"Return Unto Me"

by Ian H. Stewart, Glasgow | Category: General | Nov 1971

Remarkable words indeed were those which came from the LORD of Hosts to the returned remnant that inhabited Zion, "Return unto Me, and I will return unto you". But they said, "Wherein shall we return?" (Mal. 3:7). They well remembered the days of their returning "when the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion". Then were they like unto them that dream and their mouths were filled with laughter and their tongues with singing. In that day the LORD in the midst of them was mighty, rejoicing over them with singing, and full well did they realize He was doing great things for them whereof they were glad. Their strength was in Jehovah and they experienced the blessedness of those in whose hearts are the highways to Zion.

Little did they remember the tears that had fallen by the rivers of Babylon when they hung their harps by the willows as they heard the taunt of the heathen, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion" (Psalm 137:3). Nor did they recall the yet sadder day when their fathers had trekked the long weary miles eastward to the land of the Chaldeans. Then had they been esteemed by their captors as earthen pitchers, these precious sons of Zion comparable to fine gold. Through Jeremiah, even then the LORD spoke, and gracious the words were for He witnessed their acknowledgement of divine judgement as they left those who clung to their religious pretensions in Jerusalem. What a comfort the words must have been, "I have sent (them) out ... I will bring them again ... and I will be their God: for they shall return unto Me with their whole heart" (Jer. 24:5-7).

And so they had returned, for the LORD is not slack concerning His promise. Few perhaps there were that had remained faithful, yet their God was faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. What matter if through tear-dimmed eyes they looked in vain for the glory of the former house, if the precious words were heard, "I am with you ... build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD" (Haggai 1:13,8). Soon, however, did their zeal which they had put on as a cloak, abate, and the divine ordinances committed to them became mere ritual. Yes, theirs was the adoption, the covenants, the giving of the Law and the promises, yet how soon did the gold become dim ! Then it was that Malachi's utterance was heard, "Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of Hosts. But ye say, Wherein shall we return?" Perhaps they felt such words were applicable to those who were still in the land beyond the river rather than to themselves. Had they not returned? Were the long hazardous miles through the desert in vain? Did it matter little that they were found within the gates of Zion which He loved? But, alas, it was true of them that they would have none of His counsel; they despised His reproof.

"Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope" (Rom. 15:4). These words of the great apostle to the Gentiles come forcibly to us in our day. The parallel between the days in which we live and those of which we write is most striking. Last century there were amongst the children of God scattered abroad deep heartsearchings. The highways to Zion were again in many hearts and the words believed applicable, "Build the house and I will take pleasure in it". With them it was a very small thing that they should be judged of others who reiterated the words of another era, "It is not the time ... for the LORD's house to be built" (Haggai 1:2). As the streams in the south, so had the LORD turned again their captivity, and doubtless though they went forth weeping, they would come again rejoicing bringing their sheaves with them (Psalm 126).

Thus have the lines fallen to us in pleasant places, yea we have a goodly heritage for the LORD maintains our lot. Truly ours is the glory, the service of God and the promises. Yet today, can we again hear the loving entreaty of our God, "Return unto Me"? God forbid that we shall answer as did Israel, "Wherein shall we return?"

Let us remember the One who returned. All heaven waited to acclaim the victorious Man of Calvary, but He is found in the garden longing to meet a disciple who returned to seek Him. On high the everlasting doors were opening that the King of Glory might enter, yet since there are closed doors in Jerusalem He again manifests Himself to those whom He loves. Some there were on that glorious day of opportunity who saw a vision of angels "but Him they saw not".

Not many years after He again speaks, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me" (Rev. 3:20).It is to Him we must return. What value though if like Absalom we dwell in Jerusalem and see not the King's face?

Ian H. Stewart, Glasgow | Nov 1971
General