9.25 Haggai

Jeff Streng

9.25.2020

Haggai    

Summarize the day’s reading in one paragraph. 

The setting for the book of Haggai takes place ~70 years after the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the temple and exiled the Israelites.  Now the Persians are in control and they allow some of the Israelites to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, but the people have misplaced priorities and focus on their own homes instead of rebuilding the temple. Haggai has to remind the Israelites of the importance of obedience, justice, repentance and God’s promise of His future kingdom (and the role the temple plays in that plan).

What is one key verse?

Haggai 2: 9

‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”

Why? 

The glory of ‘the present house’ will be greater than ‘the former house’ (i.e., Solomon’s temple) since Jesus will ultimately be present there.  The promised messiah is coming!

How does what you read change your vision of God?

It reminds me of the importance of obedience and repentance and of God’s justice.  It’s also very encouraging to my faith as we peak into this snapshot of history to see how God is ensuring the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham and of the coming of the promised Savior, Jesus.  It’s very encouraging to know that God’s promises MUST come true and CAN’T be prevented!

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others? /How will you Go With God because of this reading?

Again, it fortifies my faith to see how God’s promise is being played out in the book of Haggai and also when I consider how, over the centuries, He’s pursued a deeper relationship with His people.  We’re created in His image and He desires to be in relationship with us!

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters?

I’m reminded of Jesus when God says ‘the glory of the present house will be greater than the former house’ (since Jesus will be present there).