Oct 28 – Zerubbabel!

“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)

Today we are going to meet a servant of God whose name is Zerubbabel. The meaning of the word Zerubbabel is “a shoot of Babylon.” Since he was born in Babylon to parents who had been taken there as captives, he was given this name.

Yet, Zerubbabel had zeal and devotion for the Lord and for Jerusalem. Together with Joshua the priest, he led the people from Babylon back to Jerusalem. There they built an altar to the Lord and offered sacrifices.

After this, Zerubbabel laid the foundation to rebuild the temple that had been destroyed. The first temple was built by Solomon. Now, in the very same place, the foundation was laid for the second temple. Solomon, being a great king, could easily complete the building of the temple. David had stored up everything needed for it, the people gave generously, and the surrounding kings offered their help.

But Zerubbabel had none of these advantages. Most of the Jews still remained in captivity in Babylon. Those who returned had little means and no steady livelihood. Fierce opposition arose from all sides against the rebuilding of the temple. Obstacles and struggles weighed down Zerubbabel’s heart. That was when the Lord gave him this counsel: Depend on the Spirit!

Today, the temple is not something built by human hands. The heart of a believer is the temple where the Lord dwells. “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).

When your spiritual life is being built as a palace, a temple, a dwelling place for the Lord, surely you will face many oppositions, obstacles, and struggles. The world, the flesh, and the devil will fight against your holy living. Satan will bring trial after trial. At such times, depend on the Holy Spirit. It is by the Spirit alone that all things are accomplished.

Dear child of God, the Holy Spirit, who is mighty and powerful, will stand with you and give you victory.

Verse for further meditation: “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)