 Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. 2 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.
3 At the same time Tattenai the governor of the province Beyond the River and Shethar-bozenai and their associates came to them and spoke to them thus: “Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?” 4 They also asked them this: “What are the names of the men who are building this building?” 5 But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the report should reach Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it. Tattenai's Letter to King Darius 6 This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the province Beyond the River and Shethar-bozenai and his associates, the governors who were in the province Beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. 7 They sent him a report, in which was written as follows: “To Darius the king, all peace. 8 Be it known to the king that we went to the province of Judah, to the house of the great God. It is being built with huge stones, and timber is laid in the walls. This work goes on diligently and prospers in their hands. 9 Then we asked those elders and spoke to them thus: ‘Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?’ 10 We also asked them their names, for your information, that we might write down the names of their leaders. 11 And this was their reply to us: ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. 12 But because our fathers had angered the God of heaven, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house and carried away the people to Babylonia. 13 However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree that this house of God should be rebuilt. 14 And the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brought into the temple of Babylon, these Cyrus the king took out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; 15 and he said to him, “Take these vessels, go and put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt on its site.” 16 Then this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been in building, and it is not yet finished.’17 Therefore, if it seems good to the king, let search be made in the royal archives there in Babylon, to see whether a decree was issued by Cyrus the king for the rebuilding of this house of God in Jerusalem. And let the king send us his pleasure in this matter.” Meditation Crisis cannot cancel courage. Crisis reveals courage. The cradle of courage for God’s people is God’s word. Do you need courage to continue? Courage is cultivated when we listen to God’s word and discern His providence. The returned exiles had centered the altar (3:3) and laid the temple foundation (3:10) but adversaries had forced the rebuilding to stop (4:24). Where does courage to continue come from in crisis? The post-exilic prophets, Haggai and Zechariah (1). Prophets are God’s mouthpieces (Deuteronomy 18:15-20), sharing the Word of God to “support” (2) the people of God and strengthen courage. Haggai reminded God’s people of God’s promise, “I am with you, says the Lord” (Haggai 1:13). Zechariah offers the personal invitation of the Lord, “Return to me and I will return to you” (Zechariah 1:3). Courage is cultivated in God’s word, God’s promises, and God’s presence. The people returned to work, obtaining approval from government authorities and finding courage in God’s authority to continue the mission. The obstacles of the adversaries turned out to be opportunities for the Almighty to re-enforce His promises in the power of His word. Do you see adversarial obstacles in your life as opportunities for God to show up? Courage to continue comes from God’s word, God’s promises, God’s presence, and God’s providence- I am with you, says the Lord! Courage is cultivated in crisis when our hearts are curated with gospel truth. Let the Word of God “support” you, strengthening your courage with gratitude for His presence and His promises. Richly Dwelling -Where is your courage level right now, on a scale of one to ten (ten being the most courageous possible)? -God sent prophets to share His word and strengthen His people. How does God’s Word strengthen you? What difference does it make that He is with you? What promises give you strength? -How does courage empower you to reclaim the missional purpose God has for your life? What is God calling you to have courage to continue for His glory? Key Verse 2 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them. Comments are closed.
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