You Can’t Keep the Battle to Yourself
March 18, 2024
Commentary
The suffering time of our Lord is over, and we now see Him rejoicing in Glory (vv. 15-18):
1. In His redeemed people – The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous” (vv. 15). The immediate reference seems to be to the Lord now, in Heaven, rejoicing with the redeemed people over the great salvation He has brought.
2. In His resurrection power – “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord hath chastened me sore; but He hath not given me over unto death” (vv. 17-18). He inhabits eternity, to proclaim the merits of His finished work.
As we come to the climax of this chapter the scene moves from Armageddon to the commencement of the millennial reign. When Jesus walked on this earth, He could enter the court of the Gentiles and the court of Israel but could not go into the Holy of Holies where only the priest could go once a year. Now the old Aaronic scheme of things has passed away and access to the temple is His by sovereign right (vv. 19-21). The Lord will be recognized as the chief cornerstone. He who was cast aside by Judaism is yet to be given His rightful place by Israel (vv. 22-23). We can see the Lord at the entrance to the temple in a coming day when all the people will cry “Hosanna!” (vv. 24-26).
The scene before us is clearly millennial. Everything is prophetic of the coming millennial reign of Christ (v. 27). The Lord will rescue Israel from her enemies at Megiddo. He will cleanse the earth of all that offends, and He will restore Jerusalem, making Israel the head of the nations, the headstone of His kingdom. He will rebuild the temple according to Ezekiel’s plan and will lead His redeemed people in a great celebration of the feast of Tabernacles. The coming song will be, “Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee” (vv. 28-29).
Application
When I don’t feel like rejoicing, I need to tell God how I honestly feel. God has given me this day to live and serve Him and I need to be glad.
Psalms 118:15– 29 (NET)
Verses not found.
Illustration: The Singing Man With No Legs
While walking along a busy street one day, I heard someone singing. His sweet voice was distinguishable even above the noise of the traffic. When I located him, I noticed that he had no legs and was pushing himself through the crowd in a wheelchair. Catching up with him, I said, “I want you to know, friend, that to hear singing from a person in your condition gives everyone else a lift.” He answered with a grateful smile, “When I stopped at what I had lost and began concentrating on all I had left, I found much for which I could rejoice and be happy.” (H. G. Bosch – Daily Bread).