Zechariah 4

Scripture Reading:  Read Zechariah Chapter 4. 

Small Beginnings:

Zechariah 4:10 – “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand."  (NLT)

I haven’t been involved in many construction or remodel projects, but the ones I have been involved with seem to get to a point where they can be discouraging.  Especially early on, before you see much progress, the amount of effort doesn’t align with the desired results.  However, for any remodeling project to be successful, every step is necessary, even the small steps in the beginning. 

This chapter speaks of the immediate future in Zechariah’s day and the second coming of Jesus.  This verse refers to the rebuilding of the Temple that Zerubbabel was leading.  God has given a promise through Zechariah that nothing, not even a mountain, will be able to stop Zechariah and the people of God from completing the rebuilding of the temple.  Here now the Lord encourages them not to be discouraged by the small beginnings, for His promise is sure. 

Try to picture yourself there with Zerubbabel.  Maybe the foundation has just been completed, but the walls haven’t gone up yet.  Sure, the goal is to build a temple, but it doesn’t resemble a temple yet.  On top of that, pressure and discouragement are coming from every side. 

When we walk in the Lord's will, we can experience something similar.  Though discouragement creeps in, we must not be controlled by it.  I’m not sure where you’re at or what you may be discouraged about today, but if you walk in step with the Spirit of God, do not despise these small beginnings.