build

When Solomon built the first Hebrew temple which the Babylonians destroyed (586 BC – See 2 Kings 25:8–10), he had almost unlimited resources at his disposal since his father, King David, had fought many battles and collected huge spoils of war to be used in building God’s original temple. (See 1 Chronicles 26:20, 27-28) King Solomon was a powerful monarch with a vast kingdom, even ruling over some Gentile populated regions, but the Jews in the days of Zerubbabel and the prophet Zechariah had no such power, authority, or wealth!

In 538 BC, Zerubbabel, a leader from the tribe of Judah, was allowed to return to Jerusalem with other Jewish captives. (See Ezra 1:1-4) The Persian king appointed Zerubbabel as governor of Judah (See Haggai 1:1), and he began rebuilding the temple with the help of Jeshua, the high priest. (See Ezra 3:2-3, 8)

It took Zerubbabel two years to rebuild the Temple’s foundation. Construction was then delayed due to hostile opposition (See Ezra 4:1–5) and as a result, Persia withdrew its support. For seventeen years the temple construction remained unfinished. (See Ezra 4:21)

Nonetheless, while undoubtedly many had given up on the project, our Lord had a different / superior plan for His temple. God then spoke to the remnant of His people in Jerusalem through His prophet in Zechariah 4:6-7:

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!”

Here in this text, the word “might” is referring to military strength, what people can do together as an army … but the remnant had no soldiers. “Power” refers to the strength of a commanding individual, but Zerubbabel’s abilities were no doubt limited, nothing like that of King Solomon! The idea of not being discouraged and trusting the Lord was at the heart of the prophet’s message. Is it possible that the Spirit of God would enable them to accomplish something even in their apparent weakness?

There are three ways we can attempt to do the work of God:

1) We can trust our own strength and wisdom.
2) We can borrow the resources of the world.
3) We can depend on the power of God, the Almighty (omnipotent).

The first two approaches may usually appear to succeed, but the true work of the Lord is not accomplished in that manner! Only work done through the power of God’s Holy Spirit will glorify Him and endure the fires of His judgment. (See 1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

With limited resources, completing the temple looked to those Jews as impossible as moving a mountain! However, God told Zerubbabel that he would, by the power of God’s Spirit, level the mountain and make it a plain! In a similar manner, Jesus told His disciples that simple faith like a mustard seed (small but alive) could move mountains. (See Matthew 17:20; 21:21).

How often do we say that we are depending on God’s Holy Spirit? Revivalist Vance Havner (1901-1986), in commenting in that context on the methods of the modern-day church, stated:

But actually we are so wired up with our own devices that if the fire does not fall from heaven, we can turn on a switch and produce false fire of our own. If there is no sound of a rushing mighty wind, we have the furnace all set to blow hot air instead. God save us from a synthetic Pentecost!

God finishes His work! (See Zechariah 4:7b-10) God assured Zerubbabel that he would complete the rebuilding of the temple and the people would rejoice. The Lord gave a clear promise that Zerubbabel would complete the temple! (See Zechariah 4:9)

Shouldn’t this remind us of God’s promise and the true working of His Holy Spirit in us?

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (See Philippians 1:6)

Are you serving and living in the strength our Lord supplies through the presence of His Holy Spirit? (See I Peter 4:11)

Think about it, pray about it!

His & Yours, PF

In my studies of Nehemiah, the Lord has always revealed principles of leadership along with the need for, and the power of, vision in one’s life. Every believer needs vision, vision from God concerning their lives and ministry, and that is readily available for anyone who will diligently seek out the Lord’s purposes in their lives.

When Nehemiah (Chapter 1) learns about the conditions in Jerusalem and the remnant of his fellow Jews living there, it makes a profound impact (effect), moving him to a period of fasting and prayer. Out of this time of diligently seeking God, Nehemiah emerges with a clear calling and vision. Nehemiah’s calling and vision is also intrinsically linked with God’s answer to his burden/concern and prayer. Numerous times I’ve found that God calls the one burdened by a need or situation to actively participate in its resolution/healing/etc. How many times has God desired to use you as a part of the answer to your own prayers?

As Nehemiah (by faith — in trust) takes ownership of his calling and vision (Chapter 2), he experiences God’s supernatural power — doors are opened and opportunities provided allowing Nehemiah to fully engage in his “God” revealed purpose/vision. As Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem he carries out a strategic analysis and overall evaluation of the situation. Why does he do this before sharing his purpose/vision with his Jewish brothers? To some, this answer may be obvious, but it’s not to shore-up public support for his ideas, which is the tendencies of humanity and the wisdom of our world, or even to provide a clearer, more precise view of the task at hand, which will answer all the critical questions. Instead he’s waiting for the appropriate time when God allows him to share his vision under the Lord’s anointing and in His authority. You’ll notice in verse 17 of chapter 2 that Nehemiah challenges the people in Jerusalem with very simple words saying, “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem that we may no longer be a reproach.” Just like the apostle Paul, Nehemiah didn’t come with “eloquence of speech,” but with vision and the convicting power of almighty God!

Then Nehemiah goes on to share his testimony concerning the Lord’s miraculous work and provisions leading up to that very moment. Hear the people’s response in verse 18, “Let us arise and build.” God’s purpose/vision for Nehemiah was now the purpose and vision for the community and they “put there hands to the good work.” Of course there are a few knucklers and knockers, those that knock anything and everything that’s attempted by those brave enough (foolish enough) to embrace God’s purpose and vision. Sadly, this human factor is to be expected with every work of God, whether it’s rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, building people’s lives, or working to improve the effectiveness of a church’s ministry. Nehemiah’s answer in verse 20 is a powerful prophetic word of supernatural faith, single mindedness, commitment, surrender, wisdom, and knowledge –

“The God of heaven will give us success (after all it’s His purpose and vision conveyed to His people for His glory and their blessing/benefit); therefore we His servants (God’s builders, soldiers, athletes, workmen) will arise (by faith – trust and obey) and build, but you (knuclers and knockers) have no portion, right, or memorial in Jerusalem.”

Showing how the enemy is overcome and defeated through the establishment and accomplishment of God’s purpose and vision in our lives, we can clearly see that Nehemiah’s life was dynamically changed and impacted by his willingness to 1) believe God, 2) embrace God’s vision, 3) actively participate in the vision, and 4) passed it on to God’s people. I’m praying that every one of us at West Oaks Fellowship will seek and hear from God just like Nehemiah. May we embrace His vision/purpose for our lives, families, as well as for our church and ministry! Then, may we trust our Lord, Jesus Christ to accomplish His vision/purpose in us and through us. An old cell phone commercial constantly asked, “Can you hear me now?” Spiritually speaking we know God hears us, so perhaps we should ask ourselves if we’re hearing God. Is God waiting for your response to His question, “Can you hear Me now?” Hearing God births vision and purpose in a believer’s life, so how will you answer God as He asks, “Are you seeing me now?”

Just think about it. –Pastor Frank

Tag: build

MIGHT & POWER VS. SPIRIT

VISION