I am with you

READ: Zechariah 3-4; Proverbs 25; Revelation 15

SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 4: 6 “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
7 “What are you, 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!’”

OBSERVATION: In the New Year worship services, we love to hear God’s promise for the year. Most of the New Year promises we hear in the sermons or see in the promise cards are taken from the Old Testament prophetical books. They were first said to the people or individuals to encourage them to turn to or trust God. Reading the context of a verse is always helpful and essential to understanding what God wants to speak with us today through the verse he spoke centuries ago. Here, we see Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, who returned from exile and started rebuilding the temple of God. But, the enemies of the Jews tried everything to stop the work. These enemies got some success as people started to focus on building their homes instead of rebuilding the temple. But God again encouraged people and the leaders through his prophets Haggai and Zechariah to complete rebuilding the temple. God promised that Zerubbabel, who put the cornerstone 16 years ago, would also bring the capstone to finish the work.

Although Zerubbabel belonged to David’s royal family, he had no power or army; he was a governor sent or commissioned by foreign kings. His strength as a ruler was limited and did not fully help him complete the rebuilding task. God promised Zerubbabel that “Not by might nor by power, but my Spirit.” With the power of God’s Spirit, Zerubbabel can finish the work of God. God encouraged that all the opposition that hindered the work, even if they are as big as a tall mountain, will become none before God’s anointed. The rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple was completed quickly with God’s encouraging words through his prophets, Haggai and Zechariah. When God blesses our work, when we receive the strength of God, all things that are considered impossible or delayed works for years will become possible. When we live in God’s will and do what he wants us to do, we need not fear for anything. As Don Moen meaningfully sings, “God will make a way where there seems to be no way.” When we stand before a hindrance that is big as a mountain, trusting God, we can speak the words of faith. God gives us the strength to face the mountains before us. The same God who helped Zerubbabel can help us when we do His will and work. All things are possible for those who believe in God, for he promises, “I am with you.”

APPLICATION: Some people believe that their power, knowledge, social status, and hard work will help them complete any challenging tasks. They all have some value. However, I believe “unless the Lord builds,” all our efforts are vain. The same God who empowered Zerubbabel to complete his work can help me today. I can put my faith in the power of God’s Spirit and witness him in my life. God is with me.

 PRAYER:  Father God, thank you for the strength you give me from heaven. Lord, help me be filled in the Holy Spirit and do your work faithfully till the end. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

Day – 358

(Tamil version of this devotion is posted here)