* The Faithful Ministry of God's Prophets
God’s
work does not always move forward smoothly. We face determined
opposition. Where there is opportunity, there will be opposition (1
Corinthians 16:9). The servants of Satan rise up to oppose the servants
of the Lord. The Lord’s enemies had some success: ‘the work on the
House of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill’ (Ezra 4:24). This
was only a temporary setback. God gave new strength to His servants. He
sent His ‘prophets, Haggai and Zechariah’ (Ezra 5:1). They brought His
Word to the people. Strengthened by their ministry of God’s Word,
‘Zerubbabel... arose and began to rebuild the House of God in
Jerusalem’ (Ezra 5:2). God’s work was back on track. His people were
moving forward - again. When your head goes down, let the Lord come to
you. He will lift you up!
God’s
work makes good progress when God’s people receive strength from God’s
Word. Haggai and Zechariah were faithful in preaching God’s Word to
the people. Their preaching ministry was very important. It was just
what the builders needed. It inspired them to keep working. God’s House
was rebuilt and God’s people rejoiced (Ezra 6:14-16). The rebuilding
of God’s House was followed by the ministry of God’s servant, Ezra.
‘The hand of the Lord was upon Ezra’ (Ezra 7:6,28). His ministry was
blessed by the Lord. In Ezra’s ministry of the Word, there are three
vital elements - studying, doing and teaching (Ezra 7:10). Ezra did not
only study and teach God’s Word. He did God’s Word. Obedience lies at
the heart of true ministry. This is the kind of ministry that God
blesses - an obedient ministry.
* "Therefore
tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Return to Me,'
declares the Lord Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the Lord
Almighty" (Zechariah 1:3).
What is the message that God's faithful servants bring to today's world?
(a) They bring the Lord's message. They say, "This is what the Lord Almighty says."
(b) They "tell the people" what they need to hear. They don't ask them what they want to hear!
(c) It is a call for conversion - "Return to Me."
(d) It is a promise of salvation - "I will return to you."
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