The prophesies included in the book of Zechariah was given by God in such a time when they were facing mountain-like problems (vs.7) in the progress of the work of rebuilding the Temple of God. Haggai talked about starting the work of rebuilding, but Zechariah talks about continuing and completing the work in the midst of opposition and discouragements.

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Any work will have enthusiasm in the beginning but as we go towards the middle of the project, we might face many problems that compel us to slow down or stop. In a similar way, the people who returned from captivity, under the leadership of Ezra, Joshua and Zerubbabel were facing real problems in continuing with the rebuilding of the Temple. In such a circumstance, Zechariah was raised up by God to prophesy in order to encourage them. Also, He promises His presence and counsel along the way.

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Many a time we tend to forget the unseen guiding hand and the power that strengthens us from the very throne of the Living God. Yes there are difficulties, but we can overcome by trusting God to take us through these very problems. Hence the vision that is shown to the Prophet is one of significance to us this very day. The lamp stand is lit up with the olive oil that flows to it from a heavenly source— not from any man-made source. So it is perennial and will continue even though the circumstances on this earth change. Another thought is that the work of God cannot be done by power or might of human origin but exclusively by The Spirit of the Lord Himself. So…. “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.’ (Zech. 4:6)

Seeing this matter very clearly let us thoughtfully understand how it applies to our own lives collectively.

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The lamp stand represents the church of God (The mystery of ….. the seven golden lamp stands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. (Rev 1:20)

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We are facing a similar situation now. The initial work of God for building His Church faced innumerable challenges and had its set-backs in history. But as the prophetical times indicate, the work on this earth needs to be completed in a time-bound manner. But we see a lot of unfinished tasks lying in front of us with a lot of discouragements from inside and outside. So this prophesy talks volumes to us who are earnestly engaged in building His Kingdom. After seeing the increasing difficulties and discouragements, many have grown cold and deserted the work of the Lord or started out to do it with human strength. Some have gone to seek help from governmental sources and some trust in money power and some in human talents, some in human methods and resources and many more in passing time without doing much. In whatever category we may fall, the message of the Lord is loud and clear to the church universal, there is no other way we can complete His glorious work unless we single heartedly work by the power and guidance of the Spirit!

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Thought: “God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.”― James Hudson Taylor