That will be your confirmation that God-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me to you. Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings? They’ll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place!” (Zechariah 4:9–10 The Message)
Fear Not… Then See the Church
Sometimes the answer is right in front of us. Last year, while the world rocked beneath the threat of a contagious and deadly virus; while the economy of the United States, recently so strong, rolled beneath the thread of business closings and spending decreases; while our governments, so helpful at times, seemed to be singing a more threatening tune…
I found peace, and hope, and love in a small group of people in rural Kansas.
More yet, I found that fear had no reign in a small group of people in rural Kansas.
Even more than that, I found Jesus dwelling in a small group of people in rural Kansas.
As the people of God returned from exile in Babylon, there was a lot of fear. Their world was rocked by weather, neighbors, and armies. Their world was rolled by economic woes, financial troubles, and unsuccessful endeavors. Their world was threatened by the very government that had sent them back.
And the answer for them was in symbolized by Zerubbabel’s work in building the temple. The new, restored temple was not an impressive structure. But it was more than it seemed. Though seemingly small, it was a symbol for God’s presence among His people. As the bricks were laid by a remnant of a remnant… God’s answer to their fears grew more clear. Not because the building became so cool.
But because better than the temple… and coming soon… was the Messiah.
Often unimpressive at first glance, there is actually nothing on earth more wonderful than the people of God at work in His kingdom. The church is the place God best loves to work. The church is the place God’s presence is most clearly found. The church is the place God answers our cries.
The church is far from perfect, but her Lord is perfect. The church is far from glorious, but her Lord is glorious. The church is far from powerful, but her Lord is powerful.
One brick at a time.
Fear not, then see the church.