December 23

Not by Might 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 145:8-13 | Zechariah 4:1 – 5:11 | Revelation 14:1-20 | Proverbs 30:21-23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Zechariah 4-5

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).

“Who despises the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10).

God had chosen Joshua and Zerubabbel to complete the task of building the temple. The key to their success in accomplishing their God-given task was not their human wisdom or strength. They key to their success was the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

We often look to natural talents thinking they are the sure predictor of future success. But God’s work calls for more than human talents and human strength. God’s work demands so much more–it requires the anointing of God to accomplish his purposes.

God often delights in choosing and anointing the weak and the foolish so that through his power they can accomplish unexpected things–and then all the glory goes to him.

I’m sure that Joshua and Zerubabbel, in their respective roles, felt overwhelmed by the task ahead. God wanted to remind them through this vision that their success in completion of the task did not depend on their human talents, intelligence, or strength. They might be tempted to be discouraged by the lack of progress (to despise the day of small things) but the victory was assured by the empowering of the Holy Spirit. As they walked in intimacy with God–led by the Spirit– and in humble dependence on his strength, the seemingly impossible task would be completed. The temple would be rebuilt and as Zerubabbel placed the final stone, all would cry out, “God bless it, God bless it” (4:7).

We must always remember that any God-sized mission will require dependence on God’s strength and power–it will be too much for our limited human strength. Yet God is always so willing to anoint and empower us as we trust Him and walk in obedience to his commands.

Father God, thank you for empowering me to accomplish the tasks you have given me to do today. I rely not on my own mighty or power, but on your Spirit. May you be glorified in it all. Amen.