267. ZEC 8:23. UNITING WITH GOD’S PEOPLE

Zec_8:23. Uniting with God’s People

"We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."’97Zec_8:23.

The passage seems primarily to refer to the general conversion of Gentile nations, after the Jews have received the Gospel, and acknowledged Jesus to be the true Messiah. At present we design to consider the text as it may apply to those who having been awakened to a sense of their ruined condition, resolve to consecrate themselves to God and his people. Addressing the church, therefore, they exclaim, "We will go with you," &c.

I. What is implied in God being with his People.

1. God’s essential presence is everywhere.

He is above, beneath, around. We cannot avoid his presence. "Whither shall I go," &c.

2. God’s glorious presence is in heaven.

His refulgent glorious rays shine only in the holiest place. There he is immediately worshipped, and there the pure in heart see God.

3. His terrible presence is felt in the abodes of the lost.

The fire of Tophet is kindled by the breath of his nostrils. From him proceeds that horrible tempest which beats upon the heads of the lost forever.

4. His providential presence is seen in the government and regulation of the world.

By this all things are upheld; world filled with blessings; affairs of nature directed. By the extraordinary interpositions of his Providence he saves his people, and punishes his enemies. Noah, and the old world; Lot, and Sodom; the Israelites and Pharaoh with his host; destruction of Jerusalem, and the escape of Christians out of it.

But the presence referred to in the text, is 5. His gracious presence.

He is with his church in the exercise of his love and favor. He is with them as their Head, to direct and superintend; as their Friend, to supply all their wants out of his boundless goodness; as their Prophet, to instruct; as their Mediator, to be the medium of access to God; and as their King, to sway over them the mild and gracious sceptre of his grace.

Observe,

II. The Evidences of God’s Presence.

External splendor, great wealth, a multitude of members, are not evidences.

1. Scriptural doctrine is an evidence.

When his Word is the standard, when the Scriptures are honored, and the truth held, as it is in Jesus.

2. Purity of ordinances is an evidence.

Where there are no inventions of men; where Christ’s ordinances are rightly administered. None invented’97none alloyed’97none abandoned.

3. Brotherly love is an evidence.

God is love. Where his Spirit is, there will be love. Love to all the brethren; love unfeigned. "By this shall all men know," &c.

4. When Divine changes are produced by the power of the Gospel.

Careless souls aroused, sinners convinced, inquirers directed, mourners comforted, believers edified, &c.

5. When the reproach of the cross is endured.

Bad sign if the world smile and speak well. World at enmity with the church. It is through much tribulation, &c. Luk_6:26; Act_14:22; Joh_15:18; Jam_4:4.

III. The Influence the Presence of God in the Church shall produce upon those who are without.

"We will go with you," &c.

This resolution implies,

1. Dissatisfaction with their present condition.

Not happy; without peace, and without hope. Have found all to be vain, and empty, and insufficient. Every resource has been a broken cistern.

2. Earnest desire to be united with God’s people.

We will now abandon the world for the church; the society of the ungodly for the pious. "This people shall," &c.

3. Readiness to conform to the practices of God’s people.

We will go with you. Not merely say as you say, but do as you do. We will go with you to the house of God. Psa_122:1. We will go with you to the throne of grace. We will go with you to the cross We will go with you into the field of conflict, to death, and to eternal glory. As we are desirous to participate in your joys, and blessings, and privileges, so we will cheerfully share in your toils, sorrows, and dangers.

Application

1. Let the church be anxious to secure the Divine presence. This alone can secure its glory, safety, and happiness.

2. Urge inquirers to holy decision. Do not parley. Do not delay. You cannot be saved and happy too soon. Go now, at once, and say, "We will," &c.

3. Let believers be anxious to invite those around, and to encourage them to consecrate themselves to the Lord. "Come thou with us," &c.

4. Some have gone back. How criminal! How foolish! How wretched they must be! "Return, ye backsliding children," &c. The Father waits with open heart and arms to receive you, &c. Again say, "We will go with you," &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS