A Day of Small Things

The people of Israel had been exiled.  They had hardened their hearts toward God, and turned away, worshiping false gods.  God had pleaded with them to return to Him, to repent so that He could bless them, and they had refused.  But now things were changing.  Men, leaders among the people, had stepped up, led a revival and the people were returning to Jerusalem. 

Zechariah, a priest and prophet, focused his efforts on rebuilding the temple.  In the scope of rebuilding, holding a plumb line to ensure that the walls were straight doesn’t seem like a big job, yet that’s exactly where we find Zechariah when God tells him that this will get done, “not by might nor by power but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”  Then just a few verses later He asks the question;

“Who has despised the day of small things?”  Zechariah 4:10

God chose to rebuild Jerusalem not by the strength of the people, but by His own Spirit, working through people doing small things in obedience to Him.

Our society is not impressed by small things.  The bookkeeper balancing yet another column of numbers or the salesman making another call doesn’t “wow” us.  We like big, splashy events with spot lights and fancy sound systems.  Even within the church we are more impressed by the musicians up in front than the janitor. We forget that God doesn’t see things the same way we do. We forget that the widow’s mite and the dinner prepared in worship and obedience are at least as dear to Him as those who walk on water or slay giants.  Homemakers complain that people think they have nothing to offer at the company party, but even they forget that a day of diapers and dishes can be sacred. 

Often our small things add up to big things when used by God.   David started the day Goliath fell by taking lunch to his brothers.  Did Moses know that by poking a stick into the water the Red Sea would part?  I wonder if Noah even knew what a flood was when he built a boat.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  
Colossians 3:23

Today I am called to write a paper. Perhaps you are called to dig a ditch or wash a sink full of dishes or change the diaper of an aging parent. Perhaps today you are called to forgive someone who wounded you. Perhaps today you are called to love someone who is unlovable. Maybe you have been chosen to wipe snotty noses or love snotty teens. Whatever you are doing, remember who it is you are serving. Remember too how it will get done. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we love the way in a way that honors God, or serve with excellence the One who saves us.

Are you called to small things? Do you long for lights and glory?  Don’t despise the day of small things.  God doesn’t.

Lord God, help me to dedicate my day, with each small thing, to You and Your glory.  Use them as You will.  Help me to align my will to yours.