DESPISE NOT SMALL THINGS Devotion 19 of 24 – 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
"They are the eyes of the LORD, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth."
These "eyes" have already been mentioned in Zechariah, and our verse refers back to that initial revelation. "For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day" (3:9). The "seven eyes" denote Divine scrutiny, the surveying of the Lord, before Whom all things are "naked and opened" (Heb 4:13). The removal of iniquity "in one day" signifies the conclusion of Israel's punishment, carried out in the Babylonian captivity. That would remove any obstacle to the completion of the Temple. It is vain to attempt to build while the judgment of God is upon the people. The engraving of the stone is a vivid picture of Divine approval, placing His signature and blessing upon the completion of the work.
The idea that is here expressed is remarkable. The "one stone" put before Joshua the priest was a capstone, or finishing stone. It was the final stone put into place, and confirmed the completion of the work. It is referred to again in the fourth chapter of Zechariah: "he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it" (verse 7). Other versions read, "and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!'" (NASB), "Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of 'God bless it! God bless it!'" NIV
SCANNING THE WHOLE EARTH
Why does the Spirit say of these eyes, "They are the eyes of the LORD, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth" ? This is not just an academic point like saying, "the Lord sees and knows everything." While that is certainly true, the text goes much deeper than that.
Divine Providence
This is nothing less than a depiction of the providence of God. Because this is a theological word, used to depict Divine activity, it is necessary to define how I am using it. By "providence" I mean the twofold sense in which God's will is carried out, particularly regarding a specific work. First, opposing influences and obstacles are removed. Second, needed resources and encouragement are ministered.
The New International Version uses the word "providence" in this sense in Job 10:12. "You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit." The ideas of Divine watch care, interest, and support are included in the expression "seven eyes."
Technically, "providence" is the means used to provide needed resources. It also includes the ideas of foresight and supervision. An early example of Divine provision occurred when Abraham was commanded to offer up Isaac as a burnt offering. When asked by Isaac concerning a lamb, the patriarch replied, "My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering" (Gen 22:8). In the sense in which I am using the word, the provision of that lamb was an act of providence.
Declarations of this aspect of Divine care are as follows. "He provides food for those who fear him; He remembers his covenant forever" NIV (Psa 111:5). "He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call" NIV (Psa 147:9). "Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy" NIV (Acts 14:17). "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment" NIV (1 Tim 6:17).
One of the names ascribed to the Lord emphasizes this aspect of His Personal provision. In the twenty- second chapter of Genesis, the angel of the Lord kept Abraham from offering up Isaac. At that moment, the Lord provided Himself an offering, just as Abraham had said. In honor of that singular event, "Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh" (Gen 22:14). The meaning of that name (Jehovahjireh) is "THE LORD WILL PROVIDE." Later versions of the Scripture use those precise words in the place of "Jehovahjireh" (NKJV, NASB, NIV).
Scanning the Earth
The meaning, therefore, of the "seven eyes of the Lord" that are "scanning the whole earth," is this. In the rebuilding of the Temple, the Lord is looking throughout the earth for resources and helpers. He will marshal all of the influences required to ensure the building is completed. He will leave no stone unturned. Allow me to confirm this with a brief review of the Temple project.
1. In the kingdom of Persia, He raised up Cyrus to declare the Temple should be rebuilt (Ezra 5:13-14).
2. Cyrus was moved by God to return the vessels taken from the temple when Nebuchadnezzar invaded the land (Ezra 1:7-11; 5:13-14).
3. God granted Cyrus the power and influence necessary to implement the command to rebuild the Temple (Isa 45:1-6).
4. King Artaxerses put his hand to the work also (Ezra 6:14; Neh 13:6).
5. God prepared Darius to have an interest in the Jews by touching his father, Ahasueus, through Esther (Esther 10:1-3; Dan 9:1).
6. Darius was stirred up to see to it the work was continued (Ezra 6:12-14).
7. Haggai and Zechariah were prophets God raised up to encourage the work (Ezra 6:14).
8. Ezra was employed to prepare the people and get the foundation put into place (Ezra 10:1-16).
9. God stirred up the priests and people to want to do the work (Ezra 1:5).
10. Nehemiah was used to rebuild the walls of the city (Neh 1:3-11; 4:6).
11. The Lord raised up people who gave gold, silver, goods, beasts of burden, and a freewill offering for the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 1:4-6).
There is an example of the scanning eyes of the Lord. They ensure His work will be accomplished in strict accord with His revealed will. In using the words "They are the eyes of the LORD, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth," the Lord is telling Zerubbabel the Lord will see to it that the work is finished! If necessary, the expenses for "great stones" and "new timber" will be taken from the treasury of king Cyrus (which they were Ezra 6:4). The Lord is a God of providence! He provides what is need to complete His work. It only remains for people, like yourself, to be involved in that good work.
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Your grace, and in the name of Jesus, help me to be active in the work You are overseeing.