Once again, we pick up where we left off in the story of the rebuilding of the temple of the Lord. God’s people have been freed and find themselves back home in Jerusalem. The project of building the temple had started but did not go on for long. Some were frustrated at the meager appearance of the new temple’s foundation compared to the glorious temple they remembered (Haggai 2:3; Ezra 3:12). At the same time, those around them were trying to discourage God’s people from the task before them (Ezra 4:4-5). With the project derailed, God’s people turned to their own desires, the building of their homes to the neglect of the Lord’s house (Haggai 1:2). That too brought further frustration, for their efforts were hindered (Haggai 1:9) by the Lord because He was put on the back burner. The people gave the pathetic excuse, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built” (Haggai 1:2).
Along with the people, Zerubbabel (the governor of Judah) and Joshua (the high priest) were also among those who threw their hands up. But we know from Zechariah 4:9, Zerubbabel’s work was not done, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands shall also finish it.” The prophet Haggai would be the instrument to get Zerubbabel and the rest of God’s people back on track. It started with what we have already covered; that is, Haggai letting God’s people know that what they already knew, you have lost sight of your purpose for returning home. We know his words from God penetrated their hearts because they “obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet” because they knew the “Lord their God had sent him” and a renewed respect for God was present among them (Haggai 1:11). Is that all it took? Simply telling them what they were not doing? Let us look further.
“Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, delivered the message of the LORD to the people:
‘I am with you,’ declares the LORD.” (Haggai 1:13)
Discouragement is loud! It occupies the mind, seeking to drown out truths about things, including God. Isn’t that what happened here? Frustration about what they saw concerning the meager temple coupled with the discouragement of those around them who wanted nothing more than for them to fail, took over their thoughts. Haggai reassures them that God wants the remnant to know “I am with you”! I immediately thought of Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” and 1st John 4:4, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Believing in God’s presence needs to be at the center of all we do. Listen to Haggai 2:4, “But now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. And be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work! For I am with you, declares the LORD of Hosts.” Throughout time God has reminded His people that He is with them. When faced with discouragement and obstacles that seek to hinder God’s people from accomplishing their God given tasks, it is crucial to remember God’s promise. Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Or Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” God wants His children to know, “I AM WITH YOU!”
Consider now Haggai 1:14, “So the LORD stirred the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God…” How did God “stir” them? I thought of 2nd Corinthians 10:5 as I considered this question, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Through the prophetic work of Haggai, as he spoke God’s word to them, they were stirred to reconsider their perceived reality. Yes, the temple would be smaller. Yes, those around them wanted them to fail. But God has not changed! Haggai 2:5, “According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!” Help us Lord to see Your presence as we face times of discouragement in a world that wants nothing more than for Your church to cease its work.
Biddeford Church of Christ 