This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain.’ Zechariah 4:6-7 (NASB)
Peering through the Georgian window of my office, I have a clear vista of the Sperrins mountain range with its undulating hills, pocketed with valleys of bogland. Only a few miles away I can also physically step onto Slemish mountain, a popular tourist spot and heritage site because of its association with St Patrick. It rises to a height of nearly 1,500 feet (450 metres) which is rather small in comparison to the mountain ranges of the world.
Zechariah 4:7 mentions a particular “mountain” which needed attention. In the Amplified Bible we read:
“For who are you, O great mountain (of human obstacles)? Before Zerubbabel (who with Joshua had led the return of the exiles from Babylon and was undertaking the rebuilding of the temple, before him) you shall become a plain (a mere molehill)!” Zechariah 4:7 (AMPC)
The Message Bible states:
“So, big mountain, who do you think you are? Next to Zerubbabel you’re nothing but a molehill.” Zechariah 4:7 (MSG)
In context, the Jews had returned to Judah after the Babylonian Exile and their temple needed to be rebuilt. The construction site had laid dormant for sixteen years. The rebuilding was at a standstill and the longer it loomed, the harder it probably seemed. The task before them seemed like a mountain to climb, it was all uphill and daunting, but God assured Zerubbabel received a promise from the Lord, that no mountain, no matter how great, could stop the purposes of God! He was encouraged not to look at things from a human and earthly point of view, but to trust the supernatural power of God to bring about what He had promised.
What are the different mountain ranges or overwhelming obstacles you face in your life? What is your particular mountain today? What is the mountain which seems big, looming, hard to overcome, difficult to see past or seemingly impossible to climb? How would you like all your mountains to become mere molehills or smooth terrain?
God says it is possible only “by My Spirit”. It is not in our own might and power. God is more than capable of levelling the mountain of obstacles that are before you! Trust Him!