This is another vision where Zechariah sees the golden lampstand and olive trees. The ultimate meaning of this vision answers the question “How will any Christian finish the work that the Lord has given them to do?” It is by the Spirit of God.
In verses 1-5:
The angel came and woke Zachariah up. He saw the candlestick which represents Israel. The olive trees supplied oil (the Spirit of God) for the lamps (Israel) to shine. What do we see?
• Revelation 4:5, And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
• Revelation 11:4, These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
In verses 6-8:
Zerubbabel was tasked to rebuild the Temple (Ezra 3:2; Haggai 1:1, 2:23). Haggai and Zechariah were tasked with giving moral and spiritual support to do the work. Zerubbabel could do nothing without God, no might, no power, no money, no smooth talking, only by God’s Spirit. We cannot do anything unless God works through us. How can we let our light shine if we continually let the devil blow out the flame? Do we have enough oil (the Spirit of God)? Are we resupplying our oil (the Spirit of God)? Do we need to change our wick?
• Psalms 121:1-2, I will lift up mine eye unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
No matter what the devil puts in front of us, with God all things are possible. Climbing mountains can strengthen our muscles and endurance. Our strength comes not from ourselves, not by might, nor by power, but by the Holy Spirit. It is only through God that anything of value will last. Indeed, the exiles who had returned were weak, harassed by their adversaries, exhausted, discouraged, and poor. However, they actually had God on their side. We must be determined not to rely on our own abilities or strength as we live for God. Hosea 1:7 says that instead, we ought to work with the power of His Spirit and rely on God.
• 2 Chronicles 14:11, And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, 0 LORD our God; fur we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. 0 LORD, thou art our God; let no man prevail against thee.
• Isaiah 11:2-4, And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding. the 5pirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth.· with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
• Haggai 2:4-5, Yet now be strong, 0 Zerubbabel, saith the LORD,· and be strong, 0 Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts.· According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you.· fear ye not,
In verses 9-10:
Zerubbabel laid the foundation and will finish the Temple in 516 B.C. (Ezra 6:14-15). How? Because he was submissive to God’s will. Often, we are afraid to step out on faith. We need to listen for the Holy Spirit’s calling and wait for the Holy Spirit to call us.
• Isaiah 40:31, But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
In verses 11-14:
We see the two olive trees, two olive branches, and two golden pipes. These could represent Zerubbabel and Joshua who were dedicated for the task, how the spirit flowed through them to reach the children of Israel. These could also represent the two witnesses in the book of Revelation. What type of witness are we if we are witnessing at all?
• Revelation 11:3, And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophecy y a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
• Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
• Acts 1:8, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
We need to realize that it is only through the Holy Spirit that anything of value is accomplished. Determine not to trust in our own strength or abilities. Depend on God and work in His power. What we do for God may seem and insignificant, God rejoices in what is right. Be faithful in small opportunities. Begin where we are, do what we can, leave results to God.
