Oh Happy Day!
In life, you will have delays, opposition, struggles, weakness, and a plethora of other obstacle words you can conjure up, in order to halt you from accomplishing a task. But…when God is in it, you will win it…through Him.
We are reminded of this in Philippians 4:13, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Sure, you can accomplish things, yet it is through Christ that you are given the strength and perseverance to fulfill the endeavor at hand. This verse, from the New Testament, rings true throughout the history in the bible. In Zechariah 4, we discover that an endeavor did come to a halt. A halt that lasted for sixteen to seventeen years (see Ezra 4). Nevertheless, when it came time for God to display His greatness, glory, and grit, the task was completed. The temple (task at hand) was much smaller than people expected. However, substantial things were achieved for the glory of God.
“What was achieved?” you may ask. Well, this second and more simplified temple wasn’t as grand, and didn’t house the Ark of the Covenant like Solomon’s temple, yet hundreds of years later…Jesus walked in and through this temple. Proof…Christ is in and through even the smaller things in life.
Friend, when you feel afraid, discouraged, and exhausted when it comes to doing something right…never give up, seek God, and allow Him to work in and through you. In His time, friend, in His time.
So, why did I begin today’s entry with “Oh Happy Day” just to begin the next paragraph with doom and gloom? Because when we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ, that doom and gloom can turn into delight and glory!
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Ready for a little thought study on Zechariah 4?
Then the angel who had been talking with me returned and woke me, as though I had been asleep. 2 “What do you see now?” he asked.
I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl of oil on top of it. Around the bowl are seven lamps, each having seven spouts with wicks. 3 And I see two olive trees, one on each side of the bowl.” 4 Then I asked the angel, “What are these, my lord? What do they mean?”
5 “Don’t you know?” the angel asked.
“No, my lord,” I replied.
6 Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 7 Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!’”
8 Then another message came to me from the Lord: 9 “Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me. 10 Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”
(The seven lamps[b] represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.)
11 Then I asked the angel, “What are these two olive trees on each side of the lampstand, 12 and what are the two olive branches that pour out golden oil through two gold tubes?”
13 “Don’t you know?” he asked.
“No, my lord,” I replied.
14 Then he said to me, “They represent the two anointed ones[c] who stand in the court of the Lord of all the earth.”
Notes from self discovery by using the scripture references in my bible:
Verse 2: In Exodus 25, we read about the lampstand. The lampstand was in the Holy Place. This is where the priests would commune (talk, share intimate thoughts) with the Lord. The Most Holy Place was where the high priest (only) would go to be in the presence of God. Even now, God was you to share your intimate thoughts with Him. Hey, He already knows them, so why not chat with Him about it all.
In Revelation 4:5, the read that the seven torches with burning flames is the sevenfold Spirit of God.
I love how you read throughout the Old and New Testaments and see the symbolism of Christ from the beginning of time to Heaven.
Verse 3: The two olive trees “represent the two anointed ones who stand in the court of the Lord of all the earth.” (says v 14) I watched a video where the speaker believes the two olive trees could mean “fresh oil”, implying that Zechariah and Haggi are the two prophets who are receiving this “fresh” message from God. It just may take some deeper digging to really discover the symbolism of the two olive trees, but I do know that once I’m in heaven, there will be answers to questions and lots of story time at the feet of Jesus. Do you need a fresh message from the Lord? All you have to do is open your bible, pray for God to reveal to you what He wants, and get busy reading and resting in His word.
Verse 6: These next couple of verses (and verse 10) could be a main takeaway for me regarding Zechariah 4. Zerubbabel began the new temple years ago, but had to stop work due to opposition. Sixteen to seventeen years later, it was time for him to begin rebuilding again. The Jews had just returned from bondage and were possibly physically and mentally weak. Application: Although oppositions occur in life and you are weak and discouraged, it is through the strength and perseverance of the Holy Spirit that you will make it and accomplish the task at hand. To God be all the glory. “It is not by force not by strength, but by my Spirit”, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. Remember that we learn in Ephesians 6:17 that we are to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Friend, take the word of God, read it, believe it, and apply it to your life. It will give you unbelievable strength and protection.
Verse 7: This new temple won’t hold the same splendor as the original. Your task in life may not be as grand as your neighbor, but God doesn’t look at the size of the task. He looks at the completion of the assignment and the attitude of your heart. This new temple will be completed, with the Spirit of the Lord’s help, and all the people will shout “May God bless it! May God bless it!” God will bless your accomplishments when you do it for and through Him.
Verse 9-10: I’m reminded of Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Also, 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Y’all, be faithful in the small opportunities in life. God will be with you. Stick with Him and never give up. Small things can achieve splendid things. (How’s that for a lack of words…things.)
Another thought: Jesus is the Light of the world.
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12
So…let The Light shine on you, and allow His steady supply of radiance shine through you. Go be the light to others.
Notes from commentaries:
- Zerubbabel: The new temple will be built by him, but not through him. It will come through God’s Spirit. This signifies lasting value.
- God’s people were weary. Their strength came from the Holy Spirit.
- Zerubbabel tried to build it years ago, but it had to come to a halt for 16 years until now.
- Gold: light of God’s presence and guidance. Possibly, Christ, the Light of the world.
- Bowl on top: The provision and sustenance of God’s divine Spirit. A steady supply of oil.
- 7: perfection, completeness
- 7 spouts to lamp: continuous and abundant provision of the Holy Spirit
- Dr Tony Evans: “God didn’t bring them out of captivity to see them fail.” Read the rest.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
