Revivals In Haggai, Zechariah And Malachi Series

Are we rich and unenthusiastic, does the church's work need revival, can tired church leaders be revived in spirit? Let's look at some answers in Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

1) Haggai’s Revival

Can our enthusiasm be revived?

Priorities are important to God who asks, “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?” (Haggai 1:4 NLT) In many hearts our homes are more important than the work of God in His Church, so may the Lord spark “the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people.” (Haggai 1:14 NLT) Building the kingdom and Church first, God promises that all our needs will be supplied by Him. God’s work must be done despite opposition from enemies all around. Work on the Temple pictures a higher Temple because, “the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands” (Act 7:48 NLT) and “all of you together are the temple of God” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NLT).

Think of our brothers and sisters who faithfully serve God in North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria and other places where to build God’s spiritual temple means imprisonment, loss of income and even death. Of such heroes who often suffer alone and anonymously, we stand in awe. Those of us living in luxury and religious freedom, fall so far short compared to their enthusiasm for God’s spiritual house. Who are these heroes? Suffer as they do, they count the cost, and their priorities are heavenly. Today, more Christians suffer persecution for their faith than in all Christian history and remarkably, revival in those countries continues to grow.

Rejoice, lovers of God, let Him revive your enthusiasm for His work on earth.

2) Zechariah’s Revival

Can the work of the church be revived after devastation?

Zechariah has a simple message, “ ‘Return to Me,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 1:3 NKJV) Foretold, is a revival in the land, “I am returning to Jerusalem with mercy” (Zechariah 1:16 NKJV) and “ ‘Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,’ says the Lord.” (Zechariah 2:10 NKJV) Messiah’s humble first coming is prophesied, “Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9 NKJV)

First, let’s not be discouraged, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10 NLT). And don’t be like rebellious churches, that refuse to listen, “Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, The alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart Against his brother.” (Zechariah 7:10 NKJV) Second coming of the Messiah brings final peace, “And He will speak peace to the nations; And His dominion will be from sea to sea, And from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.” (Zechariah 9:10 NASB) Coming of enemies to attack will finally be brought to an end, “And the Lord will be King over all the earth; on that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one.” (Zechariah 14:9 NASB)

Rejoice, lovers of God, the church’s work can be revived, but look forward to the greatest revival of all when Jesus returns.

3) Malachi’s Revival

Can tired church leaders be revived in spirit?

Where is God’s honor, where is God’s respect, because the priests repeat the sin of Cain, by offering half-hearted offerings, and God tells them, “You also say, ‘See, how tiresome it is!’ And you view it as trivial” (Malachi 1:13 NASB)? Is God pleased with tears without repentance, “You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings and doesn’t accept them with pleasure” (Malachi 2:13 NLT)? Justice is the hypocritical cry today, but where is justice when we have, “wearied him by saying that all who do evil are good in the Lord’s sight, and he is pleased with them. You have wearied him by asking, ‘Where is the God of justice?’ ” (Malachi 2:17 NLT) And stealing from God is still a sin. Revival will come and a coming Elijah “will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6 NKJV).

Rejoice, lovers of God, who find joy in whole-hearted offerings and generous tithes, not by command, but because your hearts have turned to the Father of all.

Enthusiasm can be revived, the church's work can be revived, and tired church leaders be revived in spirit. Let's pray for that day.