Day 262 – Haggai

Talking Points

• The short message of Haggai brings the call to the Israelites, commanding them to go to work rebuilding the house of the Lord.
• It has been 18 years since the foundation for the temple was enthusiastically laid by the returned exiles, and yet, the work of rebuilding has stalled out. God voices His displeasure — the people have been more concerned with themselves than the glory of the Lord. Isn’t it our tendency to go from heartfelt worship to self-absorbed self-focus in such short order?
• Showcasing the role of godly leaders, when the leaders respond in obedience, the people followed.
• The instruction to “consider your ways” is included in the book of Haggai (1:5, 7). The need for God’s people to carefully examine themselves is consistently found through Scripture. We are to be thoughtful, not flippant, in our walks. Are we walking in obedience? Are we led by God’s Word? Do our hearts honor our Lord?

Thoughts

There is a somber realization, a sort of elephant in the room that Haggai addresses — this temple will be nowhere as impressive as the one it replaced (2:3). How discouraging it must have been to realize the splendor and extravagance of Solomon’s grand temple would not be duplicated, not even close. Gone will be the ornate decor of gold, silver, and bronze that once stole the breath of temple visitors. Perhaps this is why the enthusiasm for rebuilding had waned. What once was lost is lost. And, all because of their sin.

And, then, in a single verse, God encourages with the promise — it won’t be the same; it will be better! “The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,… and in this place I will give peace” (2:9). Where the first temple was impressive in its splendor, the second will be glorified by His splendor! It will be there that His glory will shine. It will be there where His peace will be found. It will be there, in this second temple, that His Son will one day stand! No comparison!

Friend, that is our gospel! What once was but was marred by sin will be again, but this time, even better! What was leveled, knocked in disarray to the ground, a testimony of shame will rise up once more, now a monument of glory! And, just the same, the difference will be the presence of Jesus! Friend, we are that temple, renewed by the power and grace of God. “…and in this place I will give peace” (2:9). Praise the Lord!