The work in Zerubbabel's hands began small. But none dared despise it, for the Lord had raised up one who would persevere until the headstone was brought forth with shoutings! The plumb line was in good hands.

Here is the comfort of every believer in the Lord Jesus: let the work of grace be ever so small in its beginnings, the plumb line is in good hands! A master builder greater than Solomon has undertaken the raising of the heavenly temple, and he will not fail nor be discouraged till the topmost pinnacle is raised.

If that plumb line were in merely human hands, we might fear for the building. But the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in Jesus' hands. The work does not proceed carelessly or without supervision—the Master's hand carries a good instrument. Had the walls been hurriedly run up without due superintendence, they might have been out of the perpendicular. But the plumb line is in the hands of the chosen overseer.

Jesus is evermore watching the erection of his spiritual temple, that it may be built securely and well. We are for haste, but Jesus is for judgment. He will use that plumb line, and that which is out of line must come down—every stone of it! Hence the failure of many a flattering work, the overthrow of many a glittering profession.

It is not for us to judge the Lord's church, since Jesus has a steady hand, and a true eye, and can use the plumb line well. Do we not rejoice to see judgment left to him?

The plumb line was in active use—it was in the builder's hand! A sure indication that he meant to push on the work to completion.

O Lord Jesus, how we would indeed be glad if we could see thee at thy great work! O Zion, the beautiful, thy walls are still in ruins! Rise, thou glorious Builder, and make her desolations to rejoice at thy coming!