Then
Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, spoke to the people with the LORD’s
message, “I am with you, declares the LORD.” Haggai
1:13
I resume my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For this morning, my focus is commentary-assisted review of Haggai 1:13, which is the first subdivision of 1:13-15 and the title of this subdivision from the commentary is The Messenger of the Lord Delivered the Message of the Lord. This one verse clearly communicates two things: (1) Haggai is a messenger of the Lord, appointed for a specific purpose - to deliver His words to God's people; (2) God's message first and foremost is one of encouragement - that He is with us. On this latter point, we should recognize the disobedience of God's people and God - full of grace and love for His people - wanted unity with His people but this could only be through repentance, which the people then offered (see verse 12). While much text is brought to mind that emphasizes the same message, Luke 15:11-31 and the story of the Prodigal Son most prominently comes to mind. Key excerpts from the commentary for 1:13:
- God appoints fallible humans such as prophets and pastors to deliver His message to us - we should understand that these people are divinely appointed and the message is from God both are linked.
- "While the messenger is not God Himself, the messenger represents God, he speaks for God, if you will. In fact, the word messenger is translated across Scripture in other contexts as “angel,” “envoy,” or “ambassador.” It conveys the idea that the messengers have no inherent authority or truth in and of themselves, but they are to be listened to and honored because they carry the weight of the One who sent them. What’s more, when they convey the message, they convey a message that is not their own, but a message that comes from God Himself."
- Pastors must recognize as well that they are stewards of God's words and not take this lightly nor stray outside of God's desire and intent for the task given to him. He should not add or subtract from the message. Any messenger or pastor should be very intimate with the message being delivered - for example a sermon on any given text. Humility is key - messengers and pastors must focus on God not on themselves and their motives or desires.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a God full of grace and compassion - welcoming me back when I sin which I know is daily and You offer mercies anew every morning that never cease....thank You Jesus! Of course I am undeserving and I know it. Please forgive me today and every day for both sins of commission and omission. Help me turn from such sin and overcome it and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
