November 10

JESUS, A PRIEST UPON HIS THRONE.

And he shall be a Priest upon his throne.—Zechariah 6:13.

THIS beautiful prophecy obviously refers to the Redeemer, and exhibits him as uniting in himself both the offices of Priest and King. It is said, "He shall sit and rule upon his throne," exercising his regal authority and power, and he shall also be a "Priest upon his throne" dispensing pardon and mercy, through the medium of the sacrifice he had presented to God. This is strikingly illustrated in the passage where we are reminded that "He is exalted a Prince and Saviour to give repentance unto Israel and forgiveness of sins." As a Priest, he has offered an acceptable sacrifice, which has fully atoned for human transgression, so that by virtue of it, we may obtain remission of sins. And as a Priest, he hath hallowed the holy place, by sprinkling it with his precious blood, and the throne which would otherwise have been a throne of flaming judgment, is now a throne of grace, where we may "obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need." And on that throne he sits, expressly to bless and save all who come unto God by him. But still his regal office is maintained, he is a Priest upon a throne, and although it is a throne of grace, yet it is a throne of authority and rule. And this accords with the designs of redeeming grace.

He saves us, that we may be his willing and obedient people in the day of his power. His grace produces a spirit of loyal subjection and cheerful obedience: it does not make men lawless, but lawful, and teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, and righteously, and godly in this present evil world. If we possess genuine piety, then are we delivered both from the curse and influence of sin: then are we both justified and sanctified: then are we both filial children and obedient subjects: then have we faith in Christ's priestly offering, and then also do we cheerfully submit to his sovereign rule.