Morning, September 26
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
Zechariah 1:8
"The myrtle trees that were in the bottom."
Zechariah 1:8
The vision in this chapter describes the condition of Israel in
Zechariah's day; but being interpreted in its aspect towards us, it
describes the Church of God as we find it now in the world. The Church
is compared to a myrtle grove flourishing in a valley. It is hidden,
unobserved, secreted; courting no honour and attracting no observation
from the careless gazer. The Church, like her head, has a glory, but it
is concealed from carnal eyes, for the time of her breaking forth in
all her splendour is not yet come. The idea of tranquil security is
also suggested to us: for the myrtle grove in the valley is still and
calm, while the storm sweeps over the mountain summits. Tempests spend
their force upon the craggy peaks of the Alps, but down yonder where
flows the stream which maketh glad the city of our God, the myrtles
flourish by the still waters, all unshaken by the impetuous wind. How
great is the inward tranquility of God's Church! Even when opposed and
persecuted, she has a peace which the world gives not, and which,
therefore, it cannot take away: the peace of God which passeth all
understanding keeps the hearts and minds of God's people. Does not the
metaphor forcibly picture the peaceful, perpetual growth of the saints?
The myrtle sheds not her leaves, she is always green; and the Church in
her worst time still hath a blessed verdure of grace about her; nay,
she has sometimes exhibited most verdure when her winter has been
sharpest. She has prospered most when her adversities have been most
severe. Hence the text hints at victory. The myrtle is the emblem of
peace, and a significant token of triumph. The brows of conquerors were
bound with myrtle and with laurel; and is not the Church ever
victorious? Is not every Christian more than a conqueror through him
that loved him? Living in peace, do not the saints fall asleep in the
arms of victory?