12JUNI2013- Lesson 11:Visions of Hope (Zechariah): Not by Human Power (wednesday) Read Zechariah 4. What hope is being presented to the people? ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ In this vision, Zechariah sees a lampstand fed by two olive trees, which refers back to the candlestick located in the Holy Place of the wilderness tabernacle (Exod. 25:31–40). The seven lamps are arranged around a large bowl that serves as a reservoir of oil. The bowl, with its bountiful supply of oil, symbolizes the fullness of God’s power through His Spirit. The seven lamps shine with abundant light, a symbol of God’s abiding presence, which dispels all darkness. Just as the olive oil is conducted directly from the trees to the bowl of oil at the top of the lampstand without any human agency, so the power that comes from God is constant and sufficient and also needs no human agency. The message of the vision given to the prophet is that the temple in Jerusalem will soon be rebuilt. God’s Spirit, not just human efforts, guarantees the completion of the work. This bold message is given in spite of the fact that the obstacles faced by the builders appear to be the size of a great “mountain” (vs. 7). The prophet is not told who is represented by the lampstand, but we can be sure that the two olive trees represent the two leaders of Judah, Joshua and Zerubbabel. In worldly terms, Zerubbabel’s position never could match the royal power and might of his ancestors David and Solomon. From a human point of view, all efforts and resources available to the builders were inadequate. Yet, God’s Word promises that a king is not saved by the size of his army, nor a warrior by his great strength (Ps. 33:16). In this way the leaders are told that it is only when the Spirit leads that every detail of service can glorify God. In this prophetic passage, Christians are given an important principle to remember: God may call us to difficult tasks, but through the work of His Spirit, He can accomplish His purpose (see Phil. 2:13, 4:13). By the Spirit, God provides the power for us to do His work now as He did then. Therefore, the work is accomplished not by human might or force but by the Lord working through those who are open to be used by Him. Read carefully Zechariah 4:6. Why is it so important always to keep in mind our utter dependence upon God? What can happen when we forget that all that we have, or can do, comes only from the Lord and His power working in us? ____________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ***The very purpose of this effort is to help one another grow in faith through the truths revealed in the Holy Scriptures and shared in our daily SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON. Let us seek the Lord and His divine will daily as we study and ponder upon His words. ***”Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15 KJV. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ***For further study, click the following links: 2nd Quarter **entire online lesson: ssnet.org/lessons/13b/less11.html **Collegiate Quarterly (CQ): cqbiblestudy.org/article/464/cq-april-june-lessons/archives/second-quarter-2013/2q13-lesson-two#.UV89KMop7X8 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** Downloadable lessons in PDF: **Standard Edition: absg.adventist.org/Standard.htm **Teacher’s Edition: absg.adventist.org/Teachers.htm **Easy Reading Edition: absg.adventist.org/EasyReading.htm **Collegiate Quarterly (CQ): cqbiblestudy.org/article/3/cq-april-june-lessons#.UV88xMop7X9
Posted on: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:47:27 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015