Homilist Haggai 1:12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people… I. Duty followed IS OBEDIENCE TO THE DIVINE VOICE. "The people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God," etc. God has a voice to men. 1. His voice is revealed. He speaks to them in nature, history, the Bible; in these last days, specially, by His Son. The Divine voice is ascertainable. It can be distinguished from all other voices that fall on the ear of the human soul. 2. His voice is authoritative. Obedience to this voice is right, wise, urgent. II. Duty followed SECURES THE DIVINE FAVOUR. "Then spake Haggai the Lord's messenger in the Lord's message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the Lord." This promise means more than presence. He is with all; He fills the universe; He is with the evil and the good. It means to bless, to enlighten, guide, support, dignify, and make happy. God is always on the side of the dutiful. III. Duty followed IMPLIES DIVINE ASSISTANCE What prompted these men who had so long neglected duty to set now in earnest about it? "The Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel," etc. Men will never give themselves to duty unless the Lord stirs them up. This He is constantly doing. By — 1. The admonitions of providence. 2. The dictates of conscience. 3. The preaching of the Gospel. 4. The strivings of the Spirit. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD. |
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