ARE YOU FAITHFUL IN THE SMALL THINGS?
Zerubbabel was born in Babylon. As a descendent of King David, he was in line for Judah’s throne, but he and his people had been conquered and exiled by the former Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzer. After the Persian King Cyrus conquered Babylon, he showed favor to the Jews. He appointed Zerubbabel governor over Jerusalem and allowed him to lead a group of exiles to return and rebuild the Jewish Temple. Unfortunately, due to conflict with the locals and lack of both physical and financial support, the work had come to a halt after laying the foundation. The unfinished work sat atop the temple mount for over a decade, a constant and discouraging reminder to Zerubbabel. In addition, many of the older Jews who had seen the “former glory” of Solomon’s Temple, saw the plans for the new Temple as “nothing” in their eyes (Haggai 2:3).
Yet the prophet Zechariah encouraged Zerubbabel not to despise “small beginnings.” He told him that the Lord would rejoice to see Zerubbabel take up the plumb line and begin the work.
God always looks for those who will be faithful in the small and little things. As Jesus said, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). So the one who would be entrusted with great things must first be faithful in the small things.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we pray that You would strengthen us to faithfully do the small things. We are often tempted to despise the small things we are called to do. We want to do great things. Yet, You have chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. Therefore, we will glory in our weakness and in doing the small things, knowing that You love to use such as these. In Jesus’ name, amen.