REMEMBER HIS PRESENCE
- Jan 15
- 7 min read
DAY 11 - January 15
Today, we will be studying the final two visions found in Zechariah - visions 4 and 5, which are found in Zechariah 3 and 4, respectively. Let’s go ahead and start the day by reading each of these visions, which are found at the center of this dream section. So grab your Bible, read Zechariah 3 and 4, and then come back here. (Don’t get intimidated by reading two full chapters in one sitting. Together they only consist of 24 verses, which is fewer verses than Genesis chapter 1 all by itself!! I promise…you’ve got this!)
I don’t know about you, but after deciphering the weird imagery of the last few days, today’s visions were a breath of fresh air! So let’s break down what we just read.
In the fourth vision (Zechariah 3) Zechariah sees Joshua, the high priest, who was “symbolically wearing Israel’s sin in the form of dirty clothes*” - Clothes which are taken off and replaced by clean clothes and a turban as a symbol of God’s grace. An angel then came and told Joshua that if he remains faithful to God, he will lead his people and become a symbol of the future messianic king.
In the fifth vision (Zechariah 4), we read of “two olive trees that supply oil to an elaborate gold lamp. The lamp is a symbol of God’s watchful eye over His people, while the two trees symbolize the anointed leaders,” Joshua, the high priest, and Zerubbabel, a royal descendant of David, “who are leading the temple rebuilding efforts.*” However, God warns that their success is dependent on the two leaders remaining dependent on the work of God’s Spirit and not through their own political maneuvering.
In short, both of these visions come together around a strong central theme, which can be summed up by the words of Zechariah 4:6:
“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.” (NLT)
Other Bible translations use the phrase “not by might nor by power,” but the truth of the verse remains the same - Gentleman, you have a big job ahead of you. And the only way you are going to accomplish it is by relying fully on Me - My provision, My strength, and My power.
Now, I would assume no one reading this has been tasked with helping lead God’s people, who are returning from exile, to return to God as Lord and Savior and to rebuild a physical temple. However, though the details of the task before us look different, the mission and call of God remain the same - return to Christ, receive His grace - trading our filthy garments for clean ones - and then get to work! But here’s where we get hung up! Because when we “get to work,” we tend to run like we are working FOR Him; however, He has called us to get to work WITH Him!
I encourage you to sit with that statement for just a minute and let the weight of it sink in. God doesn’t call us to do anything FOR Him. No, He invites us to be a part of the work WITH Him.
Picture this: A yard was buried in autumn leaves, copper and gold piled knee-high. “Go ahead and rake the leaves,” Dad said to his son as he settled into a chair on the porch. He watched as his son figured out where to start, occasionally calling out, “Smaller piles work better,” or “Start with the corners.” When the yard was clear, Dad nodded with a smile. “Looks good. You handled that on your own.”
Isn’t that a sweet story? The Dad is so loving and encouraging! No one yelled. No one got their feelings hurt. Just a pleasant moment and the joy of a task completed. Seems nice, right? But what if the story read this way…
A yard was buried in autumn leaves, copper and gold piled knee-high. “Go ahead and rake the leaves, buddy,” Dad said, handing his son a rake as he grabbed another and stepped beside him. They worked in rhythm, laughing when the wind undid their progress. When the pile was finally done, Dad clapped his son on the shoulder. “See? Easier when we do it together.”
The first scenario was good. I mean, the task was accomplished, and the boy no doubt felt encouraged. But the second scenario…oh, the second one is so much better! Because not only was a task completed, but it was completed (1) with less energy spent and (2) with the relationship of the father and son stronger than ever before.
Far too often, we view our role in what the Lord has called us to do through the lens of the first scenario, where God sits on the sidelines, giving direction and issuing commands, waiting for us to complete the task FOR him. But, in reality, no matter the task before you, the Lord is, like the second scenario, inviting you to accomplish all He has called you to do WITH Him!
THAT is what the words of Zechariah 4:6 are saying to us!
“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.” (NLT)
And what is echoed in the New Testament in Matthew 11:29-30:
“Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (NLT)
But far too often, when the Lord speaks we either (1) Dash off wearing our newest super hero costume, ready to conquer the mission and save the world in the name of the Lord, or (2) Allow ourselves to believe the task is too great and you simply are not great enough so, yes, you will obey the Lord, but only after you are more skilled, more prepared, stronger, or better. Forgetting the truth found in today's passages, that (1) the Lord has called us to be on mission WITH Him and (2) we don’t have to provide any of the power or might! He brings all of that to the table. Our job is to show up and be obedient to His voice, one mission, one day, one moment at a time. And before we know it, we find ourselves with a yard cleared of leaves and a closer, more precious relationship with our heavenly Father. But for this to be a reality in our lives, we must remember - and walk in - His power and His presence!
So, what does that look like? Ephesians 6:10-18 says it perfectly:
“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band (or belt) of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.” (AMP) (emphasis added)
Many times, we only correlate this scripture with seasons of difficulty; however, this is what we should be doing every single day! Before we tackle the day's tasks or walk into the frustrations that will no doubt come as we do, we must be intentional to set ourselves securely within the safety and power of His presence. Yes, we still have work to do - both practical work (going to your regular 9-5 and making the kids their PB&J) and spiritual work (being, as Matthew 5:14 says, “a city on a hill that cannot be hidden”) - but when we do so IN Him and WITH Him (His desire) we are able to accomplish so much more FOR Him (our desire).
As we close out our time together today, I want to spend some time again in prayerful reflection. Ask yourself the following questions, taking the time not just to think them through, but also to pray them through! And don’t forget to write down all that the Lord speaks to you.
What “mission” (or task) has God called me to do in this season?
Am I “on mission” WITH Him or simply FOR Him, working in my own power and strength rather than His?
In what areas do I need to remember His presence, reminding myself that He is still God and I am still not? Surrender control to Him and Him alone. For as 2 Corinthians 12:9 says: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (NIV)
And finally, take time to pray through each piece of the armor of God, which I have put in bold above. I know it sounds weird, but I want you to visualize yourself placing each piece of armor on yourself as you pray over each one - allowing yourself to see yourself, maybe for the very first time - as a soldier IN God’s army and not just a soldier FOR God’s army.
Oh, friends - the impossible is made possible with God. And I truly cannot WAIT to see all He is about to do in us and through us as we remember His presence and learn to walk in HIS strength and HIS power.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
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