[:en]SCRIPTURE: HAGGAI 2
“But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. 5 ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’” (Haggai 2:4-5)
‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” (Haggai 2:8-9)
THREE MESSAGES ARE PRESENTED IN THIS CHAPTER
- Be strong (vs. 1-9) – When they build this temple, it was not a splendor and gigantic as before but God told them to be strong. He told them not to be afraid because His spirit remained with them.
- Do not be defiled (vs. 10-*19) – God told them to “give careful thought” from this day when they started to build His temple. They should keep themselves clean.
- Be Encouraged (vs. 20-23) – God will overturn royal throne and shatter the power of the foreign kingdom. They will fall by sword. And the Lord will choose Zerubbabel and make him like His signet ring.
LESSON:
Always put God first in all your endeavors. Do not neglect God’s work. Continue to serve Him faithfully and live a clean life. And God will surely give you the strength and encouragement to proclaim the gospel with His bountiful blessings.
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