Zechariah 4:10 Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the LORD rejoice to see the work begin…. [Living Bible translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
Zechariah was a Hebrew prophet who prophesied to the Jewish people during the reign of King Darius, one of the famous Persian kings. Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai. Zechariah was GOD’s spokesman delivering GOD’s messages. After the people had returned from exile in Babylon, one of GOD’s messages was for a man named Zerubbabel.
Zerubbabel was part of the first wave of Jewish captives who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. After returning to Jerusalem, which was now under Persian rule, King Darius appointed Zerubbabel governor of Judah. After his appointment, Zerubbabel began to rebuild the Temple.
The original temple had been built by King Solomon. It was THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, and it had been magnificent. It was a symbol of the greatness of the Jewish people during the height of their power as a nation. When Solomon built the original temple, he had used only the best. Gold and other precious metals were used liberally during the construction. King Solomon had the power and wealth to enlist an army of skilled craftsmen and carpenters throughout the land. Solomon had built the temple when the people were many, great and strong. Now a broken people, literally former slaves, had returned. They were just a remnant. They were few and they were weak. The head of the “building committee” was not a king, but only Zerubbabel, a mere governor, who had been appointed by a Persian King.
Some of those who returned were “stuck in the past,” remembering “the way things used to be,” probably did not participate or participated “half-heartedly” in the building. They likely spread negativity, too fixated on what the builders didn’t have. Those who constantly complained about the current state of affairs under Persian rule probably stayed away also. Perhaps they thought Zerubbabel was just a Persian “puppet.” Others may have been too busy building their own homes and couldn’t find the time to build GOD’s house. The rumor may have spread that this was a “losing” project causing others to “find something better to do.” So, when Zerubbabel began to rebuild the temple just a “few” showed up.
GOD, however, sent an encouraging WORD, by way of Zechariah to Zerubbabel, that: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts—you will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak.” GOD told Zechariah to tell Zerubbabel (and the people): “Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin.…”
Small Steps Toward A Healthy Diet
Some have been struggling with their diets for years. Their bodies may be weak, out of shape and suffering, but instead of “rebuilding” they may be “stuck in the past” trying to eat the same “high carb,” “high cholesterol” “sugar-laced” meals they have been eating since their younger years when their bodies burned more calories. Others who talk about rebuilding their bodies and changing their diet may only be “participating half-heartedly” -- eating a “healthy” meal one day or just a few days out of the month but mainly being indulgent, ignoring their physician’s advice or ignoring what they know they should do the majority of the time.
In “10 Simple Ways to Eat Healthy Without Thinking, Backed by Science,” James Clear provides a number of small, simple steps a person can use to reconstruct their physical environment to eat healthy without thinking. A few of his suggestions include the following:
- Use smaller plates – A person with a bigger plate will tend to give themselves bigger food portions;
- Display Healthy Foods- Place bowls of fruit or nuts in prominent places and within reach so you will likely grab these items when you are hungry. [For example, prepare snack-size packages of nuts, for house snacking or for lunches];
- Wrap unhealthy foods in tin foil instead of plastic (so they are out of sight) or place them in smaller containers. [For example, if you buy “chips” or “cookies” or “crackers” redistribute them to smaller portion bags or foil containers so you are unlikely to eat “an entire” bag in one sitting” and place them out of sight, so they are not the first thing you grab when hungry]
See, “10 Simple Ways to Eat Healthy Without Thinking, Backed by Science,” by James Clear, https://jamesclear.com/eat-healthy-without-thinking.
Do A Simple Assessment
One way to start an exercise program is to first determine where you are. You can start by doing a simple assessment. In “Your Personal Fitness Schedule,” WebMD suggests starting by printing out a simple chart to get a sense of your current fitness level. See, “Your Personal Fitness Schedule” attached to this email. The chart records aerobic and muscle building exercises. At the end of the day, record the number of minutes you spent in aerobic and muscle-building activities. At the end of the week, see how your numbers compare with the CDC recommendations.
See, https://www.webmd.com/women/personal-fitness-schedule. This is not starting a new exercise fitness program; this is just recording what you are doing now (Click here to print the Personal Fitness Chart).
Once you have completed your chart, you can use it to:
- Consult with a physician regarding your exercise chart;
- Consult with a trainer;
- Determine where you need to improve or make changes (e.g. buy exercise equipment, create an at-home exercise routine, find an exercise program, partner with another person for fitness, etc.)
If you have a medical condition, always consult with your personal physician before starting a new exercise program.
Whether you are taking small dietary steps or doing an assessment, remember don’t get discouraged. Instead, every time you grab a small plate or make an entry into your chart just smile and remember, the Lord rejoices to see the work begin!
Small Beginnings
Today instead of looking back, let’s just look up and look forward, praying that GOD guides our steps, energizes our heart to do good and to be everything HE wants us to be. Let’s rejoice, knowing that with GOD and because of GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT we can succeed!
Remember GOD’s WORD, do not despise small beginnings!
Have faith, keep building your temple and BE BLESSED!
