Plumb Line in Hand

Our God shall supply all our need according to His riches in glory, for He is faithful (Phil. 4:19).  Sometimes we need conviction, rebuke, encouragement and help, and God is able to provide wisdom and strength for the day.  I must have needed encouragement from the LORD while reading His word today, and that is what I received from Him today in abundance.

I was reading Zechariah 4 and the passage where God said it was not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit a mountain would become a plain.  The task of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem--which might have seemed as impossible as shifting Mount Everest a mile to the east--would be accomplished by God's grace through Zerubbabel.  Zechariah 4:8-9 says, "Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying: ⁹ "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands shall also finish it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you."  The foundation had been laid, yet building had proved difficult.  God brought encouragement through the prophet Zechariah that Zerubbabel who laid the foundation would also finish it.  The work God had begun in and through His people He would be faithful to complete in His time.

The LORD continued in Zechariah 4:10:  "For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth."  To answer God's question, most if not all people despise the day of small things.  Zerubbabel and the people of Israel were likely among those who despised the day of small things, days when there is not any visible progress from our labours.  When worshippers were anxious to hear reports of good progress and see the walls going up fast, there was Zerubbabel standing around, measuring.  Nothing was happening; nothing had changed.  They watched as he used a plumb line to ensure his dimensions were accurate, and no stones were set in place.  It was disappointing and even discouraging to see days and weeks pass without any noticeable improvement.  People wondered if they would live to see the temple built.  This is the day of small things.

God does not despise the day of small things!  He rejoiced to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel, for he was following the design given him by God.  Having laid the foundation, he was attentive and careful in preparation so the building would stand upright and endure.  Dear Christian, we can also despise the day of small things--when we are not seeing progress we are looking for despite long hours and hard labour, when we have nothing tangible to show for our efforts.  Know that God will be faithful to complete the work He has begun.  Think of all the small things God has made and His intricate designs in creation.  Every day we have is a gift from Him.  He does not despise small things, and we shouldn't either.  While we tend to be impatient and lose hope because we are not seeing immediate results, God seeks to forge godly character by patient obedience and perseverance.

Take heart, child of God!  God's eyes go to and fro through the whole earth and seeks to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to Him (2 Chron. 16:9).  We may not have much to show for our efforts, but by His grace we can be faithful servants in whom He is well pleased.