DESPISE NOT SMALL THINGS Devotion 16 of 24 "Small things" are beginning things. They are not an end of themselves, but the start of something bigger. "Small things" are not inherently small, but initially small. Thus, the New Living Translation reads, "Do not despise these small beginnings." THE WORLD DESPISES SMALL BEGINNINGS It is the manner of the world to despise small beginnings. Such a view is nothing less than judgment "according to the appearance" (John 7:24). It is judging "after the flesh," or "according to human standards" (John 8:15. NIV). The will of the Lord has no place in this view. Divine purpose or intent is not thus perceived. The standard of measure that drives such a view of "small things" is what mere men consider to be great and impressive. God's Word Through Haggai The Word of God informs us that as the Jews built the temple "they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo," completing the work "according to the commandment of the God of Israel" (Ezra 6:14). It will be of benefit to read one of the encouraging words of Haggai, who lifted the hearts of the people. Through his word, the people enabled to shake loose from the world's view, and put their hands to the work. – Tomorrow:
"Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish it. Then you will know That the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth." Zechariah 4:8-10, NKJV
This also refers to a period of time during which only relatively "small things" were being accomplished. Thus, the Septuagint version reads, "or who has despised the small days?" and the New Jerusalem Bible reads "A day of little things, no doubt, but who would dare despise it?"
"Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? But now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD, and work. For I am with you, declares the LORD Almighty. This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear. This is what the LORD Almighty says: In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the Desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD Almighty. The silver is mine and the gold is mine, declares the LORD Almighty. The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty" (Hag 2:3-9, NIV).
Embedded in that marvelous word is a prophesy of the Lord Jesus: "the Desired of all nations." The final Temple would have a greater glory than the first, which Temple is part of "holy city" the "New Jerusalem," or glorified church (Rev 21:2,22). Not only, therefore, would the work of Zerubbabel be completed, it would be an introduction to a greater temple, greater glory, and a world without end. The builders were working on a project that was not only ordained of God, but the blended with his eternal purpose.
Despise not the day of small beginnings! To do so is to be dominated by the spirit of this world. It is to be turned from beholding the wonderful works of God. What the Lord is doing may begin small, but it will not remain that way. His Kingdom is one of "increase" (Isa 9:7). Divine beginnings are never intended to remain small and inconsequential!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace never to assess what You are doing according to appearance – how many are involved, or how successful it appears in the eyes of the world.