SCRIPTURE: Haggai 2:1-9
OBSERVATION:
Apparently this new temple building was less impressive than the previous one, and it was discouraging for those who could remember it. But God promises that He will take this small, unimpressive symbol and turn the world upside down through it. With God, 5 loaves and 2 fish can feed a multitude; with God a pathetic temple can shake the heavens, the earth, the continents and the seas. The wealth of the nations will be brought to this pathetic temple, and peace will come to the world through it. Remembering that the temple is a symbol, God is anticipating the cosmic upheaval that will result when He comes in a body, through the Messiah, and brings true peace and true wealth to the wolrd, through the temple. When Jesus turns over the money tables in the temple, we are reminded that His focus is God, not worldly wealth; true peace, not finanical security.
APPLICATION:
This is a great message to inspire Christ-followers when it seems that their efforts are not amounting to much. We need to keep on focusing on the cosmic upheaval that resulted from Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the resulting cosmic correction that has begun. This world is moving towards God’s Kingdom, and Jesus is on the throne, and every knee will bow before Him, one day. Until then, we must persevere by faith, knowing that our labour is not in vain.
PRAYER:
Lord, give me eyes to see Your victory through my defeats, Your strength through my weakness. I may feel alone, lost or without hope, but You are always behind it all, Your victory guaranteeing mine. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
When I read the verse that says,
“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”
This reminds me of I Corinthians 3:16, where it says,
“Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
Yes, this latter temple, the temple of God in our hearts, is greater than the former one made from the hands of man. And yes, in this temple, made by the blood of Jesus, does give peace – a true Salem, a true Jerusalem.
God’s presence is among His people. He spoke to the ruler of the people, the religious ruler of the people and to the people. The temple built was nothing compared to the one Slomon built, but God is still among His people. God encourages His people and tells them that He is with them. And even the present glory will be over turned by the future glory and presence when Jesus Christ shall reign. All the wealth is God’s and it is He Who gives peace. He is always with His people if we only have the eyes to see.
In my living for Jesus today, where did I see His glory? I am with you was His promise. Lord, give me the eyes to see You always, even in the daily routine affairs – I need to see Your glory. This is Your world no matter what happens – I need to see You.
Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.