Reply To: WEEK 5 – Minor Prophets Part 2

[Michelle Chow]

YES

<b>Haggai- </b>The prophecies of Haggai are regarding the rebuilding of the temple of Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. He encouraged God’s people to finish rebuilding the Temple that Zerubbabel had started. He also said that the recent problems they were experiencing was because of their laziness in the things of God. Haggai was commissioned by the Lord to assure the people that the second temple should be more glorious that the former because the Messiah should honor it with His presence. He scolded his countrymen for living in paneled houses while the Lord’s house had fallen into disarray. He also pointed out when the people turned away from God, their needs were not met but when they honored God, they prospered. He motivated them to put God fist again. At the end of the book, Haggai delivered God’s personal message to Zerubbabel, telling the governor of Judah he would be like God’s signet ring. In ancient times, signet rings functioned as an official seal when pressed into hot wax on a document. This prophecy meant God would honor the line of King David through Zerubbabel. God was not concerned that the rebuilt temple would not be as spectacular as Solomon’s. He told His people it would be His house where He would again dwell among them. No matter how humble our service is to God, it is important in His eyes. He wants to be our first priority. To help us make time for Him, so that He may stir up our hearts with His love.

<b><span style=”font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: ‘Calibri’,sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;”>Zechariah-</span></b><span style=”font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: ‘Calibri’,sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;”> The purpose of Zechariah’s preaching was to strengthen the people in the reality of their calling, their history and their future as well as that of the nations. He also joined Haggai in the task of encouraging the construction of the temple and to see it through its completion. Zechariah reproved the people, he gave them encouragement and exhortation, as well as the promises of God’s blessing and spoke much about the Messiah and what would happen to the Jews and the nations when He comes. Other visions in the book point to the certainty of God’s judgement and ultimate victory over sin. In the end once again the Lord promises restoration, He longed to help Jerusalem because of His deep love for them, a deep love that made Him angry with her enemies. God vowed He would return to them and they would be known as a faithful city and the hill of the Lord Almighty. When God speaks there are no boundaries, nothing can stand in His way. If we are struggling with doubt or unbelief, God is not hindered or limited by it. The book of Zechariah is a perfect example to us just how far God is willing to go in fulfilling His word and the consequences of unbelief. </span>