Zechariah 4:2 – 3  (Vision):So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” V6:  ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ V10: For who has despised the day of small things? ________________ Zechariah 4 is rich with symbolism, encouraging the Israelites to rely on God's Spirit in rebuilding the temple. Let’s examine each element in more detail, with supporting Bible verses and practical examples. #1:  "Not by Might, Nor by Power, but by My Spirit" God’s message to Zerubbabel underscores reliance on the Spirit rather than human strength or military power. This message applies to any endeavor where human resources are limited, but God’s power makes a way. Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God tells him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” At some point, “We have to stop talking to God about your mountain and start talking to the mountain about your God” * Anxiety or addiction mountains of depression or fear or shame * You can’t let that mountain intimidate you At some point enough is enough Obstacle is the way that mountain is gonna make you a bigger person You’re gonna have a testimony on the other side too Whatever you tolerate will eventually dominate that is robbing God of his glory pleasing and perfect will What are you tolerating that is permissible but not beneficial What are you tolerating that undermines the price Jesus paid on the cross For your salvation For your healing For your delivery Start talking to that mountain and see what God does. Zechariah 4:6 encourages you to trust that God’s Spirit can enable the project beyond what human power could accomplish. #2:  Don’t despise the small beginnings We overestimate what we can do in a year or two instead of seeing what God can do in 10 or 20 In building the temple:  The Lord says, “Do not despise the day of small beginnings” Why? God will do big things like they are little things When we get our knees in prayer When we obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit God sets divine appointments for the Lord rejoices God is great because nothing is too small he rejoices plum line was an ancient architectural device God is already rejoicing All you have to do the little things like big things, then God will do the big things like small things Don’t despise the day of small beginnings. This vision, then, teaches that God’s work relies on His Spirit, not human might. The temple in Jerusalem was ultimately completed by Zerubbabel and Joshua’s guidance, fulfilling this prophecy and illustrating that God’s Spirit works powerfully through those who trust in Him. ____________