Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for December 23

“The hands of Zerubbabel Have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish it. Then you will know That the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you” (Zechariah 4:9 NKJV)

From: December 23, 2015

Zerubbabel, whose name meant, “seed of Babylon,” was one of the Jews born in Babylon during their 70 years of captivity. Born a prince in the Davidic line, he was appointed governor over Jerusalem by the Persian king, Cyrus, and led the returning exiles to start rebuilding the 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, who had lost heart that it would ever be completed. It was during this time of despair that the prophet Zechariah encouraged him to take up the “plumb line” and go back to work because he would surely be able to finish it. And so, the prophecy that the temple that was started by Zerubbabel would be finished by him was fulfilled. Zerubbabel rebuilt the temple, the same one that King Herod later “supersized,” and the same one that Jesus, the true King, taught in during the His earthly ministry. Yet, this prophecy also has a spiritual fulfillment that is still pending. For Zerubbabel, the Davidic prince, is a christological type pointing to Christ’s work of salvation. The book of Hebrews explains saying that Jesus is both “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb.12:2). Jesus has laid the foundation and He will set the “capstone.”

“Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life” (Psalm 142:5 NLT)

From: December 23, 2014

When we pray to the Lord with understanding we eventually stop praying for what we want and find our wants met in Him. We stop praying for a place of peace and safety and we see that God Himself is our “refuge.” Let the prayers of David guide you on how to pray. Turn down the volume and busyness this Christmas to pray. Pray not until you feel inner peace, but until you are so stirred by God’s radiant glory that you are captured by the amazing light that still points to Christ.

“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6)

From: December 23, 2013

Zerubbabel was born in the royal line of David and would have been king of Judah, but he was born too late. Judah was conquered and under the control of Babylon and Zerubbabel was only another poor member of the returning remnant. Yet, God called him to lead in the rebuilding of the Temple. He could not lead with earthly strength…

“This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord” (Zechariah 4:6)

From: December 23, 2012

God told Zerubbabel that neither the collective force of his people, nor his own individual effort would be able to rebuild the temple. He would have to rely on God’s Spirit for empowerment. God usually has to strip us of our own power and might, or let us come to the end of it, in order to teach us to rely on Him. Whatever God has called you to do, it will only be accomplished through His strength and not yours. Be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6)

From: December 23, 2011

Are you facing a mountain that all your planning and effort have failed to overcome? Don’t give up. Instead, look to the One who can move mountains to let you walk forward on level ground.