TOPIC – From Rubble to Rebuilding: The Zerubbabel Blueprint for Divine Restoration
Sunday Message – Dr. Elvis Enyioko
President, The Good Lord Thanksgiving Ministry International (TGLTMI) – https://thegoodlordministry.org/
INTRODUCTION
Beloved congregation, today we turn our hearts to a man whose name means “born in Babylon” yet whose life proclaimed “the Lord is my foundation.” Zerubbabel, a humble governor of Judah, stands tall in the gallery of God’s faithful architects. In a season of ruins, he became the divine contractor who began rebuilding the temple of God. Let us glean wisdom from his story and discover how God is calling each of us to rise and rebuild.
WHO WAS ZERUBBABEL?
– Lineage: Son of Shealtiel (Haggai 2:23), descendant of King David, nephew of King Jehoiachin.
– Position: Governor of Judah under Persian King Cyrus (Ezra 1‑6).
– Era: Post‑exilic period (c. 538 B.C.) – Return from Babylonian captivity.
GOD’S CALL TO ZERUBBABEL
– Divine Appointment: God spoke through Haggai (1:1, 2:1‑9) and Zechariah (4:6‑10), urging Zerubbabel to “rebuild the house of the Lord.”
– Anointed Leadership: God declared, “I have chosen you, O Zerubbabel… you will finish the work.” (Haggai 2:23)
WHY GOD CALLED HIM
1. Faithfulness to Covenant: God remembered His promise to David (2 Samuel 7:12‑13).
2. Restoration of Worship: The temple symbolized God’s presence among His people.
3. Demonstration of Power: To show that no opposition—political or spiritual—can stop God’s plans.
MISSION & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
– Rebuilding the Temple: Laid the foundation (Ezra 3:8‑10), completed the temple in 516 B.C. (Ezra 6:15).
– Encouraging the People: Motivated the exiles to overcome fear (Haggai 2:4).
– Spiritual Revival: Re‑established worship, sacrifices, and celebration (Ezra 6:16‑18).
ZERUBBABEL IN MODERN TIMES
Zerubbabel Modern Parallel
Governor rebuilding the physical temple, examples are Leaders (political, business, church) rebuilding broken communities;
Overcame opposition from adversaries, example facing Facing “Satanic” distractions, corruption, apathy
Completed a divine assignment in 4 years, example is how God expects us to finish our season‑specific assignments
ENDURING LESSONS
1. Divine Enablement Over Human Ability: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6).
2. Foundational Faith: Zerubbabel’s focus on the foundation kept the work aligned with God’s purpose.
3. Courage to Start Small: The temple began with trembling hands; God magnified it later.
4. Perseverance Through Opposition: Opposition from Samaritans (Ezra 4) teaches us to press on despite resistance.
CONCLUSION
Zerubbabel’s life reminds us that God often places ordinary people in strategic positions to fulfill extraordinary promises. When the world sees ruins—broken families, shattered dreams, moral decay—God is calling His Zerubbabels today to rise, rebuild, and restore.
CALL TO ACTION
– Examine Your Foundations: Are you building on God’s Word or shifting sands?
– Step Forward: If God nudges you to lead a project, ministry, or community effort—obey like Zerubbabel.
– Encourage Others: Speak life, courage, and vision into those around you.
PRAYERS
Father, we thank You for the legacy of Zerubbabel. Empower us, O God, with Your Spirit to rebuild what is broken in our lives, families, and nation. Make us builders of Your kingdom. Give us eyes to see the rubble, hands to work, and hearts of faith. Grant us wisdom, courage, and perseverance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Preacher
Dr. Elvis Enyioko, is the President of The Good Lord Thanksgiving Ministry International (TGLTMI).
His also the Provost and Vice President, International Studies and Leadership Development, at Juliana King University (JKU), the Houston, Texas, USA, foremost Christian University.
He is available for ministration and teaching globally and can be reached on:
Phone: +2348077753824 (Call & WhatsApp)
Email: eenyioko@gmail.com
Ministry Website: https://thegoodlordministry.org/
