Zechariah – Part 2 of 5

The Power of God

Zechariah 4:8 – This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

In chapters 3 and 4, Zechariah is given two more visions, this time concerning Joshua the priest and Zerubbabel the governor. Joshua was standing before the angel of the Lord in filthy clothes and the angel demanded they be removed and said, “I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments…. walk in my ways and keep my charge” (3:4,7). This was symbolic of the whole nation – if they returned to the Lord, walked with him and obeyed his word, he would remove their sin and cover them with his glory.

The vision concerning Zerubbabel took the form of two olive trees providing oil to a bowl which sat on a golden lampstand. The word of the Lord confirmed, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it.” The task would be hard and there would be opposition and fear, so, the Lord spoke words of reassurance: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.

Joshua and Zerubbabel were the two olive trees and they would be vessels through which the teaching and direction of God would be delivered to the people, so that they would be a source of light, God’s light, to everyone around.

Coming to God and confessing our sin enables us to be clothed in his righteousness, becoming pure and holy in his eyes. In order to continue to be righteous, we must walk in his ways and keep his word. Thankfully, we are not expected to do this on our own strength but through the power of the Spirit that dwells within us. Just as Zerubbabel would start and finish the work that God gave him to do, we also must commit ourselves to God’s leading. In trusting Him, we have this assurance – ‘that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.’

Jesus is the light of the world and we are his vessels, so, ‘let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’