Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power… I. AS IMPLYING SOME IMPORTANT PROPOSITIONS. 1. That many things which it is our duty to attempt evidently lie beyond human powers. 2. We have reason to expect that God will grant the necessary aid while we use the means which are in our power. 3. God communicates spiritual aid in a manner concealed from human observation. 4. These invisible operations of the Holy Spirit do not supersede human agency, nor alter, in general, the connection between cause and effect. 5. God uses men and means in such a way as to leave no doubt to whom the accomplishment is owing. II. AS SUGGESTING SOME USEFUL ADMONITIONS. 1. The words convey instruction. They throw great light on events which have occurred, for which historians have not been able to assign an adequate reason. 2. A lesson of reproof. Some lay great stress on human means and do not look for the influences of the Spirit. 3. A lesson of encouragement. We are too apt to despise "the day of small things." God acts by degrees. The kingdom of God is as a mustard seed, but that can grow into a great tree. (C. Jerram, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. |
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