December 23, 2023
“Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me” (Zechariah 4:9 NLT). Zechariah was given a prophecy concerning Zerubbabel, the Jewish governor of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel had begun the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple that had
February 27, 2022 | Zechariah 4:1-14 |
Who among you here today would admit that you’re discouraged and grieving over a loss? You’re overwhelmed about an obstacle that you don’t know how to overcome? You’re feeling small and inadequate about situation you’re in? Maybe, you’re even a little angry at God about something today? Zechariah and the Israelites probably were feeling these same feelings. They had returned from 70 years of Babylonian captivity and had begun rebuilding the Temple, but now a decade without any work. They were small, overwhelmed, and discouraged. But…
In Zechariah chapter four, the prophet saw his 5th night vision. Similar to chapter three, which was a vision of a contemporary of Zechariah’s, the high priest Joshua, this vision was of another contemporary, namely the governor of Judea, Zerubbabel. Both visions seemed primarily aimed at encouraging both Joshua and Zerubbabel to rebuild the Temple and reinstate worship. Both visions also have strong Messianic messages for the people of God. In this 5th vision, God told Zechariah to tell Zerubbabel that he would have to rely on God’s Spirit and not his own strength to accomplish his God-given calling.
December 23, 2021
CHRIST IS BOTH CORNERSTONE AND CAPSTONE Zechariah was given a prophecy concerning Zerubbabel, the Jewish governor of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel had begun the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple that had been destroyed by the Babylonians, but work had stopped on it and the people were discouraged. Yet the Word of the Lord came to Zechariah saying,
December 23, 2020
CHRIST IS BOTH CORNERSTONE AND CAPSTONE Zechariah was given a prophecy concerning Zerubbabel, the Jewish governor of Jerusalem, that he would finish rebuilding the Temple that had been destroyed by the Babylonians. This prophecy was fulfilled during that time. Yet, as with many biblical prophecies, it also has a spiritual and future meaning. For
December 23, 2019
ARE YOU FAITHFUL IN THE SMALL THINGS? Zerubbabel was born in Babylon. As a descendent of King David, he was in line for Judah’s throne, but he and his people had been conquered and exiled by the former Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzer. After the Persian King Cyrus conquered Babylon, he showed favor to the Jews. He
December 23, 2015
Zerubbabel, whose name meant, “seed of Babylon,” was one of the Jews born in Babylon during their 70 years of captivity. Born a prince in the Davidic line, he was appointed governor over Jerusalem by the Persian king, Cyrus, and led the returning exiles to start rebuilding the Temple. Unfortunately, due to conflict with the locals and lack of both physical and financial support, the work had come to a halt after laying the foundation. The unfinished work sat atop the temple mount for over a decade, a constant and discouraging reminder to Zerubbabel, who had lost heart that it would ever be completed. It was during this time of despair that the prophet Zechariah encouraged him to take up the “plumb line” and go back to work because he would surely be able to finish it. And so, the prophecy that the temple that was started by Zerubbabel would be finished by him was fulfilled. Zerubbabel rebuilt the temple, the same one that King Herod later “supersized,” and the same one that Jesus, the true King, taught in during the His earthly ministry. Yet, this prophecy also has a spiritual fulfillment that is still pending. For Zerubbabel, the Davidic prince, is a christological type pointing to Christ’s work of salvation. The book of Hebrews explains saying that Jesus is both “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb.12:2). Jesus has laid the foundation and He will set the “capstone.”
December 23, 2013
Zerubbabel was born in the royal line of David and would have been king of Judah, but he was born too late. Judah was conquered and under the control of Babylon and Zerubbabel was only another poor member of the returning remnant. Yet, God called him to lead in the rebuilding of the Temple. He could not lead with earthly strength…
December 23, 2012
God told Zerubbabel that neither the collective force of his people, nor his own individual effort would be able to rebuild the temple. He would have to rely on God’s Spirit for empowerment. God usually has to strip us of our own power and might, or let us come to the end of it, in order to teach us to rely on Him. Whatever God has called you to do, it will only be accomplished through His strength and not yours. Be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
December 23, 2011
Are you facing a mountain that all your planning and effort have failed to overcome? Don’t give up. Instead, look to the One who can move mountains to let you walk forward on level ground.