God Sends a Comforting Message

Less than a month after work on the temple resumed, the builders received a comforting message: “Take courage, O Zerubbabel, ... take courage, O Joshua, ... take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord; work, for I am with you, says the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:4, NRSV.RR 202.3

To His children today the Lord declares, “Take courage, ... work, for I am with you.” Zechariah, whom God raised up to stand by Haggai’s side, added to the earnest pleadings and encouragement God had given through Haggai. Zechariah’s first message was an assurance that God’s word never fails and a promise of blessing to those who would obey the sure word of prophecy.RR 202.4

With their small supply of provisions rapidly dwindling, and surrounded by unfriendly peoples, the Israelites moved forward by faith and worked diligently to restore the ruined temple. Message after message came through Haggai and Zechariah, with assurances that their faith would be rewarded and that the future glory of the temple whose walls they were building would not fail. In the fullness of time, in this very building the Desire of all nations would appear as the Savior of mankind.RR 202.5