May 14

"I will place salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory." — Isaiah 46:13.

IN reading the Scriptures, we cannot but remark how threatenings and promises, denunciations of wrath, and intimations of mercy, go together; so that while one part of the heavens is darkened with clouds of coming judgment, on the opposite side is to be seen the bow of mercy. Such a scene we have in the passage before us — it is a rainbow of promise in the cloud of threatening. Notice

A DISTINGUISHED PERSON. "Israel my glory." Look at each of the terms by which believers are known. "Israel," that is, a prince with God; Jacob was so named because of his prevalence in prayer. We cannot seek better honor for ourselves than to be Israelites indeed. "My glory." This is a wonderful expression, and signifies two things: God glories in his people — the Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him; and he will joy over them with singing. He is glorified in them. All his perfections are glorified in the salvation of his people. He is glorified in their devotedness of heart and consecration of life; and in their love, zeal, prayers, and praises, and in the fruits they bring forth: in the furnace of affliction, in the season of death, and in the happiness of heaven, God is glorified by his people.

A DELIGHTFUL PROMISE. Look at it in

Its substance. "Salvation." It includes all blessings suited to the nature, powers, wants, and immortality of the soul; and is the wonder of angels, the triumph of heaven, the scorn of the world, the heritage of the church, the joy of the believer, the end of the law, and the substance of the Gospel.

Its scene. "I will place salvation in Zion;" that is, in the church. How is this done? Meritoriously by the atonement of the cross. It was placed in the holy land at the death of Christ, and there it was to be first preached, "beginning at Jerusalem." Instrumentally in the appointment of ordinances. Where the Gospel is preached, there salvation is placed; be thankful that it is placed in your hearing — the word is nigh thee. Effectually by the gift of the Spirit: thus it is brought home to the conscience. May it be placed in my heart by experience!