“When the prophets, Haggai the prophet
and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and
Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them, then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel
and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began
to rebuild the house of God which is in Jerusalem.”
Chapter
4 concluded with the work on the house of God at a standstill, and the people discouraged,
defeated and troubled by their adversaries who worked against their purpose.
However, here in chapter 5 the LORD brings encouragement through His prophets
Haggai and Zechariah and the work on the temple began again.
Scripture
tells us that the purpose of prophecy is for edification, exhortation, and comfort
(1 Corinthians 14), and the prophets were doing just that. After hearing the
words of Haggai and Zechariah the people were recharged and their purpose
renewed. So much so that, “the work was going on with great care and was succeeding in their hands”
(v.8).
It is so
easy at times to become discouraged by others who work against what God has
called you to do. But in the words of Pastor Chuck Smith, “Where God guides,
God provides.” It may take awhile to accomplish His plan and we, like the
people of Judah and Jerusalem, may need some encouragement along the way. But,
you can rest assured, if it is His will, He will give you the strength and
encouragement need to perform the task.
The Truth
“He who has
begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
(Philippians 1:6)
