Opening Up Haggai
Overview
What makes the book of Haggai especially interesting is that he was one of the last three prophets of the Old Testament period to receive God’s revelation before the coming of Christ. He was a man with a single message for the people of his day, and he preached it will unparalleled persuasive force and power. That message was concentrated on the need to rebuild the temple, which had been neglected for many years. But by the time Haggai appeared on the scene, the people had become dispirited and had lost interest in the rebuilding project. But he knew that its restoration was essential as the outward sign of the covenant, and of the Lord’s presence with his people. We know hardly anything about Haggai as an individual, but he was surely an inspiring preacher, succeeding in getting the people enthused for the work, and having the temple completed and dedicated in 516 B.C.
Top Highlights
“God is saying that during the sixteen-year period when the temple was neglected, the people may have thought themselves holy because they were back in the Holy Land and the holy city, but in fact they were defiled because of their disobedience.” (Page 61)
“First, it tells us that in our work for God’s kingdom we are not to rely on our own strength and power alone, but upon God’s Spirit working through us.” (Page 71)
“If we are not careful, our lives can easily become so cluttered with secular interests and non-essentials that there is less and less time for the things that really matter, such as prayer, the reading of God’s word, and meditation and worship.” (Pages 28–29)
“ it is always easier to spread spiritual pollution and defilement than it is to spread holiness and virtue” (Page 61)
“Third, this message tells us that what God begins he always finishes, including his work in us and through us” (Page 72)
- Title: Opening Up Haggai
- Author: Peter Williams
- Publisher: Day One
- Publication Date: 2008
- Pages: 77