Text: Haggai 2:3-9
Topic Sentence: What do you see when you see your church? Do you see something that is beyond reconstruction? Do you see an unfixable situation? Or do you see what God sees?
Introductory/Historical/Theological Remarks: Before the exile of many of the Jews to Babylon, the Temple played an important role in the life of the people of Judah. The Temple was regarded as the most sacred place in all the land. However, the people began to worship at the Temple out of mere religious act. However, there was no heart transformation taking place in the life of these people. God being faithful to his promise sent them into exile, as he told them. According to 2nd Kings 25:9, the Babylonians came and destroyed the Temple. Now they are in ruin. However, the remnant that was left in Judah still regarded this place as Holy, and would make sacrifices there. Upon the return of the exiles, they still regarded the Temple as sacred. The even referred to as the “house of the Lord” although there was no building. In 536 B.C, a group of Jews returned from Babylonian exile, after the decree of Cyrus, the Persian King. This first group laid the foundation for the new Temple. Due to opposition from Semitic neighbors, the work was stopped. (Ezra 4:4-5) Thus, the work of the Temple was discontinued. This is the same attitude of church members; they allow opposition to hinder them from working in the service of God. In the church, there really is no focus on Ministry; because such a focus will cause an individual to press on in spite of the opposition. Thus, God’s raises up a prophet to provide spiritual leadership and encouragement to those who are in the land.
Haggai focuses his attention on the blessings that come as a result of building God’s house. That is: being committed the work of ministry. Many times people will judge based on what they see: the church is dying spiritually, the Pastor does not do what I want, I am not the president of this committee, or I am not a preacher. The truth is simply: the building of the Church of Christ is a collective effort. There are no big eyes or little you in the church. So again the question is raised, “how do you perceive (understand) your church? If you see a hopeless situation, I implore you; take another look; because the impossibilities of men do not nullify the possibilities of God. There those in who will say that I have taken all I can take, and will leave the church without, seeking direction from the Lord. As a result, they find out that the church they joined does not meet up to their expectation, and they will leave again. However, a Christian Solider will stand in the midst of the problems and build. Thus, the Lord speaks through the lips of this prophet

on the twenty-first of the seventh month; the word of the Lord came by Haggai the Prophet saying:
There are some great implications in this passage, in the midst of ruin, there needs to be a word from the Lord. There is a great famine in the church, not of food, but a word. In the midst of so much that goes on in our lives, it is good to know that: “there is a word from the Lord!”

Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying
Notice the three groups being addressed here: political leader, Religious representative, and surrounding community. Say what you will, the reality is simply: leaders need to be encouraged in their work. Every leader is not perfect, but he needs to be shown a little appreciation for the work that he does on behalf of the kingdom of God. Judging the motives and intentions of leaders are up to God. Furthermore, the church needs to be encouraged; because in the midst of ruin, we have to rebuild. Thus, the Prophet is sent to bring a word of encourage to these discouraged people. There are three principles that can be brought forth from this passage,
Three biblical Principles
The Present Reality: (vs. 3-4) the prophet asks a rhetorical question. The purpose of this question is to cause the people to do a mental survey of what they see. These people were looking at a Temple that had been destroyed by the Babylonians. They observed the situation. This result of the assessment led the people to retrospect at the former glory of God. Imagine the emotions that were stirred in these people. The text says:

Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison?
The question can be used as a motive to cause the people to see the possible potential in a divesting situation. Thus the text rings forth with this declaration:

But now take courage Zerubbabel, declares the Lord, take courage also, Joshua son of Jehezdak the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage, declares the Lord, and work: for I am with you, says the Lord.
Take note, there is this repetitive statement, “declares the Lord”, “says the Lord”. The implications of such statement are that: God is with those who place their hand to the “Gospel Plow.” People often become discouraged. These people felt forsaken; because the glory of the former temple was done away with. However, God allows the people to understand that he has not deserted his people. In the midst of ruin, God has not deserted his people, but he is with them. Thus, they are commanded to “work.” In God’s program, laziness is not tolerated. However, God is with the individual. Thus, they must work collectively to bring about the realization of the Kingdom of God. Now this work is not done out of discouragement, but there should be a mental assessment and conclusion that the greater the opposition the greater the opportunity to witness the Greatness of God in the life of his program.
The Promised reaffirmed (vs. 5) the prophet, being concerned with the Law, seeks to reiterate the promise of God given when they were brought out of Egypt. As a result, the text suggest:

As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear.
What is the principle of the promise: that God is in their midst. In the midst of decay, God is there. In the midst of so much trials of life, it is good to have the promise of the presence of God. The symbol of God’s presence may not be there, but God’s promise it there. Thus, the command is given to: “do not fear.” Fear is an emotional state that causes man to become discouraged at a particular situation. These people have been without a temple, without hope, and without peace. To the contrary, The Lord commands the people to work because God is in their midst. This is an excellent principle for the church; God is in the midst of his church. There may be opposition in the church of Jesus Christ, but we should never be scared of our opposition. When we work, it should be the Grace of God, through the means of Grace that gives us the sufficient strength to build up the kingdom of God. These promises are based on the faithfulness of God. That is: God is consistent with his what he says. God is a God of Covenant, which means he is obligated to
The Provisional Restoration (vs. 6-9 The Prophet uses kingly –like language in his reference to the building of the Temple. That is: he is suggested that along with the presence of God in the midst of the restoration, God will provide the material blessings need to bring about this restoration. Ezra 6:4-8 helps us to see how God goes about to achieve this provision. He makes the enemy that wanted to stop the work of God pay the full cost of the construction. The prophet says.

For thus says the Lord of Hosts, Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land. And I will shake all the nations; and they will come with the wealth of all nations; and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts.
These verses teach a valuable principle: God will use those oppose to be your greatest opportunity. That seems like a paradox, but God can use anybody to get his glory. The purpose is to “fill this house with glory.” God reduces us to nothing, so that when his project is finished, we can give him the glory. The text further suggests.

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of Hosts.
God is the owner of all things, thus, he has all the reason to use what he will to bring himself glory. He had done so before, and he can do it again; because he is God. Thus Haggai declares:

The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts, and in this place I shall give peace, declares the Lord of hosts
Let us take courage in knowing that God can beatify what he will at the time he wills. In the midst of ruin, we should find a sense of hope that God can take our wounds and give us a reason to worship him. In the midst of problems in the house of God, take courage in knowing that God can send peace provision, through our total trust in his grace and love. This is done for the glory of God!

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