If we read the accounts of Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah in chronological order we can see there is so much the Lord alluded to that is pertinent to our time. During that period of Israel’s history, the people heeded the word of the Lord and started to rebuild the Temple, but then stopped because of intimidation by other kings (which is witchcraft).
The Spirit of the Lord then spoke strongly through His prophets Haggai and Zechariah, saying that you are willing to build your own homes but not His House (paraphrased). “Consider your ways,” said the Lord, twice. Basically, what are you thinking building your own house and not Mine?! We read that things went really badly for them during the time of self-indulgence, until they considered their ways (repented) and started building the House of the Lord again. In Haggai 1:14, we read that the Lord stirred up the spirit of the leaders, priests and people to continue working in the House of the Lord of Hosts.
We continue reading in Haggai 2 that the Lord says to the people, yes, I know, this House is not as glorious as the first House, but (v6) “…Once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Hosts. 8The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, declares the LORD of Hosts. 9The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former, says the LORD of Hosts. And in this place I will provide peace, declares the LORD of Hosts.” WHAT A PROMISE!
I believe the Lord has prompted these verses to be quoted for the past couple of decades in preparation for where we are now. In this watershed year of 2020, we have been commanded to stay in our own homes (whether for the real concern of our safety or from intimidation from leaders) while the houses of the Lord were – and are – shut. The building of the House of the Lord, (the Church) is being neglected or suppressed by our current circumstances. However, our Lord Jesus has this amazing promise for us, that if we continue to labour in His House, continue to expand His Kingdom, the glory of the latter house will be greater than the former, filled with peace. HIS glory will fill the earth and the nations will race toward Him.
My encouragement to all of us: Listen and obey the stirring in our spirit that is of the Spirit of the Lord. He is calling His Bride to forcefully continue taking ground for His Kingdom. Vocalise the love and hope He has for everyone. And lastly, remember that in the spiritual realm the only restrictions are the ones He has put in place. As the Commander and Lord of Hosts, He will give you divine assignments to pray into. So do not worry about the natural restrictions; care more for the commandments of the Lord.