“. . .This is the Word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord’.”
Zechariah 4:6b
It’s certainly not the world’s way of doing things, but in the end it’s the only one that matters.
Opinion polls. Marketing strategies. Ten-year plans. Perk charts. Wiring diagrams.
Those are what make for “success,” according to the shakers-and-makers in this world. In fact, these professional gurus have demonstrated great prowess in “feeling the pulse” of the population and developing products that will appeal to their target group according to demographic studies and trends.
Sadly, more and more churches (and Christians) are buying into these strategies these days. Somehow, to them old-fashioned preaching of the Gospel just doesn’t seem to cut it in our always-on-the-go, short-attention-span, “It’s all about me” generation.
Yet, such was prophesied as we near the time of Christ’s Return (II Tim. 4:3-4).
Even so, we should not be deterred from today’s Manna—for His Word is changeless. And, His Way of doing things also doesn’t change.
Look at those God’s words to Zerubbabel (and us) once again:
“Not by might or power”—not by physical strength, prestige, clever persuasion, bombs, bullets, missiles, troop strength, financial resources, etc.
“But by My Spirit”—only that which is God-initiated, God-designed, God-sanctioned and God-anointed will pass through the fires of Judgment; all else will succumb to “rust, rot and robbers” (Mt. 6:19-21).
That’s why it’s important for us to remember this when we’re attempting to do anything for the Lord God. The path upward is always first downward (II Chron. 7:14). And, only that which has God’s stamp of approval will succeed when everything else has failed (Mt. 6:33).
So, the question is “What am I attempting for God that is impossible to accomplish without His help?” Or, “If what I’m doing suddenly ceased, would others notice or care—i.e., is it really making any eternal impact and difference at all?”
Tough questions, aren’t they?
Assuredly so. . .but questions that must be honestly asked if we’re to ensure our “labor has not been in vain” when we pass from this walk of life (I Cor. 9:27; 15:10, 58; Phil. 2:16; I Thess. 3:5).
May we spend some time today allowing the Holy Spirit to examine what we’re doing and why. Then, may we listen to what He has to say and make whatever changes are necessary to ensure we’re “walking in the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1) and operating in His Strength, not our own.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated January 24, 2010
