God Speaks to His People

God delivered an important message to His people on this day in 520 BC. We can be sure about the timing because of events in the Bible as well as other historical activities.

The focus of the message seemed to be on the temple, but this merely was a vehicle to allow God to provide a powerful teaching. While many people might have been blessed by this new temple, those who had seen Solomon’s temple were disappointed.

Yet God wanted all of them to see beyond the temple. He wanted them to “take courage.” Instead of dwelling on the past, He wanted them to focus on Him and His plans for the future.

God wanted His people to believe Him for favor. They needed to be willing to move forward boldly in faith, putting everything else aside. He wanted them to stop worrying or speculating.

God also confirmed that He was with them. In spite of their sins and mistakes, He had not abandoned them. He wanted them to know that His Spirit was “abiding in your midst; do not fear!”

However, judgment was coming. God said He would “shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land. I will shake all the nations.”

The Lord also wanted His people to remember that He was the rightful owner of all the resources: “The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine.” And He promised that He would accomplish His purposes: “The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former…and in this place I will give peace.’”

These are important lessons for us to remember. If we have committed sins, we, too, can be forgiven. If we have wasted our opportunities and resources, we can be given a second chance, just like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24). He is with us!