“Not by might nor by power says the Lord of hosts. Who are you O great mountain? Before Zerubabel, you shall become a plain.” (Zachariah 4: 6 – 7).
Zechariah whose name means “Yaweh Remembers” was one of the postexilic prophets, a contemporary of Haggai, called to arouse the returned Jews to complete the task of reconstructing the temple destroyed by the army of Nebuchadnezzar when Jerusalem was conquered and part of the population was taken into exile to Babylonia.
Like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Zechariah was not only a prophet but also a priest. He was born in Babylonia and was among the returnees to Judah in 583 BC under the leadership of Zerubabel.
Quickly they rebuilt the altar and began construction on the temple. Soon, however, apathy set in as they were beset with opposition from neighbouring Samaritans. For about 12 years, construction had been choked by discouragement and pre-occupation with other pursuits. Zachariah and Haggai urged the people to return to the Lord and His purpose to restore the temple.
When they were in Babylon any hope of eventual restoration was lost, but God in his infinite power caused the Persians to overrun the Monster called Babylonia Empire. Under the edict of king Cyrcus they were made to return to their home land.
The lesson here is that God has predestined us for a purpose, a purpose that must come to pass no matter the challenges we face momentarily. The imagery of mountain represents task that seems insurmountable.
For Zerubabel and his fellow returnees, the task was daunting, looking at events and circumstances surrounding them. They forgot that with God all things are possible. God spoke through his prophet to encourage them to continue the work he sent them to do and overlook all oppositions and circumstances that look mountainous.
Sometimes we are faced with oppositions, reluctant uncooperating fellow workers. When such happens, look unto God, the author and finisher of our faith. It is not over until God has written the last line of your purpose in life.
Do not believe the lies of the evil one that tells you, “you cannot do it” you will succeed not by might nor power but by God’s Spirit.
Remain Blessed.