Scripture Focus
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” (Zechariah 4:6 NLT)


Reflection
Zechariah is such a rich book, and when we let these visions sink in, they teach us how sovereign our God is.
 In chapters 5 and 6, the Lord gives Zechariah a series of powerful images: a flying scroll that exposes sin, a basket carrying wickedness away to Babylon, chariots rushing out to the nations to carry out God’s justice, and finally, a crown placed on the high priest’s head—pointing us to Jesus, our true Priest-King. All of these visions show us God’s sovereignty. He is holy and will not ignore sin. He removes wickedness from His people. He rules over nations and empires. And He centers all of history on His Son, the Branch. Everything is in His hands, and Jesus is the center of it all.

But right before this—in chapter 4—the Lord gave Zechariah another picture: a golden lampstand with oil continually flowing into it. That lampstand was a visual sermon. The light only shone because of the continual supply of oil, symbolizing the Spirit of God. Why did they need that picture? Because in those days, the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out on all believers. He came upon certain people—prophets, kings, craftsmen—to equip them for God’s work, but He did not yet live inside each person as He does now. The people were discouraged, the temple project was stalled, and the work felt impossible. So God gave them this vision to say: “The only way forward is through My Spirit. Not by your might, not by your power, but by My Spirit.”
And sisters, that’s the same message for us today. When I came to the Lord, I had nothing. Honestly, I had a mountain in front of me—the damage from my choices and lifestyle felt impossible to repair. If I had to rely on myself, I wouldn’t have even tried. But because of this promise, I knew I could take the next step. I’ve seen God’s fingerprints all over my life—His Spirit giving me strength, wisdom, and even gifts I never could have produced on my own.
We all face challenges—mountains that seem too heavy to move. Maybe for you it’s a family situation, a financial burden, or a deep hurt you don’t know how to heal. Maybe it’s something small, but even the small things can feel overwhelming in our own strength. God says, “Don’t despise the day of small beginnings.” Just begin, and let My Spirit do the work through you.
The visions in Zechariah remind us of two great truths:

• God is sovereign over the world. He judges sin, removes wickedness, rules nations, and centers everything on His Son.
• God is sufficient for my life. The same Spirit who supplied Zerubbabel for the task of rebuilding is now living inside of me. The oil is still flowing.

Lesson for Me
My part is not to muster strength but to stay connected to the continual flow of the Spirit. God rejoices over small beginnings and will carry His work to completion.


Application Questions

1. What “flying scrolls” of conviction is God showing me that I need to confess and release to Him?
2. What mountain do I think is standing in my way, and how can I trust God’s Spirit to level it?
3. Where am I tempted to depend on my own might or power instead of His Spirit?
4. What “small beginning” can I step into today in faith, trusting the Spirit to bring it to completion?

Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You that You are sovereign over nations, over sin, and over my life. Thank You for sending Jesus, my Priest and King, and for giving me Your Spirit as my continual supply. Forgive me for the times I despise small beginnings or measure my progress by my own strength. Help me to trust You with the mountains in my life. Let Your Spirit flow through me daily so my light may shine brightly for You.


Takeaway
The lampstand reminds me that the oil is still flowing. My light shines, not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit.