24 May 26 Morning - In Need of Encouragement

Now that's vision, isn't it? From the people who began the work and knew that they would never see it completed. And yet today, people come from all over the world to admire it, to take their photos standing outside of it, and marvel at its early construction and its enduring beauty. Whereas Christians, hopefully, know that our work for God's kingdom is essential because it has eternal consequences. When York Minster, along with this entire world, is no more, the kingdom of God will remain forever. [00:45:01] (42 seconds)  #VisionLegacy

Even when it comes to our own local fellowships, we all know the potential that exists for discouragement, don't we? You know what it's like. You serve in various ways, sometimes for years. No one acknowledges the work that you do or the effort that you put in. You can count on one hand the number of times anyone has said thank you. When you keep doing the right thing and you see little to no change, or when the task seems too big or too long or too difficult or too whatever else, and you can be sure the evil one will be right there whispering discouragement into your ear. Why do you bother? [00:47:29] (47 seconds)  #ChurchPerseverance

If you're waiting for a divine finger to come down and write on the wall like in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, you may never find it. More often than not, the Lord sends encouragement in two ways, through his word and through his people. The promises of God in Scripture are written for your encouragement. If you ever need to be encouraged in your work for the Lord and for Christ and his kingdom, go to the word of God. Read his promises there. [01:01:55] (33 seconds)  #ScriptureEncouragement

For Christ is building his church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. And as Paul says in one Corinthians 14 verse 12, we are to strive to excel in building up the church. Because the truth is, if the people of Judah's, in Judah's time, in Zechariah's ministry, needed the Lord's encouragement to build the physical city of Jerusalem and its temple, how much more do we need encouragement to build the true temple of God, which is the Church of Jesus Christ? [00:46:49] (41 seconds)  #ChristBuildsTheChurch

Friends, there is a reason that the New Testament is full of exhortations for us to encourage one another. Galatians six:nine, 'Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.' one Thessalonians five eleven, 'Therefore encourage one another and build one another Romans 15 verse four, for whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. [00:48:19] (40 seconds)  #EncourageOneAnother

The Lord knows what it's like to face opposition and discouragement. So let's turn to the text and hopefully be encouraged this morning. Verse nine says, thus says the Lord of hosts, let your hands be strong. You who in these days have been hearing these words from the mouth of the prophets who were present on the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built. This was a massive shout out from the sidelines of heaven from God to his people, You can do this. [00:41:57] (43 seconds)  #LetYourHandsBeStrong

And it's amazing how even the small things can make a massive difference when it comes to encouragement. Encouragement or discouragement can be the result of a mere frown or smile. An alcoholic friend of a famed Christian author and speaker once said this. He said, when I'm late to church, people turn around and stare at me with frowns of disapproval. I get the clear message that I am not as responsible as they are. But when I'm late to Alcoholics Anonymous, the meeting comes to a halt, everyone jumps up, and they hug me and welcome me. They realize that my lateness may be a sign that I almost didn't make it. [00:48:59] (50 seconds)  #SmallActsBigImpact

Not only death, but life lies in the power of the tongue. And God intends for us to be people who use our words to encourage others. Here in our passage this morning, the Lord speaks through his servant Zechariah words of abundant encouragement to a people who were feeling pretty fed up and weak. You can see from the preceding verses those fantastic words which laid out for the people a complete reversal of their fortunes, taking them from down in the dumps and among the scrapings at the bottom of the barrel to the promised heights of a renewed and beautified city where God will dwell with his people, and his people will faithfully dwell with the Lord. [00:39:07] (54 seconds)  #PowerOfWords