We're not building alone!
| Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, along with the whole remnant of the people, obeyed the Lord their God. They responded favorably to the message of the prophet Haggai, who spoke just as the Lord their God had instructed him; and the people began to respect the Lord. Then Haggai, the Lord's messenger, spoke the Lord's word to the people: I am with you! says the Lord. So the Lord energized and encouraged Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, and the whole remnant of the people. (Haggai1:12-14) |
Haggai was speaking to a dazed and despondent people. His words convicted them and they responded and as they did, God helped them.
Let's look a little more closely...
- The leaders set the pace. Zerubbabel was the King and Joshua was the high priest. They set the example in faith and the people followed. We should never underestimate the power of leadership!
- The people responded. Their response was small at first but it was considered to be obedience:
- The responded favourably to the message
- They began to respect God.
(The actual re-building only began later.) - When we respond in even the smallest ways, God is there to help us. We are told that God energised and encouraged His people. That's what depressed people need: energy and encouragement. These two actions are beautiful pictures of the Holy Spirit.
And God still does it today! Is the Lord calling you to do something and you're not sure you're up to it? Have you been disappointed and let down and not sure you can get up again? As soon as you take the first steps toward God, He will be there to help you!
