The provision of our vision
Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6
Today's key verse is from Zechariah, and it is often quoted. Chapter 4 in particular reveals a vision worth exploring. In the background of Zechariah, the people of Judah returned from exile to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem but faced numerous challenges and discouragement. This vision shows him a golden lampstand with a bowl on top and two olive trees standing nearby on either side, connected to the lampstand by golden pipes.
God encourages Zerubbabel, the leader of the temple restoration efforts, in the vision as well as in the key verse today. The words remind Zerubbabel that the temple's completion cannot be achieved by human strength but by God's spirit and anointing.
It resonates with believers and the church as we face different challenges in our lives. The same holds true for God who decided to complete His assignment no matter how big or small it may seem. God reminds us in verse 10 not to despise the small beginning. We can trust that God will use us mightily for His glory.
Specifically, the vision represents the continuous flow of the anointing and provision from God, and His divine presence and guidance we need to complete God's work. The two olive trees supply oil for the lamp through the golden pipes, symbolizing God's constant and abundant provision.
There are many forms in which God's provision can be found to sustain our callings and carry out His work. The provision of God can be physical, financial, relational, and even emotional in times of trial. Above all, God’s spiritual power is everything, and the vision includes the lampstand, representing the seven lamps of God, and we can tap into God’s spiritual power, which is the seven spirits of God mentioned in Isaiah. 11:2, “the spirit of God, the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding the spirit of counsel, of might, the spirit of the knowledge and fear of God.
Let's cultivate a relationship with God through daily communion empowered by the Holy Spirit to tap into His spiritual power. When we pray, worship, and spend time in His word, we are like golden pipes receiving oils from God so that we can shine brightly for Him.
Whenever God gives us vision, there is "pro-vision" of God, so we don't need to rely on our limited strength, but on His indefinite resources and power. God's provision will help us realize your vision.
Blessing prayer: Let your oil fill us and ignite our spirit in you. By your spirit, we can do all things through you strengthen us, in Jesus’ name, Amen
