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THE DAY OF SMALL THINGS
IT is observable in the dispensations both of nature and of providence, that the greatest things take their rise from very small beginnings. From a view of a new-born infant we might be ready to imagine that it would never be capable of any exertions: but, when its faculties are strengthened and matured, it may astonish the world with its profound wisdom, or its heroic exploits. Thus in the dealings of God towards the Jewish nation, they were frequently so reduced, as to be, to all appearance, incapable of attaining that state, which their prophets had given them reason to expect. After their restoration from the Babylonish captivity, their difficulties seemed absolutely insurmountable: but God, in the passage before us, assured them, that the very person, who had laid the foundation of their temple, should live to finish it; and exhorted them not to despise the present small beginnings; for that, in spite of every obstacle, they should have a favourable termination; the temple and city should be rebuilt, and the nation be restored, in a measure at least, to its pristine grandeur. Thus in the literal sense this promise refers to the material temple at Jerusalem; but it may well be applied,
I. To the mystical temple which God has erected in the world—
The very names of “Zion” and “Jerusalem” are often given to the Church of Christ. Nor can there be a doubt, but that the history to which the text relates was a typical representation of Christ’s Church, which is brought out of bondage, and erected in the midst of unnumbered difficulties—
There have been many seasons when it has been “a day of small things” with the Church of God—
[If we look back to the days of Noah, Abraham, Elijah, and the prophets, we shall find that the true worshippers of God were so few as to be “for signs and wonders” in the age and nation where they lived [Note: Isa_8:18.]. After our Lord had preached for three or four years, the number of his disciples was no more than a hundred and twenty: and even at this day the are very few in comparison of those who serve mammon: they are “a little flock,” who walk in a “narrow and unfrequented way [Note: Mat_7:14.].”]
But we must not “despise” the Church, however low it may appear—
[God has promised that his Church shall one day fill the world; that “all shall be righteous;” that “all shall know the Lord from the least to the greatest;” and that “Christ shall have the heathen for his inheritance, and the utmost ends of the earth for his possession [Note: Psa_2:8.].” True it is that there is very little prospect of such an event at present; but “faithful is he who hath promised: who also will do it [Note: 1Th_5:24.].” “Before our Zerubbabel the mountains shall become a plain [Note: ver. 7.];” he shall “ride on. in the chariots of the everlasting Gospel, conquering, and to conquer [Note: Rev_6:2.];” and “the knowledge of him shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea [Note: Isa_11:9.]” Instead therefore of despising the present low appearances, we must regard them as an earnest and pledge of that universal empire of Christ which shall in due season be erected in the world.]
The text is yet further applicable,
II. To the spiritual temple which is founded by God in the hearts of his people—
Believers are often called the Temple of God [Note: 1Co_3:16-17.]: but so imperfect is their present state that it may well be said to be with them only as “a day of small things”—
[In some sense the most established believer is but in a low and despicable condition. What are any man’s attainments when compared with the law, which is our rule, or with Christ, who is our pattern, or even with Paul, who was a man of like passions with ourselves? But to weak believers the text may be more properly applied. They have indeed been liberated from their sore bondage, and have had the foundations of grace laid in their hearts; but alas! how slowly has the work advanced! and how many obstacles do they meet with, that weaken their hands, and discourage their hearts! often are they ready to question, whether the work have been begun in them or not? and to say in despair, “There is no hope.”]
But they should not despise the operations of grace, however small—
[The mode in which this part of the promise is conveyed, is worthy of notice. The interrogatory form of it puts the desponding soul, as it were, upon an inquiry, that by finding how important the day of small things is in the eyes of those who are competent to judge, it may not yield to its disquieting fears. Let the inquiry then be made; Who hath despised the day of small things? Did the Father, when he ran to meet the yet distant prodigal, and fell on his neck and kissed him? Does Christ, who “carries the lambs in his bosom,” and has promised never to “break the bruised reed,” though it be so unfit for his use, nor to “quench the smoking flax,” notwithstanding there is so much in it to disgust, and so little to please, him? Do the angels, who, instead of waiting till the penitent becomes established, shout for joy at the very first appearances of his conversion? Does Satan? Does he not act precisely like the kings of Canaan, who, the very instant they found the Gibeonites had made a league with Joshua, confederated to destroy them [Note: Jos_10:1-5. This seems to have been a typical event.]? Yes; the moment we submit to Jesus, that roaring lion seeks, if possible, to devour us. If then they who best know the worth of true grace do not despise the very smallest portion of it, shall we? Shall we not rather value it, rejoice in it, adore our God for it, and take occasion from it to seek for more? Consider the author of it, God; his design in it, to make us his habitation; the benefits resulting from it, present peace and everlasting glory; and shall we despise it; especially when God himself has assured us, that, “wheresoever he has begun the good work, he will carry it on, and perfect it to the day of Christ [Note: Php_1:6.]?” Did he notice “some good thing” in the heart of young Abijah [Note: 1Ki_14:13.], and will he forget you? Let not the thought be entertained one moment; but let the weak be strong, and the faint-hearted dissipate their fears; for behold, “the temple shall be built, though in troublous times [Note: Dan_9:25.];” and “the head-stone thereof shall be brought forth with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it!”]
To this encouraging subject we should subjoin a word or two of caution:
1. Do not mistake the day of small things—
[As the wheat and the tares may be mistaken for each other in the early stage of their growth, so may good purposes and good desires be easily mistaken for the operations of saving grace. Religion may be counterfeited so well, as, in some instances, to deceive an apostle [Note: Act_8:13; Act_8:21.]; and in ten thousand instances are men led from very false or equivocal appearances to fancy themselves possessed of the reality. To guard against so fatal an error, we should inquire whether the foundation be laid deep in humility and contrition; for, where this is not done, the superstructure, how beautiful soever it may appear, will inevitably fall, and bury us in its ruins.]
2. Do not think too highly of the day of small things—
[If we have solid grounds for believing that God has begun a good work in our hearts, we must still remember that much remains to be done: many conflicts must be sustained before we can get the victory; and “it ill becomes him who girds on the armour, to boast as one that puts it off [Note: 1Ki_20:11.].” The difficulties which the builders of the material temple experienced, were shadows of those which we must expect in the divine life. Numberless are the devices of our subtle enemy; nor can we defeat his purposes, unless, while we build with one hand, we hold our sword in the other [Note: Neh_4:17.]. Be not then high-minded, but fear; and, while you rejoice in what God has done for your souls, “rejoice with trembling.”]