Haggai 1:12-15

Restoration Through Obedience (v. 12)

In a rare moment, God’s people were obedient -> it was through that obedience that they were restored

We must take great care to not get this reversed! -> obedience leads to restoration, not the other way around

Consider just a few years later in Nehemiah’s day -> revival came after the obedience

This is the whole duty of man (Ecc. 12: 13-14) -> do not expect a close walk with God to inspire you to start being obedient

Notice the change of language: this people -> the Lord their God

Notice also that they are referred to as the remnant -> great theological implications!

They were a part of a small group of people in this world who were actually at peace with God

I Am With You (v. 13)

“I am with you” has a long, supernatural, powerful, and encouraging history

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remind us of the faithfulness of God’s covenants (Gen. 28:15)

Moses (Ex. 3:12) and Joshua (Josh. 1:5) remind us of God’s powerful guidance and protection

Gideon (Judg. 6:16) and David (2 Sam. 7:9) remind us of God’s prowess, power, and authority over those who want to do us harm

Jeremiah (Jer. 1:8) reminds us that even when things don’t seem to be going great, God is still with us!

Jesus is our Emanuel (God with us - Matt. 1:23) -> It is such a sweet peace to know that God is with us!

It certainly reminds us that no one can stand against us (Rom. 8:31-37)!

New Zeal (vv. 14-15)

Once again, it was after obedience that they felt renewed, not before

“stirred up” -> to awaken from slumber -> something that we must be in our age (Rom. 13:11-14)

It was the Lord who stirred them up -> even when it seems that it would be impossible, be obedient and the Lord will work

The Lord used His word delivered through His messenger to stir them up

It is nothing fancy or uncommon, but God’s word that He has already supplied

Be obedient to God, be restored to God, and be zealous for God!