HEROES
January: Zerubbabel
Heroes...Searching the Scriptures of our Parish Theme
This month’s hero is Zerubbabel with his special gift of building. Sometimes God’s ownership of a project is only recognized after our best efforts have failed. It is dangerous to think of God as responsible for the insignificant details while we take charge of the larger aspects of a project. Instead, it is God who is in control, and we play a part in His plan. When God gives us important jobs to do, it isn’t because He needs our help. This was the lesson for Zerubbabel. His story is found in the Book of Ezra. Take some time now and read Ezra 3:1-4:5; then read 6:13-22.
Zerubbabel and the others who returned from the exile had a big job to do. Jerusalem was in ruins and needed to be rebuilt, but where to begin?
- Where did Zerubbabel and the exiles start?
By beginning where they did, the people of God, under the direction of Zerubbabel, not only laid a physical foundation for the temple but also a spiritual foundation for the people.
- Why are foundations so important?
As sinners, our lives are, at times, in ruins. They may look good on the outside, but inside our walls have been destroyed, our temples have been toppled, and our foundations cracked.
t is difficult and frustrating at times to see big projects through to completion. The people around Jerusalem were afraid that the returned exiles would become powerful again so they tried to sabotage the work of Zerubbabel. This was very frustrating to him.
- Have you ever been frustrated when trying to accomplish your tasks?
The Lord sent the prophet Zechariah to give Zerubbabel and the people some encouragement and confidence to continue their work. Read the words of Zechariah to the people found in Zechariah 4:6-9.
- How did these words comfort the people? Do they comfort you?
We know that our foundation is in Jesus Christ, and we have been given a task to do, namely to build on this foundation to give glory to God. Read what Paul tells us about this in 1 Corinthians 3:10-14. Since our foundation is in Christ, we know that it cannot fail, but like Zerubbabel, sometimes we get frustrated and discouraged; however, we too can be encouraged by Zechariah’s words,
“Not by might nor by power,
but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.”
We know that we have the victory in all we do because of Christ.
Prayer: Lord of all creation, we thank and praise you for giving us a firm spiritual foundation in your son Jesus. Encourage us to continue your work on earth by building relationships, and connections that give you glory and point others to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN!