I Have Chosen You

Ready and Chosen: Embracing Our Role in God's Plan

Bible Passage: Haggai 2:20-23

Summary: In this brief yet powerful passage, God reassures Zerubbabel that he has been chosen as a signet ring, symbolizing authority and significance in God's plan for His people. This declaration serves as a reminder of God's presence and His ongoing work through His chosen leaders, even amidst challenges.

Application: This passage encourages teens to understand that they are not just passive observers in their faith journey; rather, they are actively chosen by God to fulfill important roles in the mission of His kingdom. It speaks to the significance of personal identity in Christ and empowers them to realize their value and potential in God’s eyes, especially when they face peer pressure or self-doubt.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, Zerubbabel's role as a signet ring points to Christ, who is the ultimate authority and fulfillment of God's promises. Through Him, believers are also made royal priests, signifying both calling and ownership as part of God's family. Christ's work reinstates believers as significant participants in His divine narrative.

Big Idea: The big idea of this sermon communicates that God has uniquely prepared and empowered each of us for His work, affirming our worth and calling in a world that often undermines our significance.

1. God’s Intentional Call

Haggai 2:20

God spoke to the Haggai for a second time on the twenty-fourth day.

God shows that he continues to communicate his plans

God shows that he is going to proceed on with plan as stated in verse 19.

God shows that he is intending on working with the Israelites.

Since God showed intent there, He will/can show it again.

Intent means purpose, determined to do.

2. God’s Unshakable Authority

Haggai 2:21-22

God promised to shake the heavens and earth:

Haggai 2:4–8 “Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, 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.”

Now God said: I am ready.

God moves on his own time.

God is still working.

When God moves we also must get ready.

Those who trespass against God will be punished.

Romans 12:17–19 “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.””

The LORD does not forget the sins of those who have harshly dealt with his people.

God shaking the heavens and earth and other places in v. 6-9 could be likened to what happened on Sinai: Exodus 19:18 “Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly.”

The New Bible Commentary 2:20–23 God’s Word to Zerubbabel: ‘I Will Keep My Leader Safe’

The emphasis this time is on political upheaval, the defeat of powerful armies, and civil strife. Israel’s history taught them that even the most powerful enemy is shaken when God acts.

3. Chosen and Empowered

Haggai 2:23 “On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.””

Zerubbabel being chosen as a signet ring illustrates divine approval and representation.

The ring was worn by a king or other important person

Used to sign documents

Signify personal authority

This was not self-imposed, but the Lord is doing this.

The Lord calls him: His servant

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary IV. The Lord’s Declaration (2:10–23)

Zerubbabel was God’s appointed leader for the temple rebuilding task and was a prototype of the Messiah as he led the people to do the kingdom work of prioritizing God. Indeed, the true Messiah would come in the Davidic line through Zerubbabel and will ultimately lead the nation from the temple in Jerusalem.

Like Zerubbabel, they are marked with a purpose and given a role in God's cosmic narrative, challenging them to embrace their significance with confidence.

Haggai, Malachi 3. Zerubbabel and the Davidic Throne (2:23)

In his use of the word “servant” Haggai is invoking Davidic associations.23 His point is that Zerubbabel represents a restoration of the Davidic line of promise. As a result of this divine initiative, what was lost by the tragedy of the exile will in the future be regained in a manner that exceeds expectations.

“I will take you”

“I have chosen you”

If God chooses you

Respond with obedience.

Respond with hope.

Respond with joy.

Respond with faith.

We are not chosen because we are good; we are chosen that we may be good.

Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield

This marks something personal, specific, and clear. However, this prophecy was not completely fulfilled in that time.

Look at Matthew 1:12 “And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,”

The genealogy that Matthew outlines shows that Jesus carries out the prophecy.

Jesus is the authority. Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Application

During church activities, it’s easy to feel like just another face in the crowd. Yet, God can choose you to inspire others in ways you might not realize. Get involved by volunteering, whether it's for setting up events or leading youth discussions. Share your personal story during youth gatherings; it might resonate with someone going through a hard time. When you step out in faith, you exemplify God’s purpose and can uplift those around you while strengthening your own faith.

In public life, you sometimes feel pressure to conform to fit in. However, knowing God can choose you means you are wonderfully made to stand out. Engage with your peers about social issues openly and confidently, while upholding your values. Use social media platforms to share uplifting messages or scriptures that reflect your beliefs. Taking a stand for what is right, even if it’s unpopular, can inspire others. You become a beacon of hope, and God will use you to draw others to Himself through your courage and authenticity.

In your educational environment, perhaps you're feeling overlooked or unappreciated, especially when others seem to shine. Recognize that God has a purpose for you; take proactive steps to make a difference. Start a lunch group where you could pray or discuss various topics honestly. This not only affirms your faith but also provides a space for other students to come to know the love of Jesus. Even small gestures, like helping a classmate struggling with material, reflect God's heart and can lead them to His grace.

Questions

What was day the day that the Lord spoke to Haggai?

Who was Zerubbabel?

What does this story have to do with Jesus?

Can other nations or powers stop God from acting?

Who will punish those who do evil?

How should you respond now knowing that God can, at any moment, choose you?