A Word Centered Revival - Haggai 1:12-15

Introduction

There are a lot of how to books out there.

But there is only one book that gets the job done.

A Proper Response

The Purpose of the Messenger (12)

Haggai 1:12 (NKJV)

12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the Lord.

In verse 13 the writer lets us know that Haggai is the Lord’s messenger (mal’ak) who is proclaiming the Lord’s message (malakut) and is calling people to the Lord’s work (melaka).

The Problem of Disobedience (12)

In Haggai 1:2 we read

Haggai 1:2 (NKJV)

2 “Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.” ’ ”

Instead of the the Lord calling them “My people” they are called “this people”.

These people are behaving as though they are people who don’t know God. When you and I refuse to receive the truths of the Word of God, it is behaving as though we aren’t sheep who know our shepherds voice. To behave this way would be to behave like we’re not His people.

The Proper Response

But here in v12, there is no longer mention of “this people” but of a people who are obeying “their God”

When we live in obedience, we display actions that fit with our identity. We look and live like Christians!

And when we receive the word of God as a means of grace, our faith is strengthened as people who know that God is their God.

The reaction of this people is one of reverential fear that produces holy obedience to their Lord. This shows us how we should respond to such a display of grace. And that response is one of awe that God would care to speak to us and obedience for He has indeed spoken.

A Positive Reminder

In the midst of their favorable response to the message of Haggai, God give them an assuring message that He will be present with them in the midst of their work.

Now this is present throughout a lot of our Old Testaments. We see it in Genesis 28:15 with the Lord’s promise to Jacob. In Genesis 39 as we read of His presence with Joseph. In Exodus 3 as God speaks to Moses. We see it in Joshua 1 and Judges 6 and Jeremiah 8, and Isaiah 8. And we also see it in the New Testament as we see Jesus who is Emmanuel, God with us.

So, what we see here is that the people of God are called to complete a task that seems overwhelming, yet the Lord promises to be there with them in the midst of the struggle. Yes, there would be hardships, but He would be there with them.

And yes, you and I have been called to honor the Lord in all of our lives, and yes that may seem like a call that’s simply too big for us to bear. But the thing about the commands we have is that they are not simply heartless commands of black ink on white paper, but they are commands where the commander Himself promises to be with us as we obey them.

When we come to church on Sunday, it’s not primarily about you declaring your love to God, but it’s about God declaring His love and grace to us through the means of grace, such as the Word of God!

A Powerful Reaction

Now here in verse 14 we find that the result of such a revival isn’t found to be caused by human inventions or tactics, but it is by the work of God that they are stirred up.

Now the verb, “to stir up here” in Hebrew draws on the imagery of being sleepy. It is like God has taken the Word to awaken them from their spiritual inattentiveness to participate in this serious task before them.

God is arousing the human frame of mind to focus on an important activity, which is focusing on God as the priority of your life, and, in this case, building the temple.

Have you ever heard preaching and considered a scenario you’re going through and thought to yourself, “Wow, it really wasn’t that big of a deal. I shouldn’t have gotten that bothered by that.” or have you thought to yourself, “You know, I believe that call to do XYZ is directly to me. I haven’t been doing that but I really need to.”

That is not you just having a spontaneous thought because we’re so smart, but it’s the work of God through the word of God for His people!

The people were living for themselves and weren’t focused on the job that God called them to, but when God takes the Word and stirs up your soul, obedience will come. As a matter of fact, we find them breaking ground on the temple 3 weeks later after 3 weeks of what may have been preparation for the job.

Conclusion

So, what I want us to know today is that the Word of God matters. It is God speaking to you and me. So on Sunday as you make your way to Church and the church sits down from singing and the pastor opens the Bible, listen up, because God has help for us in His Word.

Also, when you’re reading the Bible and you know God is calling you to be a witness to those around you, but you find yourself full of fear. Don’t worry, He is with you.