“Be Strong, Do Not Fear, I Am With You!”

“Be Strong, Do Not Fear, I Am With You!” (Hag.2:1-9).
Prophet Haggai was among those who returned from the Babylonian exile and embarked on rebuilding the temple which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. The progress of the work was slow. Haggai reflected with nostalgia on the glory of the former temple which was constructed by king Solomon.
He encouraged the leaders and the rest of the people with words from the Lord, “Be strong…all you people of the land and work. For I am with you…my Spirit remains with you. Do not fear…The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house…And in this place I will grant peace.”
Sometimes we waste time and energy reflecting on the good old days. But what is past, is past and gone; no matter how awesome it may have been. The Lord is always doing a new thing. And to be part of it we have to be strong and resilient. The Lord himself assures us, “Do not fear.” The glory ahead surpasses that which had been in the past.
God through Jesus Christ established an everlasting temple that cannot be destroyed. In later days when his disciples were admiring the beauty of the temple, Jesus told them of its future destruction. When the people asked him for a sign he said, “I will destroy this temple and build it in three days” – referring to himself. Paul tells us that we are the temple of the Lord.
So therefore, as we prepare to receive Christ we are called to holy living because the Lord’s Spirit is living among us. Let us rebuild the Lord’s temple – our souls – in readiness for Jesus Christ, the glory of God. And when Christ lives in us, God will grant us peace that passes human understanding. Christ in us is revealed through loving action as we respond to the needs and concerns of others. The Lord reminds us, “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine.” They don’t belong to you. Use them in building humans who will glorify God.
Prayer: Father make me your temple where your glory dwells and grant me the peace that passes human understanding. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev. Babila Fochang.