Jeremiah 8:19-20 Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the LORD in Zion?… The ancient polity of the Jewish nation was a pure and splendid theocracy. Jehovah was their King. He gave them their laws, selected their judges, appointed their prophets, and He reigned the Lord supreme, having chosen them to be His peculiar people, and special possession. I. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE MEMBERS OF A PROFESSING CHURCH TO BE DECEIVED CONCERNING THE PRESENCE OF GOD, AND CONCLUDE THAT HE IS WITH THEM, WHEN IN REALITY HE IS FAR FROM THEM. 1. Deceived on this important point are those who conclude God is with them because they have imposing forms and splendid places of worship. If pompous forms of worship and gorgeous temples marked the presence of God with men, the evidence would go to show that God was more with the ancient heathen than with the ancient Jews. It would exalt Mahomet and Mohammedanism over Christ and Christianity. 2. Deceived on this important point are those professing churches who conclude God is with them, because they have creeds and councils in their favour. Were, however, this conclusion correct, it would prove that the presence of God might be found with the mere letter of truth, or even error. 3. Deceived on this important point are those professing churches who conclude God is with them because they have extensive knowledge and numerous gifts. In danger of this error were many who were members of the Church of God at Corinth. An error St. Paul fully exposed, showing that those things which they so highly valued were worthless in comparison with sacred charity, true love to God, and pure love to man. 4. Deceived also on this important point are those churches and individuals who conclude God is with them because He was once with them. Who will question the truth, that He was with the Jews as a people, when Moses sang (Exodus 15:13)? But is He with them now as a nation, as the rod of His inheritance, the Zion wherein He delighteth to dwell? Has not the evil He warned them against come upon them (Jeremiah 6:8)? Then in reference unto individuals, having once been with them, is no certainty that He abides with them. Was He not with Saul when chosen of God to be the King of Israel (1 Samuel 10:7)? Was He not with Solomon when he devoutly dedicated the temple to the Lord, and prayed (2 Chronicles 6:41)? Was He not with Judas when called to the apostleship? Now to say nothing concerning the hour of death, was His presence perpetually with these through life? Then let us net, neither as churches nor as individual members, depend on the past, nor be satisfied with anything short of having God indisputably with us now; bearing in remembrance that His presence is conditional (2 Chronicles 15:2). II. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE MEMBERS OF A PROFESSING CHURCH TO BE FULLY ASSURED OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD AMONG THEM — KING IN ZION. 1. God is where the Word of truth is faithfully preached and believingly received. 2. God is where the ministry of the Gospel is effectual to accomplish the purposes for which it is proclaimed. 3. God is where the members of the Church grow in sacred knowledge, and increase in holiness of heart and life. 4. God is where the discipline of Christ is scripturally observed and maintained. 5. God is where a professing people dwell together in the bonds of Christian charity. To this Christians are called by their name, their profession, and hope of eternal life. III. IT BEHOVES THE MEMBERS OF A PROFESSING CHRISTIAN CHURCH FREQUENTLY AND FAITHFULLY TO PRESS ON THEMSELVES THE SOLEMN, WEIGHTY INQUIRY, IS THE LORD IN OUR ZION, IS HER KING WITH US? Have we the marks of the Divine presence already stated? Let us examine ourselves as a Christian community on this subject, and that with the sincerity of those who would not be deceived. 1. Is the Word of truth faithfully preached by us as ministers? 2. Is the ministry of the Gospel among us successful to accomplish its gracious designs? 3. Are we as people wise in sacred knowledge and intent on full conformity of the will and image of God? 4. Have we a wholesome scriptural discipline? 5. Are we as a professing Church united in the bonds of Christian charity? IV. IT BECOMES A CHRISTIAN CHURCH, SENSIBLE OF THE DIVINE PRESENCE BUT DESIROUS OF A MORE SPECIAL MANIFESTATION OF GOD WITH THEM AND TO THEM, TO EMPLOY THOSE MEANS WHICH ARE CALCULATED TO PROMOTE HIS MORE GLORIOUS ABODE IN ZION. 1. This they should do by a full and constant acknowledgment of the sovereign authority and rule of Christ (Ephesians 1:22). His kingship in Zion is not a supposed character, but a positive possessed office; and weighty must be the guilt and condemnation of these who deny His claim, and reject His rule. 2. This they should do by diligently seeking an increase of personal holiness (Psalm 132:14, 16). 3. The more glorious presence of God should also be sought by the members of the Church, in the exercise of fervent, persevering prayer. (W. Naylor.) Parallel Verses KJV: Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the LORD in Zion? is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities? |
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