And the prophets of God were with them supporting them.
Ezra 5:2b
In our backyard we have a tiny creek and every so often our boys enjoy exploring it. It’s not big, but it is wide enough that our younger boys cannot step over it without any help. Since my legs are longer, I can stand with one foot on each side of the creek. Then I can reach out my hand and help them cross from one side to the other without slipping on the rocks.
That additional support perfectly describes the work that the prophets showed to the Jews as they rebuilt the Temple. In chapter 4 we learn that because of the opposition to the reconstruction of the Temple, the work had stopped for about 16 years. But now in chapter 5 because of the encouragement of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah the construction had resumed.
Every one of us needs some encouragement at some time. Paul told the church in Thessalonica to “encourage the fainthearted” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Encouragement can come from many sources. Knowledge about God can support us: “If I should say, ‘My foot has stumbled,’ Your lovingkindness, O Yahweh, will hold me up” (Psalm 94:18). God Himself supports us: “Yahweh will sustain him upon his sickbed” (Psalm 41:3). And we can support each other: “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength” (Romans 15:1).
Who is someone in your life who is need of some encouragement today? Pray for him. Now reach out to that person and let him know that you care.
Philip Moeller