The Best is Yet to Come
Time to Rebuild – Part III
Haggai 2:1-9
Haggai 2:1-3 (NLT)
Then on October 17 of that same year, the Lord sent another message through the prophet Haggai. [2] "Say this to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of God’s people there in the land: [3] Is there anyone who can remember this house—the Temple—as it was before? In comparison, how does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all!
I. Glory days
• The older generation could remember the splendor of Solomon’s temple
- The grandeur and the splendor
• The new temple was not the same
• Many fall into the trap of comparison
- focusing on the physical and not the spiritual
Haggai 2:4-5 (NLT)
But now take courage, Zerubbabel, says the Lord. Take courage, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Take courage, all you people still left in the land, says the Lord. Take courage and work, for I am with you, says the Lord Almighty. [5] My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.
II. A call to action
• The Jewish people had returned to worshipping the Lord
- It was now time to put their faith into action
• At some point we must move beyond the internals of worship to the externals of doing God’s work
• We have been given the Holy Spirit to equip us for the work we are called to
- Acts 1:8
Acts 1:8 (NLT)
But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
III. Filling the temple
• The Lord is the one who brings the increase
- Stirring hearts
- Bringing co-laborers
• The temple is not truly full, until it is filled with the presence of the Lord
Haggai 2:8 (NLT)
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord Almighty.
IV. It’s all on His dime
• God has all of the resources necessary to complete His work
• He is looking for those willing to do the work
Haggai 2:9 (NLT)
The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord Almighty. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord Almighty, have spoken!"
V. The future is looking bright
• The glory of Jesus would far supersede the beauty and ornamentation of the original temple
• The temple would be restored to it’s intended purpose
• When we focus on doing the Lord’s work we will see His glory in greater ways than we could ever imagine.
