Leaders Should Depend on God

Introduction

Welcome to “The Edge Worship Centre” Bible Scripture Reading. The doors of TEWC are open to all spreading God’s Living Word beyond the Church doors.

God’s Living Word – Zechariah 4:6, NIV

6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty”.

Dependence on God

Zerubbabel had an overwhelming job to do. The Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem and its temple seventy years before, and now Zerubbabel was in charge of the group that had come back to rebuild it. When Solomon first built the temple, he had the optimal situation – nearly unlimited resources and a motivated workforce. Zerubbabel now faced strong opposition, a demoralized workforce and limited resources.

God’s word to him is everlastingly and universally true: Work hard and smart. But if God doesn’t look favorably on your work, it will result in nothing significant. Zerubbabel had to make tough decisions, wrestle with personnel problems, sit in long meetings, listen to grievances – everything other leaders do. But the prophet Zechariah’s message to him was that the job ultimately depended on God’s Spirit, not on his or anyone else’s might and power.

Leaders are responsible to manage their resources well and to lead their people effectively. But prayer to God and dependence on him for the outcome is the wise leader’s constant strategy for success.

Food for thought – Empowerment

Asking or requiring someone to accept responsibility without giving them the necessary resources is unfair; unfortunately, it’s not uncommon. God asked Zechariah to complete a great work. This verse tells us about ultimate empowerment and provides an essential perspective for any leader. (Notes from The Leadership Bible, NIV © 1998)

May the reading of God’s Living Word touch your heart in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen