Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit

Scripture: 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 hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?” Zechariah 4:9-10

Observation: The first portion of Scripture is a well known and favorite verse for many. It speaks first of the Word, followed by the Spirit. In every Christian’s life, the Word of God and presence of the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential to live victoriously in the Lord. We are called not to trust in human might or power, but by the Holy Spirit who is far more powerful than anything in all creation. Humanly, we have a tendency to trust in our own strength, intellect and efforts, but there is only so far we can go. When we move in the Spirit, God works and gives us wings of eagles to soar and glorify His name. The Holy Spirit is so important, and we really need to make our relationship with Him and dependence on Him a natural part of our lives.

The second portion of Scripture starts with a promise that just as Zerubbabel laid the foundation of the temple, he too would complete it.  Our God is a God who completes things and brings things to fruition. He does not leave things halfway done. Some of us may have started a project or initiative for the Lord, but stopped halfway because of discouragement. Do not give up, claim this promise for ourselves, that we too will complete what we started, like Zerubbabel. At this stage, with just the foundation of the temple completed, there is still a long way to go, and some may see it as only a day of small things. However, the Holy Spirit already rejoiced at the sight of the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel. This capstone is symbolic of our Lord Jesus, who has become the chief cornerstone. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, and rose again, the church started off with just a few disciples. Even then, it was a day of great rejoicing. In time, the church of Jesus Christ would grow to millions and reach people from every tribe and tongue and nation across the world.                                   

Application: Remember these words “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord”. Aim to grow strong in the Word of God, and to know and depend on the Holy Spirit more and more in our lives. Praise God that He will bring to completion the work He has begun in us. Remember that Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the very foundation of our faith. Without Jesus, there is no faith, no meaning. Many times we may get too caught up even in church activities and forget its really all about Jesus first!

Prayer: Oh God, Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Precious Holy Spirit, open my eyes to love your Word and learn deep things from You. Let me live life not by my might or power but by Your Holy Spirit. Complete the work O Lord that You have begun in me. Let me always remember that my entire faith, my entire life, is always firstly about Jesus. May Your name be praised forever O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.