Text:
And the angel who was speaking with me came back and awakened me, like a man who is awakened out of his sleep. He said to me, “What do you see?” I said, “I see, and behold, a lampstand all of gold, with its bowl [for oil] on the top of it and its seven lamps on it with seven spouts belonging to each of the lamps which are on the top of it. And there are two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side [supplying it continuously with oil].” So I asked the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my Lord?” Then the angel speaking with me answered me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my Lord.” Then he said to me, “This [continuous supply of oil] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel [prince of Judah], saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of whom the oil is a symbol],’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘What are you, O great mountain [of obstacles]? Before Zerubbabel [who will rebuild the temple], you will become a plain (insignificant)! And he will bring out the capstone [of the new temple] with loud shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” ” Also, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundations of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know (recognize, understand fully) that the Lord of hosts has sent me [as His messenger] to you.
Zechariah 4:1-9 AMP
Kingdom assignment and work are accomplished through the channel of Grace. Our text is quite instructive about this. There was a task to rebuild the temple in the days of Zerubabbel ( Prince of Judah). They had opposition and challenges and couldn’t make progress because they depended on their own strength and ability.
The Lord had to correct them through the prophecy from Zechariah, and the message is clear, NOT by MIGHT or STRENGHT but by MY SPIRIT. The revelation showed a lampstand with seven lamps. This speaks of the fullness of the Holy Spirit
And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him— The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and strength, The Spirit of knowledge and of the [reverential and obedient] fear of the Lord Isaiah 11:2 AMP
If it is counsel you need, He will provide it; If it is might you need, He will give you the strength; if it is Knowledge, He will provide you with the Knowledge required.
The fullness of His manifestation is possible because of the continuous supply from the Vine. We can only enjoy this flow when the Lampstand is connected to the flow of oil from the Vine ( Source).
Jesus said I am the Vine, and we are the branches, except if we abide in Him, we cannot bear fruit.
I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.
John 15:5 AMP.
How was the temple going to be completed by the Grace of God?
“And he will bring out the capstone [of the new temple] with loud shouts of “Grace, grace to it!
Many people start in Grace and attempt to complete in the flesh…No, that is not God’s pattern. It has to be Grace all through. We need to continually depend on Him. Never shift your focus to talents, money, men, or even natural connections.
Prayer: Lord, help me always depend on Your Grace and not lean on my understanding or strength. I receive Grace for the assignment and calling in Jesus’ name. Amen
To be Continued