Day 123
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| Zerubbabel Rebuilding the Temple of God |
Scripture
Observation
A seeming avalanche of hostility meets the construction efforts. Zerubbabel, knowing that he and his countrymen are on a divine assignment, refuses to let "the enemies of Judah" (4:1) assist in the building project. Accusations and legal action follow, halting the work for fifteen long years. At last, help arrives in the form of encouragement from the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, and a kingly proclamation from Darius. With the way now paved for rapid progress, completion of the temple comes quickly, marked by national celebration.
Application
Make a list of at least five things considered worth fighting for: your faith, your family, your country etc. Now make a another list of at least five things considered not worth fighting for: your brand of items, the day of the week to water the plants, the preferred size of the ice cubes from the ice maker, etc. Compare the two lists. What do you find?
Probably you discovered the first list contains major items, while the ones on the second list are relatively minor. No one dies for his favorite TV program, few would hesitate to give their lives to defend their national freedom. Zerubbabel had to ask himself the question, "Is it worth fight for?" when confronted by pagan interference (4:1-2). Though others might have labeled the issue a "minor" one, Zerubbabel considered it major enough to postpone his plans for fifteen years!
Taking a position for what you believe can be unpleasant even painful. But it is often necessary if God's work is to be done God's way. Look at your two lists again, pick one item worth fighting for, and make your position known today by spoken word or written letter including what you think is God's will regarding it. Convictions worth having are worth communicating.
Probably you discovered the first list contains major items, while the ones on the second list are relatively minor. No one dies for his favorite TV program, few would hesitate to give their lives to defend their national freedom. Zerubbabel had to ask himself the question, "Is it worth fight for?" when confronted by pagan interference (4:1-2). Though others might have labeled the issue a "minor" one, Zerubbabel considered it major enough to postpone his plans for fifteen years!
Taking a position for what you believe can be unpleasant even painful. But it is often necessary if God's work is to be done God's way. Look at your two lists again, pick one item worth fighting for, and make your position known today by spoken word or written letter including what you think is God's will regarding it. Convictions worth having are worth communicating.
Prayer
Almighty God, we realize that you can use our troubles to accomplish great things in this world for your glory. We pray to you to help us to endure to the end when you have placed a divine assignment on us to complete even if it takes 15 years. In Jesus name we pray, amen!
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| The Divine Heart-Turner! |
© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020
