Thy mercy, my God, is the theme
of my song. The kingdom which the Lord is
seen fit to manifest in the earth is not one which can be appreciated
by the natural man. While the Lord is pleased to
show the glorious nature of it to his elect, he has purposed
to hide it from the world in general by causing it to appear
unto them as something which is quite insignificant or even
despised. Paul described the disdain which
the world has for it when he said, For the preaching of the
cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which
are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will
destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the
understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the
scribe? Where is the disputer of this
world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For
after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not
God. It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that
believe. The kingdom of God, which Christ
came to establish, occupies no real estate, nor can its victory
be measured by the standards which the world understands.
His kingdom is built not with concrete and timbers, but rather
with living stones. Ye also, as lively stones, were
built up a spiritual house and holy priesthood, to offer up
spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. But the
hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship
the Father in spirit and in truth. For the Father seeketh such to
worship him. God is a spirit, and they that worship him must
worship him in spirit and in truth. His kingdom is manifested
in his calling of that remnant, which he is pleased to deliver
from this present evil world. He came as their Redeemer and
is presently calling them with an effectual call, which can
in no wise be nullified or resisted by those upon whom His everlasting
love is set. He brings each one to Himself
in a manner which is totally unaided and heretofore unknown
by them. The world is greatly enamored
of what it considers magnificent things. The fastest cars, the
most expensive jewelry, architectural grandeur, athletic superiority,
or great success in business, just to name a few. It is therefore
no surprise that the natural religious bent of men would be
channeled in the same direction. The erroneous thinking that God
is impressed with the great endeavors and expenditures of men, be it
measured in money or effort, is a prevalent notion among all
the world's religions. All religions seek to stir men
up to attempt and accomplish great things and produce exciting
results which can be seen and appreciated by all around. It
has always been thus and shall be till the time of the end.
Isaiah speaks of the Daughter of Zion as a lodge in a garden
of cucumbers. The daughter of Zion is that
remnant which the Lord has chosen. She is precious in his sight,
and he will withhold nothing which is good for her. She is
the apple of his eye and the object of his greatest affection.
He often describes her in the most affectionate of terms, such
as we read in the Song of Solomon, Thou art all fair, my love, there
is no spot in thee. Isaiah is not describing her
as she appears to the Lord, but rather as the world views her,
disdaining the kingdom of God as without any endearing qualities.
There is nothing which the world finds desirable about the true
gospel of God's sovereign grace. It is a despised message because
it gives a man no place to glory, nor any grounds upon which to
display his exertion and devotion. The kingdom of God is synonymous
with his church. His church is not an organization
or an institution which men can become a part of by carnal means,
but rather it is that body for which he shed his precious blood.
He is pleased to manifest that body in various places in the
earth by gathering his remnant together in local assemblies
where they are a mutual help one to the other. It is in the
longing for these assemblies that he is pleased to manifest
those who are his disciples. By this all men shall know that
ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." The religious
world views the church simply as a place to go and hear some
religious talk or soul-stirring music. It is a place for them
to attend when it is convenient and they don't have more important
things to do. However, the solemn gathering of the saints of God
is the most prized dwelling place, this side of heaven, for those
who can see the beauty of this lodge in a garden of cucumbers
and find the most precious place and consider its value to be
above rubies or gold. The hands of Zerubbabel have
laid the foundation of this house. His hands also shall finish it.
And thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts has sent me unto
you. For who hath despised the day of small things? for they
shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel.
With those seven they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to
and fro through the whole earth. If you would like a free transcript
of this broadcast, email us at forthepoor at windstream.net.