Encouragement to Complete The Temple
August 28, 2022
Commentary
Firmly committed to build the temple, the people were soon to face some difficult questions. How beautiful would this temple be and how would its glory compare with Solomon’s temple (vv. 1-3)? As work progressed and plans were formed for the new temple, inevitable comparisons were made with Solomon’s glorious structure. The fact that this temple had barely been started may account partially for Haggai’s strong assertion that there was no comparison whatever between this building and Solomon’s. Materials may have been in short supply, and resources seemed to be very limited.
Just as the people of the land had successfully stopped the work some sixteen years earlier, so now it seems that important individuals tried to block the project. However, Haggai says nothing about this opposition, so it may have been only a potential danger in the early months of the work. As an encouragement to the builders it seems that Haggai is reflecting upon David’s charge to Solomon in I Chronicles 28;10, 20 when he says to his son, “Take courage and act because my God is with you” (v. 4). Just as David told Solomon to act with determination in completing the first temple, so the Lord uses th same language to stir the people to carry out the work of rebuilding.
Haggai brings to a climax this section of encouragement by explicitly stating that the later glory of this house would be greater than the former (vv. 5-9). God wanted the temple to be rebuilt, and He had the gold and silver to do it, but he needed willing hands. God has chosen to do his work through people. He provides the resources, but willing hands, like yours and mine must do the work.
Application
I must be person of encouragement, prayer, Bible study, and worship - but eventually I must get out and do what God has in mind for me. He wants to change the world through you and me. He has given us a job to do in the church, at out place of employment and at home.
Haggai 2:1– 9 (NET)
1 On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the Lord’s message came through the prophet Haggai again: 2 “Ask the following questions to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, and the remnant of the people: 3 ‘Who among you survivors saw the former splendor of this temple? How does it look to you now? Isn’t it nothing by comparison?’ 4 Even so, take heart, Zerubbabel,” decrees the Lord. “Take heart, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. And take heart all you citizens of the land,” decrees the Lord, “and begin to work. For I am with you,” decrees the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 5 “Do not fear, because I made a promise to your ancestors when they left Egypt, and my Spirit even now testifies to you.” 6 Moreover, this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has said: “In just a little while I will once again shake the sky and the earth, the sea and the dry ground. 7 I will also shake up all the nations, and they will offer their treasures; then I will fill this temple with glory.” So the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has said. 8 “The silver and gold will be mine,” decrees the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 9 “The future splendor of this temple will be greater than that of former times,” the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared. “And in this place I will give peace,” decrees the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Illustration: Mother Encourages Her Son to Get Out of Bed
A mother watched her son begin to drain of energy. He’d lost his desire to get out of bed. She heard the alarm go off through his bedroom door. Apparently he just kept punching the little snooze button on the top. Finally, after 3 or 4 extra rings she walked in and said, ’Son, it’s time to get up.’ He peeked out from under the covers, ’Can you give me a good reason to get up?’ She said, ’Yes. First, it’s Sunday – time for church. Second, you’re 43 years old and you know better. Third, you’re the pastor and they expect you to be there. (Source Unknown).