Encouraging the Discouraged

Renewing Our Spiritual Heritage

Encouraging the Discouraged

Haggai 2:1-9

Theme: The prophet encourages the discouraged Jewish exiles.

Introduction: We learned this book is a call to rebuild the temple because it was their connection to their spiritual heritage. I asked a question and was corrected: I asked what they were doing and the response was rebuild the temple. Actually, they were building their own houses, and neglecting to build the temple. The prophet was calling the people back to the priority of building their spiritual heritage.

They had started to rebuild and stopped. It appears they were discouraged because the rebuilt temple was not as glorious as Solomons. The state of the temple discouraged them so the need to rebuild is obvious. Nebuchadnezzar had burned it to the ground and the 66 years of neglect had taken a toll on the remains. Rubbish had to be removed and weeds had grown over the masonry rocks. They had been working for 3 ½ weeks to the clear the ground.

The rebuilding of the temple was a very special task, for it meant the restoring of true worship in Jerusalem; and completing the project would please the Lord and be a great testimony to the unbelieving nations who were watching the remnant in Jerusalem[1]

Here the prophet comes with a message of encouragement in this second message.

I. Recognition of the conditions vv. 1-3

A. Inspiration to the leaders

1. When leaders get discouraged, the people would naturally be even more discouraged.

2. God sent this message to inspire the leaders to continue in the work.

3. Often it is easy to quit when problems arise in the work.

4. When God calls us to a work, we are to remain faithful to the work

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)

5. Leaders: whether it is your home, your work place, your connection group, or your community: encourage yourself in the Lord

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6)

B. Gratitude for the work

1. While some of the people remembered the original temple, does that mean the work they are doing is less important? Does that mean it is not like it once was, to diminish what God says about it?

2. The work they are doing is just as important.

3. We must remember: Solomon was the richest man on the earth in his day, he had the royal treasure as well to build the temple. David had also provided physical resources as well. Some had seen Solomon’s temple 16 years before.

4. Even though in Haggai’s day, they did not have resources, their work was equally important because the spiritual heritage was in no way diminished in its importance.

5. We are to rejoice over the work that has been done as they return to their spiritual heritage.

6. Haggai had picked an important day October 17, the last day of the feast of the tabernacles. This feast was devoted to praising God for the harvest and remembering Israel’s pilgrim days in the wilderness.

7. This was the same day when King Solomon had dedicated the original temple I Kings 8:2.

8. The restored building had nothing of the splendor of Solomon’s temple, but it was still God’s house, built according to God’s plan and for His glory-times and things may change, but the ministry still goes on.

II. Reminder of God’s presence vv. 4-5

A. Be strong v. 4a

1. God’s work could depend on God to complete it.

2. These two words are echoed also in Joshua’s day as they were to enter to Promised Land

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:5–7)

3. Be strong was not just an empty phrase to pass over, but it was an important part of their Jewish history.

4. David had told Solomon these same words when it came to building God’s temple

“Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lordcharged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.” (1 Chronicles 22:13)

“Take heed now; for the Lordhath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.” (1 Chronicles 28:10)

“And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” (1 Chronicles 28:20)

B. Be aware v. 4b-5

1. The reason is here-God is with you.

2. God will give them the ability to accomplish His calling on them.

3. God has made a covenant with His people in which He will lead them.

4. They are not to fear what the world may have before them, they can be assured God will protect them.

5. The same Holy Spirit who enabled Moses and the elders to lead the people, will enable the Jews to finish the temple.

6. The prophet Zechariah who ministered with Haggai, also emphasized the important of the Holy Spirit for God divine enablement to accomplish His will.

III. Realize the Lord’s power vv. 6-9

A. Power over nature

1. The Lord of hosts mentioned 5 times in these verses which is clearly a message: heavenly bodies or entourage; military armies who is powerful enough to conquer all things.

2. God had power over the heavens, the earth, the sea, and dry land means He is the creator and sustainer.

3. There is no power greater who is able to shake the nations.

“Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” (Revelation 5:12–13)

4. This is His might, His strength, His invincible ability over all.

The message is clear, if you are struggling with fear or holding back on serving God with doubt, God shows us His power over nature.

B. Power over circumstances

1. When God shakes the nations, He changes the circumstances.

2. God has the ability to change whatever circumstance we are in the twinkling of an eye.

Janet and I have a friend who is a profession magician. He would work about 12 weeks a year in Maui. He was planning on buying the business where he worked for 11 years. He was in the process of purchasing when the fire came through and burnt down the building and everything in it. Not only did this change his circumstances but every on the island was affected by this change.

3. If our circumstances are good or bad, we must follow the Lord.

4. Notice here the phrase in verse 7, “desire of the nations” which is Jesus Christ.

5. When God fills the temple with His glory, Jesus will be here on earth in His second coming.

6. His glory will fill the temple of the Lord.

C. Power over resources

1. While they were focusing on the external glory, God is showing them the greater glory which is in Jesu the Lamb of God.

2. While they focused on their lack of the financial resources that Solomon had, God reminds them He owns all the resources they need to accomplish His will.

3. Tonight, let me encourage you with this thought: if God can provide the resources for the temple during Haggai’s time, He can provide the resources we need to build our new auditorium.

4. His presence will give peace as we focus on doing His will.

Conclusion: Notice when you need encouragement, our direction needs to be upward rather than outward. Haggai is reminding them to look to the Lord for encouragement.

[1]Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Heroic, “Be” Commentary Series (Colorado Springs, CO: ChariotVictor Pub., 1997), 71.