The exiles returning from the Babylonian captivity faced much opposition when they began to rebuild the temple (Ezra 4:1-7). They finally gave up in defeat when ordered to do so by Artaxerxes the King (Ezra 4:23-24).
We the same thing today as we try to advance the kingdom of God. We face threats from within and without. Lukewarmness and compromise fill many of our congregations. Political correctness has replaced the power of the gospel, and what that has failed to destroy, is being legislated out of existence by governments bent on eliminating true Christianity.
The Israelites of old needed to be encouraged back into action, as we do today. Through the Prophet Haggai, God rebuked the people for their inactivity, and also encouraged them to get back on task (Ezra 5:1-2; Haggai 1:2-10, 13-14, 2:4-9). They went back to work and rebuilt the temple in obedience to God, trusting in Him to enable them to finish. Notice that God declared that He was with them (Haggai 1:13, 2:4-5). What an encouragement to know that the god of heaven was with them to help them in spite og all the opposition they faced.
Jesus makes this same statement when He tells us to go into all the world making disciples (Matt 28:18-20). All authority has been given to Him, and all the strength we need will be supplied to us to do His will. He so graciously promises us that He will be with us to the very end of the age. No power in hell or on this earth can stop the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said that He will build His Church upon the rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).
What an encouragement this should be to us as we advance His kingdom in all of its glory!
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