Second Sunday of Advent

The Israelites had just returned from exile to Jerusalem, only to find their city in ruins and the temple destroyed.  Under their governor, Zerubbabel, they excitedly started to rebuild it.  However, they barely got started before opposition set in.  So much so, that nothing happened for years.  Zerubbabel felt like a failure.  His dream had failed. 


But then one day the prophet Zechariah brought a message from God.  Zechariah 4:6-7 says, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel.  Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.  What are you, O mighty mountain?  Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground.  Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of 'God bless it!  God bless it!'  The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple, his hands will also complete it."


Zerubbabel knew now that with God's help, he would finish the temple.  The time had come.  God will complete the work He has started in us, too.  But, let us remember that He was also there in the beginning.  Verse 10 continues, "Do not despise the day of small things.  Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel." 

He was there at the beginning and He will be there at the end.  There will be a time of rejoicing if we stick it out to the end.


What small thing have you despised in your life?  Are you going through a time of discouragement?  Does it seem like the opposition will never end?  Does it seem like you or your project will always be small?  That it will never be finished?

On this, the Second Sunday of advent, remember it was in the little town of Bethlehem that Christ was born.  Christ doesn't need all your accomplishments, all your smarts, all your talents, all your successess, all your "bigness".  He's asking you to be faithful in what He called you to do.  He was there in the small beginning; He will be there in the end.  There will be rejoicing and the blessings of God will be evident.

By My Spirit

Lyrics by Alameda Herrick

1957

Is there a mountain in your way?

Do doubts and fears abound?

Press on, oh, hear the Spirit say,

This mountain shall come down.

Is there a river in your path,

A river deep and wide?

Step in, the waters will roll back,

You'll reach the other side.

Is there a fiery furnace trial

Far more than you can bear?

Behold the blessed Son of God,

Is walking with you there.

Then trust alone the mighty God,

He speaks the winds obey.

Take courage, then, oh fainting heart

For you He'll make a way.

Not by might; Not by power;

By my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts

Not by might; Not by power;

By my Spirit saith the Lord;

This mountain shall be removed;

This mountain shall be removed.

This mountain shall be removed,

By my Spirit saith the Lord.