A Valued Vessel

  

So he answered and said to me:

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

 

This is not only a word to Zerubbabel; it is a word from the Lord for each of us. The Christian life isn't merely difficult or hard; it's impossible to accomplish alone. We must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit working within us.

 

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

 

We cannot live the Christian life by our own might or power. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to be living witnesses to the grace of Jesus Christ. The Lord empowers us to be witnesses, not judges or juries. Witnesses share what they have experienced, providing evidence of the truth. We are to witness in word and deed to the truth of Jesus being alive in us and let God be the one who convicts.

 

In Acts 1:8, Jesus specified how we should be His witnesses. First, we begin in Jerusalem (where we live). Next, we move to Judea (those close by), and finally, we take the Gospel to Samaria (every religious and ethnic group worldwide). 

 

There are sensible reasons for becoming witnesses in this way. Jesus stated that prophets are valued everywhere except in their own communities, among their families and friends (Mark 4:6). Normally, home is the hardest place to witness. Beginning with those who know us best helps us humble ourselves and gives God all the glory. Furthermore, if rejection comes, it strengthens us, making us more effective and resilient when we witness to those we don't know. However, people who see themselves ministering to large numbers but are unconcerned about the condition of their own families and friends have a real problem; they cannot be a useful witness to Jesus. Those who desire to be used in a more "significant" way for Jesus should actively look for opportunities to be used now. We need to be faithful in little things before God will give us many things (Matthew 25:21). 

 

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand" (Zechariah 4:10, NLT).

 

Any work you do for the Lord is a testament to His grace in your life. However, without the power of the Holy Spirit, your testimony will lack impact. God gives more grace and power to the humble (James 4:6). Humble yourself in smaller opportunities, as these will eventually lead to many more (1 Peter 5:6). God doesn't despise small beginnings; He rejoices in them. God always sees your value and potential in the small things. If you stay the course, He will have a highly valued vessel He can use powerfully in His Kingdom—someone who never wavers in faith and commitment to God's purpose in their life.

 

Ministry is never about us; it is about Jesus living in and through us, doing exceedingly more than we ask or think, and changing the lives of others for God's glory.

 

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