In this message, Stephen emphasizes God's unwavering purpose for Zion and Jerusalem, which spiritually represent the church today. Despite the current state of disarray—divisions, weakness, and desolation—God's commitment remains firm. He chose Zion not because of its superiority but because it pleased Him, and His zeal for Jerusalem stems from His divine choice. God declares He will not remain silent or still until her righteousness shines brightly and her salvation burns like a torch, transforming her into a crown of beauty and a royal diadem in His hand. This prophetic vision extends beyond Israel's history to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, where the church will be clothed in righteousness, glorified, and known as the new Jerusalem, free from forsaken and desolate names. Stephen underscores that God's work depends on His divine initiative, but He involves His people through the calling of watchmen—those who stand guard on higher ground, praying and interceding continually. These watchmen are also reminders of God's promises, urging Him to fulfill His purpose. The church's progress hinges on believers' willingness to pray, intercede, and remind God of His Word, trusting that He will accomplish His eternal plan. Stephen concludes with a call for believers to join in God's purpose, becoming watchmen and intercessors to hasten the fulfillment of God's glorious church.
1 For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. 2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. 3 Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. 4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. 5 For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.
6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, 7 And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. 8 The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: 9 But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.