Zechariah 4:2 - Homilies By W. Forsyth

On seeing.

The question, "What seest thou?" suggests—

I. THE SLUMBER OF THE SOUL . ( Zechariah 4:1 .) Want of consciousness and activity. Delusions ( Isaiah 29:7 ), Peril ( Mark 13:36 ).

II. THE AWAKENING OF THE SOUL . ( Zechariah 4:1 .) "The angel" may be taken to illustrate the various ministries employed by God to quicken and rouse his people. Providence. Loss of health, property, friends, and such like incidents. Word of the truth . Law and gospel. The Spirit of Christ. ( 1 Kings 19:11 , 1 Kings 19:12 ; John 16:8-13 ; Revelation 1:10-20 .)

III. THE GLORIOUS THINGS REVEALED TO THE AWAKENED SOUL . The question. Mark:

1 . The time. When the soul was awakened; not before ( Isaiah 1:4 ; Luke 9:32 ).

2 . The purpose. To stimulate activity. "I have looked." Must use our own faculties.

3 . The reset . Manifold things revealed. As we are, so will our sight be. Press thee question, "What seest thou?" In nature.

"O lady, we receive but what we give,

And in our lives alone does nature live."

(Coleridge)

Human life. Life all confused and dark, a maze without a plan, or the hand of God. Holy Scriptures. God. Truth. Immortality. Christ. " We see Jesus " ( Hebrews 2:9 ).—F.