For Who Hath Despised The Day Of Small Things?
The return of God’s people from Babylonian/Medo-Persian exile should have been an occasion of great rejoicing and renewed hope among the remnant of Israel, as they were to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. They were given the opportunity to return to their beloved city of Jerusalem and resume their lives in the land that God had promised them through the patriarch Abraham. Whatever jubilation and enthusiasm characterized their return from exile, it soon gave way to discouragement and disappointment, for as they surveyed the altered landscape, they saw the walls of the city broken down, the temple in ruins, and the rest of the city laid waste by the rampaging Babylonians. As the remnant began the daunting task of rebuilding the temple, and ultimately the walls and the city itself, there was an overwhelming feeling of defeat and despair, for the present temple paled in comparison to the glory of Solomon’s temple. Haggai asked the question, “Who is left among you who saw this house in her first glory? And how do ye see it now? Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?” (Hag 2:3). The remnant of Israel was thinking that the work of rebuilding the temple was unimportant, because it lacked the splendor of the former. Zechariah responded to their despondency, “For who hath despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven” (Zec 4:10).
How many in the church today react similarly as did God’s people in the days of Zechariah? We must be careful that we not “despise the day of small things” as it pertains to the work of the church and the cause of our dear Lord. Some remember the “glory days” of the congregation, and weep over the present condition of the church where they are members. I will readily admit that some congregations should weep over their present condition, as many have wandered from God’s will, and others are on spiritual life-support. However, some fail to move forward in the work of the Lord because they are firmly affixed to the past (Phil 3:13-14). The works presently being done may seem insignificant in comparison to what formerly was done within the congregation. We may be guilty of “despising the day of small things” in comparing the works being done or the numbers involved in those works with those of former times. It must be remembered that while there were those who had seen Solomon’s temple in all of its glory, many who returned from exile had never seen it. As the work of rebuilding the temple began, these who were unfamiliar with the former temple would likely engage in this vital work with great enthusiasm and fervor. It was only when these who “despised the day of small things” poured cold water on the others that spirits were dampened and the work ceased. Let us never be guilty of underestimating the value of “small things” when done for the cause of Christ: a cup of cold water does not go unnoticed (Matt 25:34-40); two mites given to the Lord’s work do not escape the Savior’s gaze (Luke 21:1-4); a boy’s lunch in the Master’s hands can be used to feed a multitude (John 6:9). Remember, little is much when God is in it!
-Patrick Morrison
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