An idea, suggestion, thought, or revelation is the beginning of many things we act on. We act on a plan, design, or idea to create something purposeful.
No matter how large the task is, we start at the beginning.
How long does it take a bird to build a nest?
The bird begins with one stick, a humble start of something purposeful, a place to lay and hatch the soon-to-be mother’s eggs.
Like birds and other animals, we should not despise the day of small things, the day of humble beginnings.
It is not unusual to feel discouraged or overwhelmed when beginning various tasks. People often say the world was not built in one day, and this is true. Of course, God could have built the world in one day, but he did not.
Unlike God, we cannot do everything in one day, and He teaches us to be humble and faithful through the works of small beginnings.
Zachriah 4:10 says, “Who dares despise the day of small things?”
Who dares despise the small beginnings and blessings of God?
The first action for most achievements is usually small but yet significant. We cannot underrate the first seed or step. Every step or action, no matter how minuscule, contributes to building something bigger.
Small things become big things. Big things become bigger or more significant things. Bigger things become the biggest or most significant things.
Many sayings encourage us to value first steps.
You must crawl before you walk.
The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. Confucious.
All great things have small beginnings. Peter Senge
Zachriah 4:10 is not only about the beginning but about completing the noble things we start, guided and helped by God’s spirit.
In chapter 10, Zachriah, accompanied by a heavenly angel, is in the midst of a vision. In this vision, he sees the angel, sacred objects, and other divine beings who are there to witness the occasion. The presence of God’s spirit is apparent and undeniable in his vision.
The angel encourages Zachriah that the workers should stay the course with the rebuilding of God’s temple until it is completed. The angel reminds him that any doings or tasks that God approves will be fruitful.
Zachriah and the people should take little thought of the world that thinks the means and instruments to complete the temple are inept. They will discover that God blesses and delights in every effort, whether small or great.
In a like manner, we should disregard naysayers and others who find contempt in things we do that they do not understand. We can achieve great things from small beginnings with God’s spirit and grace.
The angels’ encouragement was not only for Zachariah but for God’s people that the temple that they thought could not be built could and would be built. With God, what seems impossible is possible.
Although the enemies were many and the workers few, the temple was rebuilt by God’s providence and grace. God’s spirit unified the people to do the work, which started from small beginnings.
Do not belittle yourself for any efforts toward an honorable work for God’s glory. With God’s help and grace, the smallest beginnings can result in great outcomes.
I hope you are happy and well.