Haggai 2:4

But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the LORD. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the LORD, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the LORD Almighty.

From Background Notes [BN] for September 22^nd & 23^rd written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Scholars see little difference in overall meaning between “with you” and “beside you,” other than “beside” carries more of a spatial connotation and has to do more with nearness than with companionship.

The sense here is “I am at your side.” What a powerful word for little Judah who must now undertake the herculean task of rebuilding the Jerusalem temple. “When you build up the foundation, Yahweh will be at your side. When you erect the walls, Yahweh will be at your side. When you place the holy vessels in their proper places, Yahweh will be at your side.” For Yahweh to come alongside of His restored people, meant a concrete, hands-on sharing of the temple building task. Does this not remind us of the words of Jesus when he promised his disciples that the Spirit would come alongside them — the One whom Jesus called the paraklētos, “the one called alongside” (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7)?  [BN, 6]

Join us this week in Study, Worship, Praise and Celebration at Chicago First Church of the Nazarene:

* Saturday 6:00pm
* Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am, 5:30pm