Sealed With A Promise Series

Sealed with a Promise

Haggai 2:20-23

Haggai 2:20-22 (NLT)

The Lord sent this second message to Haggai on December 18: [21] "Tell Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, that I am about to shake the heavens and the earth. [22] I will overthrow royal thrones, destroying the power of foreign kingdoms. I will overturn their chariots and charioteers. The horses will fall, and their riders will kill each other.

Judgment is Coming!

• Haggai’s message

– A warning

– God’s righteousness would be revealed

– World powers would be overthrown

• God’s judgment

– Response to sin

– Nothing can withstand

• Romans 2:5-6, 8

Romans 2:5-6, 8 (NLT)

But no, you won’t listen. So you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself because of your stubbornness in refusing to turn from your sin. For there is going to come a day of judgment when God, the just judge of all the world, [6] will judge all people according to what they have done…

But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and practice evil deeds.

Haggai 2:23 (NLT)

But when this happens, says the Lord Almighty, I will honor you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant. I will treat you like a signet ring on my finger, says the Lord, for I have specially chosen you. I, the Lord Almighty, have spoken!"

Judgment Produces Honor

• Righteous cleansing

– The removal of the unrighteous

– Righteousness remains

• Romans 2:7

Romans 2:7 (NLT)

He will give eternal life to those who persist in doing what is good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.

A Symbol of the Promise

• Zerubbabel’s reign was a reminder

– God reaffirmed His promise of the Messiah

• Through David’s bloodline

– Matthew 1:12

Matthew 1:12 (NLT)

After the Babylonian exile:

Jehoiachin was the father of Shealtiel.

Shealtiel was the father of Zerubbabel.

Chosen for God’s Plan

• Zerubbabel had been personally chosen

– To lead the people to obedience

– To rebuild the temple

• You have been chosen

– God has chosen you

• To be His own

– Ephesians 1:4

Ephesians 1:4 (NLT)

Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.