Psalm 48:12-14 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.… As the Jews were very proud of their temple, and greatly inclined to magnify themselves on account of it, we feel as if we could sympathize with them in their joy and admiration when we picture them walking about Zion literally, and marking the towers thereof; but it may not occur to us, when under this feeling, that we ourselves, as a nation, have a far more magnificent temple than even the Jews had, for we have part and portion in the great Christian temple of which Solomon's was after all but the appointed type or symbol. The foundation of our Zion is not concealed. It is all before us in explict revelation, and the great master builder Himself thus brings it fully into view, "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation." And, alluding to it still further, in telling believers on whom they rest, it is said of them that they "are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone." So close is the spiritual connection between Christ and believers. But we wish to show now that it is for the sake of the Church the world itself exists. I. THE IMPORTANCE TO BE ATTACHED TO THE TOWERS AND BULWARKS OF ZION, AND THE DUTY OF ALL TO HELP IN MAINTAINING THEM. The world is spared for the sake of the Church to be redeemed out of it, and the Church is to aid in gathering together the souls that shall be saved. How much, then, does the world owe to the Church, for it is only for her sake that it is preserved. As the Canaanites were for Israel, who should inherit their land. II. ALL PEOPLE IN A CHRISTIAN LAND, WHATEVER THEIR POSITION, ARE UNDER STRICT OBLIGATION TO AID IN TEE BUILDING OF ZION, Now, this duty is binding, not on private individuals only, but on men in their official capacities as kings, rulers and having authority. It would be strange if those who, by their position, could do most for this work, were free from obligation to do anything. All past history, as given in Scripture, contradicts those who would have no connection between the Church and the State. For kings and governments have helped the Church, have been commanded to do so, and been blessed for that which they have done. Then, "my soul, come not thou into their secret." Who would separate what God has joined? (J. Allen.) Parallel Verses KJV: Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. |
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