Ezra 5-6
"Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them." - Ezra 5:1-2
Work had begun on the second temple in Jerusalem. But then, due to outside pressure, it stopped. Years later, God sent two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to challenge the Jewish leaders to resume the work. Through their encouragement, Zerubbabel and Jeshua started up the work again. The temple rebuild won the support of Darius, the king of Persia, and the temple was completed and dedicated. It was a time of celebration for the Jewish people.
Father, we have a work to do at Caversham Community Church. It is incomplete and in some ways stalled. Work is not progressing to completion. Our facilities are not what they should be. I personally do not have facilities skills. But I want our church to have a facility that is simple, beautiful, and clean, one that we can use for many years to come to fulfil the Great Commission. We need encouragement from prophet-like encouragers. Father, I love what is happening among the people of our congregation, but I confess I would like a building that matches our vision and ministry. Please bring in some new encouragers to help to us. Please also help us to save for future building and not to squander what little we do have. May we build not for ourselves, but for the Great Commission. Give us a broader vision, Lord. Give us surprising favour. Help me to make good leadership suggestions and decisions, and help us come to a clear consensus so that we can act wisely toward the future. Amen.
- Jeff Coleman