BE STRONG!

Haggai 2:1-23

Friday, 18 July 2025

“'Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says the LORD;' and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,' says the LORD, 'and work; for I am with you,' says the LORD of hosts..  Hagg.2:4

After the return of a considerable number of Jews from exile in Babylon, Ezra had initiated the work on rebuilding the ruined Temple in Jerusalem. There was much opposition from local residents as well as certain quarters of governance and so the work lay unattended to for quite a while. When Haggai come on the scene, it was his God-given task to rebuke as well as motivateGod’s people in order to keep them on track. In the first chapter of the book, Haggai had admonished them to consider their ways as the work of the Lord was neglected and the after effect of it was felt in their lack, despite their hard efforts.

It required dedicated and persevering effort on the part of everyone involved, for the successful completion of the LORD's temple.  Everyone involved in the work is important, hence Prophet Haggai motivates both the leaders and the people of God to carry on with the work, assuring them of the constant presence of the LORD with them.  It is easy to give up when the work gets tough, seems to take longer than you thought, when your strength begins to wane and you don't see much progress in it. This is a time to remind ourselves to be strong in the LORD and in the strength of His might (Eph.6:10). The work of the LORD requires both dependability on the LORD and on one another. The resources for the work are provided by the LORD Himself- the gold and the silver are all HIS (vs.8).

Zerubbabel the governor of Judah, in particular is encouraged by God through Haggai towards the end of the chapter- “I will take you Zerubbabel My servant….and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,” says the LORD of hosts (V23). To motivate a leader/s is veryimportant, as those he leads look up to him. Sometimes they can feel insignificant and the pressures of work, physical tiredness, criticism of various sorts pull them down such that they would rather quit the role than go on. Here the Lord reassures Zerubbabel that he has vested him with authority (signet ring) and he has chosen him to be in that role! V.22 points to the fact that God is sovereign over the nations and He is powerful to overthrow, weaken and destroy kingdoms! 

Take note and be encouraged that we are co-labourers in His vineyard. We are chosen by Him to reveal His glory to this world. Jesus most often chose ordinary people to be a part of His work. Whoever you are, reading or listening to this message, take courage, Jesus wants you!!! You are not insignificant to Jesus. People may not give any importance to you or recognize you in the capacity you are in, but Jesus wants you to be a part of His work. Don't give up, plod on! He is sovereign, all powerful over every difficult situation you are encountering or coming your way. He will give you the ability to carry on the tasks entrusted to you.

The Lord has called you to partner with Him in His glorious work so that His glory be revealed to the people around you. May you be strengthened to press on! 

To Act on: " Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."  1Cor.16:13