READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Which is worse? To start a project and not be able to finish or not to start at all? Haggai 2 is about starting and finishing well.
Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 586BC. Before Jerusalem fell, the centrepiece was the Temple of God. This was the first temple built by Solomon and it was very important to the ancient Hebrews because this was where God dwelled, and His presence was very strong. Fifty years later, the Babylonians fell to the Persians. In 538BC, King Cyrus sent the Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem. For 18 years, the temple was left in its ruins as the returnees had other priorities. In 520BC, Haggai issued the prophetic call to rebuild the temple. How can people live in their own houses when the House of God was in neglect? Rebuilding work started, slowed down and stopped. With temptation to give up rebuilding the temple, Haggai came with another message – build the House.
The House of the Lord is not just a building or hall, it is about His people. Scripture tells us that we are the TEMPLE of God. The Spirit of God dwells in us and declares we are His people (1 Cor 3:16; 2 Cor 6:16). Christ is the cornerstone of this house (Eph 2:20-22). We are the living stones built into a spiritual house to offer spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet 2:5). Although we are not called to build the physical building, we are called to build the people of God. Let us get involved in His ministry to serve the church and the people of God. Our temple construction may be in our family or workplace, where we disciple to our family members or fellow believers.
When we work for the Lord, we often ask, “Is it doable? Is it worth it?”. The Hebrews wondered if the temple can be restored to its former glory. If not, is it worth rebuilding? We also wonder if it is doable or worth it to rebuild God’s people? Our hearts may grow weary and tired as we struggle to bring the community together. We face discouragement and do not see the fruit of what we are doing.
Why build?
1. His presence will empower (v4)
God says be strong because I am with you. The assurance of God’s presence has been given to the ancestors of the returnees. If we feel like giving up or have given up, know that God is with us. The success of what we do depends on who we do it with. God is building the house with us and v5 affirms this message. 1 Chronicles 28:20 tells us to be strong and courageous and do the work, for God is with us and His presence will empower us.
2. His peace will be encountered (v9)
God says He will give peace. The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom. Shalom does not mean there is no conflict. It means there is spiritual wholeness and wellness even in the midst of a trial. In the valley of despair, it is well with our soul because of God’s great Shalom. When we work for the House of the Lord, we will encounter His Shalom. It is the peace that the world cannot give.
3. His glory will prevail (v6-9)
God gave a prophetic verse to Haggai. The latter glory will be greater than the former glory. How is this possible?
i. Historical fulfilment
King Herod’s temple was more glorious than Solomon’s.
ii. Messianic fulfilment
Jesus, who dwelled with us (John 1:14), is the fulfilment of the temple. Jesus worshipped at the temple.
iii. Eschatological fulfilment
Shaking of the earth and nations (v6). Metaphor of God coming in the day of judgment (Judges 5:4; 2 Samuel 22:8; Psalm 68:8; Isaiah 12:13, 29:6). God will remove what can be shaken, so that what cannot be shaken remains. Haggai 2:6 will be fulfilled when Christ returns and there will be a great shaking. What cannot be shaken is the Kingdom of God! When we build the House of God, we are building the Kingdom of God. This is the latter glory of God’s Kingdom which we can start to build now. Our material things and achievements will not remain, but our relationships and love with the people we know will remain.
Build the House
Serve where:
- He calls us – give God our Time, Treasure and Talent. Calling is about obedience.
- He compels us – sense of burden and passion. We all have different burdens, so go where our burdens take us.
- He challenges us – step out of our comfort zone. Ministry is not easy. God takes us to places we have not been before, and He reveals His glory, presence and peace.
Vision is important. It tells us why we do what we do. If we focus on the oil, we will not burn out but burn on with fire! The fire comes from the oil of the vision – that God’s presence, peace and glory are with us. The vision is that one day when Christ returns, all of us will gather and engage in never ending worship. Our labour is not in vain. Whatever we do for God, He will use it, multiply it and bear fruit for the glory of His name. God’s promised glory will prevail.
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What is the historical context of Haggai 2? Why were the returnees from exile discouraged in building the temple?
- What does Scripture say about us being the “temple of God”? (1 Cor 3:16; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:20-22)
- What are the three reasons Haggai gave for the returnees to press on in building the temple?
- Which of these reasons encourages you? Why?
- What are the three fulfilments of verse 9, “The latter glory will be greater than the former glory.”? How does this encourage you?
- What is one work of building God’s people (be it in the family, workplace, church) that God is calling you to persevere in? Pray for each other.
