Evangelical Christian Church
... and in this place will I give peace, said the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2:9

MESSAGES

Be Strong and Work (Haggai 2:4)

Haggai 2:4 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 of hosts. 5 This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear. 6 This is what the Lord of hosts says: In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.

We observe in the biblical text above, the clear intention of God to demonstrate that He has authority and that He is prepared to guard and protect us.

God also emphasizes that our posture must be to keep the faith and not be afraid, because He will help us:

Haggai 2:5 This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.

Another guidance that God gives us, is in verse 4, which is for us to be strong and to work, because He is with us.

Haggai 2:4 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.

Many want to reach God's blessings without even seeking or struggling or striving.

They think that God has an obligation to help and often act AS IF GOD WAS THE SERVANT AND NOT THE LORD.

Don't forget that God promised that He would give the land of Canaan as a possession to the people of Israel:

Deuteronomy 34:4 Then the Lord said to him, This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, I will give it to your descendants. I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.

But when they reached the promised land it was not easy, there were nations in those lands and the people of Israel had to fight to conquer them, starting with Jericho.

God has always been at the front of the battle, guiding, protecting and bringing victory, as the true Lord of hosts that He is, but THE PEOPLE HAD TO FIGHT

BE STRONG, OBEY, HAVE FAITH AND WORK for the blessing, which has already been promised by God to you, come.

Do not be discouraged and always seek the guidance, protection, discernment and victory of God, because we are more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37).

Psalm 46:7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

Pastor Val Martins