Evangelical Preacher Zechariah 14:16 And it shall come to pass… Though it is generally admitted that Zechariah is the most obscure of all the minor prophets, yet there were two topics on which we may safely affirm that he was as luminous, or more so, than the rest. The first respected the public worship of God. He and Haggai were conspicuously active in urging the Jews, on their return from their captivity, to rebuild their temple; and when the sanctuary was erected, we find him not only administering to the tribes themselves, but to the strangers and foreigners who had mixed themselves up with them to frequent the house of God, lest renewed judgment should break forth upon them to their injury and ruin. I. PRESS IT UPON YOU AS A DUTY AND PRIVILEGE. 1. It is founded in the relation in which we stand to God. He is our Creator, Preserver, Benefactor; He is our Father. We are the families of Israel here addressed; and has not God dealt fraternally with you as His children? Show your filial gratitude, etc. 2. It is suggested by the appointment of Divine ordinances. 3. It is enforced by the commands and exhortations of the sacred Scriptures. The books of Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Joshua issued these precepts. They are echoed by the prophets (Psalm 95:1-4, 7; Psalm 100:2-5). 4. It is recommended by the example of the best of men who ever lived. We are to be followers of "all those who through faith," etc., and ought we not to copy them in this feature? Read the histories of Moses — Joshua — Nehemiah — of the prophets and apostles — or select one conspicuous example, David; what was his principal wish? "One thing have I," etc. What his chief affliction? "The sparrow," etc. What his chief joy? "I was glad," etc. What his prayer for others? "O send out Thy light," etc. This was his testimony, this his appeal — "Lord, I have loved the habitation." "They continued daily in the temple," etc. 5. It is urged upon us by the advantages connected with its observance. It is the house of God which He has promised to keep with His especial presence. Of Zion He says, "This is My rest; here will I dwell," etc. It is through His institutions that light, grace, and comfort are imparted to His Church. II. TO SHOW YOU THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE NEGLECT OF THAT WORSHIP WHICH GOD REQUIRES. "Even upon them there shall be no rain." No doubt there was a literal meaning attached to this menace. But we must not satisfy ourselves with this comment. In making a spiritual application of this part of the text, observe that rain is often employed as a metaphor to denote the abundant communication of spiritual blessings — thus, the coming of the Messiah, and the bestowments of His grace; the influences of the Spirit; the instructions and consolations of the Word of God. "My doctrine shall drop as the rain." (Evangelical Preacher.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. |
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