A Spirit of grace and supplication

A Spirit of grace and supplication

Scripture: A prophecy: The word of the Lord concerning Israel. The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the human spirit within a person, ….. : Zechariah 12:1

Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the Lord Almighty is their God.’ Zechariah 12:5

 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. Zechariah 12:10

Observation: In the first Scripture, we see the introduction to the Lord’s prophecy concerning Israel, with particular focus on three characteristics of the Lord. Firstly, the Lord is the One who stretches out the heavens. Even just looking at the skies, we can’t help but wonder how great our God is to create something so vast and awesome - what more the expanse of the universe itself and the billions of galaxies invisible to the most powerful telescope. Secondly, the Lord is the One who lays the foundation of the earth. We tend to take for granted even the solidity of the ground we stand on. It is the Lord who holds land and matter in place by gravity, who gives His creation a stable ground by which they are able to live within order and purpose. Thirdly, the Lord is the One who forms the human spirit within a person. Each one of us has a spirit specially formed by God. It is fashioned out of God’s own spirit, and thus, we are created in His image. Man’s spirit is made to worship but will only find its true place when he worships the Almighty God Creator, our Heavenly Father, our Everlasting Lord!

The second Scripture reminds us that we are strong because the Lord Almighty is our God. We are not strong because of our own talents or ability. We are strong only because of God’s mercy and grace and generosity.

The third Scripture speaks of the Lord pouring out His Holy Spirit, describing Him as the spirit of grace and supplication (prayer). As God pours out His Spirit, He lavishes His grace, His unmerited favor upon us, blessing us with His presence. God’s Spirit not only blesses us but intercedes for us and through us in groans that cannot be expressed as the Scripture records. As the Holy Spirit indwells us more and more, we are able to likewise show grace to others and intercede for them.

Application: Praise the Lord for His great works, the beauty of the skies, the strength of the foundations of the earth, even for the spirit within us that He Himself formed. Know that we are precious for God made us, and breathed His Spirit in us. Always remember that we are strong because the Lord is our God, and not to be proud in ourselves.  All that we have, our abilities and opportunities come from God according to His grace. Ask God to pour forth His Spirit of grace and supplication more and more upon us, that we too may show grace and intercede for others.

Prayer: Praise You, Heavenly Father, for You created all things. The heavens are Yours, the foundation of the earth are Yours, even my spirit within me is Yours. Blessed be Your Holy name! Let me always remember O Lord that I am strong because You are my God! I am not weak, but strong in You! Pour forth Your Spirit more and more upon me, I pray, that I might receive more of Your grace. Teach me O Lord to pray for others through Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.