By My Spirit

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

Zechariah lived and prophesied during the seventy-year Babylonian captivity of the children of Israel that had been prophesied by Jeremiah. Interestingly, though they had brought this season of slavery upon themselves by their idolatry, carnality, and forsaking of the Sabbath for 490 years, God still sent them a prophet. Such is the nature of God.

Another interesting note is that the prophet the Lord sent to Israel in their captivity was a man named Zechariah, whose name means “Yahweh remembers.” Zechariah’s prophecy is rich not only with messianic references but also with promises of renewal and a rebuilt temple, the millennial reign of Christ on earth, and the holy city of Jerusalem as home to His throne. This is the message the Israelites received while under the dominion and oppression of the greatest empire the world had ever known.

So what was the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, the governor of the first group of returning exiles to Jerusalem, as he wondered what God would do? How, Lord, is this going to turn around? We’re slaves, outside our own land, separated from our families and friends. How, God, are we ever going to get out of this mess? had to be running through Zerubbabel’s mind. God answered him through Zechariah: “It’s not your might or power, but My Spirit, that will deliver you!”

Though we all know the Spirit works on our behalves, there is one part of that wonderful truth we all struggle with, and that is, we can’t see the Holy Spirit. Over the years, however, I have shared with many people a wonderful truth the Lord has often reminded me of: you don’t have to see progress in order for God to be working.

Do you know a captive, love a captive, or maybe even are married to a captive of this world? Don’t give up hope. Yahweh remembers, and human might and power are unnecessary when the unseen Spirit of God is at work!

Excerpt from “Body Builders” now available on Amazon.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Barry-Stagner-Headshot-Round-Small.png

BARRY STAGNER

1 thought on “By My Spirit”

  1. Dear Pastor Barry.. I’ve enjoyed and have been blessed with your wisdom of the Bible..( and your little funny remarks with Amir) Thank you so much.
    On the other hand😉..i miss the scripture prayers ..they are only on Facebook!!! I’ve experienced for myself it can control everything: word and thought in the world. Maybe Mark Z & Bill G ,might even be helping China manipulate Israel’s internet through facebook? I know..i know but I was born and suffered 79 years with fetal alcohol syndrome.. ..im a little paranoid and Facebook is faces of the beast to me!
    I wanted to share this with you instead of to Amir directly. Perhaps you can start a reading scripture on another website. I don’t think my Lord wants me to trust a non Christian to control God’s Word for the whole world ,

    Ps. Obama gave out free phones during his presidency. Set in code?is his agenda..

Comments are closed.