Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Renewal: By Spirit rather than by might or power
Shuba Koshy

St. Thomas MTC, Yonkers, NY
6.He said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts. 
 
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”. This verse from John 14:26 is only one example, among many, of the promise Christ made to His disciples. He told them that He would never leave them and would provide  them with the Holy Spirit and all gifts that entail this divine entity. In the Old Testament, God also makes this promise to His chosen people, and we witness it demonstrated in Zechariah’s vision of the Gold Lampstand and Two Olive Trees.
 
In many instances of the Old Testament, we see the quintessential pattern of God’s constant faithfulness and His people’s lack of obedience and reverence. Thus, judgement was placed on His people until they truly understood the error of their ways and sought God’s forgiveness. Prior to Zechariah’s vision, the people of Judah endured 70 years of Babylonian captivity under King Nebuchadnezzar. Because of His people’s remorse and repentance, God sent King Cyrus of Persia to defeat Babylon and release His people to return to Jerusalem. However, upon their return, they see the city of Zion is in ruins and needs to be rebuilt. With its renovations we also see the renewal of God’s people through the Spirit.
 
In Zechariah’s vision, two living olive trees are providing constant oil for seven lamps. Light is being provided constantly not by human means, but by Him who is the source of all life. This vision signifies God’s desire to unify and restore His people and the holy city of Jerusalem. However, restoration will occur via God’s spirit – not by means of any individuals. God provides the Holy Spirit to supply our needs on a daily basis. If we allow the Spirit to work within us, and surrender ourselves to Him instead of being one with secular worldliness, God will renew and transform our lives for the better.   
 

Jerusalem was not rebuilt in one day. It took years and much manpower to restore the temple and city walls. Similarly, when we accept Christ into our lives, we have only just started the transformation process. After we repent of our old, sinful ways and accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we must work daily to rebuild and renew ourselves with the Holy Spirit as our guide. We should set aside time each day to read the Bible and pray. We should keep the Sabbath day holy - worshipping the Lord and meditating on His Word. Maintenance of our Christian faith implies being proactive and practicing what we preach in our day to day lives. If we allow God to work within us through His Spirit, and our lives will continue to thrive and flourish.    

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, allow us to remain faithful to You and Your Word. Give us strength through the Holy Spirit to ignore the ways of the world. Transform us as new creatures ready to do Your will.  
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
After allowing the Holy Spirit into our heart, we should be ready to be renewed and embrace the change.

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