When the nation of Israel returned from their Babylonian captivity, they faced ruins. The temple and the city of Jerusalem needed rebuilding. They would have to do it in the face of opposition and multiple attempts to stop them. At one point, God brought a word to their leader, Zerubbabel. It was a promise that he and the people would complete the work of rebuilding the temple, but it would not be done through human might (resources), nor human power (strength).
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts. ‘What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. And he will bring out the capstone accompanied by shouts of: Grace, grace to it!’” [Zechariah 4:6-7 HCSB]
If Zerubbabel and the people thought they were in this battle to rebuild alone, they were greatly mistaken. In fact, rebuilding the temple of the LORD by their human means alone would be impossible. Human means are limited. God assured them however, that the temple would be completed by God’s Spirit. The completion of the impossible task would stand as a witness to God’s activity.
God is not interested in just rebuilding temples; He is interested in “building” us into a testimony of His love and grace. The word to Zerubbabel in the OT often reminds me of the word to the Philippians in the NT. “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 1:6 HCSB]
The wonderful work that God began in us will be completed – not through our human might (resources) nor our human power (strength). It will be completed by God’s Holy Spirit (with our cooperation)!
And one day, when we stand in the presence of our Gracious Father and the multitudes of saints and angels around His throne, He will bring out the capstone of our lives and heaven will resound with shouts of: “Grace, grace to it!”
