Rebuilding the Temple

Empowered by the Spirit

God’s Call, Spirit, and Purpose

Not by Might, Nor by Power

Zechariah’s Vision and Our Mission

Zechariah’s Encouragement for Discouraged Builders

 

The Book of Zechariah unfolds during a time of profound discouragement. The Jews had returned from Babylonian exile, but their hope of a restored Temple—a symbol of God’s presence — remained unfulfilled. They faced opposition, exhaustion, and fear. Yet, through Zechariah, God spoke hope and encouragement, calling His people to rebuild the Temple. This wasn’t just about bricks and mortar; it was a significant moment in God’s redemptive plan.

Zechariah’s message is not only for ancient Israel it speaks to all believers. Like the Israelites, we are called to build God’s kingdom in a world full of challenges. To fulfill this calling, we must rely on the Spirit of God. As Zechariah 4:6 proclaims:

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

Zechariah’s Call to Rebuild

Alexander Maclaren beautifully observed, “Every stone laid on the Temple was a prophecy. Every blow of the hammer on the unfinished building rang with the promise of a better covenant.” This reconstruction signified far more than the physical rebuilding of a structure—it was a profound act of spiritual renewal, reminding the people that God’s purposes surpass human understanding.

Zechariah’s call to rebuild wasn’t merely about restoring a physical temple; it was a summons to rekindle faith, renew obedience, and restore hope. The Temple, as a symbol of God’s presence, declared that God had not forsaken His people, even after the exile. Undertaking this work was an act of trust, requiring perseverance amidst opposition and discouragement. Yet Zechariah’s visions reassured the people that the task was ultimately God’s mission, carried out through their obedience.

Rebuilding God’s work has never been easy, but it is always sustained by His power. Matthew Henry noted, “God’s work shall go forward, and His interests be preserved, in spite of all opposition, and the unbelief of those who should be forwarding it.” The rebuilding of the Temple was a pivotal step in God’s unfolding plan, pointing ahead to Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

As David Guzik explains, “God’s plans are bigger than our setbacks, and His purposes extend beyond what we see.” Each stone placed in the Temple bore witness to God’s faithfulness and His promise to dwell among His people. Ultimately, the Temple’s rebuilding foreshadowed the coming of Christ, who would fulfill the law and establish a new covenant. Today, this call reminds us that even our smallest acts of obedience are part of God’s grand, eternal plan.

The Spirit’s Empowerment

The rebuilding of the Temple was entirely dependent on the power of God’s Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 captures this truth: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” shifting the focus from human capability to divine strength. This verse underscores that God’s work is accomplished not through human ingenuity or resources, but through His Spirit. As Eugene Peterson insightfully noted, “Zechariah redirects the weary builders’ vision from their own weakness to the infinite power of God’s Spirit.” That same power, available to all who trust in Him, remains just as relevant today.

Charles Spurgeon observed, “The Spirit of God can work mightily where all human effort fails. If we are to see the glory of God in our time, it must be by the Spirit of the Lord.” It is precisely in moments of limitation and weakness that God’s Spirit displays His power most clearly. The Israelites, faced with opposition and discouragement, found strength and perseverance in the Spirit, just as we must rely on Him in advancing God’s kingdom.

Derek Prince explained that the Spirit does more than empower; He brings clarity, guidance, and alignment with God’s purposes. Whether we are proclaiming the gospel, leading a ministry, or walking faithfully in daily life, it is the Holy Spirit who equips, sustains, and strengthens us for the task. Without Him, we would falter in the face of challenges or lose sight of God’s mission.

The Spirit’s empowerment remains as vital for us as it was for the Israelites. God’s work cannot be accomplished by human effort alone, but through the Spirit’s unceasing presence and power, we are equipped to persevere and bring glory to His name.

God Protects His Builders

Zechariah’s message to the Israelites emphasized not only God’s call to rebuild but also His promise of protection for those engaged in His work. In Zechariah 2:5, the Lord proclaims, “I will be to her a wall of fire all around…and I will be the glory in her midst.” This vivid imagery reassured the people that God’s presence would guard them from harm and that He would dwell among them, bringing divine protection and peace. This promise gave them the courage to persevere despite external opposition and internal doubts.

N.T. Wright insightfully observes, “God’s protection is not a distant shield but an active presence that surrounds and sustains His people.” This assurance reminded the Israelites—and reminds us—that God’s care is personal and dynamic. His presence is both our defense against external threats and the source of inward strength.

John Calvin reinforced this truth by highlighting God’s sovereignty: “God holds the reins of the whole world in His hands, and He overrules all opposition to the building of His kingdom.” God’s ultimate authority guarantees the success of His purposes, no matter the challenges faced by His people.

This divine assurance is a powerful encouragement for us today. Whether we are confronting personal trials or opposition in advancing God’s kingdom, we can trust in His unshakable protection. He not only guards His work but ensures that His glory will shine through it.

Building for the Future

The rebuilding of the Temple was about far more than restoring a physical structure—it was a pivotal step in God’s unfolding plan of redemption, culminating in the coming of Christ. Every stone placed symbolized a larger story of salvation, as Derek Prince observed: “Zechariah’s visions are glimpses into God’s grand design, showing that even our seemingly small acts of obedience are part of an eternal story.” The Israelites’ labor was not merely for their generation; it pointed forward to the ultimate Temple, Jesus Christ, through whom God’s presence would dwell with humanity.

Patrick Miller expands on this, emphasizing, “To rebuild is to participate in God’s unfolding drama, where our faithfulness today paves the way for His glory tomorrow.” Their obedience to God’s call served as an act of faith that reverberated through history, paving the way for God’s greater work. This is true for us as well—our faithful efforts in service to God may seem small, but they carry eternal significance.

Rick Warren reminds us, “What we build for God will outlast us if it is done in obedience and reliance on Him.” When we labor for God, guided by His Spirit, we become part of a work that transcends time. Just as the Israelites’ rebuilding effort prepared the way for Christ, our faithful service today lays the foundation for God’s kingdom work in the future.

A Call to Us Today

Zechariah’s message is timeless, reminding believers that God’s call to rebuild is not confined to the past but continues in our lives today. The work of rebuilding is as much spiritual as it is physical. Henri Nouwen insightfully wrote, “Spiritual building begins with surrender. It is the Spirit of God who forms the house of God within us and through us.” This surrender involves yielding our plans, ambitions, and fears to God, trusting Him to work through us as we labor for His kingdom.

Dallas Willard further expands this idea, stating, “The true Temple is not found in a place but in a people—a people who are yielded to the Spirit and devoted to the mission of God.” As believers, we are now the living stones of God’s spiritual temple (1 Peter 2:5), called to reflect His presence in our lives and communities.

This call requires faithfulness, humility, and a commitment to God’s purposes. Each act of service, however small, becomes part of the greater story of God’s redemption. Just as the Israelites rebuilt the physical Temple in obedience, we are called to build God’s kingdom by proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, and living as His faithful witnesses. Through surrender and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we become active participants in God’s ongoing mission to renew and restore the world.

Key Lessons for Today

1. Faith Over Fear: Trust that God is with you in the work He calls you to do (Zechariah 2:5).

2. Empowerment by the Spirit: Rely on God’s Spirit, not your own strength (Zechariah 4:6).

3. Eternal Perspective: Remember that our work for God is part of His eternal plan (Zechariah 8:9-13).

Building God’s Kingdom Together

Zechariah’s encouragement to rebuild the Temple points us to a larger truth: God calls His people to participate in His redemptive plan. We may face opposition, discouragement, and exhaustion, but the Spirit of God equips us with strength, protection, and vision. Let us rebuild with courage and trust, knowing that the work we do for Him will endure.

A Prayer for Rebuilding

Lord,

Thank You for calling us to be part of Your redemptive work. When we feel discouraged, remind us that Your Spirit empowers us. Help us to rely not on our strength but on Your might. Protect us as we labor for Your glory, and give us a vision of the eternal purposes You are unfolding. May our work bring honor to Your name and hope to the world. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Legacy of Total Dependence

Faith Beyond Words

Faith That Holds Nothing Back

John Paton’s journey as a missionary

John Paton’s journey as a missionary to the New Hebrides was one marked by remarkable courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to Christ’s call. Born in 1824 in Scotland, Paton grew up in a devout Christian household. His father was a passionate man of prayer, and his dedication to God deeply influenced Paton’s faith. Early in life, Paton felt a calling to serve God, which initially led him to work as a city missionary in Glasgow, ministering to the destitute and spiritually lost. However, his heart longed for a more far-reaching mission, and he soon felt compelled to take the gospel to those who had never heard of Christ.

A Calling to the Unreached

In 1858, Paton’s sense of calling brought him to the New Hebrides, a group of islands in the South Pacific inhabited by tribal people who practiced animism and cannibalism. The New Hebrides were known to be dangerous for missionaries. Just two decades earlier, John Williams and James Harris, the first missionaries to the region, were killed and eaten upon their arrival. Despite the risks, Paton was steadfast in his calling, convinced that the people there deserved to hear about Jesus and the hope of eternal life.

Before departing, many of his friends and family expressed grave concerns. One older man famously told him, “You will be eaten by cannibals!” Paton replied with great courage, saying, “If I can but live and die serving and honoring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by cannibals or by worms.” His determination was unwavering—he believed in the power of God to transform even the hardest hearts.

The Trials and Challenges of Mission Work

Paton arrived on the island of Tanna in 1858 with his wife, Mary. Tragically, only a few months later, Mary and their newborn son both died from fever. Paton buried them with his own hands and spent many lonely nights beside their graves, battling grief and despair. Yet, even in this immense sorrow, he refused to abandon his mission, drawing strength from God’s promises. Paton wrote of his heartache and perseverance: “Feeling immovably assured that my God and Father was too wise and loving to err in anything that He does or permits, I looked up to the Lord for help, and struggled on in His work.”

Over the next years, Paton faced constant threats to his life from the tribes he sought to reach. His attempts to build relationships were often met with hostility, and he endured many attacks from warriors with clubs, arrows, and spears. On one occasion, he narrowly escaped by climbing a tree and hiding there as his enemies hunted him. Reflecting on that experience, he later wrote, “I climbed into the tree and was left there alone in the bush. The hours I spent there live all before me as if it were but yesterday. I heard the frequent discharging of muskets and the yells of the savages. Yet I sat there among the branches, as safe as in the arms of Jesus.”

Breakthrough and Transformation

Language barriers posed a particular difficulty, especially when it came to communicating core concepts of the Christian faith. One of his biggest obstacles was finding a way to explain “faith,” a concept so essential to salvation, in a language that lacked a direct equivalent.

One day, as Paton was reflecting on this dilemma in his mission home, his indigenous servant entered. Paton, inspired, leaned back in his chair, lifted his feet off the ground, and asked, “What am I doing now?” The servant replied with a word that meant “to lean your whole weight upon.” This became a breakthrough for Paton. Faith, he realized, was not merely belief—it was an entire reliance on Jesus, trusting Him to bear the full weight of one’s life. This expression became the way Paton taught faith to the people of the New Hebrides.

This vivid image of “leaning your whole weight upon” Jesus encapsulates the essence of faith. It’s a total surrender, a trust that holds nothing back, resting entirely on Jesus to carry our lives, burdens, and hopes.

Through patience, prayer, and steadfast love for the people, Paton began to gain their trust. His compassionate care for the sick, his help in moments of need, and his consistent presence softened their hearts. He dedicated himself to learning their language, even developing a written form of it, and eventually translated the New Testament into their native tongue.

Over time, Paton’s faithfulness bore fruit. Many villagers came to understand the message of Jesus and embraced Christianity. Entire tribes left behind their former practices, including cannibalism, to follow Christ. Paton’s work brought transformation, not only to individuals but to entire communities.

Legacy of a Faithful Servant

John Paton continued his work on the New Hebrides until his death in 1907, leaving behind a profound legacy. By the time he left the islands, Christianity had taken root in the region, and countless lives had been transformed by the gospel. His life was a testament to the power of faith and the importance of obedience to God’s calling, even in the face of immense trials.

Paton’s legacy lives on in the many churches and communities of believers he helped establish. He is remembered for his courage, resilience, and, above all, his absolute trust in God. His story encourages believers everywhere to “lean their whole weight” upon Jesus, no matter where He calls them to go.

Paton’s journey reminds us that a life surrendered to God has the power to bring light to the darkest places. He may not have known the impact his faith would have at the outset, but he trusted God completely, confident that his work would not be in vain. Today, his story continues to inspire Christians worldwide to answer the call, lean on Jesus, and persevere with courage, knowing that God can bring life and transformation to the most unlikely of places.

Soli Deo Gloria

Canaan after Joshua

The last verse in Judges sums up the entire book in a nutshell, on what went on during the period after the death of Joshua. Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. This is a chilling verse in the Bible when people do whatever is right in their eyes. The lack of a strong leader who the Israelites could rely on, caused the loss in the vision, mission and values of the nation. Christ is the head of our community, family and finally us. Unless we obey Him and His commandments, we start to drift, or may even start our race of evil. We are all made in the image of God. We should be led by the Holy Spirit to be known by God and to know and understand His ways. Unless we acknowledge Him as our head we will loose our spiritual direction.

Moses and Joshua were both leaders who were filled with the Spirit of God. When they were alive they had a vision of striving to be a people committed to God. Their Divine Vision came through prayer and staying in touch with God. They could lead the children of Israel through the right paths, with the help of the Holy Spirit. While they were faithful to God, He blessed them, worked miracles, and kept them under his wings. But after their time the children of Israel lost this vision for a couple of centuries. Joshua was a military genius but after taking over Canaan he did not anoint anyone to be a competent leader after his time. This lead to a rapid decline in the Israelites' spiritual lives that was later reflected in their daily lives as well. Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

While the children of Israel were with Joshua the whole nation had one common mission which was to conquer Canaan. However when they abandoned this mission, they lost the opportunity to take over Canaan completely. Once they got to Canaan, the children of Israel were so excited to finally find a whole country they could occupy they were overwhelmed. They had been deprived for so long in the wilderness, but now they found they could enjoy all the pleasures of life. Their loyalty to God and nation were divided with their own selfish goals and ambitions, and the neighboring cultures, religions, values, and traditions.

It is natural human tendency to get involved with whatever fascinates us so that we neglect God. We find that as we build up momentum with work, personal goals, and daily activities, we have no time for God. For some, after a while the virtuous life becomes a grind. St. Paul says that trying to up-hold the law only leads to death. It is very important that people grasp the Spirit of the law. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. We as Christians should pray for the Holy Spirit to inspire us to understand and to do God’s Will just as the Spirit inspired our Spiritual fathers. We as children of God should have a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit who will help us in our daily lives.

Gregory of Nyssa was one of the spiritual giants of the church who lived in the fourth century. He advocated in his book “The Life of Moses”, that the word of God rather than be used for historical reflection, should be used for growth in a virtuous spiritual life. He used the lives of the people in the Bible to foster spiritual growth. He was convinced by the teachings of Paul that we are in a divine race, competing along the course of virtue, straining toward the prize of the heavenly calling. He believed in seeking the divine guidance of God, through the confines of the laws laid down in the Bible. He urged us to increase our speed in our spiritual race. He said that if we stop the race of virtue we begin the race of evil. St. Paul said we must forget what lies behind, press on to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13). Let us leave our evil past behind, and hold on to our gifts and employ them to press on to our calling to live a virtuous life.

Christ stressed on the importance of love for God and fellowbeings. It is necessary for our spiritual journeys to be focused on Christ’s teachings. When we start to love ourselves and our own selfish goals we become, separated from God and our fellow Christians. It is our calling to be known by God and to work toward emulating His image in our lives. When the children of Israel lost their love for God and his laws, the whole dynamic of their relationship with Him began to fall away. Moses' song to the children of Israel echoes in the Book of Proverbs "My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.." Proverbs 7: 1,2