Not by Might or Power

Zechariah 4-6; Luke 12 

“…’This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. ‘What [or who] are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of “God bless it! God bless it!”’”

Zechariah 4:6, 7

The refugee remnant who returned to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem was immediately opposed by the newly settled residents of Israel from the surrounding nations and the local representatives of the king of Persia. This opposition was continuous and calculated. We are reminded in Ephesians 6:10-12 that ‘we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers’. (KJV)

Who are these seemingly mighty mountains?

Fear, lust, death, and more can plague our thoughts and attempt to intimidate the building, or rebuilding, work of God’s kingdom-mission. We, too, are cautioned not to fight back with might or power, but rather, live by the Spirit of God. The temple was completed through faith-filled obedience to the Spirit of God. In weakness and radical dependence on the Lord, this refugee remnant became strong and so will we.

“Lord Jesus, strengthen me with your Spirit’s power, for your glory.”