This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6-9 NKJV). Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, had a daunting task to complete. Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed by Babylonians, and nearly 20 years later, he was in charge of rebuilding it.
Zerubbabel and his team faced an immense challenge. The once majestic Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem lay in ruins. They lacked the modern machinery we have today, and all they had was their own physical strength and Joshua's leadership. The task seemed insurmountable.
Even with the collective strength of his work crew, it took Zerubbabel two years to build the foundation alone. Their might was not enough. His strength and stamina—his power—was not enough to rebuild the temple. Joshua's brilliant mind and wisdom were not enough. What discouragement they must have experienced!
Amidst the discouragement, God encouraged Zerubbabel. He reminded him that the key to their success was not in their might or strength but in the Spirit of God Himself. It was this Spirit that would enable them to complete the reconstruction of the temple, not their own efforts.
The same Spirit breathed life into Adam at creation and spoke the world into existence. It parted the waters of the Red Sea and brought dead bones back to life (Ezekiel 37). And now, as the Lord continued to speak to Zerubbabel, it would level the mountain before them to a plain (Zechariah 4:7).
God's work—whether counseling, praying for the sick, building a church, raising a godly family, delivering a demon-oppressed person, preaching the Word, or maintaining Christlike character during difficulties—is empowered by His Spirit, not our intelligence, strength, or abilities. The Spirit of God is the crucial factor in accomplishing anything the Lord puts before us.
Let's embrace that! When a boulder of hardship or disbelief crashes onto our path, it will not be our own strength, might, intellect, or plan that successfully moves it. It will be the Holy Spirit of God working through us who will level the mountain. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies (Romans 8:11 NKJV). This truth was not an exclusive verse for a select few. It is part of the salvation package for all those who believe in Jesus Christ and receive Him as Lord and Savior.
What impossibility is overwhelming you? Why not ask God for the most effective resource available—His Spirit? Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).
© 2024, Chris Custer Werre
(The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik, 2024, was helpful in researching this topic.)
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