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I. WHAT IS THIS WORK HERE SPOKEN OF? The building up of Zion.

1. By the conversion of individual souls. The true Church can be built up in no other way.

2. By the public confession of their faith on the part of these converted ones. If they refuse this, how can the Church be built up?

3. By their union in the fellowship of the Church. They must openly range themselves on the Lord's side in this his appointed way.

4. By the full sanctification of these converts. This is a further gift of grace, and it is the privilege of all who will fully consecrate themselves to the Lord, and then trust him to accomplish his own will in them - even their sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Thus are they qualified to become coworkers with God in the further upbuilding of his Church.

5. By their becoming builders for God - going forth to make converts and win others. Such is this blessed work.

II. WHAT IS HERE SAID OF IT?

1. It is the Lord's work. Many may cooperate, but apart from God he can do nothing.

2. It will be a gradual work. The very idea, of building implies this.

3. That from various causes it may be at a standstill, or almost so. Who does not know this? Oh, these miserable lulls in the work, these ebb tides in the flow of holy zeal, faith, and love! It is so in the Church and in the individual soul.

4. There are special times for this upbuilding. (Cf. vers. 13, 14.) A hallowed excitement on the matter is felt, a sacred and deep sorrow because of Zion's desolation (cf. Nehemiah). A faithful ministry is raised up. Such are some of the indications of the set time to favour Zion having come.

5. Great glory accrues to God. The building of his Church is God's greatest glory, that for which he put forth his greatest power, that on which he lavished his greatest love, even the gift of Christ. That glory appears in the poorness of the instruments he employs (1 Corinthians 1:26-30); in the setting aside of man's chief agencies, their great churches, hierarchies, and priesthoods; in the discomfiture of the innumerable and mighty adversaries which stand in the way of this work. All this is taught here.

III. THE MOMENTOUS CONCLUSIONS THAT FOLLOW.

1. The work shall surely be done. "I will build my Church," said Christ. It is not a mere possibility, but a fixed will.

2. As to our duty. To be patient. To inquire what is our relation to this work. Are we helping or hindering? Are we ourselves forming part of this glorious building, or are we wilfully refusing, as we can do, to have part or lot therein? If we are of the Lord's Zion ourselves, are we striving to win others? Many fail here. Let us be found workers together with God. - S.C.

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KJV: When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.

WEB: For Yahweh has built up Zion. He has appeared in his glory.