Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. The troubles which came
upon the nation of Israel served to illustrate the fact that the
Lord ordained a greater future blessing for his children. These
trials were visited upon them so that they might look with
anticipation for that salvation which the Lord had promised to
visit upon those whom he loves. From the very beginning, the
Lord declared that the seed of the woman would bruise the head
of Satan. He promised to put David's son on an everlasting
throne. Isaiah prophesied of him. For
unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government
shall be upon his shoulder. Of the increase of his government
and peace there shall be no end. Upon the throne of David, and
upon his kingdom, to order it, to establish it with judgment
and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the
Lord of hosts will perform this. The Jews assumed that this reign
began with Solomon, whom the Lord abundantly blessed with
great wisdom and the privilege of building the first temple
at Jerusalem. When fire rained down at the dedication of this
temple, the people stood in awe, and many, no doubt, were convinced
that this was the manifestation of that everlasting kingdom.
Yet just a few short years later when the hordes of Nebuchadnezzar's
army descended upon Jerusalem, all of these hopes and expectations
were dashed. Then when Nehemiah was unable
to rebuild this temple, their hopes were once again raised
that a place of permanence had been achieved. Yet the Romans
were raised up to bring Jerusalem into captivity and ultimately
to destroy this temple in 70 AD. Many Jews and Gentiles alike
believe that a third temple shall yet be built. However, the Lord
has made it plain that he does not dwell in temples made with
hands, nor can he be worshipped where or when man might propose. The Lord did give Haggai a vision
of a latter house, whose glory would exceed that of both of
these former edifices. Yet this latter house is not
built of wood and stone, or any materials provided or fashioned
by men. This latter house is one and
the same with that everlasting kingdom promised to the son of
David. He told Haggai that he would
shake the nations and fill this house with glory. Daniel saw
this same house saying, the God of heaven shall set up a kingdom
which shall never be destroyed, and the kingdom shall not be
left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume
all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Just as the Lord
ordained Solomon to build the first temple, so too has he ordained
one greater than Solomon to build this kingdom which shall never
pass away. Hananiah mentions that Zerubbabel
will preside over this house. And can there be any doubt that
this Zerubbabel is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, the
great high priest over the house of God? Not by might nor by power,
but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Moreover, the word
of the Lord came unto me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have
laid the foundation of this house. His hands shall also finish it.
And thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts has sent me unto
you. The Lord Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, and
that one who has brought salvation to the house of Israel. We are
not yet waiting for this revelation to occur in some future time,
but we have seen it manifested as Christ has come bringing redemption
and triumphing over his enemies. Today is the day of salvation,
long anticipated and awaited by those who have confessed in
all ages that they were looking for a city which hath foundations,
whose builder and maker is God. of which salvation the prophets
have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that
should come unto you, unto whom it was now revealed that not
unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things
which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the
gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven,
which things the angels desire to look into. This is a kingdom
of peace, which the Lord has established and applied to those
whom he is pleased to call. Peace I leave with you, my peace
I give unto you. Not as the world giveth, give
I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be
afraid. While we rejoice in the glory
of this latter house, we are yet beset with one enemy from
which the Lord has removed its sting and power, yet leaves with
us that we might have anticipation of that which is yet to come.
For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. We wait not
for the unveiling of the King, for we have seen him, and gladly
worship at his footstool. But we yet groan and travail
until the day that he shall come to claim that bride which he
has purchased with his own blood. Even so come, Lord Jesus. Do
you serve this King? For a free CD containing 15 of
these radio broadcasts, send an email to forthepoor at windstream.net.