Encourage the Faint-hearted
Renew
May 17, 2020
Rev. Tim Sharpe
Haggai 2 acknowledges the people's discouragement over slow progress, calls them to be strong and work without fear because God's presence is with them, and points them to the greater, eternal glory of God's covenant promise.
Summary
In Haggai chapter 2 the prophet speaks directly to a discouraged people rebuilding the temple: he does not deny their hard circumstances but acknowledges them, urges them to be strong, work, and fear not because God is with them, and reminds them that the work points beyond a building to the restoration of God's covenant and the future glory he will bring.
Key Points
- Read Scripture together and invite God's voice.
- The people ask, "Are we getting anywhere? Is it worth it?" in light of slow, discouraging progress.
- Haggai acknowledges real hardship rather than denying it.
- God calls his people to be strong, to work, and to fear not.
- The motivation for work is God's presence with his people, not mere self-help.
- The labor is carried out by people but its meaning and completion rest in God's covenant purposes.
- The rebuilt temple symbolizes God's enduring promise and the greater glory yet to be revealed.
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