VISION #5 - BUT BY MY SPIRIT - PART 2 (Zechariah 4:4-10)
INTRODUCTION:
We began looking at the fifth vision last week, and like the fourth vision it focused on the Messiah, the Lord Jesus. In the fifth vision, Zechariah saw a golden lampstand that was completely self-sufficient and it represented the presence of God, and specifically it represented the Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. This lampstand signified that God was powerfully present and active with His people. This morning, we will begin to see how this vision relates to the people to whom Zechariah ministered.
By way of introduction, I want to direct your attention to some words of the apostle Paul. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NASB95)[1] This is a precious truth expressed in this verse. But like all Scripture it must be understood in the context of which it was written or it can be misused. Many have taken this verse and twisted it to justify the idea that God gives believers the power to do whatever they want. But that was not the context in which Paul wrote this verse. The apostle’s point was that God gave him strength to endure trials and tribulations, the kind of circumstances that no one would choose for themselves. Paul had learned the secret of living a life of contentment and how to endure even when the circumstances were overwhelmingly difficult. In the verse just before this one, in Philippians 4:12 Paul wrote, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” (Philippians 4:12, NASB95)[2] The phrase “in any and every circumstance” is one Greek word that is translated in verse 13 as “all things.” The same Greek word, so Paul uses the word for “all things” in verse 12 to mean the full range of his experiences, troubling or triumphant, in which he had learned to be content in God’s will. So, when he used this same Greek word in verse 13, he was affirming that the Lord would provide him with the strength to be faithful, no matter how difficult or challenging life might become.
The encouragement we receive from Philippians 4:13 is not found in having the power to change one’s circumstances, but in receiving the power to endure difficult circumstances that come into our lives. This verse should be a great comfort to us. It reminds us that God truly does supply us with His power to endure trials as He works in us for His purposes and His glory.
This same truth was revealed to Zechariah through this fifth night vision. Knowing that God was present and active among them would have been very encouraging to Zechariah and the people to whom he ministered as they worked to rebuild the temple. God’s Spirit ensured that the people under the leadership of their governor Zerubbabel, would be able to complete the rebuilding. But as we have seen in these visions already, the message went beyond the immediate events in the prophet’s lifetime. Zerubbabel’s success in completing the building of the temple in his day prefigured the Spirit empowered work of the Messiah who will one day return and build the final house of God, the millennial temple. As this vision clearly reveals, God’s Spirit is active to empower His people and to accomplish His promises.
--LET’S PRAY--
SCRIPTURE:
Turn in your Bibles to Zechariah 4:4-10, our passage for this morning. Please, if you are able, stand in honor of the reading of the Word of God and follow along as I read.
Zechariah 4:4-10,
“Then I said to the angel who was speaking with me saying, ‘What are these, my lord?’ So the angel who was speaking with me answered and said to me, ‘Do you not know what these are?’ And I said, ‘No, my lord.’ Then he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts. “What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’ ” Also the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the Lord which range to and fro throughout the earth.’ ” (Zechariah 4:4–10, NASB95)[3]
GOD’S POWER (Zechariah 4:4-7)
After describing to the angel what he saw, Zechariah again spoke to the angel who had roused and asked him what he saw. The prophet’s question, “What are these, my lord?” (Zechariah 4:4b, NASB95)[4] was not a question about the identity of what he had just described but was an inquiry about their meaning. From his description in verses 2-3 of the lampstand and its parts indicates that Zechariah understood what he saw and how it worked. He was looking for the significance of what he had seen as it pertained to him or the Israelites to whom he ministered. What explanation was he to deliver to them?
This interpreting angel welcomed the prophet’s question. He replied with a question, “Do you not know what these are?” (Zechariah 4:5b, NASB95)[5] In the previous visions the interpreting angel had given Zechariah an explanation when the prophet requested clarification. This time he asked a follow-up question. This question was not a rebuke, but an encouragement that Zechariah should go after the answers that he wanted so he would understand. Zechariah replied that he did not know the explanation of this vision. The prophet’s answer was humbly given and indicated that he desired to receive what the angel could reveal to him concerning the vision.
With this reply the angel answered Zechariah’s first request, he prefaced his explanation by declaring it was from the LORD or from Yahweh. This was not the angel’s message it was God’s message. He said, “This is the word of the LORD (Yahweh) to Zerubbabel…” (Zechariah 4:6a, NASB95)[6] In the fourth vision Joshua the High Priest was one of the focuses. Zerubbabel, the royal governor, is featured in this fifth vision. The fourth vision focused on Joshua to prefigure the Messiah’s priestly ministry. This fifth vision focuses on Zerubbabel to point to the Messiah’s kingly ministry. Zerubbabel was a descendant of David and was a member of the royal line and an ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was also the governmental leader of the Israelites who had returned from exile. God gave a revelation for Zerubbabel to both encourage him personally and to provide a picture of the greater Son of David, the Messiah.
The message of encouragement that God gave to Zerubbabel was “’Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6b, NASB95)[7] The name LORD of hosts or Yahweh of hosts is Zechariah’s favorite designation for God. This name is used as a promise that Yahweh will use all His heavenly resources (hosts) to fulfill His promises to His people, including this promise of His Spirit. God is saying that the work to rebuild the temple could not be accomplished through mere mortal strength. Yahweh makes this very clear when He declares, “Not by might nor by power.” In Hebrew when these terms are used together, “might” refers to one’s resources, this could mean monetary resources or military assets, or even your workers, whatever could be used to overcome an obstacle or to achieve a goal. The word translated “power” refers to personal strength and inner determination and endurance. The LORD’s point was that no material resource nor human strength could do what God alone can accomplish.
The truth that was to encourage Zerubbabel is that spiritual work can only be accomplished by the power of the Spirit of God. This is a truth that is taught through the whole record of Scripture. God’s Spirit is the One who transforms or regenerates the spiritually dead heart, causing the sinner to believe and accept the message of salvation. It is the Holy Spirit that dwells in the lives of all of God’s children empowering them to a life of obedience and to shine as lights in the world. The Spirit of God preserves God’s children for the day when Christ will return, and His indwelling ministry previews the intimate fellowship with God that we will enjoy in a more personal way in the coming kingdom. The work of the Holy Spirit extends God’s glory not only throughout creation but also in the hearts of His people. In this message to Zerubbabel God is calling him and his fellow Israelites to finish their God-given task, with that call the LORD reminded them to rely not on their own power and might, but on the strength provided by His Spirit, then and only then could they accomplish their God-given calling.
The image of the lampstand in this vision was a powerful example of this truth. The oil was essential for the lamp to continue to burn, without fuel, the lamp would quickly go out. Oil is used throughout the Bible as a symbol to signify being anointed or empowered by the Holy Spirit. The connection to Zechariah’s vision is clear. If Zerubbabel and his fellow Israelites failed to rely on the power of the Spirit, their finite reservoir of human strength would quickly be depleted, and they would be unable to complete the task. But if they relied on the power of the Spirit, they would enjoy an unending Source of unstoppable strength.
Yahweh, the LORD of hosts reinforced this point by declaring, “What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain.” (Zechariah 4:7a, NASB95)[8] Often Scripture uses the word mountain to illustrate something that is strong and immovable, which can be represented by obstacles or problems that seem impossible to overcome. This great mountain represented the challenges that Zerubbabel was facing in rebuilding the temple. But the Lord encouraged Zerubbabel and the people by putting those obstacles and problems in the right perspective. The LORD of hosts addressed these seemingly impossible difficulties with the rhetorical question, “What are you?” Though they seemed impossible for Zerubbabel to overcome, they were nothing for God to overcome. Because of this the LORD could declare, “Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain,” (Zechariah 4:7b, NASB95)[9] a flat and level surface. God promised to smooth the way for Zerubbabel and His people. If they would depend upon the power of His Spirit in obedience, He would remove any obstacles in their way.
God finished this first message to Zerubbabel by declaring that by doing the rebuilding in the power of the God’s Spirit the result would be a rebuilt temple. The LORD of hosts declared concerning Zerubbabel, “…and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’ ” (Zechariah 4:7c, NASB95)[10] The top stone is the stone at the pinnacle of the building, it is the last stone to be placed and with it set in place the temple would be complete. Even though everything seemed to be against the Israelites and their completing this task, God confirmed that His Holy Spirit would enable and empower Zerubbabel to overcome all difficulties and finish the task set before him. Once the temple was finished, as that top stone was placed, great joy would follow. That joy would be expressed by shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” This word translated “shouts” is a word used to describe the enthusiastic and deafening response of the people. In their excitement over what was done they would repeat over and over, “grace, grace.” This word translated “grace” is a word that signifies God’s favor and kindness. This shout was their acknowledgment that their success in completing the temple came from God’s empowerment. Zerubbabel and all those in Jerusalem would give all the glory and the credit to the Lord. This was their way of showing their gratitude for God’s faithfulness and favor towards them. For Zerubbabel and for those with him, the anticipation of that joyful moment provided great motivation and encouragement.
This prophecy or this message in verses 6-7 not only points to Zerubbabel and his workers but also anticipates the ultimate work of the Messiah-King. The words of a mountain becoming a plain is a reminder for us of another prophecy in Isaiah 40:4, “Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley;” (Isaiah 40:4, NASB95)[11] This verse in Isaiah describes the coming of the Messiah to build the millennial temple, just as Zerubbabel was doing in Zechariah’s day. This connection between these two verses connects Zerubbabel to the Messiah, showing that Zerubbabel was a type of the Messiah. Zechariah’s prophecy about Zerubbabel was designed to make his readers recall greater prophecies about the coming of Christ and His glorious kingdom. If the LORD was faithful to Zerubbabel, He would be faithful to fulfill all His promises regarding the ultimate Governor and King, the Lord Jesus.
GOD’S MESSIAH (Zechariah 4:8-10)
As we just saw the message to Zerubbabel was also a prophecy that pertained to more than just him and his time. In the last three verses of our passage this morning what was implied in verses 6-7 is made clear in verses 8-10. Zechariah begins verse 8 by telling us that the “word of the LORD (Yahweh) came to me saying…” (Zechariah 4:8a, NASB95)[12] This means that it is not the angel who was with Zechariah who earlier brought the message from the LORD of hosts, but this is direct revelation from Yahweh or the Word of Yahweh to the prophet. This Word of Yahweh focused again on the work of Zerubbabel portraying it as the work of a Davidic king. The Word of Yahweh says, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house.” (Zechariah 4:8b, NASB95)[13] These words described the work of a royal official. In ancient times, a leader would lay a symbolic brick or stone into the foundation of a building to begin its construction. The fact that Zerubbabel is the one who did this shows us that he is both the builder and the head of state, this is even more significant when it came to the temple only one from David’s line was authorized by God to build His house, the temple. In God’s promises to David about the royal line of the Messiah, the Lord told David, “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” (2 Samuel 7:13, NASB95)[14] While the descendants of David could not and did not serve in the role of the Levitical priests, they did have a vital role in the construction of the temple and in supporting its work. When Zerubbabel laid the foundation of this building, he was not merely acting as any royal leader, he was functioning specifically in the capacity of a Davidic king.
The Word of Yahweh emphasized the hands of Zerubbabel which began this process would be the same hands that would finish it. This repeated use of the word “hands” shows that Zerubbabel was personally involved in leading the process of rebuilding from beginning to end. That was not a small thing, very few in Israel’s history had the honor of building the temple or even renovating it. Zerubbabel’s personal effort in this work is noteworthy placing him in a category with former kings like Solomon, Joash, and Josiah. In an introductory way Zerubbabel would fulfill God’s promise to David, and in doing so, he serves as a picture or type of the Messiah.
The completion of the temple and the triumph of Zerubbabel over all the difficulties along the way by the power of the Spirit would lead the people to one conclusion: “Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you.” (Zechariah 4:9b, NASB95)[15] This statement has to be understood to be messianic for at least two reasons. First, it was spoken by the Word of Yahweh, who is the Messiah, the Son of God, the pre-incarnate Christ. Second, this phrase, “the LORD of hosts has sent Me, or He has sent Me,” is used elsewhere in Scripture and consistently refers to the coming of the Messiah. We even saw this earlier in Zechariah 2:8 and 11. Because of this, when the people saw the temple completed, they would know that the revelation that Zechariah received from the Word of Yahweh was indeed from the LORD, but this would also reassure them that God would certainly send His Messiah, exactly as He promised. We have already read of the joy of the people when Zerubbabel completed the temple. To an even greater degree, a future generation of Israelites will know abundant joy and amazing grace when the Messiah returns and builds the ultimate house of God. Zerubbabel’s success in rebuilding the temple foreshadowed that final messianic glory. When the people of Israel saw the temple of Zerubbabel they could know with confidence that the Lord would certainly accomplish the millennial temple when the Messiah returns. As illustrated by the vision of the lampstand, Yahweh will one day fill the earth with His glory, through the work of His Son and the power of His Spirit.
These messages gave a new and triumphant perspective to those in Zechariah’s day. As the Lord stated, “For those who have despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10a, NASB95)[16] This question posed by the Lord addressed those in Zechariah’s audience who were saddened and discouraged as they compared Zerubbabel’s construction project to the memory of Solomon’s temple. Because Zerubbabel’s temple seemed so meager, some in that day despised it, showing contempt at the day when the reconstruction work began. They viewed these efforts as small things.
The LORD challenged such disdain, he stated, “But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.” (Zechariah 4:10b, NASB95)[17] A plumb line is a line with a heavy weight at the end, it is used in construction to ensure that the angles and walls are plumb or straight. The fact that it says that the plumb line was in Zerubbabel’s hand shows us his efforts in this building project, he was there working with the other builders. Just as his hands laid the stone to begin the project, and just as his hands finished the project, his hands were also involved during the project. He was not simply leading the work but was involved in it himself. Though some may have thought that Zerubbabel’s efforts were small things, the Lord celebrated the governor’s hard work, saying, “These seven will be glad…” The number seven is connected to the lampstand, which had seven lamps as well as seven spouts for each of those lamps. The sevens of the lampstand represented the fullness and completeness of God presence and His promise to shine His glory throughout the whole world. The very presence of God was with Zerubbabel; the Lord saw his efforts and rejoiced over them. God celebrated the work of rebuilding the temple, knowing that this was one more step toward the fulfillment of His sovereign plan, Israel needed to see this event the way God saw it.
The Word of the LORD added a further explanation to these seven just mentioned. The Lord said, “…these are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the earth.” (Zechariah 4:10c, NASB95)[18] So the number seven does not merely refer to the lampstand but more specifically to the eyes of Yahweh, signifying the omniscience and omnipresence of God. God is all knowing and all present as His eyes range to and fro throughout the earth. This is not the first time that Zechariah connected the number seven with eyes. Remember, the stone which represented the Messiah that was before Joshua the High Priest had seven eyes on it, which represented the seven-fold ministry of the Spirit through the Messiah. John the Apostle in the book of Revelation also defined the seven eyes as the work of the Spirit. He saw a “Lamb standing as if slain having seven horns and seven eyes which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.” (Revelation 5:6b, NASB95)[19] Based on these verses, the association of this passage between seven and eyes also points to the Holy Spirit. This fits the context of Zechariah 4 since the passage indicated that the lampstand was supplied by the Spirit. While in this chapter the number seven generally referred to the lampstand and God’s presence, the Word of the Lord specified here that the number related to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
CONCLUSION:
The obedience of Zerubbabel to fulfill God’s call to rebuild the temple by the power of the Holy Spirit was considered a small thing by some Israelites, but it was not a small thing to God. He had sovereignly ordained this time in history in keeping with His perfect purposes. The Holy Spirit empowered Zerubbabel’s efforts, and rejoiced over them, because they were a part of God’s plan to send the Messiah and to display His glory throughout the whole world. For this reason, the LORD charged Zerubbabel and all the people to live not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.
Has that charge changed? If we are to do what God has called us to do and it is to succeed, it cannot be by our own resources, it cannot be done in human strength, to succeed and bring glory to God it must be done in His Spirit. Paul told us in Ephesians 5:15-21, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” (Ephesians 5:15–21, NASB95)[20] Paul tells us to first understand what God’s will is, and how do we find out God’s will? By reading and studying this book, it tells us what His will is, when we know what that will is, then we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit, we are to allow Him to control and empower us to do God’s will. Are you praying for those five people I challenged you to pray for? Are you taking opportunities that God gives you to minister to those people and to witness to them? Keep praying for them but also make yourself available to the Holy Spirit’s empowering to witness to them.
[1]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[2]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[3]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[4]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[5]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[6]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[7]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[8]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[9]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[10]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[11]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[12]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[13]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[14]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[15]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[16]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[17]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[18]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[19]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[20]New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation. (Emphasis mine)