So the LORD sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people. They began to work on the house of their God, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, 15 on September 21 of the second year of King Darius’s reign. Haggai 1:14 NLT
Have you ever had your enthusiasm “sparked”? I’ve talked with a few people lately and life’s challenges have had them feeling a little blah at the best and even depressed at their situations at the worst. One of Satan’s tactics is to steal our hope and our joy. They may need a “spark” of hope to carry on.
Haggai (whose name means “festive”) was called by the Lord to encourage God’s people during their return to Israel after their Babylon exile. It was a difficult, but exciting time. Haggai was specifically called to encourage the leader Zerubbabel (the governor of Judah) and his religious counterpart–Jeshua, the high priest. As these two leaders listened to the words spoken by Haggai their hearts were sparked to begin to rebuild the temple of the Lord.
The Hebrew word ‘ur means to rouse, awaken, stir up, excite, to incite, to arouse to action, to open the eyes. Some of God’s people are slumbering. Life’s circumstances have overwhelmed some and others are at a standstill. God directed faith-filled words can spark action. They can wake up the slumbers and encourage the hopeless. What kind of words do you need today to spark you into action? Encouragement, comfort or exhortation? God desires to give you what you need. Go to Him first, then to others as He directs. Remember the verse: Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church? James 5:14. Maturing believers must take responsibility for their spiritual health.
The life group I lead unexpectedly lost a dear member about two weeks ago. It is one of life’s mysteries we still can’t quite get our minds around. She was only 46 and had a lot of life left to lead. Unexpectedly, another Life Group of ladies asked if they could join our group last night to love on us, pray for us and bring dessert! It was the most amazing time. It sparked joy and blessing–even as we prayed together. Spontaneous laughter, worship and peace filled the room. It is often difficult during a time of mourning to know what to do. This unique and divinely inspired example of love is exactly what our group needed.
I have found it so true that there is something that happens when we share in community together. Zerubbabel and Jeshua teamed up together to accomplish what God called them to do–lead the people to rebuild the temple. The people were focusing on their own needs, which is understandable. They had been gone for 70 years and had to rebuild their own lives. But God brought them back for a reason. These leaders needed Haggai to remind them of their own calling and purpose. Often we need each to do that for each other. People always need the gift of encouragement!
2 Timothy 1: 6,Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. Have you ever tried to light a candle with one of those small igniters and have them click, click, click and finally you realize you have used up the fuel? It is very frustrating. God wants us to stay “fueled” up by His Spirit, so He can use us to spark others. If we are waiting for others to “spark” us, you may miss being the light He needs you to be. Thinking you don’t need others is also faulty thinking. We can do more together. Burn longer together. Be a brighter light together.
Many translations use the word “stirred” in place of the New Living Translation sparked. So if you are more comfortable with the word “stirred”, may I ask what stirs your heart? Music? Testimonies? Fellowship? Spending time in prayer, listening for His voice, His comfort and His instruction are ways to stir up not only your gifts, but be the spark for others. It took perseverance for them to rebuild the temple. It didn’t look like the old one. Older Jews, who had witnessed the old temple were grieving. The younger ones were tempted to live their own lives, not understanding the importance of the re-build. But God continued to speak through His prophets to encourage them in their task. He wants to encourage us to do the same. Do not grow weary in doing well, my friends. Your very faith-life could encourage others right now. He could be use you to spark faith and hope in some hopeless places, so keep on letting your light shine.
Father, I ask that you help us walk brightly with You. Teach us how to stir up the gifts You have given us so they don’t die out and grow dormant. Help us to speak words of hope and faith that will encourage others. You are so trustworthy. Thank you for raising up more Haggai’s in this day and age, that we may hear Your word clearly and be stirred to do Your will, In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 