Tending my garden is simultaneously one of my favorite and least favorite activities. I love the idea of gardening: of hours spent in the warm sun, hands in the dirt, digging up and delivering fresh, beautiful blooms to a vase on my kitchen table.
In reality, the work of gardening is work—hard work. It’s never simply warm when my garden needs tending because I live in the south and it is almost always scorching hot. It’s sweaty labor, on sore knees and with callused fingers, pulling up the same weeds week after week. I love it for what it produces; I usually dread the work to get there.
The people of Judah—the southern kingdom—had been exiled by the Babylonians. Their temple and city of Jerusalem were destroyed, their lives in ruin. After they returned to their city, the good work of rebuilding began.
But then it got hard. While they envisioned the glorious return of God’s presence to his holy temple, the reality of building felt daunting. Then their neighbors from Samaria started attacking them, making the job really, really hard. So they stopped. For years.
The prophet Haggai served an important role as God’s messenger by encouraging the people to return to the work of rebuilding the temple. And Haggai prophesied directly to Zerubbabel, who was the governor of Judah, saying “‘Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house; and I will be pleased with it and be glorified,’ says the LORD” (Haggai 1:8).
Zerubbabel responded instantly. Verse 12 says, “Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, and the entire remnant of the people obeyed the LORD their God and the words of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their God had sent him.” The Lord later honored Zerubbabel’s response and hard work, saying “‘I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant’—this is the LORD’s declaration—’and make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you’” (Haggai 2:23). The signet ring marked the authority given by God to rule his people; as Zerubbabel was part of King David’s family, this symbolized the continuation of God’s covenant with David—that someone from his house would rule God’s people forever.
Working for the Lord can often feel slow, tedious, or like we’re under attack constantly. The fruit is not ours (it is the Holy Spirit’s alone) but we are empty vessels in the Lord’s hand. We are more like the Judeans than Zerubbabel—slow to listen or to do the hard things required to tend to our spiritual well-being. But as Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
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53 thoughts on "Zerubbabel"
Amen❤️
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Quick request this morning. Gene’s monthly Cath change is at 10 EDT. Please for smooth, easy change. Thanks!
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Labor for the Lord is never in vain.
Father God, May ears be open to hear you speak. May I recognize your voice over all other. And move as you speak not when I feel necessary. Amen.
Amen!!
“I will take you and make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you’” (Haggai 2:23).
What striking imagery!
What a heavy assignment!
What a role in the covenantal drama!
Zerubbabel did as asked by trust in & power of the Lord of Armies. Like the OT people we’ve been reading about.
God sees capabilities & instills courage.
He builds from the inside out.
He brings forth brave & beautiful things.
What symbol do I carry on my person or in my heart?
Do they exist to represent & magnify His glory?
I know tattoos are debatable but truly I love seeing my half butterfly with the cross at the center that makes me think of my jail butterfly’s (and myself) being transformed at the cross every time I see it on my arm. And I like wearing my cross on my necklace because it seems to connect with other Christians when out and about!!
My signature is the indwelling Holy spirit
“…pulling up the same weeds week after week. I love it for what it produces; I usually dread the work to get there.”
Reminds again of the battle with sin. Fighting that same temptation again and again. Every time I rise above it, I am stronger against it- by God’s grace. The getting there ‘ain’t easy’ but will definitely be worth the effort!
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From Got Questions website:
Zerubbabel is revered as one of the Bible’s great heroes, laboring to reconstruct the Lord’s house of worship and shining like a beacon toward the coming Messiah.
While the temple Zerubbabel helped rebuild paled in comparison to the size and grandeur of Solomon’s, it far outlasted it. In fact, Zerubbabel’s temple was still standing 500 years later when the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, graced its courts.
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This remnant was apparently disappointed that their temple didn’t measure up to Solomon’s temple.
Wiersbe says: “Great oaks grow out of small acorns and great harvests from small seeds.”
How many times do I want to give in and give up because I can’t do a big work like someone else. We can’t all be a Billy Graham! That is a special calling. We CAN all do our best with what we have knowing God will strengthen us and multiply our efforts. I can’t help but think of the widow’s offering- Mark 12:41-44:
41 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.
43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
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Shine on, sisters, shine on! Love, hugs, and prayers!
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Walk On (Lincoln Brewster’s version)
When my enemies are all around
And I’m surrounded on every side
I won’t fear
Cuz I know You’re here
And when I’m at the brink of death
And I feel as though I’ve taken my last breath
I won’t fear
Cuz I know You’re here
Yes I know You’re here
And so I will
Walk on walk on
When I just can’t stand anymore
Walk on walk on
[Repeat]
When my heart is like wax
And melts away inside of me
I won’t fear
Lord draw me near
And when I’m sinking like a stone
That’s been hurled into the angry sea
I won’t fear
Cuz I know You’re here
Yes I know You’re here
And so I will
You’ll never leave me or forsake me
Oh this I know
And I’ll never walk this life alone
Oh this I know
Yes, Amen!! So good CeeGee!
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
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Being in ministry – I need this reminder every single day!
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May I always remember and be encouraged by God’s spoken words:
“Be strong…for I am with you.”
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Hugs and prayers for you all – have a blessed day!
Yes, Be strong & courageous!
For I am with you!
Such great words from God & a great promise!
Yes, you know that well Sue! You have been strong and courageous though your trials!
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Yes amen Sharon!
Hope you had a great Birthday!
Where is everyone this morning?! I kept refreshing thinking that’s not many comments.
I didn’t even know the name this morning, or how to say it (Kelly!)! But the devotional says it all though…we usually start off working toward something pretty gung ho, but then, well, it’s not so fun when it actually takes thoughtful, planned, hard, sweating work. Boy do I relate to this, I always have wonderful intentions, but then, tucker out pretty quickly, and abort! I’m not very good at mental stamina, nor hard work stamina! Thankfully, the Lord fills us with His Holy Spirit!! It sets me on fire for the Lord! Our faith goes flat without Him. Faith is like a muscle that we have to use, it grows stronger with using it, but will atrophy if not used. I think many can relate with how hard it is to maintain and advance in a new exercise program. It’s not easy to achieve results, it is slow going, and lots of dicipline. Every new year gyms increase memberships, crowded with new mindsets from current members…and then….4 months later, back to the few and dedicated. But if you hold out, stay consistent, you start feeling the little differences, a little more tone, a little more energy, better sleep and it feels so good and you keep going, and keep seeing results! I often say these days that I wish I would have put my dedicated fitness regime my whole young life to my spiritual life. Although I worked out faithfully my whole adult life…my body now does not look like it!! I still have flappy skin on the upper arms! (I swore I would always have great triceps!).
Living out our faith and love for God is not easy, and doing what he has special for us to accomplish is even more daunting! It takes ACTION on our part, steadfast, strong and courageous against the naysayers, the devil’s attacks, and our own doubt!! But God…if he lays it on your heart, then he will enable it to happen- but not easily.
Oh how we want easy. And simple. We want an app. We want our phone and waste away our time, and then say we have no time. It boils down to assessing what is important to us! Is God important to us? The center of our life? If that means action and work? Oh to be like the early disciples, to be on fire, to give up everything to go and tell! It literally was giving up their well-being, their stability, how they were seen, everything…But gave SO MUCH MORE!
All the people will be sorted. The roots must be deeply planted, tended to, watered and nourished…and plenty of fruit will come. God will be with you and you will flourish, but will you keep strong and faithful!? Be a Zerubbabel?
Love this, Rhonda!
So good, Rhonda! We had similar thoughts this morning! It takes me a while to put my comment together so, like you I didn’t see many comments when I started to read the devo/Scriptures. Flabby arms- right there with you but I remind myself often that even though I can’t wear sleeveless or tank tops, I have 2 arms that work and I am thankful! Don’t get me started in veins in my legs. Same sentiment there! ❤
Amen! When we start to complain, be thankful for what we got!
Absolutely love this!! So, so powerful!
Amen Rhonda. Loving this so much.
Rhonda, you might still have great triceps under the flab—but none of us is getting any younger! ;)
1 Timothy 4:8
New International Version
“8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Anyway, I might need to repent of pride for my newfound skill of looking that up online and copying and pasting, but probably not: I spent and awful lot of time skimming 1 Timothy trying to find it the old-fashioned way because I just KNEW exactly where it was—except that I was off by one verse. God just knew I needed more time in his word. Haha! And now I need to get on with the rest of my day. And catch up on my reading here, too. Love you, SHEs. ❤️
Yes Margaret! I think of that verse but never know where it is!!
Thanks for finding it for us! :) I will try to memorize it so I can recall it when sharing my “wisdom!” (live and learn right?!
As we read this passage today, the phrase, “Long obedience in the same direction” comes to mind. The fall and destruction of the temple, the turning of hearts away from the Lord must have been so discouraging and hard to witness and then, Zerubabbel’s obedience and commitment I’m sure at times, lonely and not easy at all. But he is obedient to the task and he put his hand to work.
Hagg 2:4-5 stands out to me, “Even so, be strong, Zerubbabel—this is the Lord’s declaration. Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land—this is the Lord’s declaration. Work! For I am with your—the declaration of the Lord of Armies. This is the promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt,and my Spirit is present among you; don’t be afraid.’ ”
Its the “be strong and courageous” words again that we read throughout scripture. We are reminded that the Lord is with us. Obedience is not always easy. So often it has us stretching ourselves, going against our own desires or nature. Or, its against the norm of the world around us and it will be a lonely place but we have to keep going – that long obedience in the same direction that I previously mentioned. Be strong, be obedient, He is with us. We are not alone to fulfill and live out what He has asked us to do, and to then live as He has called us to live. May we rest and be encouraged in these promises today and seek to boldy, faithfully walk in obedience to our precious Lord.
Thank you all for your insights and thoughts that are of great benefit and encouragement as we meet in this place everyday. I don’t always get to responding or commenting on each post, or reminding you I am joining in prayer, but I am with you, lifting up the needs to the throne of grace and I am so grateful for the wisdom, challenge and testimony shared here. Blessings on your day, sisters.❤️
Oh…and I wanted to add, the podcast is always so insightful and helpful every week so if you have time, I encourage you to take a listen :)
This is so good! Thank you for sharing, Wendy!
Dare to be a zerubbabel
Ugh..wrote out a big long comment and my laptop disconnected and refreshed and lost it all! :/
But..do I want to go to the “effort” to say those thoughts all over again, which was exactly what I was saying?! I had talked about exercise how hard Aunt challenging it is in the beginning. How gyms explode at the beginning of the year and then everybody falls off within about 3 months. We don’t see results instantly and we don’t like that. And so we quit. Ihat is how faith is, it’s like a muscle if you don’t use it it doesn’t get stronger it atrophies. We must stay strong and steadfast! If God enables us he will get us through it. But it’s not easy. Thankfully he gave us his Spirit the Holy spirit that sets us on fire! It builds our faith, it makes us step out into areas we never could fath them, and producers things beyond our imagination! It takes discipline, endurance, and an unyielding attitude to face Giants, Lions mountains,and foes and enemies.
Do I have what it takes? God says I do! So I have to rely on him, I can’t do it alone. If my flesh is leading the way it will be futile. Thank you Lourdes for caring for me for leading me and guiding me it is an amazing journey!
oh gosh, it did end up posting…so now you get 2 long comments! Good thing about online study as opposed to in person group, you can skip what you want! lol. Funny not funny! I believe every person that dares to comment will speak to someone else out there! If no one commented there would be no community!
You’re so adorable and hilarious haha. I read both :)
Yep, I am one of those you either love or want to mute!! Glad you love me, hahahha. I love you…but where’s your wisdom today!?
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Father restore my hope, reward my faith, forgive my doubt. Guide me. In Jesus name, Amen
Aimee D-R, I’m a She right there with you. I want my faith strengthened and my mind and heart open to receive all the King of Kings has for this daughter. Be strong in Him, Aimee.
Zerubbabel’s obedience, honored by God.
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Although they were in exile and “fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries,” this godly leader and the people willingly worshipped with their offerings as they continued to work toward the goal of laying the foundation of the temple of the LORD.
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I didn’t have time to read/research the details this morning but the people got off track from their willingly given offerings before the temple was finished.
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In Haggai 1:2-11, the LORD, through Haggai, chastises them for neglecting the building of the temple, as they said it’s not time to build the temple, and He asks, 4 “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” Ouch. Without that obedience, You tell us in verses 6-11 that we are like hamsters on a wheel to nowhere, dealing with the consequences of disobedience (obviously paraphrased). Zerubbabel got with it, and the people obeyed as well.
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Lord, guide me in being obedient and honoring You with my tithes and offerings, and in all areas.
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Zechariah 4:8-10 are part of a vision revealed and interpreted to Zechariah for speaking to Zerubbabel. In 4:6 are these oft heard words,
6 So he answered and said to me:
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.
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MERCY – what timely words as I see especially teens and preteens, some know God’s word and others don’t, consumed by their screens and a gimme attitude. Keep pouring into your children, Mercy, as these words will take root in theirs hearts and minds. ❤️
MARI V -proud of you, and praying
LINDAK – praying for Sheila
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Praying for pain relief, sisters –
DONNA WOLCOTT, LINDA IN NC, INDIANA ELAINE, RHONDA J and others
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LINDA IN NC – thankful for your PCP listening to you and setting a new course for figuring this out. Praying for a cancellation, concern, compassion and determination with these new drs.
RHONDA J – keep singing, sister! Love that song, For The Love of God.
LEANNA THOMPSON – new song to me, thank you! Almost 20 mil views on that video link … where have I been, lol. He’s In The Room, amen.
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❤️ Amen Searching. Joining you in prayers. Hugs.
(Giggle) Don’t ya just love saying the name “Zerubbabel”?
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Did a little digging this morning and found this at Abarim Publications’ Biblical Name Vault:
Tradition dictates the meaning of the name Zerubbabel to be Seed Of Babel, or something to that extent, but seeing that in the story Zerubbabel applied enough pressure on the governing body of Babylon/Persia to be allowed to lead the people back to their Promised Land, the literary character of Zerubbabel is strongly reminiscent of that of Moses. The name Moses probably originated as an Egyptian name, but written in Hebrew it obviously means Drawn/Drew Out [Of Egypt]. Hence, to a Hebrew audience, the name Zerubbabel must have looked like Pressed Out Of Babel.
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Haggai 1:13b: “I am with you—this is the Lord’s declaration.”
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Sounds familiar, no? God is always reminding His people, including us, of His presence. May we rest in that today.
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Update on my young mama and her son. All her forms are turned in to the housing authority…waiting on an opening. She is applying for jobs left and right…just needs something with a living wage to come through.
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LINDA K – praying all went well for Sheila and her recovery is smooth.
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INDIANA ELAINE and LINDA – praying for relief from your severe pain.
Interesting re:zerubbal’s name. He was also in the line of Christ
Good digging, Kelly – and yes, it is a fun, funny name
Praying for your young mama, housing, job, transportation, childcare, the works!
Also praying for your husband’s job search and that of his coworkers.
Thanks for digging and sharing.
Yes, giggle indeed :)
Continued prayers for your mama! I prayed for her already this morning but will continue.
I was JUST going to make a post about his name being “fun”… no joke! (It has always been so fun to say. ❤️ )
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In all seriousness, though, thanks for the name digging!
Joining you in these prayers, Kelly! ❤
Praying for mama and baby.
Moses was also rescued/drawn out of the Nile by Pharoah’s daughter.
Zerubabbal had been there 70 years before and had helped to build the Temple. It must have been heartbreaking to see the destruction of the Temple and to have to rebuild. The land had lay fallow and Jerusalem was desolate. It was a lesson of what idol worshippers consequences and generational sin had led to. But God is a God of new beginnings.
Amen ❤️
❤ “But God is a God of new beginnings.” Amen!