"They shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of
Zerubbabel."
Zechariah 4:10
Small things marked the beginning of the work in the hand of Zerubbabel, but
none might despise it, for the Lord had raised up one who would persevere until
the headstone should be brought forth with shoutings. The plummet was in good
hands. Here is the comfort of every believer in the Lord Jesus; let the work of
grace be ever so small in its beginnings, the plummet is in good hands,
a master builder greater than Solomon has undertaken the raising of the heavenly
temple, and He will not fail nor be discouraged till the topmost pinnacle shall
be raised. If the plummet were in the hand of any merely human being, we might
fear for the building, but the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in Jesus'
hand. The works did not proceed irregularly, and without care, for the
master's hand carried a good instrument. Had the walls been hurriedly run
up without due superintendence, they might have been out of the perpendicular;
but the plummet was used by the chosen overseer. Jesus is evermore watching the
erection of His spiritual temple, that it may be built securely and well. We are
for haste, but Jesus is for judgment. He will use the plummet, and that which is
out of line must come down, every stone of it. Hence the failure of many a
flattering work, the overthrow of many a glittering profession. It is not for us
to judge the Lord's church, since Jesus has a steady hand, and a true eye, and
can use the plummet well. Do we not rejoice to see judgment left to Him?
The plummet was in active use--it was in the builder's hand; a sure
indication that he meant to push on the work to completion. O Lord Jesus, how
would we indeed be glad if we could see Thee at Thy great work. O Zion, the
beautiful, thy walls are still in ruins! Rise, Thou glorious Builder, and make
her desolations to rejoice at Thy coming.