2:4
Our natural reaction in the face of such circumstances is to become discouraged, to lose heart. God gives them a command to respond in a different way, then gives them the grounds for this command, and then gives them the promise. First of all, they are to be strong and to work, and this instruction is given to all. It is perfectly normal to have times of discouragement, but when these times arise we do not have to give in to the discouragement. Then see that value of the two pronged command, “be strong and work”. In the midst of discouragement it is difficult to change our feelings, to be strong, but it is possible to do something, to work. So regardless of our feelings, we should do the things that we know God wants us to do. The feelings will follow on afterwards.
The verse ends with the commonly used term “Lord of hosts”. Literally, this means “Lord if armies”, but it probably has a more general meaning “Lord over all powers”. These people were living in a decimated land, they had spent years under the power of other nations, at the mercy of other nations, and this had followed years of military defeats. The Lord is telling them that He is more powerful than all the forces that seem to have dominated their lives for years. The same applies to us. Whatever circumstances or forces we may think have dominated our lives, it is the Lord alone who has all power and authority.
2:5
“According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt”. We are going back hundreds of years now, but God’s covenant remains. Circumstances and time do not change God’s covenant, His settled purpose. “My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!” The people needed to rely on God’s promises and to know that He was with them.
No comments:
Post a Comment