The temple in Jerusalem had to be rebuilt at the end of the exile in Babylon. God called the Jewish governor, Zerubbabel, to play an important role in this rebuilding (Haggai 2:23). God instructed Zerubbabel through the prophet Zechariah that the beginning of the temple project would be all-important. It would determine success or failure.
“Then he said to me, ‘This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies… Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand'” (Zechariah 4:6, 10a, NLT).
Because Jesus redeemed us at a high price, our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). So with 2015 rapidly approaching, we can begin right away on our own “temple project” for the new year. What a great approach God gives us through Zechariah too!
- Success in building the temple is by no means impossible for me.
- I won’t rely on my own force or strength, but the Holy Spirit’s.
- Small beginnings are important. I won’t downplay them.
- Grab the tools (God’s spiritual “plumb line” = word and sacrament) I need and get going right away with the first task.
What a great encouragement to continue reading our Bibles daily in 2015. God rejoices to see the “plumb line” in our hand!
Our reading for Saturday, December 27, is Zechariah 4:1 – 6:15, Psalm 148:1-6, Proverbs 30:24-28 and Revelation 17:1-18.
pastorjeffgunn 
He who has begun a good work in me… This is good news, just appreciate it very much. Thanks. Rich
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