“This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ saith the Lord.” Zechariah 4:6
Dear Ones:
If there is one thing that is evident, and essential, to our existence, it is power. We need power, or strength, to rise in the morning, go about our duties for the day, serve Christ, and live for His glory. We even need power to eat and drink. The question then arises, “What is the source of power, or strength, in order to not only exist, but to LIVE…truly live?” There is another question that needs to be asked before the previous one: What does the phrase, “truly live,” mean? In our consideration of God, and that which is eternal, we narrow our perspective to define LIVING, by reason and means of the very life of Christ, communicated to us BY the Spirit of God. It is a life which the Scriptures calls, “eternal.” This is so because of the One who IS eternal to whom we belong, and by whom we live, and receive power…His power to live in a manner, and with a purpose, that comes from heaven. When the Lord, through His prophet, told him to speak unto Zerubbabel concerning the rebuilding of the temple, in troubled times, He made the distinction between the “might” and “power” of men, and that which is of God, by the Spirit. God only gives His power and strength, by His Spirit, according to His will, and for His glory. Where do we look to receive such strength and power?
In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he wrote for them a prayer which he most certainly prayed, with the desire that they should do also. The first specific request in this prayer was that they, “…might be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” (1:9) Why is this the first thing? Paul knows with certainty that God only gives His power and strength to live, and to work, according to His revealed will. Note that this request is not just to know the will of God, but know it, “in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” It is imperative that we trust God not only for His answer to the direction that we should take, but for an understanding of that which pertains to that direction. He goes on to speak of the great motive in knowing, and understanding, the will of God, “…that you might WALK worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in all things, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (v.10) What a tremendous summary of what our motive, and objective should be, with regard to loving and serving Christ. However, none of this is possible without the complimentary reception and blessing of God’s power. Living according to the will of God is tied to the matter of prayer, specifically trusting the Lord, for His power. Paul prays that the Colossians might be, “…strengthened with ALL might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience, and long-suffering with joyfulness.” (v.11) It is only as God GIVES His power to us in answer to prayer, and received by faith, that His power and strength can be known. There is no substitute if we would BE what we should BE, and DO what the Lord would have us do. The evidence and proof of faith, trusting God for such power and strength by His Spirit, is demonstrated by a thankful heart, “….giving thanks unto the Father.”
Concerning his conclusion in this prayer, the Apostle speaks of the Lord Jesus: “…In Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sin.” (v.14) He has prefaced this summation by speaking of how the Father has made the believer, along with all believers, to be “partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” (v.12) He has gone on to declare that God, “… has delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” (v.13) This is the motivating picture of His power.
Dear Father, Give us grace to be good receivers of Thy power and strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad