Zechariah 4:6 "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power..."

"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 NRSV).

Question:

I opened the Bible and there is where my right finger was placed so I read it.

Comment:

Zechariah was a prophet of the time after the Babylonian Exile, when the Israelites had been allowed to return to their land. The book that bears his name is confusing and obscure, but it is clear that he was passionate about Israel reclaiming its greatness and, specifically, rebuilding the temple that the Babylonians had leveled. Zerubbabel was the leader of the first group of exiles to return, and thus it is to him that the prophet directs his words urging him to move forward. There was concern that they were too small in number and too poor to accomplish the vision of a restored Jerusalem. Thus the word of the Lord: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts."   The same message is important for us today, as we face challenges in our own lives. If the inspiration and guidance come from the Lord—the creative power of God within us—then nothing external can stand in our way. If we try to rely on our own human might and power, then the road ahead will be challenging and the going will be slow. If we surrender our human doubts and fears to the certainty of the Christ within us. then things will flow smoothly and joyfully.   Blessings!

Rev. Ed