The Story of God: Haggai and Zechariah

Haggai 1:1-15 & Zechariah 9:9&10

 

Title: Perspectives & Priorities

 

“The destruction of the temple was a defining moment for ancient Israel. As a result of the loss of the temple structure, it was no longer possible to worship the Lord according to the prescriptions of earlier Israelite practice. A large portion of the community was either dead as a result of the conflict with the Babylonians or were in exile in Babylon with great restrictions imposed on their religious freedom. The destruction of the temple was for those who survived an unpleasant reminder of the spiritual failures of the nation; its absence was a painful metaphor of the religious and moral condition of the community itself.”

- Richard Taylor

 

A Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies: “The people procrastinate. They say this isn’t the right time to rebuild my Temple, the Temple of God.” Shortly after that, God said more and Haggai spoke it: “How is it that it’s the ‘right time’ for you to live in your fine new homes while the Home, God’s Temple, is in ruins?” (2) (Haggai 1:2-4, MSG)

 

“Take a good, hard look at your life.

Think it over.

You have spent a lot of money,

but you haven’t much to show for it.

You keep filling your plates,

but you never get filled up.

You keep drinking and drinking and drinking,

but you’re always thirsty.

You put on layer after layer of clothes,

but you can’t get warm.

And the people who work for you,

what are they getting out of it?

Not much—

a leaky, rusted-out bucket, that’s what.” 

(Haggai 1:5–6 MSG)

 

“’The backwards law’ [is] the idea that the more you pursue feeling better all the time, the less satisfied you become, as pursuing something only reinforces the fact that you lack it in the first place. The more you desperately want to be rich, the more poor and unworthy you feel, regardless of how much money you actually make. The more you desperately want to be sexy and desired, the uglier you come to see yourself, regardless of your actual physical appearance. The more you desperately want to be happy and loved, the lonelier and more afraid you become, regardless of those who surround you. The more you want to be spiritually enlightened, the more self-centered and shallow you become in trying to get there.”        

- Mark Manson

 

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it” 

(Mark 8:35; Matt 16:25; Luke 9:24)

 

“Haggai made it clear that putting self first is always self-defeating…Ironically, even though these people were residing in the Promised Land with all of its potential blessing, their disobedience subjected them to the curse. The conditions of drought described in verses 10 and 11 echo Deuteronomy 28:38–40 in detailing the kind of chastisement inflicted upon covenant breakers. Not having God and kingdom-work as the main priority in life is serious. Putting God first equates to obeying the greatest of all the commandments to love God totally (Deut 6:5). Not putting him first equates to the greatest sin.” 

- Michael Barrett

 

“When was the last time you did something outwardly "for God" that was actually inwardly motivated by personal gain? That's a hard question because it first requires the courage of humble honesty. It's not easy for us to admit that we prioritize ourselves over our Lord and Savior. But second, it's a hard question because we struggle to see our motives, words and actions with biblical accuracy.”

 

“Let me rephrase the question and lead with personal confession, using two examples from my own life and ministry. When was the last time you served someone you loved, not first because you wanted to freely sacrifice for their good, but because you were attempting to put them in your debt for later? When was the last time you participated in a public ministry activity, not first because you wanted to build the Kingdom of God, but because you wanted other people to notice, respect, admire, or accept you?”

 

“You see, in our everyday lives, the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of self are always at war with one another.

 

As long as sin remains, our motives, words and actions are shaped by a troublesome mix of the agenda of these two kingdoms. So today, I want to give you five questions to ask of yourself regularly. These questions are not designed to beat you down with guilt, but to give you eyes to see the deceptive kingdom of self.”

 

Self-Focus: Before making a decision, do you think, "What's in it for me?" or do you freely sacrifice for the good of another without expecting a return?

 

Self-Righteousness: Are you more concerned with, and on the lookout for, the sin, weakness and moral failure of others than you are your own?

 

Self-Satisfaction: Do you feel regularly discontent, always looking for something new to satisfy you, instead of being satisfied with a God-honoring life?

 

Self-Reliance: Do you avoid living in intrusive and intentional relationships, where others admit their need for grace and seek the help of biblical community?

 

Self-Rule: Which law gets the most attention and the quickest response in your life and relationships, the Word of God or your own desires?

 

“That's a pretty devastating list of questions! Which of us could ever measure up to that standard?”

- Paul Tripp

 

“Here then is how the Spirit makes us wise. On the night before he died, Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy spirit and ‘when he, the Spirit of truth, come … he will glorify me …’ (John 16:13-14). The Spirit does not make us wise in some magical kind of way, giving us little nudges and insider tips to help us always choose the best stock to invest in. Rather, he makes Jesus Christ a living, bright reality, transforming our character, giving us new inner poise, clarity, humility, boldness, contentment, and courage. All of this leads to increasing wisdom as the years go by, and to better and better professional and personal decisions.” 

- Timothy Keller

 

“There is a Warrior Savior, and abundant grace for the battle of these two kingdoms! On the Cross, Jesus broke the power of the kingdom of self. He paid the debt for every self-centered motive, word and action that we prioritize over biblical living. On the Cross, Christ purchased power for us to obey, and with his resurrection, he guarantees that some day our kingdom conflict will be over. Until then, your Lord battles zealously on your behalf, and he will never rest until the battle is over.”

- Paul Tripp