HAGGAI Chapter 2 (Kent Smith Notes 1/7/24)
PERSISTENCE IN OBEDIENCE
HAGGAI 2
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Last week we considered the importance of having the right priorities in life. We were counseled from Haggai cHapter 1 to “Consider our ways.”
Today we see how the people began to set God’s work as their priority and began to rebuild the temple.
The lesson for today is:
Persistence in right things puts you on the path to accomplish great things!
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COMPARISON IS THE ENEMY OF PERSISTENCE
They began the work to rebuild the temple.
(It was pitiful compared to the old temple).
What may seem minor or inconsequential in the present, may be the key to God working in powerful ways.
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What may seem minor or inconsequential in the present, may be the key to God’s working in powerful ways.
Comparing ourselves to others more gifted or talented is a sure way to become discouraged.
The turtle was never going to run as fast as the hare, but he persisted in running his race, and eventually won.
We are not in competition with others, we read in Hebrew 12:1 that we are to run the race set before us with endurance.
We read in 1 Corinthians that we are to run our best race to win the prize.
We each run our own race, and we should run it to win!
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GOD SET THE EXAMPLE FOR PERSISTENCE
He reminded them of the promises that He made to Israel about 1,000 years earlier.
HE NEVER GAVE UP ON THEM. HE NEVER QUIT!
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Haggai 2:5 As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!’
God promised to be with His people in 1446 BC when He delivered them from Egypt.
He said it to Moses in Exodus 3:12
And again, in Deut. 31:23 Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
God persistently sent His prophets to turn them back to Himself. Jer 35:15 Also I have sent to you all My servants the prophets, sending them again and again, saying: ‘Turn now every man from his evil way and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to worship them. Then you will dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your forefathers; but you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me.
God never gave up, never quit, never stopped!
He saw them through many ages or blessings and struggles, eventually He saw them through their exile for disobedience, and their eventual return.
God is patient, persistent, and persevering. We need to follow His example.
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WE PERSIST BASED ON HIS PROMISES
The temple reconstruction seemed inconsequential, but God promised that this temple would have glory greater than even Solomon’s temple.
God had withheld His favor while they held improper priorities; but now that the work on the temple was begun, He promised to bless.
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Haggai 2:6-9 For thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Once more [n a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land. I will shake all the nations; and they will come with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine,’ declares the Lord of hosts. ‘The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and in this place I will give peace,’ declares the Lord of hosts.”
The fulfillment of the promise was the temple they were building was later remodeled by Herod, but its true glory was shown in that it was the very same temple where Jesus was dedicated as a child, and where he taught and worshiped as an adult.
Haggai 2:18-19 Do consider from this day onward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month; from the day when the temple of the Lord was founded, consider: Is the seed still in the barn? Even including the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree, it has not borne fruit. Yet from this day on I will bless you.’”
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RUN YOUR RACE WITH PERSISTENCE
Don’t waste time comparing with others.
Follow God’s example.
Trust His work in you.
Do the small things.
Be diligent daily.
Be used for His glory
IN WHATEVER FASHION HE CHOOSES
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In the New Testament and throughout Christian history we have learned about Spiritual disciplines like Scripture Reading, Bible Study, Memorization, Worship, Prayer and Fasting., and even Tithing. These seemingly small things may seem to be inconsequential at first, but history has shown that those who are persistent and diligent in the daily practices of spiritual disciplines often have a greater impact than would typically be expected.
God does not necessarily give everyone equal abilities or opportunities, but He does expect us to use all our abilities and opportunities for His glory.
If you would commit to doing the small daily things to strengthen your faith and walk with God, you will find your character strengthened, your faith increased, and your ability to persist in obedience to be a fruitful and fulfilling experience of God’s presence and power to do in you exceedingly and abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
What God can do in you and through you has less to do with what you think about yourself, and more about what God thinks of you!
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