‘Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing? Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the Lord; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts.” vs3-4

We are not to fear because God is with us. He has chastened us sore, but now it is time to work. Repentance has been given, and He encourages us with confidence.

First, be fearless because God is with you!

“Be strong... and work; for I am with you,”

What else matters? What can they do to unravel what He has done? Who does He need permission from to work? What sinner can He not save, what church can He not bring to revival, and what nation cannot tremble at His power? Nobody… that is NOBODY… can stop you when God is on your side.

Secondly, He’s used His power to fight against us, so we have to be picked up after the beatdown.

“Who is among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing?”

We went out self confidently, and He crushed us. He allowed us to see what we really are without Him - weak, helpless, and sinful… blind and unable to see the way out… unworthy and shameful within.

Yet, after He’s done this work, He graciously restores us, and He wants our full confidence now. Paul said,

“But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.” ~ Phil 2:2

He was bold, and we must be bold. We have a calling too!

Thirdly, do not fear because Christ called you to work! You are not sending yourself. This is not your doing! Christ calls us to the vineyard, just as surely as Cyrus, Ahasureus, the Persion kings told Israel to build. We have escaped by redeeming blood and the Spirit, and now we’re to live fully for Christ.

How few do this! How few live for God’s glory in the work of the gospel, finding joy in Him, daily. Many are caught up with the world - the political affairs of nation states, instead of seeing to the work of saving sinners and doing good where we can.

Don’t be deceived. We sow what we reap. Sow commitment to Christ and obedience by faith, and you will see God faithful in all that’s promised. Get to work, live for God’s glory, and don’t be afraid.

Finally, you can only work by faith. You must be justified, trusting Christ for your full acceptance to God. Not one thing you’ve done, but everything that He’s done is sufficient and satisfied God, so He raised Him from the dead.

You can’t work to earn! You can’t go in your strength. Remember when Israel tried to take the Promised Land after God departed? They could do nothing but get chased like bees [Deut 1:42-45].

Let us go before God as sinners to be clothed in Christ, as helpless to be given the Spirit, and setting our face on God’s will, knowing that He is with us.