Series: New Directions - Empowered Living for God’s Glory

God’s Offer of a Bright Future

Bible Passage: Haggai 2:20–23

Summary: Haggai 2:20-23 conveys a powerful message of hope to the returning exiles who are facing disappointment and despair. God assures them of His ongoing presence and future plans, emphasizing that even in a state of decline, His power will be displayed through chosen leaders, particularly Zerubbabel, whom He refers to as His signet ring, representing His purposes and faithfulness.

Teaching: The sermon can teach that God's covenant with His people is steadfast, and that He works through flawed individuals to accomplish His divine will. Believers are invited to recognize God's hand in their life's journey, even when circumstances seem dire, assuring them that God’s promises are everlasting and will come to fruition in His timing.

Main Point: Even in our weakness, God is faithful and can use us to bring hope and fulfill His plan of salvation.

1. God promises to use us to bring about salvation and deliverance.

Haggai 2:20-21

Perhaps you could explore how God speaks to Zerubbabel, a leader during a challenging time, to demonstrate His ongoing presence and elaborate plans. This point can remind the audience that amidst current struggles, God hasn't abandoned them but is actively communicating His purposes. By sharing how God assures His chosen leader, it emphasizes His faithfulness to work through our brokenness, inspiring hope.

English Standard Version Chapter 1

And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

English Standard Version Chapter 3

the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,

2. God wields power over all the nations

Haggai 2:22

You could highlight God's sovereignty over nations, symbolized by His promise to shake the heavens and earth. This point can encourage believers who feel overwhelmed by worldly chaos, reminding them that God’s plan supersedes human affairs. By focusing on this, the listeners are urged to trust in God's ultimate plan and be assured that He holds control over all nations, reflecting divine purpose and hope.

3. God makes His promise and seals like a signet ring

Haggai 2:23

Maybe you can discuss the significance of Zerubbabel as God's signet ring, representing a seal of promise and authority. This point can help believers see parallels with Christ as the culmination of God's promises, providing hope and certainty. Elaborating on this assures listeners of their integral role in God’s narrative, reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness amidst brokenness.

Application: This passage serves as a reminder that even in times of personal or communal brokenness, God is still active and working for our benefit. By trusting in Him, we can overcome feelings of inadequacy and see how God uses our lives to fulfill His divine plans. It encourages believers to look beyond their current struggles to the purpose God has for them, fostering resilience and faith.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, Christ is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and faithfulness. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus embodies the restoration that Haggai points towards. Just as Zerubbabel represented hope for Judah, Jesus represents hope for all of humanity in the establishment of God's Kingdom.