Tuesday, 5th November 2024
By Alex Buabeng-Korsah
THEME: NOT BY MIGHT
Theme Scripture: 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. Zechariah 4:6 KJV
PREPARATORY QUESTION
1. How much can the strength of man accomplish without God's Spirit?
Jesus was at supper with His disciples. He mentions to them that a little while He will be with them but after, they will look, and not find Him [John 13:33]. Peter, being vocal, followed up with a question. "Where are you going", Peter asked? He [Peter] did not receive a direct answer. Rather, Jesus replied, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now. But you shall follow me afterwards." (John 13: 36). That was not enough of an answer to Peter so he shot back another question, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for your sake?" (John 13:37). "Will you [Peter], Jesus asked?" Then the Master added, " Truly, truly, I say to you [ Peter], the cock will not crow till you have denied me thrice" (John 13: 38). Truly, Peter denied Jesus thrice in 24 hours.
The human capacity without God's Spirit is but mere. In the face of fear, challenges and trouble, discouragement and rejection, we can lose steam and even our composure. However, when His Spirit is at play in our lives, we can do all things.
Zerubbabel had faltered in the great work of reconstructing the Temple. But he received a prophetic word to renew efforts and persevere to the top-stone. Though Zerubbabel might have been weak and flexible as a wick, God assured him that his accomplishment was not going to be by his strength or might. Rather, it was going to be by His Spirit. This is remarkable.
Beloved, you might be at your lowest end. Can you switch to His Spirit? Hannah had done all she could to conceive and bear a child but to no avail. When her effort was exhausted and she switched to God, one word from Eli the priest changed the narrative. When Hannah bore a son she declared with all conviction, "..by strength shall no man prevail." (1 Sam 2:9).
Peter relied on his strong resolution to keep him faithful. When the hour came, he found his resolution woefully inadequate. Do not vaunt in self-confidence, precious one. Rather, seek intimacy with God's Spirit, to do all things in Him, with Him and for Him.
Beloved, do not be drunk with wine, wherein is excess. But be filled [intoxicated, overflowing] with the Spirit. Speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Eph 5:18-19). Glory to Jesus.
Precious one, be filled with the Spirit by uttering psalms and hymns. Sing spiritual songs and make melody in your hearts to the Lord. Then shall the rivers of living waters in your belly overflow its banks and cause desert places to blossom. It is only then can your strength ride on the strength of the Spirit, and your might, on His might. Hallelujah!
FURTHER READING: John 13:33-38
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD
- How are you employing God’s strength and might in your daily living?
PRAYER
Precious Father, thank you for not leaving me as an orphan. You have given me your Spirit. I affirm that if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in me, this same Spirit is breathing life in me and in everything that I will do henceforth. Thank you, Father, in Jesus' Precious Name.
One Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Chronicles 34; Hosea 2; Acts 16; Acts 17
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