Earthly Means, Heavenly Results
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range through the whole earth.” Then I said to him, “What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?” And a second time I answered and said to him, “What are these two branches of the olive trees, which are beside the two golden pipes from which the golden oil is poured out?” He said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.” Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”
Zechariah 4:8–14
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Earthly Means, Heavenly Results
We do not have a distant and aloof God. He comes into His creation and guides us in His ways. He uses His created means of governments and institutions to accomplish His holy will. God used earthly leaders like Joshua and Zerubbabel to accomplish His work in this world. Rebuilding the temple was a most important project for the community of believers in Zechariah’s day, many of whom had returned from exile in Babylon. God continues to use earthly leaders to build His kingdom of believers, the communion of saints. Yet no pastor, teacher, or layperson can keep the lamp of faith and holy living alight by his or her own efforts. The Holy Spirit gives life and strength to believers through Word and Sacrament to build God’s holy temple of living stones. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see how He is at work in our world. It is God who makes us strong in our faith so that we may better serve as one of His instruments.
Zechariah 4:8–14
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Earthly Means, Heavenly Results
We do not have a distant and aloof God. He comes into His creation and guides us in His ways. He uses His created means of governments and institutions to accomplish His holy will. God used earthly leaders like Joshua and Zerubbabel to accomplish His work in this world. Rebuilding the temple was a most important project for the community of believers in Zechariah’s day, many of whom had returned from exile in Babylon. God continues to use earthly leaders to build His kingdom of believers, the communion of saints. Yet no pastor, teacher, or layperson can keep the lamp of faith and holy living alight by his or her own efforts. The Holy Spirit gives life and strength to believers through Word and Sacrament to build God’s holy temple of living stones. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see how He is at work in our world. It is God who makes us strong in our faith so that we may better serve as one of His instruments.
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January
Responding to GodLamentationSeek GodThe Day of the LordA Matter of FaithThe Secure and the ComplacentThe Pride of the PeopleFrom Depths of WoeVisions of FireA Plumb LineAmaziahSummer FruitA Final VisionA Word of HopeA VisionHumiliationDisplacedStanding AloofHouse of FireRestorationHeeding God’s CallOverboardInside the Great FishFor a Second TimeMessage ReceivedNot FairA Lesson on MercyWho Is Like the Lord?O Earth!Then and NowLament
February
Courtroom DramaEnemies of GodThe Lord GathersFalse ProphetsZionRestorationWise MenIn, But Not OfGod’s ReproachSurvey the CrossLook to the LordVindicationThe Lord’s DeliveranceA Merciful HymnBack AgainLord’s Wrath and CareDoom and DeliveranceThe Enemies of GodOur ConquerorWoe to the City of BloodshedNo Other God’sAre You Better?Prophecy FulfilledThe Prophet SawHow Long?God in the MidstJustice ServedThe God of History
March
Waiting for an AnswerA Dire SituationA Twisting of the TruthIn His Image and In His LikenessThe Lord’s NameThe Sin of ManFear, Love, and TrustThe Day of SalvationThe Word of the LordThe Lord’s JudgmentClear and to the PointBe SilentThe Day of WrathSeek the LordGardensRunning After Other GodsSwordsThe Kingdoms of this WorldWhere is Your Trust?The Lord’s RemnantThe Truth of His WordThe Human HeartA Song of VictoryRebuildingObedienceSurpassing GloryA Faithful ResponseLooking to the FutureReturn to the Lord!A Performative WordFour Horns