497. EZE 21:27. MESSIAH’S FINAL TRIUMPH

Eze_21:27. Messiah’s Final Triumph

"I will overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him."’97Eze_21:27.

The prophecy of the text has reference to the removal of the crown from the head of Zedekiah, and the vacancy in the royal line of David, which should not be filled up until the sceptre should be given into Christ’s hands, whose true right it should be to reign. Now, all this was literally fulfilled, for the kingdom of Judah ceased not until Christ appeared, who was the root and offspring of David, and King of kings, and Lord of lords. But there is another version of the text which may be taken, and which is in perfect unison with the spirit of prophecy,’97that Jehovah has given universal empire to Jesus, that it is Christ’s right to reign, and that God will overturn every obstacle and impediment until it be accomplished. Let these three topics, then, now engage our attention.

I. Jehovah has given universal empire to Jesus.

A few citations from the oracles of truth will establish this. Psa_72:8-11, Psa_2:8, Psa_89:27; Dan_7:14; Zec_9:10; Php_2:10; Act_2:32, &c. It is evident from these truths that Christ’s dominion is to embrace the whole world,’97every empire, kingdom, continent, and island. All people of every language, and color, and tongue. His kingdom is to swallow up every other; and the kingdom that will not serve him is to utterly perish. This blissful consummation was beheld in prophetic vision by John, Rev_11:15. With this state of things will be associated universal righteousness, universal knowledge, universal peace, universal bliss. We notice,

II. That it is Christ’s right thus to reign.

"Whose right it is." Now, this right of Jesus to reign supremely and universally a founded,

1. On his creative property in all things.

The apostle says. Col_1:16, "All things were made by him, and for him." By his power, and for his glory. Satan is an usurper,’97the world is alienated from its rightful Lord. But the right of Christ remains unaffected, and that right he will demand and obtain.

2. On his supreme authority as universal Lord.

He is Lord of all, King of kings, &c. His majesty and glory fill the heavens His claims are as great as the universe. As such, he has a right surely to the earth’97to the whole earth. This authority is seen in controlling all events, in upholding all things, &c. In his infinite outgoings of benevolence and love.

3. He has a redeeming right.

He became incarnate, he descended into it, he brought the light of heaven into it, he gave his own life for it, he is the proprietor, &c. Here then is a right, ratified with his precious blood. And he redeemed it expressly that he might reign over it. That he might be King, and King alone, that the diadem might encircle his own brow. And thus in the extension of his kingdom he is receiving his joy and reward. He was willingly lifted up that he "might draw all men unto him."

III. God will overturn every obstacle until this be effected.

"I will overturn," &c. Now, in effecting this glorious purpose the works of the devil must be destroyed, and the empire of sin totally overthrown. Ignorance must give place to light, error to truth, sin to holiness. Satan must be driven from his strongholds, and thus Jesus will enlarge his empire, and extend his domains. There are, however, four mighty impediments, which must be overthrown, entirely overturned.

1. Paganism, and all its multifarious rites.

The idolatry of paganism, the superstitions of paganism, the cruelty of paganism. The very atmosphere of paganism is the smoke of the bottomless pit. Paganism, whether of the intellectual and metaphysical kind of the Hindoos, or of the rude and illiterate kind of the untutored tribes, must be overturned. Every pagan idol must be cast to the moles and the bats, &c. Every altar razed, and every temple desolated, Isa_2:18.

2. Mahommedanism in all its earthly gratifications.

Mahommedanism is a splendid admixture of adulterated truth and vulgar error. Now this must be overturned. The false prophet must be denounced and forsaken, the crescent must wane and retire into oblivion before the power of the crops.

3. Judaism with its obsolete rites.

A system originally of God, but which consisted of types and shadows, which have long ago been ratified in Jesus, the great substitute and antitype. Eighteen hundred years ago that system lost its vitality; and Ichabod has been for ages written upon its rites, and services, and people,’97the glory has departed. The Jews are like persons who at eventide are looking for the rising of the sun; but every vestige of that shadowy economy must pass away, and all the relics of the scattered tribes be collected into the fold of the Nazarene, Rom_11:25.

4. Antichristian Rome.

The papal hierarchy is evidently that man of sin to which the apostle alludes, who must be destroyed. This is evidently the mystical Babylon whose overthrow is certain. This is to be as a millstone thrown into the depths of the sea, Rev_18:20. Every thing that exalteth itself against God, or attempts the division of Christ’s merits, must be consumed before the brightness of Messiah’s countenance, and the power of his truth. But you ask, How will God overturn, &c.? Doubtless his providence will subserve the purposes of his grace. He may cause science and commerce to open a passage for the message of truth. He may even overrule war, and may allow the military hero to pioneer the ambassador of peace. But he will do it by the power of the gospel of truth. The doctrines of the cross are to effect it. "We preach Christ crucified," &c. "Not by might, nor by power," &c. The spiritual sword is the word of God. He did this by the gospel in primitive times. In bigoted Jerusalem, in idolatrous Athens, in lascivious Corinth, in imperial Rome, and in these, then rude islands of the sea. He is doing so now. Look at the islands of the South Sea, look at Central Africa, look on the shores of continental India, look into the interior of Burmah; in one word, that which converts a blaspheming Briton will save a Hindoo idolater, or savage American Indian.

Application

1. Are your sympathies and affections on the side of Jesus? Does the subject inspire; inspirit you? Has it your affections, prayers, influence, and help?

2. How necessary is devoted, concentrated effort. What has to be achieved make the calculation. We spoke of Pagans, write down 482 millions; Mahommedans, 140 millions; Jews, 3 millions; then add, as disciples of Papal Rome, 80 millions; total, 705 millions. Is it not hopeless? No,’97read the text. God has spoken it.

3. Secure a personal interest in the gracious administration of Jesus.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS