Two principle leaders
· Joshua – the
priest
· Zerubbabel –
the governor
Return to Jerusalem was voluntary and happened in
several “waves.”
- · No one was required to return
- · They were not forced out like when they left Egypt and
- · There were people in Israel who were opposed to them returning
Israel has never had unquestioned possession of the
Promised Land.
What they face today is no different than what they
have faced since God showed the Land to Abraham – he likely had a better
relationship with his neighbors than any of his descendants have.
The people of Israel got to the Promised Land and,
understandably, they had to set about to provide for themselves and their
families.
- · Houses
- · Fortifications and
- · Occupations
All had to be established if they were to survive
there.
They forgot one key element of true survival.
They forgot to establish themselves spiritually.
- · Probably at first it was of necessity
- · After awhile it probably became habit
- · Eventually they got to the place where spiritual things just didn’t matter
I think a lot of people fall into this same trap.
· They have to
make some accommodations with the world: housing, food, income
· They let
worship slip for a bit, planning to pick it up once they get established, but
· They get
into the habit of living without God
· Sometimes
they struggle so much to get by they never feel like they can afford to take
time for God
Haggai preaches four short but connected sermons[2]
to the people of Israel with the view of stirring them up to spiritual
interest.
I.
Message One
Haggai 1:1-15
Consider your ways
Haggai 1:5 (KJV)
Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider
your ways.
The preacher points out how, though they have made
success a priority, they have struggled to be successful.
There is
more than one kind of success.
Even if a person doesn’t have moneybags with holes, he
has much less if all he has is here and nothing is in heaven.
II.
Message Two
Haggai 2:1-9
Is it as nothing?
Haggai 2:3 (KJV)
Who is left among you that saw this house in her first
glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as
nothing?
The preacher confronts their discouragement at the
size and simplicity of their Temple
This Temple was nothing like Solomon’s Temple
But God isn’t in the size of the building or the number
of people there.
God is in the spirit
of the congregation and their faith
in the Lord.
III.
Message Three
Haggai 2:10-19
From this day I will bless you
Haggai 2:19 (KJV)
Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and
the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth:
from this day will I bless you.
The preacher promises God’s blessings but warns that
religion is not what God desires – He desires righteousness
This is a constant battle for every one of us.
The flesh leans toward religion.
The Spirit of God will steer us toward righteousness,
which is faith in and obedience to Christ.
IV.
Message Four
Haggai 2:20-23
I have chosen thee
Haggai 2:23 (KJV)
In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take
thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will
make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.
The preacher promises the defeat of Israel’s enemies,
specifically because He had chosen Israel.
God loved Israel because He chose to love Israel.
· Not because
they were better
· Not because
they were bigger
· Not because
He didn’t love others
God will
· Defeat our
enemies,
· Give us a
home in heaven and
· Use us to
make a difference in our world –
because He chooses to do that.
No comments:
Post a Comment