During the reign of King Darius, those who returned from the exile also had a more sympathetic governor by the name of Tattenai. Two prophets namely Haggai and Zachariah were used by the LORD to stir their hearts and awaken them from their lethargy. These prophets were stirred by the LORD to call them to resume their work of rebuilding the temple. This was more clearly seen in the words of Haggai 1:2-11. Admonished and supported by these two prophets, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, the people then arose and rebuilt the temple of God.
The opposition of the Samaritans led to the cessation of the work of rebuilding the temple. This plus personal apathy weakened the resolve to continue with the work. The zeal to rebuild the temple was no longer a concern. They became self-seeking. This was seen in the words of Haggai and Zachariah to them in their writings.
All that is required to retard the work of God is for good men to choose to do nothing. For almost 15 years the work of rebuilding ceased. There was no progress. It was not until Haggai and Zachariah came to goad them on that rebuilding restarted. For us, we need to learn that in opposition, when there is a will there will be a way. The worst thing that can happen to us is when we use the opposition as an excuse not to do a thing.
There is a lesson here for us in this post-pandemic world. Many had become lethargic and conditioned by the staying-home mentality. They choose to skip attending physical worship with the body of Christ. This has become second nature to many. It is time for us to shake up our complacency and return to help the work of advancing the Kingdom. So, “…let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24b-25).”
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