“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”
Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
God spoke the words above to the prophet, Zechariah, in order to encourage the people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The people just came out of exile from Babylon, and were finally permitted to return to their holy city of Jerusalem.
God was rebuilding their morale so that they would rebuild His temple. He told them that they can do this, and it would be done, not by their might or their power, but by His Spirit.
It’s a beautiful message and is forever relevant in the life of a Christian. Sometimes we exhaust ourselves, in our efforts to achieve a goal or solve a problem, and after praying for so long for something, hope becomes frail and we feel drained, not knowing what else to do. The people came out of exile with frail hope, but Zechariah basically told them to give it all to God, and take the first step in rebuilding the Temple. It wouldn’t depend on their own strength, because God’s Spirit would be with them.
The temple was important because it was more than a monumental structure, or a place of beauty. It was the place where the Messiah, a divine High priest and king, would one day come and grace its courts.
It was also the place where all nations would one day acknowledge God’s universal sovereignty, and where heaven and earth could be connected, because the Presence of Almighty God would dwell there.
All of that would be accomplished, not by military might, power, or weapons of war, but by the Spirit of God. If they understood Zechariah’s words, they would know that God’s justice and righteousness doesn’t come from human strength, much less through fighting and violence. It’s a lesson that mankind still needs to learn. The raised, clenched fist has too often been the logo of a just cause, but Jesus taught us a different way, which doesn’t involve anger and raised fists.
Jesus taught us to follow Him, to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. That means to love and forgive our enemies, to seek humility, and believe that all things are possible with God. Jesus lived the words of Zechariah, by example, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit”, says the Lord Almighty.
That holy Temple was finally rebuilt, with Zechariah’s inspiration. It was in existence during the life of Jesus, who graced its courts many times. Now He graces our temple, since He dwells in us, by His Holy Spirit.
Today’s scripture verse is comforting when we believe it and speak it to ourselves. When facing difficult problems, after we have exhausted all that we know how to do, there comes a time to stop struggling in our own might, and give it to God.
It can mysteriously refresh a weary soul, to mean it with our whole being and finally say,
“It will be done not by my might nor by my power, Lord, but by your Spirit.”
Lord, help us to find the greatest peace in surrendering everything to you. By your Spirit, all of our battles will be won, and help us to keep following you in all we do. Amen
