4 encouragements to those who serve God

 

Read Haggai 2.

The nation had lived in exile for seventy years.  When the people saw the re-construction of the Temple, there were two strong reactions.  For those who were born in Babylon and only heard about the Temple, this was a glorious day.  But those who remembered Solomon's masterpiece wept.  This place would never be like it was.  Ezra 3:11-13 describes the scene.

This could have been a divisive moment of discouragement among the people and even could have potentially caused the work to suffer.  Would God be pleased that they could not replicate the original Temple's appearance?

So, God stepped in to give Haggai a series of encouraging messages.
1.  "Be strong...for I am with you...My Spirit remains in your midst...fear not." (vv.4-5)
As the LORD reminded Samuel, "...man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)  God knew they lacked the resources to do what Solomon did.  Indeed, He is the owner of all resources (v.8).  Humans are only the managers of what the LORD allows us to have for a time.  Therefore, "...it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have" (2 Corinthians 8:12).

The most vital ingredient that determines corporate worship is not the beauty of the building but the presence of God in the place!

2. "The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former." (vv.6-9)
God has a plan that is far greater than they could have ever imagined.  This is a promise of a still future Temple that will outdo what Solomon built.  In the Millennial Kingdom, God's glory will fill that Temple!  It will come after horrendous worldwide turmoil.  Twice in this chapter God promises to "shake" (literally to undulate) the heavens and the earth.  After waves of judgments during the Great Tribulation, as described in Revelation 6-19, Jesus will rule and reign from that future place.

3. "But from this day on I will bless you." (vv.10-19)
Two things prompted the blessings of God.  First, the people responded to the message of chapter one in making God's house a priority with their time and money.  Second, their sacrifices and offerings were clean, or holy, as it reflected a heart right with God.

4. "O Zerubbabel...I will make you a signet ring..." (vv.20-23)
Zerubbabel served God as the governor of Judah, overseeing the building of this temple.  The signet ring was an indication of royalty.  This man was a descendant of King David.  A part of his earthly reward is recorded in Matthew 1:13.  He is listed in the very lineage of Messiah!

The LORD takes note of our faithfulness and rewards those who serve Him.  "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do." (Hebrews 6:10)