The Lord of Hosts (1) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

"Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel," says the Lord; "and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land," says the Lord, "and work; for I am with you," says the Lord of hosts. "According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!"
Haggai 2:4-5

The Lord of Hosts (1)
Less than 50,000 Jews had returned from captivity to Jerusalem to rebuild God's temple, which had been destroyed years earlier by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar. They faced enemies all around and, discouraged and in fear, soon gave up building. After all, was it not necessary to build comfortable homes for themselves and their families? That soon became their priority!

The enemies were trying to hinder the reconstruction of the temple, even writing accusatory letters to the Persian kings. But God sent His prophets—first Haggai, then young Zechariah—to bring them His message. "Consider your ways," Haggai prophesied, telling them that their lack of prosperity was due to how they were building their own fine houses while neglecting to work on the Lord's house. Again and again—fourteen times in the two short chapters of his prophecy—we read the name "the Lord of hosts," the God who has far greater hosts than all the might the enemies could ever muster in all the Persian Empire!

This encouraged the leaders and the people to resume building. God worked in the heart of the king to deal with their enemy neighbors. And once they were at work again, God gave them the further encouragement, "I am with you," and the reminder that they had His Word and His Spirit, so that they need not fear.

Our Lord Jesus has promised to be with us always. We have His full Word, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit indwelling us. We need not fear the world around us. Let's make His will our will too!

Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.