Haggai 1:12-14; 2:1-11, 19

This is the final devotional in a series of four on the book of Haggai. (Please read “What Time Is It?” “Consider Your Ways” and “Identify the Problem” prior to this devotional.) The next step after Identifying the Problem is Confession of Rebellion, then Commitment to perform God’s Word, and then Obedience to God’s Word. That is, to actually perform God’s Word.

“Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, 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 did fear before the LORD.” (Haggai 1:12)

Obedience comes from within the believer as he acts on facts revealed to him by the power of God’s Spirit, which worketh in him.

First, (Haggai 1:14) reveals the cause of their action of faith:

• “And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the… governor of Judah,
• and the spirit of Joshua…the high priest,
• and the spirit of all the remnant of the people;
• and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God.”

Also see (Philippians 2:13), “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”  God is the cause and we are the effect. God moves in our hearts and then we respond.

Secondly, God stirs up His people’s spirit by Revelation of Facts, Revelation of His Promises, and Revelation of Prophecy; God opens up your mind to receive truth. (See also Matthew 16:13-17; 1 Corinthians 4:7.) (John 3:17), “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

In our text (Haggai 2:3-9, 19), God reminds the older ones to remember the Glory of the previous Temple of God. But it had been destroyed. Then God gave a command and made a promise of His Help based on His Word of Covenant and His Prophecy that He would fill this house with His Glory. “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former…and in this place will I give peace” (verse 9).

Here we see the revelations that moved them to go back to work:

• (2:4a) “Be strong” and “work” – It is from God and it is for God. God is able and has all power to perform His Word. However we must obey; we must walk by faith. (Hebrews 10:38a; 11:6; Philippians 4:13, 19)
• (2:4d) “For I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts” – This is based on the Covenant Promise. God makes the promise: “I AM” is with you. Yes, Jehovah, the Great I AM that I AM is the Promise Maker and the Promise Keeper. He also tells the people that His Promise is an extension of His Covenant with Israel when they came out of Egypt (verse 5).
• (2:5c) “So my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.” (John 14:16-17) “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (17) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”
• (2:6-9) Tells of the glory of the latter house. And that I will fill the latter house with glory greater than before. And in this place, ye shall have peace.

Verses 4-9 are the Words of God promising His Power, His Word, His Spirit, and His Prophecy. This is the believer’s foundation of obedience; of his walk and work of faith. All based on God who cannot lie, Who cannot fail.

The cure for the problem is to believe God’s Word and act upon it in faith. (Hebrews 11:6)  “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

This devotional was previously posted on October 13, 2010.