The Evanglist Zechariah 3:2 And the LORD said to Satan, The LORD rebuke you, O Satan; even the LORD that has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you… Reverse this question, and ask, Is this a brand plucked out of the fire? The text was a sort of challenge to Satan to deny the riches of Divine grace in the salvation of the Israelitish Church, now rescued from the furnace of Babylon. It was a question put concerning them figuratively, for the whole Church of Jesus Christ, and for every individual member of it. Bring the question home, "Am I a brand plucked out of the burning?" Consider the importance of being able to come to a clear decision upon this point. I. YOUR DANGER AS SINNERS. A state of sin is a state of imminent danger. 1. Sin is destroying your bodies, and will at last destroy your souls. 2. Every sinner is in danger of the law of God. 3. The terrors of a guilty conscience are a fire. II. THE WONDROUS DELIVERANCE EFFECTED. 1. The sinner is delivered by Divine grace from that dreadful sentence, which is literally destruction begun in the heart. 2. The deliverance signifies to be rescued from the raging violence, the destructive power of sin in our heart. 3. This deliverance signifies to be rescued from the burning stings of inward guilt. III. THE ACT OF DELIVERANCE. "Plucked out." 1. Here is exhibited God's own sovereign will and purpose. 2. The act of rescue points to the direct personal interposition of the Saviour. 3. The deliverance is to be viewed in its individual application by the Holy Spirit. IV. THE DIFFERENT EMOTIONS THIS DIVINE AND MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE SHOULD EXCITE. 1. Exultation. Admire the grace of God in your salvation. 2. Confidence. Learn to trust both for yourselves and for others. What cannot Divine grace do! (The Evanglist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? |
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