You Can Read the Bible

Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them.  Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.  – Ezra 5:1-2

Haggai’s brief ministry takes place around 520 B.C., when the project of rebuilding the temple of Jerusalem had been stalled for over a decade.  Today, you’ll get to read what the LORD said through him that motivated the workers to return to the task.  More importantly, you’ll read how the LORD felt about this project, seven decades after He had allowed Solomon’s temple to be destroyed. 

I want to let Haggai’s words stand on their own, so I don’t want to say too much more.  You’ll notice that there are at least four distinct oracles spanning just three months.  Remember the characters Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the priest from Ezra.  Remember also the resistance they experienced from the people of land, who bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose… and made them afraid to build.   This is the setting into which Haggai is commissioned to charge, thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways.” 

Our verse for this week is Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

The prophet Haggai.  Now let’s read it!

Haggai -

You Can Read the Bible is supported by Bellefield Presbyterian Church and blessed with its wonderful volunteers, including: Dave Moore, Jose David Aguilar Posada, Meagan Carter, Fiona Carter, Tanya Carter, Greg Burdette, Madeline Kulp, Andie Young, Justin Ray, Gary Liberati, Maureen Hinchman, Ken MacLeod, John Dolan, Roberto Cantillo, Charlei George, Josh Brown, Jeanne Griffith, Zachary Fritts, Dan Hinchman, Sophia Young, Lynette MacLeod, Gladys Cantillo, Grace Watson, Marianne Seah, Ian MacLeod, Liz Zimmerman, August Hall, Paza Boyd, Kristin Horner, Daniel Young, Paul Griffoen, Ben Moore, Meredith Carter, Bob Willson, Rosie Wagoner, Nick Bersin, Rhonda Hall, Helen Dolby, Emily Moore, Rick Zimmerman, Matt Jones, Kiana Jones, Jane Carter, Marilyn Long, Renee Hairston, Heather Weaver, Carol Williams, Anita Woolley, Andrew Thorpe, Emily Wenz, Matt Carter, and many others.

A special note of thanks to Dave Moore, the Moore family, Maureen Hinchman, the Hinchman family, Jose Posada, the Posada family, and to the Carter family. This would not have happened without your unwavering efforts, sacrifice, and support! Thank you!

We provide You Can Read the Bible in all of its many forms and formats as a ministry service to grow disciples within the church universal. This is not a substitute for your local church community, but it could be a resource to use within your local church and for you personally.