November 26

’ Tlteij shall r’oice, a id shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel.” — Zechariah iv. 10.

j’l’iViJMALL things marked the beginning of the work in Vn»7 the hand of Zerubbabel, but none might despise it, for the Lord had raised up one who would persevere antil th3 headstone should be brought forth with shoutings The plummet was in good hands. Here is the comfort of every believer in the Lord Jesus; let the work of grace be ever so small in its beginnings, the plummet is in good hands; a Master Builder greater than Solomon has undertaken the raising of the heavenly temple, and He will not fail nor be discouraged till the topmost pinnacle shall be raised. If the plummet were in the hand of any merely human being, we might fear for the building, but the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in Jesus’ hand. The works did not proceed irregularly, and without care, for the master s hand carried a good instrument. Had the walls been hurriedly run up without due superintendence, they might have been out of the perpendicular; but the plummet was used by the chosen overseer. Jesus is evermore watching the erection of His spiritual temple, that it may be built securely and well. We are for haste, but Jesus is for judgment. He will use the plummet, and that which is out of line must come down, every stone of it. Hence the failure of many a flattering work, the overthrow of many a glittering profession. It is not for us to judge the Lord’s church, since Jesus has a steady hand, and a true eye, and can use the plummet well. Do we not rejoice to see judgment left to Him?

The phimvst was in active use — it was in the builder’s hand; a sure indication that he meant to push on the work to completion. 0 Lord Je? us, how would we indeed be glad if we coald see Thee at Thy great work! 0 Ziona, the beautiful, thj walls are still in ruins! Ivise, Thou’ glorious liuild* er,. and make .ler desolations to rejoice at Thy coming.