143. ZEC 4:10. THE DAY OF SMALL THINGS

Zec_4:10. The Day of Small Things

"Who hath despised the day of small things?" Zec_4:10.

Let us,

I. Urge the Interrogation,

"Who hath despised the day of small things?"

1. The naturalist does not.

He throws in his grain, and watches its progress, and waits for its ripening. He plants his shrubs, and waits for their maturity.

2. The philosopher does not.

He knows that minor must precede larger and more important events. The elements of science must first be known, before a knowledge of the leading principles can be acquired.

3. The mother does not.

The more helpless and weak the babe, the more care and solicitude she displays, She sees in the little infant the man in embryo, and expects one day to see the manhood in all its maturity.

4. The teacher does not.

He does not despise and refuse the scholar because he is ignorant of the letters of his native alphabet; but there he knows he must commence, and lays that as the foundation of the scholar’s future learning and greatness.

5. Angels do not.

Over the repentance of one poor sinner, the very first commencement of a religious course, they rejoice with exceeding great joy.

6. Satan does not.

He knows, if he can cause indifference to little things, that souls will fall, by little and little. First temptation.

7. God does not.

The sight affects his heart; a groan pierces heaven; a look ensures his favor He breaks not the bruised reed, &c. Then,

8. Christians ought not.

In respect to inquiring souls, however illiterate, poor, &c. In respect of their brethren, however imperfect or few then talents, &c. In respect of benevolent institutions; or in respect of the cause of the Redeemer, as established in any particular part of our world. Christianity it self was once as a grain of mustard-seed, a small cloud, not bigger than a human hand; all its friends met in a small room, &c.

II. What does the Day of Small Things demand from us?

1. Especial care, tenderness, and attention.

That it may not be injured; that the smoking flax may not expire, &c.

2. Much watchfulness and prayer.

Dangers warded off’97blessings procured’97that it may grow stronger and stronger. Protection of heaven and smile of God obtained.

3. Strong faith and hope in God.

That he will not forsake it; but preserve, and shield, and increase it.

4. The active employment of all the appointed means.

He that improves what he hath, however small, shall have more abundantly, &c.

Application

1. Let us not be satisfied with small things in religious experience. Seek after much knowledge, strong faith, ardent love; endeavor to bear much fruit. 2. Let us aim at enlarged and extensive usefulness in the church and the world. And while we do not despise the day of small things, let us long and labor for the copious outpouring of the Spirit, and be found looking for the time, when "a nation shall bo born in a day."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS