In the days of Ezra and Zerubbabel, the people of Israel had come to realize that they were small. A mere remnant had returned from Babylon to rebuild the temple and the city. But God emphasized through Zechariah that only His Spirit could do the work (Zech 4:6). Human might and power could not make the work of God a reality. Israel faced a similar reality in the days of the judges. After Moab demanded tribute for eighteen years, God delivered them without human ingenuity. He raised up a left-handed judge named Ehud. It’s hard for us to know what the popular sentiment about left-handers was in Ehud’s day. However, the fact that the Scriptures emphasize that Ehud was left-handed gives us an idea. God loves to use the underdog. He receives the most glory when He gets things done with what people think is insignificant. The story of Ehud is an encouragement for a small church. People might think that a tiny church with few members can’t get much done. But God says, “It’s not by might or by power, but by My Spirit.” This story can also inspire people who think they are nothing. Many discouraged people think God can’t use them. Others think they’ve sinned too much for God to use them. And again God says, “It’s not by might or by power, but by My Spirit.” People in Zerubbabel’s day found it tempting to despise the small things. We do, too. But God’s might and power working through His Spirit can make the insignificant seem huge. He brought salvation through a baby, born in obscurity, who had no stately form or majesty. Our smallness shouldn’t be a problem for Him. –Pastor Rory
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: Cyrus Decrees the Rebuilding–Ezra 1
10AM: Pastor Rory–A Powerful Hope–Judges 3:12-31 (sermon notes)
6PM: Global Partner Ministry Report at Fourth Baptist
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