Do not despise the day of small things
When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, he raised up the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the people to rebuild the temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel (the governor) and Joshua (the high priest). It was a long, arduous task that began with fits and starts, and many wondered if it could ever be completed, and if so, whether it could match the glory of Solomon’s temple that had been destroyed two generations earlier. The meager beginning was none too promising and many disdained it. Enter the prophet Zechariah: Then the word of the L ord came to me, saying, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know the L ord of hosts has sent me to you. For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.” (Zech. 4:8-10) We are tempted to “despise the day of small things.” But it’s often the small things that prepare us fo...