Ezr 5:1 At that time, the prophets Haggai and Iddo's son Zechariah prophesied specifically to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel.
While the captives of Babylon returned to their country, Israelites started constructing the temple of God with the command and permission of king Cyrus. But the enemies reported it to king Darius who in turn by an order, stopped the work of the Temple.
It is said,
Ezr 4:24 As a result, work on the Temple of God in Jerusalem ceased and did not begin again until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.
It is very interesting to note how the work started again.
Two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah prophesied specifically to the Jews in the name of the God of Israel regarding this.
When the prophets prophesied, the people started building the temple. And the prophets of God were there supporting them.
Even then, the enemies came to stop the work of the temple. But how the prophesy worked! How they used their wisdom and prudence in replying is shown in the following verses.
They replied to the king, “………..Since that time until now the Temple has been under construction and is not yet completed.”
The king verified, found it correct and allowed them to continue the work.
In Old Testament, we see, only fewprophets, perhaps one in a generation, to prophesy in the name of the Lord God of Israel. But in new Testament, all the believers can prophesy.
Act 2:17,18 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will even pour out my Spirit on my slaves, men and women alike, and they will prophesy.
Let us prophesy in the name of Jesus Christ, specifically over this situation of the Church,:
‘Let the real Church of Jesus be built in this land! Let the powers of hell never conquer it.
Let the believers continue to devote themselves to what the apostles were teaching, in fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.
Let a sense of fear come over everyone, and many wonders and signs be done by the believers.
Let all the believers be united and share everything with one another.
Let they make it their practice to sell their possessions and goods and to distribute the proceeds to anyone who is in need.
Let them be united in purpose, go to each other’s homes, and share their food with gladness and humble hearts.
Let they be praising God and enjoying the good will of all the people.
Let the Lord add to their number those who are being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
Let all the believers be one in heart and soul, and nobody call any of his possessions his own. Instead, let them share everything they own.
Let the believers, with great power continue to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and let abundant grace be on them all. (Acts 4:32,33)
May the Lord build His original Church in our Nation and all over the world. May the Troop Church soldiers be used to build the real Church of Jesus Christ!
Sr. Leema Rose AOJ