A Call To The Remnant

Zec 4:6 Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord of hosts.

This is such a well known Scripture, probably quoted millions of times a year around the world. How much consideration or perhaps even knowledge of the context of this Scripture is brought to bear when this is quoted? The context of course is the vision of the lamp-stand and the two olive trees. The lamp is vitally connected to the two olive trees. While the connection remains, the lamp can never burn out. Are we not vitally connected to the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit? No lamp has any real value without the light that it produces. Our power and our might cannot light the lamp, only the oil can.

What happens to the lamp when it is disconnected from the source of oil? The light goes out. What happens to you saint when you are disconnected from the Holy Spirit? I hear the howls of protest at the mere thought that somehow we can disconnect ourselves from the Holy Spirit, or that we can quench the Holy Spirit in our lives. King David famously cries out in psalm 51 “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.” We can quench the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can disconnect ourselves so to speak when we sin and when we hold onto that sin.

Let me give you this example. As a married couple has there been times when you and your spouse have not spoken? You are still married, still living in the same house, probably still sleeping in the same bed, but not talking. A “distance,” has been created. Even in bed, staying to your own side of the bed. A emotional distance, a physical distance a break in the relationship. Yet, still married, still cohabiting. So, this “distance,” is the problem. The Scriptures recognize “distance.” We are told to “draw near,” to God and He will draw near to us, is that not right? In that very same scripture (James 4:8) James tells us to “cleanse,” our hands and purify your hearts. Humble yourself, he says, in the sight of the Lord and He shall raise you up.

Humility is the key to vital connection. You cannot be vitally connected to God and walk in pride. A man and a wife cannot come back together again until someone humbles themselves and asks for forgiveness. Only then does the oil begin to flow. Only then does the darkness flee as the Light begins to break forth. Only then does the communication begin afresh and closeness is reestablished and intimacy is restored. Only by the Spirit of God can there be light. Only by the Spirit of God can there be communication, and most importantly, only by the Spirit of God can there be intimacy. When the oil is flowing, every obstacle is laid low. Not even a mountain can stop you, for it shall crumble before you with shouts of grace, grace, marvelous grace!!!!