Great Leaders Follow the Lead of Jehovah

by Russell M. Kline

 

Zerubbabel was an important figure in post-exhilic Hebrew history. He was the son of Shealtiel and the grandson of Jehoiachin (Ezra 3:2; Hag. 1:1; Mat. 1:12). Legally, he was the heir to the throne of Judah (I Chr. 3:17-19), which is likely the reason why he was appointed governor of Judaea by King Cyrus of Persia (Ezra 1:8,11; 5:14). He led the Hebrews in the process of rebuilding the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. He foiled attempts made by enemies of the Hebrews to put a stop to their efforts to re-establish their civilization in their homeland. He is held in high esteem by Jewish historians, and he is even mentioned in the genealogy of the Messiah (Mat. 1:13; Luke 3:27).

 

It was to Zerubbabel that Haggai's fourth sermon was addressed. On the same day in which he was moved to preach his third sermon to the priests and all the people, Haggai was inspired by God to preach again to the political leadership of the Jews (Hag. 2:10,20). This message may well have been presented privately to Zerubbabel, and then written down for the benefit of future generations. Essentially, Haggai's fourth sermon is meant to offer encouragement to the governor of Judaea, from the God of Heaven.

 

The Lord used Haggai's message to announce His intentions to "shake up" the order of things in the nations of the Earth (Hag. 2:21). Among the heathen, there would be much turmoil and destruction, as the great powers of the world would fight among themselves (Hag. 2:22). This may be a reference to the sweeping changes that would accompany the conquest of the Persain Empire by the Greeks, under Alexander the Great. Certainly, it was a time of great turmoil and change in the heathen world. But, through it all, the Lord promised that He would preserve the Jews, under Zerubbabel's leadership, and that Zerubbabel would be a symbol for other Jewish leaders to come (Hag. 2:23). It is likely that this is a reference to the success of future Jewish rulers, in the intertestamental period.

 

Perhaps one of the most reassuring statements in Haggai's fourth sermon is the very last one, in which the prophet said, "I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts" (Hag. 2:23). Zerubbabel would be able to see his people through some very difficult times, because God approved of his leadership. He was not the governor of Judaea, simply because Cyrus had appointed him, but because God wanted him in that position! The greatest lesson we may learn from this account is that, just as the Jews would prosper because God approved of their leadership, the churches of Christ will prosper, if God approves of our leadership. That is why congregations, which are under the oversight of an eldership, must insist upon having men in place who meet all of the qualifications for the office (I Pet. 5:1-4). Congregations that do not have elders must also insist upon Godly leadership from all of the men (I Cor. 16:13). It has been said that the greatest religious leaders are those who are the best followers. I believe that this sentiment is reflected in the words of Paul to the church of Christ in Corinth: "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (I Cor. 11:1). May every one of us resolve to lead the way for others by following the example of Jesus Christ (I Pet. 2:21).