Nehemiah 4:1-23; Haggai 1:1-15; Revelation 9:1-21
Awake, O sword…against the man that is my fellow. Zech. 13:7
“My fellow” could be rendered, “my nearest one”. The equality between the Father and the Son is absolute and mutually delightful. For us to enjoy this relationship, “my nearest one” became “the man”, morally perfect and fully pleasing to the Father in every act, thought, motive, and word. Every one of our sins—first to last, was ever present in God’s mind. Human wickedness and rebellion constantly affronted His holiness. In one event at Calvary, righteous anger against both sin and sins awoke as Christ hung on the cross. All because God loves you and me. Who can comprehend such grace? —David W. Oliver
Jehovah bade His sword awake; O Christ, it woke ‘gainst Thee!
Thy blood the flaming blade must slake; Thy heart its sheath must be. —A. Cousin