WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday June 15, 2014
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HOPE FOR A NEW DAY
(GOD’s power shows through us when we live in the SPIRIT)
(Haggai 2:20-23 & Zechariah 4:5-14)
In Haggai chapter 2, verses 20-23, we see the fourth message of
the prophet Haggai. It is a messianic prophecy for Zerubbabel, the son of
Sheathiel, and the governor of Judah at that time. Zerubbabel was a man who
lived in the SPIRIT, and always tried to follow the instructions of the LORD,
and the LORD is always faithful to reward those who are obedient to HIS
instructions.
In this particular passage, the LORD sends
a fourth message to Haggai. It is the second that was directed to Zerubbabel
overall, and the only one that was directed to him specifically, and personally
(also see Haggai 2:1-9). Here the LORD tells HIS faithful servant that after HE
overturns and destroys the royal thrones of the world, HE will honor him, and
treat him like a “signet ring” on HIS finger.
In other words, HE will use Zerubbabel’s
life and service as an example to the nation of Israel, of how a leader should
conduct himself under GOD. Zerubbabel’s leadership represented closely, the “express
image” of what GOD expects from those who desire, and are called, to lead HIS
people. HE had chosen Zerubbabel as the channel through which HE would continue
the “Davidic Line” that was interrupted by Jehoiachin.
The other significance of comparing
Zerubbabel to a signet ring, “a seal of royal approval”, is clarified by the
imagery in Jeremiah 22:24-25, regarding GOD’s denouncement of King Jehoiachin
as HIS signet ring. Here Haggai is likely indicating that, through Zerubbabel,
GOD was reversing the curse that HE had exacted towards Jehoiachin several
decades earlier, allowing him to be taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar into
Babylon.
Having used the words “on that day” (v.23),
actually steers this prophecy to a future date and does not suggest that
Zerubbabel himself would ever rule as king. Instead, it points to a fulfillment
that would be realized in the Messianic Age of CHRIST JESUS. However,
Zerubbabel is clearly seen as exercising his role, in the line of David that is
just as important as that of any GODly Davidic King.
In Zechariah 4, in the Prophet Zechariah’s
“vision of the gold lampstand and the two olive trees” (his fifth vision), the
interpreting angel awakens him and directs his attention to a solid gold
lampstand that was similar to the ones that were used in the temple. This complex
vision contains several symbols;
·
The Lampstand – represents the abundance of GOD’s power through the HOLY
SPIRIT.
·
The seven lamps – represent the eyes of the LORD, which searches all around the
world.
·
The two olive trees – represent the priestly and royal offices.
·
The two branches – represent Joshua and Zerubbabel, or can be anyone who
assists GOD here on earth.
·
The two golden pipes that pour out golden oil – represent the
SPIRIT’s abundant power flowing to GOD’s servants here on earth.
Here GOD promises the GODly leaders of that
day, and now, that, although they were lacking in human resources of wealth and
manpower, HIS HOLY SPIRIT would supply them with the physical, financial, and
spiritual strength they would need to complete the task of the work on the House
of GOD, a task that HE had personally assigned them to do.
Zechariah 4, verse 6, which states, “It is not by force nor by strength, but by
MY SPIRIT, says the LORD” (NLT), remains one of the most challenging and
encouraging verses of Scripture ever written. It reminds us, down through the
ages, that we rely not on our own strength, ability, or human ingenuity, but
rather, on the HOLY SPIRIT of the Almighty GOD, our SAVIOR through JESUS
CHRIST. There is no room in the Church for “human ingenuity”.
Due to our pride in what we do well, it is
easy to become discouraged when we see how little we can do, or have to do,
with the operations and functioning of the Christian Church. In those days in
Judah, the temple that GOD was asking the people to erect paled in comparison
to the magnificent edifice that King Solomon had constructed years earlier. However,
we should rejoice in “small beginnings” which lead to larger promises from GOD
(v.10).
When we step out faithfully to perform the
small things that GOD calls us to do, invariably, they lead to even bigger,
better things that will ultimately lead to eternal and total fulfillment in
CHRIST. The LORD always purifies people so that they might glorify HIM in the
end. HE supplies us with abundant power and energy to complete the task that HE
calls us to do, and HE will remain with us until, and after, that task is
completed. GOD’s power shows through us when we live in the SPIRIT.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official
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