Dr. A.O. Collins, Old Testament professor at HBU, once quoted the passage above in defense of small churches. And even as a member of a large church, I knew he made a great point: churches do not have to be big to honor God. Most churches are small and most people who love Jesus learned to love Him in a small church.
But the verse has a historical context. The word of the Lord came to Zechariah with a message for the Israelites. The message (combined with God’s word to Haggai) might be paraphrased as “God knows some of you are disappointed because you remember the size and majesty of Solomon’s temple, and this new temple pales in comparison. But to you, God says, ‘Who has despised the day of small things?’ God knows what He is doing. Worship Him.” Zechariah 4:10.
In other words, it’s okay to be small.
And God encouraged Zerubbabel, governor of Judah:
“How does the new temple look to you? Does it seem like nothing to you? Even so, be strong, Zerubbabel…. WORK! For I am with you…. My Spirit is present among you. Do not be discouraged!” Haggai 2:3-5.
Have you ever seen a ministry face a setback? I sure have. I’ve seen a few churches close their doors for the last time. I’ve seen an internationally-known Christmas ministry cease to exist. I’ve seen a youth ministry shrink to half its size. And I’ve seen opportunities in my own life dried up and reduced to nothing. And that’s okay—’for who has despised the day of small things?’ God will expand one area while contracting another. He may remove one opportunity while providing another. And He may allow difficult things to happen all around you—such as at Faith West—while nevertheless continuing to use you in a thriving ministry. Hang in there!
“Be strong!… WORK! For I am with you…. My Spirit is present among you. Do not be discouraged!” Haggai 2:3-5.
God, thank you for continuing to use us. May we WORK HARD as selfless servants of the Cross.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 