Jeremiah 3:17

The throne of the Lord.

The Church Christ’s throne

1. Jerusalem had been of old the throne of God: the symbol of God rested on the ark. Hence called “the city of the Great King.”

2. Jerusalem became the throne of God as never before when Emmanuel visited her. Yet she rejected her King.

3. Christ by His death founded a kingdom in which His Church has become the true throne of God.

I. In the conversion of sinners the kingly power and authority of Christ is manifested. Each case is a victory of Christ over the “enmity” of the carnal mind and the resistance of hellish foes.

II. In maintaining his ascendency over the lives and affections of His converts. “Law in their members” at war with Him. The world strives to wrest them from His rule. Satan strives to recover his lost power. But they are held “in obedience to Christ,” and “kept by the power of God unto salvation.”

III. In governing the world providentially for His Church’s advantage. Christ reigns as mediator: works all things for our good and His glory; and by, and for, and from His Church He puts forth His power, that shall subdue all enemies under His feet. How does Christ’s rule affect individual members of His Church?

1. To what extent can and may they enjoy personally the presence of their King? Sits enthroned in their heart and affections individually.

2. Christ must hold unrivalled and unlimited sway and sovereignty over their liven His kingship absolute: their affections undivided: they habitually and entirely under the constraining influences of His love.

3. They will recognise that His care extends to every individual believer, sending expressions of His kindness and love to each, and never--save in faithfulness--afflicting them. (R. Gordon, D. D.)