In his message, Jim reflects on the exile of the Jews from Judah to Babylon, emphasizing the spiritual awakening and transformation that occurred during this period. He highlights that the exile was not merely punishment but a form of divine discipline aimed at reclaiming God's people. Jim cites Hosea to illustrate God's promise of restoration and love, indicating that through their suffering, the Israelites learned about God's sovereignty over all creation. He discusses the fruits of their exile, including a renewed spirit, a commitment to consecration, and a hunger for God's Word. The rebuilding of the altar signifies a fresh dedication to God, while the openness to the law and prophets demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow. Jim emphasizes the importance of community in spiritual growth, noting that every member of the body of Christ plays a vital role in building each other up. He concludes with a call to look forward in hope, focusing on the coming of the Messiah and the joy of participating in God's harvest. Ultimately, Jim encourages believers to yield to God's work in their lives, producing fruit that glorifies Him and strengthens the church.
14 Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. 15 And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.
19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. 20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
5 Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.
2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.