Self denial

THE WORD SIROCCO
Sunday, May 31, 2020

Month Theme: The Sons of Oil

Topic: Laying the Foundation and Finishing the Work

Scripture Reading: Zechariah 4:1-14

Main Text:
Zechariah 4:9
9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

God demonstrated His commitment to Zerubbabel by ensuring that he finished what he had started. His hands laid the foundation of the temple and finished it. The flesh does not always start and finish things. It is not likely to have everything that is required to finish the job. The Spirit however finishes what He begins (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6). God anointed Cyrus to fulfil His purpose (Isaiah 45:1-5). He may not have been a devout worshipper of the God of Israel but God anointed him to enforce the return of the Jews from Babylonian exile. Believers should have faith in the sovereignty of God when He uses believers and unbelievers with civil power to perform His will.

The Body of Christ is blessed with believers who are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These offices constitute the ecclesiastical power of the Church. What we lack but fail to acknowledge, is civil power. The lack of civil power limits the Church and frustrates us in many ways. The most financially powerful people are not found in the Church. The legislators of the world are not commonly found among us. Scientists, politicians, entertainers, sportsmen, academicians and other influential people are often not believers in Christ. We need the ministry of kings and queens to do the major tasks God mandates us to do (Isaiah 49:23).

During the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, individuals with civil anointings did some secular, physical things to make His life and ministry effective. In a case involving civil anointing, some women followed Him and ministered to Him from their substance (Luke 8:1-3). These women were not preachers themselves but they supported the preaching ministry. The Body of Christ today needs believers with the supernatural ability to generate the wealth and resources we need to edify the Church and do the work of the ministry. In another example of civil anointing, Joseph of Arimathaea, who had civil influence went to Pilate, demanded the body of Jesus Christ and buried Him in his own tomb (Matthew 27:57-60). The disciples of Jesus Christ who had ecclesiastical anointing could not execute the task Joseph did. It required someone who had the clout to negotiate with Pilate and who owned a property that was appropriate for the prophetic burial of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Pray and declare that whatever good thing your hands have started, your hands will complete it by the grace of God.

Recommended Reading:
"The Sons of Oil" by Eastwood Anaba
(Find e-books at www.amazon.com)
www.eastwoodanaba.com