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Zechariah 4:6 - Man's Flicker or God's Flame?

Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.

INTRODUCTION

The verse remains one of the most challenging, and encouraging, in Scripture. We rely not on our own strength or ability, but on the Spirit of God. [Victor Bible Reader's Companion]

The key words are "by my Spirit." It is 'only' through God's Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished ... As you live for God, determine not to trust in your own strength or abilities. Instead, depend on God and work in the power of his Spirit! (See also Hosea 1:7.) [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY PEARL

The Air Up There
   Earth's atmosphere is comprised of specific layers of certain gases, which altogether weigh approximately 5.5 quadrillion tons! As we go about our day, breathing, speaking, moving with ease, how often we take for granted this invisible yet powerful substance that makes life possible on our planet.
   The Holy Spirit is likewise an invisible yet powerful Being. Take His description in today's verse. Zerubbabel, in leading the Jews back to their homeland to rebuild their temple after the Babylonian captivity; faced much opposition against this great undertaking (Ezra 4:1-5). But God strengthened him during these trials by pointing him to the Holy Spirit. No matter how much earthly "might" or physical "power" withstood Zerubbabel and the returning exiles, God's purposes would not be diverted or destroyed. God's people would ultimately prevail "by [His] Spirit" - and they did: "They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel" (6:14).
   Though sabotaged and persecuted and under the rule of several Persian kings, this small, lowly band achieved victory, not through their own prowess, but through the working of the Holy Spirit, who makes possible the will of God. "I have purposed it; I will also do it," says the Lord (Isaiah 46:11).
   We can claim God's same promise today! If we are following the will of God, the Holy Spirit will help us to accomplish it. We are not to power through trials in our own strength. When the way seems hedged up, we are not to take the Holy Spirit for granted. We need Him to survive just as much as we need the air from our atmosphere.
   Gracious God, I ask humbly, not for my own might, but for the Holy Spirit to guide me in accomplishing Your will in my life. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

COMMENTARY

In the work of God, humanity can originate nothing. No man can by his own effort make himself a light bearer for God ... In the great and measureless gift of the Holy Spirit are contained all of heaven's resources. It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to men. If all were willing to receive, all would become filled with His Spirit. COL418-19

The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sin; it means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with the graces of the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. It means a heart emptied of self, and blessed with the abiding presence of Christ. When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, freedom from sin. The glory, the fullness, the completeness of the gospel plan is fulfilled in the life. The acceptance of the Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace, perfect love, perfect assurance. COL419-20

As activity increases, and men become successful in doing any work for God, there is danger of trusting to human plans and methods.  There is a tendency to pray less, and to have less faith. Like the disciples, we are in danger of losing sight of our dependence on God, and seeking to make a saviour of our activity. We need to look constantly to Jesus, realizing that it is His power which does the work.... While we are to labor earnestly for the salvation of the lost, we must also take time for meditation, for prayer, and for the study of the word of God. Only the work accomplished with much prayer, and sanctified by the merit of Christ, will in the end prove to have been efficient for good. DA362

To follow Jesus requires wholehearted conversion at the start, and a repetition of this conversion every day. 1BC 1113

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Zechariah 4:6 - Man's Flicker or Gods Flame?
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220104-1033.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20170630-1642.html

Isaiah 63:9 - In Our Suffering God Suffers With Us And Will Save Us.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2005/20050504-0904.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/