to grow up being obedient to an Earthly father and being taught obedience but being will be the it's astounding to me. The God In the Flesh abiding in Mary's flesh. Emmanuel means god with us Emmanuel means god with us the word. It's it's cool. It's a cake. The word Tabernacle means with or dwelling was called The Tabernacle because God was swelling in the midst of his people God tabernacled With Us in the body of Jesus. Jesus Tabernacle in Edward it is now it probably is right you could Tabernacle of someone so God is Tabernacle.
God in the state of Tabernacle with his people us know I words with it later. Got too much stuff to do. This is God closer than he has ever been. So this morning I want us to take a moment and look at what the closeness of Jesus brought. I just I have it's all through the gospels. Just these moments of God incarnate Jesus God In the Flesh interacting sharing time and space and what did that do? And surely this can't be comprehensive. I'm a little all over the place this morning, but but first in John 1 Serena verse 29 the next day. He saw Jesus coming toward him. This is John the Baptist speaking they met before in the womb and in John did some backflips. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said after me comes a man who ranks before me because he was before me I myself did not know him. But for this purpose I came baptizing with water that she might be revealed to Israel. John baptized for repentance tips for hearts to be prepared to receive Jesus first 32 and John were witnessed. I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove and it remained on him. I myself did not know him but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me he on whom you see the spirit descend and remain this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and I've seen in a Ford witness that this is the son of God. So apparently they hadn't seen each other very often. But yet in just the the presence of Jesus John recognizes him as not just all that's my cousin Jesus recognized him as that's my cousin Jesus the son of God.
Who's going to come in baptized with the Holy Spirit for those who were given the eyes to see that's their response. It was made clear. In the presence of Jesus who he truly was an end in this wasn't just an angel. Okay, you know, I'm I'm reluctant to call a whole lot of stuff out specifically but the Jehovah's Witnesses, they believe that Jesus was just an angel. They believe he's just Jesus they believe he was just Michael the Archangel who was like so so so so so good the guy was like, all right, buddy, you were just an angel but now I'm going to adopt you. Okay. This wasn't just an angel with skin on this was God not again not wearing a man costume. But this was God In the Flesh and for those who have eyes to see it was immediately apparent. This is different. This is new. I thought God was closed, but this is different.
Mark 15 sorting versus 737
And Jesus uttered allowed cry. And breathed his last. I know it's skipped over a whole lot, right? This is him at the last moment of his life here.
before his death in Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathe his last and the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom and when the Centurion who stood facing him saw That in this way, he breathed his last. He said truly this man was the son of God. This is new the Centurion this this wasn't a son of Abraham. Write this was a persecutor of Israel. The Centurion actively participated in the murder of God and yet when he was given those eyes to see in the presence of Jesus. All he was left to say was this truly was the son of God. This is very new.
some people feared that Jesus really was who he seemed to be Write this is kind of the thing that Jesus Does He you kind of have to respond one way or another with Jesus didn't leave a whole lot of Middle Ground, which is why it's just garbage to dismiss. Jesus is just a good pretty good. Just a good preacher. Just a good dude. No one else did that they no one in his presents said I'm okay with that guy and just leave right you either clung to him as life itself or you just missed him. Right? Some people responded with fear from Matthew to starting a verse 16. So we're back of the Nativity Story here. I know I'm jumping all over the place follow. I'm trying to then Herod when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men became Furious and he sent and killed all the male children and Bethlehem and it all that region who were two years old or under according to the time that he had ascertained from Wiseman. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the Prophet Jeremiah a voice was heard in room off weeping and Loud lamentation Rachel weeping for her children. She refused to be comforted because they are no more so given to the wise men came to Jesus but like 2 years after he was born so that interaction with Herod and Herod freaks out because this near the wise man say Where's The King The King and so he consults him, right? So he has two year old boys slaughtered and this was prophesied would happen. You may wonder if it was really was Herod still here. Like was he just really threatened like, you know, it's somebody's just called King and he's no I'm the king and so he knows Slaughters hundreds of thousands of children because of that. Here's a little nugget for you. Give her wonder the real hatred that Herod had for Jesus understand this Herod. The Great was a descendant of Esau. He was called an Edomite know that I don't know if that maybe that means something for you or not. He saw right sold his Birthright for a bowl of soup. It's in Genesis 25 inverse 29th. Once when Jacob was cooking stew Esau came in from the field and he was exhausted and Esau said to Jacob. What are you still with that red stew from exhausted there for his name was called Edom.
Jacob said sell me your Birthright now, which yes was very tricky. I mean I was I was a little Trixie and faults of Jacob. We don't have time to go into that, right? Show me your Birthright is what Jacob says verse 32 Esau said I'm about to die of what use is a Birthright to me. Jacob said swear to me now. So he's sort of him and sold his Birthright to Jacob then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew and lentil stew like you think all that buildup. It was like not bread and lentil stew. And he ate and drank and Rose and went his way. Does Esau despised his Birthright? Herod the Great is a descendant of Esau and I mean forgive me this is a little bit of a gloves off kind of thing and we can talk about it later if you want to and Malachi 1 verses 2 through 3 says this I have loved you says the Lord but you say how have you loved us is not Esau Jacob's brother declares the Lord yet. I have loved G Jacob but Esau I have hated I have laid waste his Hill Country and left his Heritage to jackals of the desert. So Herod being a descendant of Esau knows that the birthright went to Jacob Esau hated his family hated his Birthright despise it and gave it away. And so the sons of Esau followed in that same line. Being a king.
He hates Jesus because Jesus is that promised Messiah to that Jacobs line.
So Heritage. I'm just I'm going to I'm going to board him. Before he even has a chance. That's the response that Herod had. John the Baptist is like Behold the Lamb of God Parents like behold the source of all of my family's hatred. Jesus he he
It's just difficult. This is not Christmas Jesus. I'm sorry. No middle ground Matthew 10. 3439 do not think this is Jesus speaking. Do not think that I have come to bring preap to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace but a sword for I have come to set a man against his father and a daughter against her mother and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law and a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me and whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it. Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Jesus being God himself leaves no middle ground, either you desire him or you don't. Jesus did not come to bring all people together.
You didn't Jesus did not come to bring all people together. He came to bring himself to all people who desired him. Do you desire him?
Do you want to draw near to him?
What do you want to cut them down? Or run away from him. There's no middle ground with Jesus. And there was something though so humbly powerful about his presents. People with would do crazy things that make no sense if you understand what actually takes place in Matthew for starting a verse 18 while walking by the Sea of Galilee. He saw two brothers Simon who was called Peter and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea before they were fishermen make sense. And he said to them follow me and I will make you Fishers of Men immediately. They left their Nets and followed him. left their Nets means not
I can take a break left their Nets means left the life of fishing behind how many generations of fishermen? But that's the family business. That's the family location at the family identity. Everything is wrapped up in this and they just drop their Nets and walked away. following Jesus Not knowing to wire or to what they just followed him. They were given the eyes to see that this this is something new. This is something different, but they couldn't express it at the time. But what they were really saying because it's very convenient for my preaching series. Is this is God clothes but more This is this is this is this is something that I've never experienced before and they were just so drawn so compelled that they would just leave. You just leave the first 22 immediately. They left the boat and their father and followed him.
From work to starting a verse 13. He went out again beside the sea and all the crowd was coming to him and he was teaching them and as he passed by he saw Levi the son of alphaeus sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him follow me if he's sitting at the tax Booth. He's a tax collector. Okay, he's a Jewish tax collector. That means that he paid ROM for the right to take tax money from his brothers and sisters in Israel to pay to Rome Rome the occupying. Boot on Israel's neck and Levi says now that is a career I could get behind paying for the right to do that often taking more than they should participating in the oppression of Israel. And this is who Jesus goes to
Follow Me Jesus says and heroes and followed him leaving the life of riches and power behind. And Auntie reclined at table in his house many tax collectors and sinners for reclining with Jesus and his disciples were there were many who followed him and the scribes and the Pharisees when they saw that he was eating with Sinners and tax collector said to his disciples. Why does he eat with tax collectors and Sinners? And when Jesus heard it, he said to them those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous but Sinners and was really awesome about what Jesus is saying. There is Jesus knows that the depth of Pharisees are actually sicker than all of them. But they were blind to it. They couldn't see it. Right butt butt butt butt the week and the ostracized and the disease and the tax collectors and the fishermen they were given the eyes to see this is god with us Emmanuel. They could see it Pharisees couldn't Jesus saying I didn't come for the shiny. I came for the disgusting.
But you don't know that you're actually the most disgusting.
Tax Collectors Traders fishermen were the lowest and yet Jesus chose to abide with them. This is new. This is God close but closer than they could have ever imagined. He came for the spiritually sick, which is everyone. Jesus also came to those who are who are sick who are who are paralyzed who are lame who are injured and in he healed In the moment people who came and people who were brought him and he laid on hands or or he made my day out of spit and dirt. Just proving that I could do this all day. It's basically Jesus is saying I'm not limited by anything. I can heal. However, I choose to heal from Mark 1 starting at verse 29 and immediately. He left the synagogue in at the house of Simon and Andrew James and John know Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever and immediately they told him about her and he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up and the fever left her and she began to serve them. That's awesome. Now they're not dead. I'm can I get you something in a cup of coffee? Please sit.
That evening at sundown they brought to him all who are sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door and he healed many who are sick with various diseases and cast out many demons and he would not permit the demons to speak because they knew him that's interested little bit. We'll get back to that later or Matthew 9 starting 18th while he was saying these things to them, but hold a ruler came in and knelt before him sing. My daughter has just died but come and lay your hand on her and she will live and Jesus rose and followed him with his disciples to be cold a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for 12 years came up behind him and touched The Fringe of His Garment. but she said to herself if only I touched His Garment. I will be made well. Jesus turned and seeing her he said take heart daughter. Your faith has made you well, and instantly the woman was made well, and when Jesus came to the rulers house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion. They were getting ready to mourn the girls passing. They were there two. Start the Wailing in the weeping. Jesus says go away. The girl is not dead but sleeping and they laughed at him but when the crowd had been put outside he went in and took her by the hand and the gorilla Rose. And the reported this went all through that District. Do you wrestle with this? Like I do and and here's the way the wrestling match goes.
Did this really happen? Is this really true?
If this is true, then it changes everything if it's not true. Why are we here right now? What are we doing? Just put some candy out in front of dividend go on vacation. what are we doing Jesus either did this and he is who the descriptors declare him to be or he's not like he can either he can either raise the Dead with a touch of his hand or he couldn't
in verse 27 and it's Jesus passed on from their two Blind Men followed him crying allowed have mercy on us son of David. We dinner the house the blind man came to him and Jesus said to them. Do you believe that I'm able to do this? They said to him? Yes Lord, they touch their eyes saying according to your faith be it done to you and their eyes were opened and Jesus sternly warned them see that no one knows about it, but they went away and spread his Fame through all that District. Why is Jesus being so Stern about not spreading the word didn't that seem a little like antithetical doesn't seem to like be not the plan. Right. I mean, I don't know what kind of seems like the people that kill people today are very eager for people to know what they are doing supposedly. After they bought the ticket to come to the event or TuneIn at 3 in the morning on channel 472.
Is 14 32hd that's a better better better at the Opera Opera band yet.
We'll find out in a bit why Jesus was so reluctant for people to Spread the word Jesus could preach to and he did. He was present and healed and preached. I mean Matthew 5 I mean goodness sweet. We'd be your forever. I just I'm just going to look at those very handy chapter headings in a paragraph headings in Matthew really quick Matthew 5. It's a Sermon on the Mount Scholars debate whether this was one sermon all at one time or this is like just Matthews compilation of sermons, you know, the beatitude blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven you're blessed if you know how poor you are. Chris that brings you to desperation and brings you to Jesus and and he pours out Grace upon Grace upon Grace upon Grace upon Grace upon Grace when you know how desperate and poor you really are. Lights to a bunch of those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied. You're never satisfied if you thirst and hunger for something else. But if you hunger and thirst for righteousness always will be yours in in in in a greater measure than you can possibly fathom blessed. Are you when others revile you in persecute you that's certainly new. Happy and blessed. Are you when you're persecuted what in the world sound? Like you are the salt of the earth, but salt has lost its taste how shall its saltiness be restored is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and Trampled Under people's feet a different gospel the same thing even ruin manure. I did I love Jesus. Thank you so much. You will route you will ruin crap. That's that's how desperate terrible. If you are. Did you stick with me here? You need to stay with me cuz believe me you need me more than I could go on. You are the light of the world a city set on a hill cannot be hidden nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a stand and it gives light to all the house Christ came to fulfill the law. He said he's not doing away with the law. He's just completed it. It doesn't involve 21 you have heard that it was said to those of old you shall not murder. Yeah, I heard that one and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. Yeah, it's bad. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment meaning if you have hatred in your heart You're a murderer. That's not good news. You heard it said You shall not commit adultery, but I say to you that everyone who looks on a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery. He says you put a said I for 9 tooth for a tooth, but I say to you do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek turn to him the other. That's definitely knew you heard. It said You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. I say to you love your enemies pray for those who persecute you. beware of practicing your righteousness before other people
don't pray like a hypocrite pray like I like this Our Father in heaven Hallowed Be Your Name Your Kingdom Come your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors me to read that came from Jesus his mouth to our memorization. Thank you Sunday School. when your fat when your fasting sacrificing for the Lord
I can't tell you how many times I have faster than someone called me said hate past you want to go out to lunch. Yes, I do and I will and I might thank you Jesus cuz it would have been wrong for me to say no. Thank you. I'm fasting you want me to eat this meal. I really do smell praise you.
Man who preached he killed and preached and he was present just as presents alone.
He showed his power over everything his sovereignty over everything even the weather. I would have been handy last night. Mark for starting 39th, and he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the Sea shush.
That's Jesus.
That is God in the flesh.
Recycle said who then is this that even the wind and the Sea obey him like exactly disciples? Who is this? Good question? The good question in Jesus asked it of his disciples in Matthew 16 13 verse 13 now in Jesus came into that is just in the district of Cesery of Phillipi. He asked his disciples who do people say that the son of man is and they said some say John the Baptist other say Elijah others Jeremiah or one of the prophets clearly. They're very confused. He said to them but who do you say I am? Yeah, they're going to say one thing or another most of them are wrong. Who do you say I am? I am and so as as the speaker of the good Shepherd's words I can ask you the same thing. Who do you say he is? booty Christmas Jesus grow up to be
He said to them, who do you say that I am? Simon Peter replied you are the Christ the son of the Living God and Jesus answered him blessed. Are you Simon bar Jonah for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you. But my father who is in heaven by Grace Peter was given the eyes to see Jesus for who he truly was and Peter by the grace of God start from the beginning you remember when when Jesus said hey, hey guys, you caught any fish in the guys are like no. Thanks for asking and she says just an idea here guys want you put your nets on the other side of the boat inside was all like genius move their MAV. I don't know they didn't they hadn't seen Top Gun. They wouldn't go to call Maverick and they took the net and they put it on the other side and just I mean the Nets were tearing as the fish were being pulled into the boat. And what was Peter's response. He fell to his knees in the fish saying depart for I'm a sinful man.
Check it out. This is Peter's Instinct upon giving the ice to see that the Jesus was God his gut is you have to leave me we can't be close.
You're close, but this cannot be. Because I'm a sinful man and you're a holy God and we cannot be together.
But again, this is Jesus. This is new. This is God close but closer than we thought possible. Jesus's response was to call Peter not to flee but to draw closer to abide with him not to just be near his body in the sound of his voice but to see his very Glory. And Matthew 17 starting in verse 1 and after 6 days Jesus Took with him Peter and James and John his brother and let them up on a high mountain by themselves and he was transfigured before and his face Shone like the sun and his clothes became White as light and behold there appeared to them Moses and Elijah talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus lord, it's good that we are here if you wish I will make three tents here one for you one for Moses one for Elijah to was bold. I love them. Thank you Peter, you know ready fire aim, that's him. That's many of us. When he was still speaking.
He was still speaking when Behold a bright Cloud overshadowed them and a voice from the cloud said this is my beloved Son. With whom I'm well, please listen to him when the disciples heard this they fell on their faces in Makara fide, but Jesus came and touched them saying rise and have no fear.
Get up Peter. This is new this is different. I mean his face shining remember what Moses asked. Can I see you? Can I see your glory and and Cuts Like a know-it-all straight-up melt you Peter says I can't even be near you and Jesus is Ultimate response was to lift him out of the fish guts. And shine on him. like it says in Ephesians, wake up o sleeper rise from the dead in Christ will shine on the
Do you wish that you could have been there like actually there? Like with Jesus skin on Jesus do you wish that you could have been there? I do especially in moments where I feel I just know that I need his presence. I know that I need his intervention. I know that I need him and and I just imagine the joy of being able to look like to reach out and touch you to look at his face and say no Jesus. I need you to look at me hear me. I need to ask you a question. Would you please act like you don't you want to do that be with him?
Remember what Jesus said to all those who are healing? Don't tell if people don't tell me but please don't tell anybody. Why why would Jesus urge people do not tell people what's happening? Cuz cheap Jesus did not come to Earth just to be with a few people to heal a few people to feed a few people. Jesus just came to heal and feed and it look right at them face-to-face for a moment. He would still be here.
Right in and he still be limited to the face that he was right in front of. Jesus knew from before the beginning that he didn't just come to heal and preach he came to die.
Fishing regulation behold. I saw a lamb standing as though it had been slain.
It was always God's Will and God's plan for the lamb to die for the sins of the people. Jesus came to die everything that Jesus did he did on the way to the cross?
Jesus while loving and cherishing the time that he had with the people that he was with Jesus was eager for the cross. Hebrew says for the joy set before him Jesus endured the cross. That means he was he was locked in on Joy the joy that is to come. To myself to my father to my people to my sisters and brothers Joy. His face was set Like Flint.
the cross
the greater healing to be done. There's greater sermons to be preached. There's greater presents.
for us to be brought into
Jesus knew this in John to starting a 19 Jesus answered them religious folk that were causing a ruckus. Destroy this Temple. Jesus said I imagine him pointing at himself destroy this Temple. And it's three days. I will raise it up. The Jews then said it is taken 46 years to build this Temple and you will raise it up in three days, but he was speaking about the Temple of his body when therefore he was raised from the dead. His disciples remembered that he had said this and they believe the scripture and the word that uses had spoken. Remember that the temple was the permanent Sanctuary not just a temporary tent right not just a flimsy tent of meeting. But this was this was the temple this was where the holy spirit of God resided in the Holy place in the holy of holies. That's where God was in the temple and Jesus like the temples going to be torn down. The world turned down it is here forever.
Bill it again 3 days to 40 some-odd years.
And Mark 15 starting verse 37 in Jesus. I heard a loud cry and breathed his last and the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom and when the Centurion who stood facing him saw that in this way, he breathed his last he said truly this man was the son of God. Jesus came to tear that curtain into The dividing wall the wall that separated God's. Holy spirit from mankind. Jesus came for him to die for his flesh to be torn. So the curtain could be torn Jesus is the temple and he was torn. Spilling out his holy spirit. upon the rest of creation Ephesians 2:12 222 listen with me. I'm almost there. Listen with me. This is Paul speaking remember that you were At that time separated from Christ alienated from the Commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of Promise having no hope and without God in the world. Do you feel right now that you are without hope do you feel right now that you are separated from God? This can be true for you today. Give us ears to hear. First 13th, but now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near. By the blood of Christ Jesus and bringing near like like he cries out in front o Jerusalem. Would you like a mother? Hen gathers her chicks write this posting that he's drawing is near by the blood of Christ verse 14 for he himself is our peace who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by a bulging the law of Commandments expressed in 40 and or ordinances in religious stuff that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two so making peace and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross there by killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who are near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the father Jews and Gentiles. So then you who are no longer strangers and Aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the Saints and members of the household of God built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Christ. Jesus himself being the Cornerstone in whom the whole structure being joined together grows into a holy Temple. She just said that he was going to do this in the Lord and him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the spirit. Look, the building has been torn down. The real Temple is being built and it's you and it's me and it's by the blood of Jesus.
The holy of holies. It's where the Holy Spirit reside. In the temple of God now, we are the temple of God and where is that Holy Spirit in us talk about clothes?
Jesus came to die to bring us not just back to God, but actually closer to God than we'd ever been before or even thought possible. Ephesians 2 starting at 4 but God being rich in Mercy because of the great love with which he loved us. Even when we were dead in our trespasses made us alive together with Christ by Grace you have been saved and raised us up with him and see does that cheated us with him in the Heavenly places in Christ Jesus so that in the coming ages, he might show the immeasurable Riches of his grace and kindness towards us in Christ Jesus.
Then I just I just want to close with this one more passage of scripture. Let me just close with this again Jesus's words.
He says in John 16 let not your hearts be troubled believe in God believe also in me. In my father's house are many rooms if it were not so would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and we'll take you to myself. That where I am. You may be also.
And you know the way to where I'm going, said to him Lord. No way. How can how can we know the way Jesus said to him? I am the way and the truth and the life no one comes to the father.
Except through me.
If you had known me you would have known the father also from now on you do know him and I've seen him. This is God close. This is God closer. This is God the closest that we can imagine because what Jesus has done in situ resurrected our spirits. Jesus will return in his resurrected perfected body and we will be raised with him. Our bodies will be resurrected reunited with our spirits and reunited him. And his prayer will be answered and John 17. It's his father. I want to be in them and they in me and I in you. That's it. That's a closeness that I can't even describe with English. Let's just closing prayer.
How is this possible? How is it possible God that you could draw us this close to you? And we long for this. Right now just like the scripture say we have eager longing with eager longing.
To be with you to abide with you and that's your prayer. That's what you prayed that we would have died with you and you with us. We we have a down payment at the Holy Spirit guaranteeing our inheritance. We're waiting for your return.
When we sing Joy to the World, it's your second coming Jesus when you come and and and and pull us out of the Grave once and for all and reunited with you. Never to be absent from you for a moment for the rest of Eternity.
I can barely understand it. I just am looking forward to it, please Jesus Come Again You Came To Come Again Come Again, Lord, Jesus. We ask this morning and your great name. We pray I'm in let's close with one final song be Godspeed.