by Janet Mushi | 20 March 2019 08:46 pm03
“For who has despised the day of small things?” — Zechariah 4:10a (NKJV)
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, by the grace of God, we’re going to explore an important biblical principle: how to stand firm during the “day of small things” — a season many of us experience when our progress appears slow, insignificant, or invisible to the natural eye.
This phrase comes from Zechariah 4:10, a prophetic encouragement from God to His people who had returned from exile. It refers to the season of small beginnings — when God’s promises have not yet been fully realized, and when visible results seem too small to be meaningful.
But God warns: Do not despise these moments. Why? Because God often begins great works in small, humble, and obscure ways — both in Scripture and in our lives.
To understand this more deeply, we must look at the post-exilic context of Israel’s history.
After years of rebellion, idolatry, and injustice, both the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) were conquered — Israel by Assyria (2 Kings 17:6) and Judah by Babylon (2 Kings 25:8–11). God’s judgment was severe, yet not final. He promised through the prophet Jeremiah:
“For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.”
— Jeremiah 29:10 (NKJV)
This return began under King Cyrus of Persia, who issued a decree allowing the Jews to go back to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1–4). But upon returning, the Israelites faced fierce opposition from those living in the land (Ezra 4), which stalled the rebuilding of the Temple of God — also known as Zerubbabel’s Temple.
At this point, God raised up two prophets: Haggai and Zechariah, to reignite hope and courage in the people.
“Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing?”
— Haggai 2:3 (NKJV)
God acknowledged the apparent insignificance of the present effort compared to Solomon’s grand temple, but He assured them:
“Be strong… and work; for I am with you,” says the Lord of hosts. “…My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!”
— Haggai 2:4–5 (NKJV)
Then came a messianic promise—one of the most beautiful in the Old Testament:
“The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former… and in this place I will give peace.”
— Haggai 2:9 (NKJV)
Though Zerubbabel’s Temple was physically less impressive, its spiritual glory would surpass Solomon’s Temple, because Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace—would one day walk in it (cf. Luke 2:27, John 2:13–22). This is a picture of God’s redemptive pattern: beginning in weakness but ending in glory, just as the Cross led to Resurrection.
Two months after Haggai’s prophecy, Zechariah received a powerful vision:
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.”
— Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV)
And then, a remarkable declaration:
“Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!”
— Zechariah 4:7 (NKJV)
God promises that every obstacle standing in the way of the Temple’s rebuilding would be flattened — not by human strength, but by divine power.
Finally, God delivers the sobering question:
“For who has despised the day of small things?”
— Zechariah 4:10a (NKJV)
The day of small things is any season in life where God’s promises seem distant, and your efforts feel too minor to matter. It may be a new ministry, a fledgling business, spiritual growth, or your walk with God.
But here’s what we learn:
Maybe you’re just beginning your journey with God or your calling feels insignificant. Don’t despise that! Moses spent 40 years in the desert before leading Israel. David was a shepherd before becoming king.
You might feel small, under-resourced, or unnoticed. But God says:
“Silver is Mine, and gold is Mine” — Haggai 2:8 (NKJV)
He will supply what you need when you walk in righteousness.
Are you struggling with consistency, prayer, or holiness? Don’t give up. Continue sowing. Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) reminds us:
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Just as Israel’s 70-year exile was followed by restoration, God often allows times of brokenness to bring about humility, repentance, and ultimately revival.
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”
— 1 Peter 5:6 (NKJV)
The most important “small beginning” you can make is giving your life to Jesus. Maybe you feel unworthy, too broken, or not ready. But Jesus doesn’t need your perfection—He needs your surrender.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Don’t despise your season of obscurity. Don’t look down on your small beginnings. You may feel like you’re building with ashes—but God sees a temple in your hands.
God doesn’t despise your small beginning—so why should you?
The same God who empowered Zerubbabel to finish the temple will empower you to finish your race.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
— Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
May God richly bless you.
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