Don't Miss This! Lessons From the Minor Prophetsਨਮੂਨਾ

Haggai & Zechariah: Building God's Kingdom

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah spoke to a discouraged people, recently returned from exile, who had started rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem but had quickly lost their focus. God issued a challenge through their words: Will you prioritize My kingdom or your own?

Haggai's message was direct. The people had become consumed with their own comfort, building luxurious homes while leaving God's temple in ruins (Haggai 1:4). Their misplaced priorities had led to frustration — despite their hard work, they never seemed to have enough (Haggai 1:6). God called them to reconsider their ways, promising that if they put Him first, He would bless them beyond measure (Haggai 2:19).

Zechariah's message complemented Haggai's but emphasized the spiritual power behind the work. The people were weak, the task was overwhelming, and opposition surrounded them. But God spoke through Zechariah, reminding them: "It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit" (Zechariah 4:6). The temple would be completed not by human effort alone but by God's power working through them. Zechariah also prophesied of a coming King who would enter Jerusalem on a donkey, bringing peace and salvation (Zechariah 9:9). This pointed to Jesus, the true temple and the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan.

Jesus echoed the heart of these prophets when He said, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else" (Matthew 6:33). Like the Israelites of Haggai and Zechariah's time, we often get distracted by personal concerns and forget our greater purpose. But God's promise still stands: He provides everything we need when we put Him first. The question is, will we trust Him enough to build His kingdom before our own?

Father, forgive us when we prioritize our plans over Your kingdom. Teach us to seek You first, trusting that You will provide all we need. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to do the work You have called us to, knowing that it is not by our own might but by Your power. May our lives reflect Your glory, and may we never lose sight of Your greater purpose for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.