Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. Haggai 2:4-5
I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume
for this book. For this morning, my focus is a unassisted
review of Haggai 2:1-5, which the commentary outlines as the first division for Haggai 2:1-9. More encouragement delivered through Haggai from the Lord! In chapter 1 we see God express His disappointment and anger in Israel as they focus on their own lives while the temple lies in disrepair and ruin. He works in the hearts of leadership and the people and they turn towards the Lord and begin work on the temple - and God shares how He is with them. Encouraging! Here in chapter 2, the Lord continues to encourage the governor, the high priest and the people. He first encourages them to remember the former glory of the temple (v4). All believers should have top of mind all that God has done, not just in our own lives but everywhere throughout redemptive history. Our hearts should be filled with gratitude as we recall all that God has done and we should draw nearer to God stay there - in fellowship with Him. God then encourages us to be strong - there is hard work ahead of Israel to rebuild the temple - there will be days when they grow weary or are otherwise discouraged or afraid to proceed - in the face of this God is with them (vv4-5). God says to be strong and fear not - the people are to recall God's faithfulness as He shares the covenant He made with them as they left bondage in Egypt - leading them to the promised land.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a faithful God, always keeping Your promises and You are always with me, and I can never be separated from Your love. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
