“Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts: According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.” (Hag. 2:4-5 KJV)
Encouragement is a many splendored thing. Everyone needs encouragement. No one is exempt from discouragement and disillusionment. Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of Israel who had returned from Babylonian captivity all needed encouragement to get on with re-building their nation. The Temple in Jerusalem was the icon of the nation. As a nation, Israel would never be restored until the Temple was re-built. So the immediate task was to erect the Temple. Everyone should have been working on the Temple, but discouragement and disillusionment prevailed.
The story takes on tragic proportions because the discouragement and disillusionment came from within. Some were refusing to work on the project claiming, “The time is not come, the time that the LORD’S house should be built” (Hag 1:2 KJV). Well alright then, when is the time to build the Lord’s house? Can the Lord’s house be built only after we have satisfied our private appetites . . . house, interior decorating, creature comforts, etc (Hag. 1:4)? Rebuilding the Temple of God was their mission. It was why they had been released from captivity (Ezra 1:2-3). Such nearsighted perspectives had diminished their blessings from God (Hag. 1:6).
Others had lived prior to the Babylonian captivity and had seen the glorious Temple built by Solomon. The memory of that “first glory” blinded them from the present glory. In addition, their contrast between the past and the present had increased their blindness. The result? Contempt for what God was doing in the present through current leadership (Hag. 2:3).
Note that human perspective focuses on human agendas . . . “this temple is not as glorious as Solomon’s temple.” But the Divine perspective focuses on God’s continued presence . . . “I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts” (Hag. 2:4). Remember Psalm 46:1! And so, God insists: “Work” (v. 4). One of the most difficult things for us to do is keep on when others criticize, vilify, oppose, and disparage our work, our reputation, and our character. And such opposition is worst when it comes from those who claim fellow-citizenship with us.
So what are we to do? Hear the word of the Lord (it is current for you and me): “Everything I covenanted with you when I delivered you from bondage is still current, my Spirit has not left you, so do not fear” (Hag. 4:5 SYS). Despite the opposition, God has not abandoned us! His presence will cause “the glory of the latter house to be greater than the former . . . and He will give peace” (Hag. 2:9).
Dear Father, thank you for the strength and courage you give. Empower us with the reinforced courage of your Spirit. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Today reinforce your courage with God’s strength,