Overcoming the Enemy within
This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Now hear these words,
‘Let your hands be strong so that the temple may be built.’ This is also what the prophets said who were present when the foundation was laid for the house of the LORD Almighty.” (Zech 8:9)
The enemy within is far more dangerous that the enemy out there. Your hesitancy, self-pity, indecision or procrastinations may actually be more the reason for your stagnancy or slow progress than any other external factor. Think about it! A careful analysis reveals that the Temple Rebuilding Project that stalled at foundation level for over fifteen years during Zechariah’s time was not only faced with opposition from enemies out there, but more dangerously the enemy within – the reluctance and surrender disposition of the Jews. Yes, they had faced vicious opposition, but a short break should have sufficed; they should have returned to work much sooner. God sent His Word to wake up these people from their apparent slumber regarding their assignment. Zechariah’s eighth chapter has three descriptions about God and three action points for His people, applicable even to us today.
First, God has expressed his mood: he is very jealous, burning, very determined and zealous (8:2, 14-15). He is not like some of the people who have resigned under the weight of their discouragement and the fatigue of dealing with opposition and different other challenges. God is fully charged and incited for action. Secondly, God insists on having a place – a hill and a city. He speaks about Zion, Jerusalem and Judah and His work should cause their nickname to be ‘City of Truth’ and ‘Holy Mountain’ (8:3, 7-8). I believe God looks at our places of worship and calls these His place, which we should maintain and represent well. And thirdly, His people – He promises long peaceful life along with joyful worship and protection from terror or enemies (8:4-5, 10-11, 18-19). Knowing these promises and believing they are accessible by our generation is important; it can kick out the enemy within – of discouragement or whatever.
Before going to the three action points, God is aware not everyone gets convinced immediately; a word of assurance is therefore required, and this He brings with rhetoric force: “It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?” (v.6). He thus reminds us that with God nothing is impossible. As we receive the promises and wait on the zeal of the Lord to accomplish His will, we are invited to a faithful stewardship expressed in three action points: First, ‘Let your hands be strong so that the temple may be built.’ (v.9) This was the project then, but you have a noble project about which God is encouraging you – to accomplish it! Second is a call to righteousness – truth and justice (v.16-17); and finally a call to be aware that God’s operations and the people’s faithfulness will cause more people to believe in and honour the LORD (v.20-23). To enjoy all these blessings, deal with the enemy within decisively and embrace God’s great promises for you.
God bless you all.