Is it not amazing how God uses different personalities and approaches to challenge us and to grow us? I have been privileged to sit under the preaching of some highly educated expositors, amazing students of the Word of God, and they have instructed me well in the deep truths contained in the pages of God’s Word. But I have also benefited from men of God who were more practical in their approach, teaching me to apply the Word of God to my personal life. Fiery evangelists have set my soul afire to root out sin and find higher ground with my Lord, and then there were some dear missionaries who have broken my heart for the lost around me and across the world. Some men of God have taken a more historical approach, tying current events neatly into a Biblical timeline. All different approaches with the same goal-to grow me in my walk with Christ.
So it is with two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah. Both men deliver a similar message, but with strikingly different approaches. The temple rebuilding project had finally begun with great anticipation and enthusiasm, only to be dampened by opposition and misplaced priorities. Haggai, and a younger man, Zechariah, would be God’s mouthpieces sent to revive a lackluster people. Haggai would preach a strong, stirring message of rebuke, exhorting God’s people to put His priorities first and “build the house” of God.
Zechariah was directed by God’s Spirit to take a different approach, he would be an encourager, preaching a soothing message of future restoration. The Messiah is coming back to this temple, look into the future and see this coming Servant (3:8), Priest (6:13), betrayed and pierced One (11:13, 12:10), ‘fountain opened to the house of David’ (13:1), Shepherd (13:7), and ‘king over all the earth’ (14:9). While Haggai preached a powerful call to arms, Zechariah gently urged God’s children to regain courage and see a future where “HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD” would once again grace this temple.
Sometimes folks need exhorted to take part in a project, to get moving, accomplish the task at hand. But often we need the encouragement to take heart, to be motivated by a future vision, by a someday that will see our God reign in glory and “be king over all the earth.” If you need revitalized in your mission today, be exhorted; if you are discouraged, be encouraged for God promises to “bring forth my servant the BRANCH.” Take part in the mission and take heart in the moment when He will return to rule and reign forever!
Zechariah 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth; in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
Lord, use me as a tool for those who need exhorted, and for those who need encouragement, for I often find myself in need of both. Thank You, for those You have used in my life to keep me in this race.