It’s NOT by MIGHT nor by POWER but by HIS SPIRIT!
October 3
Bible Reading: Zechariah Chapters 4-6
It’s NOT by MIGHT nor by POWER but by HIS SPIRIT
This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts. “Who are
you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!"
(Zech 4:6-7)
As governor
of Judah, Zerubbabel was ultimately responsible for rebuilding the Temple in
Jerusalem, which had began in earnest ten years ago (Ezra 5:1, 2; Hag. 1:14),
but this work was currently stalled. It appeared that all his efforts had
failed. However, God wanted Zerubbabel to understand that He (Himself) was his
strength and would supply everything that was needed to accomplish the task to
which He had called him. Though physical effort and objects were involved in
the work, this work was actually spiritual and could be accomplished only
through the power of the Holy Spirit. The ‘great
mountain’ mentioned was a figurative reference to the great obstacles the
people faced in rebuilding the temple (Ezra 5:3–17).
Even today, God’s
people are told not to depend on military power and foreign alliances to accomplish
their calling (Isaiah 31:1–3; Psalms 20:7–9). Ultimately, brute force is not
the way that God accomplishes His work. God’s Spirit is the empowering agent of
His activity (v. 6). Human energy, creativity, planning, and thinking have
value, but they count little without spiritual strength (Ezek. 37:1–14). God’s
grace can move the biggest mountains (obstacles) one faces, reducing them to
easily traveled plains (v. 7). Zerubbabel saw examples of this in his own day
when God graciously removed a number of obstructionists who stood in the way of
the temple’s completion (Ezra 4:1–6:12)
Nations and
churches truly prosper, not as a result of their erudition or financial
resources, but only because God’s power is operative. Let’s understand that our
weakness is no hindrance to God, nor is our strength an aid to God. God
ultimately works out His purposes in our lives by the power of His Spirit (Hos.
1:7; 2 Cor. 4:7, 12:8-9).
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13)
