The Message of Future Glory

INTRODUCTION: The message of Haggai is a message of coming glory (see Haggai 2:3, 7, 9; compare Haggai 1:8). The importance of the message is shown in the time in which it was given. This message of glory was given to the people in the seventh month during the seventh of the seven Jewish feasts (the feast of tabernacles) on the seventh day of the feast (Leviticus 23:34) which was the 21st day of the month (Haggai 2:1).

1. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TIMING
1. The Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:34-36)
1. Recalled the deliverance from Egypt (Leviticus 23:40-43)
2. A special time of rest (Deuteronomy 16:13-15)
3. Pictures the future rest of Israel (Hebrews 4:1-9)
2. The Importance of the Feast
1. The dedication of the first temple (1 Kings 8:2; also 1 Kings 8:1-11)
2. The encouraging message of Haggai (Haggai 2:1, 4, 9)
3. The news of the indwelling Spirit (John 7:2, 37-39; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
4. The millennial celebration of the feast (Zechariah 14:16-19)
5. The final fulfillment of the feast (Ezekiel 37:26-28; Revelation 21:3-4)
2. THE BASENESS OF THE PRESENT TEMPLE (Haggai 2:1-5)
1. A Comparison with the Past (Haggai 2:1-3)
1. The message of the prophet (Haggai 2:1-2)
1. In the 21st day of the seventh month (Haggai 2:1)
2. To the leaders and the residue of the people (Haggai 2:2)
2. The disappointment of the people (Haggai 2:3)
1. Among those who saw the first glory (Ezra 3:12)
2. As nothing in comparison (Ecclesiastes 7:10; Philippians 3:13-14)
2. An Encouragement from the Lord (Haggai 2:4-5)
1. The strength of Gods presence (Haggai 2:4)
1. The admonition to be strong
2. The promise of Gods presence (Joshua 1:6-9; Deuteronomy 31:6)
2. The strength of Gods promise (Haggai 2:5)
1. According to the word of His covenant
2. By the power of His abiding spirit (Isaiah 63:9-13; Zechariah 4:6)
3. THE GLORY OF THE FUTURE TEMPLE (Haggai 2:6-9)
1. The Shaking of All Creation (Haggai 2:6-7)
1. The shaking of heaven and earth (Haggai 2:6; Isaiah 13:6-13; Hebrews 12:26-29)
2. The shaking of all nations (Haggai 2:7; Joel 3:9-17)
3. The desire of all nations (Haggai 2:7; Isaiah 9:6-7; Malachi 3:1; John 1:29); clearly a reference to Jesus Christ; though they may not know it, He is what all nations are really seeking.
4. The glory of Gods house (Haggai 2:7)
1. Points to a future glorious temple (Isaiah 59:20-21; Isaiah 60:1-3)
2. Also points to the first coming of Jesus Christ
1. The verse speaks of this house.
2. Though we speak of Herods Temple during the time of Christ, his temple was simply a major renovation of the temple built by Zerubbabel at the time of the return. The temple of the time of Jesus was in a real sense the same house referred to in Haggai 2:7.
3. Jesus Christ was the glory of God (John 1:14; Hebrews 1:3).
4. Simeon praised God for seeing His glory (Luke 2:25-32).
5. The glory of Solomons temple will be exceeded by the glory that will fill the latter temple (Haggai 2:9; Matthew 12:42).
2. The Shining of Gods House (Haggai 2:8-9)
1. The resources of God (Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10-12)
2. The glory of God (Haggai 2:9; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:11-14)
3. The peace of God (Haggai 2:9; Isaiah 54:10) in this place (John 14:27; Ephesians 2:14-17; Colossians 1:20)
4. THE UNCLEANNESS OF THE PEOPLE (Haggai 2:10-14)
1. The Transmission of Holiness (Haggai 2:10-12)
1. According to the law (Haggai 2:10-11)
1. The third message of Haggai (Haggai 2:10)
2. A precise application of the law (Haggai 2:11; Leviticus 10:8-11; Malachi 2:7)
2. Dealing with the passing of holiness (Haggai 2:12; Leviticus 6:24-27)
3. Holiness is not passed by casual contact.
2. The Transmission of Uncleanness (Haggai 2:13-14)
1. Dealing with the passing of uncleanness (Haggai 2:13)
2. Uncleanness can be passed by contact (Haggai 2:13; Numbers 19:11, 22).
3. Application to the children of Israel (Haggai 2:14)
1. This has happened to the nation of Israel (Galatians 5:9).
2. Therefore, what comes from them is unclean.
5. THE LESSONS OF THE HARVEST (Haggai 2:15-19)
1. Lessons of the Past (Haggai 2:15-17)
1. A lesson of sparse reaping (Haggai 2:15-16; Haggai 1:5-6)
1. Consider the time before the renewal of building (Haggai 2:15).
2. Consider the harvest received then (Haggai 2:16).
2. A lesson of spoiled labours (Haggai 2:17a; Haggai 1:9-11)
3. A lesson of unheeded troubles (Haggai 2:17b; Isaiah 9:13)
2. Lessons of the Future (Haggai 2:18-19)
1. A lesson of comparison (Haggai 2:18; compare Ezra 3:10)
2. A lesson of patience (Haggai 2:19a; Psalm 27:13-14)
3. A lesson of promise (Haggai 2:19b; Haggai 1:8); God promises blessings.
6. THE FUTURE GLORY OF ZERUBBABEL (Haggai 2:20-23)
1. The Shaking of the Universe (Haggai 2:20-21; compare Haggai 2:6-7)
2. The Overthrow of the Heathen (Haggai 2:22; Daniel 2:44)
3. The Setting Up of Zerubbabel (Haggai 2:23; Zechariah 4:6-10)
1. As the Lords signet (see Daniel 6:17; Jeremiah 22:24); a signet is a ring or other instrument with an impression used to stamp and thereby seal documents, etc.
2. NOTE: That Zerubbabel is given promise of a position in the coming kingdom should not be surprising. The apostles are promised twelve thrones upon which to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). In like manner, David is prophesied to be the eternal king of Israel (Ezekiel 34:23-24; Ezekiel 37:24-25). Zerubbabels kingdom position, although not clearly defined, will certainly be a very special one.

CONCLUSION: Israel had submitted to the will of God and the leadership of the prophet. They had renewed the rebuilding of the temple. Haggai showed them that this temple, though it did not look special, would have a special manifestation of the glory of God. He also encouraged them to be patient in receiving the blessings of God for their obedience. The blessings might seem to come slowly at first, but rest assured that they would come and they would be significant.