READ: Haggai 1:12-15
Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the LORD.
Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, spoke the LORD’s message to the people, saying, ‘I am with you, says the LORD.’ So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius.
Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people listen to the voice of the LORD. What a rare and beautiful testimony this is! This should always be the case when God warns. But how often do people respond indifferently or lukewarmly? However, here they accept it as God’s trustworthy and saving Word. They recognize that the LORD is their God.
It is mentioned twice: the LORD, their God. He wants to give them good things, but for that, repentance is necessary. Whereas before the exile, people’s ears were closed to God’s prophets, now they listen with reverence. It is the LORD who brings about this repentance through the prophetic word.
The people and their leaders must learn that God always asks for faithfulness and obedience from them. Thus, Joshua, Zerubbabel, and the people acknowledge their guilt and negligence. They fear the LORD, meaning they show their dependence on Him and reverence for Him.
Then the LORD encourages them. He does not abandon His children. ‘I am with you,’ He says. These are covenant words from Yahweh to the remnant of the people. He goes with them, as long as they remain faithful to Him. Then the LORD also brings about actual obedience: they all get to work!
How do you respond to exhortations in the sermon?
Sing: Ps. 46:2