[0.00 --> 7.96] Good morning, Hope. [14.82 --> 19.44] Well, it's my privilege to be witnessing to God's Word as we cap off this year. [20.32 --> 21.46] And what a year it's been. [22.00 --> 24.64] I don't know about you, but thinking back on this year, [25.38 --> 28.54] it's been a year to remember. [30.00 --> 35.18] I really believe that one of the gifts that God created us with is the gift of memory. [36.12 --> 40.36] So we are created beings and we are made to remember. [40.36 --> 43.66] And this is part of our act of worship as well. [44.42 --> 46.88] When we share in the table at communion, [47.32 --> 50.92] we remember Jesus and what he did for us on the cross. [51.54 --> 54.42] Jesus said as he sat down with his disciples, [55.32 --> 57.50] do this in remembrance of me. [58.04 --> 58.84] So we remember. [58.84 --> 61.54] It's our act of worship to remember. [62.46 --> 64.38] And so through this act of remembering, [64.82 --> 69.08] we get to grow and deepen our relationship with God and with one another. [69.84 --> 73.70] And that's the reason that I chose our text from the Gospel of Luke this morning. [74.40 --> 77.44] Because for me personally, reflecting on this year, [77.80 --> 80.48] it was the beginning of my official calling into ministry. [80.48 --> 83.90] And this calling that I've sensed, [84.10 --> 86.14] it's been a long time coming. [86.42 --> 90.10] Because I've sensed this sort of calling into ministry [90.10 --> 93.08] and I've wrestled with it since 2009, I would say, [93.40 --> 94.84] when I entered Bible college. [95.60 --> 99.18] And this year was the year where I finally finished my studies [99.18 --> 102.32] and did the exam and then was finally ordained. [102.82 --> 105.28] And then as some of you pointed out to me, [105.36 --> 106.70] now I'm a real pastor. [107.34 --> 108.50] I used to be a fake one. [108.60 --> 109.68] Now you're a real one. [109.68 --> 115.76] And so this year for me has sort of forced me to remember where I was, [116.76 --> 117.42] fake pastor, [117.70 --> 118.96] and then where I am now, [119.30 --> 120.14] a real pastor. [120.64 --> 121.72] But in all seriousness, [122.10 --> 124.42] it forces us to recognize [124.42 --> 126.70] how God has led us through [126.70 --> 129.38] all the ups and downs that we go through in our lives. [129.38 --> 131.50] In our Christian journeys as well, [131.86 --> 134.90] we remember how God is faithful, [135.04 --> 138.38] even though we many times are faithless. [139.08 --> 141.80] Our act of worship through remembering. [142.40 --> 143.80] And so with that in mind, [143.96 --> 146.44] I want to invite you to open up to Luke 4. [146.82 --> 148.50] This is the beginning of Jesus [148.50 --> 150.68] and his adult ministry [150.68 --> 153.28] when he came down for us. [153.40 --> 154.64] And so if you have your Bibles, [154.82 --> 156.26] your phones are on the screen, [156.78 --> 158.52] Luke 4 should be available for you. [159.38 --> 162.22] And we will start reading from verse 14. [165.22 --> 167.04] From verse 14 we read, [167.16 --> 168.84] Jesus returned to Galilee [168.84 --> 171.24] in the power of the Spirit. [172.14 --> 174.34] And news about him spread through the whole countryside. [174.88 --> 176.40] He was teaching in their synagogues [176.40 --> 177.42] and everyone praised him. [177.88 --> 180.18] He went to Nazareth where he had been brought up. [180.18 --> 181.84] And on the Sabbath day, [181.96 --> 184.50] he went into the synagogue as was his custom. [185.12 --> 186.22] He stood up to read [186.22 --> 189.24] and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. [189.38 --> 190.38] On rolling it, [190.44 --> 191.96] he found the place where it is written. [192.96 --> 195.14] The Spirit of the Lord is on me [195.14 --> 196.92] because he has anointed me [196.92 --> 199.00] to proclaim good news to the poor. [199.74 --> 201.72] He has sent me to proclaim freedom [201.72 --> 203.36] for the prisoners [203.36 --> 205.62] and recovery of sight for the blind, [205.98 --> 207.14] to set the oppressed, [207.40 --> 209.56] again, freedom, free, [210.22 --> 211.72] to set the oppressed free, [211.72 --> 214.82] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. [215.94 --> 217.40] Then he rolled up the scroll, [217.54 --> 218.56] gave it back to the attendant, [218.68 --> 219.34] and sat down. [219.54 --> 221.54] And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue [221.54 --> 222.56] were fastened on him. [223.18 --> 224.60] He began by saying to them, [225.30 --> 228.72] Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. [230.02 --> 230.38] Amen. [230.38 --> 230.50] Amen. [232.44 --> 233.94] And so, if you've been with us [233.94 --> 235.12] for the last number of weeks, [235.44 --> 237.14] during what we call in our church, [237.36 --> 238.10] or in the church, [238.24 --> 239.48] in Christian tradition, [239.64 --> 241.02] we call it the Advent season, [241.32 --> 242.24] a season of waiting. [242.74 --> 243.68] And in that season, [243.80 --> 245.84] we reflected on the birth of our Savior [245.84 --> 247.22] through the songs that we looked at [247.22 --> 248.30] in the Gospel of Luke. [248.74 --> 250.02] So the birth narrative [250.02 --> 251.32] in the Gospel of Luke [251.32 --> 252.56] portrays for us [252.56 --> 254.52] what we might expect [254.52 --> 256.18] of God's gracious visitation. [256.44 --> 257.06] So the what, [257.14 --> 258.06] the content of it, [258.06 --> 259.36] why did Jesus come? [259.88 --> 261.90] The what of it is the good news [261.90 --> 264.82] of the fulfillment of God's redemptive plans [264.82 --> 265.48] for the world. [266.34 --> 268.56] The coming of the long-awaited Messiah, [268.98 --> 270.26] the anointed one of God, [270.42 --> 272.64] to defeat the curse of sin once and for all. [273.28 --> 275.94] That is the what of Jesus [275.94 --> 278.90] and what Christmas is really about. [279.36 --> 281.48] So that's the what that we got to witness to [281.48 --> 283.00] in the birth narratives. [283.62 --> 285.20] And now, as we see Jesus [285.20 --> 286.68] beginning his adult ministry [286.68 --> 288.20] in today's Luke text, [288.58 --> 291.06] we get to see how God's plan [291.06 --> 292.44] of redemption would be achieved. [293.40 --> 295.76] And this is how Jesus starts his ministry, [296.50 --> 298.56] which I want to suggest for us this morning. [298.62 --> 300.88] As we hear God's word for us, [301.58 --> 303.90] it's the same calling that we have, [303.98 --> 305.30] just as Jesus was called, [305.60 --> 307.94] as he was anointed by God's Holy Spirit [307.94 --> 311.52] to bring the Lord's, [312.00 --> 314.34] the ear of the Lord's favor to us [314.34 --> 315.04] here on earth. [316.22 --> 317.34] And so simply put, [317.42 --> 318.52] the text that we read, [318.96 --> 321.20] the proclamation that Jesus makes in Luke 4, [321.58 --> 323.06] gives us a picture of Jesus [323.06 --> 324.48] through the power and guidance [324.48 --> 325.22] of the Holy Spirit, [325.54 --> 327.38] bringing God's kingdom on earth [327.38 --> 330.04] through his life, word, and deed. [330.58 --> 331.82] Through his life, [332.24 --> 333.64] his words, and his deeds. [334.46 --> 335.86] And this is God initiating [335.86 --> 336.96] the fullness of his plan, [337.06 --> 338.10] the grand narrative [338.10 --> 339.80] of the whole biblical story. [340.18 --> 341.04] That's our faith. [341.36 --> 342.62] That's the whole story [342.62 --> 345.64] of how God comes to save the world [345.64 --> 347.40] from its brokenness and sin. [348.60 --> 351.86] And this plan includes us as well. [353.48 --> 354.86] Isn't that good news for us? [355.70 --> 357.32] God's redemptive plans [357.32 --> 358.54] for the whole world [358.54 --> 360.34] includes you and me. [360.34 --> 362.90] And so, [363.68 --> 364.70] beyond that, [364.78 --> 365.74] the good news for us [365.74 --> 367.56] as God invites us into his family, [368.26 --> 370.12] even through our life, [370.34 --> 371.10] word, and deed, [372.16 --> 373.82] even in all its shortcomings [373.82 --> 374.66] and brokenness, [374.68 --> 375.98] and there is plenty of that, [376.44 --> 378.16] God still invites us [378.16 --> 379.36] and uses us [379.36 --> 380.88] to bring about his kingdom, [381.32 --> 382.78] the year of the Lord's favor. [383.02 --> 384.80] And we get to proclaim that with him. [384.80 --> 388.24] We too, [388.52 --> 389.22] by the empowering [389.22 --> 390.46] of God's Holy Spirit, [390.96 --> 392.70] are freed from depravity, [393.00 --> 393.42] oppression, [393.78 --> 394.38] and blindness [394.38 --> 395.60] through Jesus our Savior. [396.60 --> 396.92] And so, [396.98 --> 397.76] that's the proclamation [397.76 --> 398.82] that Jesus makes [398.82 --> 400.26] about the year of the Lord's favor [400.26 --> 401.96] that we get to make with him. [402.18 --> 403.76] And as we enter this new year, [403.96 --> 404.84] that's the encouragement [404.84 --> 406.12] that I want to leave us with. [406.64 --> 408.84] As we head into a new year, [409.28 --> 410.48] this year also, [410.80 --> 411.62] we give to God [411.62 --> 412.70] because this year [412.70 --> 414.26] is also a year [414.26 --> 415.28] of the Lord's favor. [415.74 --> 417.18] God's kingdom is here. [417.50 --> 418.84] It is all around us. [419.00 --> 420.34] And we live in that. [421.94 --> 422.34] And so, [422.54 --> 423.16] the proclamation [423.16 --> 424.64] that Jesus preaches from, [425.10 --> 426.24] that we got to look at [426.24 --> 427.82] from Luke chapter 4, [428.46 --> 429.36] is from the book. [429.68 --> 430.48] And we say book [430.48 --> 431.26] because we're so used [431.26 --> 432.16] to just reading books. [432.68 --> 434.24] He was actually handed a scroll. [434.98 --> 436.14] And why I emphasize this [436.14 --> 436.56] is because [436.56 --> 437.66] after he was handed [437.66 --> 438.90] the scroll of Isaiah, [439.14 --> 440.28] he unrolled it [440.28 --> 442.70] and he found the exact spot [442.70 --> 443.48] where he wanted [443.48 --> 444.24] to preach from. [445.08 --> 446.76] They had no chapter numbers, [446.88 --> 447.74] no page numbers. [447.94 --> 448.72] It was just a big, [448.92 --> 449.80] long scroll. [450.60 --> 451.88] And Jesus knew exactly [451.88 --> 452.66] where he was going [452.66 --> 453.36] to read from. [453.74 --> 455.22] And what he reads is [455.22 --> 456.94] that the Spirit of the Lord [456.94 --> 457.70] is on me [457.70 --> 459.62] to proclaim good news [459.62 --> 460.50] for the poor, [460.84 --> 461.38] the oppressed, [461.56 --> 462.16] the blind, [462.40 --> 463.92] because the year [463.92 --> 465.14] of the Lord's favor [465.14 --> 466.36] is fulfilled [466.36 --> 467.20] in your hearing. [470.28 --> 471.50] The Old Testament prophecy [471.50 --> 472.66] that Jesus reads from [472.66 --> 474.30] is actually from Isaiah 61 [474.30 --> 475.82] and actually even parts of 58. [476.44 --> 477.82] And it captures the vision [477.82 --> 478.50] of the year [478.50 --> 479.42] of the Lord's favor, [479.76 --> 480.70] which is a reference [480.70 --> 481.78] to the year of Jubilee, [481.92 --> 482.20] actually. [482.86 --> 484.04] This year of Jubilee [484.04 --> 484.82] is actually, [485.28 --> 486.80] it's a part of God's law [486.80 --> 488.82] in the book of Leviticus. [489.02 --> 489.84] So it's part of the first [489.84 --> 491.04] five books of the Bible [491.04 --> 491.76] called the Torah. [491.92 --> 492.46] It's the law. [492.86 --> 494.32] And part of God's law [494.32 --> 495.70] and command was [495.70 --> 497.58] that on the 50th year, [497.92 --> 499.38] seven times seven is 49, [499.38 --> 500.48] right? [500.76 --> 501.06] Yes. [501.52 --> 502.94] And then on the 50th year, [503.08 --> 504.16] you don't do much math [504.16 --> 505.12] when you prepare a sermon. [505.48 --> 507.46] So on the 50th year, [507.56 --> 509.24] as a symbolic representation [509.24 --> 510.78] of God's kingdom on earth, [511.00 --> 512.58] God commanded [512.58 --> 513.96] the year of Jubilee [513.96 --> 515.80] where all the land [515.80 --> 516.58] and all the people [516.58 --> 517.40] that are in debt [517.40 --> 520.04] was supposed to be set free. [520.22 --> 521.60] It was a lawful command. [522.26 --> 523.26] Now was it followed? [524.48 --> 525.64] That's a different story. [526.86 --> 527.28] And so, [527.28 --> 529.32] the symbolic portrayal [529.32 --> 530.04] of the completion [530.04 --> 531.48] of God's kingdom, [531.78 --> 532.70] redemptive plans [532.70 --> 533.32] for the world, [533.50 --> 534.60] where the curse of sin [534.60 --> 536.46] is entirely reversed. [537.24 --> 538.02] It's shalom, [538.56 --> 539.42] the Hebrew word, [540.02 --> 541.34] the image of perfection [541.34 --> 542.02] and wholeness. [542.32 --> 543.64] And this is what Jesus [543.64 --> 544.64] is preaching on. [545.06 --> 545.94] That's the text [545.94 --> 547.10] that he unrolls, [547.36 --> 547.82] picks out, [547.86 --> 548.30] and he says, [548.38 --> 548.84] it's here. [549.66 --> 550.62] In other gospels, [550.70 --> 551.58] obviously we hear it [551.58 --> 552.42] here in different words. [552.80 --> 553.68] When Jesus starts [553.68 --> 554.20] his ministry [554.20 --> 555.62] in the other gospels, [555.62 --> 556.58] he just simply says, [556.70 --> 557.02] repent, [557.52 --> 558.84] for the kingdom of God [558.84 --> 559.42] is here, [559.70 --> 560.28] is near. [561.18 --> 561.74] Here, [561.98 --> 563.08] in the gospel of Luke, [563.60 --> 564.52] Jesus points out [564.52 --> 565.98] from the prophet Isaiah [565.98 --> 566.84] and he says, [566.94 --> 568.36] the year of the Lord's favor [568.36 --> 569.20] is fulfilled [569.20 --> 570.34] upon your hearing. [570.98 --> 572.38] And it is the release, [572.58 --> 573.02] the freedom [573.02 --> 574.18] of captives, [574.66 --> 575.04] prisoners, [575.32 --> 576.24] the blind receive [576.24 --> 576.84] their sight. [577.84 --> 578.62] And the poor [578.62 --> 579.98] are comforted [579.98 --> 580.90] because they know [580.90 --> 582.84] now God is here [582.84 --> 585.24] in the flesh. [585.76 --> 586.20] In Jesus, [586.34 --> 587.66] he's dwelling with us. [588.66 --> 589.36] And so what Jesus [589.36 --> 590.12] is preaching, [591.12 --> 592.40] this is what he's [592.40 --> 593.24] going to live out. [593.74 --> 595.22] The how of God's, [595.22 --> 596.52] how God's kingdom [596.52 --> 597.60] is established [597.60 --> 598.34] on earth. [599.10 --> 599.58] And so, [599.92 --> 600.50] in a nutshell, [601.14 --> 601.96] this is what Jesus' [602.20 --> 603.06] ministry looks like [603.06 --> 603.54] on earth. [604.56 --> 604.88] Jesus, [605.06 --> 606.14] anointed with God's [606.14 --> 606.80] Holy Spirit, [606.98 --> 607.92] invites the poor, [608.20 --> 609.14] invites the prisoners, [609.14 --> 610.22] invites the blind, [610.54 --> 611.54] the outsiders, [611.94 --> 612.46] the sinners, [612.70 --> 614.48] into the family of God. [615.26 --> 615.58] How? [616.00 --> 616.32] Again, [616.72 --> 617.62] through his life, [617.76 --> 618.44] word, and deed, [619.34 --> 620.64] rooted in the love of God, [620.84 --> 621.98] he invites sinners, [622.38 --> 622.88] outsiders, [623.14 --> 624.38] into his family. [625.74 --> 626.22] And so, [626.30 --> 626.94] he's preaching, [627.12 --> 627.36] again, [627.48 --> 628.18] he's preaching [628.18 --> 629.32] what he's going [629.32 --> 630.20] to be living out. [630.90 --> 632.08] And this is a key [632.08 --> 633.00] takeaway for us [633.00 --> 633.56] here today. [634.08 --> 635.16] As Christians, [635.72 --> 636.58] our faith, [636.88 --> 637.94] and being a Christian, [638.12 --> 638.94] being a follower [638.94 --> 639.72] of Christ, [639.90 --> 640.98] is not just about [640.98 --> 641.70] head knowledge. [642.70 --> 643.74] It's not just about [643.74 --> 644.94] knowing and believing [644.94 --> 645.72] in a collection [645.72 --> 647.32] of religious information [647.32 --> 648.02] and ideas [648.02 --> 649.08] about some sort of deity. [650.40 --> 651.30] Our identity [651.30 --> 652.04] as Christians [652.04 --> 653.52] is to follow him [653.52 --> 655.00] with our whole lives, [655.20 --> 657.14] not just with our minds. [658.90 --> 660.10] And I don't know [660.10 --> 660.72] if you've gotten, [661.16 --> 662.24] if you got the chance [662.24 --> 662.78] to listen to [662.78 --> 663.58] Caden's testimony [663.58 --> 664.46] that we recorded [664.46 --> 665.02] on podcast, [665.24 --> 666.36] so for his baptism. [666.70 --> 667.76] We did a separate recording [667.76 --> 668.54] of his testimony. [669.14 --> 670.20] And part of his testimony [670.20 --> 671.16] that stuck out to me [671.16 --> 671.44] was, [671.52 --> 672.08] we asked him, [672.40 --> 673.20] what would you say [673.20 --> 673.96] to a new believer? [674.36 --> 675.28] What would be your word [675.28 --> 675.86] of encouragement [675.86 --> 676.66] for somebody who's [676.66 --> 677.58] struggling with their faith, [677.90 --> 678.98] wanting to know God, [679.04 --> 680.28] but don't know where to start? [680.48 --> 681.18] What would you say? [681.78 --> 683.12] And his main encouragement [683.12 --> 683.70] was, [684.16 --> 684.36] well, [684.44 --> 685.34] if you're going to believe, [685.44 --> 686.34] you've got to go all in. [687.00 --> 688.42] You can't just dip your toe [688.42 --> 688.88] and think, [689.06 --> 689.26] oh, [689.34 --> 690.26] how come it's not working [690.26 --> 690.68] for me? [690.68 --> 693.46] Because it's just [693.46 --> 694.98] not quite right. [695.94 --> 697.30] And it's not the same [697.30 --> 698.56] if you're just thinking, [699.02 --> 699.30] huh, [699.68 --> 700.22] Christianity, [700.76 --> 701.40] that religion, [701.60 --> 702.32] I'm not sure. [702.90 --> 704.74] If it's just a head knowledge thing, [705.30 --> 706.58] it just doesn't fit. [706.96 --> 708.52] That is not our identity. [708.60 --> 709.50] It's not our calling. [709.78 --> 710.86] Because our identity [710.86 --> 712.12] as Christians, [713.12 --> 714.16] it's a devotion [714.16 --> 715.62] of our whole being [715.62 --> 717.36] to the good creator, [717.52 --> 718.06] the redeemer [718.06 --> 718.70] and restorer [718.70 --> 719.52] of all things. [719.82 --> 721.16] He is our only hope [721.16 --> 722.06] and we say, [722.38 --> 723.40] we are all in. [725.00 --> 726.28] So that's our calling. [727.40 --> 728.14] And so in [728.14 --> 729.90] our good savior sermon, [730.64 --> 731.46] Jesus names [731.46 --> 733.04] these three types of people. [733.68 --> 734.12] He says, [734.26 --> 734.72] the poor, [735.22 --> 735.76] the prisoners [735.76 --> 736.74] and the blind. [737.92 --> 738.64] Who is that? [739.10 --> 739.62] Who do you think [739.62 --> 740.72] Jesus is referring to? [742.00 --> 742.38] Oh yeah, [742.50 --> 743.30] people out there, [743.80 --> 744.66] outside the church. [744.84 --> 745.34] We're okay. [746.04 --> 746.86] We belong to him. [746.92 --> 747.34] We're holy. [747.80 --> 748.30] We're fine. [748.70 --> 749.02] No, [749.06 --> 750.34] it's the sinners out there. [750.76 --> 751.12] Right? [752.98 --> 753.46] No, [753.54 --> 754.82] when Jesus refers [754.82 --> 755.42] to the poor, [755.52 --> 755.92] the blind, [755.96 --> 756.50] and the prisoners, [756.72 --> 757.80] he's talking about us. [758.48 --> 760.06] He's talking about all of us. [760.76 --> 761.42] We have to, [761.50 --> 761.68] again, [761.78 --> 762.40] remember. [763.10 --> 764.40] We have to remember [764.40 --> 765.74] who we were, [766.48 --> 767.84] where we come from, [768.04 --> 770.02] and who we still struggle with. [771.78 --> 772.64] The sins [772.64 --> 773.42] and the brokenness [773.42 --> 774.92] that we still continue [774.92 --> 775.74] to wrestle with [775.74 --> 777.08] in our current [777.08 --> 778.26] day-to-day lives. [779.20 --> 780.34] That's who Jesus [780.34 --> 780.92] is calling. [781.40 --> 782.44] That includes us [782.44 --> 782.96] as sinners. [784.20 --> 785.04] At the beginning [785.04 --> 785.54] of his sermon, [785.66 --> 786.20] he says, [786.34 --> 787.26] the spirit of the Lord [787.26 --> 787.70] is on me [787.70 --> 788.86] because God, [789.22 --> 790.26] he has anointed me [790.26 --> 791.46] to proclaim good news [791.46 --> 792.56] to the poor. [793.08 --> 793.96] That's where we start, [794.06 --> 794.48] the poor. [795.74 --> 797.00] Not just socially [797.00 --> 797.98] or economically, [798.12 --> 799.16] as some might interpret, [799.68 --> 800.82] or in other circles, [800.82 --> 801.86] they just interpret [801.86 --> 802.72] this word poor [802.72 --> 804.36] as being spiritually poor. [804.54 --> 805.16] Or you don't have [805.16 --> 805.68] enough faith. [805.80 --> 806.56] You're not spiritually [806.56 --> 807.70] mature enough. [808.30 --> 808.52] Sure. [808.90 --> 809.80] But it includes [809.80 --> 810.94] all things. [811.22 --> 811.56] Again, [811.70 --> 812.38] it is about [812.38 --> 813.58] giving our whole lives [813.58 --> 814.00] to God. [814.60 --> 815.20] And so we were [815.20 --> 816.74] holistically poor, [817.48 --> 818.14] if you want to put it [818.14 --> 818.54] that way. [818.78 --> 819.54] One commentator [819.54 --> 820.52] puts it better than I do. [820.82 --> 821.22] He says, [821.32 --> 821.84] the poor, [822.20 --> 823.74] in the holistic sense [823.74 --> 825.04] of those who are [825.04 --> 826.44] for any of a number [826.44 --> 827.26] of social, [827.58 --> 828.68] religious reasons, [829.08 --> 830.32] relegated to positions [830.32 --> 831.82] outside the boundaries [831.82 --> 832.78] of God's people. [833.26 --> 834.40] That's who Jesus [834.40 --> 835.38] is referring to [835.38 --> 836.22] when he says, [836.50 --> 837.48] I've come to proclaim [837.48 --> 838.70] good news to the poor. [840.16 --> 841.56] Anyone relegated [841.56 --> 842.10] to positions [842.10 --> 843.28] outside the boundaries [843.28 --> 844.12] of God's people. [844.66 --> 845.00] And thus, [845.10 --> 846.40] what Jesus is doing [846.40 --> 847.44] by proclaiming [847.44 --> 848.00] the good news [848.00 --> 848.50] for the poor [848.50 --> 849.84] is that he is inviting [849.84 --> 850.74] even those [850.74 --> 851.54] that would have been [851.54 --> 852.94] viewed as outsiders. [853.20 --> 854.40] And he's inviting us in. [855.68 --> 856.94] Even me? [859.06 --> 859.58] Yes, [859.74 --> 860.30] even you. [860.30 --> 862.06] No matter where [862.06 --> 862.62] you've been. [863.08 --> 863.38] Really? [864.18 --> 864.92] Even through all [864.92 --> 865.96] my brokenness, [866.08 --> 866.72] my addictions, [866.98 --> 867.84] and my sins, [868.46 --> 869.76] God calls me [869.76 --> 871.26] and uses me [871.26 --> 872.34] to reflect his light [872.34 --> 874.06] and his year [874.06 --> 875.06] of the Lord's favor [875.06 --> 875.84] on earth, [875.90 --> 876.38] his kingdom? [878.96 --> 880.06] There is an element [880.06 --> 880.62] of humility [880.62 --> 881.92] as we wrestle with that, [882.14 --> 883.22] with that same question, [883.28 --> 884.74] which I do myself as well. [885.36 --> 886.14] Well, I'm a pastor [886.14 --> 886.72] and I should have [886.72 --> 887.72] everything put together. [887.72 --> 890.88] No, but I still struggle. [892.04 --> 892.84] What are the sins [892.84 --> 893.72] that I struggle with [893.72 --> 894.68] and what are the questions [894.68 --> 895.26] that the enemy [895.26 --> 896.18] tempts us with [896.18 --> 897.90] as I keep thinking [897.90 --> 898.56] to myself, [898.96 --> 899.76] do you think [899.76 --> 900.76] that you're good enough? [901.64 --> 902.48] Do you think [902.48 --> 903.36] you're holy enough [903.36 --> 904.58] to belong to God's people? [906.30 --> 907.18] We're not. [907.94 --> 908.86] I'm not. [909.24 --> 910.24] But God says [910.24 --> 911.00] by his grace [911.00 --> 911.48] and love [911.48 --> 912.32] that you are. [912.32 --> 916.84] This is the same [916.84 --> 917.34] proclamation [917.34 --> 918.30] for the blind. [919.12 --> 920.36] Yes, we are poor, [920.84 --> 922.60] but we are also blind. [923.58 --> 924.40] And that's why [924.40 --> 925.14] Jesus came [925.14 --> 926.18] to proclaim good news [926.18 --> 926.92] to the poor [926.92 --> 927.84] and the blind [927.84 --> 928.72] as we saw [928.72 --> 929.76] during the Advent season. [930.02 --> 930.76] In the song [930.76 --> 932.20] that Simeon sung [932.20 --> 933.96] in his praise to God, [934.06 --> 935.36] when he finally sees [935.36 --> 936.38] the baby Savior [936.38 --> 939.08] probably in his arms, [939.58 --> 940.34] he sings out [940.34 --> 941.22] this praise [941.22 --> 942.06] and he says, [942.50 --> 943.36] for my eyes [943.36 --> 944.26] have seen, [944.70 --> 945.50] I was blind, [945.74 --> 947.00] but now I have seen [947.00 --> 947.76] your salvation, [948.08 --> 948.92] which you have prepared [948.92 --> 949.84] in the sight [949.84 --> 951.00] of all nations, [951.28 --> 952.48] a light for revelation [952.48 --> 953.58] to the Gentiles, [954.04 --> 955.22] to foreigners, [955.48 --> 955.98] outsiders, [956.56 --> 957.34] and the glory [957.34 --> 958.32] of your people Israel. [958.80 --> 960.06] And then in John 1 [960.06 --> 960.70] we read [960.70 --> 961.80] the true light. [962.40 --> 963.08] The true light [963.08 --> 963.78] that gives light [963.78 --> 964.36] to everyone [964.36 --> 965.62] was coming into the world. [965.70 --> 966.36] That's Jesus. [966.88 --> 968.28] The word became flesh [968.28 --> 969.66] and made his dwelling [969.66 --> 970.60] among us. [971.22 --> 973.40] We have now [973.40 --> 974.46] seen [974.46 --> 975.90] this glory, [976.30 --> 976.68] the glory [976.68 --> 977.12] of the one [977.12 --> 977.72] and only Son [977.72 --> 978.86] who came from the Father [978.86 --> 980.00] full of grace [980.00 --> 981.22] and truth. [982.82 --> 983.72] He has come [983.72 --> 984.88] so that we may see [984.88 --> 985.72] the true light [985.72 --> 986.46] of the world, [986.70 --> 987.56] the true salvation [987.56 --> 988.42] that can make us [988.42 --> 989.06] whole again. [990.86 --> 991.38] Restoration. [991.76 --> 992.50] And then lastly, [992.76 --> 993.68] he refers to [993.68 --> 994.42] the prisoners, [994.94 --> 995.82] the captives [995.82 --> 996.84] and the oppressed. [996.96 --> 997.54] And he says, [997.94 --> 998.28] freedom, [998.68 --> 999.56] I preach to you. [999.56 --> 1001.06] You are now free. [1004.46 --> 1005.80] Jesus' ministry [1005.80 --> 1006.50] of healing [1006.50 --> 1008.54] signifies wholeness. [1009.82 --> 1011.02] Freedom from both [1011.02 --> 1012.14] spiritual and [1012.14 --> 1013.56] social restrictions, [1013.78 --> 1014.66] whatever that may be. [1015.24 --> 1016.72] This is God's kingdom. [1017.26 --> 1018.28] This is the proclamation [1018.28 --> 1018.86] of the year [1018.86 --> 1019.60] of the Lord's favor. [1020.08 --> 1020.68] Shalom! [1021.18 --> 1021.90] It is here. [1021.90 --> 1024.76] And so, [1024.90 --> 1025.60] sisters and brothers [1025.60 --> 1026.12] of hope, [1026.48 --> 1027.58] this is the encouragement [1027.58 --> 1029.08] I want to charge us with [1029.08 --> 1029.82] as we head into [1029.82 --> 1030.48] this new year. [1031.38 --> 1031.70] Jesus, [1032.00 --> 1032.68] the true light, [1032.76 --> 1033.28] has come [1033.28 --> 1034.08] and he brings [1034.08 --> 1034.76] good news [1034.76 --> 1035.32] of healing, [1035.76 --> 1036.12] restoration, [1036.46 --> 1037.06] and freedom. [1038.18 --> 1040.06] And as a freed people, [1040.18 --> 1041.60] we are a freed people, [1042.28 --> 1043.80] we get to proclaim [1043.80 --> 1044.96] the year of the Lord's favor [1044.96 --> 1046.50] and reflect that light [1046.50 --> 1047.30] to the world [1047.30 --> 1048.26] that is in darkness. [1048.26 --> 1050.60] because the poor, [1050.76 --> 1051.32] the oppressed, [1051.52 --> 1052.44] and the blind [1052.44 --> 1053.46] in our day, [1053.66 --> 1054.56] including us, [1055.02 --> 1056.38] desperately need [1056.38 --> 1057.40] the good news [1057.40 --> 1058.26] of Jesus Christ. [1062.66 --> 1063.16] Now, [1063.20 --> 1063.48] I don't know [1063.48 --> 1064.28] who you think of [1064.28 --> 1064.86] when you think [1064.86 --> 1065.52] poor, [1065.82 --> 1066.12] blind, [1066.22 --> 1066.62] oppressed. [1067.28 --> 1068.62] Somebody who needs, [1068.86 --> 1069.86] desperately needs [1069.86 --> 1070.86] the good news [1070.86 --> 1071.62] of Jesus Christ. [1071.62 --> 1077.08] So, [1077.16 --> 1078.06] our modern day poor, [1078.70 --> 1079.92] I suggest, [1080.86 --> 1081.90] both economically [1081.90 --> 1082.68] and spiritually, [1083.36 --> 1084.34] suffering through [1084.34 --> 1085.26] attempts at trying [1085.26 --> 1086.06] to satisfy [1086.06 --> 1087.22] deep longing [1087.22 --> 1088.22] and true happiness [1088.22 --> 1089.36] with anything [1089.36 --> 1090.40] and everything [1090.40 --> 1091.58] other than God. [1093.66 --> 1094.82] That's what it means [1094.82 --> 1095.42] to be poor, [1095.50 --> 1095.70] right? [1097.38 --> 1098.76] God is the answer, [1098.90 --> 1100.06] but we try to satisfy [1100.06 --> 1100.72] our needs [1100.72 --> 1102.26] with everything [1102.26 --> 1103.16] other than God. [1104.54 --> 1105.22] And also, [1105.50 --> 1106.26] in our culture [1106.26 --> 1107.92] of hyper-individualism, [1108.62 --> 1109.86] self-centeredness, [1110.36 --> 1111.08] the blind, [1111.72 --> 1112.98] our modern day blind, [1113.24 --> 1114.96] that fail to see God [1114.96 --> 1115.98] and the needs [1115.98 --> 1116.58] of others. [1117.66 --> 1118.18] And then, [1118.30 --> 1119.22] from this blindness, [1120.10 --> 1121.06] also the blindness [1121.06 --> 1122.18] that fail to see [1122.18 --> 1123.42] our own captivity [1123.42 --> 1124.44] and oppression, [1125.22 --> 1126.08] our own sins [1126.08 --> 1126.84] and brokenness, [1127.18 --> 1128.44] especially in a world [1128.44 --> 1129.36] of consumerism, [1129.36 --> 1130.32] busyness, [1130.64 --> 1131.14] screens, [1131.56 --> 1132.12] entertainment, [1132.50 --> 1132.84] pleasures, [1133.22 --> 1134.16] that try to grab [1134.16 --> 1135.34] every single second [1135.34 --> 1136.74] we have of our lives, [1136.94 --> 1137.86] trying to grab [1137.86 --> 1138.96] our whole beings [1138.96 --> 1140.26] away from God. [1140.70 --> 1142.90] That is our sinful selves. [1144.50 --> 1146.24] In the midst of this, [1147.00 --> 1150.80] we need Jesus Christ. [1151.90 --> 1152.50] So, [1152.74 --> 1153.82] how do we live [1153.82 --> 1154.84] as Christ followers [1154.84 --> 1156.02] and be that light [1156.02 --> 1156.74] for the world [1156.74 --> 1157.56] that is in darkness? [1157.56 --> 1160.06] As we conclude [1160.06 --> 1161.04] this morning, [1161.26 --> 1161.96] my suggestion [1161.96 --> 1162.84] is threefold. [1163.62 --> 1164.14] To start, [1164.26 --> 1165.24] I suggest that we must [1165.24 --> 1166.88] continue to remember. [1168.02 --> 1169.60] Remember and continue [1169.60 --> 1170.58] to be attentive [1170.58 --> 1171.24] and wrestle [1171.24 --> 1172.62] with our own brokenness, [1172.96 --> 1173.56] being aware [1173.56 --> 1174.54] of our own addictions [1174.54 --> 1175.68] and our own tendencies [1175.68 --> 1177.54] towards being consumerist, [1177.62 --> 1178.26] being too busy, [1178.58 --> 1179.84] trying to find self-worth [1179.84 --> 1180.74] in our own achievements, [1180.98 --> 1182.30] instead of looking to God [1182.30 --> 1183.36] for guidance and truth. [1183.36 --> 1185.48] We must be reminded [1185.48 --> 1187.12] that we look to Christ [1187.12 --> 1188.20] for our salvation, [1188.80 --> 1190.48] not our own achievements, [1190.84 --> 1192.14] not our own holiness. [1192.82 --> 1193.10] Why? [1193.46 --> 1195.14] Because while we were [1195.14 --> 1195.78] still sinners, [1196.04 --> 1197.72] while we are still sinners, [1198.08 --> 1199.58] Christ died for us. [1199.84 --> 1201.56] That is the gospel message. [1203.50 --> 1203.96] And second, [1204.32 --> 1206.12] we reflect the light [1206.12 --> 1207.48] of Christ together. [1208.38 --> 1210.22] You do not do this alone. [1210.22 --> 1211.10] Christianity, [1211.68 --> 1212.94] our identity as Christians [1212.94 --> 1214.10] and followers of Christ [1214.10 --> 1215.52] is always in the plural. [1215.88 --> 1217.06] It is the followers [1217.06 --> 1218.20] of Christ. [1218.56 --> 1219.86] And whenever Paul refers [1219.86 --> 1220.54] to you [1220.54 --> 1222.00] in his epistles, [1222.12 --> 1222.96] in his letters, [1223.56 --> 1224.44] it is y'all. [1224.94 --> 1226.54] It is not you singular. [1227.50 --> 1228.58] As much as you are [1228.58 --> 1229.56] important to God [1229.56 --> 1231.10] and that He saved you [1231.10 --> 1232.54] in your individual life, [1233.28 --> 1234.60] He has called us [1234.60 --> 1236.06] y'all together. [1236.34 --> 1237.38] We really need that [1237.38 --> 1238.72] in our Canadian English too. [1239.18 --> 1239.84] It's y'all. [1240.42 --> 1241.22] It's not just you. [1241.68 --> 1242.66] We do this together. [1243.06 --> 1243.70] Whether it be [1243.70 --> 1244.94] the ministries we serve [1244.94 --> 1245.84] in through our church, [1246.18 --> 1246.80] small groups, [1246.96 --> 1247.36] fellowship, [1248.00 --> 1248.50] taught rom, [1248.62 --> 1249.22] story time, [1249.36 --> 1249.78] pickleball, [1249.90 --> 1250.26] volleyball, [1250.94 --> 1251.94] can't leave out soccer, [1252.34 --> 1252.48] right? [1252.52 --> 1253.50] We still have that trophy. [1254.34 --> 1254.70] Prayer, [1255.26 --> 1255.62] worship, [1255.88 --> 1256.60] all the things [1256.60 --> 1257.38] that we saw today [1257.38 --> 1258.42] even in our slideshow. [1258.80 --> 1259.62] Or the ministries [1259.62 --> 1260.68] we partake in [1260.68 --> 1262.02] outside our church building, [1262.38 --> 1263.60] caring for those in need, [1263.88 --> 1264.60] being present [1264.60 --> 1265.42] for our family [1265.42 --> 1266.08] and friends, [1266.20 --> 1267.92] like really being present. [1267.92 --> 1269.98] not the looking [1269.98 --> 1270.88] at our phones [1270.88 --> 1271.64] and screens [1271.64 --> 1271.94] and going, [1272.06 --> 1272.14] yeah, [1272.16 --> 1272.56] I'm listening. [1273.46 --> 1274.28] But really, [1274.40 --> 1275.44] with our whole lives, [1275.66 --> 1276.22] our minds, [1276.34 --> 1276.84] our hearts, [1277.48 --> 1278.42] being attentive [1278.42 --> 1280.76] and being present [1280.76 --> 1281.68] for our family, [1282.28 --> 1283.06] for our friends [1283.06 --> 1284.44] and those in need. [1285.16 --> 1286.06] Just as much, [1286.44 --> 1287.52] just as much [1287.52 --> 1288.72] as we are devoted [1288.72 --> 1289.30] to Christ [1289.30 --> 1290.28] with our whole beings, [1290.62 --> 1291.34] we are devoted [1291.34 --> 1292.04] to one another [1292.04 --> 1292.96] with our whole beings. [1293.76 --> 1293.96] Yes, [1294.00 --> 1294.78] we come up short, [1295.26 --> 1296.42] but that is the calling [1296.42 --> 1297.44] that we are called to. [1297.44 --> 1300.36] And lastly, [1300.88 --> 1303.42] it's not by our own [1303.42 --> 1303.84] shiny, [1304.02 --> 1304.26] holy, [1304.40 --> 1305.12] perfect lives [1305.12 --> 1305.92] that we do this, [1306.22 --> 1307.28] that we reflect [1307.28 --> 1308.04] God's light. [1308.70 --> 1310.58] It is only by the power [1310.58 --> 1311.34] of the Spirit [1311.34 --> 1312.78] that we get to reflect [1312.78 --> 1313.90] the true light [1313.90 --> 1315.62] and proclaim the good news [1315.62 --> 1316.10] for a world [1316.10 --> 1317.24] that's in darkness. [1318.42 --> 1319.62] We witness to [1319.62 --> 1320.94] and reflect Jesus [1320.94 --> 1322.08] as the true light. [1323.22 --> 1324.92] It is not our own light. [1324.92 --> 1327.86] And thank God for that [1327.86 --> 1328.52] because my light [1328.52 --> 1330.14] would be terrible. [1331.86 --> 1332.86] We reflect [1332.86 --> 1334.26] the light of Christ [1334.26 --> 1336.22] and we get to reflect [1336.22 --> 1337.08] the true light [1337.08 --> 1337.90] to the world. [1339.16 --> 1340.66] May we proclaim together [1340.66 --> 1342.36] the year of the Lord's favor [1342.36 --> 1343.74] even in the year [1343.74 --> 1344.82] 2024 [1344.82 --> 1345.94] as we come up. [1346.52 --> 1347.86] And may we do that together [1347.86 --> 1348.74] as His body. [1349.74 --> 1350.30] Let's pray. [1354.92 --> 1358.82] loving, [1359.38 --> 1360.20] good, [1360.36 --> 1361.02] and merciful [1361.02 --> 1361.96] Father God, [1362.86 --> 1364.28] we come before you, [1364.42 --> 1364.60] Lord, [1364.86 --> 1366.12] and we give you thanks [1366.12 --> 1367.12] as we remember [1367.12 --> 1371.10] how you came to us [1371.10 --> 1374.12] and you dwelled among us [1374.12 --> 1374.98] as your people [1374.98 --> 1376.58] and you have saved us [1376.58 --> 1377.74] and freed us [1377.74 --> 1379.16] from our sins. [1379.16 --> 1381.70] Thank you, [1381.80 --> 1381.98] Lord, [1382.10 --> 1384.52] for restoring us [1384.52 --> 1385.88] and making us whole again [1385.88 --> 1386.78] as we dwell [1386.78 --> 1389.18] in your presence. [1390.66 --> 1391.14] Lord, [1391.22 --> 1392.58] we continue to come up short. [1393.56 --> 1394.82] We continue to wrestle [1394.82 --> 1395.96] with our old selves [1395.96 --> 1397.32] and our own brokenness [1397.32 --> 1397.90] and sins, [1398.22 --> 1398.78] but Lord, [1398.88 --> 1400.28] we know that we can trust [1400.28 --> 1401.62] and we can depend [1401.62 --> 1402.56] on your guidance [1402.56 --> 1404.72] as you live with us, [1404.80 --> 1406.60] as you journey with us [1406.60 --> 1408.08] in our everyday, [1408.52 --> 1409.56] day-to-day lives [1409.56 --> 1411.14] as we witness [1411.14 --> 1411.88] to your light. [1412.96 --> 1413.82] And so help us, [1414.02 --> 1414.16] Lord. [1415.18 --> 1416.30] Help us reflect [1416.30 --> 1417.60] your goodness, [1418.68 --> 1419.46] your love [1419.46 --> 1420.28] for the world. [1421.94 --> 1422.76] We thank you [1422.76 --> 1423.48] for our church, [1423.86 --> 1424.42] we thank you [1424.42 --> 1425.36] for the year that's been, [1426.22 --> 1427.04] and we thank you [1427.04 --> 1428.00] for the year to come [1428.00 --> 1429.10] as we continue [1429.10 --> 1429.80] to serve [1429.80 --> 1431.54] in your kingdom. [1432.54 --> 1433.52] In Jesus' name we pray. [1434.70 --> 1435.00] Amen. [1436.60 --> 1437.60] I invite you to stand [1437.60 --> 1438.20] as we sing [1438.20 --> 1439.18] our song of response. [1439.18 --> 1439.54] Amen.