Haggai 2:1-9

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Haggai’s Second Sermon to Judah

What is the theme of the Book of Haggai?
Why would Cyrus, a pagan king, issue a decree allowing the Jewish captives in Babylon to return to their homes in Jerusalem?
Why was the pagan Cyrus called God’s shepherd?
What is the lesson here for us?
Why did God raise up Haggai to speak to His people?

“Rebuilding the Temple.”
Cyrus wanted to appease all the gods, to win their favor. More importantly, God was using Cyrus to accomplish His sovereign and divine purposes.
Not because he was a believer, but because God was using him to direct the Jews back to Israel where He wanted them.
God can use even pagan kings to accomplish His purpose in our lives.
When the people became discouraged and stopped rebuilding the temple, God raised up Haggai to preach a series of sermons to motivate the people to get their priorities right and to start the rebuilding again.

Review Haggai 2:3-5. Some of the Jews who were involved in rebuilding the temple had seen the glory of Solomon’s temple before it was destroyed. Because of the comparison some of them were discouraged. Haggai’s second sermon was given to encourage the people. The sermon could have been entitled, “The Presence of the Lord is More Important than the Glory of the Place.” In other words, stop talking about the “good old days” because something more important is at stake. Do comparisons discourage you in your service for the Lord? Look to the Lord and seek His guidance for your unique role and contribution to the kingdom.
God said, “I will fill this temple with My glory.” These verses have Messianic significance. Their ultimate fulfillment will be at the second coming of Christ. The signs are in place. Are you anticipating the Lord’s coming with joy?

God reminds us that all the silver and gold are His. His resources are unlimited. He could have made the temple even more beautiful than Solomon’s temple. Instead, He chose to teach the people the lesson that it was their heart, not the glory of the temple that counts most. What service has the Lord called you to do? Remember that God is in charge, and He will provide as you walk by faith and step out in faith.

“‘Be strong,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you.’” Haggai 2:4
“‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land, and I will shake all nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord.” Haggai 2:7
“‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord.” Haggai 2:8
“‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former. And in this place I will give peace.’ says the Lord.” Haggai 2:9