Mountains Made Plain: The Power of Grace
"Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." - Zechariah 4:7
The book of Zechariah, nestled between Haggai and Malachi, speaks to a beleaguered people who had returned to Jerusalem after exile. They were tasked with rebuilding the temple and revitalizing their community amidst political and social unrest. Here, Zechariah delivers a powerful message of hope and assurance. In Zechariah 4:7 (KJV), we read: "Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it."
To grasp the significance of this verse, we must first understand the context. Zerubbabel, a descendant of King David, was appointed by God to lead the rebuilding efforts of the temple. However, the formidable challenges before him, represented by the metaphor of a “great mountain,” were daunting. These mountains were the obstacles—politically hostile neighbors, a lack of resources, and discouragement among the people. Yet, in face of these tremendous barriers, the Lord assures Zerubbabel of His sovereignty: the mountains that loom large will vanish into a plain.
This imagery of mountains made plain invites us to reflect on our own lives. What mountains loom over you? Perhaps these mountains are personal struggles, such as health issues, family discord, financial burdens, or spiritual doubts. Each of us can identify specific challenges that appear insurmountable at times. They can tower over our hopes and dreams, blocking our view of what lies beyond. Yet, just as the Lord spoke through Zechariah to Zerubbabel, He speaks to us, reminding us that through His grace, those mountains can and will become plains.
The answer to overcoming such overwhelming obstacles lies in the crux of the verse—“Grace, grace unto it.” The repetition of the word 'grace' underscores its vital importance. It highlights that we do not depend solely on our strength or wisdom to navigate our trials; rather, we lean upon God's grace, which is sufficient for us. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Just as Zerubbabel was promised success despite great challenges, so are we promised that God’s grace will empower us to overcome the mountains in our lives.
Grace serves as a twofold assurance. Firstly, it assures us that God is with us. As Zerubbabel faced the colossal task of rebuilding the temple, he was not alone; the Almighty was supporting him. In our challenges, we too are reminded of God’s abiding presence. Secondly, grace assures us of transformation. The great mountains that threaten to bury us under their weight will not only be leveled but will be replaced by something altogether new and beautiful. Just as Zerubbabel would bring forth the headstone, a symbol of completion and victory, so too will God complete His work in us.
As we navigate our difficulties, we must remember the power of proclamation. Zerubbabel was instructed to shout joyfully, recognizing the grace that would enable him to succeed. Shouting "Grace, grace unto it" was not merely an act of faith but an expression of worship. It was a declaration of trust in God's ability to turn crises into triumphs. We, too, are called to declare God's grace over our challenges. Instead of allowing fear and doubt to govern our thoughts and words, we should fill our mouths with affirmations of faith and gratitude.
In conclusion, as we ponder Zechariah 4:7, let it be a constant reminder that no mountain in our life is too great for our God. With His grace, we can move forward, overcome challenges, and ultimately see His glory manifested. We are not defined by our mountains; we are defined by His grace that transforms them into plains. Let us rejoice and proclaim, "Grace, grace unto it!" Amen.
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Zechariah 4:7 Artwork
Zechariah 4:7 - "Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it."
create a photorealistic picture of the ruler Zerubbabel labouring on the building site of the tmple holding over his head the capstone which will fit into the top of a nearby arch. The picture should realistically depict the time of Zech 4:7
"Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." - Zechariah 4:7
Zechariah 7:4 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying,"
"¶ Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying," - Zechariah 7:4
Zechariah 7:8 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,"
Zechariah 13:7
"¶ And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying," - Zechariah 7:8
Zechariah 4:3
Zechariah 7:1 - "And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu;"
Zechariah 4:6 (NLT)
Zechariah 4:4 - "So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?"
Zechariah 2:7 - "Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon."
Zechariah 1:7 - "¶ Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,"
Zechariah 4:8 - "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Zechariah 7:4-6 - "Then the word of the LORD Almighty came to me: "Ask all the people of the land and the priests, 'When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted? And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves?"
Zechariah 7:11 - "But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear."
Zechariah 5:7 - "And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah."
Zechariah 11:4 - "Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;"
Zechariah 4:14 - "Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."
Zechariah 6:4 - "Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?"
1 Chronicles 5:7 - "And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,"
Zechariah 7:8-10 - "And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’"
Zechariah 5:7 (Brenton) 7 And behold a talent of lead lifted up: and behold a woman sat in the midst of the measure.
Zechariah 4:13 - "And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord."
Zechariah 5:7 (Brenton) 7 And behold a talent of lead lifted up: and behold a woman sat in the midst of the measure.
Zechariah 4:1 - "And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep,"
Zechariah 7:2 - "When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regem-melech, and their men, to pray before the LORD,"
Zechariah 7:6 - "And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?"
Zechariah 7:7 - "Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?"