Israel's Vocation.
Bible Treasury, 2nd Edition, Volume 1, June 1856.
[01 1856 018] As we, Christians, are in relationship with Christ's Father, and our Father, with His God and our God, as the Church is united to Christ the Head glorified on high by the Holy Ghost, who baptises us into one body here below, so Israel were called to be Jehovah's witnesses. They broke down under law; they will be restored in mercy, and made to stand in the latter day under Messiah and the new covenant, but it will be for the display of the glory of Jehovah, the unchanging God of Israel. Jerusalem shall then be the city of the Great King. The place and duties of them, of us, or any others, always depend on the relationship.
David And Solomon. 1 Chronicles 21, 2 Chronicles 5, 6.
Bible Treasury, 2nd Edition, Volume 1, July 1856.
[01 1856 034] David is convicted, brought to hope, established in the sense of deliverance. Affections suited to these conditions mark his spirit. But when established, he is as personally devoted as when hoping (1 Chr. 21:4, and 1 Chr. 22, 1 Chr. 29), and this is beautiful. Also, when established, he holds to the place consecrated by redemption. (1 Chr. 21:28-30). These two points appear still in souls brought where David was.
Solomon was introduced to further truths, as God's delight in grace, and in the bold faith which enjoys it; for the glory fills the house, where mercy was rejoicing, and where the people were triumphing in it. Solomon accepts it, and seems as one overwhelmed at this disclosure of divine joy.
Luke 19 – Luke 21.
Bible Treasury, 2nd Edition, Volume 1, July 1856.
[01:034] The Lord sets himself to make it appear that Jerusalem was not ready for the kingdom. He tests her state in a way that gives her every advantage, entering in full royal dignity.
Jerusalem meets Him with a cold repulse; and the more He is frustrated, the more her unpreparedness for the kingdom is proved. Instead of displaying His glory there, He weeps, and pronounces her doom. Luke 20 accumulates the evidence of this moral unpreparedness; and then Luke 21 exhibits the long season of judgement which must precede the kingdom.