The angel who roused Zechariah from sleep for a series of ten visions in the night now gave the prophet another important message about the coming kingdom of God.
6 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)
Unlike the great human empires before it, God’s kingdom would come from small beginnings. It started with the rebuilding of a modest temple in Jerusalem, after Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed Solomon’s previous Temple and the seventy-year exile in Babylon.
Zechariah continues to describe his conversation with this visiting angel.
2 He asked me, “What do you see?”
I replied, “I see a solid gold lampstand there with a bowl on its top. It has seven lamps on it and seven channels for each of the lamps on its top. 3 There are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.” Zechariah 4:2-3 (HCSB)
The seven-branched lampstand in Zechariah’s vision is identical to the one the Lord instructed Moses to make for God’s tabernacle and the subsequent temples. It burned a fuel of pure olive oil, representing the Holy Spirit, and its light symbolized the Presence of the Lord. The lamp itself points to God’s called-out people, Israel, whose mission is to shine His light into all the world, to draw new believers unto Him.
The prophet Haggai had previously delivered an instruction from the Lord to the returned exiles in Jerusalem, encouraging them to resume work on the temple under the leadership of their Governor, Zerubbabel, and the high priest, Joshua. Problems with violent neighbors had arisen soon after they had laid the temple foundation, and work on the project ceased for many years, even as their own homes were completed. God spoke through Haggai to address their priorities and tied their work stoppage and lack of faith with a reduction in the quantity and quality of the recent blessings they had been receiving.
Zechariah continues describing his vision:
8 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 9 “Zerubbabel’s hands have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent me to you. 10 For who scorns the day of small things? These seven eyes of the Lord, which scan throughout the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” Zechariah 4:8-10 (HCSB)
The rebuilt temple would be modest in comparison with Solomon’s original version, which King Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed. But it did signify a new beginning. Its construction would lead to God’s next move, His coming kingdom under the leadership of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It points to a day when God will no longer reside in buildings, but in the hearts of believers, worldwide, through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
The number seven is often associated with the Lord, being the number of completeness. Seven eyes, seven spirits, and seven qualities of the Holy Spirit all point to the complete perfection and purity of God. The Sabbath rest on the seventh day, or the seventh year of a field’s harvest, is another acknowledgement of God’s unique role in our many blessings and gratitude for His faithfulness and our reliance upon Him.
Zechariah then asked the angel about some of the details in this vision.
11 I asked him, “What are the two olive trees on the right and left of the lampstand?” 12 And I questioned him further, “What are the two olive branches beside the two gold conduits, from which golden oil pours out?”
13 Then he inquired of me, “Don’t you know what these are?”
“No, my lord,” I replied.
14 “These are the two anointed ones,” he said, “who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:11-14 (HCSB)
The olive oil from the two trees and two branches represents a continual feeding of the Holy Spirit, fueling the Lord’s church, one person at a time. New believers are drawn to the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, through the generosity of God’s prevenient, or drawing, grace. Alongside the human world governments which been continually evolving since the time of the Roman Empire, the eternal church of Christ has also been growing and evolving through this time. Not by might, nor by power, but by God’s Spirit through His word, it has been planted in the hearts of people of faith all over the globe.
There is a more information about these two anointed witnesses in the New Testament book of Revelation. They will appear in the last days to make one final appeal to the world on behalf of Christ. They will be almost universally opposed, then killed, only to rise from the dead themselves three and a half days later.
3 I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, dressed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. Revelation 11:3-4 (HCSB)
God’s great and final empire will not initiate with a massive invading army like those of Alexander the Great or King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Instead, it will grow slowly in the hearts of people. When Christ does return in glory, along with the New Jerusalem, He will put down all who actively oppose Him and His church. Jesus’ eternal throne will be located on the foundations of the work begun by Zerubbabel, humble servant of the Lord, and a member of the genealogy of the coming King, Jesus Christ, found in Matthew chapter 1. This genealogy lists a direct line between him and the Messiah:
12 Then after the exile to Babylon
Jechoniah fathered Shealtiel,
Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel,
13 Zerubbabel fathered Abiud,
Abiud fathered Eliakim,
Eliakim fathered Azor,
14 Azor fathered Zadok,
Zadok fathered Achim,
Achim fathered Eliud,
15 Eliud fathered Eleazar,
Eleazar fathered Matthan,
Matthan fathered Jacob,
16 and Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary,
who gave birth to Jesus who is called the Messiah. Matthew 1:12-16 (HCSB)
Reflection
What great blessings in your life began with small beginnings? What “small” things might God be working on around you now?
Many of us who come to faith in Christ did so in small steps or increments, while others did so with a sudden revelation. As God is infinite, there are an unlimited number of ways for us to be drawn to Him by His grace and love. May He continue to do so in our lives and in the lives of those we love, live near, or work with.
Precious Lord, thank You for constantly being at work in our lives. Continue to bless, protect, anoint, and use us to advance and expand Your kingdom. May we reflect Your pure Light to others as holy vessels, cleansed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and continuously filled with the “oil” of Your Holy Spirit. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a blessed and beautiful day in the Lord today.
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 