Let Zion Rejoice
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Key Verse: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” Selected Scripture: |
PRIOR TO HIS ASCENSION to the Heavenly Father following his resurrection and various appearances to his disciples, Christ asserted to them that under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, they would have a special commission. “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”—Acts 1:8
This privilege of preaching the Gospel has been an essential aspect of the consecrated believer’s responsibility, and has served as a means of strengthening the body of Christ for nearly two thousand years. As we observe conditions which exist in the world today, it is clear that there is a longing by most for peace and a respite from all the troubles faced by mankind. Yet, despite efforts by governments, scientists, and medical practitioners, it is apparent that no real solutions have been found to achieve what human hearts continue to desire.
Our Key Verse asserts that God has a plan which will satisfy all the longings of mankind. It is the privilege of Christ’s footstep followers to reaffirm the good tidings of great joy that were announced by the angel at the time of the Savior’s birth.
An important understanding as to the seeming delay in the accomplishment of God’s purpose is the fact that Jesus came to earth at his First Advent for the purpose of providing a ransom price to purchase Adam and his progeny by laying down his perfect human life in sacrifice. This was the first step in the fulfillment of the Father’s design. Additionally, a call has been extended throughout this Gospel Age to members of the fallen human race who have receptive hearts and hearing ears. These have been invited to devote their lives to God by following Jesus’ example in sacrificing their earthly interests in exchange for a share in the coming kingdom of righteousness and blessings.
These glorious purposes have been foretold in the Scriptures. Peter said to those gathered in Jerusalem following Pentecost: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”—Acts 3:19-21
The front cover of The Dawn proclaims this journal “A Herald of Christ’s Presence.” As such, we delight to publish our understanding that God, through the invisible presence of his exalted son, Christ Jesus, is in control of all earth’s affairs during this turbulent time. (Ps. 46:1-9) When the body of Christ is completed, God will then intervene, as foretold in scripture, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (vs. 10) Then there will be great rejoicing as his will is done on earth, and all will join in proclaiming the words of our Key Verse—“Thy God reigneth!”