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Verse 6 is the key to unlocking the truth of Zechariah 4.
So he answered me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of Hosts.
Zechariah 4:6 HCSB
Most interesting is the fact that the Lord does not answer the question which was asked. The question centered on the visual elements that were seen. “What are these, my Lord?” The answer (verse 6) centered on the purpose of such elements. Though God did reveal those elements later in the chapter, I don’t think His redirection was by accident.
How many times do we seek to understand the meaning of spiritual principles when God has already determined their purpose? People argue over how Jesus could be 100% God and 100% man. We debate whether or not God’s sovereignty or free will is more important to Salvation. We wonder how the Trinity can embody three (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) in One.
In all aspects of Scripture, God gives us exactly what we need to know while encouraging us to believe by faith. The life of a Christian cannot be defined by figuring everything out before we believe. The imagery of the vision was important, but it was only important because it led to the greater truth God was communicating. If we stumble to believe because we can’t figure everything out, we really do not trust God.
So, what is meant by His answer, “Not by strength or by might, but by My Spirit?”
“Might focuses on collective strength, the resources of a group or army. Power focuses on individual strength. God says, ‘not by the resources of many or one, but by My Spirit. It will not be by your cleverness, your ability, or your physical strength that the temple will be rebuilt, but by the Spirit of God.'”
David Guzik
We cannot put our confidence in the flesh. As a God’s church, we cannot fall into the trap of believing that we are strong because of our bank account or our attendance numbers. We cannot fool ourselves into thinking that we are in good standing with God because we are respectable people or liked by all those around us. Likewise, we cannot become discouraged when we fail to live up to the standard God has called us to. Our victory and identity is found solely in Christ! How quickly we forget this!
Verse 6 is a universal truth taught by Scripture. Consider your own Salvation. We cannot save ourselves. Our victory over sin and our capability to love God and live a holy life will not be accomplished through our own strength or abilities, but only through God’s Spirit. Many times, we do not believe this (either consciously or ignorantly) and God leads us to a dead-end in order to break our reliance upon self and fully trust His strength in order to surrender our entire lives. Is that where you find yourself currently?
The symbolism is relevant. Jesus said apart from Him we can do nothing. How does this change your perspective of your current dead-end situation?