In 2 Kings 21:4-5 we read of the looting and destruction of the magnificent temple built by David's son Solomon. Under his reign, the nation lived in peace until his son Rehoboam took over. It was then that Shishak, king of Egypt captured many of the temple treasures. Later, in 587 BC under king Manasseh's reign, the Assyrians came in and left little standing of the temple as the people of the people were carted off to become slaves of Persia. Not only was the temple destroyed, but the Ark of the Covenant disappeared and has yet to be found to this day.

A little history: The book of Ezra includes the decree by Cyrus to send the people of Judah home. The book of Nehemiah includes the decree by Artaxerxes permitting Nehemiah to lead an effort to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem even though the land was barren and the people had few resources with which to live. The prophet Haggai encouraged the people to use whatever resources they had to rebuild the temple. Finally, the prophet Zechariah encouraged the people to work by God's power and not their own.

Zechariah inquired of an angel regarding a vision and was told what we read in verse six. He was instructed to tell king Zerubbabel that God moves by His Spirit and he should not look at his own ability or strength, but rather allow God to do the work through him. This was an important message for the king for he had been chosen to rebuild the Temple of David, something that seemed unlikely by virtue of resources and circumstances. Yes, when completed, the temple was a mere shadow of what it used to be. Nevertheless, God willed it, was in the work and therefore it was a worthy endeavor.

Today, we should be encouraged by the message of Zechariah. The things we attribute to God's might and power are actually evidence that the Holy Spirit is working. Paul said in 2Cor 12:9-10 that God delights in using weak people with little ability who allow Him to be great through their availability. We also should be careful judging people according to their aptitude rather than their attitude. One can be a problem, but the other shows potential. If a person's attitude is good, God can do great things by His Spirit working through them.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Ze. 4:1-5:11 Rv. 14:1-20 Ps. 142:1-7 Pr. 30:21-23 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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