Not By Might   6-4-2006

Read Zechariah 4:1-10

Key verse: 4:6
So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: "Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit," says the Lord Almighty."

According to my Asbury Bible Commentary, Zechariah’s question concerning the significance of the lamp stand and the two olive trees is not answered until later in the chapter. In the intervening verses, a pertinent message is given for Zerubbabel, the second leader involved in rebuilding the temple. Joshua’s role and significance had been made clear in ch.3. Now Zerubbabel comes center stage. He would be instrumental in completing the work on the temple but not through might (human resources in general) nor power (human strength in general). When viewed from a human perspective, rebuilding the temple was impossible at this time, given Zerubbabel’s limited resources. But more of this was available. The temple would be completed by God’s Spirit, who was instrumental in the creation of earth and the parting of the Red Sea. The completion of the impossible task will stand as a witness to God’s activity.

These verses emphasize the invincibility of Zerubbabel as leader and the certainty of his success. Every mountainous obstacle will become level ground, and he will provide the final stone of the temple amidst a ceremony of praise. Even the skeptic who considers Zerubbabel’s attempts to be insignificant will have reason to rejoice.

There may be times when obeying God will lead you to what looks like impossible situations. If you look at your own skills and knowledge, you will become discouraged. However, when you became a Christian, God placed His spirit within you. The success of your endeavors will not depend on the way you use your resources but on how you obey the Spirit of God.

Prayer: Mighty and Powerful Lord, we praise you for the marvelous way You accomplish Your purposes. Thank you for these and all the many blessings you give us every day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Luther McCollum