For many years God’s people had been away from their homes, but then they went back to rebuild the temple and gates and walls in Jerusalem. Sometimes the work went well; sometimes it was slow. Sometimes the people were excited about the work; sometimes they were discouraged or worried. But all the time God was with the people. Zechariah was a prophet who lived during the time when the people returned to Jerusalem. God wanted Zechariah to tell the people some news, so God showed Zechariah visions (pictures) in his dreams. Zechariah listened to God. Then Zechariah told God’s people what he saw in his dreams. Zechariah told God’s people to turn back to God and obey His commands. God would help the people because He loved them. One day God would build a brand new city in Jerusalem and it would be better than any city ever built. The people in the city would love and worship God. Zechariah told people that God would send someone to lead His people and be their King. The person would be like a shepherd who cares for his sheep and watches over them. This person was Jesus. Zechariah said God’s new city would be peaceful and beautiful where all people would worship God.

Need to Know: When I'm Scared God Gives Me What I Need!

God’s people were ready to build the temple in Jerusalem. After they worked on the first part, the people stopped to celebrate. Priests put on their special clothes and played music on their instruments. Others played cymbals while the people sang praises to God. Some people in the neighboring towns wanted to build the temple, too. But the Israelites said they must build it. More people tried to cause trouble for the Israelites in Jerusalem. Then the king stopped everyone from building the temple! Some of God’s prophets encouraged the Israelites to start building again. The king told the men who quarreled and complained about the building to stop their work. “Leave the building of the temple alone,” the king said. The king told the men that the money for the building would be paid so the work did not stop. “Whatever is needed, give it to the people,” said the king. The people did what the king said, and the Israelites kept on building the temple exactly as God said to build it. When the temple was finished, the priests and all the families celebrated. The people ate together and had a festival for seven days. The people worshiped God for His goodness.

Need to Know: When I'm scared God is with me!