Message Notes

(I) A MOST DIFFICULT CONTEXT

1. Historical

The rebuilding of the Land of Israel by Returnees

2. Census

Limited number of Returnees compared to the vast amount of work to be done

3. Scarcity of good spiritual leaders

a) Bible teachers (Ezra was the only outstanding teacher)

b) Political leaders (Zerubbabel the governor)

c) Priestly support (Joshua the high priest)

d) Two prophets (Haggai and Zechariah)

(II) THE PROMISE OF STRENGTH TO ALL RETURNEES

“I will strengthen the house of Judah,
And I will save the house of Joseph.
I will bring them back, Because I have mercy on them.” Zechariah 10:6

” ‘So I will strengthen them in the LORD,
And they shall walk up and down in His name,’ Says the LORD.” Zechariah 10:12

1. Strength promised – to the house of Judah

2. Salvation promised to the house of Joseph

a) Reflection on how God delivered Joseph

b) Projection of how God will deliver again

3. Strength defined

a) Mercy and strength

b) Strength to rebuild

c) Strength to walk in the Name of the Lord

(III) REFLECTION ON THE PROMISE OF STRENGTH FROM THE LORD

Precious Promise of Strength

1. Strength for life

2. Strength for ministry

3. Strength for overcoming problems

4. Strength to walk with God meaningfully

Promise of Strength Realised (Psalm 18)

1. With deep appreciation

2. With great gratitude

3. With wondrous sense of joy

4. With resolution to walk in the strength of the Lord always