Haggai 2:15-19

Think Carefully of God’s Chastening (vv. 15-17)

Affliction does not always mean that we are being chastened (Job, Jeremiah, Elijah, Daniel, Moses, etc.)

But sometimes it does, and we should be mindful of that fact

Instead of responding to affliction in anger or confusion, respond with humility

Judah was feeling sorry for themselves because they were being rightfully punished when they should have changed instead

They were angry at God for not blessing them while God was angry at them for being disobedient

God wanted to bless them, but they were unblessable!

Punishment must be taken with sober humility in order for it to have its intended effect

Consider how David grew from the punishment of his sins with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 12:15-23)

God’s chastening is a powerful tool when we accept it (Heb. 12:5-15)

Think Carefully of God’s Goodness (vv. 18-19)

They are told to consider from their day of repentance forward so they can see how things will change

Although there was no seed in the barn (no reason to think their condition to change), things would change

God’s goodness is based on His promise by His might, and He is no victim to circumstance

Is there anything too hard for God? -> of course not!

The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it!

It is astounding to consider the goodness of God in response to our repentance (Hos. 2:1-17)

Never think that God will not be good to those who fear Him, even if you have not been fearing Him

That is not to say that there is no price to pay, but it is to say that chastening will end!

Be humble, patient, and repentant in chastening, and trust in the goodness of God!