Zechariah 8:11-12 But now I will not be to the residue of this people as in the former days, said the LORD of hosts.… Wherever there is the teaching of the Holy Spirit it is sure to convince men personally, in their own consciences, souls, and experiences, of their need of God's Christ. I. THE POSSESSIONS. The people will be distinguished by that which they are to possess. 1. The city of freedom, the new Jerusalem. There is no sense in which in this possession freedom is not implied. The Jerusalem that is above all is free for us all. The first feature is freedom from sin. 2. This Jerusalem shall be a city of truth. This truth, that from first to last we are saved entirely by the grace of God. This grace is entirely by the Lord Jesus Christ. The second thing to be careful upon is that regeneration is one part of the work of grace. 3. This city is called "the mountain of the Lord." So called because the Lord is there. II. HOW THE PEOPLE ARE BROUGHT TO POSSESS THESE THINGS. The Jews in their return from captivity, and coming back to their land, and the Lord making the land fruitful, are the things indicated here. It was on Christ's account, — that was the deep foundation reason why they came back from captivity at all. And how is it you return to Zion? It is because God chose you in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world. By virtue of the secret relationship existing between you and Jesus Christ you are brought to possess these things. (James Wells.) Parallel Verses KJV: But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts.WEB: But now I will not be to the remnant of this people as in the former days," says Yahweh of Armies. |
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