Wednesday, December 24 “Be strong, . . . for I am with you,” declares Jehovah of armies.​—Hag. 2:4.

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Wednesday, December 24

“Be strong, . . . for I am with you,” declares Jehovah of armies.—Hag. 2:4.

 

When the Jews who left Babylon arrived in Jerusalem, it was not long before they were affected by unstable economic and political conditions as well as opposition. Some therefore found it hard to focus on rebuilding Jehovah’s temple. Thus, Jehovah commissioned two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to rekindle the people’s zeal, which proved to be effective. (Hag. 1:1; Zech. 1:1) Nearly 50 years later, however, the Jews again reached a low point. Ezra, a skilled copyist of the Law, then came from Babylon to Jerusalem to encourage God’s people to give priority to true worship. (Ezra 7:1, 6) Just as the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah helped God’s people in the past to continue to trust in Jehovah during opposition, they can help us today to remain confident in Jehovah’s support despite life’s uncertainties.—Prov. 22:19. w23.1114-15 ¶2-3