Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong

 Zechariah 8:1-13

This is what the Lord says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?” declares the Lord Almighty.

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.”

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Now hear these words, ‘Let your hands be strong so that the temple may be built.

Before that time there were no wages for people or hire for animals. No one could go about their business safely because of their enemies, since I had turned everyone against their neighbor. But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as I did in the past,” declares the Lord Almighty.

Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.

Then comes a heartwarming message from God, a total transformation, a great swing from sorrow to joy. Out of his deep love, God renews his central purpose, to bless and to save his people to be their God. Things will be different for the survivors of the destruction and exile. They themselves will be different. They must pay heed to the words of the prophets: something their ancestors failed to do. They must love truth and justice and peace, as God does.

Why?

Changing:

The Lord will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem, his people will come back to Jersualem either.

It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people but under the blessing of the Lord, it is no marvelous to the Lord Almighty. 

Have been a curst among the nations, you will be a blessing.

Let your hands be strong to build the temple, do not be afraid.

How?

Be faithful and righteousness to follow our God. Be strong, let your hands be strong. Don't be afraid.