Generation Z: Born for the StormSample

Born for the Spirit: Zechariah and Zerubabbel

Gen Zers are often called the “iGeneration” because they are so individualistic. When it comes to God, they want their own authentic encounters with Him. And that is how God works. On the day of Pentecost, a flame appeared on each head, and every individual in the crowd of 120 emerged to tell of their personal encounter with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–4).

Though Gen Zers long to make a difference on a global scale, we now live in a postmodern, pluralistic, and inclusive world, and this is a challenge. To Gen Z, exclusion or exclusivity of any kind is seen as morally wrong and evil in itself. This contradicts several biblical truths: Jesus’ proclamation to being the only “way,” “truth,” and “life” (John 14:6); the declaration that Jesus is the only way to be saved (Acts 4:12); and the teachings of Scripture on heaven and hell. Increasingly, many Gen Zers are simply not religious. This generation is poised to impact the world, so Satan wants to confuse them, distract them, challenge their identity, and draw them away from the power of the Holy Spirit.

Zechariah and Zerubbabel, like Gen Z, were in a situation where supernatural assistance was needed. Past miracles were not enough; they needed present triumphs. Both lived during the time of King Cyrus, a king who fulfilled prophecy by allowing Judean exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. After living in exile, Zechariah and Zerubbabel had the opportunity to participate in restoring worship unto God.

The Jews quickly rebuilt the altar and began work on the temple. Zerubbabel emerged as the construction leader and, ultimately, as the governor. Enemies of Israel opposed the work and bribed Syrian officials to slow it down and cut the funding. For more than a decade, construction ceased. But Zechariah and another prophet encouraged the people and Zerubbabel to rebuild the house of God. Though nothing appeared to have changed, the people rallied to finish the work started 16 years before. Zechariah’s promise was that the work would be completed but only by God’s Spirit.

A new Persian king, Darius, learned that Cyrus did, in fact, commission the Jews to rebuild the temple. So, he gave the Jews permission to continue building and ordered the local officials to provide complete funding and even animals for daily sacrifice in the new temple. What a reversal! Unlikely, improbable, impossible, and yet made possible: Zerubbabel and Zechariah saw the Holy Spirit work in their generation.