4. There is a river. Divine grace, like a
smoothly flowing, fertilizing, full, and never-failing river, yields
refreshment and consolation to believers. This is the river of the water of
life, of which the church above as well as the church below partakes evermore. The streams whereof in their various influences, for they are many, shall make glad the city of God, by assuring the citizens that Zion’s Lord will
unfailingly supply all their needs. The streams are clear, cool, fresh,
abundant, and gladdening. The great fear of an Eastern city in time of war was
lest the water supply should be cut off during a siege. In this verse
Jerusalem, which represents the church of God, is described as well supplied
with water. In seasons of trial all-sufficient grace will be given to enable us
to endure to the end. The church is peculiarly the “City of God,” dedicated to his praise,
and glorified by his presence. The holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. This was the especial glory of Jerusalem, that the Lord within her
walls had a place where he especially revealed himself, and this is the choice
privilege of the saints. To be a temple for the Holy Ghost is the delightful
portion of each saint; to be the living temple for the Lord our God is also the
high honor of the church in her corporate capacity. Our God is here called by a
worthy title, indicating his power, majesty, sublimity, and excellency; and it
is worthy of note that under this character he dwells in the church. The church
contains as clear and convincing a revelation of God as the works of nature. To
have the Most High dwelling within her members is to make the church on earth
like the church in heaven.
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