DOUBLE GRACE
“Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel, you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” Zechariah 4:7
Let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation (Psalm 95:1) for the Lord is good and His mercies endure forever. We have every reason to thank the Lord for sparing our lives to see the tenth month of 2024. To Him alone be the glory, honor, and adoration in Jesus’ mighty name.
Our theme this month is “Double Grace” with primary context taken from Zechariah 4:7-“Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel, you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”
This was a prophetic message about the rebuilding of the second temple in Jerusalem. The “great mountain” is a symbol of the obstacles and challenges that stood in the way of this monumental task. Zerubbabel, a Jewish prince and governor, was appointed by the Persian King Cyrus to oversee the reconstruction. The people of the land raised opposition against the work.
“Who art thou, O great mountain?” The mountain represents the opposition. This vision encourages them to believe that Zerubbabel will be able to remove the mountain of opposition. The Lord Jesus used “mountain” in that sense. The Lord Jesus said to His disciples, “…If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). I don’t think our Lord was speaking of removing physical mountains — we don’t know of any physical mountains being moved in that day — but the faith that removes mountains is the faith that removes obstacles and opposition to the work of God and oppositions to a Christian’s progress. And that is the picture this vision gives. God’s temple will be rebuilt regardless of the seeming impossibilities.
The phrase “shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” signifies the joy and celebration accompanying the temple’s completion. It suggests that the success of the project would be attributed to God’s grace and favor.
The verse declares that Zerubbabel would overcome these obstacles, leveling the “great mountain” and completing the temple. The “capstone” represents the final and crowning piece of the temple, symbolizing the completion of the project.
Though Zechariah 4:7 was a prophetic message about the rebuilding of the second temple in Jerusalem, however, its principles can be applied to Christians today in the following ways:
Overcoming Obstacles: Just as Zerubbabel faced significant challenges in rebuilding the temple, Christians today may encounter obstacles in their spiritual journeys. The verse encourages us to persevere through difficulties, trusting in God’s strength and grace. Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
God’s Grace: The phrase “Grace, grace to it!” highlights the importance of God’s grace in overcoming challenges. It reminds us that our accomplishments are ultimately due to God’s favor, not our merit. Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Perseverance and Faith: The story of Zerubbabel and the temple’s reconstruction emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith. Even in the face of adversity, we must continue to trust in God’s plan and His promises. Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race set before us.”
In summary, while Zechariah 4:7 specifically refers to rebuilding the temple, its principles of overcoming obstacles, relying on God’s grace, and persevering in faith apply to Christians today. We can find encouragement and inspiration in the Lord as we navigate our spiritual journeys and face the challenges that come our way.
PRAYERS
1. Oh Lord God, I acknowledge and thank you that my accomplishments are only possible through Your grace. Thank you, Lord.
2. Help me Lord, to be always humble and grateful for Your blessings.
3. Father, empower me to fulfill Your purpose for my life.
4. Lord, help me to overcome the obstacles that stand in my way. Give me the strength and courage to persevere, trusting in Your grace and power.
5. Father grant me wisdom and discernment to identify and address the “great mountains” in my life.
6. Lord, strengthen my faith as I face challenges and setbacks. Help me to trust in Your promises and remain steadfast in my commitment to You.
7. Father, grant me the endurance to run the race set before me, knowing that You will provide the strength I need.
8. Lord, guide me on the path You have ordained for my life. Help me to recognize the opportunities and challenges that align with Your will.
9. Father, illuminate my way and show me the steps I need to take to fulfill Your purpose for my life.
10. Thank you, Lord, for Your sovereignty, You are the ultimate source of my strength and wisdom, and I believe You will equip me with everything I need to overcome obstacles and fulfill my destiny in Jesus’ mighty name.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). This is because, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.” The Lord of host will fight your battle for you in Jesus’ mighty name.
Welcome to October 2024, the month of “Double Grace.”
Yours in the Lord’s Service,
Pastor Lillian Haastrup
