Don’t Stop
Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord. Haggai 1:2, ESV
In King Cyrus’s first year of reign over Persia, he declared that the Lord told him to build a house for Him in Jerusalem, located in Judah. King Cyrus proclaimed that all God’s people, who were exiled by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon could go up to Jerusalem to rebuild the house of the Lord. He also declared that each survivor, in whatever place he left, was to be assisted by the men of his place with silver, gold, goods and beasts, and were to receive freewill offerings to bring to the house of God.
The people left and went back to Jerusalem encouraged and ready to rebuild the temple. Zerubbabel with Jeshua took the lead in facilitating the project. When the foundation was laid there was a great celebration with worship and thanks to the Lord. When those living around them found out that they had returned from exile and were building the temple, they wanted to join in. The people of Israel refused them - they were going to build the temple to their God themselves. Immediately the people of the land worked to discourage the people of Judah. The Samaritan’s opposition was so great that the people of Judah completely stopped construction for 16 years. God had given them all they needed to build His temple but because of fear and intimidation they stopped working on their assignment. They built their own houses and business instead, leaving God’s temple in ruins.
God sent His prophet Haggai to remind them that they had not followed His instructions. He told them that God had withheld their blessings because of their disobedience. Many times, when God gives us an assignment, we start off excited to follow what He has put in our hearts. But when opposition and difficulty come, we can be just like the Israelites and stop. In the past, I’ve found myself saying, “Oh, I will get to that!” and before I know it a year has gone by. Listen, there is no such thing as a little disobedience. Obedience is all or nothing. But I love how the story ended with the temple. After the instructions came from the Prophet Haggai the people repented and finished building the temple. It was not without opposition, but they followed God’s instruction in the end.
This word brings good news to all of us, as it reminds us of God’s graciousness and patience. The Israelites disobeyed God, yet His love covered their sin, and He blessed them to finish their purpose. I want to encourage you - it is not too late to repent and surrendered to God so He can guide you to fulfill all that He has placed in your heart! Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCCMinistriestv:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoEcr3koSqRbqVma5EGWgA/videos
My recently published books are now available at:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Life%27s+Journey+volume+2+Jacqueline+Crooks&language=en_US&ref=nb_sb_noss