What's The Problem? Part 2

1.  The Problem of Being Disinterested 

2.  The Problem of Being Discouraged

3.  The Problem of Being Dissatisfied

The ministry of the prophet Haggai, is divinely connected to the events that took place in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and the book of Zechariah.

Zechariah 1:12-17 (NLT) “O Lord, for seventy years now you have been angry with Jerusalem and the towns of Judah.  How long until you again show mercy to them?” …14 Then the angel said to me, “Shout this message for all to hear:  ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says:  My love for Jerusalem…is passionate and strong. 15 But I am very angry with the other nations… I was only a little angry with my people, but the nations inflicted harm on them far beyond my intentions. 16 Therefore, this is what the Lord says:  I have returned to show mercy to Jerusalem.  My Temple will be rebuilt, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies… 17 …The towns of Israel will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem as his own.” 

Ezra 3:10-13 (NLT) When the builders completed the foundation of the Lord’s Temple, the priests put on their robes and took their places to blow their trumpets. 11 With praise and thanks, they sang this song to the Lord:  “He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!”  Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s Temple had been laid. 12 But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation.  The others, however, were shouting for joy. 13 The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance. 

Ezra 3:13 (AMP) …the people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy from the sound of weeping.  

When does discouragement typically enter into a person’s life? 

• People tend to get discouraged when their expectations don’t align with their reality.

Discourage — “to be deprived of courage, hope, or confidence — to be disheartened or deprived of morale and enthusiasm.”  

Bad News — If you have been discouraged before…you will probably be discouraged again.

Good News — Your response to discouragement will determine its lasting impact.

Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love  Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Ezra 4:23 (NLT) When this letter from King Artaxerxes was read…they hurried to Jerusalem.  Then, with a show of strength, they forced the Jews to stop building.    

• There is a problem when God’s people stop obeying Him — to obey the voice of the enemy. 

• As long as the Jews did what the Samaritans wanted, they were left alone.  

Ezra 5:3 (NLT) “Who gave you permission to rebuild this Temple and restore this structure?” 

Haggai 2:1-3 (NLT) The Lord sent another message through the prophet Haggai. 2 “Say this to Zerubbabel, to Jeshua, and to the remnant of God’s people there in the land: 3 ‘Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all!” 

A.  He was exposing their hearts

B.  He was removing their reason to be discouraged

Haggai 2:4-5 (NLT) But now the Lord says:  “Be strong, Zerubbabel.  Be strong, Jeshua.  Be strong, all you people still left in the land.  And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 5 My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.” 

Ezra 5:11 (NLT) “This was their answer:  ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the Temple that was built here many years ago by a great king of Israel.’ 

Haggai 2:6-9 (NLT) “In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth… 7 I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord. 9 The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord have spoken!”