Day 254, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Ezra 4:1-5, 24; Haggai 1-2; Zechariah 1-6
Don't Be Intimidated!
September 11, 2001, will always be remembered in American history—the day terrorists flew two planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.
But that was not the end of the terror. A third plane was flown into the Pentagon, and a fourth plane was on its way to smash into some other significant building. Thanks to the heroic efforts of some passengers, it crashed into a Pennsylvania field.
Altogether, almost 3,000 Americans lost their lives. Many nations, before and after those incidents, have faced terrorism and have their own stories.
Don’t quit!
Our present circumstances may not be so dire, but they can be intimidating. Are any of our Christian organizations or us hated? Do people threaten or take malicious actions against us? Does this make us retreat?
Even if we knew it was the LORD’s will for us to do something in the beginning, because of opposition, we might think it’s not his will now. So, we are tempted to stop the project.
But, God wants us to persevere and trust him. God is glorified when he triumphs over the opposition. If it was easy, would he get any glory at all? Would anyone come to know the LORD better or see his works and say, “only God could do that”?
A good beginning
In today’s Bible reading, King Cyrus of Persia had signed a proclamation allowing any Israelites in captivity to return to their land and rebuild their temple. He even supplied the money and materials to do it. 49,000 Jewish people, led by Ezra the priest, took advantage of God’s grace and returned to their homeland.
God chose two returnees to lead Israel. Zerubbabel became the governor of the area, and Jeshua (Joshua) became the high priest. Only a remnant of Israel returned because they had grown comfortable in their captivity.
Within a few months, the returning Jews started the project, and there were loud rejoicing and praise to God as the foundation of the temple was laid.
Getting diverted
The Jews, however, were facing opposition from neighboring nations, so they stopped. The LORD is displeased and sends the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to them with messages.
Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai:
“Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house [meaning the temple] remains a ruin?”
Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”
This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the LORD (Haggai 1:3-8, NIV).
The LORD sent a famine to the Jews, and he took away their prosperity because they were dishonoring him and caring only for themselves.
Repentance and Rebuilding
When the people hear the messages from God, they fear him and turn from their sins.
God then stirs up Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and all the people. The LORD gives assuring words, “I am with you,” “Do not be afraid,” “My Spirit is with you,” “Be strong and work” (Haggai 1:13; 2:4,5, NIV). So, once again, they begin the work of rebuilding the temple.
Zechariah’s message, which was given the same time as Haggai’s (compare Zechariah 1:1 and Haggai 2:10), also encourages Israel to return to God, rise up, and rebuild the temple.Why does Zechariah repeat Haggai’s message? Perhaps they were not listening, or perhaps they were fearful and needed another witness and encouragement from God’s Word.
This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the LORD Almighty.
The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me [Zechariah] to you, (Zechariah 4:6,9, NIV).
Has God removed our blessings? Have things gone from bad to worse? Is it because of sin, neglect, or adversity?
If, without his direction, we have stopped working and have become self-absorbed in our lives, we need to repent. We need to return to the work of the LORD and remember that our Almighty God will be with us if we are obedient. Let’s honor him first and foremost in our lives. The LORD will be with us, and his Spirit will help us through adversities. Things may be challenging in our life, but we have a bright future in heaven.
Rewards
Zechariah’s message not only encourages Israel to get back to work on the temple but also reveals her bright future. Like most Bible prophecies, Zechariah’s prophecy is partially fulfilled in the present, and it will be entirely fulfilled in the distant future. In Israel’s present circumstances, the LORD will favor her, help her complete the temple, and give her peace in her land, if she will be obedient. In Israel’s future, there will be a time of worldwide peace and prosperity, when her enemies are destroyed and Christ rules and reigns on the earth.
The book of Zechariah is couched in symbolism and mystery about the end times. Symbolism gets people’s attention; the more bizarre the images are, the more we remember them. Perhaps, like Ezekiel, Zechariah is told to prophesy in symbols to get Israel’s attention. For clues to interpreting prophetic literature and some interpretations of Zechariah’s night visions, see the more… page..
What has God asked us to do? If we complete the project that he gave us to do, we gain his blessings and will be rewarded. Let’s be faithful to God and the tasks he has given us.
Discussion
If God has called us to do a project or task, what are some things which might hinder or intimidate us?
What should we do if we get diverted from our God-given task?
How will God be glorified if we rise up and complete the work he gave us to do, despite our fears and opposition?
Focus Verse
Philippians 1:6, NIV “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: God Works for His Glory and our Good not only in Israel but in our lives as well. Learn more in our Next Lesson.
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