We had a strong time of worship before Pastor started his Sermon he called: By Your Spirit or God Will Do It! The scripture was Zechariah 4:1-7; plus 8-14.
God’s word is powerful. Consider that God spoke creation into being.
This book reminds us that we will have struggles during life, but God will be with us.
Zechariah was dealing with hard times. The Israelites were facing opposition to rebuild the temple. Zechariah’s prophesy is to Zerubbabel who was the area governor who returned with Joshua the priest to rebuild the temple. Lampstand signifies God is with you and the two olive trees indicates the two witnesses.
The message to Zerubbabel, and God’s people, is that God will be with us and He will finish the work that is begun --- ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’….
God puts each of His people in the time and place that He wants to fulfil the purpose He has planned. Also, God gives enough grace to deal with whatever problem we face.
We cannot/should not rely on the military. As many have often said, government is not the solution; it is the problem.
Humans tend to think “If I do more I can work it out.” But God has made it clear that we cannot accomplish His Will without His Spirit. At end of day, we need Him.
No matter how big the problem, it is not too big for God.
We are not to have a spirit of fear or to be trepidations. We are to walk wisely by faith.
If He can solve our sin problem, He can handle any other obstacle we will face.
Verse 7 refers to the top stone (or capstone) which is the finishing stone of the project. The mountain in front of him will become a plain and he (Zerubbabel) started the work and he will bring forth the top stone “with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!"
God will finish what He starts. He doesn't start without finishing. But the task is finished through His Grace. All that we have is by grace - His Grace. It's the Lord's doing. God works through our obedience but His will and work are a product of His grace.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “’The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” Matthew 21:42.
We are able to finish the work because the Lord is on our side. As David said:
“Had it not been the Lord who was on our side,” Let Israel now say,…. Blessed be the Lord,…" Psalm 124:1 and 6.
Zechariah further says: Who dares despise the day of small things. Zechariah 4:10.
Small things are important. A hug, a word of encouragement. Great trees begin as small seeds.
We don’t know who will be impacted by our daily actions.
This isn’t the first video I thought of but I found it and it fits really well!
Take You At Your Word!
Zechariah 4:6-7, 10 (NES)
6 Therefore he told me, “This is the Lord’s message to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength and not by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
7 “What are you, you great mountain? Because of Zerubbabel you will become a level plain! And he will bring forth the temple capstone with shoutings of ‘Grace! Grace!’ because of this.”
10 For who dares make light of small beginnings? These seven eyes will joyfully look on the tin tablet in Zerubbabel’s hand. These are the eyes of the Lord, which constantly range across the whole earth.”
Lord, always help me to remember that you are faithful to complete the good works you have begun!
