Get to work!

For the last week and a half, we have been studying the delay in rebuilding the temple. We've examined the why's and the wherefore's and we've looked at strategies to combat discouragement.

Today's thought is that to overcome discouragement, we need to get back to work for the Lord.

Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, supporting them. (Ezra 5:2)

Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave this message of the Lord to the people: “I am with you,” declares the Lord. 14 So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work on the house of the Lord Almighty, their God, 15 on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month. (Haggai 1:13-15)

Discouragement and fear led the people to abandon their work. The prophets called them back "on the job." There is something encouraging, even enlivening, about serving the Lord, especially if you have been on the sidelines for a while.
For one thing, it makes one pause and think, "hey, I'm not much, but God can use me!"

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  (Colossians 3:23-24)

For another, it lets us remember, "no matter how we have failed in the past, we can serve Him!"

for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, (Proverbs 24:16a)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  (II Corinthians 12:9)

It doesn't matter if it is physical labor, or if it's being used spiritually in someone's life, there is great joy in knowing that we are laboring for God's kingdom. There is rejoicing ahead for He will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Sometimes we get discouraged because we become focused much more on ourselves than we should. Can anyone say "pity party"? It wasn't the first one, and it sure as the world won't be the last, but we read in I Kings about one such pity party. Elijah told the Lord, "I've worked so hard for you!" and he followed it with a list of complaints: everybody has forsaken the covenant; they've torn down the altars; Jezebel killed your prophets; I'm the only one left -- and they are hunting me down to kill me, too!
I did paraphrase just a bit, and I really do feel empathy for Elijah, since he had suffered a great deal. But that kind of self focus really blurs our vision. It prevented him from seeing that there were some left who worshiped YAHWEH.
It can prevent us from seeing the needs of others, and stop us from doing something about those needs.

I'm going to ask something here that may sound strange.
What is our ministry? Your ministry?
Think about that for a minute.
We may not be pastors or church leaders, but there are ways for each of us to minister, if we will just open our eyes. And if we are just sitting around thinking about our problems, that is a sure way to get discouraged - even depressed!
Are there folks that need a kind word and a smile? A helpful hand to an elderly neighbor struggling with yard work? A handicapped person who needs help grooming or medicating a pet? Is there someone we know who could use some help as they work at a soup kitchen? Can we sweep floors or wash dishes at the local church outreach? All of these are wonderful ways to invest time in the kingdom of God. They are not hugely time consuming. They require no special training. And they offer us chances to witness to those who we are assisting.

The generous soul will be made rich,And he who waters will also be watered himself. (Proverbs 11:25)

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13:14-17)

Helping others, and working for the Lord will do wonders for our disposition!
Let's get to work!