Haggai

Rebuild the Temple

Haggai is a call to the exiles who were allowed to return to Jerusalem.  The Lord directs the prophet to call to the returnees to rebuild the Temple.  In four short messages, Haggai covers the rebuke to those who had directed their energy to their own well-being while the Temple lie in ruins.  Second, he reminds the people that the Lord is with them, His presence will abide with them.  Third he directs them to purity within the law by a series of questions on the law.  Finally, he tells them the Lord will appoint Zerubbabel (a descendant of David and part of the lineage of Jesus) to be the king and leader and gives him a signet ring.

These four messages parallel nicely with the three works of grace that a Christian experiences.  First we must hear the call to build the temple of God in our lives.  We must cease living for ourselves and begin living for Him. Next, he justifies us and promises He will never leave us and will abide with us forever.  Secondly, the Lord sanctifies us - He calls us to lead a Holy life.  Finally, He, the royal seed of David, takes up kingship in our hearts through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Like the message of Haggai to the returning Jews, we as Christian must be willing to heed and obey His message to us.