A minor prophet made a major pronouncement: “I am with you, says the Lord.” His words seared the conscience, kindled action, and fueled a movement. Haggai’s hearers refused to dawdle. Governor Zerubbabel and Reverend Joshua’s hearts were tender and quick to heed “the Lord’s messenger.” “The Lord stirred up the spirit” of the leaders and “all the remnant of the people.” Under the inspired preaching of prophets Haggai and Zechariah an entire community of faith rose to the sacred occasion about five hundred years before the birth of Christ and rebuilt a testament to God’s glory… the Holy Temple of God.
“Then Haggai...spoke the Lord’s message... ‘I am with you, says the Lord.’”
“So the Jewish elders continued their work, and they were greatly encouraged by the preaching of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah.... The Temple was finally finished.”
Haggai 1.13-14 NKJV; Ezra 6:14-15 NLT
