SERMON Monday, 28th March 2022, Zechariah 4 :10.

Zechariah 4 :10

For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel.

“These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth.”

Sebab siapa yang memandang hina hari peristiwa-peristiwa yang kecil, mereka akan bersukaria melihat batu pilihan di tangan Zerubabel. Yang tujuh ini adalah mata TUHAN, yang menjelajah seluruh bumi.”

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

Though many people like to be involved in fancy, beautiful, joy and great things, but God gives His eyes to the whole things including smallest one. Jesus actually encourages people to be faithful in every little things. Jesus says “whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much”. Jesus wants us, His people to respect small things but not to hate the great things. Today, we are asked as the people of God to build this character, respecting the small thing. For you are also small in the eyes of God.

The passage this morning reminds us to be renewed spiritually and socially. When you see and experience the small things when others get the great/big ones, you shall believe that God still watches and cares for you. The book of Zechariah brings this message. Message of comforts and vision to Israel restoration. God will rebuild again the city and God’s Temple. The restoration furthermore also means repentance as spiritual renewal and social renewal.

Book of Zechariah wants us to feel that God loves His people. God wants to be with His people. God wants His tabernacle in the midst of His lovers, His people. God wants to stay with His people while the calling of repentance is also voiced. It means God will give comforts but simultaneously challenge us to live in holiness and faithful to Him. God wants to stay with good heart people. God’s favorite temple would be people who can resist temptation and do the truth though it means you will be suffered, despised and hated. God will be the strength. Eyes of the Lord which range through the whole earth will protect us. Till the end others who have despised us would see the joy in our life and they would rejoice with us and praise our Lord.

Today’s passage, stresses out empowerment and participation in the reconstruction of the Temple of God. In the midst of poverty and darkness, God asked His people Israel to rebuild His temple led by Zerubbabel. This prophecies was of particular encouragement to Zerubbabel who, in his task of reconstructing the temple, faced mountainous obstacles. Zerubbabel’s authority was limited by Persia; he had a shortage of labour and materials; his workers were discouraged by certain Jews who despised the new building as being small in comparison with Solomon’s magnificent temple; and he was surrounded by hostile foreigners who tried to hinder the work. God now gives him a message of encouragement and reassurance. Just as the lamps receive a continuous supply of oil supernaturally, so the temple will be finished through the power of God’s Spirit. It is God’s power, not human power, to be the source of Zerubbabel’s strength (6-10a). God will build a perfect building through him and his people.

The completion of the temple under Zerubbabel would serve as a pledge that, in time, the true temple, the Church of Jesus Christ, would be built by that greater Son of David, of whom God said, “He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:13). In all of these references to Zerubbabel, it is explicit that he is a type of the Messiah. “Zerubbabel was made as a “signet,” chosen by God (Haggai 2:23), a symbol of Him who was to come. His work was a foreshadowing of what the Messiah would accomplish.” The work is not contemptible, since the Lord regards it with favour, watches, and directs it.  The eyes of the Lord are expressive of God’s watchful providence and care. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him (2 Chronicles 16:9).

God encouraged them with the promise He will build the temple Himself. Through this message God encourages us now to serve, to give some efforts, to involve and take part in small or big role in the kingdom of God on this earth. Zechariah calls us now to repent and be part of the kingdom of God. Surely God, Himself will do it but God ask us to take small part on it as He asked the Israelites to take part on the small things, and to not despise it. God values every inch of your efforts.  Our participation in the kingdom of God could also be done by doing evangelism, living in truth though it is hard, and share kindness though it is difficult. Through our life, others and surroundings would know that our God is kind and powerful. They might be join us to praise Him.

Today we are reminded and reassured that God dominates the whole nations and creations. Zerubbabel participation on the leadership is the sign of God’s faithfulness to David’s descendent. Our participation in the kingdom of God is also a sign of God’s faithfulness to His people.  In the midst of thread economically and politically, Israelites easily question God’s faithfulness and think that faithful to God is useless. In a critical situation we might think as they think that faithful to God is useless. God is not there when He is needed. But, Zechariah reminds us today that God does not sleep, He awakes and watches everything. When you are in fear, God is watching and protecting you.

With those promises and prophecies, no one should be doubtful about the future. We should not doubt God’s abiding love. Believe and be courageous! As the song entitle “when you believe” composed by Stephen Schwartz, sung by Mariah Carrey and Whitney Houston. It says: “there can be miracles, when you believe”. Now we must say to our self as well:  “though I am afraid, my hope is frail, when I believe in God, there can be miracles”. God will do it for us! God will work it for us! Just trust then rejoice in the Lord and be happy.  Amen.

Rev. Marudur Siahaan, M.Th