On this very day, the 21st day of the 7th month on the Hebrew calendar, God sent a message to His people through Haggai the prophet. The people had been rebuilding the Temple after returning from captivity, yet they faced daily opposition from their enemies. When the Temple finally went up, it seemed pitifully small in comparison to the glory of the first Temple Nebuchadnezzar had burnt. The people wept. Was it even worth it? Oppressed, and discouraged, God sent a message…
“Who is left among you that saw this House in her first glory? And how do you see it now? Is it not in your eyes in comparison as nothing? Yet now… be strong all you people of the land, and work: for I am with you, says the LORD of Hosts: according to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you: do not be afraid. For thus says the LORD of Hosts: Yet once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land; I will shake all nations, and the Desire of nations shall come, and I will fill this House with glory.” – (Haggai 2:3-7)
I can’t help but think this sounds like our once God-fearing nations. We face external and internal opposition daily. The once great nations that blessed the world with freedom by God’s Laws are pitiful now in comparison. Many Churches, battered by injustice and lawless decrees, are smaller than ever. Our older generation weeps for what once was. But God says, “be strong and work, for I am with you, and My Sprit remains among you. Greater Glory is coming.”
It's the Covenant of the Cross. Rejoice, work, and watch!
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