Now be strong and work; for I am with you, saith the LORD of Hosts."
- Haggai 2:4
After the Babylonian Captivity the returned Jews had laid the
foundation of the new temple, but they had neglected building the
superstructure. Haggai, the Prophet, severely rebuked them for their
neglect. They were aroused and began to work. Now new difficulties
arose as some who had seen the great Temple of Solomon could not
restrain themselves when they saw the much smaller and less beautiful
house of prayer that was being built, and gave way to weeping and
lamenting. It was at this critical time that the prophet approached
them with the enouragement: "Be strong now, and work."
Christian friends, a similar task confronts us. We are . . .
Now be strong and work; for I am with you, saith the LORD of Hosts."
- Haggai 2:4
After the Babylonian Captivity the returned Jews had laid the foundation of the new temple, but they had neglected building the superstructure. Haggai, the Prophet, severely rebuked them for their neglect. They were aroused and began to work. Now new difficulties arose as some who had seen the great Temple of Solomon could not restrain themselves when they saw the much smaller and less beautiful house of prayer that was being built, and gave way to weeping and lamenting. It was at this critical time that the prophet approached them with the enouragement: "Be strong now, and work."
Christian friends, a similar task confronts us. We are building a spiritual temple. This temple has been in process of building for long time, and yet there still is much to be done. This is no time to join a mournful cry of the spirtually listless who declare: "The time if not come that the LORD'S house should be built." Let us heed the command: "Be strong now, and work ", says the LORD of Hosts: "For I am with you."
Sometimes we are like the people of Haggai's day. We have a job to do but we don't get started. But when we sense what God wants us to do, we must do it. And He will stand beside us. It's time to get started.
Dare to do right! Dare to be true!
You have a work that no other can do;
Do it so bravely, so kindly, so well,
Angels will hasten the story to tell.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.