Moment With The Master
“Stirred Up!”
Categories: Moment With The MasterSo the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, (Haggai 1:14)
During the rule of Cyrus, the Persian, God allowed a band of Jewish exiles to return to Judah to rebuild the temple. However, apathy and discouragement hindered the progress. Thus, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubababel and Joshua, their leaders, and the spirit of the people to complete the project.
The message of Haggai, the prophet, mingled with obedient hearts, resulted in the remnant fully surrendering to the work. No one had to be coerced against their will. The people came and did the work without a grudge or indifference. There was not a slacker among them.
There are obstacles that often hinder the work of Christians. Our progress may be hindered by a failure to recognize our priorities, a failure to appreciate our talents, or opposition from our enemies. There are times when Christians need to be stirred up.
Instead of concentrating on God's house, (Haggai 1:4) the people had been tending to their own houses. Some had allowed memories of the glory of the former temple to discourage them from the work before them. In Haggai’s stirring exhortation he reminds them that “God is with them.”
There are times when Christians become depressed and discouraged. We must recognize our priorities, acknowledge our talents, focus on the great heavenly reward God has promised, and accept God's gracious assistance.
God wants us to get busy with His work. Just as he gave these Jews courage, he will do the same for us today.
By George Slover
