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.” Zechariah 4:6 NIV
The book of Ezra tells us that God’s people Israel spent 70 years as exiles in Babylon until God moved on the heart of the Babylonian King Cyrus to send an exodus of Israelites back to Israel to rebuild the temple that had been destroyed 70 years earlier. That doesn’t sound like something the king would have cared about, but anything is possible with God.
Zerubbabel was chosen along with the priest Jeshua to lead the people back to rebuild the temple. It was a noble and significant task, one God Himself wanted done. As these former exiles and captives arrived in Jerusalem, they began building the temple from the ruins of the previous temple, destroyed 70 years previous. Think of that – rebuilding with 70-year-old ruins. That would be difficult enough, but they also faced significant opposition. Zerubbabel faced so much resistance and so many attacks from the locals that he paused the work. He just quit for a while. He and the people filled their days with distractions and other less significant work.
At just the right moment, Zechariah, one of Israel’s prophets, showed up. He looked around at the situation and encouraged Zerubbabel and the people to finish the work they had begun. Zechariah told Zerubbabel that God was committed to help them. God was in it and it would be completed. He encouraged the people that all of those who made fun of their small start and resisted their work would soon change their minds. They would see that the impossible dream would be accomplished. It would all happen, not by might or power, not because they were so great, but by the power of God’s Holy Spirit.
It reminds us that God’s greatest and most amazing works often start small. Think David and Goliath. Even better – think the baby in the manger the world eventually recognized as King and Messiah. Think of the Church of Jesus Christ that has transformed the world, beginning with eleven confused and scared but obedient men. Zerubbabel and the people started from ruins and slowly rebuilt the temple, and it is another reminder that God always finishes the work He starts. Might and power are not the deciding factors. It is always HIS Spirit. His Holy Spirit.
- Father, right now I can think of some things I started but never finished because I got discouraged in my own strength. Remind me today that You are with me, and no matter what resistance or discouraging circumstances I face, may I trust Your Spirit most. I commit to the work You call me to do, certain that my might and power will always be inadequate, but the power of Your Spirit in and through me will always be more than enough. You always finish what You start. In Jesus’ name.