“For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”
(Zechariah 4:10)
God is always at work, though He does not measure what He does, how He does it, or when He finishes it by our standards or timing. At the same time we can be assured that what He begins in weakness He will establish in strength. And what appears small at the outset may become glorious in its completion. For this reason, the laying of the foundation deserves praise no less than the setting of the topstone.[1]
And yet our tendency (addressed in this passage) is to treat present blessings as nothing because greater blessings are still desired. We look at what is lacking and fail to give thanks for what has already been granted. We see the unfinished work and overlook the mercy of the foundation itself. Such ingratitude dishonors God, who alone has accomplished what already stands.
This truth applies especially to the work of God in His church. Throughout history, the Lord has planted, preserved, and nourished His people through seasons of opposition and weakness. He brought His church out of darkness as a vine brought out of Egypt, removing idolatry and establishing the light of the gospel. He enlarged its borders, strengthened its foundations, and caused it to flourish under His providence. These mercies were not small, even if imperfections remained.
Which is to say that the presence of remaining weakness does not erase the goodness of what God has already done. The church may still require correction, discipline, and further purification, yet the progress already made should stir gratitude rather than complaint. For grace is engraved not only on the finished structure, but on every stone laid by God’s hand.
The people in Ezra’s day shouted for joy when only the foundation of the temple was completed. Their praise reflected a recognition that the beginning itself was a mercy. They understood that God’s faithfulness was evident even in the earliest stages of restoration. Indeed, how we see the “day of small things” reveals much about the condition of our heart. Faith sees grace even in beginnings; unbelief complains that the work is unfinished.
Zechariah tells us that the eyes of the Lord run to and fro through the earth, observing, preserving, and accomplishing His purposes according to His wisdom. And he also reminds us that His works are not to be measured by their present appearance, but by the faithfulness of the One who performs them.
Because every stone laid in the building of His church bears witness to His grace, every evidence of truth, worship, and holiness among His people deserves our praise and gratitude.
So let us remember to honor God for both small starts and glorious finishes because the same grace that lays the foundation raises the walls and sets the topstone. To recognize this is to be thankful for what has already been mercifully given as well as what is hoped for.
Contemplations:
- The Mercy of Beginnings. We tend to wait until something is complete before offering gratitude, yet Scripture teaches that the beginning itself is a mercy. The laying of a foundation, the first dawning of light, and the smallest evidence of grace all testify to God’s faithfulness. To overlook these beginnings is to overlook the hand of God at work.
- The Danger of Ingratitude. Ingratitude grows when we are focused entirely on what is lacking. We then become dissatisfied with present mercies because we want something more, forgetting how much God has already done and treating His kindness as though it were insignificant.
- The Beauty of Imperfect Reformation. Even an unfinished work is evidence of grace, and the presence of remaining weakness does not erase the goodness already established. Faith learns to rejoice in progress without denying the need for further growth. This produces patience and gratitude together.
- The Lord’s Watchful Care. The eyes of the Lord running through the earth reveal His continual oversight. Nothing concerning His church is accidental or forgotten. He watches over every stage of His work, from foundation to completion. This gives confidence that what He has begun, He will sustain.
Prayer (Thanksgiving):
Most gracious and faithful God, I give thanks for every work of grace You have established among Your people. You are the One who plants, preserves, and perfects Your church according to Your sovereign wisdom. What man could never accomplish, You have begun and sustained through Your mighty power. I praise You that Your works are not abandoned in weakness but carried forward according to Your purpose.
Thank You for the mercy of beginnings. Too often I desire completion while overlooking the grace already given. Yet You have taught through Your Word that even the laying of a foundation deserves praise. Every stone placed in Your spiritual building bears witness to Your kindness and faithfulness.
I praise You for bringing the light of the gospel into the midst of darkness. You have caused Your truth to shine clearly through the preaching of Christ and the revelation of Your Word. You have not left Your people wandering without guidance but have drawn near through the living oracles of Scripture. This is a mercy beyond measure, and I acknowledge it with gratitude.
Lord, I am thankful for every measure of reformation and renewal You have accomplished. Though the work is not yet complete, what You have already done is glorious. Forgive my tendency to complain about what remains unfinished while neglecting to praise You for what You have already done.
Your eyes run to and fro throughout the whole earth, observing and preserving all that belongs to You. Nothing escapes Your notice, and nothing can overturn Your purpose. This gives confidence that Your work will endure and that the grace begun by You will reach its appointed end.
Gratitude teaches me to recognize Your hand in every mercy and to depend more fully on Your continued favor. Let my heart remain thankful not only for great deliverances, but for every evidence of Your grace, however small it may appear.
Receive my praise, Lord, for all that You have done and continue to do among Your people. Teach me never to despise the day of small things, but to honor You for every stone laid by Your hand. Let gratitude fill my heart as I anticipate the completion of all Your glorious purposes.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Zechariah 4:10:
2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 15:3; Amos 7:8; Zechariah 4:6
[1] John Brinsley, Church Reformation, Tenderly Handled (London: G. M. for John Burroughes, at the Sign of the Golden Dragon, near the Inner Temple Gate in Fleet Street, 1643), 51-55.
