Not by might nor by
power, but by my Spirit – Zech 4:6
Reading prophetic and apocalyptic Scripture like Zechariah
and Revelation is a challenge for me. The symbolism can be difficult to
understand and the content is often terrifying, which can be discouraging.
However, the purpose of these books was exactly the opposite, to encourage
God’s people, the post-exilic people of Judah Judah
and Israel
We read in 2 Chr 18 how Jehoshaphat agrees to support Ahab
king of Israel
Most of us are not in a position to enter into military
alliances, we haven’t just returned from exile and we don’t experience severe
persecution, but as always there are important messages for us. With the help
of the Holy Spirit, God will speak to us through these ancient texts, if we let
him.
Do we consult God before or after we make an important
decision? Do we follow God’s advice or ignore it?
“Not by might nor by
power, but by my Spirit” (Zech 4:6) is God’s message to Zerubabbel, who is
to rebuild the temple. In which areas are we trying to succeed in our own
strength, rather than by God’s Spirit?
“The smoke of the
incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God” (Rev
8:4). Our prayers matter to God, even (or especially) in situations which are
outside our control. They are a precious offering, like incense, pleasing to
God.
Gracious God, please help us to always seek and follow your
counsel before making important decisions. Help us to rely on you, rather than
our own strength. Help us to pray in your Spirit (Rom 8:26). Amen.
(friend of Christ Church