Zechariah 1:17 Cry yet, saying, Thus said the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad… Jehovah's tender care of His living Church seems to be a prominent topic with the prophet Zechariah. Amid all the visitations Zion has experienced from her God in consequence of her departures, His heart has been set upon her eternal interests, and He never can change His mind concerning her. I. THE CLAIM WHICH JEHOVAH LAYS TO HIS CHURCHES, "MY CITIES." They are associated, or organised bodies, not promiscuous multitudes. Distinguished they may be from each other by a variety of names, and a variety of circumstances; but God says to them all, "Ye are My cities." They are all chartered cities. Their charter is unchanging, covenant love. It is written, signed, sealed, and preserved by their covenant God. What is the wording of the charter? "I will be their God, they shall be My people." God's Churches are classified. Separated from one another, not only in their peculiar localities, and their peculiar features of discipline, but in minor points of order and regulation. Each one should know and keep his proper position. And they are all consecrated cities, from the highest to the lowest. Cities are generally noted for their liberties and privileges. And so "if the Son make you free, you shall be free indeed." Our privileges are most valuable and innumerable. These cities were all designed and also founded by Jehovah, and He rules over them all. II. THEIR PROSPERITY — WHICH MUST COME FROM HIMSELF. "Shall yet be spread abroad." The prosperity of a city is seen in its population, its commerce, and the healthiness of its air. A sign of prosperity in a Church is found in the number of spiritual births. III. THEIR COMFORT. "The Lord shall yet comfort Zion." Her tranquillity is preserved in spite of all that sin and Satan can do; and her honourable associations are kept up and maintained. That will be comfort for Zion. IV. THE GRAND FIRST CAUSE OF ALL, ELECTING LOVE. The Lord "shall yet choose Jerusalem." (Joseph Irons.) Parallel Verses KJV: Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem. |
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