Be Courageous, Do the Work, Do Not Fear
Pastor Tan Thai · Feb 12, 2023
This sermon based on the Book of Haggai discusses God's call to Zerubbabel and the Jewish people to rebuild the temple with courage and without fear. Through four significant dates in Haggai, the pastor presents how God rebuked the people for prioritizing personal concerns over God's work. God's counsel is to examine their ways, do the work, for He is with them, and the latter glory of the temple will be greater than the former glory.
The first section presents the historical context and main message of the Book of Haggai regarding the rebuilding of the temple after the Jewish people returned from Babylon. Four significant dates are listed from June in 520 BC to September of the same year, marking key events in the temple reconstruction process. The message from God through the prophet Haggai is delivered to Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest, urging them to examine their ways.
The second section develops the argument that the Jewish people had neglected the work of temple reconstruction because they were concerned with their own houses and personal wealth. The Lord of hosts declared that they sowed much but reaped little, ate but were not satisfied, drank but were not quenched, clothed themselves but were not warm, because heaven withheld the dew and earth withheld its produce. The passage from 1 Timothy 6:9-10 is cited to emphasize that the love of money is the root of all evil, and those who pursue it will fall away from faith and bring upon themselves many sorrows. God's word warned of the consequences of failing to prioritize spiritual work.
The third section presents God's encouragement and promise. The Lord commanded Zerubbabel, Joshua, and all the people to be courageous, do the work, for He is with them. He reminded them of the covenant made with them when they came out of Egypt, and His Spirit remains among them, so they should not fear. The final promise is that the latter glory of the temple will be greater than the former glory, and the Lord will bring peace to that place.
The fourth section applies the message to a broader spiritual context. When the people began the work of rebuilding the temple, God began to restore His blessings, and their fruit trees would begin to bear fruit. Zerubbabel was chosen as God's servant and was set as a signet, for God had chosen him. The message is connected to Revelation 21:22-24, where Scripture describes the ultimate temple as having no physical temple building because God and the Lamb are themselves the temple of the city, and the glory of God will shine brightly, and the light of the Lamb will illuminate the nations.