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
The name Zechariah means ‘The Lord Remembers’. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Zechariah is a fitting name for a prophet of restoration. He lived at the time along with others like Haggai, Zerubbabel, and Ezra. His mission was to encourage and mobilize the people to complete the task they had begun and yet lost momentum for – rebuilding the temple.
Zechariah warned them of the consequences of neglecting God’s work. He emphasized that God wants to do a work through His people. Zechariah adds to Haggai’s prophecy, that God is interested in His people, not just buildings.
Zechariah’s prophecies were rich with visions. Today’s passage is about the vision he had, regarding Zerubbabel, the civic leader of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel had the responsibility to finish the work of rebuilding the temple. The work had stalled, and he needed encouragement to complete the work.
The Lord’s message to Zerubbabel was, not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, you will accomplish this work. Might focuses on collective strength, the resource of a group or army. While power focuses on individual strength. God is saying, “Zerubbabel, you will accomplish the task of rebuilding the temple. But not by the strength of those with you nor by your own individual abilities. You will surely accomplish, because of My Spirit.”
As the church of God today, we are to rely on the Holy Spirit for all our needs and not on our own might or power. Where is your confidence today?
Lord, help me rely on your Spirit for my every need, I pray.
Extended Reading — Zechariah 1-7
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Amazing breakdown — the numbered steps made it easy to follow.