Mighty Is the Lord

Protestant reformer Martin Luther stood before the greatest powers of his day to defend the gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone. His opponents used intimidation and threats in their attempt to persuade Luther to back down. "Of whom shall I be afraid?" Luther responded. "One with God is a majority."

Zechariah’s second vision had to do with horns (v. 18). These were not musical instruments but animal horns, like those of a bull. Horns sometimes appear in Scripture as a symbol of power. They can represent nations or those who rule. Horns were also a common feature in ancient architecture and design. The sacrificial altar in Jerusalem had horns (Ex. 29:12; 1 Kings 1:51).

The prophet also saw four craftsmen (v. 20). The Hebrew term can refer to many kinds of work. It could be used to speak of someone who works with metal, stone, or wood. The craftsmen were God’s agents employed by Him to defeat the powers. The number four in each case is probably not specific. It seems unlikely this prophecy was referring to four particular leaders or four specific servants of God who would oppose them, instead, it is a general promise of ultimate victory.

This vision not only promises that God will be victorious in the end but also reminds us that God works through His servants. In the New Testament, those who serve God are also called “workers” (Rom. 16:3; 1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1; Phil. 4:3). God often exercises His power through human agents. You may feel insignificant. However, if you belong to Jesus Christ, you are God’s agent

Pray with Us

Pray for Moody Distance Learning’s instructional quality team—Doug Murphy, Andrew Beaty, Troy Dueck, Nicholas Moon, Madeline Seghers, and Tyrome Turner—as they launch and oversee online courses, as well as Moody’s accreditation reporting and assessment.

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.