Yet
now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua,
son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the
land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of
hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out
of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. Haggai 2:4-5
I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Haggai 2:1-5, which the commentary outlines as the first division for Haggai 2:1-9. The commentary describes how God makes a promise to His people in these verses and the commentary shares how God's words with this promise provide four clear steps that result in the fulfillment of God's promise:
- God wants you to see your sin - to define the problem (see also posts on Haggai chapter1). "[God] was bringing conviction of sin to them. Conviction always occurs through clarity. Their sin is laid bare for them to clearly see, and they can no longer deny it." Of course this leads them back to God in repentance.
- Once they repent, God provides hope. God wants His grace to free His people from the cycle of sin and shame and how this leads to pain and discouragement. God does not want this - that is why He forgives us. See also Romans 5:8.
- Repentance leads us into obedience to God - and God in the text is calling His people to work - so we should! The commentary shares "transformed hearts leads to transformed hands."
- Once we follow steps #1-3, we will experience God's presence. "Verse 5 points out that because God’s presence is among them, they will not have to be afraid. They can rest in God’s presence. He is a strong tower that brings grace, yes. He brings hope, yes. Finally, though, He brings rest....As we see throughout the whole of Scripture, there are many reasons why one will be blessed by following God, but none is more significant than the promise of God’s presence." See also Psalm 84:10.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus! You are great and a day in Your courts are indeed better than a thousand elsewhere. Thank You for adopting me into Your family. I am SO grateful. Yet I know that I am undeserving....my sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus! Help me overcome and turn from my sin 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.
