Haggai 2:1-7

Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.

Bible Reading

On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them, ‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty.

– Haggai 2:1-7

Devotion

It is apparent from this text and from Ezra 3:13, the older men wo remembered the former temple lamented the comparative inferiority of this new temple. This memory tended to dishearten the people, and Haggai appealed to them to be strong and to work, promising that God would be present and would help them in their work. God reminds the people that He is going to determine what is great and what is not. God makes it clear that size is not the important thing. The important thing is that God is present. This is true in the church and in our personal lives. Though this new temple was not impressive, God promises at some point in time His Spirit would reside there. That was much better than a very ornate temple which was devoid of God’s presence. In this text, God is attempting to get their eyes off that which is local, that which is very limited, and get their eyes fixed upon His program for Israel. He wants them to see what is in the future—extending all the way into the Millennium.

The Big Question

Scripture teaches us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told us that He would be with us “always, to the very end of the age.” What implications come to mind when you consider that as a follower of Jesus you are God’s temple? What comfort do you find in the promise of Christ’s abiding presence? How do you experience Christ’s presence each day?

Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what God revealed to you today.