Zechariah 4:6 The Working of the Holy Spirit (Revised)

Zechariah 4:6 The working of the Holy Spirit

I have heard many preachers, including myself, speak on this particular scripture and naturally disperse on how we as believers need not to rely on our strength and power but on the Holy Spirit. And whilst this sounds fair and reasonable it is also fair to say that God is able to use anything or anyone to bring about His plans and purposes. This is displayed in scriptures like Sampson using the jaw bone of a donkey or even a donkey speaking to Saul on the road to Damascus. Not to mention how the Lord was able to take some unlearned fishermen and tax collectors to turn the whole world upside down.

What then is the deeper meaning to this scripture and how does it impact the out workings of the church today. To understand the purpose behind any scriptures we must understand the original audience and circumstances surrounding it. Whilst I don’t intend to make an exegetical study of this verse, I do wish to greater see what the Lord has intended.

The context by which Zechariah wrote these verses is very interesting. Israel at the time was in a time of rebuilding and renewal. The temple was in disrepair as was the nation after what we can call the Diaspora of the Old Testament. This was a time of new beginnings to the Jewish race and I believe the Lord was not just interested in the present generation but in the many to come and the impact they would have on the whole world.

Throughout the book of Zechariah we see prophecy regarding the coming of Jesus and the ushering in of the kingdom of God and a new commandment. This new kingdom would not be like the one of old where God’s might and power was displayed like when the Israelites were brought before the Lord on Mt Sinai in Exodus 20 where God showed His might and power in thunder and lightning and billows of smoke. Instead Jesus is seen as one coming in lowliness (9:9); as the Prince of Peace (9:10); as the one who is crucified for our transgressions (12:10) and as a shepherd forsaken by his sheep (13:7). Not exactly the picture of strength and power but more as one meek and mild riding on a donkey.

Jesus himself declared a new commandment in John 13:24, “love one another, just as I have loved you.”And again in Matthew chapter 5 we see the Lord Jesus speaking about this new kingdom and its new commandments. Ranging from adultery that is committed simply by looking at a woman lustfully to having angry thoughts making you a murderer. Jesus however, even in this chapter re-iterates the need to love not only those who love you but even those who hate you.

Zechariah was therefore speaking about the coming Kingdom where King Jesus would reign. This new kingdom was very different to the ways the Israelites had known previously. I recently heard Heidi Baker speak on God’s kingdom being completely the opposite to worldly thinking. This therefore requires every believer to learn a new way of thinking, bringing Pauls instruction to the Roman believers most valuable. Paul’s instructions was to renew our minds in Romans 12:2 and not to conform to the pattern (what we see in the world) of the world.

 This new kingdom was based on not pursuing our own thoughts and therefore ways but those of God. It is here that the Holy Spirit and His nature become so important to the believer. Symbols of the Holy Spirit are often seen in scripture as oil, fire, wind, rain, river, wine and a dove. And whilst all of these can have a powerful effect upon the receiver, those who have encountered the presence of God’s Spirit would agree that he is gentle and never forceful in his approach. Jack Hayford in his book “Symbols of the Holy Spirit” says “The workings of the Holy Spirit are invisible, glorious, and gentle, and within them, He never tells us about Himself. He comes to glorify Jesus—helping us to see Jesus more, to understand Jesus better, to respond to Jesus more obediently, and to love Jesus with a deeper heart of commitment”.

Isaiah 40:31 is one of my most loved verses, it says “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Recently I underwent and continue to do so, some amazing changes in my life. Just prior to these events I happened to read a book by Col Stringer called On Eagles Wings which I highly recommend. In this book, Col speaks of how Eagles about every 7 years will literally pluck out there wing feathers so that new feathers will grow out. In this process, the eagle is completely vulnerable and open as he is completely defenseless in flying away from his enemies. And whilst the eagle will find a high rocky crag away from potential threats, it still remains vulnerable. What’s most interesting is that at the end of this process, the eagle is able to fly higher and catch the up drafts more easily with his new feathers.

Jesus commanded the disciples in Matthew 28 to “go into all the world...”yet we often neglect to remember that he also said to “wait”. In acts 1:8 Jesus also commands the disciple to wait for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. It is this very thing I believe Zechariah is speaking out in chapter 4:6. Though men often dare to tread where Angels would not and rush in like fools, I believe it is the gentle voice of the Spirit leading and guiding the church today that is most needed. When we wait upon the Lord or His precious Holy Spirit, we will then be able to mount up with eagle’s wings.

I love what Pastor Gordon Gibbs used to often say “find out what the Holy Spirit is doing and do that”. Not content to do his own thing but to be obedient to the promptings and leadings of the Holy Spirit.

Comparisons of the Holy Spirit

As discussed earlier, the Holy Spirit in scripture is compared to oil, fire, wind, rain, river, wine and a dove. Whilst the scripture does not say the Holy Spirit are these things it does say the Holy Spirit is like these things. It is therefore essential in understanding the outworking of the Holy Spirit that we understand the effects these elements can have on us.

Just as oil can have a lubricating and energising effect on machinery so too can the Holy Spirit both equip and enable his church in being all Christ called us to be in Him. We see the result of this in how the early church response to caring for one another and ensuring everything was shared. The body of Christ worked as one and we might even say was a well oiled machine.

The results on the day of Pentecost and fire coming upon the believers equipped them to speak forth the things of God boldly, whilst only a short time earlier Peter had denied our Lord. Again just as fire can cause us to be zealous and bold, it can also be consuming and at times as the Lord a all consuming fire which burns not only away those things which are sin and dross but even our very lives.

When we think of wind it can be that gentle whisper blowing through the gum trees or the still voice of the Spirit speaking to us to bring about His plans for our lives. In comparison it can also be a hurricane or cyclone as we say in Australia which destroys everything in its path.

Again rain in season,  that is the spring and autumn times can bring growth and prosperity from crops yet out of season can cause everything to be lost.

A river such as seen in Ezekiel can be ankle, knee or even waist deep which still enables us to enjoy it and be refreshed but when it is a torrent which sweeps us away in its path disabling us from standing and only being at its peril it too can be powerful.

Wine, when taken in moderation scripture says can be good for the stomach yet when there is not control can take away all that we have and know. And a dove which is sensitive to movement, when settled upon the believer can cause them to be lead into greater experiences.

Comparisons in Jesus’ Ministry

Jesus went about doing Good and healing the sick. Jesus himself claimed he came in Luke 4:18 18“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

In the same way that Jesus ministered so too will the Holy Spirit minister in and through us...

The gifts of the Spirit display in their outworking the very ministry of Christ. See 1Cor 12 & Rom 12

Why do we need to know how the Spirit Works?

Matthew 24, Jesus says  ”in those days the love of many shall grow cold”.

Again in Revelation 3 the Laodicean church who thought they were rich, the Spirit says they are wretched, poor, naked and blind”. And counsels them to buy from God Gold refined in the fire, fine linen clothes and balm or salve for their eyes that they may see again. All things which Laodicea were renown for.

Isa tells us in the last days the enemy will come in like a flood, but the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a banner against it. Isa 59:19

Daniel 12 says in the last days knowledge will increase. Today there are over 1 billion web pages available to us with that number increases approximately 200,000 pages per day.

There is a mine field of information out there, every weeks friends email, text or ring me about some new teaching or ideas they have found on the web. And though there is wonderful information to be explored that can bring a great blessing to the body of Christ, there is a need no greater than we have today to be discerning, aware and understanding of how the enemy will attempt to make your love grow cold.

 Scripture (Eph 4:30) tells us that we can grieve and quench the Holy Spirit. Yet we know that we can only grieve those whom we are in intimate relationship with. My son and my daughter grieve me when they do wrong, but my work mates’ family does not because I am not in relationship with them.

In the same way, if we can grieve the Holy Spirit then we must also be able to PLEASE the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said, if you love me...you will obey my commands or do as I say (John 14:23).  Again, if we wish to be pleasers of God and of the Holy Spirit then we must be willing to listen & obey what the Holy Spirit is saying to us.

Fruit of the Spirit

Again, if we wish to understand how the Spirit operates we need only look at the fruit He produces in our lives. See Gal 5

Comparisons of the Holy Spirit

Comparisons of the Holy Spirit

As discussed earlier, the Holy Spirit in scripture is compared to oil, fire, wind, rain, river, wine and a dove. Whilst the scripture does not say the Holy Spirit are these things it does say the Holy Spirit is like these things. It is therefore essential in understanding the outworking of the Holy Spirit that we understand the effects these elements can have on us.

Just as oil can have a lubricating and energising effect on machinery so too can the Holy Spirit both equip and enable his church in being all Christ called us to be in Him. We see the result of this in how the early church response to caring for one another and ensuring everything was shared. The body of Christ worked as one and we might even say was a well oiled machine.

The results on the day of Pentecost and fire coming upon the believers equipped them to speak forth the things of God boldly, whilst only a short time earlier Peter had denied our Lord. Again just as fire can cause us to be zealous and bold, it can also be consuming and at times as the Lord a all consuming fire which burns not only away those things which are sin and dross but even our very lives.

When we think of wind it can be that gentle whisper blowing through the gum trees or the still voice of the Spirit speaking to us to bring about His plans for our lives. In comparison it can also be a hurricane or cyclone as we say in Australia which destroys everything in its path.

Again rain in season, that is the spring and autumn times can bring growth and prosperity from crops yet out of season can cause everything to be lost.

A river such as seen in Ezekiel can be ankle, knee or even waist deep which still enables us to enjoy it and be refreshed but when it is a torrent which sweeps us away in its path disabling us from standing and only being at its peril it too can be powerful.

Wine, when taken in moderation scripture says can be good for the stomach yet when there is not control can take away all that we have and know. And a dove which is sensitive to movement, when settled upon the believer can cause them to be lead into greater experiences.

James 2:14-26 Faith Without Works is dead

Last week when visiting some older friends, I felt the Holy Spirit give me a word from James 2:14-26 for these friends. The word was faith without works is dead. Leading up to this word, this couple have gone through some traumatic events this last six months. The husband, Tom, experienced a stroke leaving his left arm and leg completely immobile causing him to be placed in a nursing home. His wife, Iris, as a result sold the family home and purchased a small apartment to be near to her husband. Since the stroke, we have prayed continuously for this couple and according to scripture have believed God for Tom's full recovery.

When I arrived to visit Tom last week, though he was still immobile I sensed faith arise both in him and myself when we talked and prayed together. In response I sensed the Holy Spirit say that it would not belong till Tom would be returned to his precious wife Iris and once again living as man and wife in their new apartment. After praying, Tom was so filled with joy and faith that he asked me to visit Iris at her new apartment.

Arriving at Iris' apartment, I shared with her about our time of prayer and what I sensed the Holy Spirit had me share with her husband. As we were talking I sensed the Holy Spirit say "Faith without works is dead". And as such if we are to believe God at his word and promises that we must act accordingly. I then told Iris to do what she felt she should do, but had I been her that I would buy a double bed to place in their apartment in anticipation for her beloved Tom's return. Iris' eyes lit up as I said this and you could see her faith literally in her eyes and said that she already had one in storage.

It is this kind of faith that God looks for in us who believe, faith that results in action. When we say we believe something, that belief must bring about change in our lives otherwise our belief is futile. Again if we say we believe that Jesus is Lord and Saviour of our lives than our lives should be a reflection of this truth. When there is no change, reaction or result in our faith than really our faith is futile. Hebrews 11:1 says faith is now and our reaction to God's promises must also be now. It makes no difference what we have believed and done in the past but rather what we believe and are doing with our faith for today that truly matters.

I still don't know if Iris has arranged for the double bed to be moved into their new apartment, but without it there is no faith.

Put your faith to work today!

Zechariah 4:6 Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit says the Lord

Zechariah 4:6

 

I have heard many preachers, including myself, speak on this particular scripture and naturally disperse on how we as believers need not to rely on our strength and power but on the Holy Spirit. And whilst this sounds fair and reasonable it is also fair to say that God is able to use anything or anyone to bring about His plans and purposes. This is displayed in scriptures like Sampson using the jaw bone of a donkey or even a donkey speaking to Saul on the road to Damascus. Not to mention how the Lord was able to take some unlearned fishermen and tax collectors to turn the whole world upside down.

What then is the deeper meaning to this scripture and how does it impact the out workings of the church today. To understand the purpose behind any scriptures we must understand the original audience and circumstances surrounding it. Whilst I don’t intend to make an exegetical study of this verse, I do wish to greater see what the Lord has intended.

The context by which Zechariah wrote these verses is very interesting. Israel at the time was in a time of rebuilding and renewal. The temple was in disrepair as was the nation after what we can call the Diaspora of the Old Testament. This was a time of new beginnings to the Jewish race and I believe the Lord was not just interested in the present generation but in the many to come and the impact they would have on the whole world.

Throughout the book of Zechariah we see prophecy regarding the coming of Jesus and the ushering in of the kingdom of God and a new commandment. This new kingdom would not be like the one of old where God’s might and power was displayed like when the Israelites were brought before the Lord on Mt Sinai in Exodus 20 where God showed His might and power in thunder and lightning and billows of smoke. Instead Jesus is seen as one coming in lowliness (9:9); as the Prince of Peace (9:10); as the one who is crucified for our transgressions (12:10) and as a shepherd forsaken by his sheep (13:7). Not exactly the picture of strength and power but more as one meek and mild riding on a donkey.

Jesus himself declared a new commandment in John 13:24, “love one another, just as I have loved you.”And again in Matthew chapter 5 we see the Lord Jesus speaking about this new kingdom and its new commandments. Ranging from adultery that is committed simply by looking at a woman lustfully to having angry thoughts making you a murderer. Jesus however, even in this chapter re-iterates the need to love not only those who love you but even those who hate you.

Zechariah was therefore speaking about the coming Kingdom where King Jesus would reign. This new kingdom was very different to the ways the Israelites had known previously. I recently heard Heidi Baker speak on God’s kingdom being completely the opposite to worldly thinking. This therefore requires every believer to learn a new way of thinking, bringing Pauls instruction to the Roman believers most valuable. Paul’s instructions was to renew our minds in Romans 12:2 and not to conform to the pattern (what we see in the world) of the world.

 This new kingdom was based on not pursuing our own thoughts and therefore ways but those of God. It is here that the Holy Spirit and His nature become so important to the believer. Symbols of the Holy Spirit are often seen in scripture as oil, fire, wind, rain, river, wine and a dove. And whilst all of these can have a powerful effect upon the receiver, those who have encountered the presence of God’s Spirit would agree that he is gentle and never forceful in his approach. Jack Hayford in his book “Symbols of the Holy Spirit” says “The workings of the Holy Spirit are invisible, glorious, and gentle, and within them, He never tells us about Himself. He comes to glorify Jesus—helping us to see Jesus more, to understand Jesus better, to respond to Jesus more obediently, and to love Jesus with a deeper heart of commitment”.

Isaiah 40:31 is one of my most loved verses, it says “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Recently I underwent and continue to do so, some amazing changes in my life. Just prior to these events I happened to read a book by Col Stringer called On Eagles Wings which I highly recommend. In this book, Col speaks of how Eagles about every 7 years will literally pluck out there wing feathers so that new feathers will grow out. In this process, the eagle is completely vulnerable and open as he is completely defenseless in flying away from his enemies. And whilst the eagle will find a high rocky crag away from potential threats, it still remains vulnerable. What’s most interesting is that at the end of this process, the eagle is able to fly higher and catch the up drafts more easily with his new feathers.

Jesus commanded the disciples in Matthew 28 to “go into all the world...”yet we often neglect to remember that he also said to “wait”. In acts 1:8 Jesus also commands the disciple to wait for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. It is this very thing I believe Zechariah is speaking out in chapter 4:6. Though men often dare to tread where Angels would not and rush in like fools, I believe it is the gentle voice of the Spirit leading and guiding the church today that is most needed. When we wait upon the Lord or His precious Holy Spirit, we will then be able to mount up with eagle’s wings.

I love what Pastor Gordon Gibbs used to often say “find out what the Holy Spirit is doing and do that”. Not content to do his own thing but to be obedient to the promptings and leadings of the Holy Spirit.

Religion & Philosophy

 Religion & Philosophy

As a believer and follower of our Lord Jesus, I am confronted with what I call the world’s view every day. Indeed it would be hard to say that an hour can go by without some person or authority proclaiming a view point that is contrary to God’s word and therefore things which are at the core of our beliefs. A study I did more than 10 years ago said the average primary school student in Australia is bombarded with over 3,000 messages every week. Messages which must be discerned and understood to determined there intent.

Just a couple of months ago Sydney celebrated the gay Mardi gras, an event that our PM and opposition leader chose to attend. Whilst I intend not to make any dispersion upon any one group of people, it is blatantly clear that society’s views have changed dramatically in recent years. It felt only a short time ago that such behaviour was frowned upon in society instead of being celebrated as we recently saw, so what has changed?

Though man’s opinions have changed, God’s word will never change and with that the very nature of God himself as Hebrews 13:8 says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever”. The question is what brings about these changes in society? Is it some “big brother” determining our thoughts and therefore opinions or is there a more subtle change that influences society? I would say from experience that there is predominantly two ways in which society’s views change, one is of the latter and therefore slowly over time and the other is through dramatic circumstances such as recent ISIS attacks that we have seen of late.

It is the more subtle and slower type that I wish to explore and hopefully bring some understanding of the forces at work in society today. When we think of philosophy we think mainly of those famous men and women who through their reasoning have influenced or at least analysed man’s thoughts, the likes of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. There is no doubt these people have brought about a greater understanding of the nature of men and the very concept of thought which I find most intriguing. For in thought and reasoning we find one of the most unique aspects of being human as opposed to being merely animalistic or complex mammals as some might try to call us.

It is man being “made in God’s likeness” which enables humans to reason in the first place. So philosophy in its purest form should not be despised or frowned upon but celebrated. Yet despite this we also know that not everything that comes from man is good. Isaiah 55:8-9 explains this in a very straight forward way in saying “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”,  Our Lord Jesus goes on to say that it is not what goes into man that defiles but that which comes out of him” referring to the corrupted nature of man through sin. It is therefore that which lies beneath the outer shell of man or at least the heart of a man that truly exposes his intentions whether for evil or good.

Scripture tells us that it is only God who knows the heart and intentions of man, whether man’s motives are evil or good. It is therefore imperative when understanding societal change that we know from what view point this change has come, that is the angle that we view man’s motives whether they are God pleasing or simply to please man or build man’s kingdom as opposed to God’s.

Jesus in his own life continually set about asking the “Father” of His plans and His desires rather than simply pursuing his own or the status quo. Not content in examining and reasoning with his own thoughts, though without blemish I would imagine, our Lord was determined to please only one, His Father in heaven. This displays our Lord’s heart and desires, to bring honour and glory to the Father rather than himself. Even in the garden of Gethsemane we see this in his words “not my will but your will Father”.

We must therefore be able to compare our thoughts and intentions to that of the Father in knowing whether the change we bring is for the Glory of God or for ourselves. There must always be a measuring stick to determine whether our ways are selfish or truly to see God’s will be done and kingdom come on the earth.

Philosophy is described as a theory or attitude that acts as a guiding principle for behaviour. It is therefore imperative that at the heart of any philosophical reasoning is the desire to please God over man, at least for those of us who are of the Family of God and His precious Church. When we look at societal change today there is no doubt that dramatic events can bring about great change in man’s views and thoughts on many things, yet is the underlying belief and faith in our creator that can be the guiding force that causes great change even in these last days. Scripture says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land..” Indicating we the church of Jesus Christ, whom is the head and we the body, have the ability and dare I say calling to bring about the change that society truly needs. God pleasing change as opposed to man pleasing change.

 

The church today is in continual change. Yet one thing must always remain, that is a determination to see the fulfilment of God’s plans and purposes for all of mankind. Again, scripture says in Matthew 28 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

 God Bless