Chapters 2-6 of Zechariah are visions that the prophet saw. They were visions that were intended to give Zerubbabel and the people assurance of God’s presence and support in their work. Once slaves in Babylon, they were now back in their own land, struggling with all kinds of opposition to their quests to rebuild Jerusalem, the Temple, and the city walls. The people were losing sight of the vision and began to doubt God’s goodwill toward them. The visions were illustrations meant to foster trust in God. In one vision, Zechariah saw a big lamp stand. Adjacent to it were two olive trees connected to the lamp stand by channels or pipes through which flowed golden oil. In the Old Testament, the lampstand represented the glory of the Lord and the brilliance of His presence. The key to this vision, however, is the two olive trees, for they represent two people “anointed” by God to accomplish His purposes. These two men were Zerubbabel and Joshua. The vision was to encourage the people to realize that God is behind them and their leadership in accomplishing their mission. They could take heart because these men were “anointed” by God to accomplish their mission.
In the New Testament economy, each and every believer is “anointed by the Holy Spirit” and set apart for special service for the Lord. I think we all have roles as prophets, priests, and kings in this dispensation. We’re all recipients of God’s Spirit for the purposes for which he created us. All the primary offices of Scripture involve anointing: Prophet, Priest, and King. As Prophets, we are to speak the Word of the Lord, and the Spirit gives us words of comfort, exhortation, and counsel for others. As Priests, the Lord wants to anoint us so that our worship doesn’t become stale, habitual, or formal. We are to intercede in prayer for the world and bring God’s encouraging messages to the people. As Kings, It takes fresh anointing from the Spirit for the authority of His life to happen through us so we can move in confidence in ruling and managing our homes, business, and relationships. The Lord also wants to anoint us with the oil of rejoicing when we have been overcome by the spirit of mourning.
This is a word of encouragement to Joshua & Zerubbabel, but it is also a word of assurance to the church of all ages. We have great challenges and inadequate resources, and very often, we feel daunted by the task of serving Christ. But it isn’t by our might or our power—it’s by His Spirit. What we really need is a fresh dose of His anointing. Notice what Zechariah says, “This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.” Zech 4:6