ix. 7. _The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this._
It may be affirmed with equal truth, that from what zeal is in man we
may know what it is in God; and that from what zeal is in man we
cannot tell what it is in God (H. E. I. 2229-2240). We can tell what
its nature is, but we cannot tell its power. 1. Zeal is in man an
intense passionateness of desire for the accomplishment of some
purpose; this leads to an energy and continuity of action that in
many cases triumphs over obstacles, and accomplishes what seemed
impossible. True zeal in man is intelligent, calm, persistent, and
unweariable; and all this we know it must be in God. 2. But what its
power is in God we cannot tell. Water in the mass, and fire in the
mass, is an utterly different thing from water or fire on a small
scale.[1] "The zeal of the Lord of hosts" is a tremendous conception
which the mind cannot grasp.
This declaration is the consummation and crown of a great promise
concerning the Messiah. It is the guarantee that, great as that
promise is, it shall not remain unfulfilled; the heart of God is set
upon its accomplishment, and He is "the Lord of hosts." We have here
a general and blessed principle, applicable to all God's promises.
For two reasons many human purposes remain unfulfilled: those who
entertain them are not in earnest about them, or they lack power to
carry them into effect. But both these essential requisites meet in
God--earnestness and power. He makes no promise lightly; He attaches
importance to every pledge He has ever entered into; and He will
fulfil His promises, according to the largest interpretation that can
be put upon them (Eph. iii. 20).
Let us use this declaration for the comforting and strengthening of
our hearts. There are many great and precious promises,
+I. Concerning the extension of Christ's kingdom,+ _e.g.,_ in the
words preceding our text. It is declared that the influence and
authority of Christ shall be unceasingly exerted with constantly
augmenting effect, until all the disorder and misery of the world
shall be brought to an end. So glowing is the picture given by the
prophets of the world's future that we are tempted to fear that it
will never be realised. But "the zeal of the Lord of hosts will
perform _this_"; and those who by their prayers, efforts, and
sacrifices are trying to contribute to the extension of Christ's
kingdom, may rejoice in the assurance that they are not labouring in
vain, nor spending their strength for nought (H. E. I. 979, 1161,
1162, 1166-1168; P. D. 475, 517, 2465, 2466). +II. Concerning the
temporal well-being of Christ's people.+ 1. _Deliverance in time of
danger_ (Isa. liv. 17). Illustrate by the account of the deliverance
of Hezekiah (Isa. xxxvii.), noting especially that the promise then
given was enforced by the very same declaration: "the zeal of the
Lord of hosts shall do _this_" (ver. 32; H. E. I. 4058). 2. _Supply
for all temporal necessities_ (Matt. vi. 25-34; H. E. I. 4507).
+III. Concerning the spiritual necessities and ultimate perfection of
Christ's people.+ After each of them Faith sees written, though not
with ink, "The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform _this_"
(H. E. I. 1063-1071, 1106, 1112-1119). By and by there is to be a
great gathering of Christ's ransomed ones in the heavenly world, and
this will then be their grateful acknowledgement (Josh. xxiii. 14).
Meanwhile, whensoever in our search of the Scriptures we find a
promise specially adapted to our needs, let us lay hold of it, saying
with joyful confidence, "The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform
_this!_"