eschatology, Signet Ring (Haggai 1-2)

God was not happy with the Israelites who at this time had neglected the rebuilding of the Temple.  They had even used the lumber meant for the temple to fix their own houses instead...

(Haggai 1:2-5)  In the second year of Darius the king, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, 2 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘This people says, “The time has not come, even the time for the house of the Lord to be rebuilt.”’” 3 Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4 “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate?” 5 Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, “Consider your ways! 6 You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes.”

Duh!  Fix the holes in your purse and pockets so you don't lose your money!  Seems logical enough, but how often have I missed something so simple and then wondered why things continued to not go well???!!!  The Israelites were told to consider their ways!  Then they were told to consider how much better the old Temple was compared to the one they saw before them "now".  But the Lord promised them that in the future (in the Millennium), the Temple was going to be far better than the first...

(Haggai 2:1-9)  On the twenty-first of the seventh month, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet saying, 2 “Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people saying, 3 ‘Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison? 4 But now take courage, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord, ‘take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ declares the Lord of hosts. 5 ‘As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!’ 6 For thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land. 7 I will shake all the nations; and they will come with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts. 8 ‘The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine,’ declares the Lord of hosts. 9 ‘The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and in this place I will give peace,’ declares the Lord of hosts.”

Haggai gave some interesting illustrations for the people to see how sinful, neglectful actions are destructive...

(Haggai 2:10-14)  On the twenty-fourth of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Haggai the prophet, saying, 11 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Ask now the priests for a ruling: 12 If a man carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and touches bread with this fold, or cooked food, wine, oil, or any other food, will it become holy?’” And the priests answered, “No.” 13 Then Haggai said, “If one who is unclean from a corpse touches any of these, will the latter become unclean?” And the priests answered, “It will become unclean.”

Sin is like a disease, which is contagious.  Even good physical health begins with the basics such as cleanliness.  One cannot "catch" good health from someone else.  One has to choose to live in a healthy lifestyle.  The Israelites, at the time, changed their ways and the Temple's foundation was laid in 536 BC...

(Haggai 2:21-23)  Then the word of the Lord came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, 21 “Speak to Zerubbabel governor of Judah, saying, ‘I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. 22 I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations; and I will overthrow the chariots and their riders, and the horses and their riders will go down, everyone by the sword of another.’ 23 ‘On that day,’ declares the Lord of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’” declares the Lord of hosts.

Today's takeaway:  God honored Zerubbabel with this statement, as Zerubbabel was guaranteed to be part of the Davidic line that would lead to Jesus - the King of kings.  All God expected of the Israelites was for them to have courage and work, and have a relationship with Him.  Easy, basic stuff!  Then, now and in the future - - - God will shake the world!  God will do the fighting!  God is here!  God fills places with His glory!  God provides the peace!  All we need to do is consider our ways.  Do they align with God's ways???...

(John 16:33)  “...These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

(John 16:23-24)  “...In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.”