Day 230: Haggai 2:4-5

"'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.'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, NIV

So Haggai was prophesying during Israel's captivity in Babylon to the remnant of Israel in Jerusalem. He was challenging His people to honor Him by rebuilding the temple. "Is it fair that you live in paneled houses while I live in ruins?" God asked in chapter 1. "Is it logical that you exalt yourselves above you God?"

No. No it wasn't logical. God decreed that it was time for Israel to take up the mantle of obedience and for the priests and rulers to live in obedience God's word. God calls leaders out by name in the above verse to do His bidding. "Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Joshua." And now that You are God's temple, He's calling you out by name to be strong. You and all of the people of His land are to be strong, and obey.

Because He was with Zerubbabel and Joshua, and now He is within you. He promised them by the covenant, and He promises us by Jesus; His Spirit is among us, we have nothing to fear. Not the Babylonians, not the politicians, not the army, nothing.

Do not fear, child of God, but rather obey and live in God's promise and purpose for you.