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  THOSE WHO STRIKE AT GOD'S EYES
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Those who persecute God's people are, in effect, striking at
God Himself, and will face His judgment and punishment.

Topics: "Divine Protection", "Persecution"
Scripture References: Psalm 17:8, Zechariah 2:8, Matthew 25:40, John 15:20, Acts 9:4, Romans 12:19, 2 Thessalonians 1:6, Hebrews 13:3, 1 Peter 5:7, Revelation 6:10

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound connection between God and His
people, illustrating that those who harm God's followers are, in
essence, striking at God Himself. He draws from Zechariah 2:8 to
highlight the sacredness of God's people, likening them to the apple of
His eye, which is fiercely protected. Brooks warns persecutors that
their actions against believers will not go unpunished, as God is deeply
aware of their suffering and will respond with justice. He reminds us
that Christ, in His glorified state, continues to bear the griefs of His
saints, reinforcing the intimate bond between Him and His followers. The
sermon serves as a stern warning to those who afflict God's people,
urging them to reconsider their actions.

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CONTENT
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"Whoever touches you, touches the apple of His eye."

Zechariah 2:8

The apple (or pupil) of the eye is the tenderest piece

of the tenderest part. The eye is kept most diligently,

and strongly guarded by nature. A man can better bear

a thump on the back, the biting of his finger, the cutting

of his hand, the pricking of his leg, or a blow upon his

arm--than a touch on the eye.

Oh, that persecutors would be quiet, and let God's people

alone, and take heed how they meddle with God's eyes!

There is no touching of them, to wrong or injure them,

but you wrong and injure the Holy One of Israel, who will

certainly revenge Himself upon you. Those who strike

at God's eyes, do through them strike at God Himself,

which He will never put up with. It is a dangerous thing

to molest and trouble, to afflict or annoy the people of

God; for God Himself is very sensible of it, and accordingly

He will certainly requite it. Acts 9:4, "Saul, Saul, why do

you persecute Me?" Those who persecute the servants of

Christ--they persecute Christ Himself, who lives in them,

and is mystically united to them.

Look! as there is by virtue of the natural union a mutual

sympathy between the head and the members, the husband

and the wife--so it is here between Christ and His saints, for

He is a most sympathizing, compassionate, tender-hearted

Savior. Those who shoot at the saints, hit Christ; their

sufferings and their reproaches are counted His. He who

bore the saints' griefs when He was on earth, really and

properly, He bears them still now He is in heaven, in a

way of sympathy. Christ in His glorified state, has a very

tender sense of all the evil that is done to His children, His

members, His spouse--and looks upon it as done to Himself!

I say to the persecutors of Christians, "Let the people of

God alone, for if you do but make their finger ache, God

will make your heads and hearts ache for it before He has

done with you!"

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/those-who-strike-at-gods-eyes/
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