1. Two olive trees (1-9)

Rebuilding the temple was not easy. There was much opposition. Zerubbabel, a descendant of King David, was the governor and Joshua was the high priest. They were the two olive trees--two men anointed by God to rebuild the temple and put God's life back in the center of God's people. The task God gave them was impossible to do with human strength. So God promised, 'Not by might or by power, but by my Spirit.' God had given them strength to begin the task; he would give them strength to complete it.

2. Don't despise the day of small things (10-14)

The plumb line is a small thing. With it one can measure even the smallest deviation from the perfect standard. God's eyes range throughout the earth, seeking those whose hearts are turned toward him (2Ch 16:9a). When God's servants serve with their whole hearts, his Spirit works in their behalf.

Application: Lord, help me to pay attention to small things and depend on your Spirit.
One Word: 'By my Spirit,' says the Lord