"“Even so, be strong, Zerubbabel ​— ​this is the LORD’s declaration. Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land ​— ​this is the LORD’s declaration. Work! For I am with you ​— ​the declaration of the LORD of Armies."

You've borne the reproach. Now work. You've been chastened, now get to it. You have squandered years. Now, it's time to pick up the ax and labor. Now, it's time to build.

In faithfulness, God chastened us. In mercy, he's put away our sins. He taught us the hard way, but we've learned. Zechariah 1:6, “But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? Then they repented and said, ‘As the Lord of hosts purposed to do to us in accordance with our ways and our deeds, so He has dealt with us.’”’

Now, go out and preach faithfully. Give him glory with your life. Be sincere and hard working. Do nothing for yourself. He will reward us, and he's given us his Spirit. Haggai 2:5, “according to the promise that I made you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit abides among you; do not fear.” Because of Christ, we have the inheritance. Tender mercy has not sidelined us forever! We could have been forsaken, but we are not lost. We could have been left to ourselves. He's given us repentance and understanding. Glory belongs to Christ.

Preach his word as is. Serve with your gifts. Add no extras, no human touch, and no manipulation. Exodus 20:25, “If you make a stone altar for Me, you must not build it out of cut stones. If you use your chisel on it, you will defile it.” Rely on the word and the Spirit. Go in confidence. God will save his people, and use us to do it. He's stronger than Satan. Jericho's walls will tumble. Sinner's hearts will open to receive their King. Harlots and worldlings will be spared. The love of many will break!