Study Desk

O Lord, I have heard of what You have done, and I am filled with fear. O Lord, do again in our times the great things which You have done before. Remember to show loving-kindness, even when You are angry.

This is the city that is full of joy and takes it easy and thinks it is safe. It says to itself, "I am, and there is no one else." How it has become a waste, a resting place for animals! All who pass by will make fun of her and laugh at her shaking their hands.

Then Haggai the man of God spoke for the Lord to the people, saying, "I am with you," says the Lord.

But now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, head religious leader. And be strong, all you people of the land,' says the Lord. ‘Do the work, for I am with you,' says the Lord of All.

For the Lord of All says, ‘Once again, in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.

"Tell Zerubbabel, ruler of Judah, ‘I am going to shake the heavens and the earth.

So the angel who was speaking with me said to me, "Make this known: ‘The Lord of All says, "I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion.

But I am very angry with the nations who take it easy. When I was only a little angry, they added to the trouble."

Sing for joy and be glad, O people of Zion. For I am coming and I will live among you," says the Lord.

Now listen, Joshua the head religious leader, and your friends who are sitting in front of you are men who show a part of the good things to come in the future. See, I am going to bring My Servant the Branch.

"The Lord of All says, ‘I am very jealous for Zion. I am jealous for her with much anger.'

The Lord of All says, ‘I am going to save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west.

Then I will camp around My land and keep armies from going through it. No one will make it hard for them again, for now I am keeping watch.

Return to the strong city, you prisoners who have hope. Today I am telling you that I will give you twice as much as you had before.

I will give strength to the family of Judah. I will save the family of Joseph, and I will bring them back, because I have loving-pity on them. They will be as if I had not turned away from them. For I am the Lord their God, and I will answer them.

For I am going to have a shepherd rule over the land who will not care for the dying. He will not look for those who were sent everywhere or heal the hurt, or feed those who are well. But he will eat the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their feet.

"I am going to make Jerusalem like a cup that makes all the people around it seem to be drunk. Judah will be shut in by armies as well as Jerusalem.

But he will say, ‘I am not a man who speaks for God. I am a farmer. A man sold me as a servant when I was young.'

"A son honors his father. A servant honors his owner. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? If I am a boss, where is My respect? says the Lord of All to you, O religious leaders who hate My name. But you say, ‘How have we hated Your name?'

"If only there were one among you who would shut the gates and stop you from burning a fire on My altar for nothing! I am not pleased with you," says the Lord of All. "And I will not receive a gift in worship from you.