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"Be strong"

Text: Haggai 2:4

STRUGGLING WITH NEGATIVITY

It was not easy to continue to work on the Temple project with negative feelings. Negativity tends to spread. The project was once again threatened. This time, the threat came from within.

“‘Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD;
‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest;
and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the LORD,
‘and work; for I am with you’, says the LORD of hosts.”
Haggai 2:4

1. “Be strong”

a) This word was given to all:

i) Zerubbabel, the governor

ii) Joshua, the high priest

iii) All who made up the remnant returnees

b) This word was given because:

i) There was discouragement.

ii) The desire to carry on with the building project was weakened.

iii) There was danger that the Temple project would be abandoned once again.

c) Strength was to be found:

i) Strength to commence was not enough.

ii) There must be strength to continue.

iii) There must be strength to complete the Temple project.

2. “‘And work; for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts”

a) The work on rebuilding the Temple had already begun.

b) This work must be seen as important.

i) It would bring pleasure to the Lord (Haggai 1:8a)

ii) It would glorify His name (Haggai 1:8b).

3. “‘I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts”

a) The LORD’S Presence was promised.

b) The LORD of hosts Himself would be there to help them complete the Temple project.

c) If God would be there to help, strength may be found.

d) He would help them to be strong enough to complete the Temple building.