The Glory Yet to Come
By Dean Collins
In the last few weeks, we have read story after story of how things used to look in the mountains of North Carolina, the gulf coast of Florida, and in other states where two different hurricanes left their wrath. In the years to come, some will be able to rebuild and others may simply walk away and start their lives over in a new city, hoping for a better life in a new place.
The prophet Haggai received a message from God that he was to deliver to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the high priest. These two men were involved in helping those who had returned from Babylon rebuild the temple that had been destroyed decades ago. It was an overwhelming task. Probably not unlike some of the destruction that we have seen in the news from the recent hurricanes. The build back seemed overwhelming and was surely discouraging to these two leaders and to all involved.
Haggai asked these questions to his contemporaries: “Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes?” The answer was easily seen by everyone who had seen or had ever heard a description of the former temple. The rebuilding of the temple paled in comparison to the original. Was Haggai just to rub salt in their wounded hearts as they remembered the previous glory of what was while staring at what is?
As you continue reading chapter two, we quickly realize that Haggai was bringing hope with a message that what is to come is far greater than what was. God’s promise delivered through Haggai was that a day was coming when “I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory.” The prophet continued, “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former…and in this place I will give peace.”
While I am sure it was hard to imagine while staring at the rubble in the streets on the partially restored temple, Haggai’s message from God was one of encouragement. What God had planned was far greater than what had been and surely greater than what could possibly be imagined. But Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the residents of Jerusalem were to trust God’s plans and continue their work.
God’s message was clear and direct:
“Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel…”
“Be strong, O Joshua…”
“Be strong, all you people of the land…”
“Work, for I am with you…according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt.”
“My Spirit remains in your midst.”
“Fear not…Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth…”
The temple was restored, but it did not yet look like the temple that was to come. Jesus was the fulfillment of this ancient prophecy. Jesus came to fulfill the promise of God that all would be redeemed and restored. The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians that we are the temple of Holy Spirit. When John received his heavenly vision, he recorded in Revelation 21 that in heaven there will be no temple:
“For its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.”
I don’t know about you, but I need this reminder from Haggai and John of what is to come. It is easy when looking at all the brokenness in our culture and in our world to become discouraged and think we will never accomplish what we have been called to do as God’s children.
You may have an assignment that is overwhelming. You may not see how what you have been asked to do by God will ever get finished or could possibly result in God’s glory. But hear the word of the Lord delivered by Haggai:
“Be Strong…”
“Work.”
“My Spirit remains in your midst.”
“Fear not.”
You may have to repeat these directions and promises over and over again while you put one foot in front of the other with your kingdom assignment. God is faithful. He will do what he promised and more than we could ever imagine!
Father, thank you for the promises and reminders in scripture that you are in control and have already accomplished what we cannot yet see. Thank you for Jesus who has paid the penalty for our sin and given us access to you. Thank you for calling us to be about your business of renewing and restoring all that is broken as we share and live out your gospel through the assignments you have given us. Strengthen us by your Spirit, that we might continue your work until you come again. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Haggai 2:1-9; 1 Corinthians 3:11-16; Revelation 21:3-5, 22-26 ESV
Photo by Shane Hoving on Unsplash
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