January 13, 2001
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Nishida on Haggai
Haggai (2006/12/10)
Haggai is addressed to the Jews who returned to Israel after the Babylonian captivity.
The book of Revelation took place within the historical context of Christians suffering persecution under the Roman Empire and is necessary to attempt to understand what God was doing within that context. Similar messages were given to Old Testament prophets, and it is expected that they will have similar meanings. God never does anything suddenly, but always prepares the way. We can see this in the case of the birth of Christ. Mary is not suddenly with child. The angel Gabriel comes and announces to her what will come to pass. Mary then goes to visit Elizabeth, who is also unexpectantly expecting. God gave clear messages as to what he was doing in the events leading up to the exodus from Egypt, and in Revelation he gives messages that he will be leading his followers out of persecution and into Heaven.
In order to understand Revelation it is first necessary to read the Old Testament books of Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah. Ezra tells us that Israel had been captive in Babylon and was given permission to return and rebuild the temple that had been destroyed. They returned and the foundation for the temple had been laid, but progress stopped for various reasons. God sent two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah to provide encouragement and get the construction started again.
In Haggai 1, the Jews who have returned place priority on getting resettled rather than on working on the temple. God tells them that their priorities are wrong, and that is the reason that their situation has not improved. God has worked through nature to get them to refocus on where their priorities should be. God calls them to remember the covenant that He has with them. He will keep his part, which is His promise to be with them (Immanuel). But what is Israel's part? Do they remember?
In Haggai 2, we see that it is time for a festival, but there is not yet a temple in which to hold it. They need encouragement, and are assured that God's spirit is still with them. Zerubbabel and Joshua, the ones in charge are encouraged, because God considers that the temple is already built, and that it certainly will happen. Israel may not be perfect, but God will continue to be with them and bless them.
Haggai was written in the historical context of temple building. Our context is the completion of a Heavenly temple where God will be worshipped and the law will be perfectly kept. He promises to give us the protection, guidance and encouragement that we need to build his spiritual temple and have "Immanuel" take place. It is our part to remember to have our priorities correct.
