The Shaking of Nations - A Harvest Tsunami Is On Its Way....

caused the new empire of Persia to release the Jews so they

could return to their land and begin rebuilding the temple.

At first only a remnant returned to try to carry out this divine

mandate. But circumstances developed in which the Jews were

facing great difficulties and unexpected dangers, which caused

them to stop their work. Intimidated, discouraged, and

distracted by their fears and personal needs, these Jewish

exiles turned away from rebuilding God’s house to working on

their own homes and businesses.

As a result, the Lord sent Haggai as one of two prophets to

encourage the people and their leaders to obey the call to

rebuild His house.

“ 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 Almighty. “ This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.” (Hag. 2:4-5)

The people’s obedience had become dependent on their

circumstances. God had to assure the returning exiles that He

was still with them to help them and protect them, despite their

circumstances. He reminded them that He is the same God

who miraculously brought Israel out of Egypt, against all odds.