Scripture Reading : Zechariah 4
Theme : Not by Might, but by His Spirit
God will Build the Temple (1-10). The lampstand is the seven-branched kind in the tabernacle except with a bowl on top it from which oil is supplied to the lamps. Oil represents the Holy Spirit (v.6). The constant flow of oil from the bowl to the seven lamps represent God’s perfect, omniscient and unlimited power to supply everything that is needed to be accomplished (10). In this case, it is referring to the monumental task of building the temple by a small group of Jews. God encourages the people to continue the work and finish the temple even though it seems impossible. Because God is behind the work, even a mountain of obstacles will be nothing before God and His people. He is teaching them that small things can become great when God is in it (cf. Matt. 14:17-20).
Priestly King (11-13). The two olive trees, in context of chapters 3-4, represent the office of priesthood (Joshua) and the office of kingship (Zerubbabel). They foreshadow the future offices of the Messiah, who will be both king and priest (6:13), which was unheard of in Israel. Uzziah the king was punished for trying to fill the role of a priest (2 Chron. 26:21). Only the Messiah can be both king and priest.
Praying the Scripture
- Lord, we humble ourselves and give you all the glory because it is by your Spirit and might, not by our might that we can accomplish anything. It is a illusion to think that our accomplishments are based on our might and wisdom (Ps. 127:1). Let us learn to pray to you first for blessing, and then backup our prayers with our effort. May we not work and then backup our effort with prayer.
- O God, you are the great supplier. Forgive us for often doubting you of your power and supply. When we do not trust in you, but trust in ourselves, we only get disappointments and vain attempts to try (James 4:2). May we acknowledge you as our great supplier who knows what is best for us. May we trust in you, pray to you, live for you, and anticipate great things from you (Eph. 3:20) for your honor and majesty. Hallow be your name!
经文：撒迦利亚书4
主题：不是倚靠势力，乃是倚靠圣灵
神会建立祂的殿（1-10）。这里的灯台指的是帐幕里含有七支灯盏的那一种，顶上的灯盏装着灯油；油则代表圣灵（6节）。油从灯盏到灯台的持续供应代表神完美、无所不知和无限的能力，能供应一切所需完成任务（10）。这里的任务则指要一小群犹太人建殿的艰巨任务。神鼓励他们即便任务看似是不可能完成的，他们仍要继续工作，把圣殿建好。这是因为神就在幕后工作，而一座山在神与祂的子民面前就不算什么。神要教导他们：当神与他们同在时，即便小事也能为大（参太14:17-20）。
作祭司的王（11-13）。按第三和第四章的经文来看，这两棵橄榄树代表的是祭司（约书亚）和君王（所罗巴伯）的职分。他们预示弥赛亚未来的职分，因为祂将同是君王和祭司（6:13）；这是以色列前所未有的。乌西雅王曾想充当祭司而遭惩罚（代下26:21）。只有弥赛亚能同时能做君王和祭司。
用经文祷告
- 主啊，我们谦卑自己，将所有的荣耀都归给你，因为我们能达成任何事，全凭的是你的灵和力量，不是我们的势力。我们若认为自己的成就是凭着自己的力量和智慧得来的，那全是妄想（诗127:1）。让我们学会先在祷告中祈求你的祝福，然后用行为支撑我们的祷告。愿我们不会先工作，然后希望祷告能成就这事。
- 神啊，你是伟大的供应者。求你饶恕我们经常质疑你的能力和供应。当我们不相信你而是相信自己的时候，我们只有失望和虚空的尝试（雅4:2）。愿我们承认你就是我们伟大的供应家，且晓得什么对我们最好。愿我们相信你，向你祷告，为你而活，期待你为你的尊荣成就大事（弗3:20）。愿人都尊你的名为圣！
