Haggai 2 - 4.6.26

SCRIPTURE

Haggai 2:6-9 

“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the  Lord Almighty. ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the  Lord Almighty.”

OBERSERVATION

The word of the Lord came to the Prophet Haggai after the return of the Jewish people to Jerusalem. The walls of the city and the Temple were completely destroyed by the Babylonians due to the punishment of their sins and disobedience, but God being ever faithful and merciful returned the Jews to the Promise Land to fulfill His promises to Abraham. Although they were allowed to return to Jerusalem and felt a sense of freedom, they’ve witnessed their homeland utterly destroyed and barren, and the Temple was not like it was in its former glory where God’s tangible presence inhabited it. God gave a special word to Haggai that encouraged His people about the coming glory of the rebuilt Temple, and His presence was closer to them than they could imagine. This would be the same Temple that Jesus would come to visit, to teach, and to cleanse centuries later.  Now under the New Covenant mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:19, our bodies are all temples of God where the Holy Spirit dwells.

APPLICATION

Just as those who returned from exile under bondage, there were still dark times and hardships that the Jewish people had to face, but the Lord was with them. When we return to God, once being in bondage to sin, life will not be easy, and we will also face dark times and hardships, but the Lord is dwelling in our hearts now. Collectively, we as the Church serve the same faithful and merciful God who will be with us during the challenges that the enemy, the world, or life will throw at us if we continue to fulfill His will. 

PRAYER

Lord, I thank You for Your word, full of power and encouragement during the tough times. I thank You for being faithful and merciful. During the dark times in our lives, it may seem like you are far away, but I know that You are closer to us than we can ever imagine. Thank You for inhabiting us and allowing us to be Your Temple where you dwell. I also want to thank You for the laborers that you send in our lives that also encourage us, like the Prophet Haggai did for his people, as we all are partnering with You to build Your kingdom. I ask you, Lord, to continue to work in us and help us to experience You in new ways, Amen.

- Darrence Hamilton