Read: Zechariah 4
Zechariah
continues with the visions that he received from God. Not all commentators
agree on the exact meaning of each of the visions, but there is some consensus.
We can have confidence that as time progresses, God wants us to know! The
picture of the lampstand, along with a bowl, lights and olive trees likely
speaks of the promise of God’s power and anointing for Israel. Such items mean
similar things throughout the Bible, as God provides order in His Word so that
we can understand what He’s saying. This
is supported by the angel’s words, “not by might nor by power, but by my
Spirit” (4:6). Essentially, God is saying through His servants that His work
will only happen with His power. How could it happen otherwise? He is so
powerful that even a “mighty mountain” (could represent a mighty nation or enemy)
will not stand. Then the capstone (prob. Jesus) will come out! (4:7). This is
our only hope, and Israel’s only hope, as our enemies are much too strong for
us. We need to call on Jesus for what will happen in the future!
Unquestionably
the Jews and maybe even we today wonder –things seem so bad right now, how will
they turn around? To this, God says – “who despises the day of small things?”
(4:10) God is saying to them and to us - small
now doesn’t mean big won’t happen later! Finally, the picture of the two
olive branches and the two golden pipes could represent the marrying of the
priesthood & royal functions – Joshua was an example of this (see 6:9-11) –
and the raising up of Joshua (high priest) and Zerubabbel (governor). As God
often did, He gave present day examples of what He would do in the future. Of
course, Jesus would come and serve as priest, prophet and king all wrapped up in one!
Prayer and Journaling
1. Ask
God where you are doing things in your own power, rather than with His help.
Confess this and then ask Him to flow into that area in your life.
2. Ask
God to show you where He is working in your life, even though things seem
really small (v. 10). Then ask Him for promises in this area, thanking Him in
faith for what He’ll do.
3. Spend
some time worshipping Jesus for being our prophet, priest and king. Journal
what each of these mean to you.
