LET YOUR HANDS BE STRONG
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Zechariah was another prophetic voice around the time of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem (see Ezra 5:1). God seemed particularly active and concerned to let the people know that He was aware of their circumstances and that He was on their side.
“Two months after Haggai’s last recorded message was delivered, Zechariah had a series of visions regarding the work of God in the earth. These messages, given in the form of parables and symbols, came at a time of great uncertainty and anxiety, and were of peculiar significance to the men who were advancing in the name of the God of Israel. . . . God saw that His people were in need of being sustained and cheered by a revelation of His infinite compassion and love.”* There is nothing more demotivating than fear.
It really does sap our strength and weaken our resolve.
God’s people were recovering from the destruction of their homes and communities and a generation of exile. They were now dislocated back to their distant homeland, of which the younger generation had no memories.
They were facing a massive task of rebuilding amid the ruins of their nation and were surrounded by enemies and doubters who were working to undermine their efforts. We should not be surprised that they were feeling the weight of their circumstances and the nearly overwhelming challenges of the work to be done. But Zechariah assured the people that God was working with them. This was a message of divine encouragement: “So don’t be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple!” (Zechariah 8:13, NLT).
* Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press®, 1917), 579.
